Troop 12 is a boy-run Troop, under the watchful eye of trained adults. The boys elect new leaders on a periodic basis and learn leadership by doing. The boys in the Troop choose their program for the year which includes camping, hiking, canoeing, biking and skiing at a variety of places on and off Long Island. They learn to pack and dress for all types of weather conditions. Other annual activities include running a Hot Dog Stand at our church fair and cooking and serving at our Pancake Breakfast.
Our program operates year-round, with a 3-weeks break at the end of August. The program includes weekend trips, usually camping or backpacking, on an average of one per month. In addition, we attend Summer Camp for 7 days in August at Camp Yawgoog, in Rhode Island.
We encourage all parents of Scouts to become involved with the activities of the Troop and share in the growth and development of the boys in our Troop.
We practice FUN SCOUTING and SAFE SCOUTING at all times!
Our program follows the ideals of Scouting, which is designed to help boys grow physically, morally and mentally. To learn to get along with others, to become self-reliant and to develop good leadership skills. An Advancement Program provides each boy with the skills needed to be safe and confident on camping and hiking trips and follows up with public recognition of those learned skills in the form of Rank Advancement and Merit Badges, presented three times a year at a formal Court of Honor.
A PROGRAM OF BOYS LEADING BOYS …
… Under the supervision of adults. In order for us to allow the boys to succeed at becoming goods leaders, we must allow them to try, fail and try again. During the course of his time in Scouts, each boy will have an opportunity to try many new things. We let them enjoy their failures and successes. This is sometimes difficult for parents of new Scouts to understand. We ask you to be patient with them and us as we grow together. Be assured, the adult leaders of the Troop will always have safety as our first concern. Please feel free to ask any Scouters any questions about the Scouting program and ideals.
Number of Scouts: 30 +/- Number of Trained Adults: 6 (always looking for more)
Meeting Time: Wednesday 7:30 – 9:00 PM (except school holidays)
Meeting Place: United Methodist Church, West Neck Road, Huntington, NY
Annual Dues: $70.00 (due in September) New Scouts $25.00 (due upon joining)
Each Scout is expected to own and maintain an official BSA Scout uniform. A Class A uniform consists of Scout shirt, pants (or shorts) and socks with a Scout belt and Troop 12 neckerchief. The Class B uniform is Scout pants or shorts and Scout socks and belt and a red Troop 12 shirt. We also have a Troop 12 hat for certain occasions. The first hat, Class B shirt and neckerchief are supplied. Replacements are $10 each. In addition, and considered part of his uniform, is the Official Boy Scout Handbook, which he should bring to EVERY meeting and campout. Please have his name clearly inscribed on all his belongings – they do get left behind from time to time.
Troop 12 goes camping throughout the year. Each Scout is responsible for his own gear (Troop 12 supplies tents). Good equipment is essential and pays for itself many times over. Our adult leaders can help recommend the best choices. Also, refer to the Scout Handbook for the necessary equipment. We encourage all Scouts to attend as many outings as possible. Each Scout will be expected to present himself with a Troop 12 Permission Slip (signed by a parent) and be properly equipped and attired before each campout – no exceptions. Permission slips can be downloaded from Files & Forms section of this site.
SUMMER CAMP
Troop 12 takes a week in August each year to attend summer camp. It is very important for new Scouts to join us at camp in order to feel part of the Troop in September the following year. Please plan your summer accordingly. We will spend at least a month during the summer to prepare all Scouts for camp. A Parent Meeting will be held to answer all questions.
CAMPING WITH THE TROOP
The camping program is there to provide a variety of opportunities to grow and learn. We stress learning the basic skills as soon as possible and help each boy to develop at his own pace. Parents are welcome to participate in one of three ways:
- As part of the Scoutmaster Staff. If you are interested in helping to mentor boys, BSA offers many excellent training opportunities and can help you learn the skills you need to help bring the Scouting ideals directly to the members of the troop.
- As a visiting parent, you are welcome to camp with us, eat and sleep alongside the Scoutmaster Staff and observe the Troop in action. It is important for parents to understand that the program has a method and purpose and so parents are asked to be observers and refrain from directly interacting in a parent/son capacity. Remember, we are trying to foster an environment that supports growth, self-reliance and a sense of independence. ALL PARENTS are required take the BSA Youth Protection Online Training.
Advancement is an important part of our program. It is the outward recognition of a boy’s accomplishments. Our program provides many opportunities to advance. Each boy advances at his own pace. Parents can help by encouraging their son to take part in as many Troop activities as possible and by helping them to remember to always bring along their Handbook so achievements can be signed off.
Every Scout is supervised by a minimum of 2 trained adult leaders. No Scout is permitted to share a tent with an adult on any campout. Inappropriate language, physical violence, possession of weapons or explosives of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Scouts are expected to behave according to the Scout Laws and Oath. Please notify the Scoutmaster with reports of any mistreatment by any Scouts or adult leaders.