About Us
Troop 169 was founded in 2000 and chartered by Our Lady of Peace Parish in Columbus, Ohio. For over 25 years we’ve been developing young leaders through outdoor adventure, community service, and the timeless values of Scouting America. Today, we draw scouts from six area schools, united by a shared love of the outdoors and a commitment to making each other better.
Around 2023, Troop 169 merged with Troop 16, a troop with an even longer history in the Columbus area, chartered through Immaculate Conception Parish. That merger brought together two strong scouting traditions under one roof. We continue to maintain a close relationship with Immaculate Conception Parish through joint service projects and community events.
We are a boy-led troop, which means the scouts themselves set the agenda, plan the adventures, and lead the meetings, with experienced adult scouters there to guide and support along the way. Troop 169 is proud to be part of the Simon Kenton Council of Scouting America.
Why Scouting?
Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives. But the benefits go beyond any checklist. Scouts learn to make decisions, lead peers, serve their community, and push themselves further than they thought possible — skills that translate directly into college, careers, and life.
Research by Baylor University found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than non-scouts to be in a leadership position at their place of employment or community, report having closer relationships with family and friends, and volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations.
More than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting programs since its founding in 1910. The program has endured because it works and because the values instilled by the Scout Oath and Scout Law are as relevant today as they were a century ago.
“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.”
— The Scout Oath
What Scouts Do
No two years in Troop 169 look exactly alike.
Our scouts chart their own path through a program that balances adventure, skill-building, service, and leadership.
Merit Badges and Rank Advancement
Scouting America’s advancement program is built around personal growth and experiential learning. Each scout progresses at his own pace, earning ranks and merit badges by demonstrating skills. The advancement trail runs from Scout through Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and ultimately Eagle Scout. Each rank builds on the last, developing outdoor skills, leadership, and service in a way that challenges scouts to grow without leaving anyone behind.
Merit badges are where scouts go deep. With more than 135 subject areas — from First Aid and Cooking to Robotics, Photography, and Environmental Science — scouts choose topics that align with their interests and work one-on-one with a merit badge counselor who is an expert in that field. Some merit badges are required for advancement; many others simply open doors to new skills, passions, and career paths a scout might never have discovered otherwise.
picture of scout wearing MB sash
Summer Camp
Each summer, the troop heads to a council camp for a week of merit badge work, outdoor skills, swimming, and campfire traditions. Summer camp is often where new scouts find their footing and veteran scouts take on leadership roles.
Service Projects
Service is woven into everything we do. From neighborhood cleanups to Eagle Scout projects that leave a lasting mark on the Columbus community, Troop 169 scouts give back in meaningful ways year-round.
High Adventure
For older scouts, our high adventure program takes things to another level entirely — Philmont Scout Ranch, Sea Base, multi-day backpacking treks, and destinations that challenge body and mind. See our Adventures page for our full expedition history.
Fundraising
High adventure doesn’t come free and scouts in Troop 169 earn their way there. Through our annual leaf raking, mulch sales, sponsorships, and other fundraising activities, scouts raise the funds that make their scouting adventures possible. Fundraising teaches financial responsibility and the satisfaction of knowing you earned the adventure yourself.
Leadership
Scout leadership positions are central to the Scouting America program. Youth leaders are elected or appointed to run the troop, mentor younger scouts, and fulfill the Positions of Responsibility requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle Scout rank advancement.
Elected positions include the Senior Patrol Leader — the troop’s highest-ranking youth leader — along with Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders who represent each patrol on the Patrol Leaders’ Council. Appointed positions round out the leadership structure: Troop Guide, Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain Aide, Den Chief, and others, each carrying real responsibility for some aspect of troop life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my son join?
Scouts BSA is open to boys who have completed 5th grade or are at least 11 years old, up to age 18. If your son is younger, Cub Scouting is a great starting point. contact us and we can point you in the right direction.
Does my son need prior scouting experience?
Not at all. Many of our scouts join with no prior experience. The program is designed to meet scouts exactly where they are and build from there.
Do I have to be a parishioner at Our Lady of Peace Church?
No. While Troop 169 is chartered by Our Lady of Peace Parish, we welcome scouts regardless of school or faith affiliation. Our scouts currently come from six area schools.
How often does the troop meet, and how much time is required?
We meet weekly on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Meeting location may vary. Please see our calendar for details. In addition to weekly meetings, we typically have one outing or campout per month and several larger multi-day events throughout the year. Most scouts are also involved in school sports and other activities — and that’s encouraged. Scouts participate at whatever level works for their schedule and interests, and engagement naturally increases as they advance in rank and take on leadership roles.
What is the expectation for parental involvement?
Parents are encouraged to be actively involved — and that involvement makes for a stronger program and a better experience for the scouts. Having many adult mentors in the troop gives scouts a broader range of role models and expertise to draw from. There are several adult roles, from serving on our committee to becoming a merit badge counselor.
Practically speaking, Scouting America requires two-deep leadership at all events — meaning at least two registered adults must be present — so adult participation is often what makes programs possible. Any adult participating in overnight events must complete registration and background check, submit a medical form, and complete Youth Protection Training (YPT), a free online course through Scouting America. It’s a straightforward process and a meaningful commitment to the safety of every scout in the troop.
What does scouting cost?
Annual registration fees apply through Scouting America. Scouts participate in fundraising to support troop activities, minimizing additional out-of-pocket expenses. Fundraising hours are tracked for each scout so that their individual contribution directly supports their own scouting activities. High adventure trips are budgeted and planned well in advance so that there are ample opportunities for scouts to earn their way, often covering the majority of trip costs.
Ready to learn more or join?
Contact us.