About Us

A Game With A Purpose

If we aren’t having fun, we aren’t doing it right.

Do/Did you like climbing trees? Do/Did you enjoy getting in the water, caring for animals and the planet, sleeping under the stars, going on adventure? Scouting might be for you.

Scouting is a platform for you to explore your own interest in nature, grow your own skillset with fires, camp cooking, orienteering, conservation, and compelling civic service. 

At the Troop level, Scouts work together to plan monthly campouts, schedule their annual summer camp activities, select a quarterly service opportunity, elect their own leaders, and explore a variety of instructional topics (merit badges) that range from archery to electricity (~140 options). 

 

Campout style

  • Youth lead
  • Solo tenting
  • Youth tents smooshed together
  • Youth cook together
  • Youth eat together
  • Adventure focus, e.g. tubing or ropes course
  • Youth made campfires
  • Youth lead activities, e.g. ManHunt
  • Youth taught Scout skills, e.g. knots & knife safety

 

Adult Leader style

  • Supervise for safety & provide First Aid
  • Cook & eat separately
  • Support communications
  • Drivers

 

Do you have what it takes?

  • Age 10-17
  • Previous sleepover 
  • Willingness to sleep in a tent
  • Able to speak up for yourself
  • Interest in trying new things

 

What is the commitment?

* *Joining Scouts is NOT required to try up to two (2) meetings and one (1) campout**

  • Complete basic health form (NO Dr. visit)
  • Meetings, campouts, service, and fundraisers are all optional. Scouting fits well with all other extra curricular activities because it adapts to your availability
  • The more you participate, the more you get out of the program
  • After being a member for 12+ months, attend summer camp
    • Early participation is encouraged
  • Parent/guardian commitment:
    • Rwo (2) support services per year, e.g. drive Scouts to a campout
    • Always flexible
  • Contact Us if you have questions or concerns

 

How do you prepare?

  • Check out the website
  • Visit a meeting (not on school holidays, but we do meet weekly over summer)
  • If you bring your own tent, set it up at home first
  • Pack a bag and show up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead

Youth Leadership is the hallmark of Scouting America. Youth will have all the tools, help, and instruction they need to build the adventure. Youth will plan their own weekend campouts and activities, cook, and elect their own leaders. Scouts will have the opportunity to earn their own way to adventure with periodic fundraising opportunities, including our annual Troop 285 Car Show.

Explore

We’ll camp near and far, explore lakes, rivers, and streams, learn survival skills, climb in the trees, backpack through the woods, and head to the mountains in summer. 

Favorite camping spots include Fort DeSoto , Soule, Boyd Hill, and Myakka. 

Serve

Service opportunities include numerous conservation opportunities often with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, trick-or-treat style Scouting for Food, and service to our first responders and veterans.