Boy Scouts

---

Troop 474 was created (chartered) by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe in 1973.  KCOT past-president Dale Stephens served as the Troop’s founder and initial KCOT liaison.  The initial eight scouts were Roy Anderson, Raymond Gallant, Jeff Hubbell, Greg Jones, Todd Jones, Kevin Leap, David Mars Jr, and Tom Martin.  The initial Scoutmaster was Mr. Robert Anderson and the first parent Committee Chair was Mr. David Mars Sr.  The Troop initially met at Arredondo Elementary School drawing many of its members from Cub Scout Pack 474. 

Records indicate that in less than a year Troop membership had grown to 36 scouts and 14 adult leaders. 

More than 50 years later, the Troop is going strong and recognized as one of the most prolific troops in central Arizona.​  Over the years, several hundred young men have been members and more than 149 have received the prestigious Eagle Scout award.  In addition, several hundred service projects have been conducted in the Tempe area involving tens of thousands of service hours. 

Today, membership consists of 27 scouts and 19 adult leaders.  The Troop takes pride in being a “Boy Led Troop” meaning the scouts learn and practice leadership skills by planning their meetings, activities and outings under the oversight of the Troop’s Scoutmaster. 

The Troop meets weekly at Fees Middle School, but also have monthly outdoor events where many scouting skills are taught and practiced.  The highlight of the scouting year is the week long Summer Camp held at a scout camp in Arizona or a nearby state.  Today, the Troop’s Scoutmaster is Mr. Don Crance and the KCOT Liaison is Mr. Tom Sands. 

Thanks to KCOT’s annual contribution, no scout is denied membership or participation due to lack of money.  Excess contributions are rolled over to the next year or used for special service projects.