About

We currently have about 2 dozen scouts in four multi-age patrols. Our boys range in age from 11 to 17 years old in the Mansfield Qualters Middle School, Mansfield High School, South Eastern Region Vocational Technical High School and Bishop Feehan High School.  We also have a dedicated group of adult volunteers.  Our Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the scouts to plan and implement a safe, fun, and enriching Scouting program.  We also have an active and supportive Troop Committee made up of parents who handle policy and financial aspects of the organization.

New scouts who join our troop are placed in age appropriate patrols of up to 8 scouts.  It is within these patrols that the Scouting program really happens.  Younger boys learn skills and practices from older boys. Patrols each have their own identity and compete with each other in fun challenges such as cook-offs, skills-based relays, and fun games.  

We are a boy-led troop.  This means that the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders, positions elected by the scouts, are responsible for planning and running meetings and events.  The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are there to support and assist as needed, but the primary responsibility is on the youth leaders.  This means that sometimes things don't run as smoothly as they might if an adult was in charge, but that is part of the Scouting process.  The boys learn through experience.

Our philosophy on advancement is to support each Scout as much as they want to be supported. If a boy wants to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, we will provide the guidance and support to help him get there. If he really just wants to go rock climbing and whitewater rafting, that's cool, too.  Not every Scout is driven by rank advancement.  We will encourage every Scout to get to First Class, but beyond that it will really depend on each boy's personal goals and motivation.  

BSA Troop 17 is committed to providing a positive Scouting experience for all boys without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or any other basis.

Troop Meetings

Troop meetings are held every Monday during the regular school year from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.  “If there’s school, there’s scouts! No school, no scouts.”  Scouts and parents will be notified by email if there are any changes or exceptions to this policy. Meetings are held in the lower level of the Congregational Church of Mansfield. Scouts and adults are reminded to be respectful of others using Church facilities and of the facilities themselves.

As per BSA (Boy Scouts of America) program recommendations, the Troop Leadership operates the individual meetings under the guidance of the adult volunteers. Monthly leadership meetings plan the detailed program for the weekly Troop meetings.

Troop Committee Meetings

The Troop Committee meets monthly, from September through June. All interested parties are encourages to attend. Please contact the Committee Chair for further information.

No Scout Left Behind

The Troop can help families with financial challenges who are unable to afford the monthly camping trips or summer camp. Please see either the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chair in confidence.