Troop 200 spends weekend at Treasure Island

Lebanon’s Boy Scout Troop 200 stepped back in history when they stepped foot on Treasure Island. Located in the middle of the Delaware River, Treasure Island was once the oldest continually operated Boy Scout Camp in America, dating back to 1913 before it was closed in 2009.

The island, which is now privately owned, sat dormant for over a decade. With the help of the non-profit, Friends of Treasure Island and volunteers like scouts from Troop 200, it is being brought back to life.

“It’s been a long time since our troop has been on the island,” explained Senior Patrol Leader and Life Scout, Justin Verlin. “We were able to make some improvements to the property by cleaning
logs and brush and helping to restore other areas. We all feel really good about helping to revive the camp.”

In addition to camping, cooking and working on service projects, the scouts and their leaders toured the property and learned more about the Island’s history. They also spent some time on the archery range where scouts Oliver Sudol and George Gregory were recognized for their skills.

The Troop has remained active throughout the pandemic, meeting virtually when appropriate, but trying to get the scouts outside hiking, camping and getting outdoors whenever possible. They have been doing a lot of hiking throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania as they prepare for a trip to Philmont Scout Reservation in July.

Troop 200 is a high-adventure, boy-led troop. The scouts meet on Monday evenings during the school year at Lebanon Reformed Church in Lebanon, NJ. For more information about the troop, follow BSA Troop 200 on Facebook or visit the Troop 200 website at http://boyscouttroop200.org./