For more than 40 years, your visits to Cana Island Lighthouse could not begin without a little help from scouts from Menomonee Falls, Wis.  St. Mary’s Troop 80 helps docents at Cana Island Lighthouse get the site ready for visitors in April and prepare it for winter in early November. Troop members take on tasks like clearing brush and repairing trails during the course of the weekend while also having the opportunity to camp on the island. The relationship between the Cana Island Lighthouse and Troop 80 dates back to the 1980s, though Committee Chairperson Matthew Larson admits they do not know how it started.  He does know it is a duty Troop 80 full embraces, even adopting the moniker “Keepers of the Light” on their trailer.

A plaque on the island’s grounds commemorates the scouts that have participated in the weekend of service over the years. Scouts must participate in it at least three years to be included. Troop 80 will return to Cana Island next April.

Pictures courtesy of Cana Island Lighthouse's Facebook page