A developmental program, Scouting America - formerly Boys Scouts of America - teaches participants practical lessons and skills that can be applied to life. But perhaps the most impactful lessons are the personal ones learned from others, especially from those who are different.

"It's not just boys and girls; it's Scouts," said Erin Blank, an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 83. "We don't try to differentiate between genders. It's about one word, empathy. I have brothers and sisters who fight tooth and nail, but when they're out in the community and someone picks on one, the other is there. That's what we're teaching. It's very hard to teach empathy."

Troop 83, which meets at its sponsoring organization, Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. every Monday, is a mixed-gender troop, sort of a test initiative of Scouting America. The national governing body's pilot program was introduced in September of 2024 to study the feasibility of combining the resources of former troops made up of boys and troops made up of girls.

The members of the former all-female Troop 82, whose local origins can be traced to the 1950s, joined forces with their male counterparts in Troop 83 in July of last year.

"Our troops were independent, even though we'd have some events together," said Blank. "These are brothers and sisters and school friends. They have the same interests, so they get along. For the last three or four years, we've been meeting at the same place and planning events together, and the leaders have been cooperating throughout."

Troop 83 is currently made up of 30 Scouts, 25 boys and five girls between the ages of 11 and 17. Many of the Scouts attend school in the Conestoga Valley district, but others reside in the Warwick, Manheim Township and Hempfield areas.

The troop's leadership is made up of 20 adults, about 14 men and about six women.

"These are kids from all walks of life," said Blank, a resident of Brownstown. "We have kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Some are preparing for the military. Some are preparing for trade schools. They all work together to solve problems. Some are accelerated, and some kids just want to have fun."

Broken down into patrols by experience and age, members of Troop 83 earn merit badges to advance their ranks. Local Scouts engage in service projects like assisting with Wreaths Across America and the Adopt-A-Highway program and volunteering at Conestoga Valley School District events.

The Scouts also regularly canoe on the Conestoga River, go on tenting and cabin camping trips and compete against other patrols within the Pennsylvania Dutch Council of Scouting America.

"I want these kids to learn that tenacity and persistence are lifelong skills," said Blank. "I want them to know that mistakes are paths to success. We want them to be able to take challenges, turn them into small wins and have the small wins accumulate. Seeing a kid stand a little taller is one of my favorite things."

"Empathetic parents, advisers and mentors can make a difference," she added. "As a parent, I love being a part of it because I love being part of their adventure."

The Pennsylvania Dutch Council serves more than 5,300 Scouts in Lancaster and Lebanon counties and is supported by more than 2,400 adult volunteers. Since being established in 1958, Troop 83 has provided opportunities to develop citizenship, leadership and character for thousands of Conestoga Valley-area Scouts.

"For seven decades, Troop 83 has existed to provide outdoor adventures to youth and to provide training in civics and life skills," said Blank. "Scouting is an undermined treasure. The door is open for more people than the community understands. It's providing skills for future generations through fun and adventure."

For additional information, search for "Troop 83 Leola" on Facebook.