ALTAMONT — Boy Scouts in Altamont’s Troop 264 do many things to better their Scout skills and apply them to help the people in the village.

Over the course of the last month, the troop has worked on an Eagle Scout project, building a fellowship area for the American Legion.

As well as helping the community, the troop goes on many camping trips in various locations.

At the beginning of the summer, the troop took a trip to Niagara Falls for a week. There we witnessed the power of Niagara Falls, learned about its history at the different sites, and went for many hikes showing the area’s natural beauty. Last week, the troop went on a camping and hiking trip at Letchworth park.

The landscape at Letchworth was stunning, and the trails were perfect for hiking. Throughout these trips, the Scouts camped every night, braving the rain and the mosquitoes. The troop also attended summer camp at the Rotary Scout Reservation in Poestenkill. During the week, the Scouts earned 24 different merit badges and earned a total of 31 merit badges; some completed 30 requirements for the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

The Tigger Patrol and the Bison Patrol both earned the Thunderbird Honor Patrol Award, and Troop 264 earned the Baden Powell Honor Troop Award (the only patrols and troop to do so in camp this week).

These experiences were a lot of fun for everyone, and future trips are happily anticipated. Join the troop on Sept. 11 at its troop barbecue at Bozenkill park at 6 p.m. to learn more about scouting and how you can join us in serving our community.