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| » Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 31 in Rochester NY |
On the tenth of April in the year 1913, the first meeting of Boy ScoutTroop 31 was held in a small room at the Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue. At that time, a man by the name of Capt. Frederick W. Hinrichs Jr. took on full responsibility to become the first "Scoutmaster of Troop 31".
Capt. Hinrichs believed in inspiring young men to climb to greater heights. With his guidance, the troop was formed and adhered to the principles of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the modern Scouting movement. Troop 31 has made the "Boy Led Troop" the cornerstone of the scouting experience. We promote the ideals of scouting by guiding young men to be self-confident future leaders and to aspire to the ultimate rank of Eagle. As members of Troop 31, the boys manage and control all aspects of the troop operations - from planning a simple meal for a patrol to running a meeting to planning a campout. Our adult advisors provide guidance to the Scout leadership so that they can accomplish the goals they have set for themselves and the Troop. Though years of successful programs, Troop 31 has created an environment that challenges boys to learn what it takes to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated while simultaneously caring about and leading others. After 99 years and 38 Scoutmasters, our parents and alumni are proud of the 155 Scouts who have earned their rank of Eagle as members of BSA Troop 31. If you are interested in visiting or joining BSA Troop 31, we welcome you to visit a Troop meeting and experience it first-hand. I look forward to meeting with you; feel free to contact me at Scoutmaster@Troop31BSA.org to set up appointment to visit Troop 31. Yours in Scouting,
John H. Folwell
38th Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 31
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Seneca Waterways Council
Servicenter & Scout Shop
474 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-4210
Fax: (585) 244-9403
Email: joinscouting@SenecaWaterways.org
Website: www.SenecaWaterways.org |
Mission & Vision of the BSA
Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Vision Statement
The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
Policy of Nondiscrimination
Membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all boys and young adults who meet the joining requirements. Membership in Scouting, advancement, and achievement of leadership in Scouting units are open to all youth without regard to race or ethnic background and are based entirely upon individual merit.
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Philmont 2011 Crew
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Massawepie 2012 Crew
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CAMPING Troop 31 is an active camping troop. You will be able to participate in a number of different style camping opportunities. Our camping is divided into four areas of opportunity based on your experience and rank: Monthly Campouts, Spring Trips, Summer Camping, and High Adventure Experience. Monthly Campouts
Each month from September to June (except December during the Tree Sale), the Scouts of the Troop organize, plan and carry out a campout. The initial planning is done every August when the Patrol Leader Council meets to plan the yearly program calendar. Durations are normally over an entire weekend, but can be simple overnighters too. The campout locations vary based on season and program activities. Sites vary from local venues like Mendon Ponds Park, Webster Park, and Brockport Canal Park to Zorn Valley Forest (south west of Buffalo) to Tughill Dog Sled races (near Watertown) to the Herkimer Diamond Mines (near Utica). Activities range from Bike trips to Hiking/Backpacking to Scout Skills base camping to merit badge focused. See the Calendar for this year's activities. At all camping trips, Troop 31 provides tents, cooking gear, and food. Scouts are to provide $10 two weeks prior to a campout, which confirms their place on the campout. The fee is solely for the group food expense. Scouts selected to fulfill the position of Patrol Grubmaster will be allotted money to purchase food for their patrol. All other scouts in the patrol are just required to bring appropriate clothing, water bottle, sleeping bag and any other appropriate personals outlined in the Scout Handbook. Spring Trips
Historically, over the past twenty years, Troop 31 has challenged the scouts to a Spring Trip over the Spring Break week off. These trips alternate themes of adventure/fun to educational. The trips are typically open to all scouts who are active in the troop and have participated in at least one year of Tree Sales. Past trips have included: Massawepie Summer Camp
For the past 60 years, Troop 31 has been an active participant at Massawepie BSA Camping outside Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. This is an excellent opportunity for younger and older scouts alike to have fun and to complete advancement opportunities. First year Scouts are able to participate in the Trailblazer Program, which vaults them on their way to achieving the Rank of Tenderfoot and even Second Class. All other scouts have the opportunity to work on and achieve between three and five merit badges per week. Summer Camp funding is available to all scouts who have participated in the Tree Sale. High Adventure Camp
High Adventure Experience is for older scouts who meet or exceed the Troop Committee requirements. High adventure Scout Camp is the opportunity for older scouts to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Scouts have the opportunity to attend the National BSA Camps at Philmont, NM, the Northern Tier in MN and southern Canada, and Sea Base in FL. National & World Jamborees
Older Scouts who also meet or exceed the expectations of the Troop Committee have the opportunity to attend either National or World Jamborees.
SPRING CAMPING TRIPS
Spring Camping Trips are an excellent opportunity for the Scout to experience areas of the United States that they may or may not travel to as they grow older. They have the opportunity to see, experience, partake, and be part of history as they travel to historical places, national parks, museums, and cultural centers. Let's not forget about the fun either. They will have chances to whitewater raft, climb in caverns, and backpack across mountains and plains, climb mountains, and see spectacular views. 
The process starts six months to a year from the time the Troop travels. The Scouts began the process by deciding from two types of trips: Adventure or Educational. Then they brainstorm the location and the type of program. From that point, a group of boys form a committee to plan the logistics of the trip with the assistance of one or two Assistant Scoutmasters. The trip is a learning experience for the scouts in logistical planning, including: finance, transportation, lodging, program and food. Trips are on a four year rotation; three years in a row are Northeast Regional trips and the fourth year is a "Big Trip" to one of the National Parks. Past trips have taken the Troop to: - Washington D.C as Highlanders w/Troop 19 (Spring 2001)
- Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks (Spring 2002)
- Cleveland & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Spring 2003)
- Great Smokey Mountains National Park (Spring 2004)
- Boston, MA & the Freedom Trail (Spring 2005)
- Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam (Spring 2006)
- Washington D.C. & Fort Dietrich, MD (Spring 2007)
- Whitewater Rafting, Falling Water & Laurel Caverns, Pittsburgh PA (Spring 2008)
- Gettysburg & Antietam National Battlefields (Spring 2009)
- Yosemite National Park & San Francisco, CA (Summer 2010)
 Scouts may attend the Spring Trip if they have been active in the troop for one full year, show Scout Spirit, and have participated in one Tree Sale. Funding for the program of the trips is typically funded by the Troop while the Transportation and lodging is funded by the scout. Costs vary between $100 to $700 per scout. Financial aid is available based on scout need. If your scout or you know of a scout who maybe in need, please speak with either the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman about the situation confidentially.
MASSAWEPIE SUMMER CAMP For the past 60 years, Troop 31 has been an active participant of Massawepie BSA Camping, outside Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. We are one the original troops who were present at Massawepie Camp opening and have been attending every year since. This is a tradition that we are very proud of and show by still flying and attending under the Original District Flag of the "Highlanders". This District was originally made up of the nine troops that were organized and resided in the Highland Park area of Rochester, and had a Troop represent them each week that the Camp was open during the summer. Today Highlanders are only made up from two troops: Troop 31 and Troop 19. We carry the Highlanders banner with pride every year.  Camping at Massawepie is an excellent opportunity for younger and older scouts alike to have fun and to complete advancement opportunities. First Year Scouts are able to participate in the Trailblazer Program which vaults them on their way to achieving the Rank of Tenderfoot, Second Class and even complete some First Class rank requirements. All other scouts have the opportunity to work on and complete between three and five merit badges per week. Scouts 14 year of age and the Rank of Star are able to participate in a special program called "Mountain Fox." Mountain Fox is an off-base program for the Scouts to experience Rock Climbing, Challenge Hike, Whitewater Rafting, Overnight Camping, and Canoeing all within one week. Even older boys have the opportunity to plan and go on a week long Trek into the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Summer Camp funding is available to all scouts who have participated in the Tree Sale.
If you are interested in Summer Camp, Please contact the Camping Dept at Camping@troop31bsa.org. Forms will be posted in February for the upcoming Summer Merit Badge Program.
 What is Eagle Flight?
For Boy Scouts pursuing their Eagle Scout requirements, Seneca Waterways Council operates a week long training camp at Boy Scout Resident Camp -- Camp Massawepie. Camp Massawepie runs this very special one week session only once each summer. For 2011, Eagle Flight Week runs from Sunday, June 26th until Saturday, July 2nd, which is the week before normal summer camp opens. The Eagle Flight program is specifically designed for the older Scout to give him the opportunity to work on the merit badges he needs to finish his Eagle Rank requirements. It is a highly structured program offering more than 40 merit badges along with many exciting non-merit badge programs and activities specifically designed for Eagle Candidates. EAGLE FLIGHT WEEK BROCHURE EAGLE FLIGHT CAMP ORGANIZATION • Limited to the first 100 applicants. EAGLE FLIGHT APLLICATION • Eagle Candidates are divided into separate Eagle Troops. Each troop has its own flag and composes its own cheers and yells. Each Eagle Candidate receives the troop’s individual colored caps and Bolo. • Each troop will have at least one experienced adult Scoutmaster, one adult Assistant Scoutmaster and one Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Each Troop will be assigned its own campsite, select its own Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and other officers, and develop its own unique pride and spirit. • All Eagle Candidates must remain in camp the entire week – Sunday July 26, 2011 to Saturday July 2, 2011. • Full "Class A" Scout uniform, consisting of Scout shirt, pants/shorts, socks are required for each formal flag raising and lowering. "Class B" Scout uniform, consisting of Troop T-shirt and scout pants/shorts is required for daily class work and all other activities.
HIGH ADVENTURE CAMPING Get out of the house and into the excitement offered at one of the BSA's High Adventure™ Bases! You've got three choices: a unique aquatic quest at the Florida Sea Base; a canoeing or winter camping challenge at the Northern Tier; or a wild west backpacking expedition at the Philmont Scout Ranch. 
Take a hike! The mountains of New Mexico offer the adventure that you have always dreamed about. Backpacking, rock climbing, western lore, living history, and the views from peaks over 10,000 feet tall will make memories that last a lifetime.
Make a splash! Head to the Florida Keys and dive into an amazing Florida Sea Base adventure and wade into more excitement than you ever thought possible. Snorkeling, SCUBA, boating, and beach camping are among the many possibilities.
Don't miss the boat! One of the most beautiful, and remote parts of North America offers a unique opportunity for Scouts. Canoeing, hiking, fishing, and winter camping in and around the beautiful lakes of northern Minnesota and southern Canada await you at the Northern Tier.
High Adventure is a chance to try something you may never experience again. So take adventure to the limit. You'll never forget it.
More Info All three bases have year-round opportunities. Write or call for more information. Florida Sea Base
P.O. Box 1906
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305)664-4173 | Northern Tier
P.O. Box 509
Ely, MN 55731
(218)365-4811 | Philmont Scout Ranch
Cimarron, NM 87714
(575)376-2281 |
Scouts may receive Troop 31 funding of 2/3 the cost if they meet these requirements of the Committee: - They must be 14 years of age
- They must have the rank of Star or greater
- They must have 100% particapition in four years of Tree Sales
- They must have completed three years at Massawepie BSA Camp
- They must demonstrate to the Troop Committee good "Scout Spirit"
NATIONAL & WORLD JAMBOREES 2010 National Scout Jamboree (One Troop 31 Scout Attended)
Held July 26, 2010 – August 4, 2010
 Imagine dawn on July 26, 2010: Dew on the empty fields shimmers in the growing daylight. And then … here they come! By noon, throngs of Scouts are carrying gear and tents, and gateways begin to emerge from the empty ground. By dusk, the landscape has been transformed into a bustling city of 18,000 tents, 3,600 patrol kitchens, and approximately 50,000 Scouts and leaders. This transformation occurs in mere hours, making Jamboree City the fastest growing city in Virginia, if not the world. Amid the thousands of colorful tents that will house participants and provide program and support services, there is an infrastructure that provides a safe and secure environment at Fort A.P. Hill. Everything from bus systems, telephone and Internet, to first-aid stations and a hospital, police and fire departments, post offices, food warehouses, a radio station, a daily newspaper, trading posts, and concession stands provide all the support and program services needed for an outstanding event. Over the course of the next 10 days, Scouts from across the country will experience the finest Scouting offers from rappelling, kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, archery, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, shooting, buckskin games, and hands-on merit badge demonstrations to enjoying the 17-acre conservation trail, four 5K runs, rotating stages of evening entertainment, and a 100th Anniversary rededication ceremony simulcast to fellow troops gathering throughout the world. The jamboree is an experience of a lifetime. It’s a unique opportunity to physically and tangibly introduce life skills to 50,000 Scouts and leaders and more than 250,000 visitors, and to celebrate the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
2011 World Jamboree
 Be a part of Simply Scouting, the 2011 World Scout Jamboree on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the province of Skåne, southern Sweden. Hosted by The Swedish Guide and Scout Council, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree will run from July 27-August 7, 2011. The purpose of the event is to bring together Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff to share international friendship and adventure for personal growth and development. The upcoming World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden, promises to be one of the best ever. With 40,000 Scouts expected to attend from six continents and more than 114 countries, it’s going to be a world-class event, one you can be a part of if you start planning now. At Rinkaby, you will get to live and learn with fellow Scouts and leaders from around the world. You’ll be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent, but you’ll soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!
Scouts may receive Troop 31 funding of 2/3 the cost if they meet these requirements of the Committee: - They must be 14 years of age
- They must have the rank of Star or greater
- They must have 100% particapition in four years of Tree Sales
- They must have completed three years at Massawepie BSA Camp
- They must demonstrate to the Troop Committee good "Scout Spirit"
 NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. For many years, junior leader training (JLT) was an important part of the leadership training continuum of BSA local councils throughout America. In 2003 and 2004, a task force of leadership experts and hundreds of Scouts in pilot courses across the nation reviewed and tested every aspect of the new NYLT syllabus, which incorporates the latest leadership ideas and presents fresh, vital and meaningful training for today's Scouts. The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he must KNOW, and what he must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. NYLT is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allow participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much more quickly. Built on the legacy of past JLT successes, the new NYLT integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give them the skill and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer. Each year, the Troop 31 Staff recommends scouts for NYLT summer training who represent Troop 31 in Scout Spirit, Leadership, and Responsiblity. The Troop Committee provides $100 towards the cost of the Training to provide incentitves for scouts to take a part of their summer to better both themselves and the Troop.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT Equipment
There is a lot of equipment you need to go camping, but that does not mean that you have to go out and immediately buy a lot of expensive gear. When looking for camping equipment keep in mind two things: (1) new Scouts start off small and grow rapidly (a sleeping bag that fits today will be too small tomorrow) and (2) new Scouts will not be doing major hiking or extreme weather camping their first year. More information about equipment is available on our Forms&Info web page. You will find a Personal Equipment List there and Winter Camping Information. Troop and Patrol Gear
Troop 31 owns tents and cooking gear that are supplied to the patrols. Patrols generally have to purchase their own food; money is either provide before or is reimbursed right after the campout. The patrol plans meals during regular troop meetings and appoint a Grubmaster to purchase the food and pack it into a cooler. The Troop also issues a lantern to each patrol to use when cooking. Backpacks
DON'T BUY A BACKPACK RIGHT AWAY!!! Since the distance most first year Scouts have to travel is from the back of the car to the tent, the Troop has some older model Backpacks to lend to new scouts. This will enable the scout and parents to look for an appropriate backpack. A quality backpack generally runs around $100, but discontinued or great deals may be found thru the internet. Contact ASM Mr. T., he has some great websites to look at for camping deals Sleeping bags
Though a 25° (F) sleeping bag is more than adequate for most of the trips a new Scout will do in the first year. Even when the temperature goes down to zero the Scouts will be sleeping inside tents with other Scouts, dressed, and with a bag liner or blanket inside the bag. Sleeping bags filled with down are to be avoided. Although they are the “warmest and lightest” they lose almost all of their insulating ability when they get wet (a common occurrence for new Scouts) and cannot be dried out on a camping trip. The Troop would recommend the new synthetic sleeping bags that are almost as good as down, retain most of their insulating capability when wet, and can be dried on a camping trip. Also you may want to look at Mummy bags. Mummy bags are good because they heat up faster, are lighter and easier, and usually come with a hood to keep the head warm. They can sometimes be uncomfortably for new Scouts, however, because they feel constrictive, but they will grow accustom over time. Boots
Boots are an essential for camping. Sneakers do not provide any ankle support and quickly get wet with a little rain. Boots should go above the ankle and should have a gusseted tongue (the tongue has extra material to the sides that attach to the boot) so that water and dirt are kept out. Look for a minimum number of sewn seams (because they all have to be waterproofed) and a cemented or sewn sole. Get a good foot liner to help wick moisture out of the boot. See pages 200-201 of the Scout Handbook for more information about boots and socks. Socks
Always pack extra socks. Socks should be made of polyester or wool. Once cotton socks become wet (sweating), they stay wet, but polyester and wool socks wick the moisture away from the skin. Even in mild camping weather, feet can become extremely cold with cotton socks! Scouts should have a fresh pair of socks to change into at night and another pair for the morning. Flashlights
Many scouts use headlamps, which allow you to use the lamp and still have both your hands free. The headlamp is particularly convenient when Scouts are finishing cleaning up after dinner at dusk. Mess kits
Don’t go out and buy those army style mess kits where everything fits inside everything else. They are made of metal which lets the food get cold quickly and easily get bent out of shape. What you want is a good study plastic plate and bowl that will not break when dropped or stuffed into a pack on the way home. Utensils can be any old mismatched set of knife, fork, and spoon that you won’t worry about if it doesn’t come home. For drinks use a good plastic mug. Don’t get a collapsible cup. Many of our Scouts have plates and bowls made of Lexan polycarbonate. Raingear
Almost everyone goes through what we call an “evolution” in raingear. First year Scouts usually wear a poncho. It’s easy to pack, quick to put on, and works for about five minutes in a downpour, unless you’re hiking. By the second year they’ve switched to a plastic or rubber coated rainsuit. While this offers more protection Scouts eventually realize that they are sweating inside as much as it's raining outside. Finally they end up in a nylon or Gore-Tex rain suit that lets the body breath and also serves as a jacket when it is cooler. By this time, the Scout has grown significantly, and hopefully will be able to use this rain suit well into young adulthood. Water Bottle
A water bottle is essential for camping. Most of our scouts carry Nalgene bottles or something similar and clip them to their belt loops with carabineers. Who packs?
Never let someone else pack for you, not even your parents!!! You are the one going camping and in the middle of the night when your flashlight dies and you need your spare batteries, you are the one who needs to know in what pocket of the backpack they are in. Your troop guide or one of the other older scouts should be inspecting your pack for the first campout or two to show you how and to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Also, if it has a battery in it and it is not your flashlight, leave it home. Game boys, i-pods, etc. are not allowed at camp. Never bring anything camping that you’re not afraid of losing or breaking.
TROOP 31 T-SHIRT CONTEST Each year for the annual Spring Trip, the Scouts are challenged to create the artwork for Class B T-shirt that expresses Pride in the Troop. The designs are open to simple statements of the location, to artwork of the location, to Graphical representation of a troop logo. When multiple designs are submitted the Troop votes on their favorite. The Artwork is the self expression of the Troop. Each year, the artwork will be display here to highlight the talents of the Scouts.
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