Troop 618 History and Legacy

Troop 618 proudly continues its tradition of providing high quality Scouting experiences in the Saddleback Valley.

If you were affiliated with Troop 618 as a Scout or Adult Leader, please let us know how to reach you!  We are building our history records and would love to include your memories of Troop 618.

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future

Troop 618 was officially chartered by Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America (OCBSA) to the Orange County Fire Department in September 1990.  The Troop’s number “618” was selected as a tribute to Fire Station “18” where the Scouts had their meetings.      

Troop 618’s first Committee Chairperson, Annalee Mathis, and Scoutmaster, Gary Robinson, were instrumental in establishing the foundation of the Troop. The 1990 OCBSA roster for Troop 618 lists 6 Scouts (Steven Mathis,  Jacob Robinson, Brendan Burns, Martin Duncan, Kyle Folkers, and Jeremiah Smith). In the years that followed, Troop membership grew steadily and a wide range of activities for Scouts were offered. 

“Parents of Troop 618” served as our chartered organization from 1993 to 2012.  Meetings were held at the Trabuco Canyon Water District, then Rancho Santa Margarita Middle School, and more recently Las Flores Middle School. Since 2013, the Bell Tower Foundation has partnered with Troop 618 as our chartered organization.

Troop 618 continues to benefit from the outstanding leadership skills and service of its youth and adult members. In addition to their achievements in academic studies, performing arts, and athletic pursuits, Scouts are invested in the opportunities which Scouting offers. Troop 618 members have provided leadership for OCBSA National Youth Leadership Training, Order of the Arrow, Saddleback District Committee, Friends of Scouting, Scout-O-Rama, Scout Expo, and Camporee.  Current Troop members (as of 12/2/2015) celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Troop have completed 941 merit badges in 112 subjects. In 2015, Troop 618 members camped 325+ nights, performed 1,200+ service hours, earned 21 rank advancements and 6 Eagle Palms.  As of December 2015, 56 Scouts had earned the Eagle Rank.  This number had continued to grow.  A complete and current listing of our Eagle Scouts in available for members of our Troop on our website.   

We recognize and celebrate all who have contributed to Troop 618’s scouting excellence in the Saddleback Valley.  

The fact that a youth is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every youth who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 2 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.  For information about Saddleback District Eagle Rank procedures please visit: http://www.saddlebackdistrict.org/node/1161

Scouts who have attained this rank include: