Boy Scout Troop 133 was originally chartered by Chalfont United Methodist Church in 1963 and now is chartered by VFW Post 3258 in Chalfont and meets at Pleasantville United Church of Christ.
Camping: We like to camp every month--even in winter. The troop owns tents, camp stoves, lanterns, and other gear to help provide a great outdoor experience. Weekend camping trips can be close-by or a couple hours' drive away. Recent trips have included hiking on the Appalachian Trail, Susquehanna River kayaking, Assateague Island National Seashore, a visit to the US Military Academy at West Point, spelunking at Laurel Caverns, Steamtown National Historic Site, and an archaeological "dig" at the historic Moland House. Scouts plan and cook their own meals by patrol--our specialty is Dutch oven cooking on a charcoal fire. In past years we have attended summer camps from New York to Virginia, including our council's own Ockanickon Scout Reservation in Pipersville.
Our weekend trips are centered around a number of fun outdoor activities, for example, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, bicycling or climbing:
Service: We also perform many service projects. Our scouts have sent school supplies to students in Kosovo, done conservation at local parks, built a labyrinth at a local church, placed flags on veterans' graves, installed a community garden, and much more.
Philosophy: We consider ourselves to be a scout-led troop. Elections for troop leadership are held twice a year, in February and July. In the winter, adult leaders and senior scouts conduct a youth leadership training weekend to teach the tools and knowledge required to lead the troop. Each month the youth leaders meet to plan upcoming meetings and outdoor activities. New scouts form their own patrol and are assisted by an older scout (a Troop Guide) for the first six months.
Costs: Annual dues are $150 payable October 1 which goes to local council and BSA national. New scouts joining pay a little more to help cover the cost of Scout Handbook, troop neckerchief, and Class B T-shirt. A typical weekend camping trip costs $25/scout which covers the meal costs. We have 3 main fundraisers each year:
- BSA Campmaster Popcorn (Sept/Oct): Profits go to the scouts to pay for weekend trips or summer camp.
- Christmas Tree Sales at Showalter & Associates, Butler Pike (Dec): Profits are split between the troop and scout accounts.
- Spaghetti Dinner at Pleasantville UCC (March): Proceeds go towards troop equipment, camping fees, and other costs.