Commack United Methodist Church
Boy Scouts of America Troop 125
486 Town Line Road
Commack, NY 11725
Troop 125 is a chartered troop of the Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the Commack United Methodist Church. The Troop was formed in 1969. The current Committee Chairman of Troop 125 is Mike Shulman, and the current Scoutmaster is Ken Voigt, Sr. Troop 125 is run by Scouts, notably the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, and Patrol Leaders. A Troop Committee, made up of parents, provides overall guidance and policy. The Troop has been very active in community activities and scouting functions over the years.
The purpose of the Troop is to enable boys to enjoy and benefit from the national Scouting program, as outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. The major aims of the Scouting program are: growth in moral strength and character, participating in citizenship, and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. The Troop's goal is to encourage boys' development in leadership, responsibility, and public service through providing a variety of activities that are enjoyable.
When and Where
The troop meets year round (except during designated weeks in July, August, and school holidays) on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Commack United Methodist Church.
Purpose and Program
Meetings are held
(a) to provide leadership opportunities for the boys,
(b) to plan outings and other troop activities,
(c) to enjoy lively games and competition,
(d) to provide experiences toward advancement and merit badge attainment,
(e) to feature occasional outside speakers on a variety of topics of interest to the boys, and,
(f) to reinforce the principles of Scouting. Ceremonies also play an integral part of meetings.
Behavior Guidelines
The guidelines for the acceptable behavior of a Scout are contained in the Scout Oath and Law as stated on pages 5-8 in the Boy Scout Handbook and explained in Chapter 24, "The Spirit of Scouting", pages 549-561
On my honor
I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law
To help other people at all times
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight
A Scout Is
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
and Reverent
Fighting, hitting, harassing, or in any way causing harm or subjecting a Scout to harm is out of character with Scouting and is prohibited.
Each Scout in Troop 125 (and, similarly, any of his family members) has a responsibility to protect and respect Commack United Methodist Church property as well as the property of the Troop and his fellow Scouts. Any damage or loss incurred will be the responsibility of those who cause it.
National Scout policy prohibits alcohol and/or drug use by anyone at any Troop activity.
The camping and hiking programs are essential elements of the advancement process. Scouting in the outdoors helps to teach self reliance by utilizing and developing skills such as swimming, camping, hiking, cooking and backpacking. Boys learn to accommodate to group needs as well as to eventually provide group leadership. The Scout will not be pushed beyond his capability. The Troop is organized so that older Scouts and trained adults will provide instruction and support as new experiences are encountered.
Camping and other outdoor experiences throughout the school year are held in various public campgrounds, parks and reserves. Standard state campground rules, such as the prohibition of all firearms, apply on all outings. In addition, the Troop Committee and Scoutmasters prohibit unsafe or distractive items on outings and at Scout activities. Unless specified on an outings flyer as allowable, such items as audiovisual equipment (CD's, portable radios, tape players or TV's), any guns or water-spewing items (including balloons), knives, or any toy or other item that might be unsafe to use or distracting from Scout activities should be left at home.
If any such item is brought on a Scout outing, it will be confiscated and returned to the boy's parent with an explanation.