Why We Started Looking Elsewhere
It was all going well. We established a troop of over 40 boys in just over a year. We had engaged the dads of the troop and just added a weekly workout and Gospel reflection for the men. Attendance was strong and the energy felt right – until we sensed a deeper disconnect.
Our Troop Committee was frustrated with the national leadership of the organization with which we were affiliated. Although the organization offered many benefits, its vision and our Troop’s Catholic identity simply weren’t aligning. We felt a pull to leave and to seek something authentically Catholic. We began discerning where our troop should be to experience a rich and regular encounter with our Lord while building a deeper communion with other Catholic Troops.
That set us on a path of careful discernment.
A Clear Picture of Troops of Saint George
From the moment we started exploring the Troops of Saint George (TSG), transparency was front-and-center. The organization makes its core documents — Officer’s Manual, Uniform Guide, and Troop Starter Kit — readily available.
As an existing Troop with an established culture and expectations, we wanted to know how much of a change this would be, especially for the boys. We wanted to limit how much the boys “felt”, because, undoubtedly, they would have their disappointments as they leave behind some of their progress and delve into something new and unknown.
Access to the TSG information eased us into the idea of changing organizations. Seeing the similarities and differences laid a solid groundwork for our decision-making process and gave us confidence in a smooth transition.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
While the information online was incredibly helpful, it was a lot of information to sift through. We tried our best, but we still had more questions – particularly regarding information we had heard from others.
| Misconception | What We Learned |
| No boys of single mothers | Single moms or families with dads deployed or otherwise unable to participate could assign a “guardian” for the purposes of the TSG mission. Our single moms had grandfathers already involved in our troop in this same capacity. |
| No dad attending = no boy attending (work trip, illness, etc.) | If needed, chaperones could be assigned by the family for occasions where dad or TSG “guardian” was unable to attend. This chaperone could be a trusted member of the troop already attending. |
| Not similar to other outdoor programs | TSG has patrols, ranks, Achievement Courses (similar to badges), and emphasizes boys leading for those over age 11. It was very similar to what we were already doing. |
| No non-Catholics | Non-Catholic dads respectful of the Catholic faith may participate and be members. Boys undergoing OCIA (i.e. intending to join the Catholic Church) may also participate and be members |
Far from limiting participation, TSG strives to engage men and immerse boys in the fullness of the Catholic faith, building a foundation that isn’t easily shaken.
Support in discernment and in Troop mission
When we reached out to the TSG Executive Team to get clarification on these misconceptions, we received a quick and warm response. Their gentle, pressure-free guidance walked us through every step of the discernment process.
We also appreciated their recognition that individual troops may have particular goals in addition to the TSG mission, such as retaining some troop specific traditions. The Officer’s Manual gave us confidence that this would be respected, and this helped us feel more secure in our decision to switch.
Activating Boys and Men
Troops of Saint George is focused on the formation of both boys and men which aligns nicely with our troop. In our experience, the moms sign up the boys, the boys bring the dads, and once dad was plugged in, it all came together in a much fuller and more committed way – for the troop, the community, and the family. Engaging the men is a critical component to the success of our troop and formation of our boys. The Troops of Saint George program engages fathers and men in a unique way by encouraging them to complete requirements with their sons, recognizing the pair with a particular emphasis as they advance in the troop together.
The program itself seems to require more grit, tenacity, and endurance, speaking to the heart of men. It provides tangible steps for leaving boyhood behind and provides a rite of passage into manhood. Our troop believes that our boys need to associate their faith with true masculinity. They need to know that the fullness of our Catholic faith is an adventure. It’s not light, safe, nor easy; it requires courage and sacrifice and is worth fighting for. And they need men to show them that – otherwise it falls flat. Troops of Saint George seems to recognize this through their emphasis on the father/son relationship.
Parents are the primary educators of their children. It is easy to say we’re busy – and we are. But we are often “busied” by peripheral things, not the things that really matter. Troops of Saint George provides a dedicated space for fathers to provide instruction, correction, and direction – because it matters.
The result of all of this? Bonds that last. While these boys are bonding with their fathers or male mentors, they are making lifelong friends and the men are connecting with other men. The relationships forged through this shoulder to shoulder, mission-based activity are strong and lasting, for both the men and the boys. God makes us for communion, and these relationships are critical. The bonds forged are more than just friendship; it’s a brotherhood – and includes the men. Troops of Saint George recognizes the value of these bonds and allows for those who have aged out of the program to remain involved in modified and appropriate ways.
Communion with Others and in Sacrament
Lastly, we were looking for solidarity. We wanted to be in communion with our fellow Catholics. Sure, one can have an authentically Catholic troop utilizing a non-Catholic program, but when area, regional, or national events aren’t aligned with your faith values – we feel the full experience was tainted. While in the non-Catholic program, we simply avoided some events or situations in order to avoid exposing our boys to unnecessary theological issues. However, with a Catholic organization, all troops can come together, aligned in faith, for prayer, Mass, and the Sacraments.
TSG provides an integration of the Catholic faith within the program itself instead of added on top of a secular or ecumenically Christian framework. Area, regional, or national events with the Troops of Saint George provides communion with other Catholics and, depending on the event, offer the Sacraments.
Troops of Saint George also provides an experience that keeps the family more intact. Some programs are only for the older boys and leave the elementary-aged boys at home – further separating them from their fathers. We believe these early years are just as important as the later years, and the younger boys need fathers or male mentors to encourage them, help them cultivate their strengths, and give them a sense of mission. Troops of Saint George has a place for the younger boys within the troop.
Closing Thoughts
It took time, prayer, and honest conversation to decide to move our troop to the Troops of Saint George. TSG provides an integration of our Catholic faith, a call to fathers and men, communion with other Catholics, and a program where our boys and men can journey in virtue through honor, grace, and sacrament. We trust this is where the Lord is calling us, and we are excited about our future with the Troops of Saint George.
We are ready. Parati Semper.
Author: Anonymous Parents
