What will my son get out of scouting?
Scouting teaches self-reliance and leadership by challenging the scouts to do their best. Scouts are expected to take turns cooking, cleaning up, and leading their patrol. He will be taught skills such as first aid, knot tying, fire building, fire safety, cooking, swimming, teamwork, leadership, plus much more.
How often does the troop camp out?
In Troop 69 we have at least one major event each month. Whenever possible we camp outdoors, but in the winter we “camp” in the cabin.
When are troop meetings?
Meetings are every Tuesday from 5:30 pm and end at 7:00 pm.
How much does it cost to be a member of Troop 69?
You will be asked to pay an initial joining fee of $40 (Which includes a tee shirt). Most campouts will include a cost of $15 for food plus occasional fees for patches (long distance trips may be more). Summer camp currently cost $295 for one full week of camping.
How does the troop help financially?
In Troop 69 we have several fundraisers every year with almost all of the profits going to the boys. Our past fundraisers included popcorn, candy, and coupon book or card selling.
How do I fit in as a parent?
In Troop 69 we encourage parental participation. Parents are welcome to come on any campout or meeting you wish to, and you are encouraged to join the troop committee. We currently have enough adults that you probably will not be asked to attend any outings, but you may be asked to help out in other ways. We also find that boys with involved parents get the most out of scouting. Sometimes before a campout your son may need to purchase food for his patrol, or he may need to use your yard to dry his tent after a campout. With few exceptions non-scout children are not allowed on campouts.
Will my boy advance in your troop?
Troop 69 has produced 27 eagles to date. So the answer is yes, if your son wants to advance we have the experience to help him do so.
What about summer camp?
Troop 69 has attended Owasippe Scout Reservation since 1986, and for three years we even went for two consecutive weeks.
How about other long term camping?
We have taken week long tours of Kentucky three times, visiting the corvette museum, fort Knox, the Patton Museum, Louisville slugger factory, coke museum, Mammoth caves, and many other interesting sites. We also visited to St. Louis Missouri for a fun filled week including the Arch, City Museum, and Bigfoot truck museum. We have gone to Washington DC.
What is this I hear about shooting campouts?
Troop 69 has at least one outing a year that revolves around shooting. The boys are allowed to handle 12 gauge shotguns and 22 caliber rifles. Safety is the number one concern on these outings. Our adults are very experienced in gun safety and first aid, and the range master at Izzak Walton is NRA certified. At Owasippe summer camp there are rifle and shotgun ranges as well as an archery range.