In 1907, Baden-Powell, an English army officer, invited a group of boys to Brownsea Island off the coast of England to attend the world's first boy Scout camp. Here he taught basic outdoor skills. Its success led him to write a book called Scouting for Boys. Thousands of boys read it and wanted to join the new organization. Scouting spread like wildfire throughout Europe and before long, around the World.
The Scouting movement came to America because an English boy led a lost American businessman through the foggy streets of London, and expected no reward in return. This so impressed him that on February 8, 1910, William D. Boyce and a group of businessmen, educators, and political leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America.
Troop 316 was originally chartered on March 31, 1996, and is sponsored by the St. Andrew Men's Society of St. Andrew Catholic church. Our troop is inter-denominational, welcoming boys from every faith, race, and background. We participate in weekly meetings at the St. Andrew Fellowship Hall, and monthly outdoor activities which have included camping, hiking, skiing, rafting, biking, and community service projects.
Who Can Join?
Boys who are 11 through 17 years old are eligible to join Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts who have earned their Arrow of Light may bridge over to Boy Scouts when they have completed the fifth grade.
Benefits of Joining
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
Family Involvement
The family plays a critical role in the development, advancement, and success of each Scout. It is through their encouragement and through the participation of the family as a whole that the boys stay enthused and motivated in the Scouting program. YOUR participation is strongly encouraged and appreciated by both the other boys, and the adult leadership and committee. It has been shown that the most involved and successful Boy Scouts, come from families which have active involvement in their Troop's programs.
How can you help?
There are all types of ways to help your son:
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Be a Uniformed Adult Leader
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Be an active Troop Committee member, or officer
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Attend Courts of Honor
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Attend at least one troop outing per year
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Help with fundraising activities
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Volunteer to transport Scouts and equipment
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Encourage your son to participate and advance
Troop 316 meets on Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Cafeteria of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School. The first meeting each month is a PLC meeting, intended for troop leaders.
The church is located at 625 Magdala Place in Apex, North Carolina.