Troop 447 has been making a difference in Montgomery County since 1950.
447: Celebrating 75 Years!
Philosophy
We are a Scout-led Troop within Scouts BSA. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, older Scouts plan and run the Troop meetings and weekend outings. Older Scouts are responsible for teaching camping, cooking, and outdoor skills to younger Scouts. By doing so, the youth learn to plan, teach, and be leaders. The role of adults is to mentor, guide and counsel the Scouts, and to provide a safe, constructive environment for the Troop program.
Structure
We have about 50 active scouts, ages 11-17 in 5th -12th grade, divided into 5 patrols, plus the Troop’s Leadership Corps of older Scouts. Unlike Cub Scouts, youth of all ages make up a patrol, so that older scouts can teach the younger Scouts. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work with the older Scouts to organize and guide the troop program and activities. The Troop uses Team Snap and Facebook for communication. Sign-up for both!
Advancement
Scouts are encouraged to advance in rank, but at their own pace. Allowing a Scout to choose their own pace instills pride in their achievements and has resulted in a program that has produced over 150 Eagle Scouts over 75 years, including about 3-5 Eagles Scouts per year the last few years. Learn more about merit badges, advancement and awards, and the Eagle Scout Rank. You can track your scout’s advancement via Scoutbook. Check with a Troop leader for access.
Leadership
From Troop positions of responsibility to parking cars and directing traffic at the Montgomery County Fair, Troop 447 offers unique leadership opportunities that are rarely available to youth. Scouts are responsible for organizing and managing the operation of the Troop and all activities with supervision from Troop leaders.
Summer Camp
The troop participates in a one-week Summer Camp each year, generally in early July. The Troop rotates among a few different scout summer camps in MD, PA and VA. At summer camp, scouts have fun while completing merit badges of their choice. This is a great way to advance in the troop.
Uniform & Equipment
Official BSA khaki shirt, socks, handbook and belt are required. Olive-green pants or shorts are required (but do not have to be official BSA). Troop hat, Troop numbers, Troop patches (city/state) and neckerchief are provided. Troop T-shirts are available at a nominal cost. Check with a member of the troop for details.
The Scout Store is available online and in-person at the National Scout Shop at 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD.
Service
Service is a cornerstone of Scouting. Our Troop participates in Scouting for Food. We collect as much as 5,000 pounds of food for Manna Food Bank each year. Additionally, the troop supports Flags for Our Heroes and Memorial Day Observances in Gaithersburg and other community events.
High Adventure
The troop participates in BSA High Adventure trips every one to two years. High Adventure bases are located throughout the U.S. Troop 447 has adventured to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Sea Base in the Florida Keys, and Northern Tier in Minnesota. Read more about High Adventures here.
Costs
Due to our troop’s major fundraiser with the Montgomery County Fair, costs to the individual are minimal. Half of the Scout’s annual registration fee is covered by the Troop. A Scout needs to purchase the basic uniform and may choose to subscribe to Scout Life Magazine. Monthly campout food costs are $15/campout, but the Troop pays for the campsite reservation and other camping fees. Optional Troop T-shirts and some extra activities or extra campout activities may require separate fees. A one-time scholarship is available for eligible scouts to help defray part of the cost for High Adventure trips.
Camping
Each month, except July and August, there is a weekend overnight camping trip. Camping occurs at various locations and campgrounds, primarily in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and generally within about an hour hour drive. Camping trips begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday night and end around 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Each trip is centered on a theme and troop meetings leading up to the trip focus on skills and learning opportunities related to that theme.
Other Activities
The Troop takes advantage of other activities such as corn mazes, hiking opportunities, sporting events and other day trips. The Troop also provides formal leadership training to youth who take leadership positions.