Boy Scout Troop looking for those seeking adventure

The Whitefish Boy Scout Troop 1917 offers some the most rigorous experiences in Montana Scouting.

These include camping every month of the year and in the summer, week long camping and service projects. The schedule for the coming year includes: in April, First Aid training at a Forest service cabin north of Polebridge; in May, Clean the Fish camping; in June, seven days at Camp Easton in Idaho; in July, service in the Bob Marshall; and August is canoeing the Missouri Breaks 50 plus miles, and more.

Based at the Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, and the troop meets meeting every Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m.

In addition to campouts and service projects, boys learn important life skills that give them the ability to cope with the adversity and challenging circumstances that the world can dish out whether in the wilderness, or in town, according to Troop 1917 Assistant Scoutmaster Toby Scott.

Scott says the troop’s motto is “where theory ends, reality begins,” which is a nod to the fact that what can be learned from a Scout Handbook isn’t what is going to work out in life, and that the best plans can be upended.

In Troop 1917 younger boys learn by the example and mentorship of the older boys. At each meeting they learn various skills they will need for their activities and advancement in rank. All participate in leadership roles as they progress through the ranks of Scouting, every one of them aspiring to the goal of Eagle Scout.

Troop 1917 has graduated 23 Eagle Scouts over the past 10 years, a testament to the Troop’s commitment to the values of the Boy Scout oath, Scott notes.

The troop is looking for boys ages 11 to become a part of the adventure, and adults to assist them in the experience. Male or female, any contribution of time as helpers, guides, drivers, cooks, assistants or as Scoutmasters is welcome.

No experience required, as there are leaders to provide guidance, according to Scott, and leaders do not need to have a boy in the Troop as there are several adult leaders who’s sons have gone through the ranks yet they remain.

For more information, contact Scoutmaster, Frank Thompson at greenacres06@gmail.com.