Castro Valley Troop 722 Turns 65

Scouts and their families with Troop 722 are celebrating their 65th anniversary this year. 

Established in 1959, generations of Scouts in Troop 722 and their families have had fun, made friends, learned new skills, and helped the community. The Troop typically meets once a week at Faith Lutheran Church on Redwood Road.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troops are Scout-led, so Scouts plan outings and events with the help of adults. Through the years, Scouts in Troop 722 have planned hiking, biking, swimming, and camping events while learning leadership skills. Older Scouts teach younger Scouts skills, such as knot tying and first aid, and organize events, including going to escape rooms, ziplining, and snow camping at Yosemite National Park annually. Scouts also find hobbies or possible future career interests by completing merit badges.

Troop 722’s first Eagle Scout, Daniel Soldahl, was honored in January 1969. Since then, 143 boys (Troop 722) and four girls (Troop 2722, est. 2019) have achieved the rank of Eagle and projects benefiting our local communities. Some beneficiaries have included the East Bay Parks Regional District (bat boxes), Castro Valley High School (HOPE sign), Our Lady of Grace School (additional art displays), Marshall Elementary (buddy bench), and 3Crosses Church (garden). 

Troop 722 also participates in Scouting’s annual Scouting for Food drive and posts flags in downtown Castro Valley on special days, like Memorial Day, continuing the tradition started by Troop 801, as a way to honor our country and those who came before us. 

On its 115th anniversary, February 8, 2025, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will change its name to Scouting America. This name will better reflect the inclusion of female Scouts in the program and the diversity of Scouts in BSA. 

If you are interested in what scouting offers, find a Pack (grades K-5) or Troop (grades 6-12) that’s a good fit for your family at BeAScout.org. To learn more about Troop 722 & 2722, go to their website at troop722.org.

–Photo and article courtesy of Louise Shaw