Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 has become the chartered organization for the Cazenovia Boy Scout Troop 18, part of the Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America, whose main office is located in Utica. Becoming a chartered organization positions Post 88 as a community partner with Cazenovia’s scouting program, which has been established for our local youth since the year 1917.

“We want to include scouting as part of the legion’s overall community program for veterans, youth and families. We feel a responsibility to our community that this scouting programs succeeds,” said Post 88 Commander Richard Benner. “Post 88 and Troop 18 have always worked closely together in the past with our various programs as far back as 1924 when Arthur Evans was Commander of Post 88 and Scoutmaster of Troop 18. We look forward to this new and key relationship with scouting.”

Al Keilen, vice commander of Post 88, will be the chartered organization representative to Troop 18, Benner said.

“We are grateful for this link between our scout unit and our veteran’s organization here in Cazenovia. Together we provide opportunities for the young men in our community to participate in a great character-building program,” said George Schmit, scoutmaster for Troop 18.

Every Boy Scout troop requires a “charter organization” to support their troop. For the past 90 years, the Civic Club of Cazenovia was the Charter Organization to Troop 18 but is unable to continue as such.