Troop 1717 of Hartwood, Virginia was founded on the concept of providing our scouts with the best opportunities in character and leadership development by following the program established by the Boy Scouts of America.

The Troop is a “Boy-Led” Troop with “Boy-Led” Patrols.  Each member of the Troop, Adult Scouter and Boy Scout alike, must be committed to this principle.  Adults and Scouts become leaders in the boy-led unit by attending training and applying what they have learned.  This is how the Troop becomes united towards our common goal.  The Troop is organized into three Tribes; each Tribe has a scoutmaster Tribal Elder that provides guidance as well as a Scout leader that provides leadership.  The Tribes will be organized based on age appropriate interests. 

Troop 1717 will challenge every Scout and Scouter to uphold and live by the Scout Law and Oath.  Part of that responsibility is for Scouts to rise to the call of leadership and take on the responsibility of leading others within the Troop.  Part of this responsibility is to fulfill your duties and obligations to the best of your ability.  A distinct mark of the Troop is our uniform and neckerchief.  Each scout should wear both proudly as a representative of our unit.

Troop 1717 is, and will remain, an active quality Troop.  The Troop is committed to offer outdoor activities and high adventure experiences.  It will be the Scout’s responsibility to lead the event with the assistance of an Adult advisor or Scoutmaster.  The Troop will orient its outdoor program to challenge scouts based on their skill level, maturity, and age appropriate safety guidelines.  Having fun outdoors is first.  Leave no Trace and safety is always.

Troop 1717 and the Scoutmaster team will remain committed to an active and aggressive advancement program.  Advancement will always remain the ultimate responsibility of the individual Scout; however, Troop leaders – from Patrol Leader to SPL, from parent to Scoutmaster will provide support and offer guidance and encouragement.  National BSA sets the standards for advancement, the Scoutmaster team will enforce only that standard – nothing more, nothing less.

The Troop will support our Charter Organization and continue our duty to God and Country.  It’s imperative that our Scouts own service flourishes during campouts.  It’s important that we initiate an active religious emblem program.  Community service will be as much a part of Troop 1717 as are camping trips and outdoor activities.

My goal is that each boy has a sense of “Troop ownership.”  The Troop is only as good as its members.  Every Scout should be proud to be called a member of Troop 1717 and of the Boy Scouts of America.

Yours in Scouting,

Richard Ast, Scoutmaster

Troop 1717

Aquia District

National Capital Area Council (NCAC)

September 18, 2008