Troop 306 Fun - Program
Fun
Advancement
Service
Training
Weekly Meetings
The Troop meets Monday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00, at our charter organization, the First United Methodist Church of Allen, 601 South Greenville, Allen, TX 75002 in the Fellowship Hall (the one story building adjacent to the sanctuary).
Generally, there will be meetings every Monday except for PLC meetings and certain holidays.
There may be exceptions - please refer to the troop
calendar).
The troop meetings are planned by the senior patrol leader with the guidance of the scoutmaster.
The Monday following an outing is for PLC meetings and patrol meetings.
Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) Meetings
PLC meetings are held the Mondays immediately following an outing.
Topics include success of the recent outing, and future plans.
Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings are held the Mondays immediately following an outing.
Patrols are encouraged to meet more often on their own.
Monthly Outings
The outdoor program will typically consist of one outing each month.
Monthly outings vary from camping trips to climbing walls to extended-weekend outings (spring or fall break), and week-long summer camp.
These activities will vary from year to year.
Once or twice each year, the troop leaders will hold "TOPPC" (Troop Outdoor Program Planning Conferencer) to plan the following year's activities.
This plan will be approved by the troop committee and published in a
calendar.
The cost of these activities will vary, and will be announced and collected in advance of each outing.
Participants will be asked to sign up in advance of each outing in order to plan transportation and food.
The reservations and logistics are planned by the adult Outdoor/Activities coordinator.
The details of the activities are planned by the senior patrol leader and the PLC under the guidance of the scoutmaster.
Parental permission is required for all outings.
Troop 306 uses a permission/medical release form
"72 Hour Outing Medical Treatment / Release Form".
After completing the information initially, for each successive outing the parent simply checks the information, initials the form, and dates the form in successive lines on the form.
This form also provides a backup of participation in the outing.
Summer camp
Each year the troop will participate in a summer camp experience.
Typically, this will include one week at a BSA camp within three hours driving range of home.
Camps will not necessarily be limited to our own Circle 10 Council.
Summer camp costs vary but can be budgeted at $100-150 per week.
Participants will be asked to sign up in advance, starting with initial reservation payment in the preceding November.
Accommodation is made for new scouts joining after the November reservation date.
The reservations and logistics are planned by the adult Outdoor/Activities coordinator.
The details of the activities are planned by the camp. Activities include merit badge training, specialized advanced training, and special programs for new scouts.
Parental permission and medical form signed by your physician are required summer camp.
The particular form that is required will vary with the age of the participant and the length of the outing.
High Adventure
BSA offers several more challenging activities for older, experienced Scouts.
These include backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, canoeing in the Northern Tier (Minnesota/Canada), and ocean sports at Sea Bases in Florida and Texas.
From time to time Troop 306 may plan to participate as a unit.
Individual Scouts may sometimes to able to fill a slot with another unit.
The Class 3 medical form is required for all high adventure outings.
In addition, the specific venue may have it's own permission and medical forms.
Transportation
Drivers for outings must be registered as troop leaders and have adequate insurance as prescribed by BSA.
In addition to the Adult Registration form, please fill out the vehicle information on the back of the "Local Tour Permit Application" form on the
Scouting Forms Page
and bring it to the Outdoor/Activities coordinator in advance of the outing.
The form is in Adobe Acrobat format.
Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software).
For most outings, a "Tour Permit" is required by Circle Ten Council two weeks prior to the outing. The Outdoor/Activities coordinator ensures that this is filed.
Insurance information, medical forms and tour permits are all available at the Arrowhead District web site under "Forms".
and at the Scouting Forms Page.
Circle Ten Scoutfitter
Campmor
REI
Oshman's
Academy Sports and Outdoors
Equipment
Equipment Checklists:
There are several checklists in the Boy Scout handbook for different occasions.
Use them!
For extended outings or special events that will have special requirements, use good judgment, and ask your patrol leader.
Footwear:
For the most part, Scouting is an active program.
Footwear should be neat, clean and appropriate for the occasion.
Sport shoes are appropriate for troop meetings.
A sturdy shoe or hiking boot is most suitable for camping and definitely for hiking.
Also for hiking and extended activity, a combination of wool (or wool blend) socks and synthetic (nylon, dacron, etc.) under-liners help keep the foot cushioned and ventilated, and avoid blisters.
The synthetic material wicks moisture away from the foot.
Wool breathes and provides warmth when wet or dry.
Clothing:
Layering is important for temperature control and comfort.
Temperatures tend to vary widely in the course of a day. Put on several layers on a chilly morning and shed the layers throughout the day. Remember a stocking cap and gloves for the coldest times.
Hoods tend to be cumbersome when not needed.
Rain is inevitable in an outdoor program.
Various rainwear can be worn. A simple poncho is a good start.
Clothing under the poncho can be layered as appropriate for the current temperature.
Sleeping:
Sleeping bags are made for various temperatures and carrying weights.
To start, look for a medium weight bag.
For the colder campouts, a blanket or clothing can be added for additional insulation.
Look for batting that insulates the zipper.
In warmer weather, the sleeping bag can still be used under you, but a lightweight sheet or blanket can be used as a top cover.
Use a pad for added sleeping comfort.
The pad provides a cushion against hard or lumpy ground, but also provides insulation from cold and dampness.
Various pads are available including foam pads, air mattresses and a combination of air and foam.
Pocket knife:
A Scout or other folding knife can only be used by a Scout carrying a current Tote N' Chip card.
Safety is important.
Sheathe knives are considered a weapon, not necessary for Scouting.
Medicine:
Prescription medicine should be checked-in with the Scoutmaster or adult designee prior to departure of outings.
The prescription should be included.
It is the Scout's responsibility to remember when to take the medicine.
The adult leader will handle this and all medical information discretely and in confidence.
Drinking cup:
The troop often provides a large jug of liquid refreshments on outings in the summer months including summer camp).
Each Scout is to have a personal drinking cup.
A cup with a loop to attach to the belt is very convenient.
Important: All clothing and gear should be marked with the Scout's name!