Scouts BSA Troop 150, of Annandale, Virginia, was first chartered in 1928. Troop 150 has continuously been re-chartered annually for years, making us the oldest continually operating Troop in Fairfax County and among the oldest in Northern Virginia. We hold our meetings on all Mondays from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Annandale United Methodist Church in the Media Center downstairs.

Troop 150 in 1939

     For all those interested in our Troop and who want more information about the fun and amazing experiences we offer, please read and subscribe to our monthly digest, the Turtle Express. Our FAQs page also offers some important information about our Troop, especially for those deciding if they want to join our legacy. As always, please feel free to contact us with questions, suggestions, and/or concerns.

     Scouts BSA is the flagship program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth aged 10/11 to 18. The Boy Scouts of America is the largest Scouting organization in the United States and its mission is to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” Henceforth, Scouts BSA’s goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and fun. In the Scouts BSA program, Troops are led by the Scouts and guided by the adult leaders. Because of this, Scouts learn how to become leaders and live the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law through a variety of activities such as merit badges, rank advancements, camping, aquatics, and hiking. In order to further make these outdoor activities available to the youth, Scouts BSA has four high-adventure bases: Northern Tier (Minnesota, Manitoba, and Ontario), Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico), Sea Base (Florida), and Summit Bechtel Reserve (West Virginia).

     Troop 150 is a part of the Old Dominion District (ODD) of the National Capital Area Council (NCAC). These are vital organizations in aiding the Scouting program locally.

     You may find out more about the Boy Scouts of America/Scouts BSA at this page.

     For over years, Scout BSA Troop 150 has been thriving. Troop 150’s success has been due in large part to strong leadership and the complete support of our amazing chartering sponsors. Troop 150 was initially sponsored by the Annandale Community League. Willie Sipes, President of the League, was the Committee Chairman of our Troop during that time. Throughout the long history of Troop 150, our sponsors have been organizations associated with Annandale United Methodist Church. In 1940, a “Group of Citizens” chaired by Raymond Lynch sponsored the Troop.  In 1942, the Annandale Home Demonstration Club, which was under the presidency of Eleanor Morrow, sponsored the Troop. In 1944, both the AUMC and a Baptist Church sponsored Troop 150. The Annandale United Methodist Men, or more commonly known as the “Men’s Group,” have predominately been our chartering partner until recently, when our charter switched to the Rotary Club of Annandale. Over the years Troop 150 has had many sponsors, and we are very grateful for them all.

Original Troop members at the Mercer gravestone dedication ceremony in 1978

     Although our chartering sponsors have cherished us greatly, they are not the only reasons behind our prosperous legacy. Many Troop 150 Eagle Scouts are currently serving in the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster Corps. Troop 150’s Scoutmaster and Committee Chair are ably assisted by well-trained Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) and active Committee Members. The dedicated support of these leaders has been essential to the Troop’s longevity and unique legacy. But how did this legacy begin?

     In the summer of 1928, the first Troop 150 meeting was held. It was held in a building next to the “The Little White Church” (now known as Annandale United Methodist Church). At the meeting were ten boys, including Omer Hirst, Edwin & Raymond Lynch, and Dudley & John Webb. This was the first Troop meeting in Fairfax County.

The “Little White Church”

     John W. Mercer, Scoutmaster at the time, is now buried at the Troop’s meeting location, with a Scout Emblem imprinted on his gravestone.

John W. Mercer’s Gravestone

     Troop 150 had many meetings in the Scout Hut below. This was where many adventures began.

Troop 150’s Scout Hut

     With such a long and amazing legacy, our Troop has had many unique, exciting, and historic moments. For example, we were among the first to camp at Goshen Scout Reservation when it opened in 1967 (we have camped there for every summer since). In 2005, Troop 150 was invited by United States President George W. Bush to the White House, where we served as the honor guard in a flag ceremony. In 2010, it was the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Troop 150 commemorated the anniversary by marching in the centennial parade in Washington DC, by attending the National Capital Area Council Centennial Camporee, and by visiting the special 100th anniversary National Scout Jamboree. In the Fall of 2018, the Troop’s Scouting for Food campaign was featured on a WUSA Channel 9 news report. In the summer of 2019, Troop 150 visited the 24th World Scout Jamboree, held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in WV.

Opening Flags at the Baseball Game

Troop 150 during our first Goshen

     Our other traditions include our annual Men’s breakfast, Scout Sunday Services, major Scouting for Food community service events, Thanksgiving cook-out camping trip, exciting monthly outdoors events, and serving in the honored first position of the Annandale Parade.

Troop 150 at 2015’s Annandale Parade

     At the 65th Anniversary of our Troop, John Webb, one of the “Founding Scouts,” challenged the Troop to establish a Memorial Fund in memory of John Walter Mercer, the Troop’s first Scoutmaster. The interest from this fund is used to support the leadership development of deserving Scouts through outdoor, mountaintop, and high adventure experiences on an annual basis.

     To add your contribution to this fund for the support of Scouting ideals, you may send us a check that is payable to Boy Scout Troop 150 at c/o Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Virginia 22003. We hold an annual wreath fundraiser in November and December, so if you are in the local area and are interested in purchasing a wreath, please reach out to us at this page!