In celebration of a long and proud history in South Pasadena spanning almost 100 years, Scout Troop 342 is hosting its first alumni barbecue on Sunday, January 13. The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. in Garfield Park near the Youth House. Former Scouts, parents and leaders of Troops 342 and 366 are encouraged to bring photos, mementos and memories to share with fellow alumni and current Scouts while enjoying fresh fire-roasted hot dogs and s’mores.
“We thought an alumni barbecue was a great idea since the troop has been around for so long,” said Troop Eagle Guide Bill Hodson, who organized the alumni barbecue. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to hang out and connect, take pictures, hear and share Scout stories, learn some advice from the good old days, and gain resources for the future.”
One of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the San Gabriel Valley, Troop 342 (which merged with Troop 366 years ago) has celebrated its annual tradition of selling Christmas greenery door-to-door throughout South Pasadena and parts of Pasadena for 67 years. This year, the troop is embarking on a new tradition by hosting an alumni barbecue and mixer.
“Year after year, the Scouts selling greenery would tell us how often the person answering the door would explain how they sold greenery when they were a member of Troop 342 or 366, or that they are the parent of a former Scout,” said Hodson. “It just seemed like we should celebrate that history and bring everyone together for some memories and stories.”
“We’re really looking forward to meeting some of the older Scouts and enabling our Scouts to have a visceral takeaway that they are part of something bigger,” added Troop Committee Chair Dean Serwin. “Their own troop has a history that goes back, and they’re part of an ongoing legacy. We’re excited to have as many people come out as possible.”
With approximately 30 Scouts and an engaged group of adult leaders, Troop 342 is an active troop in which young men learn the values and morals they need to become outstanding citizens in the community and nation. The Troop holds weekly meetings and goes on multiple camping and hiking trips every year—past adventures have included a five-day trek through the Sierras, as well as ascents of Mount Whitney and Half Dome.
In addition, the Troop aims to perform a clean-up or trail-building service project every time it camps, along with other service projects. Most recently, the Troop went to Devil’s Canyon Dam Trailhead above Azusa and cleaned up trash as well as one of the bathrooms.
“We’re an exciting troop with a broad diversity of Scouts and we’ve got a good history here in town,” said Serwin. “Scouting is about passing on the skills, traits and values that we want our boys to have while having fun. We do service projects, clean the trails, and teach them to step in when something needs to get done and no one else is doing it. It’s what we strive for.”
All are welcome to the upcoming alumni event. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.troopwebhost.org/troop342southpasadena.
