What Are Boy Scouts?
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with more than 2.4 million youth participants and nearly 1 million adult volunteers. The BSA was founded in 1910, and since then, more than 110 million Americans have participated in BSA programs.
Scouting teaches citizenship, character, self-reliance and leadership through outdoor activities and educational programs. Scouts of all ages learn Scouting's values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship and service to community, and also outdoors skills through activities like camping, aquatics and hiking. Older scouts can join career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.
Troop 51 is open to all boys regardless of nationality who are 11-17 years old, or who have completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award at age 10. Younger boys 6 to 10 years can join Cub Scout Pack 51, also based at the Tokyo American Club.
What Is Troop 51?
Troop 51 was founded in 1975 and is part of the Boy Scouts of America’s Far East Council. (We are not part of the Scouting Association of Japan, though we sometimes attend events together).
The Troop is the basic unit of Scouting. We typically have about 15 youth members and their families.
In Scouting, Troops are boy-led. That means the boys provide the leadership, ideas and energy to run their own program. This allows them to develop leadership and team skills, which they acquire while serving in multiple leadership positions during their time in Scouting. Of course, adults are needed to provide guidance, transportation and ensure a safe environment, but the boys plan and operate their own program.
As part of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 51 operates under the values and goals of the Boy Scout Oath and Law. Our goal is to use the Boy Scouts to develop our sons into men and leaders of high character and integrity, while having a lot of fun along the way.
We have created "Welcome to the Troop 51" as a guide for members and prospective members. It gives the basics on how the Troop works: the structure, events and outings, ranks and merit badges and more. This guide is available at the bottom of this page.
What Do We Do?
Troop 51 is an active, outdoor-oriented troop. We go on outings at least one weekend per month and, depending on the season, do many activities including camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, deeps-sea fishing, surfing, white-water rafting, skiing, snow camping and sleeping in snow caves that we build.
Troop 51 meets on Sundays at 5:00 pm at TAC (Tokyo American Club) during the school year. We work on rank advancements, learn skills, compete with each other, prepare for outings and play fun games.
We try to make sure all boys have an enjoyable and rewarding experience at all or our activities. We learn skills that will help later in life by working on merit badges and rank advancements. As a boy-led troop, our boys decide what they want to do and how they want to do it.
Troop 51 gives Scouts opportunities to get out and see parts of Japan that they might not otherwise be able to see. This includes the mountains, river valleys and coasts where we camp. Parents also get a chance to meet other members of the Tokyo community, and tap the knowledge of our families, some of whom are Japanese or have lived here for years. We also join activities offered by the Boys Scouts of America's Far East Council, which include camporees, local summer camp and outings such as an annual climb of Mt. Fuji. The troop participates in council summer camps that are held in countries across the region: Nepal, Mongolia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Come Join Us!
If you think your son and family would benefit from joining our troop, please contact our recruiting team by e-mail at joinbsa@tokyo51.mytroop.us, or drop by one of our bi-weekly regular meetings (5:00 PM on Sundays at the TAC (Tokyo American Club) B1F Activity Room). Please contact us ahead of time to confirm that we will have a meeting on the date you would like to attend.
Annual Fees for 2024 Season
- Per Scout : 25,000 JPY
- Per Registered Adult : 9,000 JPY
Note: most of the above fees are forwarded to the BSA whilst the troop retains a small amount to cover badges, merit badge books, equipment and other expenses.
What Else Do You Need?
All scouts need a Scout Handbook and uniform, which you can purchase from our supplies coordinator. We are an active, outdoor-oriented troop so you will also need a backpack, sleeping bag, other personal camping equipment and the right outdoor clothes. We have many experienced scouts who can help you select the right equipment. The troop will supply tents, cooking and other camping equipment.
Access
There are four train stations within walking distance of TAC (Tokyo American Club). Azabu-Juban (8 min), Akabanebashi (10 min), Kamiyacho (11 min) and Roppongi ichome (12 min). See the attachment below "TAC map with train stations" for additional help. Parking at TAC is limited and there is a fee.
If you are interested in joining our troop, please contact:
For questions, please contact:
scoutmaster@tokyo51.mytroop.us
