Our Troop
Troop 850 is a highly active, youth-led troop which enjoys camping and other outdoor activities. With adult mentorship and by learning outdoor skills, progressing through the ranks and working on merit badges, our Scouts build character, self-confidence and leadership skills.
Weekly Meetings
We meet at 7:30pm every Tuesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Courthouse Road in Stafford, VA. The weekly meeting provides a chance for patrol leaders and older scouts to work with the younger scouts on advancement requirements, event planning, as well as a time for troop fellowship and fun.
Cub Scouts and anyone looking for a Boy Scout Troop are welcome to attend. You can visit us anytime; just let us know you are coming. Please send a message to our Scoutmaster Matt Branson at bransonmatt@gmail.com. Or go to Scouting units near you | Boy Scouts of America, find Troop 850 and “Request more information” from Troop 0850 to make arrangements.
Monthly Events
Our Scouts plan one event every month and often they plan camping and build in some extra fun! The Scouts may hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, canoe on the James River, ride bikes down the C&O Trail or go to a football game at the Naval Academy. Camping, cooking and enjoying the outdoors is a cornerstone of our Troop operations.
Summer Camp
Every year our Scouts select which week long summer camp they will attend, rotating among the numerous camps within easy driving distance. Scouts BSA Summer Camps provide opportunities for Scouts to work on a wide range of merit badges as well as participate in special outdoor activities and troop fun.
High Adventure
Troop 850 provides the opportunity for older scouts to attend one of the three High Adventure sites every year, including backpacking at Philmont, canoeing at Northern Tier, and sailing, snorkeling and kayaking at Sea Base.
Scouts must be at least First Class and 14 years old to participate in these challenging and rewarding programs.
Community Service
By participating in Eagle Scout projects, and other community and conservation service projects, our Scouts learn the importance of lending a hand to the world around them. Our charter organization, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church runs a large food pantry supporting local Stafford families in need of assistance. Troop 850 supports this effort with a quarterly food drives. Every November is Scouting For Food, a national BSA service project. Our scouts collect approximately 5,000 lbs and serve as a collection point for over 14,000 lbs in donations collected by other district scout units. Our Scouts weigh the donations and help pantry volunteers sort and box donations that will be used in the fight against food insecurity in Stafford County.