Boy Scout Troop 97 Shares Annual Holiday Cheer with South Nyack Men's Home Residents

From Troop 97

The residents of the South Nyack Men’s Home wait at the door for days – “Are they here yet?” Waking at 6 AM, they ask excitedly, “What day is it today – is it time yet?” What, you may ask, are these gentlemen so eager about? They know that the Boy Scouts are on their way.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 97 New City have a long standing tradition. The holiday season would simply not be the same without a visit to the residents of the South Nyack Group home, a residence for middle-aged men with developmental disorders. This year’s visit to the six long time residents and their caregivers was as moving as ever.

Over 35 Troop 97 Scouts and Webelos from Packs 2046, 2047 and 2146 arrived, filled with energy and looking forward to seeing the residents as much as they were looking forward to seeing them. The residents’ faces lit up as the boys descended on their home, ready to decorate their home for the holidays. Christmas trees were decorated, tinsel hung, Menorahs placed with joy - and laughter throughout. Throughout the festivities, the scouts took time out to sit down with the residents and catch up with them about their recent goings-on. Since some of the gentlemen have been living in the home for a while, they recognized some of the older scouts gleefully and mutual bonds have been formed over the years.

After everyone enjoyed the breakfast brought in by the adult BSA volunteers, the merrymaking continued with holiday caroling. A small group of carolers led the Scouts and residents in song; with brass accompaniment from two of the troop’s scouts and guitars being played by a former scoutmaster and volunteers. During a robustly sung “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”, Santa himself made an appearance, bringing gifts to all of the residents and caregivers alike.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 97 have established a solid 20-plus year relationship with the residents of the South Nyack Men’s home. The annual BBQ will be also held again this coming summer, to the delight of both the home’s residents and the scouts. It is difficult to determine who reaps more reward from this relationship, the residents or the scouts themselves.