We have pictures of the first scout in 1949 and their camping at Camp Belzer.   We do know that between 1958 and 1960, the Scouting program at New Bethel flourished.  In the 1960s under the leadership of Richard Bishop and William Smith, the troop averaged between 40 and 45 boys at different times.  Values, morals and crafts were taught and the opportunity to work together with each other in teams were taught, to accomplish goals.  The Scouts was involved in camping and many community activities, such the Indy 500.  The camping consisted of summer and winter camp-outs usually at Camp Belzer. 

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In 1975, Scout troop was rechartered under the leadership of James Campbell and Charles Bruce.  Troop 199 started out with young men primarily from New Bethel, however, the troop grew quickly with boys, that the scouts invited to visit.  Most of the growth was centered around the fact that single mothers wanted their boys to have adult male mentorship and the outdoor program the troop offered.  The Scouts had the opportunity to do many outdoor activities, they would not normally have the chance to do. That drew a large amount of interest both locally and nationally to Troop 199. The Troop was featured in many marketing ads, representing the Crossroads of America Council in the city. Each year in February, the troop and parents participated in Sunday morning service at New Bethel.  That day was designated as Scout Sunday, followed by a Banquet in the fellowship hall.  The banquets averaged over 250 scouts, their families and members of New Bethel.

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In July 1983, seven scouts experienced a high adventure camp at the 127,395-acre Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Raton New Mexico.  These seven scouts were on the trail in a real life setting for 10 days and nights.  In July 1994, 10 more scouts experienced the same high adventure camp at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch.

 

Our outdoor program has consisted of camping in many state parks and two national trips.  For over 40 years, Troop 199 has attended summer camp at Ransburg Scout Reservation on Lake Monroe in Bloomington Indiana. The city parks are used to work on scouting skills in an outdoor setting.  New Bethel has been the site for many overnight outings, both inside and out.

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In the year 2000, 15 scouts and 7 adults conducted their own summer camp at Daniel Boone National Forest in Lexington, Ky. One group was out of communication for about 24 hours, but using their scouting survival skills, they returned safely to base camp. In the year 2003, 19 parents and 19 scouts flew to Estes Park, Co.  Three groups of Scouts and adult Eagle Scouts, that came in from around the country to assist, hiked in the Rocky Mountains for three days and nights.  The parents stayed at a base camp and had their own program, including horseback riding.

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In 1982, the troop, family and friends attended the World Fair in Knoxville, TN.  In addition, the Muhammad Ali center in Louisville Kentucky, the Freedom Walk center in Cincinnati Ohio, the Black History Museum in Detroit Michigan, the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis Tennessee, the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Ky are just a few of field trips Troop 199 have taken.

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Troop 199 celebrated 60 years (2009) and 70 years (2019) of rechartering at New Bethel with a banquet at Boy Scout Camp Belzer.  Scouts came home from across the country to be a part of our rich history.  Plans are being completed for the 75th Anniversary of Troop 199, with a Banquet on Nov 9th 2024 at Camp Belzer

 

TROOP 199 owes a huge debt of “THANKS” to those Adult Leaders and Parents, who gave so much of their time to assist in achieving the goals of our Troop:​

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