We are the oldest continuous troop in Pittsford and have graduated over 175 Eagles!
Troop 129 is a boy-led scouting troop based in Pittsford NY. We were founded in 1927 and are Chartered by the Rayson-Miller Post of the American Legion. Our focus is camping and leadership development.
We meet most Monday nights from September through June at 7 pm in the downstairs of the United Church of Pittsford at 123 South Main Street, Pittsford.
We typically have one campout per month from September through May (Yes! Even in January!) and we attend the BSA Massawepie camp for a week every July. high adventure campouts are available to older scouts and we periodically attend the BSA National Jamboree.
What does "Boy-Led" mean?
We encourage our Scouts to learn leadership and planning skills by having them plan and run our meetings themselves! Older scouts put their knowledge to use teaching it to younger scouts within the Troop setting. Trained adult leaders are always on-hand for support and assistance.
We recognize that many of our scouts also have sports and school commitments. Our attendance policy is flexible, but we encourage the boys to attend as many meetings and campouts as they can. Requirements for rank advancements are frequently covered in Troop meetings, but the goal is for the boy to develop the personal initiative and responsibility to achieve higher ranks and earn merit badges. Our attitude is that if you do the work and meet the requirements, we're happy!
A high percentage of our Scouts attend BSA National Youth Leadership Training, and some of our scouts have been asked back to teach at NYLT!
Troop Organization
Each scout is part of a Patrol. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. Patrols sit together during meetings and work together to plan meals for campouts and earn achievements.
Senior scout leadership is composed of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) plus at least one Assistant patrol Leader (ASPL). These are elected positions. Typically, the ASPLs are responsible for helping toplan a particular meeting, with the support of the SPL and adult leadership. The scout leadership is also supported by the Patrol Leaders.
There are many other boy leadership positions such as Librarian, Quartermaster, Historian, and Scribe.
Adult Leadership
Troop 129 has strong adult leaders. All leaders are trained at the appropriate level and some have earned the Wood Badge, the premier leadership training for adults. The Scout Master (SM) trains and guides the youth leaders in carrying out the scouting program. Assistant Scout Masters (ASM) help the Scout Master and are often assigned specific roles and duties (such as camping or advancement).
Troop 129 encourages and active parent committee. Leaders and parents generally meet the first Monday of the month during a regular troop meeting. We make sure adult leaders are assigned to help the boys plan and execute their outings and meetings. Parent roles can incude weekly involvemnet, or individual projects at specific time of the year.
We welcome participation from all parents regardless of their experience in scouting.