Troop 286 (boys) and Troop 5286 (girls)

Scouts BSA Troops 286 and 5286 offer year-round scouting programs to youth ages 11-17 from Bethel Township and nearby communities. Each troop aims to promote strong character development, responsible citizenship training, and balanced physical, emotional, and mental health.

Two Troops

T286 for boys and T5286 for girls function independently of one another under a combined behind-the-scenes adult/parent committee which meets monthly. Each troop has its own Scout Master and assistant adult leaders, and youth leadership works within its own troop exclusively. The two troops meet separately but work together on service projects and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Scouts BSA Troop 286 and Troop 5286 meetings are held most Monday evenings at 7:00pm at West Charleston Church of the Brethren at 4817 State Route 202, Tipp City, Ohio.

Merit Badges

Merit badges are awards earned by youth members of the Scouts, BSA, based on activities within an area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to further pursue them as a career or a vocation. Many adults associated with T286 and T5286 are counselors for a long list of BSAs Merit Badge offerings

Scouting Events

Each troop plans at least one outdoor or camping event per month. In addition to camping, Scouts and adult leaders enjoy activities such as biking, shooting sports, wood carving, and more while accommodating the needs of today’s busy families. T286 and T5286 each spend a week at summer camp every year in July. The troops work on service projects throughout the year to include Scouting for Food benefitting Bethel Hope, Memorial Day US Flag placement at Bethel Township cemeteries, conservation projects at nearby parks, and maintaining a Monarch Butterfly Garden at West Charleston Church of the Brethren.

Troop 286 and 5286 History

Troop 286 for boys was founded in 1953 and is sponsored by the West Charleston Church of the Brethren. Troop 5286 for girls was founded in 2019 when BSA opened the program to female youth, and was one of the first troops for girls in Miami Valley Council. Since the Troop was charted we have had a large number of Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. Our Eagle projects have helped local schools, churches, charities and our community.