Scouts BSA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scouting: Adventure, Life Skills, Leadership

Would you like to learn to be more successful in life and make the world a better place? Scouting has a proven track record of developing trustworthy, confident, and self-sufficient youth, ready to assume leadership roles in school, work, or the community.

Scouts BSA, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, welcomes girls and boys ages 10 to 18 to participate in outdoor adventures, service projects, leadership opportunities, and building skills for life. You do not need to have been a Cub Scout to join Scouts BSA!

The Scouting organization has emerged from the challenges of the last few years by focusing on its core mission: preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Our commitment to safety for all youth and adult members is fundamental to everything we do. 

Why Scouting?

Four female scouts and two female leaders in uniform at a Court of Honor ceremony

For Personal Development

Scouting provides a series of surmountable and achievable goals to expand the horizons of young people and give them opportunities they cannot find through school or other outside activities. Scouts learn at their own pace, through carefully designed experiences that have been developed over time to be effective for learners at all levels. Learning how to tie knots, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid is useful in life, but the combined impact of learning and being tested on those skills builds confidence and self-reliance.

For Community Development

Scouts develop individual skills, but they also have opportunities to use those skills to help their fellow Scouts, families, and the community at large. All youth members volunteer in the community and many Troops undertake service projects. Citizenship education, in support of community, nation, society, or the world, is a major component of the Scouting advancement program.

For Values Development

The mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. The Scout Oath and Scout Law encourage service, kindness, accountability, and duty. Within the framework of Scouting, youth develop character, leadership, and mental and physical fitness. All participants learn how to keep each other safe, whether physically, psychologically, or spiritually. Scouts BSA does not exclude any youth or adult member based on personal identity, circumstances, or abilities.

How does Scouting work?

Three female and three male Scouts around a campfire in the woods

Scout Troops

A Troop is a unit of Scouts BSA, made up of girls or boys. Troops meet several times each month to learn skills, play games, recognize accomplishments, and elect leaders. They also plan outings such as camping, hiking, service projects, or visits to local and regional attractions. Each Troop decides which activities to do, and youth members lead planning and organizing. Troops often plan activities with other Troops or Cub Scout Packs and participate in District-wide or Council-wide programs. Troops are led by youth members supported by adult leaders who ensure safety and act as guides and mentors. Girl Troops and Boy Troops often meet at the same time and place for joint activities but maintain separate youth and adult leadership.

Adult Leaders

Each Troop has two or more adult leaders (21 or older) trained in the Scouts BSA program, requirements, and principles. For female Troops, at least one female adult leader is required to participate at all times. All adults involved with Scouting in any capacity must pass a background check and take Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse Training every year. Scouting practices Two-Deep Leadership which ensures that two adult leaders are required for any engagement with a Scout or group of Scouts. This requirement covers in-person activities, online communications, or personal interactions such as Merit Badge evaluations.

Merit Badges

Merit Badges are foundational for Scouting and enable youth members to learn new skills and demonstrate mastery. There are over 135 badges, in topics ranging from law to lifesaving, camping to citizenship, gardening to game design. Many can be earned virtually, by working alone or with the rest of the Troop. Merit Badge Counselors guide Scouts through the process and certify that requirements have been met. Badges are awarded during a Court of Honor ceremony by Troop leaders.

Advancement

In addition to Merit Badges, Scouts earn Ranks to demonstrate their overall development in the program. Adult leaders mentor youth to determine their goals and the path toward achieving them. There are also positions within the Troop, such as Senior Patrol Leader, which are elected by youth members. Some Scouts will decide to work toward the highest rank, Eagle Scout, but others will not. There are also Awards in many categories, which can be earned locally or nationally.

Uniforms

Scouts BSA uniforms are designed to create a sense of unity, equality, identification, and personal commitment. The iconic Scouts BSA uniform represents the ideals of Scouting and enables Scouts and leaders to display their accomplishments and demonstrate dedication. Uniforms must be well-maintained and worn neatly and are greatly encouraged to be worn for all Scouting activities. Troops can decide when uniforms must be worn, such as during a Court of Honor or community function.

What do Scouts do?

Three female and three male Scouts around a campfire in the woods

Meetings

Troops meet several times each month during the school year, usually on a set night of the week. Each meeting typically includes activities that support Merit Badges, planning for future events, time for socializing, and shared food. Scouts may break up into Patrol units for some of these activities.  

District and Council Events 

Five Rivers Council and its districts sponsor many activities during the year that all Troops can participate in, such as:

  • Camporees – weekends where Troops can camp and share a common set of activities
  • Klondike Derby – Troops compete by pull their sleds through a course and stopping to complete challenges along the way
  • Advancement Fair – Troops members collectively work on Merit Badge and rank requirements, assisted by adult volunteers

Outings and Activities

Scout Troops love to plan activities outside of regular meetings! They include trips to local museums and attractions, visiting companies or agencies, or religious activities. Outdoor adventures build character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. Scouts learn to have fun safely outdoors, whether on the water, on foot, on vehicles, or at a campsite. Scouts are taught outdoor ethics via the Leave No Trace program, ensuring they can enjoy outdoor adventures with minimal impact on the environment, wildlife, and other visitors. Troops plan camping trips to other locations such as parks, campgrounds, and even ski areas.

Community Service

A major part of Scouting is service to others. Troops participate in large events such as the annual Scouting for Food campaign or smaller events such as cleaning up a park. Troops often provide staffing for Cub Scout activities such as Pinewood Derby or swimming instruction. 

Summer Camp

The Five Rivers Council owns and operates Camp Gorton, which provides Scouts with outdoor adventure opportunities each summer and throughout the year. Scouts BSA members are highly encouraged to attend Scout Camp, which offers Merit Badge opportunities, unmatched waterfront and shooting skills facilities, and fellowship with other Troops. 

High Adventure Bases

BSA operates four High Adventure sites that Scouts can visit with their Troops: Northern Tier in Minnesota, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Sea Base in Florida, and Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. These are major undertakings in terms of time, planning, and fundraising, but provide a level of facilities and experiences that is one-of-a-kind.

Eagle Scouts

Twelve male and female members of the Eagle Scout class of 2023 at their recognition dinner in full uniform

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Scouts BSA. Reaching this rank is rare — only 1 out of 20 young people who join Scouting will achieve it. For those who do, becoming an Eagle Scout will be one of the greatest accomplishments in their lives!

Requirements to earn the Eagle rank include:

  • Earning at least 21 merit badges, including 14 Eagle-required ones, covering subjects like personal fitness, environmental science, public speaking, citizenship, and financial management.
  • Serving as a patrol leader within their troop.
  • Independently planning itineraries for troop excursions.
  • Competing against other troops in large-scale Scouting events such as camporees.
  • Leading a large-scale project for the betterment of their community (Eagle Project).
  • Volunteering with local organizations and making valuable connections with community leaders.

Costs

Compared with many other youth activities, Scouting is affordable for families! Financial assistance for membership dues is directly from Five Rivers Council. Troops also hold fundraisers to defray costs associated with activities and trips. 

Annual dues for Youth Members are $113. Membership begins the month that fees are paid and continues for 12 calendar months. Other costs may include uniforms, event fees, and personal camping equipment. Many Troops offer uniform swaps, have a stockpile of equipment, and cover fees through fundraising. Ask Troop leadership for information about making Scouting more affordable for your family or contact Five Rivers Council at info@fiveriversbsa.org.

How Can I Join?

Below is a list of all Troops in the Five Rivers Council, with location and contact information. We encourage you to visit these Troops online, attend Troop meetings and events, and determine which Troop is best for you. Once you are ready to enroll, visit the Troop’s Registration Link to get started.

Unit Type Unit Name Chartered Organization Contact Name Address Registration Link
Boys Troop 43 Pine City Sportsmen Club Andrew Degnan 1238 Pennsylvania Ave, Pine City, NY 14871  
Girls Troop 43 Pine City Sportsmen Club Nicole Swimelar 1238 Pennsylvania Ave, Pine City, NY 14871  
Boys Troop 50 Odessa Fire Department Christian Maphis 300 E Main St, Odessa, NY 14869  
Boys Troop 84 Horseheads American
Legion
Gerald Edger 1034 W Broad St, Horseheads, NY 14845 Link
Girls Troop 84 Horseheads American
Legion
Gerald Edger 1034 W Broad St, Horseheads, NY 14845 Link
Boys Troop 87 First Presbyterian Church
Of Big Flats
Brenda Anderson 95 Main Street, Big Flats, NY 14814 Link
Girls Troop 87 First Presbyterian Church
Of Big Flats
Brenda Anderson 95 Main Street, Big Flats, NY 14814 Link
Boys Troop 101 Hendy Avenue School PTO Patricia Gurnsey Hendy Ave School, 110 Hendy Ave, Elmira, NY 14905 Link
Boys Troop 3097 American Legion #1612 –
Big Flats
Angie Merrow 45 Olcott Rd S, Big Flats, NY 14814 Link
Boys Troop 4 The Camptown Church Irene Melly Camptown Community Church, Camptown, PA 18853 Link
Boys Troop 6 American Legion Post 42 Lyndon Lundy 5 Court St, Towanda, PA 18848  
Boys Troop 17 Epiphany Roman Catholic Church Clifford Cyr 304 S Elmer Ave, Sayre, PA 18840 Link
Boys Troop 22 Northern Tier
Recreational Authority
Patrick Harding 110 Alba St, Knoxville, PA 16928 Link
Boys Troop 24 VFW Post 4907 Constance Cummings 465 Kelsey St  Wellsboro, PA 16901  
Girls Troop 24 VFW Post 4907 Constance Cummings 465 Kelsey St Wellsboro, PA 16901  
Boys Troop 33 Loyal Order Of Moose Harry Lammy 41 Sullivan Street, Canton, PA 17724 Link
Girls Troop 33 Loyal Order Of Moose Sarah Gates 41 Sullivan St, Canton, PA 17724 Link
Boys Troop 48 Dushore Lions Club Leanne Murray School Rd, Mildred, PA 18632  
Boys Troop 106 First United Presbyterian
Church
Jeffrey Clark 29 E. Wellsboro St, Mansfield, PA 16933 Link
Boys Troop 2062 First Baptist Church of Tioga Robert Penzone 6 Franklin St., PO Box 237,  Lawrenceville, PA 16929 Link
Girls Troop 2062 First Baptist Church of Tioga Robert Penzone 6 Franklin St., PO Box 237,  Lawrenceville, PA 16929  
Boys Troop 4018 Sayre Christian Church Nicholas Ross 427 S Keystone Ave, Sayre, PA 18840 Link
Girls Troop 4018 Sayre Christian Church Amaryah Denlinger 427 S Keystone Ave, Sayre, PA 18840 Link
Boys Troop 4019 Church Of The Redeemer John Johnson 201 S Wilbur Ave, Sayre, PA 18840 Link
Boys Troop 4049 VFW Post 8675/American
Legion Post 49
Barbara Brown 579 Canton Street, Troy, PA 16947 Link
Boys Troop 2 Christ Episcopal Church Amanda Ford 1st St, Corning, NY 14830  
Boys Troop 16 American Legion- Post
1248 Arkport
Eric Jones 6 Park Ave, Arkport, NY 14807 Link
Boys Troop 18 Hammondsport American
Legion
Ian Walruth 96 Pulteney St, Hammondsport, NY14840 Link
Boys Troop 19 Union University Church Todd Goho Church Street, c/o Peter Finley Alfred, NY 14802 Link
Boys Troop 32 Avoca American Legion
Post 1315
Randy Heard 8593 Jacobs Ladder Rd, Avoca, NY 14809 Link
Boys Troop 34 Prattsburgh Protective
Volunteer Fire Department
Jonathan Carpenter PO Box 356, Prattsburgh, NY14873 Link
Boys Troop 35 First Presbyterian Church Alicia Gunther 3 East 3rd Street, Wayland, NY 14826 Link
Girls Troop 38 Dansville Fish And Game   79 Gibson Street, Dansville, NY 14437  
Girls Troop 38 Dansville Fish And Game Damon Flick 79 Gibson Street, Dansville, NY 14437 Link
Boys Troop 45 Concerned Citizens of Bradford Frederick Campbell 9888 Old State Rd, Bradford, NY 14815  
Boys Troop 61 The Coffee Klatsch Patrol, Inc Gail Ewanyk Grace United Methodist Church, 191 Bridge St, Corning, NY 14830 Link
Girls Troop 61 The Coffee Klatsch Patrol, Inc Gail Ewanyk Grace United Methodist Church, 191 Bridge St, Corning, NY 14830 Link
Boys Troop 79 Gang Mills Fire Dept Damien Barrett 21 Beartown Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 Link
Boys Troop 83 Rotary Club of Canisteo Marlene Ermer 10 Maple Street, Canisteo, NY 14823 Link
Boys Troop 1009 American Legion Post 440 Daniel Lee 72 Seneca St. Hornell, NY 14843 Link