About Us

Troop 200's Philosophy

Troop 200 is an active troop adhering to the principles of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

Scouting provides a well-charted map for helping boys become better men, and Troop 200 provides a proven path whereby boys can advance in rank, and in life skills, to become the leaders of tomorrow by perfecting their Scouting skills in citizenship, responsibility, respect and reverence each day. We agree with Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement, who wrote, "it's easier to build the boy than fix the man."

With special emphasis on monthly outings, the dedicated adult leaders of Troop 200 provide an enjoyable and fun-filled outdoor experience within which they nurture each Scout's development by supporting individuality, self-esteem, cooperation and community service.

Troop 200 . . . driven from within!


History of Troop 200's Neckerchief

All Scouts in Troop 200 wear the same black neckerchief with red trim. This is to identify the Scouts as a common group but the neckerchief also has some historical significance.

Troop 200 was previously chartered by Lebanon Reformed Church which is right next to Lebanon's park -- Holjes-Sheppard Memorial Park. Every 4th of July, Lebanon holds a big parade down the main street that ends at the park. Thus the exploding fireworks on our neckerchief.

Even though we are now in Annadale, NJ at Immaculate Conception, we wanted to keep our neckerchiefs the same for a more important reason. On our neckerchief are the names Holjes and Sheppard: Two Troop 200 Scouts who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.

Frederick Y. Holjes was born February 10, 1945 and lived in Lebanon, NJ. He was a 1963 graduate of North Hunterdon Regional High School where he enjoyed and participated in civil and revolutionary war reenactments, played his grandfather's banjo and collected antique rifles. He received a full scholarship to the Citadel, a military school in Charleston, WV, where he was an outstanding student.

Holjes served in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant (2LT). He was a 23-year old Ranger with the 101st Army Airborne Division. He was wounded by sniper fire on February 19, 1968 and was hospitalized in Japan. He was given the chance to go home, but chose to return to his troops.

In March 1968, Holjes led his troops into battle. While scouting the area ahead, he was shot in the head and died instantly. He died on March 22, 1968 at the age of 23, two days after he had been reactivated.

Holjes was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

Robert Porter Sheppard was born October 1, 1947 and lived in Lebanon, NJ. Robert enjoyed camping and was active in church work. He was very much an outdoorsman. He was Troop 200's very first Eagle Scout.

Robert graduated North Hunterdon High School where he enjoyed fencing and was a member of the woodsmen team. Furthering his education, he enrolled in Paul Smith's College in the Adirondacks and the Lake Placid School for Forestry with hopes of becoming a recreational forester.

Robert entered the US Army where he attained the rank of Warrant Officer (WO). In 1970, Sheppard went to Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was chosen, along with twelve others for a flyby, i.e., when helicopters fly around in a circle formation almost nose to nose.

On May 7, 1970, Sheppard was killed when his helicopter crashed in a combat zone. He was 22 years old.

Let us not forget those Scouts, like Fred and Robert, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. May the honor and remembrance we give them help propel future generations of Scouts to live the Scout Oath and Law.

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