Troop 12 Marks 100 Years Of Scouting In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Scouts BSA Troop 12. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

For one hundred years, Scouts BSA Troop 12 has been woven into the fabric of Livingston, New Jersey — shaping young people into leaders, neighbors, and citizens of good character. On Feb. 12, family, friends, and community members gathered at East Hanover Manor to celebrate this remarkable milestone, honoring a century of service, sacrifice, and the enduring promise of Scouting.

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Founded in Purpose, Rooted in Community

Founded in 1926, Troop 12 has spent a century helping thousands of Livingston's young people develop the life skills that no classroom alone can teach — resourcefulness, integrity, teamwork, and the quiet confidence that comes from earning your way. Over the decades, Troop 12 alumni have gone on to serve in the armed forces, work as first responders, and take on leadership roles in both civic life and the corporate world. Their common thread? A fleur-de-lis pin and the values instilled by Scouting.

Among the troop's proudest achievements is its record of Eagle Scouts — more than 220 since the troop's founding. The Eagle Scout rank is the pinnacle of the Scouting journey, earned by only a small fraction of those who begin the trail. That Troop 12 has produced such an impressive number is a testament not only to the determination of its Scouts, but to the devoted volunteers and leaders who have guided them along the way.

A Night of Celebration and Gratitude

The anniversary celebration was hosted by Rich Waxman, Troop 12's Committee Chairperson, and Ravi Mukkavilli, the troop's current Scoutmaster — two leaders who embody the spirit of service that has defined Troop 12 for generations. The evening included the presentation of several distinguished awards recognizing outstanding Scouts and contributors, including the Steen Amron Award, Robert Henry Carl Award, Robert W. Kean Award, John Pollock Award, St. Peter's Church Outstanding Scout Award, Chi Leun the Good Samaritan Scout Award, the Phil Pondiscio Commitment to Scout Award, and the recently added William Brady Award.

The William Brady Award carries special meaning. Mr. Brady, a long time resident of Livingston, proudly served Troop 12 for 38 years, rising to serve as both the Troop's Chartered Organization Representative and Committee Chairman. His dedication earned him the District Award of Merit — one of Scouting's highest volunteer honors — and his legacy now lives on in the award that bears his name.

A Fond Farewell and a New Beginning

For 96 of its 100 years, Troop 12 was chartered by St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Livingston, which not only provided a home for the troop's meetings but also storage space and a sense of belonging. Sadly, St. Peter's has closed its doors — and with it, a cherished chapter of Troop 12's history. The troop extends its heartfelt gratitude to St. Peter's for its decades of unwavering dedication.

Looking ahead, Troop 12 is proud to begin its next century under a new chartered organization: VFW Post 201 in Livingston. The connection runs deep — the troop's own Chartered Organization Representative is both a member of VFW Post 201 and a registered Scouter in Troop 12, symbolizing a bond forged in shared values of service and community.

Serving Those in Need — Right Here at Home

The spirit of service was on full display this past December, when Troop 12 Scouts and parents came together to prepare and donate warm meals for 52 Livingston families in need. Working in partnership with Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN), the troop ensured that every meal tray reached a family that needed it most. For many participants, it was the troop's most ambitious community project to date — and by all accounts, one of its most meaningful.

Township Honors a Century of Excellence

The broader community took notice as well. At the March 5, 2026 Township Council meeting, Mayor Klein and Deputy Mayor Bhutani officially honored Troop 12 for its 100th anniversary of Scouting excellence in Livingston. The Council praised the troop as an exemplary organization, highlighting its century-long commitment to leadership development and community service — including volunteer efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Klein presented a commemorative plaque recognizing the troop's milestone and its enduring role in preparing generations of young people to make ethical and moral choices.

The Next 100 Years Begins Now

The centennial celebrations are not a single evening — they are a year-long commitment. Throughout 2026, Troop 12 plans to organize community service events and publish a commemorative book that will serve as a lasting keepsake of the troop's remarkable history. Many local businesses participated and received recognition on the commemorative page and within the book itself.

For more information about joining or supporting Troop 12, visit its website or reach out to the New Member Coordinator Shivani Baijal at shivanivbaijal@gmail.com.

Here's to the next hundred years — and to all the Scouts of Troop 12 who have yet to tie their first knot.

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