“On my honor, I will do my best. To do my duty to God and my country. To obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” -The Scout Oath 

“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” -Scout Law

WOODBURY – Scouts are such an important opportunity for kids. They build confidence and show that young people can succeed in life. Scouting provides a good space for young people to learn new skills and create helpful habits to help succeed in life. 

Troop 59, based out of Woodbury, does all of these things–and more. 

According to PBS News, in 1972 there were approximately 5 million scouts in the U.S. In 2024, just over a million participated, roughly 1.4% of children in the U.S. taking part in scouts. 

COVID 19, electronics, sports, and busy schedules have only worsened the amount of kids in scouts. Just during the period 2021-2024 there was a 0.7% decline in members for scouting along the U.S.

Scouts has continued to grow in popularity, including this year including a 3% spike since 2024; it has spiked up 3% since 2024. But thanks to groups like troop 59, this group keeps kids engaged and brings scouting back to life.

Organizations like Troop 59 continue to teach these young kids. Helping develop character, confidence, and essential life skills.

Just a weekend campout with Troop 59, the kids aren’t just camping: They’re learning important life skills kids often can’t get anywhere else. 

Groups like this instruct group members navigation when they need to follow paths to find camp, first-aid skills to help others when hurt, problem solving abilities when the weather changes suddenly, and leadership skills to help and guide others.

Seth Ambruso, a scout master for Pack 459, and a parent of a child in Troop 59, sees the benefits of scouting at an early age. 

“Scouting is an important program that gives young people a chance to learn and grow outside of school and home.” said Ambruso. Since scouts have so many opportunities, it’s important that kids start young. “There are so many opportunities for personal growth, character, leadership, and service to others in their community, country, and the world.”

For assistant scout leader, Rohinie Criscione, the return of scouts to the community creates lasting impacts for community young people. 

 “I was sold on Scouts because of the enthusiasm of my daughter and her friends,” said Criscione ASM (assistant scout master) for troop 59.  “I was even more inspired when I saw an older gentleman—an 80-year-old Scout leader—quietly working in the corner of the church with a young Scout on rank requirements. That moment captured what I love most about Scouting: multigenerational learning and shared experiences. It is rich for the soul—for youth, for families, and for elders who continue to give their wisdom and heart to the next generation.”

 The true meaning of scouting isn’t just the badges and statistics. It’s found in the field, working together, around a campfire, persevering, collaborating, a place where young kids step out of their comfort zone and think outside the box.