In one word: fun
Troop 15 believes that Scouting is a safe, structured way for teens to try new things, learn skills, and take on challenges surrounded by supportive peers and trained leaders.
On this page
We’re excited you’re here! Whether you’re crossing over from a Cub Pack, new to Scouting, or just curious, you are welcome in our troop. Scouting is about friendship, adventure, and discovering what you can achieve outdoors and in life.
⥉ WHERE SCOUTING HAPPENS
From the Log Cabin to camps across the country
Troop 15 scouts get to do things most kids never get the chance to, like learning range sports or sitting around the campfire at Camp Tamarancho and learnig archery and sleeping out in the snow at Camp Marin Sierra. Troop 15 is part of a tradition that's been part of this community for generations.
Summer and Winter Camp at Camp Marin Sierra
In the Summer, Scouts have the unique opportunity to go to a week of sleepaway camp at Camp Marin Sierra. Then they return in Winter to build igloos and play in the snow.
We encourage every new Scout to attend summer camp their first year. Our experience shows that Scouts who go to camp are more likely to:
-
Stay in Scouting after the first year
-
Advance more quickly
-
Build lasting friendships
-
Grow into troop leaders
-
Develop confidence and independence
Camp Tamarancho
Troop 15 camps and has fun close to home! Camp Tamarancho is over 400 acres of land in the hills above Fairfax, where scouts build core skills and learn to work as a team.
Adventures near and far
White-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, and more fill out the calendar between regular campouts. Recent outings have taken us to Moaning Caverns, Castle Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the hidden waterfalls of Mount Tamalpais.
We’ve also trekked to Alaska’s mountains and glaciers, paddled and snorkeled in Baja California Sur, and even exchanged visits with Scouts in Scotland. Big trips are part of our story—and more are always on the horizon.
⥉ HOW THE TROOP IS RUN
Led by Scouts
Troop 15 is scout led. That means the scouts themselves, not the adults, plan the program, run the meetings, and lead the activities. Adult leaders are there to guide, support, and keep everyone safe, but the troop's direction comes from its youth leadership.
How Leadership Works
Every scout is encouraged to step into a leadership role. Some positions are elected by the troop, like Senior Patrol Leader, and some are appointed by troop leadership, like Patrol Leaders and instructors. Either way, the expectation is the same: this is a program that scouts run for scouts, and every member has a place in that.
Scout leaders plan outings, run meetings, teach skills to younger scouts, and manage the day to day work of keeping a patrol or troop moving forward. It's real responsibility, not a symbolic title. A Senior Patrol Leader is genuinely in charge of planning and running each meeting. A Patrol Leader is genuinely responsible for their patrol's gear list on a campout.
Parents & Guardians
You’re welcome here, too. Whether you want to pitch in occasionally or take on a role, there’s a place for your skill. Be it driving, merit badge counseling, committee support, or trip helping, there's a place for you.
Learn more about volunteering.
All adult leaders are trained and follow BSA Youth Protection policies. We’re serious about creating a safe, welcoming environment for every Scout.
Why We Do It This Way
We believe kids grow most when they're given real responsibility and a safe place to learn from what happens when things don't go perfectly. A scout planning the menu for a weekend trip might forget an ingredient, or plan a meal that just doesn't quite work. A patrol leader might walk the group down the wrong trail before realizing it and turning back. We don't step in to prevent every misstep. We let it happen, and then we help scouts figure out what to do next.
Mistakes made in a safe place, with adults nearby but not hovering, are how kids actually learn to lead. It's a different approach than a lot of youth activities offer today, and we think it matters more now than ever.
Stepping Forward
If your scout is interested in leadership, we'd love to talk with you about the options available and what a role like Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader actually looks like day to day. There's no single "leadership track," and scouts can grow into bigger roles at their own pace.
⥉ WHAT THE YEAR LOOKS LIKE
Activities for every season
Triip 15 is active! We have at least one activity every month, regular meetings, and adventures several times a year.
Weekly meetings - the fun part:
-
2nd and 4th Wednesday every month
-
7pm-8:30pm
-
Log Cabin in San Anselmo
-
PLC (Scout leaders), also meet on the 3rd Wednesday, same time and place.
Monthly Events & Trips - the really fun part:
- The scouts organize one event every month (more below)
- Our calendar is the source of truth - http://www.troop15marin.org/calendar
-
We use Sign Up Genius to register and pay for events and trip
Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends before Thanksgiving. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of nonperishable items that are distributed to area families.
Winter Camp at Camp Marin Sierra
A long weekend at Camp Marin Sierra gives Scouts the chance to build igloos and sleep outside, have hot cocoa in the Lodge, and play games in the snow.
The Sausage Stand
Troop15 has a long-standing tradition of raising funds by selling sausage at the Fairfax Festival. Our booth is located under the trees near the Main Stage and it's fun to be right in the middle of the action.
Summer Camp at Camp Marin Sierra
Scouts spend a week in the summer at Camp Marin Sierra near Truckee. They earn merit badges and have an amazing time with their Troop.
High Adventure Camps Around the Country
Every year, our Troop chooses which High Adventure camp to attend. Depending on the adventure, it may be over the Summer or during the February or April breaks from school.