North Phoenix troop honors four decades of adventure, Eagle achievements, and community tradition
Troop 323 celebrated 40 years of Scouting in October 2025 with a lively anniversary party attended by nearly 100 guests. Highlights included a “1985 Jeopardy” game, a patrol dessert contest, and an open mic session where scouts and alumni shared memories.
Special guests included six former scoutmasters and three of the 137 Scouts who have earned the rank of Eagle with Troop 323, based at All Saints Lutheran Church in North Phoenix.
"I love the friends I made, I loved going on the ski trips, I liked Camp Geronimo and all the fun I had!"
The troop has spent its entire 40-year history in Moon Valley, mostly at All Saints. An active troop of about 45 members, it is linked with the growing Troop 3323 for girls. The idea for the anniversary celebration came from the troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council, encouraged by Scoutmaster Tim Pitcock.
“I love the friends I made, I loved going on the ski trips, I liked Camp Geronimo and all the fun I had,” said Lucas Whitesell, who earned Eagle with Troop 323 in August 2024. Along with fellow Eagles Garrett Wright and Trevin Perdue, Whitesell shared his memories during the evening’s open mic session.
Former scoutmasters dating back to 2008—Barry Giesemann, David Marcon, David Wright, Robert Ballou, Don Nicholas, and Jamey Geer—were on hand to celebrate the tradition of leadership that has defined the troop for decades. Founding 3323 Scoutmaster Crystal Geer also attended as the girls’ troop joined in the festivities.
Scoutmaster Pitcock ordered special 40th-anniversary patches to commemorate the milestone. In the competitions, the Gorfs won Jeopardy, and the Falcons took the dessert contest, leaving plenty of treats for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks to all who joined in the celebration and look forward to a future even brighter than its past.
Take a look at more event photos on our Facebook page here!
