Boy Scout troop 9095 celebrates milestone
Jake Spitzack
Staff Writer
South St. Paul’s Boy Scout Troop 9095 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A celebration event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 3, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 2855 47th St. E., Inver Grove Heights. It will feature a potluck, historic displays, a presentation from leaders, information about the troop, the chance to meet Eagle Scouts and more. It’s free and open to the public. Those attending are encouraged to RSVP to Chip at chip.jansen@yahoo.com or 651-249-8906. People who have had experience with the troop are also asked to submit historic photos or share their personal stories.
The troop was originally based out of Grace Memorial Lutheran Church in South St. Paul and landed at Bethesda Lutheran in Inver Grove Heights in 2001. The location borders both cities and draws participants from each. Jansen said that of the five troops that once served South St. Paul this is the last one standing. Over the decades, it has been a popular outlet for boys ages 11-18 to participate in camping and other outdoor activities, learn a variety of life skills, and assist with community service events. The highest number of scouts the troop has had in one year is 90. Pre-covid, it averaged 35-40 and this year it has 28.
Every year, the troop takes on a wide variety of tasks including raising food for Neighbors Inc. in November, collecting and recycling headstone wreaths from Fort Snelling in February, hosting a bike sale in partnership with the South St. Paul Police Department in the spring, participating in Memorial Day and Kaposia Days parades, and selling Christmas trees from the parking lot at Cub Foods in West St. Paul. Scouts receive badges for their accomplishments, and those who earn 21 – including 14 required merit badges – before age 18, are eligible to complete a service project to become an Eagle Scout. Service projects vary widely and the troop often partners with the City of South St. Paul to find one that fits the skills of each scout. A common project is a beautification effort at a city park. Jansen said only about 5% of scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout, and that Troop 9095 expects to name its 95th eagle scout this summer.
“Some kids just really enjoy the camping aspect of it and the camaraderie, so they earn a few merit badges here and there, but they’re not really looking to be an Eagle Scout,” said Jansen. “We have a lot of kids who aren’t into sports, or are only in one sport and the rest of the year they’re not doing anything [extracurricular]…. We’re very open to helping kids coming in at any experience level.”
The troop makes sure to complement its community-minded efforts with fun outdoor experiences. Every July, the troop spends a week camping at Tomahawk Campground near Rice Lake, Wis., and scouts have the chance to receive several merit badges there, including first aid, cooking and camping. In January or February, scouts can participate in Snow Camp, which involves a number of winter activities as well as building and sleeping in a snow hut. If the temperature drops below zero they get a “zero hero” badge.
Scouts ages 14 and up can also participate in what is called a “high adventure” trip every August. It’s typically to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Isle Royal National Park, but this year the troop is making its first-ever trip to Montana. Working at the Christmas tree lot in the winter and other fundraising events helps scouts raise money to fund these trips.
One of Jansen’s favorite memories with the troop was on a high adventure trip to Isle Royale National Park. When one scout badly rolled his ankle, the others immediately took the initiative to lighten his backpack and assist him the rest of the way.
“There’s just a great bonding that takes place and you see that grow throughout the years,” said Jansen. “A lot of them keep connected [into adulthood].”
Most recently, the troop participated in a new event: aviation day at Fleming Field. A parent of one of the scouts is a pilot and took the kids for rides in a 4-passenger Cessna. They will likely do it again next year, giving kids the chance to learn about aviation and receive an aviation merit badge.
The troop meets at 7 p.m. at Bethesda every Monday throughout the year. Adults assist older scouts with leading the meetings and provide suggestions as to where they should camp, what meals they can prepare and other logistics.
Jansen, a South St. Paul native, has been with the troop since his first son joined about 10 years ago. He’s been committee chair for about nine months, and before that was troop treasurer. The troop’s scoutmaster is Tony LaMotte and assistant scoutmasters are Daniel Anderson, Jason Glenn, Steve Kippola, Elisha Bunn and Rey Hurdt. Anyone is welcome to attend a few meetings for free to learn more, and registration can be done at any time during the year. Cost is $200 a year and scholarships are available. Kids younger than age 11 can join Cub Scouts, which operates during the school year and takes a break over the summer. For more information, call 651-249-8906.
On May 7, The Boy Scouts of America announced it will rebrand to Scouting America, effective February 8, 2025. The move reflects the organization’s commitment to welcome every youth and family to experience the benefits of Scouting. The announcement comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub and Boy Scout programs. The organization currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including more than 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
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