July 17, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

After 70 Years, Troop 2 (Still) Can Do

Santa Monica’s Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2’s motto is “Troop 2 Can Do”. The troop welcomed its first scouts 70 years ago! Initially sponsored by SMMUSD’s Franklin Elementary School, the troop is now chartered by the Rand Corporation. It meets on Monday evenings at Lincoln Middle School and is currently more than 100 members strong.

Troop 2 celebrated its 70 th year on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club. Proclamations were presented by Troop 2 Eagle Scout and State Senator Ben Allen, SMMUSD Board Member Ralph Mechur and Santa Monica Mayor Ted Winterer who commended Troop 2 on 70 years of instructing, training, and mentoring the youth of our community in outdoor abilities, life skills, and moral character which will guide them to be contributing and ethical citizens of the city, nation, and world.

Dr. John Dahlem, Troop 2 Eagle Scout 1958, presented the keynote address. He recalled how Troop 2 influenced his love of nature and adventure resulting in his becoming the oldest Explorer Grand Slammer, which requires climbing the highest mountain on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest, plus pulling a sled to both the North and South Poles. He explained that scouting inspired him to always reach for the highest peak and never give up.

A special presentation by Troop 2 Scout Master Dr. Steve Marcy featured the 1973 Boy Scout National Jamboree Fitness Champions. Troop 2’s “Defenders” team was reunited on stage for the first time since their landmark victory four decades ago!

Troop 2 Board President Graham Wong introduced Mr. Ron Stark, who attended the very first Troop 2 meeting in 1946!

Troop 2 prioritizes leadership development among boys in grades 6-12. Scouts stay in the troop through high school, helping to run the troop and to teach younger scouts as their leadership skills increase. Over the past seven decades, the troop’s 343 Eagle Scouts have improved their community by leading volunteer service projects that enhance local schools, religious institutions, public spaces, parks, and veteran and senior centers.

Since 1947, Troop 2 has been led by two extremely dedicated and talented Scoutmasters, Keith Monroe for the first 41 years (1947-1988) and Dr. Steve Marcy for the past 27 years (1989-present). With the help of dozens of assistant scoutmasters and countless troop parents, Monroe and Marcy have introduced thousands of boys to the beauty and wonders of the great outdoors. The scouts learn outdoor skills such as canoeing, camping, swimming and backpacking and engage in a broad array of other activities including rock climbing, biking, and snow sports.

Troop 2 provides a program for young boys to build character. By training them in the responsibilities of citizenship and helping them develop personal fitness, Troop 2 is positioning our youth to help build a more conscientious and productive society. The troop also offers extensive first aid and emergency preparedness training, including a biennial Bloody Monday simulation exercise, where scouts work in teams to put their training into action. Troop 2 scouts and alumni have been credited with saving 63 lives.

Troop 2 has an impressive history of representing our community and our nation. Scoutmaster Monroe served as BSA historian and authored many Scouting books and articles for Scouting and Boys’ Life magazines. Over the years, the entire troop has organized backpacking and canoeing adventures throughout the U.S. and has traveled to Mexico to complete service projects.

Troop 2 does not engage in or condone discrimination of any kind, and teaches scouts to treat others with respect, honesty, and kindness to prepare our young men for responsible citizenship in the community and world.

Tags: , , , in News
Related Posts

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

Culver City Event Fights for Fair Contract for Gym Workers

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The rally will kick off with picketing at the gym across the street from the rally location at approximately 4:30...

(Video) Italian Eatery Finds New West LA Home after Wildfire Displacement

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Cinque Terra, a longstanding Palisadian establishment, has brought its Northern Italian cuisine to Rose Avenue Italian Eatery Finds New West...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

One Injured in Marina del Rey Vehicle Crash

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The site remained partially closed for over an hour, disrupting local traffic flow A vehicle collision at the intersection of...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Nonprofit Formed by Palisades High Alumni to Host Benefit Concert for Fire Recovery

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

All proceeds will support relief for the Hildebrand family, Palisades High School’s booster club and Palisades Dolphin Strong The Pacific...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Venice Family Clinic Slams HHS Funding Restrictions as Assault on Immigrants

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

HHS announced on July 10 that it would restrict access to programs like community health centers, Head Start, and other...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Newly Built Mar Vista Home with Spa and Plunge Pool Offered at $3.6M

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The home’s powder room stands out with Roman Clay walls and a marble sink, while European oak floors, brass fixtures,...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...