Troop 535 meets every Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:15 at St. Andrew’s.
Each third Monday is not a general Troop meeting, but instead a
Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC).
Weekly Troop meetings may include any or all of the following:
-Uniform Inspection
-Awards and Recognition
-Information about upcoming activities and events
-Outing preparation
-Skill Training
-Special Interest Presentations
-Merit Badge Counseling
-Trail To First Class
-Trail To Eagle
-Recreational Activities
As you can see from the list above, weekly meetings really are not optional
if the scout truly wants to participate fully. A great deal can be missed
if too many meetings are missed.
The Outdoor Program is under the oversight of the adult Outdoor Chairman responsible for providing the PLC with a sound array of options from which to select outings; filing Local and National Tour Permits with the BSA; obtaining Wilderness, National Parks and Fire Permits as needed; obtaining and maintaining appropriate medical forms and emergency consent forms; maintaining an interface for the Troop with the Council Camping Committee, the Council High Adventure Team, the Order of the Arrow Lodge, and local suppliers of equipment and supplies for venture trips; obtaining maps for outings; purchasing, maintaining and storing troop owned camping equipment; arranging for the proper qualification of all outing adult and youth members; assisting the Scoutmaster in evaluating and approving the participation of Scouts and adults on all outings based on experience and physical condition.
The Outdoor Program itself, is planned and executed by the scouts, under the direction of the Troop Guide for Outdoor Programs. This scout is the focal point for all outdoor Troop activities, and is the liaison between the PLC and the Outdoor Chairman.
Troop 535 has a goal of conducting at least one troop outing each month, year round. Generally there will be a minimum of eight outings per year which are relatively easy overnight camping opportunities, plus a Fifty Mile backpacking (6-9 days) back country trip (usually in August), plus two multi-day backpacking trips as conditioning hikes in preparation for the Fifty Miler. Further, the Troop will attend one week of Boy Scout Summer Camp as a unit each year (we try to vary the destination).
On attaining the rank of Star Scout and reaching the age of thirteen, TrailBlazers
become eligible for membership in the Troop 535 Venture Crew.
This sub unit functions much like a Patrol, but outside of normal
Troop activities. Their goal is to plan and enjoy high adventure activities,
which are usually beyond the capability or maturity of younger scouts.
The Scouts of Troop 535 are expected to show proper care and respect at all times for our nation's colors, our troop flag and our patrol flags. Each Patrol Leader is personally responsible for bringing the patrol flag to each meeting of the troop and/or the patrol. If a Patrol Leader will not be present at an event, he should make arrangements with the Assistant Patrol Leader or someone else in the patrol to be sure that the patrol flag is present at the event. The SPL or his designated appointee is likewise responsible for the American Flag and the Troop Flag.
Since 1996 Troop 535 has maintained an active, drilled Honor Guard which provides formal flag ceremonies at both Troop and community events. Scouts are invited to join the Honor Guard based on their maturity and respect for the colors.