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Troop 471 in Burnsville, Minnesota
Troop 471 is a part of the Scouting America organization. Our goal is to provide fun experiences and meaningful lessons to prepare Scouts for adulthood.
Troop 471 is a Scout-led, adult-supported troop. This means that youth leaders will plan and lead all activities with the support of our adult leaders. Lord Baden-Powell (The founder of scouting) once stated: "The Patrol Method is not a way to operate a Scout troop; it is the ONLY way. Unless the Patrol Method is in operation, you don't really have a Scout-led troop” (Baden-Powell). Our troop follows the Patrol Method, with leadership opportunities for all youth in the Troop. Youth will learn about planning campouts and events, communication, and leading teams. After activities, youth leaders will also learn how to reflect on their planning and make changes for the next meeting or event.
Scouts can also explore topics of interest to them through merit badges. In Scouting America, there are more than 135 merit badges that teach a multitude of skills to Scouts. During merit badges, Scouts will group up with other Scouts and a merit badge instructor, where they will learn the skills required for the badge.
Additionally, Scouts will gain life skills through working on rank requirements. Each Scout will learn skills like orienteering, cooking, lashing and knot tying, and swimming. In addition to outdoor skills, Scouts will learn about planning, personal fitness, goal-setting, and personal finance. These skills will not only help youth in Scout activities, but will also help prepare Scouts for the real world.
Youth will also have the chance to do exciting activities. Each summer, Troop 3471 offers a week-long camping trip at one of Scouting America's sanctioned summer camps. There, they will earn badges and have the chance to participate in games and activities like swimming, cooking, building fires, playing games, and hanging out with their friends. Troop 471 also offers weekend-long camps all year round. High adventure opportunities are also scheduled annually.
Scouting America has strong values rooted in the Scout Oath and Law. We challenge our Scouts to live the Scout Oath and Law every day. This includes building a good connection to our community. Troop 471 has many service opportunities throughout the year, including park cleanups, helping our charter organization with events, assisting with the Burnsville Festival, and many more.
Send us a message or stop by a meeting anytime to see all the great activities Troop 471 has to offer!