Scouts BSA Troop 128
A Century of Adventures
As McLean, Virginia, marks its centennial of progress and growth, one institution stands out as a beacon of tradition, community, and adventure: Scouts BSA Troop 128. Established in 1924, Troop 128 proudly celebrates its 100-year anniversary, making it the oldest Scout troop in McLean—a town once dotted with dairy farms and open fields.
The story of Troop 128 began on February 24, 1924, with just ten eager Scouts who met at Franklin Sherman High School, the very site where Franklin Sherman Elementary School now stands. By 1928, the troop found a new home at St. John’s Episcopal Church, then centrally located in McLean. As the town grew and changed, so too did the troop. In the mid-1950s, St. John’s moved to its current location on Georgetown Pike, where Troop 128 has been gathering ever since.
In 2019, recognizing the growing desire for inclusivity and leadership opportunities for all youth, Troop 128 expanded to include girls. The newly formed Girls Troop 128 operates independently but shares in the rich traditions and camaraderie of its brother troop. While the two troops often come together for Courts of Honor and joint outings, they maintain distinct schedules and programs, allowing each group to pursue their unique paths to growth and achievement. Now, for the first time in history, girls in Troop 128 have the opportunity to work toward the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
The heart and soul of Troop 128 lie in its dedicated volunteers. The Assistant Scoutmasters—comprised of stay-at-home parents, government officials, private sector leaders, educators, and others—play a crucial role in guiding Scouts toward advancement, adventure, and leadership. Their commitment to mentoring the next generation is evident in the time and energy they devote to the troop, ensuring that every Scout has the opportunity to thrive. Today’s leadership includes Barbara Zamora-Appel, Scoutmaster of Troop 128G, and Tom Brooke, Scoutmaster of Troop 128.
The spirit of adventure that defines Troop 128 has taken its members to far-flung corners of the globe. From the Icelandic National Jamboree in Iceland to the World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 and the National Jamboree in West Virginia, Troop 128 Scouts have experienced the world in ways that few others can. They’ve trekked through the rugged terrain of Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, explored the pristine wilderness of Northern Tier in northern Minnesota and Canada, sailed the crystal-clear waters around the Virgin Islands, and ridden horseback on a Cavalcade in Texas.
And the adventure doesn’t stop there. The Venture Crew, for Scouts aged 14 and older, is already planning an exciting trip to South Africa in 2025. With each new expedition, Troop 128 continues to offer its Scouts a world of leadership and adventure, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As Troop 128 celebrates this remarkable milestone, we invite you to become a part of this storied tradition. Whether your child is interested in joining the Boys Troop or the Girls Troop, we encourage you to attend a troop meeting and see firsthand what makes Troop 128 so special. The troops meet on Monday evenings at 7 PM at their longtime home and Chartering Organization, St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. For more information, visit Troop 128’s website.
