Troop 218 of the Cape Fear Council was chartered in the early 1950's by Mr. Carl Ferger, a BSA field representative, who moved to Wilmington with his family from Indiana.  Carter Mebane III, one of the early scouts in the troop remembered staff meetings be held at Mr. Ferger's home just a few blocks from Winter Park Presbyterian Church.  The church was established in 1913 and through the years grew and hosted many youth programs.  After it's charter, Troop 218 has been in continuous operation except for a couple years in the early 1980's. Council records indicate that we have been continuously chartered since 1981.

Mr. Ferger continnued as Scoutmaster of our troop until he was limited in participation by a crippling case of arthritis.  Mike Prevatte, our Troop Committee Chair, still remembers going to the Ferger's home to trim bushes and rake leaves as part of "giving back" to the Fergers for their contribution to both the church and Troop 218.   We have Mr. Ferger to thank for pioneering our troop and setting our wheels in motion.

Throughout the years since before our first Eagle Scout, Walter Cory in 1954, a long list of involved church members contributed their time and talents as Troop 218's Scoutmaster.  We are still working to get more accurate information, but at least a partial list included: Mr. Bob Isley, Mr. Lawrence Murray, Mr. I.B. Brown, Mr. John North, Mr. Cliff Mabry (whom many current scouts may remember), Mr. Bobby Whaley, Mr. Harry Taylor, Mr. Doyle Holder (also a former scout in thhe troop), and Mr. Chip Plyler.

Mr. Sam Burgess joined the troop as Asst. Scoutmaster in 1991 and the next year took over as Scoutmaster. He has diligently served as Scoutmaster of our troop for 22 years, having stepped down in Dec. 2012 to become more actrive as Lodge Advisor for the Klahican Lodge of the OA.  Mr. Larry Murray joined Sam as Asst. Scoutmaster in 1992 and has also continued to expertly guide our troop & contribute to the Klahican Lodge of OA ever until 2013.  Mr. Murray was also an active scout in the troop as his father, Lawrence served as Scoutmaster.  Mr. Mike Prevatte (Troop Committee Chair) and Mrs. Peggy Irwin (Troop Finance Chair) have continued to be involved with our troop since the mid 1990's. We thank each of these leaders for their dedication to our troop and Scouting in general.

Mr. Bill Blaisdell became our current Scoutmaster in Dec. 2012.  Mr. Blaisdell is committed to continuing the program established by our earlier leaders and working with the current staff.  With 3 sons in our troop, the Blaisdells contribute much to our activities and fun.  We appreciate his guidance to our troop.

We have a wonderful troop with excellent leadership and an incredible group of youth that continue to mature in strong citizens and community leaders.  It's been a blessing to have the support of the church and congregation of Winter Park Presbyterian Church and the opportunity to continue this legacy.