Troop 1097 was founded in 1963 to provide boys with opportunities to develop moral strength, physical, mental and emotional fitness and to develop participating citizenship. The Troop uses an active and challenging outdoor program to teach fundamental Scout skills, develop leadership skills and give opportunities for rank advancement. We operate on the premise that it is the outdoor activities that attract boys to Scouting, and not the indoor Troop meetings. Regular outdoor activities provide attractive indoor programs as Scouts prepare to go outdoors.

We are chartered by the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), Rockville Chapter. While we cooperate closely with the League, and often support its activities and facilities, membership in the League is not a prerequisite to joining the Troop.

The Scouts elected to lead the Troop (the Patrol Leaders Council) plan at least one outdoor activity per month. There is a camping activity most months. In addition, the Troop attends at least one week of summer camp each year and experienced Scouts have an opportunity to participate in a High Adventure program.

Troop 1097 prides itself in being an active Troop. Here are some of the activities which the Patrol Leaders Council has planned for the 2006-2007 program year:

Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade, Black Hill Camporee, Eagle Projects, Rock Climbing, Antietam Illumination Service Project/Campout, Klondike Derby Service Troop, C&O Canal, Punkin Chunkin, sailing, Hershey Park, Weekend campouts, Seven Springs Ski Weekend, Sugarloaf and Appalachian Trail hikes, Caving, Backpacking.

High Adventure

Scouts and Adult Leaders from Troop 1097 may choose to participate in the Boy Scouts of America local and national High Adventure programs. Scouts must have earned their First Class rank, and be at least 13 or 14 years of age, depending on the program. Lenhok’sin, Philmont, Florida Sea Base, and Northern Tier are the main High Adventure programs we attend.

Besides a uniform, the only other equipment a Scout will need to acquire when he first joins Troop 1097 is the Scout Handbook. It is the primary source of record keeping in addition to a handy reference and goes on all Scout activities with the Scout. All of his sign-offs for rank advancement will be done in the book. A quart-size Zip-loc™ bag serves very nicely to protect the Handbook.

The Troop provides most of the required camping gear with the exception of a sleeping bag and a mess kit. For early campouts, 2-3 blankets can serve very nicely in place of a bag. A plate, spoon and large mug make a fine mess kit.

No Scout is allowed to carry or use a knife, ax or saw at any Scout activity until he has passed the requirements for the Totin’ Chip. He can achieve this requirement during the first couple of camp-outs. After that he may carry a pocketknife.