MADISON – In one of its community outreach efforts, American Legion, Post 229 in Madison has promoted a longstanding partnership with Boy Scout Troop 201.  

The collaboration pre-dates when Post 229 officially became the charter organization in 2015. “Through American Legion membership and the fact that many of the Scouts’ parents are military retirees, there was a natural attraction to serve our nation and her veterans,” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.

Scouting is thriving in the Monrovia and Harvest areas of Madison County, due in part to the partnership formed between Troop 201 and American Legion, Post 229.

“For almost three years, American Post 229 has served as the charter organization for Scout Troop 201 providing leadership, guidance and an opportunity to continue developing the youth of our community into young adults,” Richard L. Blanton Jr. said. Blanton serves as Historian of Madison American Legion, Post 229.

In 2018, Venture Crew 201 was established, which runs in conjunction with Scout Troop 201 and offers an option to youth who are 13 to 21 years old. Currently, Troop 201 and Venture Crew 201 have more than 40 youth registered, and their ranks continue to grow daily.

“Troop 201 along with numerous other Scouting and service organizations regularly support the American Legions’ community outreach program by placing flags and Christmas wreathes on the graves of our veterans. They also hand out poppies at Memorial Day,” Vannoy said.

This summer, these Scouts and Venturers have pursued an extremely busy schedule with their travels to summer camp in North Carolina, a high-adventure SCUBA trip to the Florida Keys and attending the National Youth leadership Training seminars in Alabama.

Since June, the Scouts have earned more than 200 merit badges and other individual awards. In addition, 24 Scouts completed the requirements for at least one rank advancement. 

“With another month left in summer, we are looking for even more accomplishments by our Scouts during our upcoming camping adventures,” Vannoy said. Scouting adventures focus on leadership, personal growth and service.

A recent and major development in the Scouting world is “Scouts BSA, which is a year-round program for youth ages 11 through 18 years old. The program provides fun, adventure, learning, challenges and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves,” Vannoy said.

This past year, for the first time in its 100-year history, the iconic program of Boy Scouts of America opened to both young men and women. All participants have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest award, Eagle Scout.

For more information, call 256-258-8534, email Commander@americanlegionpost229.org or Adjutant@americanlegionpost229.org or visit AmericanLegionPost229.org.