Simsbury Scouts BSA Troop 174 provides your son or daughter with an opportunity to try new things. They will learn through the experiences of camping, hiking, leadership and community service. These scout activities build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards. The skills your child learns in scouting helps them overcome obstacles and challenges with courage and character throughout their life. Scouting fosters self-esteem, a sense of value and belonging, a sense of accountability and teamwork.
The monthly activities emphasize scout education and leadership development with a focus on “fun with a purpose” — which is our Troop motto. Activities are selected by the scouts and approved by the Scoutmaster. Some of our past trips have included visiting West Point and attending a football game, along with a tour of the facility; skiing and snowboarding at Lake Placid; and a 2-week backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, just to name a few. These are more than trips. Our scout program helps your child grow mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. The skills they learn in Scouting will help them to succeed throughout their lives.
Our Troop meets every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. Meetings are typically in Wesley Hall at the Simsbury United Methodist Church in downtown Simsbury, however may be held outdoors in fall and spring. Meetings officially start at 7:00 pm but youth and adult leaders are always available at 6:30 pm to help the scouts with their advancement skills and merit badge requirements. If you have any questions that can’t be answered by looking through our website, feel free to contact our scoutmaster, Rick Schulitz, through our contact page or via the form below.
What sets Simsbury Scouts BSA Troop 174 apart from the rest?
Our scouts learn and practice their leadership skills and each scout has the opportunity to step up and take on a leadership position as they advance through their ranks towards Eagle Scout. Weekly meetings are led by the scouts, and provide the scouts an opportunity to plan, organize and lead. Outdoor trips and activities are often led by the most senior scout leaders, but always under the watchful eye of multiple trained and skilled adult leaders, as safety is of paramount importance.
Troop 174 is fortunate to have several enthusiastic adult and scouts ready and willing to learn and apply new skills. Each scout has one-on-one access to the adult leaders, which is an essential ingredient for them to get the most value from the program. Your child will advance in rank at a pace comfortable to themselves and their parents. Scout parents are welcome to enjoy each outdoor activity with their child. Our Troop size promotes camaraderie and greater leadership opportunities for developing scouts, as well as allowing development of deeper personal relationships.
A scout of Simsbury Scouts BSA Troop 174 plans his own advancement and progresses at his own pace. Your child is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help the scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Since its inception in 1963, Troop 174 has honored 137 Eagle Scouts – an average of 2 to 3 per year!
Parental Involvement
The best way to ensure a Scout’s success and longevity is to have his parent involved. The largest Patrol on our camping trips is typically the “Geezer Patrol”, and we have the best meals!
While we strongly support a “ScoutRun Program”, and do our best to guide but not interfere, we all enjoy the outdoors and the camaraderie. Parents are welcome to every event.
Funding for Simsbury Scouts BSA Troop 174
Raking leaves in the fall, and selling Christmas Trees in December, generates sufficient funds to cover Troop expenses. In addition, Scouts can earn significant personal “escrow” funds. These funds can be used for Scouting-related expenses and equipment.
Give your child a valuable gift by encouraging them to join Simsbury Scouts BSA Troop 174. The time you invest in them today will make a difference in the person they become tomorrow.