Daryl Van Dyne thanks his friends and his family for their support as he celebrates his 50th year as a Scoutmaster for Waterford Boy Scout Troop 222 in October. (File photo)

BEVERLY — Vietnam veteran Daryl Van Dyne celebrated his 50th year as scoutmaster of the Waterford Boy Scout Troop 222 in October.

Surrounded by family and friends at the Beverly-Waterford Township Rescue Squad building on Oct. 25, Van Dyne shared his memories and his passion for Scouting.

“It got to be more than my hobby; it became my life,” he said.

Van Dyne filled the temporary scoutmaster position for Troop 222 in 1975. He said the previous scoutmaster had resigned and he decided to give it a try. What was supposed to be a temporary position began his lifelong passion for Scouting.

“On average, most Scoutmasters stay for about five years,” he said. “But here I am 50 years later!”

After being cut from the junior high basketball team at Waterford in 1963, Van Dyne’s father suggested he try Scouting. Van Dyne became increasingly more involved with Scouting and found that he loved spending time outdoors and with others.

“What do you have to do to be a Scout? You need to love the Boy Scout program, you need to love the outdoors, and you need the mind of a 12-year-old, and boy do I have that,” Van Dyne said.

He wanted to thank his wife Karen and his daughter Desiree for their support over the years while they were at home and he was away in the wilderness.

“I’ve seen him give a lot of time to this over the years, and it’s something he really believes in,” said Desiree Van Dyne. She said she has two boys who will be joining Boy Scouts once they’re old enough.

“It’s a place where everyone belongs and can come join to learn life skills and things they can use into adulthood,” she said.

Troop 222 Committee Chairman Bill Young joined the Scouts around 1978-79 with Van Dyne as his scoutmaster. He said he learned a lot from him over the years.

“I just think the world of Daryl,” he said. “He helps the kids and the boys in any way imaginable. He’s given so much of his time into this.”

Young said Van Dyne has always taught the kids about respect and respecting the American flag. He said he also taught kids the importance of being outside.

Van Dyne said his only regret is when a boy attends a meeting or two and doesn’t end up committing to Boy Scouts. He said that always broke his heart because there are so many opportunities and learning experiences that can be had in the program.

“Boy Scouts is the greatest organization the United States has ever had,” he said. “Put your son, your grandson, or your nephew in it … Boy Scouts of America will teach your kids more than you’ll ever realize.”