Troop 451

Our Troop is chartered to Grace United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona although we pride ourselves on being a non-denominational Boy Scout Troop. We average about 40 boys and are divided into patrols of 6 to 8 boys each. Our size gives us much flexibility and diversity in planning activities, although most of the basic efforts are accomplished within the patrols.

The Senior Patrol Leader, one of the older, more experienced boys and the other leadership plans the detailed activities of the troop under the guidance of the adult leaders. The boys actually organize and run the meetings, campouts and other events.

MISSION STATEMENT

Troop 451 will provide a safe, positive environment for boys to develop leadership skills, friendships, and life experiences. This will be accomplished by having fun, developing life skills, participating in outdoor activities, and providing community service.

ACTIVITIES

We meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Grace United Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall. As with all our activities, it is very important to be on time! At these Troop meetings, we have fun learning new skills through games, having contests, working on advancement, and preparing for our next outdoor activity.

Every month, we have an overnight campout. We leave late Friday afternoon and arrive back at the Church on Sunday about 3:00 PM. During these outings we put into use the skills we have been learning and practicing at our Troop meetings to enjoy the scenic wonders of Arizona. During the campouts, we hold a non-denominational church service Sunday morning. Troop 451 also spends a week at Camp Geronimo near Payson every July. There are as special activities, Courts of Honor, Mesa District Camporees, and service projects, which may be scheduled on weekends or during the week.

After new boys have learned camping skills and experienced the outdoors, them may be checked by Scoutmasters and allowed to participate in additional backpacking campouts. These events require special attention to packing and carrying food and camping gear. Under the guidance of our many experienced backpackers, these campouts entail a one or two day overnight hike where all food and equipment is carried by the Troop participants.

For most outdoor events, we give each Scout an information sheet prior to the event, which gives information on where, when, and what to bring. A parental permission slip signed and returned prior to departure or else the Scout cannot attend the Function. There are no exceptions to this rule! In addition, we keep a medical form on file for each boy; one is enclosed with this booklet.

In the past, Troop 451 has attended Fall Camporees in the Payson area, traveled to Canyon Lake, White Mountains, Verde River, Sunset Crater, Snow Camp on the Rim, Superstitions, Revis Ranch, and the island of Kauai, Alaska, and Colorado, plus organized two Family Campouts a year. One in the Spring and the other in late Fall.

We are very active and we hope you will join in the fun!