Scouting in Shelby County

Scouting in Shelby County

Scouting arrived in Shelby County more than seventy-five years ago.  One of the earliest Troops is said to be Number 164, chartered by William L. Shannon.  Troop 164 has been continuously sponsored by First Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Shelbyville, since its founding.  It is rumored that Mr. Shannon would occasionally use the hearse from his local funeral home to load up both Scouts and gear for weekend camping excursions.

When the Scouts presented Brig. Gen. (R) Ronald R. Van Stockum with the 2019 Distinguished Citizen Award, The Sentinel News quoted him in the April 24th edition as saying, “Ninety years ago, when I was a child of twelve, I became a Boy Scout.  I remember the Boy Scout precepts – trustworthy, loyal, helpful – and I was working on it to be sure I didn’t mess it up…Anyone who follows those precepts is going to be a success in life and a contributor to society.”

Shelby County is home to five Scout Troops located in Simpsonville, Bagdad, Waddy, and Shelbyville.