New scout organization hosting open house Tuesday

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A new scout organization in Fernley will be hosting an open house Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel.

Trail Life USA Troop 1783, which formed in January, will be hosting the open house for boys ages 5-18 who may be interested in joining. All boys must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure program that emphasizes and teaches biblical moral values and requires all adult members to agree with, sign and abide by the Trail Life USA Trinitarian Statement of Faith and the Statement of Values.

Although the program is Christian, it is designed and intended to be presented without being “churchy” or “religious”, focusing on outdoor adventure, character and leadership development.

The Troop currently has eight boys and is led by Charter Organization Representative Trent Schroetlin and Troop Master Harry Wheeler.

Schroetlin said the troop is not award-based like By Scouts of America, although it has a similar award structure. Trail Life USA’s Freedom Award is the equivalent of an Eagle Scout award.

“You can achieve the highest rank as Trail Men, but what you learn along the way is more important than awards,” Schroetlin said.

Troop 1783 is looking for leaders as well as new members. Boy Scouts who cross over won’t lose any of their awards.

All leaders must undergo background checks, including any parents who want to go on camping outings.