Who We Are: BSA Troop 221 serves a diverse group of boys and young men ages 11 through 18.
Most of the scouts come from the Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods of Philadelphia with some coming from Germantown and the northern and western suburbs.
We are looking for boys and their parents who like the outdoors, can handle challenges, aspire to be outstanding citizens, care about the environment, and want to be in charge of choosing their adventures.
Why Scouting? We believe that a boy gains something special when he's involved in Scouting. He has a chance to prove his ability to handle all kind of challenges. He learns to work with others in ways that are safe, productive and fun. He learns to express himself, take a turn at planning and following through on a leadership initiative, and he gets to go places and do things in the outdoors that many boys only dream about. He is encouraged to explore many interests in the company of trained and caring adults, he learns what it takes to be a good citizen and a good man. He receives recognition for achievement and helps train the next group of Scouts to follow his trail to Eagle Scout.
Where We Meet The home base of Troop 221 is the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue, 19118 (next to Chestnut Hill Hospital). PCCH is an inclusive congregation that does not discriminate in any of its sponsored programs. The troop has been chartered to the church for almost 20 years.
How to Join Boys who have completed 5th grade or have earned their Cub Scout Arrow of Light and have not reached their 18th birthday are invited to visit a troop meeting and talk to members and their parents. We accept applications any time of year. The total joining fee includes the national registration fee, a subscription to Boys' Life magazine and the troop joining fee. The membership year runs February to January with dues paid yearly in January. Dues of $50 are pro-rated during the rest of the year.
Boys who register as Scouts and adults who register as Scouters fill out a form with contact information and health history. Adult applications include a required criminal/child abuse background check.
What Happens at Meetings Meetings are typically planned by a council of youth leaders and conducted by them. Besides Scouting Traditions, we get informed about interesting topics, practice skills needed in the outdoors or in emergencies, play games and prepare for trips. Some meetings are ceremonial but most are a balance of information, challenge and fun. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM and we aim to end by 9:00PM every Thursday.
Who Runs the Troop? Ideally a Boy Scout Troop is run by the boys with support and advice from adult leaders. The Senior Patrol Leader is the head youth leader. He and his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders make the schedule and plan the events. The boys are divided into patrols and work together. The Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters provide structure, training, encouragement, and ideas to the Troop. Interested families can contact Bart Poindexter, the Scoutmaster at 215-844-0351 or by emailing him at bpoindexter-at-verizon.net
How to Advance Boy Scouting recognizes each boy for his own personal advancement toward Eagle Scout. The Boy Scout Handbook outlines the advancement program. The troop's annual program, including a week long summer camp, provides many opportunities for boys to explore interests, earn merit badges, provide service, and fulfill leadership requirements. We have a terrific success rate at helping interested young men complete their Eagle Scout awards.
What We Do Besides camping trips which happen about every 6 weeks from February through November, the troop also goes on many exciting outings planned by the youth leaders. We go skiing, canoeing, rafting, hiking; we visit museums and other places of interest. We work on the sidelines at local races. We participate in competitive events against other area troops. We hope to send 6 to 8 boys to the 2010 National Jamboree in Virginia. We have traveled to Ontario and Quebec, to the Florida Keys and to many nearby states. We may go bowling one time and deep sea fishing another time, based on the interests of the boys and their parents.
What About a Uniform? Troop 221 is a full uniform troop. From September to June we wear the khaki shirt and olive green pants of the official BSA uniform. Our troop has its own embroidered neckerchief, and we wear a distinctive hat to summer camp. In the summer we wear a troop T-shirt and olive shorts. In the fall of 2008 the BSA changed the standard Scout uniform. We will likely have all new Scouts wear the updated "Centennial" uniform.
What Does a New Scout Need to Buy? A boy joining Troop 221 needs a new style uniform shirt, belt, pants, and socks. He needs a neckerchief slide. A boy needs a new edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. The troop provides the T-shirt, neckerchief, 221 shoulder numeral and patrol patch. When earned or elected the troop provides badges of rank, merit badges, and position patches. A boy with 6 or more merit badges needs a sash for formal occasions. For summer camp the boy needs to purchase the troop hat.
What about Camping Gear? A good "three season" sleeping bag is best. Every boy needs his own mess kit or a convenient cup, bowl, plate, knife, fork and spoon set. A backpack with room for everything he'll need on a two day hike (clothing, extra shoes, rain gear, toiletries, water and snacks) is a good idea. For summer camp many boys pack in large plastic tote or footlocker. A duffle bag will work for most trips that do not involve backpacking. A Scout must earn the right to carry a pocket knife, but a compass is a good piece of starter equipment, so is a first aid kit.
What do Parents Do? We encourage and need parents to participate in various ways. Parents who enjoy scouting activities are urged to take Basic Leader Training and become uniformed leaders. Parents who prefer to be in the background are encouraged to join the Troop Committee and help with phone calls, event planning, transportation, rank advancement boards of review, the treasury, public relations, fund raising or other events.We invite adults to become registered BSA members but all parents are considered part of the Troop Committee.