January 2024
One of the main benefits of Scouting is leadership experience. In Scout Troops, youth have the primary leadership responsibility for the Troop’s operations. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the highest leadership level in a Scout Troop for a youth member. He or she runs Troop meetings, leads the Patrol Leader’s Council, and oversees all Troop activities. SPLs are guided by Scouting adult leaders but are ultimately responsible for the success of the Troop. Each SPL is elected by the Troop members and typically serves in the role for 6 months.
The members of Troop 2062 (Boys) in Lawrenceville, PA held their SPL election at the last meeting of 2023. The meeting was called to order by Bobby P., their current SPL, who has been serving since July. Then Scoutmaster Robert Penzone remarked on the importance of voting in American society and how holding an SPL election teaches Scouts how voting works and to practice good voting processes.
The two candidates for SPL then stood and explained how they would lead if elected, and what each would focus on. The ballots were passed out, filled in, and collected, then counted one by one in front of the Troop. The results were in, and Hunter B. was elected SPL. Later, Bobby administered the SPL oath to Hunter B. in front of the entire Troop.
To find out more about Troop 2062, visit their web page at Boy Scout Troop 2062. To find a Scouts BSA Troop in your area, visit our Scouts BSA page.
December 2023
Scout Troop 84 Boys and Girls in Horseheads, NY continued their annual Aquanaut Adventure this past December at the Horseheads High School swimming pool. Cub Scouts in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades from six different Packs came to learn swimming strokes, rescue methods, boating safety, and earn swim classifications needed to advance to their next Cub Scout ranks.
Emily M. of Troop 84 (Girls) loves working with younger kids and teaching them skills. She was helping them learn crawl, side stroke, backstroke, and floating. She even helped one kid who was a little iffy about getting in the pool. “He hadn’t been in the water since last summer, but once we got him splashing the adult leaders and getting them wet, he was fine,” she said.
Katie V. of Troop 84 (Girls) was helping demonstrate how to use kayak and canoe paddles. She had also helped with swim tests at Camp Gorton last summer. When asked why she likes Scouting, she said, “we do a lot of fun activities and fundraisers for both the community and the Troop.”
Troop 84 (Girls and Boys) meet most Mondays at 7 PM at the Horseheads First United Methodist Church. For more information, email bsatroop84@stny.rr.com. To find a Scouts BSA Troop in your area, visit our Scouts BSA page (link to Scouts BSA landing page). To find a Cub Scouts Pack in your area, visit our Cub Scouts page (link to Cub Scouts landing page).