WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF TROOP 3?

Originally chartered in 1916, Troop 3 is the oldest continuously chartered Boy Scout troop in Texas. First United Methodist Church (FUMC) has been the chartering organization from the beginning.

HOW DOES TROOP 3 FIT INTO THE BOY SCOUT ORGANIZATION?

Within the South Texas Council, there are (8) different Districts. Troop 3 is in the Gulf Breeze District.

WHAT DOES THE LOCAL COUNCIL FOR TROOP 3 DO?

The Council is responsible for maintaining Council Camps (like Camp Karankawa), activities, administration and advertising.

HOW DOES THE COUNCIL FUND ITS OPERATIONS?

The Council is responsible for maintaining Council Camps (like Camp Karankawa), activities, administration and advertising.

A portion of popcorn sales proceeds is given to the Council. Scout annual “re-charter” payments also help fund the Council. Finally, every year, in the month of March, a “Friends of Scouting” campaign is held to solicit donations from scouting parents. All donations go straight to the Council.

HOW IS TROOP 3 ORGANIZED?

Every Boy Scout troop has a chartered organization, which for Troop 3 is FUMC. The Troop Committee, made up of parents and adult volunteers, oversees the troop.

WHAT IS A CHARTERED ORGANIZATION?

They are sponsors of the Boy Scout Troop. For Troop 3, FUMC shares our objectives for the boys and provides a place for weekly meetings and equipment storage. A Chartered Organization Representative is the liaison between Troop 3 and FUMC.

WHAT IS THE TROOP COMMITTEE?

The Troop Committee, made up of parents and adult volunteers, functions as the administrative and support organization for the troop. Essentially, taking care of all details that go into making the scouting experience happen. It oversees troop funds, special events, outings, leadership training and purchase /maintenance of troop equipment.

The committee is led by the Chairman, who arranges an agenda and runs the Meetings. Meetings are normally every 3rd Monday of the month during weekly troop meetings. Additional meetings may occur as needed, or meetings may be cancelled if not needed.

All troop committee positions are filled by adult volunteers. The positions include Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Service Project Coordinator, and Committee Members. Sub-Committees from within the committee are formed to organize fundraisers, Court of Honors, camp outs, activities and service projects.

WHAT OTHER ADULT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE IN TROOP 3?

Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and Troop Parents. The Scoutmaster, approved by the Troop Committee, is the adult leader responsible for the program of the Troop. The Scoutmaster will train and guide boy leaders, work with other adult leaders to bring scouting to the boys, use scouting methods to achieve the aim of scouting and keep track of all advancements. Troop Parents may be asked dto help with any of these duties.

Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Troop Committee to assist the Scoutmaster in operating the Troop. They are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. Assistant Scoutmasters also provide the required two (2) deep adult leadership at all Boy Scout activities.

Troop Parents are asked to support and assist with Troop fund raisers, encourage their scout with achieving rank advancements and participation in Troop activities, attend and help with at least ONE camp out per year, and attend Troop “Court of Honors”.

WHAT ARE THE BOY SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS?

In addition to the following list of positions, the Scoutmaster may assign scouts leadership positions or projects as needed for rank advancements.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top scout leadership position. They are required to attend at least ½ of all camp outs and lead weekly scout meetings. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(ASPL) will fill in for the SPL at weekly meetings he cannot attend. Quartermaster is responsible for inventory and maintenance of all Troop 3 equipment. Troop Scribe is in charge of attendance records, periodic submittals to the web page for publishing and outgoing correspondence. Troop Historian creates a written record of all activities /camp outs for periodic submittal to web page post. Troop Librarian catalogues the written troop records and merit badge book collection. Chaplain’s Aid coordinates Sunday worship on camp outs and closing prayers at weekly meetings.

Patrol Leader (PL) is the lead scout of his patrol. All duties for patrol activities are assigned by the PL. He reports to the Troop SPL. The Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) will lead and run patrol activities in the absence of the PL.

HOW ARE SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FILLED?

All scouts who have attained Star Rank or higher and have attended National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), are eligible for SPL or ASPL positions. The SPL is a scout elected position held twice per year in March and September or the SPL may be elected for an annual term beginning in late June after summer camp. PL and APL positions are elected by each Patrol. All other positions , ASPL, Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, Librarian and Chaplain’s Aid are appointed by the SPL.

WHAT FEES AND PAYMENTS ARE SCOUTS REQUIRED TO PAY?

Annual registration or “Re-Charter” is required for all active scouts. The re-charter fee is $16 (for registration and $1 BSA insurance) and $12 for the annual subscription to Boy’s Life magazine, for a total of $28. The monthly magazine is optional but highly recommended. The annual re-charter occurs every December. If a scout crosses over from Webelos between January and November, his re-charter fee will not be due until December.

Fees for activities, camping, food and transportation vary depending on activity. A typical weekend camping trip usually requires $10 per scout for food plus travel cost. Transportation cost depends on the distance traveled to the event. Campsite fees are usually paid by the troop. Activity fees may be paid by the troop (Note that pre-payments or deposits may be required in advance to reserve special events or trip activities). If a cancellation is made for the scout’s convenience, any fees paid on behalf of scouts, either by the troop, or by the scout in advance, will not be reimbursed. Only sickness or related family emergencies will justify not charging the scout for the troop expense or reimbursement of the scout’s advance paid fees.

WHAT FEES AND PAYMENTS ARE ADULTS REQUIRED TO PAY?

Adults are required to pay fees and or deposits, if needed, for campouts and activities. As a participant in these events, adults would also pay their share of transportation and food cost.

WHAT EXPENSES AND/OR FEES DOES TROOP 3 PAY?

For Scouts:

(1)Each campout/activity may have certain campsite or admission fees covered by the troop. (2)Any special expense covered by Troop 3 will be approved by the Troop Committee. (3)Fees for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), will be paid for by the troop.

For Adults:

(1)Active adults will have registration fee and “re-charter” paid for by Troop 3 (Boys Life magazine is NOT paid for by Troop). (2) Campsite and activity fees for adults are covered by the troop. (3) All adult training will be paid for or reimbursed by the troop.

WHAT ARE TROOP 3’S FUND RAISER ACTIVITIES?

Every June, Troop 3 has a chicken BBQ, which is our primary main fundraiser. All scouts and scout families should plan to participate. Participation includes pre-sale of BBQ dinner tickets, night before preparation and day of BBQ dinner assembly and distribution to BBQ customers. All profits go toward the Troop 3 general fund that supports campouts and special activity fees, camping equipment purchase and maintenance, and leadership training.

Troop 3’s secondary main fundraiser is the annual fall popcorn sale. All scouts are encouraged to participate in selling popcorn. Proceeds from popcorn sales help to fund District expenses and a portion is returned to each Troop. Troop 3’s portion of popcorn money is returned to the scout (approx. 30% of sale amount) and held in a popcorn account that can be used for scouting expenses like camping expenses or scout uniform / supplies purchased at the local scout shop.

Additional fundraisers may be announced during the year.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE TROOP GO ON CAMPOUTS?

Typically, a camping event is planned each month. Most camping is planned around a weekend with departure on Friday evening and return on Sunday afternoon. Additional camping day(s) may be included due to school holidays. During March, a longer camping event is usually planned for spring break week. “Summer” and “Winter” camps occur at Lake Corpus Christi in Camp Karankawa during June and December, the day after Christmas. An additional “Summer” camp may be planned at another venue . Other than the Camp Karankawa “Summer” and “Winter” camps, all camping events are chosen with scouts and committee member input, with final camping event approval by the Scoutmaster.

High Adventure events on campouts are normally limited to those scouts 14 years or older and for some camps, Star rank or higher is required for advanced camping and outdoor skills.

WHAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DOES TROOP 3 PROVIDE FOR SCOUTS COMMUNITY SERVICE?

Troop 3’s charter sponsor, First United Methodist Church, has Angel Food Ministry food distribution one Saturday morning every month. Troop 3 participates in the annual Scout Food Drive for (2) Saturdays in October / November. Other community service volunteer events may be planned during the year. Scout assistance to fellow scouts with Eagle project fundraising or labor is also considered service hours.

WHAT CAMPING EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED BY TROOP 3?

Basically, most camping equipment is provided by Troop 3. Scouts and adults provide their own personal sleeping gear and eating/drinking utensils. Troop 3 has tents for standard “drive in” campouts and also smaller, lightweight tents for backpacking campouts. There are “chuck boxes” equipped with cooking utensils, cooking containers and propane stoves for scouts and adults. Smaller lightweight stoves and cooking containers are also in inventory for backpacking. Both external and internal frame backpacks, small through adult size, are owned by Troop 3.

WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE FOR SCOUTS AND ADULTS?

Scouts:

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is available once a year to all interested scouts, age 13 or older, having achieved at least 1st Class rank. (NYLT is required for all scouts seeking to run for SPL or ASPL leadership positions). NYLT is a six (6) day session at Camp Karankawa.

Adults:

All registered adult volunteers are required to complete an annual “Youth Protection Training”. The training is available on the BSA website. Other adult leadership training is also available on the BSA Online Learning Center website (olc.scouting.org/). Other adult leadership training: “Outdoor Leadership Training”: normally offered over a weekend; “Woodbadge” training, which is similar to NYLT, but for adults: normally offered over (2) 3-day weekend events one month apart. NOTE: All scout and adult training is paid by Troop 3.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR RANK ADVANCEMENT IN TROOP 3?

Webelos that crossover into Boy Scouts start by earning Scout rank, then in order can earn Tender Foot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life and Eagle. All rank requirements are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook. The final requirements are Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. Troop 3 also requires scouts to be active and engaged by attending meetings and campout events. Life Scouts working toward Eagle rank, in particular, must remain “active” and inform the Scoutmaster in advance with a reason for an expected absence from meetings. Eagle rank may be denied by the Scoutmaster if it is determined the scout is “inactive”. Rank advancements are officially awarded at “Court of Honor” ceremonies.

WHAT IS A SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE AND BOARD OF REVIEW?

For all scout rank advancements, a Scoutmaster Conference is required. The scout must put his name on the “dry erase board” to make an appointment during Monday night meetings, for a Scoutmaster Conference.

Board of Review is the final review step for a scout to get a rank advancement (not required for Tenderfoot rank). The Board of Review must also be scheduled by the scout, putting his name on the “dry erase board”. Three adult leaders (excluding Scoutmaster and the scout’s parents) will interview the scout to determine if he will advance. The Board of Review is usually done during Monday night meetings. All rank advancements are recognized at Court of Honors.

NOTE: Full Class “A” uniforms must be worn for all Board of Reviews.

HOW ARE MERIT BADGES EARNED AND AWARDED?

Earned:

There are many merit badge classes offered at “Summer” and “ Winter” camps. Scouts can usually earn or begin as many as (5) merit badges at these week-long camps. Additional opportunities to earn or satisfy some requirements for merit badges may be offered at Troop meetings and/or weekend camp outs. The local South Texas Council sometimes plans merit badge classes during the year. NOTE: merit badge classes offered may require the scout to finish some requirements on their own time, after the class.

Important: All Merit Badges have a book with instruction for completing the requirements. Books are available for purchase at the Scout Shop and some Merit Badge books are available in the Troop 3 library.

Additionally, a scout may begin and complete merit badge requirements on their own, with the following requirements 1. Notify Scoutmaster of intent to begin merit badge. 2. Complete requirement with a designated Counselor within or outside the Troop, as approved by Scoutmaster. For all Merit Badges, the parent should not be the Counselor, unless designated as counselor. 3. The Counselor or Troop 3 adult leader, will initial and date item known by them to be completed.

Finally, “blue cards”, available in the Troop 3 scout hut, should be completed for each Merit Badge and placed in the “Blue Book” 3-ring notebook binder. The “blue cards” have a place for counselor to sign off that merit badge is complete.

Awarded:

Merit Badges are awarded at Court of Honor ceremonies.

WHAT IS A “COURT OF HONOR” CEREMONY?

Two to three times per year, “Court of Honor” is held at FUMC. The evening or afternoon ceremony is an opportunity to have fellowship with scouts and their families and recognize scout achievements (merit badges and rank advancements) since the last “Court of Honor”. Usually food, either potluck meal and/or dessert, is shared as part of the celebration either before or after the actual ceremony. The entire event is usually 1-1/2 to 2 hours long. Mothers are also honored with a “Mothers’ Neckerchief” (received after their scout achieves Tenderfoot Rank) for each scout, to display rank advancement pins. Scouts should always escort their mother or parent up front, together (this means WALKING OVER TO and walking WITH the parent; Mom holding on to the scouts’ outstretched elbow) when accepting rank advancements. The scout will pin the “Mother’s Pin” rank advancement on the “Mother’s Neckerchief”. Scouts walk up to receive Merit Badges without their parent. New scouts receive a Troop 3 red and white neckerchief at their first “Court of Honor”.

WHAT IS CLASS “A” AND CLASS “B” UNIFORM?

Class “A”: Full Class “A” has a Scout shirt with appropriate Troop number, insignias and Council patches with neckerchief/stay and merit badge sash. Also, scout pants and belt and socks are required. Scout hats are also appropriate. The Arrow of Light and Religious Knot are the only Cub Scout awards that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. Appropriate patch or insignia placement information is available in the Boy Scout Handbook or through the Scout Shop on Everhart Road near Alameda.

Class “B”: The more informal uniform is Class “B”. Class “B” does not include the scout uniform shirt, pants, hat etc., but does require at least a scout themed “T” shirt. A Troop 3 “T” shirt will be provided at no cost to all scouts.

WHAT UNIFORM IS REQUIRED AT TROOP 3 BOY SCOUT EVENTS?

Uniforms build a spirit of teamwork or “espirit de corps”. The Class “A” uniform is required a weekly Troop 3 meetings, travel to and from all campouts and Troop events, “Court of Honor”, and all other formal scout events. The neckerchief and merit badge sash are not worn at weekly meetings; however, those uniform items are worn at all “Court of Honors”, formal scouting events, “Scoutmaster Conference” and “Board of Review”. Also, neckerchief / stay and merit badge sash are taken on “Summer” and Winter” camps to be worn during participation in flag ceremonies and end of camp closing ceremonies.

WHAT IS THE DISCIPLINE POLICY AT TROOP 3?

All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout oath and law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults and drugs and alcohol have no place in the scouting program and may result in the revocation of a scouts’ membership in Troop 3 and the Boy Scout of America.

On campouts or activity events, scouts are given (1) warning about breaking rules. After a second violation, parents of the scout will be contacted to pick up their scout. Following being sent home, the scout will not be able to attend the next scouting campout and/or event. If additional problems with the scout occur, a 3 – 6 month suspension from all troop activities (weekly meetings may still be attended) will be enforced with a Troop committee review at the end of the suspension.

Drug, alcohol or tobacco violations will be cause for immediate contact of scout parents to pick up their scout. Additionally, the scout will be suspended for 3 – 6 months from all troop activities (weekly meetings may still be attended). A second offense will require the scout to leave Troop 3.

If cause is suspected on campouts or Troop activities, the Scoutmaster or Campmaster, may inspect all personal gear. Another adult and the scout owning said gear, shall be present during the inspection.

WHAT IS ORDER OF THE ARROW?

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is an honorary service organization of Boy Scouts and Adult Leaders. The qualifications to be considered for OA election are (1) First Class rank or higher (2) participation in 15 days and nights of camping that will include one 5-day long term camp (3) Be recommended by the Scoutmaster. The election for this group of qualified scouts to be inducted into the OA is held in January with all Troop scouts eligible to vote. A minimum 50% of the current Troop scout membership must be present for the vote. The OA eligible scout must receive at least 50% of the scout votes from those present to vote. Announcement of the scouts voted into the OA will be made at a time after the voting occurs.

Adult qualification for OA consideration is based on the 15 days and nights of camping requirement. Those adults qualified will be voted for by current adult OA members.