Some people may think that Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is geared toward kids. But the experiences that Scouts enjoy help transform them from boys and girls into young men and women.

Scouts BSA Troop 44 of Lititz's mission is to positively affect the development of school-aged youths. Troop 44 executes its mission through traditional values, supportive role models and example-setting life experiences, all with the motto, "Be prepared."

"I hope (Scouting) helps with (the boys') decision making and becoming leaders," said Troop 44 Scoutmaster Joel Henkel. "Not every boy is going to become an Eagle Scout, and that's OK. But they still have the skills. My goal is that (the Scouts are) better people from Scouting."

"It's a lot of fun watching them grow," Henkel added. "When they come into the troop, they're very shy. But you can see their personalities develop."

Troop 44 is a member of the Iron Forge District in Scouts BSA's Pennsylvania Dutch Council. Troop 44 meets at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 200 W. Orange St., Lititz, on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. The group is made up of 26 boys ages 12 to 18, who mainly reside in the Lititz and Warwick areas.

"We like to encourage the boys to explore the outdoors and become leaders," said Henkel. "It's a boys-run troop; all the boys contribute their ideas. We leaders do the leg work, but they run the meetings. The younger Scouts are learning from their predecessors."

"We have boys with a wide variety of interests," he continued. "Some are huge into electronics or engineering. We have a lot who are into the outdoors. Surprisingly, (the Scouts) all get along, even though they're from different backgrounds. It goes really well. It's about experiencing things you never thought you would. It's like, 'Hey, give it a shot. You might actually end up liking it.' All we ask is that you try it. It's a lot more than rank advancement."

Considering input from their adult leaders, members of Troop 44 decide on the activities in which they will engage. The troop goes on about one day trip and one weekend trip each month - everything from hiking to biking to fishing to canoeing and backpacking - in addition to attending an extended camping trip each summer.

Troop 44 also gives back to the community through various service projects.

"My favorite thing is going camping and getting outdoors," said Henkel, who was a Boy Scout himself 20 years ago. "I like the camaraderie of just being with the Scouts. A lot of kids just like the outdoors and helping out."

"One of the things I want our troop to focus on is first aid," added Henkel. "You never know when you're going to need it. But when you need it, you have it."

Next year will be the 70th year that Troop 44 has been associated with St. Paul Lutheran Church.

"There are a lot of troops that are closing because participation is down," said Henkel. "We're actually fairly strong. I really hope we can grow from 26 members. I think we have a great group of leaders. I think we have a great group of kids. I just hope to build on that. Every kid is welcome."

For additional information about Troop 44, go to http://www.troop44lititz.org.