Troop 18 Renovating Its Meeting Building

Boy Scout Troop 18 is renovating its meeting hut.

The troop, which has met for 50 years in a structure behind the First Methodist Church of North Hollywood, has launched a $6,000 renovation project paid for by donations from former members.

Troop member Scott Ballew, 21, says the three-room, 2,200-square-foot hut is an unusual meeting place because most troops gather in auditoriums or share space with other organizations.

“We are the only troop in the Valley, and one of the few in Southern California, that has its own exclusive meeting space,” said Ballew, a 10-year member of the troop. “It’s very difficult to find a place to meet.”

The renovations to the building at 4832 Tujunga Ave. will include a new roof, siding, weather-proofing and added insulation.

To meet the projected completion deadline of late September, the troop has scheduled work parties for Sept. 7 and 14.

“The best thing is that we will continue to give Troop 18--and Boy Scouting in general--a base from which to operate,” said Ballew, adding that troop leaders often use their homes or garages as storage spaces for troop supplies and equipment.

But not Troop 18, which has 25 active members, plus adult staff.

“You accumulate stuff from doing things,” Ballew said. “We don’t have to worry about moving and storage. It’s a sanctuary.”