Century-Old Troop Prepares for Its Next Generation of Scouts

For more than a century, Scout Troop 664 – sponsored for the past two decades by Rutgers Presbyterian Church — has thrived through wars, blackouts, and a pandemic that nearly emptied its roster. Today, the troop has everything a Scout could want: an industrial kitchen, a meeting room with a stage, a gymnasium, storage lockers full of camping gear, and dedicated leaders with decades of experience – and it’s all right on top of the landmark subway station at 72^nd Street and Broadway.

The only thing missing? The Scouts.

Now, Scoutmaster Louisa Anderson-Berry and her team are rebuilding — and they’re inviting Upper West Side families to be part of the troop's next chapter.

Not Your Father’s Scouting

"We have to help people unlearn everything they think they know about Scouting," says Anderson-Berry.

The institution you remember as the Boy Scouts of America is now Scouting America, and for the past decade has been open to boys and girls, with a growing commitment to gender inclusivity.

While some troops across the country prefer to continue as all-boy units, there are now all-girl units too. It’s a decision left to the troop’s sponsoring organization, and Rutgers Church has elected to support a program that is completely inclusive.

All Scouting units across the country are united in their acceptance of youth who require special attention. One in six Scouts in the U.S. has a disability, visible or invisible. Scouting sees the potential in each child then moves them toward the most self-sufficient version of themselves.

"Any kid who joins is going to learn life skills and how to take care of themselves in a variety of environments,” Anderson-Berry says. “Within their first year or two, every Scout can pitch a tent, cook a meal and safely respect tools.”

That flexibility is the point. Anderson-Berry, who has led 664 for more than 30 years, has watched kids who struggled in other settings find their footing in Scouting.

"Scouts grow and develop so significantly through this program," Anderson-Berry says. "The only way it works is if it works for each kid — so we meet them where they are and find ways for every one of them to contribute."

Skills for Life (and Sometimes, Lives Saved)

The first aid training goes deep: CPR, using an AED, treating hypothermia and heat stroke — every Scout learns it, not just the standouts.

Those skills are not hypothetical. When one Scout's mother suffered a medical emergency at home, he retrieved her medication, called 911, and stayed calmly by her side. Emergency responders credited him with helping to save her life, and the Manhattan Council recognized him with an award.

"That's what they learn — not to panic," Anderson-Berry says. "They know there are ways to deal with anything in life that comes up."

This troop doesn't just visit the standard local camps in the area. Troop 664 Scouts have traveled to Valley Forge and camped at the NASCAR raceway at Watkins Glen. Annual activities include camping trips throughout the year, a ski trip, baseball games, and community service projects. The troop has historically produced two to three Eagle Scout service projects every year.

Cub Scouts: Where the Adventure Begins

Rutgers is restarting its Cub Scout pack for elementary-aged kids. Cub Scouts lets children have fun while building skills that last a lifetime — from the thrill of shooting an arrow to transforming a block of wood into a race car. With a program tailored to each age, Cub Scouts learn that even when fun isn't easy, it's always an adventure.

The beloved Pinewood Derby — a racing event for miniature cars the Cubs design and build themselves – is a highlight of the year for these younger children. Pack 664 owns its own Pinewood Derby track, so its Cubs have an advantage in citywide competitions.

Cub Scout life has a number of advantages:

• Family time, built in. Your time is valuable, and so is your family. Scouting provides ready-made activities for you and your child to do together and strengthen your relationship.
• Growth through belonging. Scouting activities build self-esteem and teach kids to work with others toward shared goals.
• The courage to try. Cub Scouting encourages kids to take on new skills and activities under the motto "Do your best!"
• Values that matter. The program promotes ethical character, engaged citizenship, and physical, mental, and emotional health.

Many of these features continue on into Scouting through middle and high school, but with some differences. Scouts learn to be self-sufficient, so they rely less on parents. Moms and Dads can continue on as volunteers, but need to accept that their children are now old enough to run their own troop activities under scoutmasters’ supervision. And while Scouts continue to do their best, they’re now trained and responsible enough to call out the Scout motto: “Be prepared!”

Rutgers Presbyterian Church hosts a Cub pack and Scout troop for youth ages 5 to 17. Interested families should fill out the contact form here or call Anderson-Berry at (646) 245-1849 or email her at troop664nyc@gmail.com.