“The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law”
Scouting provides young people with opportunities to learn leadership by actually leading. Troop 690 uses Scouting’s youth-led patrol method, in which Scouts take increasing responsibility for planning meetings, organizing activities, leading other Scouts, and solving problems together. Adult leaders provide mentorship, guidance, and a safe environment while allowing young people to develop the confidence and skills that come from accepting real responsibility.
The values of Scouting closely complement the mission of Kiwanis. The Scout Oath challenges Scouts to serve God and country, help other people, and develop themselves physically, mentally, and morally. The Scout Law calls a Scout to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Together, these principles help young people develop into capable leaders and service-minded members of their communities.
Service in Action
Community service is built directly into the Scouting advancement program. As Scouts progress through the ranks, they participate in service projects benefiting their communities. Ultimately, every Eagle Scout candidate must plan, develop, and lead a significant service project for the benefit of others.
Troop 690 Scouts have completed projects throughout the Rockwall community, including:
- Building wheelchair-accessible raised planters for residents of a local retirement community
- Completing improvement projects at the Rockwall County Historical Foundation and Rockwall County Historical Museum
- Beautifying local walking trails through the installation of pet-waste bag stations
- Supporting the annual Kiwanis Rockwall Christmas Parade, including carrying banners recognizing the award-winning parade floats
- Participating in additional community and conservation service projects throughout the year
These projects give Scouts an opportunity to do more than volunteer. They learn to recognize a need, make a plan, organize resources and volunteers, and lead others in accomplishing something meaningful for their community.
Leadership Through Adventure
Troop 690 has a strong tradition of backpacking and High Adventure. Scouts participate in regular campouts and outdoor activities while developing skills in camping, first aid, navigation, cooking, teamwork, and self-reliance.
Older Scouts have opportunities to participate in Scouting America’s national High Adventure programs, including backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch, wilderness canoeing at Northern Tier, marine adventures at Florida Sea Base, and outdoor adventure programs at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
These experiences provide much more than outdoor recreation. Scouts must prepare, plan, work as a team, overcome challenges, and learn to depend upon one another. Troop 690 believes that one of the best ways for young people to learn that they can accomplish difficult things is to give them the opportunity to do difficult things together.
Kiwanis has traditionally helped support Troop 690 Scouts participating in these High Adventure experiences, helping make important leadership and character-building opportunities available to local youth.
Building Young Leaders in Rockwall
Troop 690 welcomes boys ages 11 through 17, with a particular interest in connecting with families of younger Scouts who are looking for opportunities in leadership development, outdoor adventure, service, and personal growth.
The partnership between Kiwanis and Troop 690 reflects a shared commitment to developing young people with good hearts, strong character, a willingness to serve, and the confidence to lead. We look forward to expanding opportunities for Scouts to serve alongside Kiwanis through programs and community projects throughout Rockwall County.
Parents, families, and community members interested in learning more about Troop 690 are invited to visit: https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop690Rockwall/Index.htm
