Home | About Us | News | Seekers | Calendar | Administrative | Pictures | Misc | Contact Us
About Us
Fact Sheet
Council: Pacific Harbors
District: Sasquatch
Location: Olympia, Washington
Meeting Place: The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Number of Registered Scouts: 130
Number of Registered Adults: 85
Official Colors: Black & Gold
Official Motto: ESAM
World Class Scouting. Defined.
We like to set ourselves apart from the pack. Troop 266 is all about its scouts, pure and simple. From the early months with the Troop, to the experienced years of senior leadership, we create an environment that fosters the Scout Law and Oath. We place emphasis on adventure, positive leadership, teamwork and service; all things that are necessary to become a well-rounded individual.

We truly believe that our boy-led, boy-run program is one of the best. Whether you're a Weblos Scout looking to continue on your path in Scouting, or you're looking to begin your journey, read on.

Parents can read more in our Potential Scout Information Packet, available in Adobe PDF.

ESAM
Our troop motto is "ESAM." This acronym stands for Every Scout Absolutely Matters . It was adopted through our affiliation with the Pacific Lutheran University's saying of EMAL (Every Man A Lute). Following this saying as both our motto and principle, we strive to make a difference in every scout's life that passes through our program. This is apparent from the first day a boy registers. Our Seeker program is a several month long process that helps new boys overcome the startling task of getting acquainted with a new unit. The boys are partnered with special counselors called Guides throughout the entire program who help them adjust to how the Troop operates. They'll also make sure new boys are well-rehearsed in the knowledge required to achieve the Scout and Tenderfoot rank advancement.

Troop 266 Eagle Scout Patrick Medley, who is now a graduate of Harvard University, wrote this about ESAM:

"ESAM" stands for "Every Scout Absolutely Matters," a motto that Troop 266 has adopted.

What does this mean? It means that all Scouts should be encouraged to participate in Scouting activities. It means that older Scouts should help younger Scouts and not leave them out. It means that experienced Scouts should set an example for younger Scouts because they got help when they were young.

Follow ESAM in your everyday life, as you would the Scout Motto or Law, and give Scouting to others as they've done for you.

The ESAM principle doesn't stop with new scouts, however. Throughout their journey, each individual boy has their needs attended to and feels like part of a team. Come see what ESAM is all about and visit one of our troop meetings.

Our History
Troop 266 was founded in 1966 by the Good Shepard Lutheran Church. The Troop was very active during the period of 1966 to 1975, and then it went into a down period. For awhile the Troop met at the Elk’s Lodge in Olympia. In 1985 the Troop returned to the
Church. In 1992, there were only 3 scouts in the Troop (very, very small) and was in danger of disbanding. In 1993 it started to build up again and by 2004, it had risen to over 100 scouts.

Scoutmasters


Past and Present Scoutmasters (left to right): Dave Workman, Barry Kirk, Dave Palmer and Carl Fehring


Bill Beckham 1985 – 1989
Bill Reeve 1989 – 1991
Carl Fehring 1991 – 1993
Dave Workman 1993 – 2003
Dave Palmer 2003 -- 2008
Barry Kirk 2008 -- Present

Summer Camps
1992 – Camp Thunderbird
1993 – Camp Thunderbird
1994 – Camp Black Mountain
1995 – Camp Black Mountain
1996 – Camp Baldwin, Oregon
1997 – Camp Cowles
1998 – Camp Meriwether, Oregon
1999 – Camp Black Mountain
2000 – Camp Parsons and Camp Meriwether
2001 – Camp Fife
2002 – Camp Black Mountain
2003 – Camp Fire Mountain
2004 – Camp Fife
2005 – Camp Meriwether, Oregon

High Adventures
1993 – Wells Gray Provincial Park, Canada (canoe trip)
1994 – Goat Rocks, Pacific Crest Trail
1995 – Grand Canyon, Arizona
1995 – World Scout Jamboree, Netherlands
1996 – Khabarovsk, Russia
1996 – Grand Canyon, Arizona
1997 – Khabarovsk, Russia
1997 – 50-miler Glacier Peak, Pacific Crest Trail
1997 – National Scout Jamboree, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
1997 – Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
1998 – Chilcoot Trail, Canada
1998 – Powell River, Canada (canoeing)
1999 – Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
1999 – Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Canada (canoe trip)
2000 – Russian National Jamboree, England, France
2000 – Tuck and Robins Lakes, Washington (cascades)
2000 – MV Curtis San Juan Cruise
2001 – Grand Canyon, Arizona
2001 – National Scout Jamboree, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
2001 – Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
2001 – Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Canada (canoe trip)
2002 – Odyssey Sailing San Juan Cruise
2002 – 50-miler Goat Rocks, Pacific Crest Trail
2003 – 50-miler Evergreen Trek
2003 – Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
2003 – 50-miler Henry Jackson Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail
2004 – Climb Mt. St. Helens
2004 – 50-miler Evergreen Trek
2004 – Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
2004 – Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Canada (canoe trip)
2004 – 50-miler Wonderland Trail
2004 – Climb Mt. Adams
2005 – Boundary Waters, Minnesota (canoe trip)
2005 – National Scout Jamboree, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
2005 – Sea Base, Florida

Top of Page