Boy Scout Troop 554 Cheektowaga, NY

The History of Troop 554:

Boy Scouting at St. Barnabas started in September 1964. The first charter of Troop 554 was filed with the Buffalo Area Council by Henry Wiechec, the Troop’s first Scoutmaster. Mr. Wiechec and several dedicated adult members remained in office for three years and helped bring many awards and honors to the newly established Troop.

In 1967, Robert N. Spengler, Sr. assumed the duties as Scoutmaster of Troop 554. Shortly after Mr. Spengler became Scoutmaster, the Troop began to gain a reputation in Boy Scout circles for its numerous camping activities held both on Boy Scout Reservations and other locations. The highlights of this period also included a trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. As Mr. Spengler and the eleven members of Troop 554 who participated in the initial trip to Philmont soon discovered, the “Philmont experience” is one of the ultimate adventures in Scouting. During this period, leadership development and training were established as a fundamental core of the Troop’s Scouting philosophy.

Unfortunately in 1993, Mr. Spengler passed away at an early age, at a great loss to the boys. However, Paul Wojcinski, a former Scout from Troop 554, became the new Scoutmaster. Mr. Wojcinski remained as Scoutmaster until 2006 More recently, Roberta Wojcinski has taken over the duties as Scoutmaster.

Troop 554 continued to be recognized as a leader in Scouting fundamentals. The Troop has participated in many high adventure campouts at Philmont, Northern Lights (Canada), Florida Seabase, and Matagama Scout Reservation (Maine), and began annual trips to different regions in North America based on the interests of the boys. Destinations included Washington, DC, Detroit, Cooperstown, Canton, OH, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Boston, and the Pocono’s in Pennsylvania.

Troop 554 continues to be recognized as one of the most successful organizations in what is now known as the Onondaga District within the Greater Niagara Frontier Council. High adventure camping remains important and the Troop participates in the NYLT Leadership Training program. The Troop continues to remain active in District and Council activities, as well as regional Order of the Arrow Conclaves. In 1995, Troop 554 ran the District Camporee. In 2003, the Troop organized and ran the District Klondike Derby.

Throughout the years, the success of Troop 554 can be attributed to its strong adult leadership and the emphasis it places on the development of leadership skills of its Scouts. To date, more than 100 Scouts from Troop 554 have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment obtained by only 3% of all Scouts.