St. Robert Bellarmine
Troop 499 History
1963-1973
The troop's first Scoutmaster was Frank Bell; ably assisted by a fine committee consisting of Chairman Jerry Thomas and Committeemen Ernie Garbinski, Paul Hagan, Stan Jakubiak, Julius Landini, Skip Landini, Richard Mahinski, Bernie Marsalese, Russ Mayotte, Stan Paled, Chuck Summers, David Toney, Chester Wasilewski and Norton Zimmerman. Assistant Pastor, Father Finnigan, was our Chaplin.
The first year's activities included a nature hike and a district event at Kensington Metropark, a Holy Hour at University of Detroit, a weekend camp out at D-Bar-A, a father and son canoe trip, as well as a spring retreat and a summer campout at the now defunct Charles Howell Scout Reservation in Brighton, Michigan.
The first Court of Honor was held at St. Robert's Church Hall. The troop had grown to around 34 boys. By the end of 1964, we had awarded 3 merit badges and ranked 20 first class, 23 second class, and 6 tenderfoot. Year 1965 saw the troop in full swing, awarding 20 merit badges, ranking 1 life, 10 star, 2 first class, 12 second class and 5 tenderfoot. The troop now had grown to 43 boys. In the spring of 1965, Frank Bell had to step aside as Scoutmaster, and was replaced by Jerry Redoutey. Also, in September, Russ Mayotte was handed the Troop Committee Chairman's gavel by Gerry Thomas. Walt Harring of Detroit Edison Ride Club became our permanent instructor for the rifle course.
During 1966, the troop grew to 47 boys. They had 61 advancements and 81 merit badges. The boys were really working. John Janick and Chuck Lantto had assumed the duties of Assistant Scoutmasters. John's job was training junior leaders. Chuck was taking charge of advancement. Father Duffy became troop Chaplin In the fall of this year. Also in 1966, the Troop awarded It's first Eagle rank to Mike Redoutey.
St. Robert's Troop ran away with the District honors, winning the Chairman's Trophy in 1967 which was awarded in February, 1968. At that time, there were 88 boys in the troop. With the older boys getting more numerous, the new Post 499 was formed with Earl Kidder and Chuck Summers as Advisors. Neil Bellfy was appointed Assistant Scoutmaster.
1968 saw a year of intense activity with the district winter event at Kensington Metropark. In February, a husband and wife party was held at Scout Hall on Beech Road. The Chairmen of this party were Chuck Summers and Earl Kidder. The annual fun campout was held in March at D-Bar-A. This was followed the next month by a backpack and tent campout. The father & son canoe trip down the Au Sable River was a big success, and summer camp was held at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch.
In December 1968, Russ Mayotte turned the Chairmanship of the Committee over to Floyd Fron. Russ then took the job of Explorer Advisor to Post 499. The charter members of the Post were: T. Summers, D. Lantto, D. Wilson, M. Mayotte, M. Redoutey, T. Czarney, Jim Leiler, Joe Lefler, D. Fraczak, M. Mullin, R. Dziadzio, P. Bator, R. Garbinski and R. Kidder.
By 1969, Father Kucyk had assumed the duties of Troop Chaplin. He held that position until his new appointment. He was succeeded by Father Walter Lezuchowski. Rick Parent joined the Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster. Gene Gall also became Assistant Scoutmaster and Co-Chairman of Advancement in 1970.
In 1970, the Troop had their annual fun campout at D-Bar-A Ranch. This was followed by a campout at Island Lake State Park. In June, the Troop again took a canoe trip down the Rifle River. Summer camp was in the Lime Lake section of Charles Howell Camp with Frank Pakos acting as Camp Father. We had a Halloween candy sale and a Christmas wreath sale to keep our treasury solvent.
A deep freeze campout at Cass Benton Park was the kick-off for 1971. This year also featured a trip to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. We had a family campout at Island Lake State Park.
The culmination of a successful year was a summer campout on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Tom Inch also joined our Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster. Among the major attractions in 1972 was the fossil hunt at Sylvania, Ohio; Father and Son Canoe Trip down the Pere Marquette River; and Summer Camp at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch. As usual, committee meetings were being held at the home of Floyd Fron.
The troop achieved several awards in the District. As stated earlier, we received the Redford District Chairman's Award in 1967 and 1968. We have also received the National Camping Award every year. Our troop has been active in both the district and douncil activities. Many of our members had served at the District level. The troop has camped at many outstanding locations over the years, such as Council Camps - Charles Howell Scout Reservation, D-Bar-A Scout Ranch, and Silver Lake Scout Camp. Many of the boys have attended high adventure camps at Region 7 Canoe Base in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin and Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmeron, New Mexico.
In 1971, the troop went to Isle Royale National Park. Mike Bacala, our Senior Patrol Leader, was selected as one of a few boys across the country to climb Mt. Rainier in the State of Washington.
From 1963 to 1973, the troop had a total of 272 boys in the program at one time or another. 30 (roughly 11% of enrolled boys) had attained the rank of Eagle Scout, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2% at this time.
Julius Landini and Jerry Redoutey were awarded the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding service to scouting. Several of our men had been awarded the Ed Crowe Award by the C.Y.O. for their efforts in Catholic Scouting. Julius Landini and Tom Inch were awarded the St. George Award, the highest adult Catholic Award.