Museum exhibit features Lakewood scouting history BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer LAKEWOOD- Immediately upon entering the Lakewood Heritage Museum, one feels a sense of nostalgia as she examines the historical artifacts that surround her. The museum, which is housed in the Lakewood School District administrative building at 655 Princeton Ave., is presently displaying Boy Scout and Girl Scout memorabilia. The exhibit is taking place in conjunction with the observance of the Boy Scouts' 100th anniversary and the Girl Scouts' 95 years of service to youths.What makes this display so special is that many donations are from former Lakewood Troops 2, 4, 72, 106 and 132. Albert Steinman, 83, of Lakewood, was a former scoutmaster, neighborhood commissioner and district commissioner of Troop 4. He donated his treasured Explorer uniform, along with books, plaques and many trophies to the exhibit. Steinman reminisced about his days as a Boy Scout and recalled that his proudest moment was when he received national recognition of the first Explorer wood badge at the Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation in Mendham. The Lakewood Heritage Museum's display of Boy Scout and Girl Scout items includes uniforms and the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Laws designed on a piece of wood. According to Steinman, the museum's focus on scouting goes hand in hand with the fact that "scouting is alive and well in Lakewood and in Ocean County. These organizations are a place of learning. They help young men to develop character and leadership. They shape young men into good citizens." Others who donated items to the exhibit are Caryl Royle, 81, and her daughter, Marjorie Royle, 53, of Lakewood. Caryl and Marjorie were former members and leaders of Lakewood's Troop 106. Caryl served during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.Marjorie began her Girl Scout participation as a Brownie and eventually worked her way up through the ranks to serve as a Scout leader. The women donated a troop flag and an assortment of photographs. They said the museum's exhibit of scouting memorabilia is a great way to celebrate Lakewood Scouts, and Scouts from across the nation. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff "The Girl Scouts programs have been around forever. It is a good thing for the Girl Scouts today to be able to come in and see the history," Caryl Royle said. Larry Kalb, 49, of Brick, donated uniforms, dishes and Order of the Arrow memorabilia from Lakewood's Kosher Troop 72 at CongregationAhavat Shalom. According to Kalb, participating in the Boy Scouts made a huge impact on his life. It was through the Greater New York Council that he got his first "real job" as a public relations assistant and finance records clerk. Kalb said the Boy Scouts' motto, "Be Prepared," has been a tenet that has served him throughout his life. He called the museum's display of memorabilia excellent and said having a display such as this illustrates to visitors the history of scouting, its contributions, and how Scouts help people become successful, productive adults. "This display serves as an incentive for the youths. Both programs [Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts] provide life skills to its members and leaders. It is also looked upon favorably by future potential employers. It is a wholesome activity regardless of age," Kalb said. According to Stacey Spina, museum coordinator, the current display marks the first time the museum has honored the Scouts and their contributions to Lakewood and to the United States. She said local troops have come by to experience a taste of Lakewood history. Spina said she hopes the youths gain "a sense of respect for community involvement, acceptance, goal setting, a sense of pride, and to know there is still work out there that needs to be accomplished." The display of Scouting memorabilia is expected to remain in place at the Lakewood Heritage Museum until the early summer. The museum is open 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. The museum is closed on Sunday in July and August. For more information, call (732) 276-7944.