Troop 53 Portvue

02/28/2026

Grab your gear and fish for fun on Sunday, April 26!

Join the Borough of Jefferson Hills Recreation Board for this free, family-friendly event and enjoy a morning outdoors together.

This is a catch-and-release event. Participants ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license with a trout stamp. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

02/12/2026

📣 80 Merit Badges Updated for 2026

Scouting America has refreshed 80 merit badges for 2026—some received minor tuneups, while others were fully overhauled to reflect today’s technology, safety practices, and learning needs.

The goal? To modernize and strengthen the merit badge program so it remains relevant, meaningful, and accessible to Scouts.

🔎 Key Updates Now in Effect (as of January 1)

Careers & Hobbies Expanded
Many badges now include both career and hobby exploration options, giving Scouts flexibility to connect their interests to future opportunities.

Personal Fitness Overhaul
• Physical exam requirement removed (Scouts discuss the importance instead)
• Requirements accessible to Scouts with disabilities
• Nutrition language updated for sensitivity
• 12-week program clarified as consecutive (with flexibility for extenuating circumstances)

Modern Technology Added
• Radio now includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G and RFID
• Model Design and Building includes digital design and 3D printing
• Weather adds checking forecast sources before activities

Safety Enhancements
• Public safety and “If You See Something, Say Something” added
• Travel safety and online safety updated
• Leave No Trace integrated into additional outdoor badges

Other Significant Updates
• Chess expanded to include openings and tournaments
• Search and Rescue clarifies staying put and signaling
• Traffic Safety addresses distracted driving and blind spots
• Wilderness Survival emphasizes planning and decision-making

These updates help ensure Scouts continue developing real-world skills while upholding the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

🔗 Learn more and explore merit badge resources here:
https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

11/08/2025

Some lessons age better than others 😉

12/30/2024

Every year Troop 53 collects donated items to a chosen charity.

This year we are collecting items for the Duquesne University School of Nursing mini pantry which allows their nursing students in need to get non-perishable food items and/or toiletry items. Items are needed by January 8.

Please comment on this post if you are able to donate and we will have someone from the Troop pickup the items.

Some of the needed items are:

Food Items:
- Ready to eat snacks
- Granola bars (the can't keep these in stock - very popular)
- Squeezy applesauce
- Snack crackers
- Peanut Butter
- Microwavable fast meals
- Soups
- Mac and Cheese
- Yakisoba, etc...
- Pasta
- Jarred Sauce
- Rice
- Beans
- Canned Vegetables

Personal Care Items:
- Menstruation products (size regular tampons), pads
- Body wash
- Deodorants
- Dental Care Items (Toothpaste, Floss, mini-mouthwash, etc.)

05/09/2024

🏎️ Rev your engines, Scouts! Join us for Laurel Highlands Council Scout Night at the Races on July 6, 2024, at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Wear your uniform for FREE admission, meet the drivers, and experience the thrill of the track! Details: lhcscouting.org/activities-events/scout-night-at-the-races/

🏁

05/01/2024

Congratulations to Brian, Trey, Ethan, Kian, and Mason (not pictured) from Troop 53 who all ranked up and got their badges tonight. Five of our seven scouts ranked up.

Also thanks to our District Executive, Terry Kennedy who talked about Scouting 365.

04/09/2024

03/24/2024

Fun weekend camping with scouts

01/22/2024

💥💥💥💥Like to plan dinner in advance? We got you covered Tuesday!!!! 4-8pm! We thank you for your support for our SA players⚾️⚾️⚾️ 🍕 🍕🍕🍕

01/22/2024

Camping this weekend

12/19/2023

Teen Memberships are a free pass to exploration and discovery and are available to all teens 13–18 years of age. From youth artmaking to teen science challenges, the four Carnegie Museums provide so many creative ways for teens to connect with each other and their world—and, most importantly, to...