About Portage Scouting
The 1910 Kangaroo Patrol: From left, front row, Erwin Zastrow, Robert Ebert, William Stegman, Sid Klenert, "Bub" Toal, Edward Kopplin, and Alonzo Winn; second row, Harry Berger, Ben Wells, William, Mohr, Lloyd Williams, Clarence Cleasby, Blain Nashold, Roy Williams and Miller Murison; back row, Ken Williams, Atty. H.E. Andrew and Atty. H.B. Rogers.
IT All Started In 1910...
Troop 70's original 1940 Charter Certificate signed by Thirty-Second President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt, and Boy Scouts of America's First Chief Scout Executive, James E. West.
Portage, WI is home to one of the first Scouting units in the United States. Attorney H.E. Andrews of Portage started Portage's first Boy Scout unit in 1910, the same year Scouting came to the United States. The Troop originally consisted of a handful of neighborhood boys calling themselves the Kangaroo Patrol, and grew into two eight-boy patrols.
Similar to today's Scouts, the boys engaged in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fire building. The boys also used the regular meetings and the patrol method to build develop as leaders.
TROOP 70, EST. 1940
Over the years, Portage's original Scouting unit dissolved. But, in 1940, the Portage United Methodist Church formed and chartered Troop 70. For over 75 years, Scouts, their families, and adult volunteers continue to build upon the traditions of Troop 70 and carry on the legacy of Portage Scouting.
TROOP 70 Today
Today, Troop 70's Scouts participate in adventurous activities like canoeing, hiking, and backpacking. Not only do the boys develop outdoor skills, they also engage in STEM activities such as robotics, nuclear science, and computer programming.
The Troop is led by youth who elect their peers into leadership positions. While the youth drive the program, the troop has several trained adult leaders to provide guidance. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters act as advisers to the youth members, and the Troop Committee of parents and volunteer adults manage the high-end functions of the Troop.
Troop 70 at Summer Camp, 2016