A WORD FROM THE SCOUTMASTER

Over the past 40 years, Troop 160 has not always been the "biggest" or the “best” troop in town.  However, we have always had a successful program that has allowed boys to learn the skills of leadership, become stronger citizens, and most importantly, have FUN while doing it.

We are presently the oldest, continuously operating, scout troop in the Lewiston / Auburn area.  How has Troop 160 been successful in achieving 40 years of continuous service to boys from Lewiston, Auburn, and many of the surrounding towns?

Probably the most important factor has been consistent leadership.  Since “Uncle Dick Langelier” organized the troop, only five men have worn the scoutmaster’s patch.  Many members of our present leadership staff have been registered with the troop for 20 years, or more.  All of our leadership staff must meet one important requirement.  They must be men who can put aside being adults, from time to time, and must have the ability to act and think as boys.

The second factor could be that we allow boys to be boys.  We have been very careful to maintain a boy run program.  The scouts of the troop have always been entrusted to elect their own leaders and make their own decisions.  One evening, while meeting with a mother of a prospective scout, she commented that the boys were a little loud and that the meeting seemed to be slightly disorganized.  I quickly agreed and stated, “What else would you expect when you allow a group of 14 & 15 year old boys to lead a troop of scouts ranging in age from 10 to 18 years old.  You see, in a boy run troop, things may not always be perfect and boys need to be allowed to fail, from time to time, in order to learn.

Although our troop has never emphasized advancement as the primary reason for our existence.  We are proud to boast that 36 scouts from our troop have become Eagle Scouts.  Across the country, only 2% of all boys that ever join scouting become Eagle Scouts.  This is not the case in Troop 160.  Since 1969, the troop has had approximately 450 members, making our scout to Eagle ratio greater than 8%.  Many of our troop’s eagles still take an active roll in our troop’s operation.  Three of our four assistant scoutmasters are Troop 160 Eagle Scouts.

I would like to close my comments with this message to the present membership.  Never brag that we have the "BEST" troop around, but always be proud to be a member of Troop 160.  Our troop has been successful for the past 40 years and I promise that I, and the troop leadership staff, will do all in our power to carry on the tradition that has helped us to achieve this success.

Yours In Scouting,

Luc Caron

Scoutmaster T160