Chelsea Boy Scout Troop 425 celebrates 100 years

by Cherie Van Blaircum

On Oct. 18, Boy Scout Troop 425 of Chelsea, Michigan, commemorated 100 Years of Scouting Excellence with a special celebration held at the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club.

Ask a group of teenage boys what they want to do to celebrate their organization’s 100-year anniversary and there’s no telling what they’ll come up with. This is a troop that is used to action. Yet they decided that for this special event they wanted to stay local and invite family, friends, and community leaders to join them in a cookout and commemoration ceremony.

Among other things, the program included recitation of the Scout Oath, the Scout Law and a presentation of a Centennial Tribute. The scouts planned the meal, which consisted of hot dogs, baked beans, chips, and cupcakes. Admittedly, maybe the parents had a hand in encouraging the veggie-and-fruit platters!

The troop members knew they hit a milestone when they were joined—and honored—by State Representative Kathy Schmaltz, Josh Lake from State Senator Sue Shink’s office, and Mayor Kate Hinson of Chelsea. Even Michigan’s governor and state senators sent accolades!

After the Presentation of Colors, and the Eagle Roll Call by Caydin Stoffer, the audience sat in rapt attention as Eagle Scouts from years past addressed the crowd. The “most senior” Eagle Scout in attendance from Troop 425 was David Hoffman, who achieved Eagle rank in 1949. He was joined by Allen Cole, an Eagle since 1980. Hoffman, who is 93 years young, talked of going to the jamboree in 1950 and seeing President Harry S. Truman and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Troop 425 is proud of the 98 Eagle Scouts who have come through their program. The first Troop 425 Eagle Scout was Donald Adams, who received Eagle Scout rank in the 1930s. Two scouts are currently working on their Eagle rank—Caydin Stoffer and Hunter Murphy. Many mementos from past and present were on display at the event so those in attendance could get a sense for the long history of this very special Boy Scout Troop.

This year has been a busy year for the troop. Besides kayaking, backpacking, and whitewater rafting, thus far in 2026, they have tallied 194 service project hours, participated in 106 campout nights, and trekked more than 230 hiking miles! In addition to orienteering challenges, the scouts of Troop 425 have worked on service projects, participated in local parades, and more.

All those activities culminated in the 100-year anniversary celebration weekend, beginning with a 100-year campout that started on Friday. A special hats-off to Scoutmaster Mike Stoffer and Troop 425 for their hard work and dedication to making the 100th anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 425 a standout event.

All photos by Cherie Van Blaircum.