Scouts to welcome Princeton-area youth with informational meeting

Scouting has been a staple of childhood since 1910, and the motto of “Be prepared” is known around the world.

Offering outdoor adventure and opportunities for personal growth, achievement and success, the program once known as Boy Scouts now serves both boys and girls as “Scouts BSA” – and the change has been welcome. Scouting is growing again in central Illinois, and the Princeton area is no different.

Troops serving boys and girls ages 11 to 17 will be hosting an informational night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Prouty-Zearing Community Building, 435 S. Main St., Princeton.

The traditional Scouting program, Scouts BSA, is where youth in junior high through high school explore their interests, become leaders and develop skills by participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, caving and canoeing. In addition, Scouts earn merit badges along the journey and work toward achieving Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle Scout.

Scouting experiences can lead Scouts around the country to “high-adventure” bases in Florida, New Mexico, West Virginia and even to world jamborees. From outdoor adventures to activities that teach self-confidence, ethics and good citizenship, Scouting builds skills, friendships and lifelong memories.

The Bureau County area has two local troops serving youth in and around Princeton, one serving boys and the other serving girls. Troop 6368, based out of Princeton, welcomes boys, whereas Troop 1091 in Spring Valley serves girls. Both troops enjoy a range of Scouting experiences throughout the year, including camping, fishing, hiking, winter activities and summer camp.

Scout-age youth and their parents are invited to attend a “School Night for Scouting” during the informational night Jan. 21. Leaders from both troops will be on hand to explain the program and answer any questions. If unable to attend, prospective Scouts and their parents are encouraged to contact Troop 6368 leader Jake Love at jacobllove@hotmail.com or 815-915-6654 and Troop 1091 leader Mary Van Fleet at tiny1tim@hotmail.com or 815-252-6625.

More information about Scouts BSA also can be found at bit.ly/wdb-scouts.

With a resurgence in Scouting, Princeton-area youth will have more opportunities to explore outdoors and develop skills that will last a lifetime. This event follows a similar night last month, when more than 20 boys and girls and their families joined the newly reformed Cub Scout pack in Princeton. To join or learn more about Cub Scouts, for kids in grades K-5, visit bit.ly/wdb-cubs.