The Boy Scouts and Adult Leaders of Troop 1916 Welcome You
Troop 1916 is chartered to The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, which is located in McLean, Virginia. The Troop is, and will always be, grateful to the church's leadership for its generous support and encouragement.
Just as importantly, we proud that our sponsor welcomes youth of every faith to participate in the scouting experience in the Troop's home.
Troop 1916: How We Work Together
Troop 1916's goals are aligned with those of the Boy Scouts of America, which was incorporated in 1910 and received an official Charter from the U.S. Congress in 1916. The Charter states that:
"The purpose of this corporation shall be to promote, through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts."
The Troop's Scoutmaster is David Ross, who grew up in the area and learned his camping and hiking skills in the hills and valleys nearby. David is fortunate to benefit from the ideas, participation, and dedication of many outstanding Assistant Scoutmasters and the officers and parents who serve on the Troop Committee.
We take great pride in the over 70 Scouts of Troop 1916 who have achieved scouting's highest rank, the Eagle Scout, over the course of the Troop's 25-year history.
Troop 1916: Experienced Scouts Set an Example for New Scouts
A senior Scout from Troop 1916 offers some advice to a new Scout on how to use an axe safely.
We are equally proud of the Troop's more experienced Scouts who share their skills and experience with the new and younger Scouts, ensure that they feel that they are part of the Troop, and help them advance in scouting's ranks.
All of our Scouts set goals for themselves and learn to become more self reliant. They serve and contribute to their communities in many ways. And they serve as role models by exemplifying the spirit of Scouting.
In Troop 1916, the Boy Scouts Are the Leaders
Scout leaders meet with troop members and plan for the day ahead.
Troop 1916 is committed to a Scout-led program based on the Patrol Method. The entire troop meets on the first three Tuesdays of each month at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meets on the last Tuesday of each month to prepare agendas for upcoming Troop meetings and events, and to discuss and resolve issues of importance for the Scouts. In addition, the PLC meets over the course of each summer to develop a plan of events, camping trips, outings, and service projects for the upcoming year. This plan is then submitted to the Troop Committee for its review and approval.
The "Scoutmaster's Chariot Race" at the annual Projectoree camping trip.
The Scoutmaster and other members of the Adult Leadership provide guidance, but the Scouts are challenged to take the initiative in planning meetings, camping trips and special events. This approach gives the Scouts the opportunity to build their leadership skills as individuals and as a group, as well as to learn from their mistakes and avoid them in the future. The Senior Patrol Leader, accompanied by a member of his staff, may also brief the Troop Committee on the Troop's activities and schedule.
Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Forrer demonstrates the concept of "bravery" by riding in the Scoutmaster's Chariot Race at Projectoree 2019. The Scouts constructed this version of a "chariot."
Troop 1916: Parents Play a Big Role
Parents play an integral role in every successful Scouting program, and our Scouts are fortunate to have a great bunch of parents who actively participate in the Troop's activities.
The Scouts and the Troop's adult leadership appreciate the time, commitment, support, and involvement of all of our Scouts' parents.
You can help your son(s) gain the most from the Scouting experience by talking with him about the Troop's meetings, ask about what he is learning and encourage him to participate in all of the Troop's activities. Your support will help your son achieve age-appropriate goals, earn merit badges, and take pride in his participation in scouting. And he will have a great time in the process. Most importantly, your involvement and encouragement will help your young Scout mature into a young, successful man.
At the same time, an essential part of the scouting experience is to instill in young boys a spirit of responsibility to do those things that they can do for themselves, and to help their fellow Scouts when things get challenging.
We want to help our Scouts think independently, assume the responsibilities that come with leadership, and encourage a spirit of service to others, their community, and our country.