RINA Gives Back - Boy Scouts of America

Crockett Boy Scout Troop 171 celebrated their 100th anniversary

Recently, Crockett Boy Scout Troop 171 celebrated their 100th anniversary. The troop was founded in 1918 and is sponsored by the Lion’s Club. We also have another troop, Troop 173, that is sponsored by the Virtus Club and was founded about 90 years ago. As a family, we have been involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for about 33 years. I have been a part of the Crockett Troop for 24 of those years.

Our troops strive to teach young men about the outdoors through camping and high adventure trips. In the process, they will earn merit badges and advance through the various ranks from Scout through Eagle. Two of my boys achieved the Eagle Scout rank. They didn’t realize at the time how many skills they were able to apply in their adult life and it also made them desirable candidates when going on job interviews.

Of all the roles I have had, I enjoy my role as Advancement Chair the most. I help each Scout to advance in rank by giving them the support and necessary resources. It is so fulfilling to watch these boys come in when they’re 10-11 years old and watch them grow into wonderful, respectful young men.

The goals for each Scout are character development, citizenship training and personal fitness. Along the way, they are exposed to many activities and locations they might not ordinarily be able to do or see. Our troop participates in many camping trips, hikes, climbing and rappelling, rafting and snow trips, etc. One major trip they go on every 4-5 years is to Washington DC for two weeks; a wonderful learning experience.

Crockett may only have a population of a little over 3,000 people, but we get incredible support from both individuals and local industry to be able to provide these activities at no or low cost. In turn, the boys give back in many ways with various forms of community service.

I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to an organization that has given me and my
family so much.