Welcome to Troop 296, we are a Scouts BSA troop for boys. We are based out of the Evergreen Valley United Methodist Church in San Jose. Our meetings are Tuesdays at 7 pm, feel free to drop by any week. 

Background: Troop 296 is part of Scouts BSA chartered by Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council. Our troop is made up of boys from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, all united by a love of adventure and a commitment to making a difference in our community. Our troop leaders are dedicated, experienced volunteers who are passionate about guiding scouts on their journey to First Class, Eagle Scout, and beyond.

Joining Troop 296 offers a unique opportunity to develop character, leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness through the core methods of Scouting: Ideals, Patrols, the Outdoors, Advancement, Personal Growth, Adult Association, Leadership Development, and the Uniform. Our troop provides a safe, supportive, and exciting environment where scouts can build lasting friendships, gain valuable life skills, and make a positive impact in their community. Listed below are our awesome patrol names and badges!

Detective Ducks

Goblins

Happy Friends

Leadership

Marshmallow Ninjas

Tigers

Meetings: We meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Evergreen Valley United Methodist Church. The meeting schedule can be accessed on our web site calendar.  Additionally, our troop leaders often send out reminder emails to the Scouts and parents about meetings and the focus of the meeting, if needed.

Outings: Outings also give scouts the opportunity to practice merit badge skills and follow Leave No Trace principles while gaining hands-on outdoor experience. Troop 296 holds monthly campouts, all of which are posted on our website calendar.

As a boy-led troop, patrols are responsible for organizing their own gear and planning their own meals for most outings. Food is only provided when it is arranged at the troop level or supplied by the camp location. This structure helps scouts learn responsibility, teamwork, and practical outdoor skills in a real-world setting.

Summer Camps: Outings are an essential part of the Scouting experience, helping scouts build outdoor skills, strengthen friendships, and live out the Scout Oath and Scout Law in meaningful ways. Troop 296 participates in one major summer camp each year, traditionally attending Wente Scout Reservation.

In summer 2025, our troop completed a major high-adventure trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, an experience that required significant preparation and commitment from both scouts and adult leaders. Planning for large trips like Philmont typically begins up to two years in advance to ensure a safe, successful, and unforgettable adventure for everyone involved.