"Every Scout troop is only as strong as the leaders behind it. Troop 10 has been fortunate to be guided by generations of dedicated, selfless leaders who have poured their time, values, and mentorship into shaping young boys and girls. That influence lives on in the adults they become. In Scouting, there is no greater legacy than this."
— James Velghe
That powerful statement reflects why Scout Troop 10 is proudly celebrating five decades of meaningful service to the Leawood community.
Founded in 1975 and originally chartered by the Leawood Middle School PTO, Troop 10 has since grown into one of the area’s most enduring Scouting traditions. Since 2009, the Leawood Lions Club has proudly served as its charter organization, extending support and leadership that continues to shape young lives through character development, service, and adventure.
Troop 10’s strength lies in its dedicated network of trained volunteer leaders—many of whom remain involved long after their children have moved on. These individuals help instill Scouting’s timeless values of integrity, responsibility, and service. Their ongoing involvement reflects the lasting impact Troop 10 has had on families and the wider community.
Over the past 50 years, Troop 10 has helped develop more than 600 Eagle Scouts, Scouting’s highest honor. In 2019, the troop’s reach expanded with the launch of sister troop 6010, offering more opportunities for youth to grow, serve, and lead.
Together, both troops represent a vibrant community dedicated to developing servant leaders and upholding the Scout Oath and Law.
One of Troop 10’s most inspiring initiatives has been the Eagle Corps program, founded by local leaders Patti Cokington, Jim Shetler, and John Ahart. This innovative program connects teams of Eagle Scouts with troops in need of mentorship and support.
For one year, these experienced Scouts assist with meetings, advancement opportunities, merit badges, camping trips, and ceremonial events. Eagle Corps fosters a unique exchange of leadership, bridging gaps and helping younger Scouts thrive—while ensuring Eagle Scouts continue their growth journey.
From local service to epic expeditions, Troop 10 delivers a robust calendar of opportunities. Each summer, 100- 200 Scouts and adult leaders attend the 10-Day Summer Camp at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, earning hundreds of merit badges, enhancing Scouting’s values with the Micosay leadership program, and building lifelong friendships.
For Scouts age 14 and older, High Adventure Expeditions offer unforgettable challenges across North America. Destinations include:
- Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico)
- Boundary Waters (Canada)
- Rocky Mountain High Adventure Base (Colorado)
These experiences inspire confidence, resilience, and leadership—qualities that stay with Scouts for life.
Service is central to everything Troop 10 stands for. Over the years, the troop has contributed more than 600 Eagle Scout service projects, often requiring teams of volunteers and hundreds of hours of planning and labor. These projects alone account for over 24,000 hours of community service—benefiting local schools, city beautification projects, civic events, and more.
Mayor Marc Elkins of Leawood summed it up best.
"The promise of Scouting and the legacy of Troop 10 are reflected in the values we hold as a community. Through the Scout Oath and Law, young people learn to become servant leaders—adults of strong character and purpose. The roots of that transformation begin with our chartered organizations and the selfless volunteer leaders who give their time, year after year, to see our youth thrive."
The Leawood Lions Club, Troop 10’s charter organization, has played a vital role in the troop’s continued success. Currently supporting eight Scouting units, the Lions Club sees Scouting as a natural extension of its mission to serve the community.
Mike Schaefer, former Scoutmaster of Troop 10 and 2024–2025 President of the Leawood Lions Club, shared, "The motto of the Lions Clubs is ‘We Serve.’ Troop 10 is not just one of the units we support—it’s part of who we are. Many Lions members are also parents of Troop 10 Scouts and Eagles. This is a troop that represents the spirit of our community in action—through flag details, service projects, and leadership in local, state, and city events."
On August 10th, Troop 10 and Troop 6010 came together for a 50th Anniversary Picnic Celebration, joined by alumni, current Scouts, leaders, and families. It was a joyful reflection on five decades of growth, friendship, service, and shared purpose.
As the troop looks ahead to the next 50 years, the mission remains the same: to provide young people with the skills, values, and opportunities to become responsible, service-minded leaders.