Troop 1 Blackstone: 80 Years of Leadership, Service, and Adventure
In the heart of Blackstone, one tradition has quietly shaped young men into leaders for nearly 80 years: Troop 1 Blackstone. Since its founding in 1947, the troop has been more than an after-school activity. It’s a place where boys learn resilience, responsibility, and the value of giving back — all while building memories that last a lifetime.
More than just an extension of Cub Scouts, Troop 1 is built on the original vision of Scouting founder Lord Baden-Powell: boys leading boys, guided by men. That vision remains central to everything the troop does today. Local resident Matt Catalano, a lifelong supporter of Scouting, shared insight into the troop’s history, its adventures, and the impact it continues to have on the community.
A Troop With Deep Roots
Chartered in 1947, Troop 1 Blackstone has long been sponsored by St. Paul’s — now Divine Mercy Parish. Over the decades, the troop has welcomed boys from surrounding towns, growing into a brotherhood that extends beyond zip codes.
Since 1948, more than 120 Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle, each leaving behind a mark of service: the Veterans Memorial at High Rocks, a flag retirement drop box at Town Hall, renovations at the Blackstone Regional Animal Shelter. Decades ago, a Scout even petitioned to straighten the dangerous “Dead Man’s Curve”. Each project stands as proof that Scouting isn’t just about badges — it’s about building a better hometown.
Adventure That Builds Character
Ask any Scout what keeps them coming back, and adventure is always near the top. Troop 1 Blackstone’s calendar is packed: monthly campouts, hikes, and service projects that challenge Scouts to grow.
This summer alone, more than 20 Scouts braved the whitewater rapids of Maine’s Kennebec River, finishing the day cooking over open flames. In July, they spent a week at Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rhode Island, one of the oldest Scout camps in the country, earning badges in everything from swimming to environmental science.
From torrential rain at West Point to walking the battlefields of Gettysburg, every trip leaves Scouts with something deeper than souvenirs — it teaches teamwork, perseverance, and grit.
Service at the Heart of Troop 1 Blackstone
While adventure draws them in, service is what sets Troop 1 apart. Each year, their Scouting for Food drive collects thousands of pounds of food for local families in need. Scouts also volunteer at Daniel’s Farmstead, the Boys & Girls Club, the Blackstone Valley Regional Animal Shelter, and countless town events.
As Matt Catalano puts it, “In Scouting, there are no sidelines — everyone is involved, and everyone contributes.”
Through these experiences, Scouts learn more than skills; they discover the importance of responsibility, compassion, and giving back to the place they call home.
The Path to Eagle — and Beyond
Troop 1 Blackstone welcomes boys starting in fifth grade, whether they’re new to Scouting or crossing over from Cub Scouts. Advancement is built on action: tying knots, cooking outdoors, navigating trails, and leading peers.
Scouts progress through six ranks before becoming eligible for Eagle Scout, a journey that requires 21 merit badges and a major community project. Many achieve First Class rank in their first year — a milestone that sets them on the path toward Eagle.
But beyond ranks and badges, the troop’s real goal is shaping young men who are confident, capable, and community-minded.
Who Can Join and How to Get Started
Troop 1 Blackstone is open to boys in grades 5 through 12, with meetings held every Wednesday during the school year. While this troop remains boy-only, nearby units offer girl-only and co-ed options with the same standards and requirements.
For younger children, Cub Scout Pack 3144 (grades K–5) meets every other Tuesday at Divine Mercy Parish, giving families a welcoming start to the Scouting journey.
To connect with Troop 1 Blackstone: Email BlackstoneTroop1@gmail.com and Follow Troop 1 Blackstone on Facebook.
Most Scouts join the troop closest to their home or where their friends participate. To find other local units, families can visit BeAScout.org and enter their zip code.
Local organizations looking for help with service projects are encouraged to reach out to the troop directly via email. Whether you’re a parent, a supporter, or a teen looking for challenge and purpose, Troop 1 Blackstone offers a place to grow and give back.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
At its heart, Troop 1 Blackstone is more than uniforms, merit badges, or campouts. It’s a tradition of leadership, service, and adventure that has been deeply rooted in Blackstone and Millville for generations. Guided by the timeless principles of Scouting America — “Be Prepared” and “Do a Good Turn Daily” — the troop continues to inspire young people to grow, serve, and lead. That legacy not only shapes individual lives, but strengthens the fabric of the community, carrying forward a spirit of readiness, kindness, and connection that will endure for years to come.
At Small Town Post, we believe the strength of a community lies in the people, programs, and quiet heroes who give their time to something greater. Troop 1 Blackstone is one of those stories—proof that leadership, service, and adventure can thrive in small towns. We’re here to share stories like this, every week—uplifting, local, and deeply rooted in the places we call home.
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Photos courtesy of Matt Catalano and Troop 1 Blackstone Facebook Page
