We are Troop 471 out of Burnsville, Minnesota
Troop 471 is a part of Scouting America. 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 youth 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 as best we can with leadership opportunities for all youth in the Troop. Youth will learn about planning campouts and events, communication, and leading groups. After activities youth leaders will also learn how to reflect on their planning and make changes for the next meeting.
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. Scouts will also earn ranks. Each scout will learn skills like orienteering, cooking, and other useful skills. All of this learning will not only help youth in scout activities but will also help prepare Scouts for the real world as Scouts mature.
Youth will also have the chance to do exciting activities. Each summer the troop 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 beach sports, and hanging out with their friends. Troop 471 also offers weekend long camps in the spring and fall. These camps help youth prepare for summer camp and learn other skills that are scheduled for that weekend.
Scouting America has strong values rooted in the Scout Oath and Law. We challenge our Scouts to live the Scout Oath and Law everyday. This includes building a good connection to our community. Troop 471 has many service opportunities throughout the year including Trash clean up, helping our charter organization with events, and many more.