Troop 650 was founded in 1970 and we are proud to be celebrating its 40th year of continuous service to the boys of our community. Chartered by the Kiwanis Club of La Palma, we enjoy the distinction of being the only Boy Scout troop in La Palma. The small community of La Palma has been very supportive of our troop, and each year we proudly carry the American and California flags as we lead the annual La Palma Days Parade.

Although we all follow a national program, each Boy Scout troop is unique, and families are encouraged to visit several troops to find the right "fit". Here is a brief overview of Troop 650's attributes:

Membership

We are a mid-sized troop with an enrollment of approximately 20-30 boys, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old. The boys plan and run the meetings, and older boys teach the younger boys. Adult leaders are on hand to step in only as necessary.

" We are especially proud of our cultural diversity. Our troop welcomes families of any race, religion or national origin.

Most of our boys perform well academically and are active in a variety of activities outside of Scouting, such as sports teams, music, theater, church programs, school clubs or service organizations.

At summer camp and district/council events, when we are able to compare ourselves to other troops, we are often pleased to find that our boys are especially well behaved and courteous.

We have an extremely low attrition rate.

New boys are welcome at any age and at any time during the year.

Philosophies

Advancement is never forced, but it is encouraged and supported. Advancement and merit badge activities are offered periodically at meetings and campouts.

We have a strong tradition of Eagle Scouts within the troop and encourage even the youngest boys to aspire to earn this honor. Although we are aware that attaining Eagle can be a plus on college admission forms and job applications, we try to emphasize the many other positive aspects to becoming an Eagle.

Adult involvement is the key to a good troop, and we have a solid infrastructure thanks to active parents and other adults. Mothers and fathers are all welcome to become involved in whatever way works best for them, though involvement of some type is expected. This may involve working with the boys as an Assistant Scoutmaster or Merit Badge counselor, helping with fundraisers or refreshments, coordinating once-a-year activities like Scout-o-Rama or La Palma Days, or working behind the scenes to track advancement, collect money, make camping reservations, handle troop tee shirts, maintain equipment, etc. And the adults often have as much fun as the boys do!

Parents are welcome to accompany the troop on campouts, even if they are not uniformed leaders, but are asked not to interfere with the boys' cooking or other program activities.

Boys and adults are expected to adopt the Scout oath and the Scout law.

Activities

Our troop meets on Wednesday evenings from September through June. Weekly meetings are suspended during the summer, though summer camp and other special activities and programs are scheduled. This is necessary because we meet in a public school, but we also find this summer break serves to give Scouts and families a needed rest, allowing them to begin again in September with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

We generally go "car camping", where we drive to our ultimate location, though hikes and overnight backpacking trips are usually available several times a year in addition to troop campouts.

Although there are a few favorite locations we tend to visit most every year, we generally try to vary the program from year to year, camping at different locations, going to different summer camps or organizing new activities during outings.

High adventure opportunities are popular among the boys, so we try to make a number of options available during the year. Whitewater rafting, snowboarding, and rock climbing are special favorites, but we have also organized campouts that focus on cycling, shooting sports, or hiking.

All the boys are expected to learn to cook. Patrols plan their own menus and cook their own meals, though "jamboree style" cooking is occasionally organized to expose the boys to new recipes.