Our Scouts
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Troop 216 has 20-25 registered Scouts, ranging in age from 6th grade (11 years) to Senior in High School (18 years). There are roughly 67% between 11-14 years and 33% between 15- 17 years. Our troop uses the Patrol Method, developed by Baden-Powell. There are four (4) active Patrols of approximately five to seven Scouts from new Scouts through Eagles. In March – June, the troop has one additional patrol of all new incoming 6th grade scouts – “New Scout Patrol”. An Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is assigned as their Patrol Leader. There is also a Troop Instructor for these new scouts who assist them in Scout rank requirements. These two Scout Leaders help the new scouts get acquainted with the troop and ensure a smooth transition. Mid June, just prior to summer camp, these scouts are assigned to a Troop Patrol. Meetings Troop 216 meets Tuesdays from 7PM-8:30PM, with the Patrol Leader Council and Committee Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. The PLC meetings are required for all Scout Leadership positions. All Scouts are invited to the PLC, and all parents are invited to Parent Committee Meetings, but these are not required. A typical Troop Meeting is led by scouts in leadership positions, with topics ranging from merit badge and advancement requirements to trip planning followed by a fun game or skill learning activity. Most meetings are held at Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo, but occasionally, the patrols (or troop) will plan an off site meeting. Due to the pandemic, troop meetings are via Zoom, with in person Patrol Meetings once a month. These in person Patrol meetings are outdoor activities, with all participants wearing masks and keeping distance from each other. This troop meets during the summer months at Livorna Park, Alamo CA. During the summer months, opportunities for earning Merit Badges and rank advancement are made for those interested. The Troop has three (3) Courts of Honor each year for presentation of Rank Advancements, Merit Badges, and Special Awards and Recognitions. These are typically the last Tuesday of February, May and October of each year. |
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Activities
Troop 216 is a very active troop! There are several opportunities for our scouts to learn, grow and have fun.
- OUTDOOR ~ We plan monthly outings throughout the year - car camping, backpacking, weekend ski trip or snow camping, weekend service project and car camping at Yosemite or a BSA summer camp facility, family camping and day hikes.
- SERVICE PROJECTS ~ Service opportunities have included the annual BSA Scouting for Food drive, the Alamo Tree Lighting Ceremony, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, service for Stone Valley MS, service for the Kiwanis Club, and various volunteer opportunities at local organizations such as Monument Crisis Center and the Contra Costa Food Bank. In addition, our scouts are encouraged to help with fellow scouts' Eagle Projects throughout the community.
- MERIT BADGES ~ Troop 216 offer many opportunities throughout the year for its scouts to earn Merit Badges. These are typically scheduled during the weekend or other non-troop meeting evenings. The troop attends the Spring Advance Day on the USS Hornet, the Fall Advancement Day and various one day MB opportunities offered by nearby councils.
- SUMMER CAMPS ~ The Troop typically attends two summer camps – 2013 Camp Wente and Camp Makualla in Oregon, plus High Adventure Philmont, 2014 Camp Wente and Camp Emerald Bay, plus 50 Miler in Montana, 2015 Camp Marin Sierra and Camp Fiesta in San Diego, plus High Adventure Seabase, and 2016 Camp Wente and Camp Makualla in Oregon, plus High Adventure Philmont. There are plans for a BSA summer camp in Hawaii, heading back to BSA Emerald Bay and High Adventure Swamp Camp in Louisiana.
As opportunities arise, additional outdoor activities are added to the calendar at the discretion of the Patrol Leaders Council, Scoutmasters and Committee.
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