BSA Scout Troop 506 Snellville – Pouring into Our Youth

By Traci Sanders

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910. Today, there are dozens of BSA Scout troops throughout Gwinnett, both all-male and all-female units. For many of these youth, Scouting is an outlet for creativity and socialization. But, at its core, Scouting is about leadership, integrity, helping others, caring for the community, and learning survival skills. Scouting provides a positive influence and safe space for youth that often helps them become resilient in tough times by focusing on ways they can provide service to their local community, ultimately impacting the world around them.

One of these local troops is Troop 506 in Snellville. This all-male, ages 10-18, troop currently has thirty registered scouts. Scouts focus on learning leadership and outdoor skills by progressing through seven achievement ranks, and along the way, they earn merit badges in multiple areas. Collectively, Troop 506 scouts have earned 492 Merit badges since 2017 and celebrated 132 Rank Advancements, including the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Only about 2% of all scouts achieve this rank. Troop 506 has had over 100 scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout since the troop’s inception.

This scout-led troop plans monthly outdoor activities, and the current scouts have enjoyed over 1,100 nights of group camping. Recent camping and outdoor activities have included whitewater kayaking, cooking competitions, horseback riding, and campground service projects.

These bright young scouts are continually finding ways to serve our community. The current Troop 506 scouts have provided more than 2,530 hours of community service. Some of their recent service projects include: a “Little Library” and reading bench at Craig Elementary School; a “Little Library” at Gwin Oaks Elementary School; picnic tables for the visitors’ side concession stand at Brookwood High School stadium; Outdoor Classroom refurbishment at Craig Elementary School; a Prayer Garden installation at Cannon United Methodist Church; sensory picnic tables for the special needs students and coat kiosks for the playground at Craig Elementary school; and a playground refurbishment at Gwin Oaks Community Pool.

The leadership and accountability skills acquired in Scouts become fundamental core values for those who remain committed to the program. The Scout Oath and Scout Law become a way of life, and many of these youth become powerful influencers in their communities and the world. President Gerald Ford, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Director Steven Spielberg, Homerun King Hank Aaron, and countless other politicians, actors, athletes, and CEOs have all

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