About Us
Our Aim
It is the aim of Troop 72 to build character, citizenship & leadership in the young men of our community. We use an outdoor activity based program to enable the boys to have fun and to keep them interested. Scouts in Troop 72 continue to work on advancement throughout their Scouting career, and the troop calendar & activities are designed to facilitate this advancement.
Our Philosophy
Troop 72 is a boy-run, adult-supervised organization, unlike Cub Scouts which is an adult-run organization. Our aim is to help young boys to grow into responsible young men by providing them with opportunities to advance, grow, mature, and lead. Chartered in 1973, we are a Quality Unit, committed to the development and advancement of Scouts through the rank of Eagle.
Our Priorities
To provide a scouting program that is fun and challenging through the following:
Weekly meetings that are interesting and activity oriented, and
Monthly outdoor activities that stimulate, challenge and educate the boys in the troop.
To offer an advancement program for all troop members and regularly recognize achievement.
To create a leadership development program to provide personal growth for each scout and ensure continuity of troop leadership.
Scout Run Organization
Using the Boy Scout Handbook as a guide, the boys plan and implement the program. Since it is a boy-run program, we feel that the adult leader's function is to ensure that the program is run safely and the boys have all the necessary resources (including material, knowledge, and leadership skill) to carry out their program and achieve their goals. Leadership training is provided and promoted.
Our Troop Structure
The Troop organization is based on the patrol method. The patrols consists of groups of five to eight boys headed by a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader. A Senior Patrol Leader and an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader work closely with the Patrol Leaders to run the Troop. All of these leadership positions are held by the boys in the Troop.
Monthly Outdoor Activities – The “Outing” in Scouting
We have a one or two outdoor experience each and every month. This may include camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, canoeing, rock climbing, snow activities and community service projects. Learning is coupled with great fun.
Advancement
Our goal is to have scouts make the rank of First Class within a year and a half. After that, the sky is the limit when earning merit badges in their attempt to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
Court Of Honor
Held every March, June, September and December. This is an event that honors the achievements of our Scouts.
Expectations from Scouts
As a member of Troop 72 few things are expected of them. Basically, they are expected to: (a) Have fun! (b) Attend most meetings (c) Participate in a majority of events (d) Make steady progress toward rank advancement (e) Wear Scout uniform at the appropriate times (f) Maintain self control and follow directions (g) Show Scout spirit (h) Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Summer Camp
We spend a full week each summer at a camp (Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, Circle X, etc.,) in California. It is a great opportunity for advancement and more fun than one can imagine. Sample activities include: Swimming, Lifesaving, Snorkeling, Rowing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Fishing, Campcrafts, Nature Studies, Pioneering, HandiCrafts, Merit Badge Programs.
Parent Involvement
All of our parents are part of the Troop as well. Many are trained leaders, committee members, merit badge counselors, outing drivers and participants. We are definitely “parent-friendly."
Family Activities
Every year we strive to have a snow outing and an annual family overnight campout.
Special Events
Troop 72 regularly participates in Scout Expo, District and Council Camporees, Scout-A-Rama, Order of the Arrow, Training Programs, and other related scouting adventures.