Troop 45 has been chartered by the Lions Club in Pine Plains New York since 1999.   Troop 45 has welcomed boys ages 12 through 18, of various backgrounds and abilities, and provided them with the opportunity to learn about themselves and acquire skills which can be used throughout their lives over the years. Our Troop follows the guidelines of the BSA and is a completely boy lead troop. Of course adult leaders are overseeing the planning and execution of the program, but the day to day activities are planned and run by the boys. Each patrol elects a new Patrol Leader in September who continues in his position until our next Patrol Leader election which is held in March. Biannual Patrol Leader elections give more scouts a chance to experience this key leadership position. A new Senior Patrol Leader is chosen at our September meeting. In addition, we also conduct Order of the Arrow elections for eligible scouts. Troop 45 utilizes older, more advanced scouts as Instructors to teach younger Scouts during Troop meeting programs. There is a capable group of uniformed adults (Assistant Scoutmasters) providing support for each of the senior scout staff responsible for running the troop. We also have a Troop Committee of non-uniformed adults who have volunteered to help to manage the program.  Scouting is one of the few programs specifically directed to developing leadership and life skills, while having fun in the outdoors. Scouts learn a variety of practical skills in first aid, cooking, orienteering, and other outdoor activities. But in addition, scouts also regularly experience working in teams with defined leadership roles and a chain of command. All this makes scouting different and valuable.