Scouting in Somerville and Medford has a long history. The Boy Scouts of America started in 1910, and Troop 3 in Somerville was founded in 1909, and was registered with the BSA on October 10, 1910 to the College Avenue United Methodist Church, Somerville, Massachusetts.

The Troop’s first Scoutmaster, Willis Munro, was honored by The State of Massachusetts in February, 1975 as the state’s longest serving Scout leader with over 65 years of service to Scouting. Troop 3 is still in operation 104 years later as one of the longest running Scout Troops in America. Troop 3 recently moved from College Ave. to Lower Broadway and is doing a great job providing a strong program for its members.

Over the years, Somerville has had many troops and served hundreds of boys. During the late 1960’s to the mid 1970’s Scouting was at its peak in Somerville with over 700 boys in the program learning to be good citizens, developing strong character and physical fitness skills. Scouting was one of the few ways young men got out into the country back then, with each troop taking the boys camping monthly and to summer camp every year.

St. Clement’s sponsored Scout units Pack 71 and Troop 71 up until around 2000, and now Terry Dolson, a former member and adult leader is working to bring Scouting back to St. Clements. There will be a sign up night on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Monsignor Barry Hall at St. Clements High School on Boston Road in Medford. This is a great opportunity to for boys from ages 7-18 to have fun, participate in a lot of activities and develop into great citizens. The Scouting community is hoping for a great turnout, and knows Somerville can support both Troop 3 and a reborn Troop 71.