Troop 33 was first organized in June 1916 by the Young Men’s Hebrew Association. The 17 boys on the original charter met at Third and King Streets, Wilmington. In the early 1920’s, the unit disbanded but not before being supported by the First Presbyterian Church at Ninth and Market Streets, Wilmington. In May of 1930, Troop 33 was rechartered by the First Unitarian Church, 807 West Street, Wilmington, until the unit dropped its charter in April 1956. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church began sponsoring Troop 33 in March 1959 and continued until the troop dropped its charter in April 1978.

In 1994 a group of interested individuals discussed the possibility of getting Troop 33 up and running again and the mission was accomplished in August 1994 with the approval of Rev. Daniel Gerres. Fr. David Baumgartel acted as the charter representative;

John C. Fannin III, Committee Chair; D. Scott Wilson, Scoutmaster; Ken Macauley, Asst. Scoutmaster; Linda Macauley, committee member and advancement chair; Dr. William Mackenzie and Michael Prince, committee members.

Scouts, leaders and parents have been extremely active in meetings, volunteer activities, District and Council camporees, monthly and summer camping, High Adventure activities such as hiking in Philmont Scout Reservation, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, sailing from Sea Base in Florida and in the Bahamas and canoeing from the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Maine.

Troop 33 has always maintained a high standard of scouting, earning the gold standard Journey to Excellence Award every year. In the past 25 years 50 scouts have earned the rank of Eagle. Many of the adults have expanded their interest in and dedication to Scouting at the troop and District and Council levels. Two leaders from the troop have earned the Silver Beaver, the council award for distinguished service to young people and two have been awarded the Companions on the Journey National Award for Outstanding Catholic Youth Ministry (scouting).

Here’s to at least another 25 years of service to scouts and to our community!