Advancement, Fun, Adventure, and Inclusion
As we embark on each new year filled with camping, hiking, canoeing, meetings, learning, and fun, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the exciting opportunities that Troop 285's program offers. Our troop, often hailed as the best in the west, is brimming with a variety of outings designed to cater to Scouts aged 11 to 18. These events are thoughtfully crafted to ensure that every Scout finds success, gains valuable skills, and most importantly, has an incredible time. Let's delve into the important "sub-groups" within the Troop and see how each contributes to the vibrant and enriching experience we provide.
The first-year Scouts in the troop will participate in our Basic Skills program. Within a year of joining, all of these Scouts should be able to complete the requirements for the first four ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. The program is designed to accommodate Scouts who attend every Monday meeting as well as those who have many outside commitments. By working in Training Patrols made up solely of Basic Skills Scouts and led by Staff patrol members called Troop Guides, the first-year Scouts have a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow without having to take a back seat to older Scouts. They will camp, cook, hike, navigate, and cooperate in team efforts. By the time they earn First Class, they will have demonstrated strong swimming skills, gone on a five-mile hike, camped out several weekends (including at lakes and in the snow), taken introductory backpacking trips, learned how to render practical first aid, and probably grown a shoe size or two! Experienced Assistant Scoutmasters and new-to-Scouts parents alike join to give the first-year Scouts a solid foundation in the skills they will use their entire lives, including camping, cooking, knots and lashings, basic citizenship, first aid skills exceeding those of most adults, and the ability to navigate in the outdoors. Our program is designed to be fun and engaging, ensuring every Scout feels encouraged and supported in their journey. Come join us and see how Troop 285 can help your child grow and thrive!
By the time they finish the Basic Skills program, Scouts are ready to take on the Merit Badge program, where they can learn and earn from over one hundred merit badges available. Scouts choose the merit badges they are most interested in, and they are taught by our troop's large group of qualified and knowledgeable merit badge counselors. As each Scout earns 21 merit badges, they will progress along the “Road to Eagle” through Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.
These Scouts are the real core of our boy-led troop, as they must be First Class rank or higher to hold positions in the Staff Patrol that leads all the other patrols in the troop. They plan campouts and high-adventure outings, organize service projects, conduct Courts of Honor, and provide the day-to-day leadership that the troop requires.
More than any other youth program we know of, Boy Scouting allows each Scout to set their own goals, plan their own fun, and learn new, unusual, and practical topics. When the required number of merit badges has been earned, the Scouts are ready for the final sprint to the Eagle rank. They complete paperwork, plan a useful Eagle service project, and recruit Scouts to help complete that project. It really is a mini-course in project management!
Join us and be part of this incredible journey, where every Scout is encouraged and supported to grow and thrive in their own unique way.
Troop 285 has a long-standing High Adventure program with exciting future plans. We participate in one or two high-adventure outings annually, including mountain hikes, Grand Canyon treks, biking, rock climbing, and canoeing across the desert southwest. Troop 285 is committed to offering scouts memorable and rewarding experiences.
Troop 285 has a legendary High Adventure program that has thrilled scouts for many years, and we have even more exciting plans for the future! Each year, we embark on one or two exhilarating high-adventure outings that push the limits and create unforgettable memories. Whether hiking through majestic mountains, trekking the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, biking through scenic trails, rock climbing challenging heights, or canoeing across the picturesque desert southwest, every experience is designed to be both active and incredibly rewarding.
Our High Adventure program is all about fostering the spirit of exploration and adventure, ensuring that scouts not only develop essential outdoor skills but also gain confidence and build lasting friendships. Troop 285 is dedicated to providing scouts with the kind of adventures that shape character, instill values, and create stories they'll cherish for a lifetime. So, gear up and join us for an adventure of a lifetime where every moment is filled with excitement, camaraderie, and personal growth!
In addition to the Road to Eagle program and Basic Skills, Troop 285 has a strong community service program. We participate in many service projects that benefit the Albuquerque community and the National and State Parks in the southwest. We've had a blast building picnic tables for Bosque Del Apache, clearing trails in various National Forests, helping with the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction, packing food and clothing for homeless folks, helping collect food for local food banks, and decorating veterans' graves with American flags for Memorial Day. Each Scout is encouraged to join in at least four hours of community service each quarter—but guess what? Most Scouts find they've done even more without really trying! It's all part of the fun and rewarding experience of being in Troop 285!
We've explored the incredible scope of the Troop 285 program, but let's dive into what truly makes it special. Imagine working side by side with the future pilots of the Air Force, the next big names in film, cutting-edge technology engineers, and budding entrepreneurs! That's right, our troop has groomed some of Albuquerque's finest, and they started their journey with us.
Our program is diverse and robust, tailored to match the unique interests and abilities of each Scout. Encouragement, mentorship, and inclusion are the pillars that have supported our impressive roster of over 233 Eagle Scouts. These outstanding young men have exemplified willpower, determination, and the spirit of adventure over the 70+ years of Troop 285's existence.
Join us, and you'll be part of this extraordinary legacy. Help us continue to inspire and develop future leaders for at least 70 more years! Together, let's make each moment a thrilling adventure filled with growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Gear up, because the best is yet to come!