CORNELIA — Nearly a century after Boy Scout Troop 24 was founded, the City of Cornelia has pledged its support to help restore the troop’s historic scout hut — a beloved 75-year-old landmark in Cornelia City Park that has shaped generations of young leaders.
During its Oct. 7 meeting, the Cornelia City Commission unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city, Troop 24, and the Habersham Kiwanis Club to renovate and preserve the structure.
City Manager Donald Anderson outlined the city’s role in the partnership, which includes site preparation, utility access, landscaping, and continued park use for Scout events.
“The MOU obligates the city to perform rough grading and tree removal around the scout hut, assist with water and sewer facilities to support long-term use by granting access to the city’s sewer system, maintain landscaping around the scout hut, assist with site access for material deliveries and work staging, cover the costs associated with creating a new lease agreement for the property, and agree to allow scouts to use city park for Boy Scout-sanctioned camping events,” Anderson said. “Our city attorney has reviewed this and approved it, so I will recommend that you approve the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the MOU.”
History of Troop 24
Built in 1953 next to the Cornelia Community House, the Troop 24 Scout Hut has served
thousands of scouts and produced hundreds of Eagle Scouts over its long history. Now, it faces age-related challenges, including the need for a new roof, siding, HVAC system, and updated restrooms.
Scout Council board member Stewart Swanson spoke emotionally about the project’s meaning to the troop and to the community.
“Troop 24 of Cornelia, Georgia, if you can believe this, is very close now to being 100 years old,” Swanson said. “The scout building itself is now approaching 75 years old. You can imagine over 100 years of how many scouts and adult leaders have come from this program and delivered to the citizens of this town. We’re proud of it.”
Swanson said the renovation is about more than a building — it’s a partnership.
“We’ve had multiple discussions with Commissioner Reed, City Manager Anderson, and Mayor Borrow, and we’ve come to an agreement that we’re all going to work together — Kiwanis, Troop 24, Pack 24, and the city,” Swanson said. “We are going to beautify that building. We’re going to make it a showcase.”
Honoring Walt Crowder
He also paid tribute to the late Walt Crowder, a longtime Scout Council board member who passed away shortly after helping plan the project.
“Walt spent a lot of time looking at that building and the community house,” Swanson said. “He had some wonderful ideas about how to make the two look similar, and we are going to make that happen. Over the next six months, we’re going to work tirelessly to make that a showcase building.”
Mayor John Borrow echoed Swanson’s sentiments, calling Crowder “a force of nature” whose energy and civic passion left a lasting mark.
“He grew up here, left, came back, and was so involved in so many different boards,” Borrow said. “We had met with him just a few days before he passed — quite unexpectedly. So, we are so grateful for you, his family, to be here knowing that this will be part of his legacy.”
Borrow also praised the Scouts for their growing membership and community impact. “Tonight we’re celebrating the Boy Scouts,” he said. “We’re grateful that you’ve come out to be part of the government process where people get to speak, share ideas, and celebrate.”
Commissioner Mark Reed, who was a classmate of Crowder’s at Habersham Central High School, stood to make the first contribution toward the project.
“My wife and I would like to make a donation to kick off the fundraising project, in memory and honor of Walt Crowder and his family,” Reed said, drawing enthusiastic applause from the Scouts in attendance.
Renovations to commence
The renovation will be led by Scoutmasters Jason Smith, Brad Trotter, and Adam Hartson, with oversight from the Kiwanis Club. Scouts and volunteers plan to complete the work over the next six months, funding it through donations and community labor.
Following a dip in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cub Pack 24 is now growing quickly, ensuring a strong pipeline for Troop 24 in the years ahead. The restoration will provide both groups with a revitalized home base for future generations.
Community Support
Community members who wish to support the effort can donate or volunteer by contacting Frank Wolf, Kiwanis President, at 801-493-5063. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Frank Wolf, Kiwanis President, 241 Larkin St., Suite 200, Cornelia, GA 30531. Checks should note “For Troop 24 building renovation.”
At the close of the meeting, Scouts from Pack 24 and Troop 24 stood together and gave a spirited hurrah as commissioners pledged their support — a fitting tribute to a partnership built on service, legacy, and civic pride.
