Parents Guide

Troop 17 meets on Wednesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Denville Community Church, located at 190 Diamond Spring Road in Denville, NJ.

Please note that we do not have meetings during the summer, on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, or during Spring Break. Additionally, if Denville Schools are closed due to inclement weather, our meeting will be canceled.

Camping and outdoor activities are a vital part of a Scout's growth. We camp monthly throughout the year, with the exceptions of December and August.

During these trips, Scouts take on the responsibility of planning menus, purchasing supplies, and preparing meals. This hands-on experience provides an excellent opportunity for Scouts to learn valuable new skills and have fun mastering the art of outdoor cooking.

Advancement is a key part of the Scouting experience. It's the philosophy of Scouts BSA that every Scout should work toward achieving the rank of First Class. This foundational stage focuses on critical skills like First Aid, camping, cooking, and physical fitness, all of which build self-reliance.

Older Scouts in the troop play a crucial role by teaching these essential skills to younger members. As Scouts progress, they can explore their interests in sports, crafts, science, trades, and future careers through over 139 different merit badges.

Every summer, Troop 17 attends a week-long overnight camp at Camp Somers, located within the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope, NJ. This trip typically takes place in late June or early July.

First-year Scouts can participate in the Dan Beard Program, where they learn essential outdoor skills and have the opportunity to earn their first merit badge. Older Scouts can choose from a wide variety of activities and merit badges, including ATV riding, small boat sailing, handicrafts, and rock climbing.

Much of the equipment your Scout acquires will be used throughout their entire Scouting journey. The basic camping gear for a new Scout will form the foundation for all future activities.

We place a special emphasis on obtaining a quality pack, sleeping bag, and hiking boots. These key items will last for years and will significantly enhance your Scout's comfort and enjoyment during outdoor activities.

Troop 17 is dedicated to the core Scouting principle of active Youth Leadership, which we implement through the Patrol Method.

A patrol is a team of typically six to eight Scouts who learn skills together, share responsibilities, and take on leadership roles. This small-group structure allows every member to participate and provides a hands-on environment for Scouts to work together, pool resources, and successfully navigate all kinds of challenges.

You can learn more about the different Youth Positions of Responsibility here.