Now more than ever, Scouting trains youth in important life skills. A youth-led program provides good practice at both teamwork and leadership. In addition, Scouts in youth-led programs are responsible for carrying out the plans they themselves set down. Teamwork and leadership practice takes a group, yet in today’s world, youths are increasingly spending too much time in isolation. Too much television, video games, mobile-apps, and online-time all work against a youth’s ability to work in a group and lead. Scouting is the practice young people need to help them prepare for their life ahead where teamwork and leadership skills are critical, especially in employment settings.

One of the most important parts of the Scouting program is the outdoors, especially camping. Those boys who do not actively camp with the troop will not get the full value of the program. Troop 513 conducts a year-round program of weekend camps and a one-week Summer Camp experience. In addition, a High Adventure trip is offered each summer to the older Scouts. A Scout will enjoy camping, regardless of the weather, if he packs the proper equipment. The troop will provide each Scout with a packing list of the gear he should bring to camp.

As you may hear from Scouters, Scouting provides a “safe place to fail.” Youth are challenged to try challenges that come their way and to persevere, even if things go wrong along the way. We will never put a Scout in danger as they try new adventures, but we will be with them along the way to ensure them that it's okay to fail, and to encourage and support them as they try again.