About the Troop

History:   Troop 191 was created by Michael J. Kelley and Erick Selgren in October 1992 since then we’ve produced 20 eagle scouts and traveled to all of the BSA national high-adventure bases.  Andy Weilert stepped into the role of Scoutmaster in September 2004 after seven years as committee chair when Michael J. Kelley retired. 

 

Members:  We have roughly 40 boys registered with 20-25 active at any given time depending on soccer, basketball, school, etc.  The troop has a very liberal policy concerning participation—if you pay your dues you’re a member for the next year.  We have over 15 registered adults with 6-10 participating in the weekly program.  Many of the registered adults have completed fundamental training and the scoutmaster has completed Woodbadge.  We always welcome adult participation and have positions and/or jobs to suit just about any schedule, aptitude and confidence level.

 

The Program:  We are a truly boy-led troop.  Each autumn the scouts plan the events and themes for the coming year and choose a high-adventure goal for three years from now.   The program always includes a week at summer camp, attendance at Merit Badge University in January, a major high-adventure event and campouts and/or hikes in every month.  The weekly meetings revolve around the older boys instructing the younger scouts on scouting skills and advancement requirements with the goal of advancing new scouts to first-class by the time they leave for their second summer camp and preparing them for the upcoming outings.  The older boys also spend meeting time working on high-adventure preparations and merit badges with one of the counselors registered with the troop.  High adventures for the older boys have included: SCUBA diving, sailing and sea-kayaking in Florida, weeklong canoe trips in southern Ontario and northern Minnesota  and  12 day backpacking trips at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico.  Plans for the upcoming years include a backcountry adventure in Colorado, Wyoming or Utah, another trip to Philmont and a return to Florida.  Summer camp for 2010 will be at Camp Laramie Peak from June 13-19.   The youth leadership is elected on a six-month cycle to provide plenty of opportunities for leadership. 

 

Equipment & Uniforms:  The troop has a supply of tents, stoves and patrol boxes for check-out by the boys.  Scouts need to provide their personal gear:  sleeping bag, backpack or duffel bag, mess kit & silverware.   The troop uniform consists of the khaki scout shirt and a troop-provided neckerchief.  We do not require scout pants/shorts/socks/hats.  The summer uniform is a troop-specific activity T-shirt.     

 

Dues/Finances:  Full year dues are $70 with a $10 discount for early payment and a second $10 discount for volunteers.  Dues for incoming Webelos are $35 with a $10 discount for volunteers.  Boys Life is an additional $12.  The troop participates in the district popcorn sale in the fall and holds a spaghetti dinner/auction in February.  Proceeds from these fundraisers are divided between the troop and the boys with the boys’ share held in a “Scout account” for use on camp fees, high-adventure expenses, outdoor gear and other scout-related expenses.  Summer camp fees are typically $200 to $220.  The troop pays adult registration fees and fees for Junior Leader Training, Woodbadge and other adult training courses.