Northeast Georgia Council • Scouting America
Athens Troop 1 is a historic, all-boys Scouts BSA troop that has served the Athens community for more than 75 years. We are proudly chartered by Athens First United Methodist Church in downtown Athens and are part of the Northeast Georgia Council.
Troop meetings are held 3:00–4:00 PM on most Sundays.
"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."
Athens Troop 1 is a boy-led troop, meaning that Scouts themselves take the lead in planning activities, running meetings, and making decisions. Our patrol system gives each Scout the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment. The troop is guided by elected youth leaders including the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders, who are supported by a dedicated team of adult volunteers. Our Troop Committee handles the administrative and logistical needs of the troop, while adult leaders provide mentorship, training, and oversight to ensure a safe and rewarding program for all our Scouts.
Athens Troop 1 offers a full program of outdoor adventures, skill development, and service opportunities throughout the year.
We camp once a month, year-round. Whether it's a weekend at a state park, a winter campout, or primitive camping in the backcountry, Scouts learn to set up camp, cook outdoors, and live comfortably in nature while building teamwork and self-reliance.
Troop 1 takes regular day hikes and backpacking trips on trails throughout North Georgia and beyond. Scouts develop navigation skills, learn Leave No Trace principles, and challenge themselves physically while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
Several times a year, we join other troops from our council for camporees—weekend events featuring skills competitions, inter-troop games, and patrol challenges. These events build camaraderie across the scouting community and let Scouts showcase what they've learned.
Older Scouts have the opportunity to participate in high adventure experiences at Scouting America's premier bases—like backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch, kayaking in the Florida Sea Base, or canoeing in the Boundary Waters. These week-long expeditions are the adventure of a lifetime.
Each summer, the troop spends a week at a Scouting America camp, where Scouts work on merit badges, improve outdoor skills, go swimming and boating, participate in shooting sports, and enjoy evening campfires. It's a highlight of the scouting year.
Scouting isn't all serious business! Troop meetings include games, competitions, and just hanging out with friends. From ultimate frisbee to campfire skits to patrol cook-offs, we make sure there's always time for fun.
Scouts regularly give back to the community through service projects—cleaning up parks, helping at food banks, supporting our chartered organization, and more. Service to others is a core value of Scouting and helps Scouts become engaged citizens.
Scouts advance through a series of ranks as they develop skills, demonstrate leadership, and serve their community. Each rank builds upon the previous one, creating a clear path of growth and achievement.
Rank advancement in Scouting America is more than earning badges—it's about personal growth and character development. Each rank represents a Scout's commitment to learning new skills, serving others, and living by the Scout Oath and Law. The journey from Scout to Eagle teaches responsibility, leadership, and perseverance.
The first rank introduces new Scouts to the fundamentals—memorizing the Scout Oath and Law, learning basic knots, understanding the patrol method, and practicing outdoor safety. Typically takes one to three months.
Scouts develop basic outdoor skills including camping, cooking, fire safety, and navigation. They participate in their first service projects and begin understanding their role within the patrol.
Scouts expand their outdoor abilities with advanced camping, hiking, and wilderness skills. They learn plant and animal identification, navigation, swimming safety, and take on more responsibility helping newer Scouts.
The final "basic" rank represents a well-rounded Scout competent in orienteering, advanced first aid, outdoor cooking, and expedition planning. First Class Scouts can lead their patrol and are ready for troop leadership positions.
The first "upper" rank requires at least six merit badges (including four Eagle-required), four months in a leadership position, and active service participation. Scouts begin exploring personal interests through merit badge work.
Life Scouts are experienced leaders who serve as role models. They must earn eleven total merit badges, serve six months in a leadership position, and begin planning their Eagle Scout Service Project.
The highest rank in Scouting, achieved by fewer than 10% of Scouts. Requires 21 merit badges, sustained leadership, and completion of a substantial Eagle Scout Service Project demonstrating leadership and community service.
Athens Troop 1 is proud to be part of a larger Scouting community and grateful for the support of our charter organization.
Our charter organization, providing us with a meeting space and ongoing support for over 75 years.
Our local Scouting council, supporting troops throughout Northeast Georgia with programs, camps, and resources.
The national organization that provides the Scouting program and maintains standards for youth development across the country.
Our feeder pack for younger scouts (grades K-5).