Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations in the United States. The Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For nearly a century, the Boy Scouts of America have helped build future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.

Boy Scouts of America Scout Troop 97 (OLE 97) sponsored by Broadway Baptist Church is one of the oldest and most respected Boy Scout Troops in the United States.

OLE 97 was started in 1937 under the leadership of Buddy Irwin, an Eagle Scout himself with a real heart for boys and the issues facing them. Buddy Irwin knew from first-hand experience that the Boy Scouts trained boys to be men, men with honor and integrity, men with character, and men with dependability. Buddy Irwin hand-picked men of Godly character to help run the troop initially and through all the years. This standard continues today through the dedicated scout leaders.

OLE 97 loves to Travel. They are the #1 most traveled troop in the United States. Every year they go to Summer Camp often out of the tri-state area. Every third year they take a 'long trip' (14 days) to the East coast, or West to the Grand Canyon, or South to Florida. That totals up to well over 200,000 miles the troop has traveled while touring the United States!

With over 200 boys that have reached the rank of Eagle Scout, they have produced more Eagle Scouts than 99% of the troops in the United States.
At OLE 97, they intend to go on turning boys into Eagles as long as the sky has stars. With an average of almost 3 boys every year achieving the rank of Eagle, it seems like they are doing something right. But, do not be deceived. It is not easy for these boys to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The steps to become an Eagle Scout requires years of hard work and dedication. The scouts receive help and encouragement all along the way from the scout leaders and from parents. The rewards are well worth the work required. The young man who accomplishes this goal will carry that mark of achievement with him for the rest of his life.

At every meeting and on every trip they make sure to include God in all their activities. They will tell you without apology that your son will be told about Jesus and His sacrifice for his sin. Every meeting begins and ends with prayer. Every time they get on the bus to travel they pray. At every campout they hold a church service in God's cathedral out among His wondrous works of nature. It is our firm conviction that the ONE reason God has blessed this troop is that they acknowledge Him in all they do.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3: 5-6

Troop Present

Presently the troop has about 20 active members. About half of them have earned the rank of Life Scout and above. We have several boys who will be joining our Scout troop from local Cub Scout Packs.  History »

To learn more about the Boy Scouts of America Scout Troop 97 [OLE 97] contact the Scout Leader.