Welcome to our website! Troop 521 meets every Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Cool Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
We are a large and very active troop with a variety of activities and scheduled monthly outings. We attribute our success to our active adult leadership, "boy-run troop" philosophy with focus on advancement, merit badges and high adventure activities which keeps our scouts very interested and involved.
Please contact our Scoutmaster if you would like to join or find out more about us
Disclaimer: Boy Scout Troop 521, Mechanicsvile, Virginia, is solely responsible for the creation and content of this Web Site. While this site does not reflect the official policy of the Boy Scouts of America, we do support and adhere to their national guidelines referred to by Heart of Virginia Council. Comments concerning this Web Site can be directed to Webmaster Troop 521.
This Tuesday we will be holding our semi-annual election for Senior Patrol Leader. This is the highest youth office in the Troop. The Senior Patrol leader actually is the scout that runs the Troop (not the adults who advise). Please make every effort to attend this meeting. You will be choosing your leader for the next six months. Next week we will be choosing patrols and electing Patrol Leaders.
The Senior Patrol Leader elections will be in a format similar to what we have done in the past. This includes a presentation (talk) by the the candidate, then a follow up question and answer session.
Those scouts and adults attending Rail Camp, please be prepared to pay for the camp at Tuesday's meeting. We will be working on the final plans for rail camp at this meeting.
The cost for attending rail camp is $30 per person. This fee includes most food. The Troop did very well at the fund raiser a few weeks ago and the committee will be subsidizing the trip.
This Tuesday will be your last chance to sign up. Please be sure you are on the list! We are still looking for drivers to get the group to Spencer.
We now will turn our attention to the next adventure .... Rail Camp.
On October 18th we will travel to Spencer ,North Carolina where the North Carolina transportation museum will hold a camp on their property. Scouts will be able to work on the railroading merit badge, see many different kinds of rail equipment and take a ride on an actual train. Foe more information go to https://www.nctransportationmuseum.org/bsa-rail-camp/. We will need some help from parents on transportation for the camp. School is out on the 18th so we want to leave early if we can get folks that can get the day off. It's about a 4 hour drive and it would be nice is we could be there before 8 pm.This event is usually attended by 500 + scouts. Cost to attend is approximately $30 per person including food. We will get all of the details ironed out at this Tuesday's meeting.
One of our scouts (Jack) has been working on a way to offer several merit badges to the Troop. He has been working with a certified counselor to offer salesmanship and public speaking merit badges. He is asking for scouts that are interested to go to the following link to sign up for the badges --
We now will turn our attention to the next adventure .... Rail Camp.
On October 18th we will travel to Spencer ,North Carolina where the North Carolina transportation museum will hold a camp on their property. Scouts will be able to work on the railroading merit badge, see many different kinds of rail equipment and take a ride on an actual train. Foe more information go to https://www.nctransportationmuseum.org/bsa-rail-camp/. We will need some help from parents on transportation for the camp. School is out on the 18th so we want to leave early if we can get folks that can get the day off. It's about a 4 hour drive and it would be nice is we could be there before 8 pm.This event is usually attended by 500 + scouts. Cost to attend is approximately $30 per person including food. We will get all of the details ironed out at this Tuesday's meeting.
This Tuesday is a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meeting at 5:30pm at the Church. If you are on the PLC please plan on attending if at all possible.
During the regular meeting we will continue conferences and boards for those that are ready to advance.
This week we will be putting the finishing touches on the trip to Virginia Beach and the Oceana Air Show. We will also offer Boards of Review for scouts that are ready.
The Troop will be camping at First Landing State Park, along the beach. We will be cooking by Patrols.
Saturday morning we will travel to Oceana Naval Air Station to watch the air show. After the show (the Blue Angels perform), we will make our way back to camp for the evening. On Sunday, weather permitting, we plan to stay at First Landing until 2 pm to let the scouts enjoy the beach. We will be back at Cool Spring around 5pm.
There will be some differences on this trip verses our normal trips. The air show is on an active military base, and we are therefore subject to their rules and regulations as well as Scouting's.
All adults and youth over 18 must have a picture ID on them at all times. Prohibited items: (most are common sense!)
Pop-up/shade tents.
Ice chests or coolers.
Remote control aircraft, drones, balloons (flight safety issue).
All weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), and all other items that our security forces deem dangerous. This rule applies to off-duty law enforcement. Any confiscated items will not be returned.
Alcoholic beverages.
Drugs, including marijuana.
CBD / THC vape pens
Pets, other than service animals.
Glass containers.
Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards.
Food and beverages brought in (empty bottles for water are permitted, as well as infant necessities like milk and formula).
Folding camp chairs are permitted but you have to keep them in your hands at all times. (Even when you use the port-o-potty) Anything left unattended will be confiscated by the authorities. It may be best to make do without. Last time we went we had a 2 mile hike both in and out, be prepared! Water bottles must be empty, and can be filled once in the gate.
Scouts are expected to purchase lunch on their own while at the show. Think amusement park prices. Lunch will be in the $15 range.Also, there is lots of items available to purchase should you feel so inclined.
More info can be found at https://www.oceanaairshow.com/information/general-info .
Adults - As most of you know, Scouting America (BSA) has updated their youth protection rules and guidelines. If you want to go with us this weekend, you will need to register as a adult member of the Troop and complete youth protection training before Friday. The training is available at www.my.scouting.org . You will need to set up an account (use your BSA ID number if you have one) and do the youth protection training. You will also need to complete a medical form. We know this is a lot but this is one way Scouting America is working to keeping youth safe.
At Tuesday's meeting we will look at numbers and transportation and see where we stand. we will also answer any questions you may have.
This Tuesday, September 3, in place of our regular Troop meeting, we will be holding our Fall Court of Honor. We will be meeting in the sanctuary of Cool Spring Baptist instead of our normal rooms in the basement. Enter through the parlor or the welcome center. Our scouts will be recognized for all of their advancement and achievement since our June Court of Honor. (summer camp)
The whole family is invited to take part in this Court. All scouts who are advancing a rank will receive a parents pin for their parent (usually Mom)
Scouts should arrive around 6:45pm. All scouts should be in Class A, Full dress uniform with their merit badge sash (if they have one).
We will be discussing the upcoming fund raiser, grass seed and fertilizer sale.
We will be taking sign ups for the air show and rail camp.
we will be holding our semi-annual election for Senior Patrol Leader. This is the highest youth office in the Troop. The Senior Patrol leader actually is the scout that runs the Troop (not the adults who advise). Please make every effort to attend this meeting. You will be choosing your leader for the next six months. Next week we will be choosing patrols and electing Patrol Leaders.
