Troop 71 is sponsored by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council , and that means that INWC provides us with lots of things, including meeting space, storage facilities, and a wonderful contact with the local conservation programs in the area. We appreciate the INWC a lot, and we try hard to respect their trust in us.
The leaders of Troop71 are incredible. Among our adult leaders, we have numerous Eagle Scouts, three Silver Beaver Award recipients, six Vigil members of the Order of the Arrow, and approximately 200 years of Scouting experience. We will protect the safety of your son as if he were one of our own children. It is hard to believe that in these times your child can be “safe” anywhere, but I believe our troop’s emphasis on safety and morals is one of the most effective safeguards to protecting our kids. Additionally, the BSA has a rigorous program called “Two-Deep Leadership," which says that there will never be a moment where a scout is in the presence of only one adult. There will always be at least two people in the room. Always.
A word about our program: we are a “going” troop. We have lots of events like hiking, camping, snow-caving, summer camping, backpacking, leadership training, and skills development. Our program guys are some of the finest around; our camping team is innovative and flexible, and our adults are dedicated to helping a Scout go as far as he wants to go in Scouting. A while ago, some of the youth asked what the limits are for this program. Going to summer camp in Alaska was mentioned. The kids looked back, not sure if the leader was joking or not. Why not? Given proper training and time, there are few limits as to what Troop 71 can do. We went to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico 2014, and we are going again in 2016. That is the kind of program we have.
Advancement is a crucial idea in Scouting, and we stand ready to help a young man learn the goals of Scouting: citizenship, skill development, and reverence. As such, we help kids to advance, but we do not require a Scout to advance. We help them when they want it, when they ask. Advancement is Scout-driven, not adult-driven. It is assisted by parents, but advancement and awards are driven by the youth’s personal goals.
An evening with Troop71 will stand out for a couple of reasons. Scouts are leading other Scouts. Adults assisting but not doing anything “for” the kids if they can do it themselves; Activity, skill development, healthy attitudes, humor, inclusion, and cooperation. That’s a good night, wouldn't you agree?
Come join us. Monday nights, 7 p.m. It’ll be an hour and a half well-spent.