Four members of Scout Troop 386 gather for a group photo. Courtesy photo

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Scout Troop 386 will celebrate its 60th anniversary in December and commemorate the occasion with a celebration the night of Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Carmichael Elks Lodge. Former Scouts, former Scout leaders and the public are invited to join the festivities, which will commence at 7 p.m.

Originally chartered by the Carmichael Elks Lodge number 2103 on Dec. 1, 1965, Boy Scout Troop 386 became part of the Carmichael community and has continued strongly for the past six decades. Also significant this year is that the Boy Scouts of America, celebrating its 115th anniversary, officially changed its name to “Scouting America” last February.

The name change reflects the organization’s commitment to all youth, not only boys and young men, and embraces inclusivity by welcoming girls and young women to participate in the organization. Although this change departs from a long tradition, the organization's mission remains the same: to prepare young people for life by teaching them values and life skills, many of which are difficult to acquire elsewhere.

Now sponsored by the American River Rotary Club, Troop 386 meets on Tuesday nights at the Carmichael Elks Lodge, where they’ve gathered weekly since about 1970. Weekly meetings and monthly overnight trips create a tight-knit group of boys and girls, ages 11 to 17, who focus on community service, camping and survival skills, citizenship, first aid, physical fitness, leadership skills, self-reliance and overall character building.

These Scouts aim to rise to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in scouting, by earning merit badges through many of the activities mentioned and the completion of an Eagle Scout Service Project, a challenging and extensive hands-on project aimed at serving the community. Troop 386 awards the coveted Eagle Scout rank to a few Scouts each year. Since its inception 60 years ago, Troop 386 has contributed to the success of 98 Eagle Scouts!

Over the decades, Troop 386 has evolved to become a Scout-led troop; the Scouts run the meetings and make decisions related to activities and trips and volunteering in community events, such as food drives, U.S. flag retirement ceremonies and Carmichael’s annual July 4th parade. Troop 386 adult leaders offer the boys and girls guidance and advice, when needed, and provide transportation and support for weekend trips.

Scouts pose at Pinnacles National Park on a troop trip. Courtesy photo

Some of the weekend trips change from year to year but many stay the same and have become tradition within the troop. One tradition includes attending one of many regional summer camps, which draws several other Scout troops from within and around the local district. Other traditions include an annual week-long, 50-mile hike, often in the Sierra Nevada; a camping trip in lava bed country at Lassen Volcanic Park; and a triennial trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, a high-adventure backpacking experience in the mountainous desert wilderness of northeastern New Mexico.

If you’d like to join in on the spirit of Troop 386 and help celebrate its 60th anniversary, stop by Elks Lodge number 2103, 5631 Cypress Ave., Carmichael, on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The fun starts at 7 p.m. All members of the community are invited, especially former Troop 386 members. Former Scouts and Scout leaders are also encouraged to bring photos and any other memorabilia to share with friends and fellow Scouts.

Parents interested in having their son or daughter join Troop 386 can talk with any adult Scout leader at the troop’s anniversary party or contact Scoutmaster Steven Parker through the www.Troop386.com website.