Boy Scout Troop 597 of Amityville has been continuously chartered since 1942 in Amity Township and to St Paul’s UCC since 1955. The Troop originated in 1929 as Troop #1 in Amityville, and later due to Council changes became Troop 197 and ultimately Troop 597 that we are chartered as today. Troop 597G, an all-female Troop, chartered with St Paul’s in the fall of 2023 and in 2025 combined with the legacy boy Troop to form one co-ed Troop within Scouting America.
Over the last 80+ years, hundreds of adults have committed their time and talents to Troop 597 in carrying out a program that produces strong, confident young men and women who have become strong leaders of our community and beyond. Our scouts have served in the military and in the government. They are our teachers and our coaches. They are our church members. They are our scout leaders and our parents. Without the support of St Paul’s UCC, this would not be possible, and for that we are forever grateful.
The Scouts perform service projects both in the church and in the community, such as Scouting for Food collections, serving at turkey suppers, spring cleanup of the church grounds, replacement of veteran flags throughout the church cemeteries, and American flag retirement ceremonies. They camp locally at the Daniel Boone Homestead, French Creek State Park, Ironstone Park, Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation, and many other state parks. They travel extensively in Pennsylvania and up and down the east coast on their monthly camping trips.
The current Scout Troop has more than 40 scouts between the ages of 11 and 18. To date, we have had the honor of more than 95 scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout and many more striving toward that goal.
We teach scouts to be responsible for themselves, others, and the world around them through fun activities, community service, and outdoor adventures. We strive to never turn a boy or girl away who wants to participate. Although we are slightly larger than the normal troop for our area, it gives us an advantage in allowing the scouts to practice their leadership abilities on a larger scale. We are a scout-led troop allowing the scouts to plan trips, menus, and activities and learn to lead.
If you are a young man or woman in 5th to 12th grade and would like to join Scouts (Monday evenings 7-8:30), please contact Brian Welch (610) 698-5924 or visit us at: www.troop597.org
If you are an adult who is interested in helping as a leader, please reach out to the contact above.