The Bostwick Lake Congregational Church sponsored the troop in 1951. The first several Scoutmasters were members of the church and many of the boys from the church were its first scouts. In the early years camping and general scout service were the main goals of the troop. It was not until 1972 that the troop produced its first Eagle Scout.

 

Troop 228 has always been an outdoor camping organization. Past scouts and Scoutmasters frequently recall all the fun and adventure they had in the outdoors. In recent years the troop has broadened its focus to include high adventure outings and more community service through Eagle Scout projects, and group and individual projects.

 

The leadership of the troop strives to instill in the boys a sense of personal accomplishment and self-reliance. To do this the troop offers the boys opportunities starting with a short overnight and 2 night backpacking outings at nearby Allegan State Forrest and the Jordan River Pathway. The troop then challenges the boys with longer trips to South or North Manitou Island off the west coast of Michigan, to Pictured Rocks National Seashore in Michigan’s upper peninsula and to the Philmont Scout Range in New Mexico.

 

In 2000 the troop chartered Venture Crew 2228 to further expand the types of high adventures that the troop can offer to older boys. To date these high adventure outings have included Boundary Waters canoeing in northern Minnesota, white water rafting on the Gauley River in West Virginia, wilderness hiking & camping on Isle Royal in Lake Superior and rock climbing and wilderness hiking & camping in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness.

 

Troop 228 is very proud of its Eagle Scouts. The troop has produced a number or Eagle Scouts and is expected to have more each year.  The troop has found that there is a strong correlation between the boys that achieve the Eagle Scout rank and parents who get involved. The troop therefore works hard to involve parents in troop activities.

 

In 2001 the troop celebrated its 50th anniversary with a spaghetti dinner for all current and former, scouts and adult leaders. Over 100 people showed up to mark the occasion. The troop is looking forward to its next fifty years and the future leaders to come from the ranks of Troop 228 and Venture Crew 2228.