Welcome to Troop 55.  We are a very large Troop with around 200 scouts and a very large adult leader contingent.  Our resources are many and our opportunities are wide and varied.  Troop 55 offers our scouts a nearly unparalleled scouting experience where we will frequently go to 8-12 different summer camps, ranging from merit badge based camps to several extraordinary high adventure camps from Alaska to the Florida Keys.  We will offer 25-30 merit badge opportunities per year.  The Troop does monthly themed campouts that teach scouts not only the patrol method but many of the outdoor skills that will be essential to the summer outings they choose.

Baden Powell called scouting a ‘game with a purpose’ and we work hard to stick to that ideal.  Scouting is boy-led and we are passionate about being true to that ideal.  Scouting builds patriotic, service oriented, respectful, faith-based MEN, and we have seen that since our inception in 1933.

So what does that mean for you, the parent?

Many parents who have been so involved in Cub Scouting see Boy Scouts as a nice opportunity to gracefully bow out and let the Scout participate on his own.  The ‘drop and dash’ approach is not uncommon.  Others see the amazing resources of Troop 55 and think to themselves: ‘they don’t need me.’  Still others may see the adult leaders and simply be afraid to commit to what they think may be “too much” time, thinking that being an adult leader would represent hours and hours per week.  Unfortunately, these assumptions are often mistaken.  As a consequence of these misperceptions, there are a substantial number of adults who are not participating but who could be offering a depth and breadth of knowledge, experience, and skill that Troop 55 has heretofore not been utilizing.

Simply put, that means you.  Regardless of your previous scouting experience we need you.  You offer a unique background and skill set.  You have your own interests and hobbies.  You probably just don’t realize how much Troop 55 needs your help and how easy it can be to assist.

Leadership comes in many forms.  Some adults commit many hours weekly to the Troop.  Others are business leaders, social leaders, camping leaders, summer camp leaders, religious leaders, planning leaders, equipment leaders, PASMs (Patrol Assistant Scout Masters), etc. etc.

The commitment runs from several hours a year to several hours a day.  What I want you to realize is that there IS a place for you, we need you, and you serve your son, yourself, and the Troop by being part of the community of adult leaders of Troop 55.  And, not only will the entire troop benefit, you and your son will too.  It is a well-established fact that sons of parent-leaders are far more likely to stayin scouting longer, be more active, achieve higher ranks and thereby garner more life lessons than the sons of parents who are not involved.

Finally being a leader is fun and much easier and less time-consuming than you may think.  There is a cohesive community of leaders already in place to help and guide you as you enter and participate in the Troop.  We share a fellowship of common purpose, enjoy each other’s company and have all grown from the experience.  We invite you to join us.

Now that we have your attention: lets look at some of the ways adult leaders participate in the Troop.

Adult leadership can be as simple and minimally time consuming as being a Merit Badge Counselor to a variety of opportunities on the Troop Committee (which has both the chair positions and assistant to the chair opportunities).  There are opportunities for adults who like to go outside and camp as well as numerous opportunities for those who do not.  There are over 100 merit badges that require councilors.  We also need logistic personnel, artistic personnel, people who like to cook, like to plan, like to organize, repair, maintain, brainstorm, think outside as well as inside the box, people who like to research, mentor and guide, etc.  Basically, if you have an interest and any amount of time, Troop 55 can probably find a place for both.  Plus, I bet you will find your own interests expand and grow as you are exposed to the kinetic world of Troop 55.

If your interest is tempted, please ask for an ADULT LEADERSHIP SURVEY and get it back to us a.s.a.p.  Visit us on the website for more information and come and join us.  You will not be disappointed.