The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

The mission of Troop 494 is to deliver the promise of Scouting in a manner that glorifies God. Troop 494 has a long history at Dunwoody Baptist Church. The Troop was chartered in 1973 and was active until 1993. In September, 2007, the charter was reactivated with 6 Scouts from Pack 494. We had 6 Webelos cross over into the Troop in March, 2008. It looks like we will have a large class of Webelos joining us in March, 2009.

Our philosophy is to let the boys lead the Troop, following the Patrol Method. What is the Patrol Method? This is a system in which the boys belong to a small group, usually 6 to 8 members, with whom they camp, cook, eat and tent together. They adopt a Patrol name with a Patrol patch and flag. This is their home inside the Troop. Patrols compete against one another in events and competitions, which helps to develop Patrol Spirit. Along with that Patrol Spirit comes loyalty to the group, and a willingness to sacrifice and serve others.

A few quotes from Lord Baden-Powell regarding the Patrol Method:
"The Patrol system is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organizations."
"The Patrol Method is not A way to operate a Boy Scout Troop, it is the ONLY way. Unless the Patrol Method is in operation you really don't have a Boy Scout Troop."
"The Patrol is the unit in Scouting always, whether for work or for play, for discipline or for duty."
"Patrols should be kept intact under all circumstances."
"The object of the Patrol system is mainly to give real responsibility to as many boys as possible, with a view to developing their character."
"The Patrol is the character school for the individual."

We attend Summer Camp at Camp Woodruff, where the patrols cook their own meals instead of eating in the Dining Hall. Cooking meals by Patrols is one of the best ways to promote the Patrol Method and see it in action. The boys have to work as a team to complete the task by a certain deadline, and they receive immediate feedback on their efforts. A week of cooking in camp gives them a real opportunity to refine their skills and teamwork.

Scouting is adventure! Whether backpacking, canoeing, caving, horseback riding or whitewater rafting, the Scouts of Troop 494 will be outdoors, exploring God's creation at least once a month. Highlights of our calendar include backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and canoeing in the Okefenokee Swamp. We have our first High Adventure trip planned to Northern Tier in summer, 2009. This will be a 10-day backcountry canoe trip along the Minnesota - Canada border for the older boys in the Troop.

The real price of membership in this Troop will be unfailing regular attendance at its meetings and outings, and steady progress in all the things that make a Scout "Prepared." If we put our own time into the activities of this Troop we shall certainly expect you to do your part with equal faithfulness.

At Troop 494, Scouting is a way of life, not just an activity 

Check out our Web site for more information.