Troop 496 was established in 1996. We are chartered by St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida. We are an outdoor, service focused and boy-led troop. Our scouts enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, orienteering, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, geocaching and many other high adventure activities. Our scouts are taught essential scout skills, such as leadership, cooking, base camp set up, first aid, survival skills, emergency preparedness, personal management, water and fire safety as well as many other scouting skills by a cadre of experienced adult scout leaders. To date our troop has produced over 20 eagle scouts which is the highest rank a scout can achieve.

Troop Mission: To develop men of strong character by:

• Providing scout leadership training and opportunities
• Teaching and promoting the Scout Law
• Development of scout skills through rank advancement
• Providing a supportive environment, based on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Troop Goals: Develop scouts who will grow up to be men of strong character, have the ability to solve problems on their own, and be model citizens.

Adult leader philosophy: Never do for a scout what he can do for himself. Provide no ambiguity in earning awards and advancing in rank. Ensure there are always checks and balance in troop leadership.

For more information about our troop please email us at: Troop496scouts@gmail.com