Troop 19 began in 1965, making it one of the oldest troops in Midland. The West Side Lions Club, an organization with a tremendous reputation for helping America’s youth, charters us. In this we share a common interest, as developing our youth is what Scouting is all about. How do we do it? Easy! Start with the outdoors and camping, throw in some fire building and cooking skills, work up to knife and ax training then add in merit badges, summer camp, and backpacking and you have a recipe for fun. We also supplement this program with community service projects, citizenship training (where else would you learn how to fold the American flag?), and advancement in rank.
We also develop leadership. The troop is run by the patrol method, meaning that each boy has an opportunity to play an active role in the operation of the Troop. The boys select all Troop activities. The boys also select merit badges earned and service projects undertaken. Adults are here to help facilitate activities by giving advice when needed and driving on outings. On campouts the boys make out the menus, line out the food, then do the cooking and cleaning. They are also responsible for the patrol’s equipment.
This is the way boys learn, they learn by doing. And if you join Troop 19 we bet you will be doing a lot. We look forward to you being part of our scouting family.