After 75 Years On The Job Newark Scoutmaster Is Ready To Retire
NUTLEY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- He has devoted more than seven decades of his life to the Boy Scouts, but the time has come to say goodbye to Troop 102 -- the troop he founded.
As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, Julio Balde said being a Scoutmaster isn't easy, but it's given him a great lift in life.
"I says dad, 'I'm 15-years-old, I'm not going to wear those knickers," he said.
Balde, 94, recalls the day in 1935 that his dad came home and told him he was going to be a Boy Scout.
He admits he was reluctant at first, but hasn't stopped reciting the oath ever since.
"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and country," he recited.
Balde started his own troop nearly 75 years ago. His mother made him his first Scoutmaster uniform.
Troop 102 was founded in 1942 and has been meeting at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the Ironbound section of Newark.
"I've enjoyed seeing these kids grow up," he said, "A lot of people call me grumpy because I yell at kids."
He said he yells to instill discipline and make a real difference in the lives of the boys in the Ironbound, and help them become all a Boy Scout should.
"I want them to learn, I'm here to teach, I want them to be better citizens, better fathers. That's what the world needs today," he said.
Balde estimates that nearly 1,000 scouts have come through his doors, "which is more than any troop in the Ironbound, and probably the city of Newark," he said.
From that group 43 have gained Eagle Scout status, others have become doctors, lawyers, and Scoutmasters.
"Being in the scouts has given me a big lift in life," he said.
Balde said he gained so much during his 75 years as Scoutmaster, but what he'll miss most is the scouts and their eagerness to learn.
When Balde turns 95 on Friday, he'll celebrate with a trip to Burger King.