Welcome

Troop 71 welcomes you to our home and our program. The information below will hopefully encourage you to join our Troop, but we do encourage you visit other troops in your search for a scouting home for your son.

History

Troop 71 was first chartered over 80 years ago by parents within the Oakhurst Manor section of Ocean (just east of Palaia Park) to provide Scouting to the growing suburb of Asbury Park. Our Scout House at 70 Larkin Place was erected in 1943 and consisted of the main room and bathroom. In 1963, my dad (Herb) and his assistants added the kitchen room. The scouts, parents, and friends of Troop 71 fund and maintain the building. Over 115 of our scouts have earned the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout.

Currently, Troop 71 has over 30 (very) active Scouts. These Scouts are making their own history through their accomplishments and becoming better citizens and young men. As you walk around the scout house you'll see displays of some of our most recent activities, as well as books, trophies and memorabilia that speak to our long history. Feel free to browse the walls of the scout house!

Meetings Days and Times

Troop 71 Scout Meetings are each Tuesdays of the month from 7-8:30 pm.
Patrol Leaders Council (youth leaders of the troop) Every other month prior to a meeting.
Advancement conferences called Board of Reviews are normally held once a month during the meeting. Adult Committee Meetings are normally the 2nd Monday of each month. At least one parent of each boy is encouraged to participate and join the troop. 5th Tuesdays may be used for special merit badge meetings and other special events.

Trips and Activities

Generally, we camp or have a major activity one weekend a month and we use the Patrol method on most trips. Basically, the scouts run the show (with oversight) and the adults eat what they cook. Many months we will have more than one scouting activity. A list of various trips and activities will be emailed monthly along with the monthly adult committee agenda. Costs for food and activities are shared and vary by event. The troop picks up the normal camping fees, and we ask parents to share the driving responsibilities throughout the year. We keep costs as reasonable as possible. If there are any special financial needs, please see Mr. Brockel privately. NO SCOUT WILL EVER BE DENIED PARTICIPATION DUE TO FINANCIAL NEED. We welcome adult participation, which will require some basic online training for the safety and security of the scouts and leaders. Parents are expected to act as Adult Leaders of the troop and not as "Dads or Moms." We want to encourage the boys' independence and leadership. Tasks may take longer but the reward is a better boy! While traveling, all registered members are covered by Boy Scout liability insurance.

Dues

Our initial Troop 71 fee is $71. This includes clothing items (Troop 71 hats, patches, neckerchief & slide, tee shirt). The National & Council fee is $152 which includes insurance. Scout life is $15 additional. First time scouts pay Troop 71, $238 when the application is completed so we can get your son signed up ASAP. Current scouts pay these national and / council fees directly to national via a web link provided in an email from National. The annual troop fee is $100 billed in Oct. One adult should sign up to help which means they should sign up some way through national as an adult leader, so they are youth protected. That can be discussed later. We encourage scouts to sell POP CORN where their earnings go directly to each scout's personal “Scout account” for camping, fees, and/or outings.

Personal Gear

The SCOUT BOOK and uniform are the first things he'll need. We will discuss other gear within the first month, so don't rush out to buy things. Some camping gear is better than others, and we can suggest places to get it. We are blessed with extra gear in the scout house, which is free to everyone. Eventually each boy will need to have: a mess kit, a framed backpack, at least a 20 o F sleeping bag (zero-rated for winter/spring/fall camping), a ground pad, pocketknife, flashlight, and a good pair of hiking boots. Those cell phones and electronic devices should be left at home or in the car to charge. But for some trips to public places, we would ask scouts to bring a phone for emergencies and for a quick reference.

Uniforms

The Troop 71 Class A uniform consists of a Scout shirt with correct patches, troop neckerchief, troop hats, scout pants & belt. Scouts shall present themselves for each meeting in at least a clean scout shirt and a smile. Class B uniform is a Troop 71 tee shirt or sweatshirt, which may be used for traveling and weekend camping as instructed. Hats, neckerchief & slide, troop numbers, council patch, shoulder loops and a tee shirt will be provided by the troop to each new scout. Scout shirts, pants, & belt are secured through the council shop in Morganville or online (scoutstuff.org). There is a box in the quartermaster's room with some gently used uniforms from former scouts. All rank badges are paid for with troop funds.

Advancement

Advancement is the responsibility of the scout. Scouts bring their Boy Scout book to each meeting and work on getting requirements signed off within. The boys who attend meetings and participate regularly will advance more quickly than boys who don't. Scouts must achieve Scout rank first. After that, they work towards the next three ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Whenever they complete all the requirements for the next rank, they take the initiative to sign up for a scoutmaster's conference and board of review. The scout leadership and adults will help each scout through this task. The advancement chair, Kate Twomey, will ensure the rank promotions are provided as soon as possible. All Scouts are encouraged to attend summer camp at wonderful Camp in Forestburg, NY (12-18 July 2026) and as many camping trips as possible. Boys learn and grow immensely with each camping experience and hopefully advance in rank and have FUN.

We hope your son will soon join us as a proud and committed member of Troop 71!

Regards,
Donald A. Brockel
Troop 71 Scoutmaster
Oakhurst, NJ
(50+ Years in Scouting!)

Any questions please call me at 732-539-0743 or email me at scoutmaster@troop71oakhurst.org.