At the heart of our approach is empowering our youth to lead their own adventures. Every six months, we conduct youth leadership elections. Following these elections, we collaborate with the newly elected Patrol Leader Council (PLC) to facilitate Introduction to Leadership Skills Training (ILST). Our role as Scoutmasters is to provide support and resources, enabling our scouts to make informed decisions as they plan the activities for their six-month term. This hands-on approach ensures that our scouts not only enjoy their experiences but also grow as leaders and decision-makers.
Rooted in the founding principles of the Boy Scouts of America, our troop is dedicated to serving the community while protecting the environment. We embody these values through various service projects, conservation efforts, and trail cleanups. Adhering to the 'Leave No Trace' principles, we ensure that in all our activities, we leave only footprints and take only photos. This approach not only nurtures a sense of responsibility towards the environment but also strengthens our connection to the community we serve. Below is a list of some of the projects our troop has taken part in.
Caledon state park beach cleanup
Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail maintenance (our troop is stewards of a half mile section)
Love thy neighbor volunteering
We encourage our youth leaders to plan at least one camping or hiking trip every month. These outings are not just fun; they are integral to the scouting experience, offering hands-on learning and adventure. Below is a list of some of the memorable places where we have camped and hiked.
Caledon State Park
Westmoreland State Park
Shenendoah National Park - Big Meadows
Shenendoah National Park Backpacking
Each year, we commit to attending a summer camp chosen by our scouts. These camps offer a rich array of activities, learning experiences, and opportunities to earn merit badges, all essential to the scouting journey. Below are some of the camps we have had the pleasure of attending in the past.
Bashore Scout Reservation
Camp Marriot
Goshen
Our weekly meetings are essential for facilitating the activities mentioned above. Held every Tuesday except when school is not in session (adhering to our 'no school, no scouts' rule), these meetings are a time for planning events, getting rank and merit badge requirements signed off, conducting Board of Review sessions, and learning various scouting skills. Below, you can find a list of some of the activities and learning experiences that take place during these gatherings.
Planning/Preparing for events
Knot tying
First Aid
Presentations
Orienteering
AxeYards
Fire building
For our older scouts who crave more than a weekend camping trip, we offer high adventure programs that promise exhilarating experiences. These adventures range from backpacking in remote areas and canoeing to horseback riding, scuba diving, and ATV riding. Our troop rotates through four main high adventure camps, attending one each year. Below, you'll find more about each of these remarkable experiences:
Philmont Scout Ranch offers an unforgettable journey through the rugged terrain of the New Mexico wilderness. Scouts engage in backpacking treks, horseback rides, and various other challenging activities, learning wilderness survival skills and developing leadership qualities along the way.
Known for its canoe expeditions, Northern Tier presents scouts with the opportunity to explore the boundary waters of Canada and the United States. This camp emphasizes teamwork and resilience as scouts navigate through waterways, camp in the wilderness, and learn about the area's unique ecology.
Summit Bechtel Reserve is a haven for scouts who love high-adrenaline activities. Located in West Virginia, this camp offers mountain biking, zip-lining, skateboarding, and even whitewater rafting. It's a place where scouts can challenge themselves physically and mentally, while enjoying the thrill of adventure sports.
Florida Sea Base provides an aquatic adventure like no other. Scouts here can indulge in scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing, exploring the rich marine life of the Florida Keys. This experience is not only about adventure but also about understanding marine.