About

ABOUT TROOP 581

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 581, located in Saratoga, California, is part of the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council and is in the Polaris District. We are a medium sized Troop with 45-60 scouts in four established patrols. More details about the Troop can be found in the visitors menu as well as other public sections of this web site. Feel free to look around and contact us with any questions.


Motto


​Nobody walks alone


This is an important statement with much deeper meaning than just following the buddy system while hiking. It means that Troop 581 Scouts befriend, support, and defend each other in all of life’s challenges. We all walk through life together.



Mission


The Mission Statement of Troop 581 is to first, uphold the Mission statement of the Boy Scouts of America, which is, “Prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout laws.

Secondly, our mission is to deliver a robust and enriching BSA program so that each Scout can achieve meaningful personal growth and character development. Key tenants of Troop 581’s mission are:

  • We prepare Scouts for success as leaders and role-models in their academic, personal and professional lives

  • We help Scouts build character through physical, mental, and spiritual growth

  • We offer an outdoor program that enhances self-reliance and respect for the environment

  • We teach the life-long value of ongoing community service



Vision


The BSA’s Vision statement is:

“The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the future Scouting will continue to:

  • Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;

  • Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;

  • Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;

  • Serve America’s communities and families with its quality, values-based program.”





Method


Troop 581 seeks to fulfill this vision with particular emphasis on:

  • We are a Scout-led troop

  • The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is expanded to include all Troop Leadership positions.

  • Each Troop Leadership position follows the SMART goal setting methodology to establish goals and monitor progress toward them during a Scout’s term in office.

  • Monthly PLC meetings allow for communication, coordination, and tracking of goals.

  • The PLC plans a high adventure theme each year, with supporting outings leading up to a summertime high adventure trip. Additional High Adventure outings such as whitewater rafting are typically a part of the annual outing plan.

  • We employ the eight methods of scouting (Ideals, Patrol Method, Outdoors, Advancement, Association with Adults, Personal Growth, Leadership Development, Uniform)

  • Our adult leaders strive to be fully trained, including Boy Scout Leadership, Outdoor Leader Skills, Woodbadge, Youth Protection Training, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Weather Hazards, Climb On Safely, Leave No Trace, Trek Safely, and CPR.

  • Adult leaders act as counselors and catalysts, guiding our Scouts as opportunities arise for them to develop and hone their leadership skills.