| The History of Troop 18 dates back to 1926, when a group of people, in association with South Methodist Church in Portales, New Mexico decided to organize a Scout group for the youth of Portales. Pastor L.L. Thorston submitted the Charter to the Conquistidor Council in Roswell, New Mexico on June 1st, 1926. Mr. E. L.Wheeler was selected as the Scoutmaster. The committee members at that time were E. N. Smith, L. L. Thorston, and E. L. Wheeler. Records indicate there were 24 boys active in the troop at that time, with ranks of tenderfoot and second class, age ranging from 12 to 15 years old. |
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1928- There were
at least 5 young men who had obtained the rank of
Eagle Scout.
This was quite an accomplishment in just a few years. At that time the Troop enrollment was approximately 25 boys. |
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| 1932-Over the next several years the enrollment dropped to about 11 boys. This would have been about the time of the Great Depression, so it can be assumed many of the boys were needed more at home and had less time for Scouting. |
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| 1939-The enrollment fluctuated over the next several years Troop 18 continued on. , the troop was once again growing strong. They had an enrollment of 32 boys. |
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| 1945-46 Enrollment continued to stay strong and active with as many as 49 boys on the charter registration in time frame. |
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| 1976-During this time the meetings continued to be held on Monday nights at the Methodist Church in Portales. The meetings were changed to Sundays. |
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| 1978-They continued on to hold meetings on Sundays when they were changed to Thursday nights. |
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| 1988 -The troop membership had dropped to only 9 youth and 7 adult. It was then decided to deactivate the troop, because of the lack of participation. |
| Reactivation of Troop 18 |
| 1997- Troop 18 was reactivated and currently has 14 Boy Scouts and will be acquiring 3 new scouts from Cub Scout Pack 11 this spring. |
