History
Troop 221 was founded in December 1933, sponsored by the men's class of the Vestal Methodist Church. It has operated under this sponsorship continuously ever since.
The youth membership of the troop averages about 30 members, but has been as high as 84 members. An adult staff of 8-10 leaders and a committee of 15-20 interested parents support the activities of the unit.
The troop’s program has emphasized youth leadership and outdoor skills throughout its history. Scouts are trained in the skills of planning programs and leading others in the fulfillment of those programs, as well as counseling their peers, to develop leadership skills in preparation for their role as adult citizens. As scouts grow in the knowledge and skills of the program, they become mentors and teachers for the younger scouts.
These outdoor and leadership skills are put to use during monthly campouts as well as high adventure camping experiences. Troop 221 has taken many high adventure trips including navigating the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, backpacking in the White Mountains, canoeing the Algonquin Provincial Wilderness Preserve, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondack Wilderness Park, hiking in Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, sailing the keys at the Florida Scout Sea Base, and participating in the BSA National Jamboree.
The troop has been granted access to several private campsites over the years, including a 25 acre tract in Vestal, “Camp Ellis“, which was donated to the troop in memory of a member killed during World War II. This camp is used for teaching environmental conservation along with the basic camping skills.
Members of the troop have received recognition in many areas. These recognitions include religious medals from churches, lifesaving medals from the National Council, being appointed as delegates to international jamborees, opportunities to work on the staff of the National High Adventure Camps, and serving as national officers and delegates to the National Order of the Arrow Conference, which is an organization of outstanding scout campers and leaders.
Troop 221’s first Eagle Scout rank was awarded in 1947, since then the troop has had over 150 Eagle Scouts.
Troop 221 was founded in December 1933, sponsored by the men's class of the Vestal Methodist Church. It has operated under this sponsorship continuously ever since.
The youth membership of the troop averages about 30 members, but has been as high as 84 members. An adult staff of 8-10 leaders and a committee of 15-20 interested parents support the activities of the unit.
The troop’s program has emphasized youth leadership and outdoor skills throughout its history. Scouts are trained in the skills of planning programs and leading others in the fulfillment of those programs, as well as counseling their peers, to develop leadership skills in preparation for their role as adult citizens. As scouts grow in the knowledge and skills of the program, they become mentors and teachers for the younger scouts.
These outdoor and leadership skills are put to use during monthly campouts as well as high adventure camping experiences. Troop 221 has taken many high adventure trips including navigating the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, backpacking in the White Mountains, canoeing the Algonquin Provincial Wilderness Preserve, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondack Wilderness Park, hiking in Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, sailing the keys at the Florida Scout Sea Base, and participating in the BSA National Jamboree.
The troop has been granted access to several private campsites over the years, including a 25 acre tract in Vestal, “Camp Ellis“, which was donated to the troop in memory of a member killed during World War II. This camp is used for teaching environmental conservation along with the basic camping skills.
Members of the troop have received recognition in many areas. These recognitions include religious medals from churches, lifesaving medals from the National Council, being appointed as delegates to international jamborees, opportunities to work on the staff of the National High Adventure Camps, and serving as national officers and delegates to the National Order of the Arrow Conference, which is an organization of outstanding scout campers and leaders.
Troop 221’s first Eagle Scout rank was awarded in 1947, since then the troop has had over 150 Eagle Scouts.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is:
• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent
A Scout is:
• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent