An Introduction to Girl Scout Troop 680

Girl Scout Troop 680 was established to provide girls and their fathers an opportunity to participate together in scouting activities on a weekly basis. The Troop is open to girls in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Prior experience as a Brownie or Girl Scout is not required. Girls from all schools are invited. Troop 680 recognizes some fathers may not be able to participate. In these cases, mothers or other adult sponsors are invited and encouraged to join.  Girls, fathers and other adult sponsors are required to register with Girl Scouts USA for participation.

Activities

Troop 680 meets from September to early June, except during school vacation periods. Meetings begin in September and are held Tuesday evenings, generally at Bryant Elementary School.  At times, Troop and Patrol meetings will involve activities, tours, trips and outings at locations other than Bryant Elementary School.   Weekly programs are designed to be educational, interesting and fun for the girl scouts, parents and other adult sponsors.

Three overnight camping trips are held during the year. These outings include camping in tents and cabins at locations in the Puget Sound area.

Girls in Troop 680 have many opportunities to explore new worlds and learn new skills through Girl Scout badges. Badges and other awards are presented at Court of Award ceremonies held during the year. Families and friends are invited and encouraged to attend Court of Award ceremonies to recognize the girls' achievements. Girls also have an opportunity to earn awards unique to Troop 680, such as Literature awards for reading books and reviewing them with a local librarian.

History of the Troop

In 1929 Howard Krippner established a father and son program at Bryant Elementary School in northeast Seattle. From these meetings evolved Cub Scout Pack 144. Pack 144 has met continuously since then and is one of the oldest Cub Scout Packs in the United States. In 1999 Jeffrey and Michele Grose established Girl Scout Troop 680 in a similar spirit.   Since 2002 the troop has offered the Jeffrey Grose Community Service Award to a scout to encourage and acknowledge volunteer work in the community.

Active participation of adult sponsors is an important aspect of Troop 680. This participation provides a unique opportunity for a parent to enjoy scouting activities with a daughter. It also provides an opportunity for adults to help out and contribute to the success of the Troop. Our children grow up fast. Being involved in scouting together is a special opportunity that will soon pass.