Old England’s cultural influence on its former colonies did not fade away with the American Revolution, nor did the impact made by this continent’s original inhabitants, the Native American tribes.

A valuable movement that would benefit American youth found its origins in England — one that would also implement the customs and lore of the tribal people who first adapted themselves to America’s wilderness environment. Thus was the premise of Scouting born.

Wrapped in legends of its own, Scouting was the brainchild of an English general, Lord Baden Powell, who, in 1910, conceived of an organization that would help shape the moral and cultural fiber of children and teenagers. Shortly after, an American newspaperman and successful entrepreneur, W.D. Boyce, would embrace that notion while visiting London and receiving fortuitous aid from a young fellow who identified himself simply as a “scout.”

The roots of American Scouting crossed the Atlantic when Boyce returned to America.

Today, the tradition of Boy Scouts (and Girl Scouts) goes on, flourishing in some regions, struggling in others. Locally, Robert Costello of New London strives to bring a struggling Boy Scout troop back into prominence.

“Our Troop 11 has been in effect since the 1940s,” said Costello. “It’s associated with the St. Joseph’s Church on Squire Street, which has helped guide it for years. I’d like to keep it going, given all its history.”

Never a Scout himself, Costello proudly points out, though, that in growing up he was involved in many activities akin to those he likely would have experienced had Scouting been a part of his youth.

“I grew up in East Falmouth, Mass., where my friends and I spent a lot of time out on an old uninhabited island that was open to the public: Washburn Island,” Costello explained. “It was accessible only by boat and we’d go out there to hike and camp. We learned so much about the woods there, about trails and nature ... and the many other areas of study covered extensively in Scouting.”

An engineer at General Dynamics, married to a school teacher, and with three children of his own, Costello’s only son — and youngest child, Robert Jr. — had expressed to him an interest in Scouting as early as first grade. Thus, Robert Sr. not only welcomed his son’s interest, he finally became officially involved in it himself.

“I volunteered to be an assistant den leader for the pack,” he explained. Costello would eventually take on the role of assistant cub master when that position had been vacated.

Cub Scouts had originated as a prelim to Boy Scouts for those under 12 years old. It took on the symbolic ranking system and measures of achievement based on elements derived from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, The Jungle Book: “The Pack follows Akela (leader)...” The original chain of merit started with a bobcat pin and advanced along through wolf and bear to lion. The ultimate Cub Scout level of achievement (attained only by few) is Webelos, named after a Native American tribe. Cub Scouts “aging out” have the option of transitioning into Boy Scouts.

A more advanced level of achievements and a far more complex range of activities await the Cub Scout who ventures into the Boy Scout realm, first learning its Code of Ethics: “ To help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” And, of course, the renowned Boy Scout Motto: “Be prepared.”

Robert Costello found these virtues and practices to be valuable assets in raising children. And when his son and two close friends, Charles and Derek, reached fifth grade, he saw the camaraderie among them as a powerful factor in their graduation to Boy Scouts.

He joined right along with them. Impressed with the sense of commitment shown by these youngsters, Costello volunteered to serve as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 11, led at the time by Dawn Donley.

“Dawn was an exceptional leader and I enjoyed working with her in every way I could. The boys all respected her immensely and Troop 11 carried on its fine tradition of adhering to the highest of scouting standards,” said Costello.

That included camping trips — most notably winter excursions to a privately owned site in Vermont — nature studies, major cycling events, the entire gamut of outdoor activities that mark scouting as daring and unique.

“There’s a solid progression of ranks and merit badges that also prepare Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for a sense of responsibility and fitness in their forthcoming adult years,” he explained. “And that rare individual who attains the rank of Eagle Scout has a gem to include on a resume.”

He said Eagle Scouts harbor all the qualities employers and colleges are looking for, including character and self-discipline.

“And if you’re planning on a military career, your Eagle Scout status allows you to bypass an entire rank,” he said. (Girl Scouts has its own equivalent to the Eagle status.)

Dwindling numbers

Troop 11, under Dawn Donley — and later Robert Costello — carried on the gallant tradition first established back in the 1940s. But the very nature of its geographic location brought on an eventual dwindling of its numbers.

“New London has an excellent youth sports program, and with this being such a small town, it’s difficult to attract enough young people and their parents,” he explained. “A number of families find it hard to fit in Scouting and sports.”

As with sports, the role of the parent is an essential one for a scout troop to succeed. Demographics make it difficult to sustain both. With the local Cub Scout pack “aging out” into Boy Scouts — without drawing enough younger members to maintain its own status — Scout Troup 11 lost its valuable feeder system. The troop is now down to a mere handful, but Costello, and Assistant Scout Master Bernie Baker have kept it going. Often, troop meetings are conducted in the Costello home.

“I believe entirely in the benefits Scouting has to offer young people and the sheer joy they derive from the sense of adventure they experience,” Costello said. “It all dates back to Scouting’s origins.”

Costello’s son Robert along with friends Charles and Derek are still helping with the troop, despite being in high school.

“We’ve recently picked up some new Scouts, so I feel there’s cause for a positive outlook for Troop 11’s future,” he said.

Can it be done? In a region where surrounding towns still have sizable Cub Scout packs that help sustain the Boy Scout troops there, this intrepid little group out of New London forges on, clinging to a proud Troop 11 tradition that started over 75 years ago. Robert Costello Sr. certainly hopes to keep it going.

“If nothing else, I owe it to these boys who have stuck with the program all these years,” Costello said proudly. And though his troop is still small, larger troops in other communities offer scouts from smaller ones like Troop 11 to participate in their major events. So … scouting goes on in America, honoring its roots from the early 1900s. Recent developments indicate a merger of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may some day emerge, but nothing is final.

Those interested in joining Troop 11 should visit www.ctrivers.org