Meeting Notes: Troop 533 Centennial Planning
Meeting Topic: Troop 533 100th Anniversary Planning
Participants mentioned: Don Bremer, Jim Carr, Ken Goodwin, Abby, Craig Thompson, others
Main Goal: Begin organizing a year-long centennial celebration for Troop 533, including historical preservation, community outreach, events, and scout involvement.
1. Historical Background and Materials
The group discussed Troop 533’s origins and historical records. Jim shared early troop history, including references to the troop beginning as Troop 33, later becoming 133, possibly 233, and eventually 533 due to council mergers and troop-number conflicts.
Historical items discussed included:
- Early photos from the Historical Society
- A letter from Maury Cray, likely one of the early organizers
- Eagle Scout records going back to the 1930s
- Old troop flags, ribbons, patches, newspaper clippings, slides, Polaroids, and memorabilia
- Materials from the 60th, 75th, 80th, and 85th anniversaries
- Records from former systems such as Troopmaster
There was strong interest in collecting, scanning, and identifying old photos and documents. Don offered to help digitize slides and photos.
2. Website and Facebook Presence
The current website discussed was Troop533.org, managed by Don. Don is willing to update the site and add centennial-related content, including forms for alumni contact information, photos, and stories.
A Facebook presence was discussed as a major outreach tool. The group favored creating a public-facing Facebook group or page focused on the anniversary or history rather than replacing any private troop group.
Possible uses:
- Collect memories from former scouts and families
- Request photos, names, and contact information
- Share event announcements
- Connect with Munster community groups
- Build momentum for the centennial year
The group agreed moderation will be important so posts can be approved before appearing publicly.
3. Events and Community Celebration
The group discussed making the centennial a community celebration, not just a troop event. Suggested events included:
- A main dinner or banquet
- A picnic or barbecue at Community Park
- A Camp Betz event or campout
- Participation in the Fourth of July parade
- Booth or presence at National Night Out Against Crime
- Presentations to the Lions Club, Rotary, town board, and other civic groups
- A town proclamation recognizing Troop 533’s 100th anniversary
The group liked the idea of multiple events throughout the year rather than one single celebration. There was discussion about keeping any dinner affordable so families can attend.
Possible venues mentioned included:
- Community Park / Lion Shelter
- Camp Betz
- St. Thomas More
- Carmelite hall
- Lions Social Center
The group also discussed including other Munster scouting units, Cub Scout packs, and civic organizations where appropriate.
4. Scout Involvement
The group wants current scouts involved in the planning. Craig Thompson reportedly agreed that two scouts could serve in a formal role, possibly as centennial liaisons, and that this could count as a position of responsibility.
Potential scout roles:
- Help design centennial patches, banners, or logos
- Assist with historical displays
- Help create brochures or pamphlets
- Participate in parade and community events
- Help collect stories and photos
- Possibly complete related merit badge work
There was discussion about giving scouts creative input while allowing vendors or adults to finalize professional artwork.
5. Memorabilia and Fundraising
The group discussed centennial memorabilia as both a celebration tool and potential fundraiser.
Ideas included:
- Centennial patches
- Limited-edition patch borders or tiers
- Segment patches tied to different events
- Neckerchiefs
- Hats
- T-shirts
- Jackets or on-demand apparel
- Flags and banners
- Small promotional items for youth outreach
Banners were viewed as an early priority because they could be used throughout the year at events, parades, booths, and presentations.
6. Outreach and Contact Lists
The group discussed building a broad contact list of former scouts, parents, leaders, Eagle Scouts, and community supporters.
Potential contacts and sources mentioned:
- Ken Goodwin
- John Sikora
- Ron Robbins
- Jim Haas
- Charles Morgan
- Mr. Shelton
- Glenn Miller
- Former scoutmasters and committee members
- Lions Club members
- Historical Society
- Munster Library archives
- Former anniversary planning materials
Ken joined later and confirmed his phone number and email. He noted that Melissa may have materials from the 85th and 90th anniversary efforts.
7. Registration and Youth Protection Training
There was discussion about adult registration, Scoutbook access, and required youth protection training. Some former adult leaders may need help getting registered or completing online training.
The group discussed the possibility of holding an in-person training session for older adults who may struggle with the online process.
Key Action Items
| Task | Owner / Suggested Owner |
| Continue updating Troop533.org with centennial information | Don |
| Create and moderate public Facebook anniversary/history page | Don / volunteers |
| Add online form for alumni contact info, photos, and stories | Don |
| Collect and digitize old photos, slides, and documents | Don / Jim / Abby |
| Search Munster Library and Historical Society archives | Abby |
| Gather Eagle Scout and scoutmaster lists | Jim / Don |
| Contact former leaders and alumni | Jim / Ken / others |
| Explore town proclamation | Jim / committee |
| Develop centennial banner/logo concepts | Don / scouts / volunteers |
| Confirm Camp Betz reservation and date options | Current troop leadership |
| Define youth liaison roles for two scouts | Craig / committee |
| Explore dinner, picnic, and community event options | Planning group |
| Identify local sponsors or donors | Jim / Lions Club contacts |
Open Questions
- What should the Facebook page/group be officially named?
- What will be the main centennial event date?
- Will the Camp Betz event be one day or overnight?
- Which events should be troop-only versus public/community-facing?
- Who will serve as overall coordinator or co-chairs?
- What memorabilia should be produced first?
- How will historical materials be scanned, stored, and displayed?
- Which adults need registration or youth protection training support?
Overall Summary
The meeting focused on launching planning for Troop 533’s 100th anniversary. The group agreed the centennial should celebrate the troop’s long history, involve current scouts, reconnect alumni, and highlight scouting’s role in Munster. Early priorities include building an online presence, collecting historical materials, creating outreach tools, identifying events, and forming a broader planning team.