Paso Robles scouting troops welcome new members at open house
Annual activities include camping, hiking, and community volunteering
– Scouting America Troops 60 and 1602 held their annual open house at the Paso Robles Scout Hut, located at the corner of 23rd and Oak streets. In preparation for the event, scouts and leaders attended local school Back to School Nights to share information about the troops.
The open house was open to boys and girls ages 11 to 17 interested in developing life skills, building friendships, and gaining leadership experience. Six new scouts have since joined.
Troops 60 and 1602 are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paso Robles and meet weekly during the school year at the Scout Hut, 2247 Oak Street. Troop 60, a boys’ troop, meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m., and Troop 1602, a girls’ troop, meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Meetings focus on rank advancements, skill development, games, and planning for upcoming trips and volunteer events.
Throughout the year, scouts participate in community volunteering, monthly camping and hiking trips, and summer excursions. Last year, scouts from both troops displayed flags around Paso Robles for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. They also volunteered for the Rotary Club, Paso Robles Senior Center, Pioneer Day Parade, City of Paso Robles, and Paso Robles Elks Lodge.
Scouting trips last year included water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, canoeing, backpacking, car camping, cave exploring, and snow camping. Scouts also attended camporees, summer camps, and the Philmont Scout Ranch, where 18 scouts over the age of 14 completed a 54- to 63-mile backpacking trip over 12 days in New Mexico.
During Pioneer Day weekend, 26 scouts and leaders put up “no parking” signs along the parade route the Monday before the event. More than 30 scouts and leaders also assisted with Pioneer Day activities, including serving at the annual Pioneer Day Bean Feed.
Upcoming plans include a camping trip at San Simeon Creek Campground for Troop 1602 in October and a one-night backpacking trip at Madrone Campground for Troop 60.
Troops 60 and 1602 are accepting new members. Those interested can attend a regularly scheduled meeting or contact the troops at info@prtroop60.com or prtroop1602@gmail.com.
