Troop 615 History

Troop 615 was formed in 1971, with the founding Scoutmaster Arnold John Elmore. He was a retired Marine, Vietnam veteran, and double amputee. He received the National Pike District’s Award of Merit in 1982. The Columbia Station 5th District Volunteer Fire Department was the first Chartering Organization and the Troop held meetings at Running Brook Elementary School. He attended all the Troop outings and led the Troop until he stepped down in mid-1984. Mr. Elmore continued to stay active in scouting and Howard County youth athletic and community programs until he passed away in 2011.

BSA Troop 696 merged with 615 in January 1980 and brought an additional 10 scouts. Mr. John M. Baumert led the Troop after Mr. Elmore retired in 1984, and he received the District Award of Merit in 1988. Mr. Deacon Buchanan led the Troop from 1989 when Mr. Baumert stepped down, until 1992, when John (Mac) McDermott took over. During Mr. McDermott’s tenure, in 1993, the Troop moved its meetings to The Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City. Mr. Henry (Hank) Heine took over from 1995 to early 1999.  In 1998, the Troop celebrated its 25th anniversary and had a 25th anniversary patch and bolo tie made. Mr. Heine was replaced by Mr. Raybell (Ray) Maupin Adams, who was Scoutmaster from April 1999 to August 1999. Mr. Robert Bredehoft led the Troop as the Acting Scoutmaster until the end of December 1999.

Troop Activities Coordinator Tommy DeWeese stepped up and took over as the new Scoutmaster in January 2000 and the Troop enjoyed a period of its largest growth. During Mr. DeWeese's tenure, Troop 615 hosted a Venture Crew from 2000-2003. Mr. Steve Luther was the Acting Scoutmaster after Tommy, until September 2012 when Dr. Bruce Anderson became the Scoutmaster.  The Troop continued to participate in Webelos-O-Ree, attend summer camp in Broadcreek and Ockanickon, and sent crews to Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier, and Philmont.

The current Scoutmaster is Mr. Barry Matto, who took over when Dr. Anderson stepped down in June 2021. The Church of the Resurrection is our current Chartering Organization and Mr. Dan Duesterhaus is the current Troop 615 Chartered Organization Representative.  The Troop celebrated its 50th anniversary on December 15, 2021, and Howard County Councilman David Yungmann, BSA District Director Taadie Robinson, and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume were in attendance. Congressman Mfume congratulated the Troop and presented the Troop with a Congressional Congratulatory letter.

Troop 615 is still going strong thanks to the foundation set by the previous Scouts, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and active parents.

Click here for a more detailed Troop history

Stay tuned for more news of our upcoming 55th anniversary in June of 2026!