Troop 476 was founded over 30 years ago and was originally sponsored by Summit Elementary School. In 1994 the sponsorship for the Troop was transferred to Summerside United Methodist Church. Our "feeder" Cub Scout pack remains with Summit.
Troop 476 has a somewhat unique personality, as does every Boy Scout troop. The Scoutmaster and Troop Committee are strongly dedicated to the ideal that a Boy Scout Troop is run by the scouts. This is the core and essence of the program. The Scouts are called upon to select and plan and prepare for their own outings under a minimal level of guidance. This can and does result in a level of inefficiency and confusion for parents about what is going on, but soon pays off, as the Scout develops a sense of responsibility and self confidence which few other youth organizations can provide.
Camping has always been the Boy Scouts main vehicle for educating youth to prepare them for a moral and useful life. The troop attempts to go on an overnight outing once a month. On outings the Scouts cooperate to make their own campsite and cook their own meals in patrols of four to eight boys of similar age and ability. The older scouts usually show off an impressive menu and challenge younger scouts to match them. The Scouts are permitted to make mistakes and to suffer the outcome, so long as their safety and health are not jeopardized. This is how they learn that actions have outcomes and to care for themselves. Scouts are encouraged to advance in rank by adults and peers, but they do so as a result of their own efforts. Achievement and success are publicly celebrated. The overall atmosphere is one of mutual support and brotherhood. Scouts will not be exposed to hazing or undue peer pressure
Troop 476 tends to be a "light camping" troop and it's traditions are generally of minimalist camping in tents or hammocks or even sleeping in the open...cooking over open wood fires whenever possible, and generally living in harmony with nature rather than by overcoming it. We shy away from expensive or heavy equipment such as large awnings, troop-sized kitches, folding tables and chairs. This may come across as overly "spartan" to some, but the boys are resilient and flourish. This minimalist approach translates into simplicity and freedom for them. The troop owns tents, camp stoves, and cooking gear. Youth members need to have a uniform, a sleeping bag, inexpensive hiking boots, and clothing to meet the activity and season. Attendance at any outing is entirely voluntary. The troop's favorite outings include rock climbing, caving, backpacking, turkey and fixin's cooked outdoors each November, Klondike derby, and a skiing outing each year - bright and early on New Years Day. The troop attends a week long BSA Summer Camp each year and encourage all Scouts to attend. Hardship stipends are considered when deemed appropriate.
We encourage you to visit our troop either at a meeting or an activity, and judge for yourself if we provide the kind of environment you want your boy to experience during his "formative" years. We welcome multi-activity boys as well - we understand that they may miss many meetings for certain periods during the year - and we know that adding scouting to their list of activities can only serve to better round out their personalities.