The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest scouting organizations in the U.S., with more than 2.4 million youth participants and nearly 1 million adult volunteers. Its traditions run deep as BSA has been in operation since 1910.
BSA’s goal is to “train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations,” according to the Boy Scouts of America website.
Troop 626 in Bellevue is one of thousands of Boy Scout troops in America. They, like others, provide scouts with education and opportunities through various outdoor activities such as summer and winter camps, backpacking treks and National Boy Scout High Adventure trips.
One of the main sources of the troop’s funding comes from their annual Christmas tree sale at the Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club. The troop is entering its 36th year running the Christmas tree sale fundraiser.
Jon Trohimovich is one of the troop leaders of the 55 scouts. His son, Joe, is in eighth grade at Highland Middle School and joined the troop last summer. This is his first year participating in the annual Christmas tree fundraiser.
“This fundraiser supports the summer camp and all the outdoor trips and hikes we take, like the Tiki Torch snow hike and the hike up to Mt. Baker,” Trohimovich said. “It’s pretty great that this troop has been able to uphold this tradition of selling Christmas trees at the club for so many years.”
Troop 626 is also partnering with a local girl scout troop, Troop 52818, by selling Christmas wreaths at the Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club.
Troop 626 set up the Christmas trees on Nov. 18. The trees will be for sale through Dec. 15.
“It’s just a really great tradition for people to come back to every year,” Trohimovich said. “A lot of the former scouts come back with their own families to get their trees…it shows that scouting has a huge impact on kids’ lives and that scouting is important.”
The Goethe Christmas tree lot hours:
Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weekdays 5 -8 p.m.
Closed on Monday
The Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club is located at 5464 119th Ave. SE in Bellevue.
Troop 626 in Bellevue is one of thousands of Boy Scout troops in America. They set up the Christmas trees on Nov. 18. The trees will be for sale through Dec. 15. Courtesy of Jon Trohimovich.
