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 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. Unlike academic grades, ranks are earned through active participation, demonstrating skills, and showing maturity. Every Scout advances at their own pace, with adult leaders and fellow Scouts providing mentorship along the way. The rank patch worn on a uniform represents not just what a Scout has learned, but who they are becoming.
The first rank earned after joining the troop. New Scouts learn the fundamentals of Scouting by memorizing the Scout Oath and Scout Law, understanding their meanings, and beginning to live by them. They learn basic knot tying, the patrol method, and how Scouting is organized. Scouts also receive instruction on the buddy system, safe swim defense, and outdoor ethics through Leave No Trace principles. This rank typically takes one to three months to complete and establishes the foundation for everything that follows in a Scout's journey.
Scouts begin developing fundamental outdoor skills by learning camping basics, including how to pack for a campout, set up a tent, and properly store food. They learn basic cooking techniques, demonstrate fire safety, and begin developing physical fitness habits. Navigation skills are introduced through map and compass work. Scouts also participate in their first service projects and start understanding their role within their patrol. This rank emphasizes hands-on experience in the outdoors and typically requires active participation in several campouts and troop meetings.
Scouts expand their outdoor abilities with more advanced camping, hiking, and wilderness survival skills. They learn to identify plants and animals, understand weather patterns, and practice more sophisticated navigation techniques. Swimming ability is demonstrated, and Scouts gain knowledge about water safety and rescue methods. They begin taking on more responsibility within their patrol, helping newer Scouts learn basic skills. Environmental conservation and Leave No Trace ethics become more deeply ingrained. Scouts also develop their understanding of citizenship by learning about community service and the American flag.
The final "basic" rank represents a well-rounded Scout who is comfortable and competent in the outdoors. Scouts demonstrate proficiency in orienteering, advanced first aid including emergency response, outdoor cooking for a patrol, and expedition planning. They show they can lead their patrol in outdoor activities and help teach younger Scouts. First Class Scouts understand their civic duties and have completed meaningful service to their community. This rank is considered the foundation for taking on troop leadership positions. Achieving First Class within the first year is encouraged, as it prepares Scouts for the greater challenges and responsibilities of the upper ranks.
The first of the "upper" ranks marks a transition to more self-directed advancement. Scouts must earn at least six merit badges (including four Eagle-required badges), serve in a position of responsibility for at least four months, and participate actively in service projects. At this level, Scouts begin exploring personal interests and potential careers through merit badge work in areas like wilderness survival, environmental science, citizenship, and various hobbies or vocations. They demonstrate sustained leadership in their troop and show commitment to the values of Scouting through regular participation and setting a positive example for younger Scouts.
Scouts at the Life rank are experienced leaders who serve as role models within the troop. They must earn at least eleven total merit badges (including several more Eagle-required badges), serve in a position of responsibility for at least six months, and continue their record of service to others. Life Scouts are often in key leadership positions like Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or instructor roles. At this stage, Scouts begin planning their Eagle Scout Service Project—identifying a need in their community and developing a plan to address it. The Life rank demonstrates a Scout's deep commitment to the program and readiness to take on the ultimate challenge of earning Eagle.
The highest rank in Scouting America, achieved by fewer than 10% of all Scouts. Eagle Scouts must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges (including 14 specific Eagle-required badges covering citizenship, outdoor skills, life skills, and fitness), hold leadership positions for at least six months at Life rank, and remain active in their troop. The centerpiece of the Eagle rank is the Eagle Scout Service Project—a substantial project that demonstrates leadership, planning, and service to the community. The Scout must organize and lead others (not just do the work themselves) in completing a project that has lasting impact. Eagle Scouts also complete a Board of Review where they reflect on their Scouting journey and demonstrate they embody the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Eagle Scout rank is recognized nationally as a mark of character, leadership, and achievement that opens doors throughout life.
While the goal of Scouting is character development and citizenship, many of our scouts strive for the rank of Eagle. This requires earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating extensive leadership within the troop.
The hallmark of the Eagle rank is the Service Project. A Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or their community.
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). Website coming soon!