On Aug. 28, Boy Scout Troop 372 celebrated its first anniversary with a family picnic and a court of honor at Sankey Park.
The troop is chartered by Holley Christian Church and began with a core group of six boy. During its first year, it has more than doubled to 16 young men. The troop uses the traditional values-based Scouting program for guidelines, and the boys themselves are responsible for planning and conducting the troop.
Troop 372 operates under the eyes of Scoutmaster Robert Meyers who strongly advocates boy leadership as the “very heartbeat of the Scouting program.”
“Our troop might not seem to be the most well-run or organized troop, but by using the patrol method, the boys themselves are the ones who decide, plan and operate the meetings and activities,” Meyers said. “This gives each boy an opportunity to serve in a leadership role. As in the Scouting program, a boy cannot advance without serving in a leadership capacity.
“It is so gratifying to see these young men taking responsibility for the success of their troop and watching their character develop over time. These young men are learning to become active young leaders that exemplify the traditional Scouting program.
“Our older, more experienced Scouts are strongly encouraged to give back to the Scouting program and to share their knowledge and expertise with the younger Scouts. Currently, there are two Eagle Scouts within the troop serving in top leadership roles. Typically, many Scouts soon drop out after attaining their Eagle award, and one of the biggest assets a troop has is lost and the Eagle Scout’s obligation to help others along is often neglected.”
During its first year of existence, Troop 372 has earned the Silver Camping Award level by logging 30 nights of camping. Well over 1,000 hours of volunteer community service hours were credited to the new troop. The troop also earned the prestigious “Quality Unit Award” by meeting requirements set by the Boy Scouts of America and the Cascade Pacific Council. Some of the requirements include using the patrol method, BSA trained adult leaders, implementing a year-round outdoor program, providing community service and all boys within the troop receiving the Boy’s Life magazine.
As Troop 372 begins its second year, the boy leadership core has set several high goals, including 30 nights or more of camping to continue with the troop’s three- to four-year goal of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in several in-state and out-of-state expeditions, to provide at least 750 hours of community service, to have each boy actively advancing and to invite the prospective Scouts and parents to attend outdoor activities.
Persons who would like more information about Scouting or Troop 372 may contact Meyers at 367-2331 or [email protected].