09/13/2025
Troop 101 Celebrates 50 Years of Scouting in Warren
WARREN, Ohio — Scouting America Troop 101 of Warren marked its 50th anniversary on August 31, 2025, with a reunion that drew more than 140 alumni, leaders, and current Scouts back to celebrate five decades of outdoor adventure, service, and fellowship.
The Troop traces its roots to 1975, when a group of boys pedaled their bikes downtown to convince World War II veteran William E. Brown to return to Scouting. With the sponsorship of the Elks Lodge on Route 422 - who provided an initial $1,000 towards starting the unit – the Troop 101 program was founded, and has now shaped generations of young men.
After the first Leader, Mr. Brown stepped down - leadership passed to Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Mr. Gary Mansell. Then, in 1980, leadership passed to Eagle Scout, and Assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Jim Potjunas, who served as Scoutmaster for 37 years. Under his guidance, the Troop grew into one of the largest in the region. When the Elks Lodge sold their building in 2015, the Troop moved its charter to Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. Through generous alumni donations, a new facility was built and dedicated in Potjunas’ honor in 2017.
After Jim, Dr. Kenneth LaPolla served as Scoutmaster until 2022 when Mr. Jason Paisley was passed the torch.
Today, Troop 101 operates under a charter with the Troop 101 Alumni Association, founded to support the Troop 101 program, and scouting.
A Reunion to Remember
The anniversary celebration featured Dutch oven cooking and co****le tournaments, with alumni and Scouts competing side by side. Pulled pork from Cockeye BBQ, a restaurant owned by Troop 101 alumni, was served for dinner, fueling laughter, stories, and long-awaited reunions.
Dr. LaPolla, now president of the Alumni Association and the Troop’s third Eagle Scout, addressed the crowd:
“I want to thank everyone for being here today. 50 years, it's just unbelievable. It's a lot of memories. Some of us have more memories than others, but they’re all great memories.”
Speaking about the leadership and how the program has grown, he commented: “It really goes back to a history good leadership that not only understood the Scouting program, but also understood youth and how to help them develop.”
LaPolla also credited Matt McCracken (Troop 101 Eagle Scout #93) and Harley Hoff V—an Eagle Scout from Barberton, and adult leader in Troop 101, for their work in organizing the event. The evening closed with a campfire program, complete with songs and stories that showcased the spirit of Scouting.
In a comment, Matt McCracken said:
“It is largely thanks to the other volunteers and leaders that this program has made such an impact on my life, as well as others. Their involvement has impacted this program over the years, and with the continued engagement of our Alumni, we can keep Troop 101 going strong”
A Legacy of service
With digital records only going back the last 25 years, Troop 101 was able to pull some statistics. Since 2000 we have:
• Awarded 4,084 merit badges
• Logged 27,645 camping nights
• Hiked 12,693 miles
• Completed 11,251 service hours
• Averaged more than 40 members annually
In all, 180 Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle, including current Scoutmaster Jason Paisley ( #59). Many of the current members in attendance are aspiring Eagle Scouts, and are looking to complete service projects in the community soon.
Looking Ahead
Troop 101 currently has 42 active members and meets Monday’s from 7-9 p.m. at 3002 Reeves Road NE. The program runs year-round with monthly campouts and various activities and is open to young men age 11 to 17. A Cub Scout Pack for boys grades K–5 also meets at the same location and recently celebrated 25 years of program in 2024. The Alumni Association also sponsors a Venturing crew for young men and women ages 14–20.
For many, the reunion was more than a look back - it was a reminder of how Scouting shaped friendships and character. Alumni who couldn’t attend sent messages of congratulations, while those present shared their hopes that the Troop’s next 50 years will be as strong as the first.
For more information about joining, visit Join101.net.
