About Troop 290

Troop 290 has a proud and rich history. This troop began with nothing but a dream that turned into a reality. The story of troop 290 begins at G. A. Towns Elementary School. It was started by a school counselor by the name of Alonzo F. Brewer. Alonzo Brewer went before his school and proposed that this school start a program that could turn young African American boys into young men that would be productive members of society. When the school approved of this, he knew that he would need strong support from men who believed in the same things he did. So he acquired the help of Mr. Charles Easley. These two men went into the school and started a drive to recruit young men to join their troop. It started with a small troop teaching them how to be young men.

As time went on the little troop worked hard to build up this dwindling troop. Alonzo Brewer then came up with the idea of moving Troop 290 from the school to the church. He wanted to teach the boys to trust in God and in self. He took Troop 290 to Radcliffe Presbyterian Church where he once again had to deal with those who thought the idea of forming a Troop would not take off. Then Alonzo met Joseph Ingram, a church member who like himself was very interested in working to build pride, citizenship and responsibility in young men. Together they committed themselves to realizing a dream of having a distinguished Boy Scout Troop unlike no other. The Church Committee approved to allow Alonzo F. Brewer and Joseph Ingram to bring Troop 290 to Radcliffe Presbyterian Church. Then this small troop grew year after year from 5 boys to 15 boys. Troop 290 also has the distinct and remarkable recognition of having four Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout is the highest honor a scout can receive. It is an amazing fete to become an Eagle Scout because only 1% of African Americans complete this goal. The rich history of Troop 290 is something that group members are extremely proud of because even though this troop was started on a hope and dream it has proven that sometimes that's all you need.