Hello Parents, Grandparents, and Guardians of current and prospective Scouts,
Scouting America and Troop 166
Troop 166 is part of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). Our program focuses on character development, leadership training, and outdoor skills, preparing Scouts for life through responsibility, community service, and self-reliance. In Colorado, Scouting is organized under Scouting Colorado.
Every troop is chartered by a sponsoring organization. Troop 166 is sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (OLF) and has been since the troop began in 1961. Scouts are organized into patrols—small groups they typically remain with throughout their time in the troop. Troop 166 is part of the Alpine District, which hosts periodic district-wide events.
Scouting is open to boys ages 11 through 18 (they “age out” at their 18th birthday). Prior Cub Scout experience is not required, though OLF also sponsors Pack 166, and many Cub Scouts cross over into Troop 166.
Troop 166 currently has 15–20 active Scouts and celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2026.
Registration
Scouts and adult leaders register annually and complete an application and fee. Rechartering occurs each December for the following calendar year. New Scouts and adults may join at any time; fees are prorated accordingly.
Meetings and Recognition
Weekly troop meetings are held Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 PM at Our Lady of Fatima. Scouts are expected to attend in full uniform. Cell phones are not allowed. Meetings begin and end with a flag ceremony and prayer, and Scouts recite the Scout Oath and Law.
Troop 166 is a boy-led troop guided by adult leaders. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) runs meetings and directs patrol work such as rank advancement, campout planning, merit badges, and Scoutmaster conferences. Meetings typically include a SPL minute and a Scoutmaster minute.
Parents/guardians are not required to attend meetings, but it is strongly encouraged—it’s a great way to learn the program and meet leaders.
We also hold:
- Court of Honor (quarterly): Recognition for rank advancements, merit badges, and participation.
- Eagle Court of Honor: A special ceremony for each Scout who earns Eagle.
- Troop Committee Meeting (monthly): Operations, planning, and support—new involvement is welcome.
Adult Leadership and Safety
Troop 166 is entirely supported by volunteers. David Wallace serves as Scoutmaster, supported by Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs). 46 of the troop’s 119 Eagle Scouts earned Eagle during Mr. Wallace’s tenure (as of January 2026). ASM Gary “Chief Nudge” Nydegger has coached 96 Eagle Scouts for their Eagle Boards of Review.
Scout safety is our top priority. All adult leaders are registered and complete required screening and training, including Youth Protection. We follow policies such as two-deep leadership (at least two qualified adults present) and no one-on-one private meetings with Scouts.
Communication, planning, record-keeping, and event details are managed through TroopTrack, our troop portal.
Camping and Activities
Camping is the heart of the program—many Scouts cite it as their favorite part of Scouting. Troop 166 plans a monthly weekend campout year-round. Scouts handle meal planning and preparation by patrol. Each patrol maintains a patrol box with cooking gear and supplies, and the troop provides tents.
We also participate in larger events such as Camporee, Klondike, and summer camp (one week).
Older Scouts (typically age 14+) usually have a high adventure opportunity. This year we’re returning to Swamp Base (Louisiana) for our second visit. Past high-adventure trips include Philmont (NM), Sea Base (FL), Northern Tier (MN), Northern Lights (AK), and Summit Bechtel Reserve (WV).
Adults are needed for transportation and to support weekend events. Adults camp in the same general area but separately from Scouts to maintain safety protocols. Scouts may not drive other Scouts to troop activities.
Participation
Scouting is very much a “you get out what you put in” experience. Consistent participation—by Scouts and families—makes the program more rewarding, and the time goes fast. If you’re interested in helping, we’d love to talk about committee roles and adult leadership opportunities.
If you’re considering Troop 166, please reach out with questions and join us at a Tuesday meeting. We meet every Tuesday night at Our Lady of Fatima School at 7 PM.
Best regards,
Tim McCauley
Troop 166 Committee Chair
Goct77@Gmail.com
720.841.1376