Somers Scout troops unite under one banner

SOMERS, N.Y. - Boy and Girl Scouts in Somers will now be striving not only to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, courteous and brave, but also to achieve their goals of making the world a better place side by side.

Scouting America Troops 376B and 376G have officially united to form the newly chartered Troop 376F (Family Troop), creating what Scoutmaster Adam Schilkraut described as a “seamless” co-ed Scouting experience for local youth and their families.

“The new structure provides a single home where families with boys, girls, or both can participate in the same enriching, values-based adventures together,” Schilkraut said in an Oct. 7 announcement.

Previously, Scouting America offered troops two options: operate as single-gender units or as “linked” troops, in which a girls troop and a boys troop shared a committee and potentially portions of their meetings but otherwise operated independently, each with its own Scoutmaster and youth leadership.

Recognizing that many families wanted to send their sons and daughters to the same troop, Scouting America launched a national pilot program in 2025.

Following a successful yearlong trial, the organization, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, officially made Family Troops an optional alternative for chartered organizations.

Traditional boy-only and girl-only troops remain available and continue to make up the vast majority of units.

“Troops 376B and 376G recognized the synergy of combining the units, joining forces to streamline operations, strengthen community bonds, and build a stronger, more inclusive program under one banner,” Schilkraut said.

The Family Troop model allows boys and girls to belong to a single chartered unit, sharing one Scoutmaster and troop committee while maintaining separate gender-based patrols.

"We are just really happy that we can offer the benefits of the Scouting America program to everyone now, because the lessons learned and experience gained are extremely valuable, no matter who you are," Schilkraut told Halston Media.

Always be prepared

According to Scouting organizations, the Family Troop model offers numerous advantages, including opportunities for membership growth, stronger programming, greater satisfaction among Scouts and families, and more efficient use of resources.

For parents, the benefits are largely logistical. Families with children of different genders can follow one calendar, attend meetings at the same location and coordinate a single set of drop-offs and pickups.

Siblings can also participate in the same unit, ceremonies and family-oriented campouts.

The model provides a natural transition for girls aging out of Cub Scouts who want to continue in Scouting without having to find a separate troop.

Volunteers and chartered organizations benefit from reduced administrative responsibilities, with one calendar, one set of financial records, a single committee and unified meetings rather than duplicated operations.

Combining adult leaders, drivers and committee members into one support system can also help prevent volunteer burnout.

In smaller or rural communities where enrollment may be insufficient to sustain separate boys and girls troops, the Family Troop model can help keep Scouting programs active.

There are advantages for the Scouts themselves.

Larger, combined groups can make it easier to organize major campouts, high-adventure trips and community service projects.

Scouts also gain broader leadership opportunities while continuing to work within a youth-led patrol structure that reflects modern social dynamics, according to Scouting America.

However, the model is not without potential challenges.

Scouting America's “Decision Guide” identifies concerns about developmental and social differences between boys and girls, particularly during early adolescence.

Differences in physical, emotional and cognitive maturity can sometimes create friction or mismatched group dynamics.

Some Scouts may also feel less comfortable expressing themselves or trying new activities in a mixed-gender environment.

Additionally, Scouting America's youth protection guidelines require gender-specific accommodations, including separate sleeping arrangements during campouts.

Schilkraut said Troop 376's leadership carefully considered those issues before moving forward with the merger.

“We spent a lot of time discussing potential issues prior to the merger. Some of them sound daunting, but in the real world, it’s not that challenging,” he said. “Working out the logistics has turned out to be a minor concern at best. In practice, the kids all get along great and work very well together.”

Tradition and growth

According to Schilkraut, Troop 376 has deep roots in Somers.

Established in 1992, it was the third Scout troop in town at the time. The organization began with seven boys and six parents, giving rise to its unit number, 376.

Over the past three decades, Troop 376 has “become a pillar of character and service in northern Westchester, producing an impressive 82 Eagle Scouts,” Schilkraut said.

Hunter Stephens is on track to become the troop's 83rd Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project involves creating an outdoor teaching space at Somers' Angle Fly Preserve.

As Scouting America evolved to welcome girls into its flagship program, Troop 376 embraced the change, Schilkraut said.

In early 2025, Troop 376G became Somers' first Scouting America troop for girls.

This past September, Troops 376B and 376G merged to form Troop 376F.

Somers' other active Scouting America troop, Troop 228, remains a boys-only unit.

Youth-led adventure, real-world skills

At its core, Troop 376 remains a Scout-led organization, Schilkraut said.

With encouragement and guidance from trained adult volunteers, Scouts plan their own calendars, choose destinations and activities, and conduct their own meetings.

Along the way, they develop leadership abilities, civic responsibility, outdoor survival skills and practical life skills.

“Whether discovering a future career interest through specialized merit badges or testing their endurance on the trail, Scouts experience challenges and achievements rarely found anywhere else,” Schilkraut said.

The troop's calendar features a mix of local activities and outdoor adventures.

Campouts can take Scouts to nearby destinations such as Durland Scout Reservation in Putnam Valley and Alpine Scout Camp in New Jersey, as well as longer excursions to historic Gettysburg, Pa., and Block Island, R.I.

Troop 376 Scouts have also tackled rugged sections of the Appalachian Trail and traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Depending on their interests, Scouts can participate in kayaking, rafting, biking, fishing, skiing, high-ropes courses, indoor rock climbing and go-karting.

The calendar also includes more relaxed activities, such as troop bowling and ping-pong nights.

Through those experiences, Schilkraut said, Scouts develop friendships, confidence and skills that can serve them throughout their lives.

Good to know

Troop 376F is open to boys and girls from sixth grade through their 18th birthday.

The troop meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Somers Middle School, 250 Route 202.

Prospective Scouts and their parents can learn more or arrange to attend an upcoming meeting by visiting www.somerstroop376.org or emailing contact@somerstroop376.org.