What are some strengths of the troop?

Troop 743 is a scout-led family friendly troop that started out as troops 743 (boys) and 1743 (girls). Though the two troops functioned together before, we officially merged to become the first combined troop in the Arrowmoon District. This is particularly great for families with siblings of different genders.

What kinds of things does the troop do?

The troop is scout-led so activities are dependent on what the scouts decide to do and everything is voluntary. Scouts are not pressured to rank or get to Eagle Scout. During meetings we generally work on merit badges, team-building activities and campout planning. We are pretty laid back and enjoy a wide range of activities from relaxing at the beach to high adventures.

How many scouts are active with the troop?

We currently have about 15 scouts and growing with two patrols - one male and one female.

How many registered adults are active with the troop?

We currently have about 12 active registered adults

Who can join Troop 743?

• Male or female youth ages 11-17

• 5th graders who are 10 and who register after March 1 OR have earned their Arrow of Light rank in Cub Scouts 

What if I am not old enough or too old for a troop?

Youth in grades K-5 can join a Cub Scout pack and youth 14-20 can join a Venturing Crew or a Sea Scout Ship. Find your new adventure at beascout.scouting.org 

How is being in a troop different from Cub Scouts?

The biggest difference is that in Cub Scouts, adults lead the unit and in the troop, the youth leaders lead the unit. The adult leaders are there to provide some guardrails in regards to safety and finances, but in general the scouts make the decisions on where to go and what to do. Parents are not required to attend meetings or campouts like they are in Cub Scouts.

How is the troop organized?

Under the Patrol Method of scouting, the troop is scout-led, meaning the youth select their own leaders and select  and organize the activities for troop. Adult Leaders are present to handle finances, make reservations and ensure the safety of the scouts, however the scouts are given leeway to make their own choices and learn from them in a safe environment.

Youth Leadership

Twice a year - in October and April, the troop holds elections for leaders. Descriptions for these leadership positions can be found on the Troop Positions page.

Adult Leadership

The adult leaders are determined by the Troop Committee, which is responsible for recruiting the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Troop Committee Members and ensuring that they are properly trained.

How much does scouting cost?

Scouting is a fairly inexpensive activity compared to most youth activities and the confidence and leadership skills attained through the scouting program will benefit scouts for the rest of their lives. 

Typical costs include uniform, annual troop dues for shared equipment, campout fees for reservations, food and fuel, and summer camp.

For more details, visit the Joining page

Are there fundraisers to help pay for scouting?

Yes, our troop participates in fundraising activities each fall in order to help scouts pay their own way in their scouting journey. In the fall, scouts can sell popcorn through Trails End and also scan tickets at Texas A&M Football games. These funds accumulate in a scout's account and can be used to pay for various annual costs or larger expenses such as high adventure trips. Most of our scouts nearly or completely cover their annual costs from these fundraisers.

What is expected of me as a scout?

Scouts are expected to live and act according to the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan and Motto. Scouts are not only representing themselves, but also their troop and Scouting America. Troop time is limited, so it is important for scouts to use the time to build character, leadership and skills, and bond with their fellow scouts. Weekly meetings are prime opportunities for this so scouts should attend as much as possible.

How often does the troop meet?

The troop meets each Tuesday from 6:30pm to approximately 7:30pm at Trinity Baptist Church. On occasion, an activity may cause the meeting to run until or slightly after 8. Scouts should plan to arrive several minutes prior to the meeting time in order to begin the meeting on time. Each meeting generally begins and ends with a flag ceremony, including a reciting of the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code. Scouts work on various skills and team-building activities as determined by the youth leadership. 

Generally, the troop does not meet during Spring Break, Thanksgiving, the last two weeks in December or the first week of July.

What activities other than meetings am I required to participate in?

Service projects teach scouts that they can have a positive impact on their communities. The scouts are expected to participate in service projects and acquire service hours which are also part of several rank requirements. The troop participates in various scouting projects throughout the year such as caroling at nursing homes and environmental cleanups.

Another important aspect of scouting is camping. Campouts are where scouts have the most opportunity to put their skills into action - from camp setup to cooking to patrol organization. They are also a great time for troop bonding and practicing independence.

Are parents allowed to attend troop meetings or events?

Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and day activities such as service projects, however per Scouting America policy, only registered adult leaders who have completed Safeguarding Youth Training may attend overnight activities such as campouts. It is highly recommended that all parents and guardians take the online Safeguarding Youth Training.

How can I become a registered adult leader?

Parents wanting to become more involved with supporting the youth of the troop may take Safeguarding Youth Training and register as an adult leader. Upon acceptance by the troop committee, the leader will be designated as a Committee Member or an Assistant Scoutmaster. Adult leaders are expected to follow the Scouters Code of Conduct.

What is an Assistant Scoutmaster?

Assistant Scoutmasters are registered adults who participate in the rank advancement and skill training of the youth. They are responsible for signing off on rank requirements and participate in Scout Spirit conferences as the scouts advance. 

These adults are required to complete:

• Safeguarding Youth Training (online)

• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - overnight training available through the district, council or at summer camp

• Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Training (online)

• Hazardous Weather Training (online) 

What is a Committee Member?

Registered adults who wish to support the troop in other ways may join the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee is responsible for recruiting adult leaders and ensuring they are properly trained. They provide administrative support to the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster with facilities, finance, youth needs and issues, troop equipment, etc. Additionally, they schedule and serve on Board of Reviews for scouts advancing to the next rank. 

These adults are required to complete:

• Safeguarding Youth Training (online)

• Training for Troop Committee Members (online) 

What is Safeguarding Youth Training?

Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) is an online course designed to help keep youth safe from abuse. During SYT, participants learn the Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, participants will answer questions about that section’s topic. This course must be completed by all registered leaders, and is highly recommended for parents and other adults working with youth. 

How often does the troop go on campouts?

Generally, during the August annual planning meeting, the troop youth decide on and schedule one campout per month between September and May. In June we have summer camp and usually July and August it's just hot!

Where does the troop camp?

Most campouts are at state parks throughout the state as selected by the troop youth leadership. Unless we have a long weekend, they are usually within a 4-hour drive. Locations are selected based on the desired activities and skills the youth choose.

What kind of campouts does the troop organize?

There are a variety of campout styles depending on what the scouts want to do but some examples are backpacking with a small hike to the site with all our gear, a survival campout where scouts get to practice building a shelter from a tarp, and a multi-day canoe trek down the river. And sometimes we just relax around the campfire and enjoy nature.

Where does the troop go to summer camp?

Summer camp is a week-long camp in June. The troop has gone to a variety of in and out-of-state camps including Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch, Camp Orr and Camp Constantine. The youth leaders decide on the summer camp destination during the annual planning meeting.

How long are regular campouts?

Most campouts are two nights. Usually the troop meets around 6pm at Trinity Baptist Church on Friday early evening. Scouts should eat prior to arrival but depending on the distance, we may stop for gas and snacks. On Sunday, the troop usually does a no-cook breakfast so we can pack up and hit the road. Parents will be notified when we have an estimated time of arrival but this will vary based on the distance from Bryan.

What do I need to bring for campouts?

Tents, cooking equipment and food are provided for the youth. Scouts should refer to our Camping Gear Checklist for a guide on what to bring. Other items for specific campouts such as the Survival Campout will be discussed at the meetings and sent in email.
Adults leaders are responsible for bringing their own tents and those going split up the responsibility of the meals.

Can scouts bring electronics?

Electronics are allowed during travel to and from camping events, however, devices are collected upon arrival to limit distractions and the possibility of devices getting lost or damaged. Devices are returned to scouts for the ride home.

Do parents have to go on campouts?

No. While we encourage parents to register as adult leaders, parents are not required to go on campouts and only adult leaders registered with the troop are allowed to participate in overnight events. While at scout events, the adults there serve as troop leaders for safety and support and not as parents. Scouts are encouraged to first go to their youth leaders for any questions or assistance, and then if needed, preferably an adult that is not their parent. This helps them build independence and confidence. It can be a bit difficult for both scouts and parents at first but eventually everyone will catch on.

Does the troop participate in high adventures?

Yes. Per Scouting America policy, scouts aged 14 and older and registered adults may participate in high adventures which tend to be a bit more strenuous and primitive. We have done high adventures with the older scouts at summer camp and also separate trips like a winter trek at Philmont. 

What kind of uniform is required?

Scouts wear their Class A uniform:

•  to meetings

• while traveling to and from campouts

• during flag ceremonies at summer camp and district events.

Scouts wear their Class B uniform (T-shirt):

• under their Class A uniform (helps reduce washing frequency) 

• during the day at summer camp and district events.

See the Uniforms section of the Activities page for more details.

I keep hearing this but what does it mean?

As with many organizations, scouting has it's own lexicon. Here are some common terms and acronyms that you may hear during your time in scouting.

APL – Assistant Patrol Leader, assists the PL

Arrow of Light - The highest rank achieved in cub scouts - if earned, the scout can join a troop at age 10

ASPL – Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, assists the SPL

Assistant Scoutmaster - A registered adult leader, appointed by the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee to assist at meetings and on camping trips

Baden-Powell - Lord Baden-Powell was the founder of the scouting movement

Board of Review (BoR) – A 15-30 minute conference between the scout and 3-6 committee members to determine the quality of the Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the rank have been fulfilled and the scout is prepared to move to the next rank

Camporee - A district-wide campout where troops compete in different areas such as dutch oven cooking or first aid

Chaplain - A registered adult leader who guides Scouts related to the observance of the 12th point of the Scout Law – A Scout is Reverent. Is a mentor to the Chaplain’s Aide

Chaplain’s Aide - The troops’ religious leader, appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader

Chartered Organization - The organization that is officially chartered by Scouting America to carry out the scouting program - usually a church, PTO or other non-profit community organization sponsor for the troop

Class A (a.k.a. Field Uniform) – Primary official uniform consisting of khaki shirt with patches, olive pants and olive belt - for special occasions such as Court of Honor, a neckerchief should also be worn - See Uniforms

Class B (a.k.a. Activity Uniform) – Troop branded t-shirt to be worn under Class A and for campouts or other outdoor activities - See Uniforms

Den Chief - A troop scout selected to assist the Den Leader with the activities of a Cub Scout Den

IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) - A training course for any adult wanting to become more knowledgeable about the scouting program - required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters

Leave No Trace - A commonsense set of guidelines that allows Scouts to camp, hike, and take part in related outdoor activities in ways that are environmentally  sound and considerate to others using the same areas

NYLT – National Youth Leadership Training – A 6-day leadership course for scouts who are at least 13 years old and First Class rank.

OA - Order of the Arrow - The national scouting honor society - members are nominated by their troop who participate in service projects for the scouting community

Patrol - A small team of normally six to eight members where Scouts learn skills together, share responsibilities and take on leadership roles

PL – Patrol Leader, the head of their patrol and primary resource for scouts of the patrol, report to the SPL

PLC – Patrol Leader Council – The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader(s), Patrol Leaders and Troop Guide

Quartermaster - Responsible for keeping an inventory of troop/patrol equipment and ensuring it is in good condition

Roundtable - A monthly district-wide meeting open to all in scouting, where national and district information is distributed and discussed and unit leaders meet to share and collaborate on ideas, experiences and issues to improve their unit programs

Scout-led - The youth learn leadership skills by setting the direction of the troop and its activities and learning from mistakes. Adults do not direct the troop but serve to encourage, support, mentor and keep scouts safe.

Scoutbook - A web and mobile application for scouts, parents/guardians, and leaders which logs the scout's advancement, camping, hiking and service

Scouter - A registered adult leader with Scouting America

Scoutmaster - An adult leader who trains and guides the youth leaders in carrying out the scouting program

Scoutmaster Conference – A short meeting requested with the Scoutmaster after a scout completes the requirements for a rank

Scout Spirit - The way a Scout tries to live up to the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and motto in his everyday life

SPL – Senior Patrol Leader – Top elected position within the troop, runs PLC meetings with support from the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters

SYT - Safeguarding Youth Training is mandatory for all Registered Adult Leaders but is freely available at training.scouting.org. This training covers Scouting America policies which are in place for the safety of our scouts. 

Troop Committee - The group of registered adult leaders responsible for recruiting and overseeing the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Troop Committee Members and ensuring they are appropriately trained - some of the positions are Committee Chair, Treasurer, Advancement Chair and Training Chair

Two-deep Leadership - A policy outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting that at least two registered adult leaders always be present with youth

YPT – Youth Protection Training was replaced by SYT (see above)

For a more comprehensive list - see the Glossary of Scouting Terms