C A P T U R I N G T H E S P I R I T O F 2 7 6
T H E M O U N T A I N M E N
P A L O S V E R D E S E S T A T E S · C A L I F O R N I A
Formed in February 1968 by Clark Hale and 6 graduating Cub Scouts —looking for ways to hang out together and have fun. And when asked what kind of troop they would like to have—they began what we now know as Troop 276, “The Mountain Men.”
Clark Hale's vision was a Boy Scout troop centered on developing young men into leaders of high moral character - and to do so by challenging them in outdoor adventures.
The troop came to be known for its commitment to excellence. Rather than satisfying minimum requirements for advancement, each scout seeks to be aa accomplised outdoorsman. The Eagle award is a by product of this active and enthusiastic participation.
276 scouts are eager to make do with the basics—proud to be backpacking in full uniform —including campaign hats, seeking adventure, and are comfortable living in the wilderness, with a disdain for tents, and a joy being off-trail. Senior scouts place value on persuasive leadership and “leadership by example”.
The platform is hiking in the wilderness. Not only fun and physically challenging, it requires succeeding in a simple environment. Scouts are faced with the basics of life—eating, drinking, keeping warm while being tasked to get a job done—hike someplace making sure all arrive together, in good shape and ready to appreciate the outdoors.
And, always, an overriding emphasis on older scouts caring for the welfare of the younger scouts.
Participate in the outdoor programs and advancement through the Boy Scout ranks will be a natural by product. Our unwritten rule is participate and we will ensure an Eagle Award—but it will pale in comparison with the scout’s ability to understand that each person is important, to be comfortable in the woods, to be at ease with any map, to know life safe saving skills, to tie knots in a critical situation, and to appreciate the world as it is—but with a devotion to make it a better place.
"We were not really boy scouts, we were Troop 276"—The Mountain Men