Boy Scout Troop 290

In the late 1950's Captain Marvin Howard, an Ocracoke native and retired military officer, formed America's only mounted Boy Scout troop. Howard was dedicated to the youth of Ocracoke.  Scouts were responsible to capture, tame and care for their own pony. They worked odd jobs around the island to raise $50 to "buy" a pony. When Scouts were not riding them, the horses roamed freely around the village.  The Scouts marched in parades and helped the US Lifesaving Service patrol the beach. When ferry service began and the new highway was built, Scouts raised money to build fencing for the ponies to keep them safe.  Troop 290 was featured in Boys Life Magazine in 1956 as well as Stephen Meader's book Wild Pony Island. Troop 290 was active for less than 10 years, ending when the Boy Scouts of America required that they carry insurance. The horses are now protected and cared for by the National Park Service. There are less than 20 horses on the island at present.  A few of the original Boy Scouts of Troop 290 still live on the island. Click on the link below to see a video.  https://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5421389/