History

Troop 2 of Staten Island has a storied history that spans over a century. Our roots date back to 1909 when W.H. Van Cott, a Westerleigh resident, returned from a trip to England, inspired by his meeting with Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. With a vision for youth development and leadership, Van Cott founded what was then known as Troop 114. We officially received our charter on February 4, 1912, and upon the formation of the Staten Island Council of the Boy Scouts of America, we were re-designated as Troop 2.

Throughout our long history, our Troop has made its home at the Immanuel Union Church, formerly known as the Deems Chapel. Here, generations of Scouts have forged friendships, learned valuable life skills, and embarked on adventures that they will remember for a lifetime.

Over the years, Troop 2 has been proud to see more than 35 of its members attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. This achievement is a testament to the commitment of our Scouts, the dedication of our adult leadership, and the unwavering support of our community.

We believe that our Troop’s longevity is due not only to our robust outdoor and camping program, but also to the roots we have put down in the Westerleigh community. Many of our Scouts come from families with a long tradition of involvement in Scouting, with multiple generations participating in our Troop. Today, we’re proud to count 37 boys in our ranks, making us one of the largest troops on Staten Island.

Over the years, Troop 2 has embarked on countless adventures, from canoeing the Delaware River, camping at Ten Mile River Scout Camp, skiing and hiking trips, and even sending Scouts to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Yet, no matter how far we travel, we always come back to our home base at the Immanuel Union Church, a testament to our deep ties to our local community.

As we look to the future, Troop 2 remains committed to the principles of Scouting, shaping tomorrow’s leaders with the values of today. We invite you to join us on this ongoing journey.