Troop 613

 

WELCOME! Troop 613 would like to welcome your family to our family. We hope that this information packet provides answers to most of your initial questions regarding our Troop and its operation.

WHO ARE WE? : Troop 613 was initially chartered with the Dan Danciger Jewish Community Center during the period of September 1987 through 1989. The Troop was reorganized in the spring of 1993 with 5 scouts, 3 of which had bridged into Boy Scouting from Cub Scout Pack 613, which was also re-Organized earlier in September of 1990. In 1996 both the Pack and Troop moved to and are currently sponsored by Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian Church located on West Cleburne Road in Southwest Fort Worth, Texas.

We are developing a growing scouting program that builds every scout's character, citizenship and fitness. Camping is used as the primary tool to develop self-reliance and teamwork. Through 613’s scouting program the boys become leaders, they are responsible for the planning and execution of their program. The adult leaders are available for coaching, mentoring and guidance for the scouts as they learn important leadership skills.

MEETINGS: Please check the Troop calendar for exact dates.

UNIFORM: Troop 613 asks that each youth and adult registered member of the Troop purchase a "Class A" uniform shirt (tan) with appropriate patches sewn on in the proper places, refer to the inside flap of the Scout Books cover for placement. This shirt is worn at all Court of Honors, Chapel service on ALL campouts, Board of Reviews, and Troop meetings between the fall and spring of the year.

Class "A" shirt should have the Longhorn Council Patch and the Troop Numbers "613" sewn on. It should also have the RED epaulets attached above the shoulders. The Troop neckerchief and Patrol Patch will be supplied by the Troop.

Troop 613 has a custom designed "Class B" Troop T-shirt that is available for purchase through the Troop. We encourage each member to purchase 2 t-shirts. These shirts are worn at Troop meetings between the spring and fall of the year, on campouts, during Troop fundraisers, service projects, etc.

CAMPOUTS: Troop 613 camps one weekend per month, on average. During the winter months the Troop will depart Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian Church (TCPC) on Saturday morning and return Sunday about noon. During the spring, summer and fall months the Troop departs from TCPC at approximately 6pm on Friday and returns about noon on Sunday. The Troop supplies all the common Patrol equipment, such as stoves, coolers, cooking utensils, etc. Each scout should have his own personal camping gear (see attached checklist).

EXPENSES: Annual Fee: Troop 613 currently charges a $50 annual fee, due by January 1st. If a scout joins the Troop during the year this amount is prorated based on the month in which he joined. Out of this amount the scouts’ registration and insurance fee is paid. Boys Life subscription is not included but can be purchased by the scout at time of registration. The balance is budgeted by the Troop Committee in order to provide new and replacement Troop equipment as needed, scout and adult training, and other items as approved by the Troop Committee.

Monthly Dues: Each scout is responsible to pay $3.00 each month for dues, which are paid to the Treasurer at the first Troop meeting of each month. This amount goes into an account at the Longhorn Scout Shop and is used by the Troop Advancement Chair and/or Troop Treasurer for the purchase of Ranks and Awards for the scouts. If monthly dues are delinquent by more then 3 months the delinquent amount will be deducted from the scouts individual account, if sufficient funds exist. Limits may be placed on a scouts participation in Troop activities if his financial obligations are not met.

Other Expenses: Scouts and adults attending campouts are responsible for food and activity costs. Typically, food costs will be $7.00 for a Saturday/Sunday (winter) campout and $10.00 for a Friday/Saturday/Sunday (summer) campout. The cooks for that month’s campout, from each patrol, will collect the food money at the Monday night meeting prior to the campout in order to do the shopping for their entire patrol. The Activity fee, if any, will also be collected at this time. The following is a listing of estimated activity fees that might be associated with a weekend campout depending on the theme: $10.00 rappelling, $10.00 camporee, $5.00 canoe rental. The Activity fee may be deducted from a scout's Individual Scout Account if he has the funds.

Summercamp is another expense that occurs each year. Of course it depends on where the Troop goes for Summercamp, and any side trips that may be planned, but the average Summercamp cost is $150.00 per scout (excluding personal equipment and expenses) adults are usually less.

Financial assistance is available through both the Troop and Longhorn Council upon request. Each request should be referred to either the Scoutmaster and/or the Committee Chairperson and will be handled as confidential information.

FUNDRAISERS: Each scout member of Troop 613, and his family, has the opportunity to participate in 2 council sponsored fundraisers along with several troop sponsored fundraisers over the course of the year. Commission earned by a scout is placed in his Individual Scout Account. Each scout is encouraged to participate in all fund raising opportunities. This teaches him financial responsibility as well as minimizes the financial burden placed on the family.

INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACCOUNT (ISA): Each scout member of Troop 613 has an ISA. This is where all commissions earned by a scout through fundraisers are kept and/or direct deposits made by the scout. The money in this account can be used to pay the scouts annual Troop fee, campout activity fees, Summercamp fee, & dues. The money in this account can not be used to pay for food for any campout, personal equipment or uniforms. This is not a bank account, upon leaving Troop 613 any money remaining in an ISA will roll into the Troop General Fund. Before the Scout can have access to his account, his annual fee and monthly dues payments must be current.

ADULT/PARENT INVOLVEMENT: The Chartered Organization Representative of Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian Church approves the adult leaders of Troop 613. All parents are encouraged to become an active part of Troop 613. Not only are there registered Scoutmaster and Committee member positions, there are "one time" tasks that you might be asked to assist with such as driving for Scouting For Food weekend, assisting with a fundraiser, or transportation to and from campouts. Parents are always welcome to attend Troop meetings, campouts and/or events. BSA Registered adults are responsible for their own registration fees and insurance.

TROOP POLICIES: The Troop has established several policies that have established guidelines for our operation. Each family must become familiar with these and agree to follow them. Settlement of any conflicts, disputes and/or clarification of Troop Policies are the responsibility of the Troop Committee, whose decision is final.

The following Policies are attached:

Camping Policy

Offensive Language Policy

Financial Responsibility Policy

Financial Assistance Policy

Substance Abuse/Smoking Policy

QUESTIONS: In our efforts to help the scouts learn leadership skills and responsibility we must ask that you attempt to follow the following chain of leadership. Once your son becomes an active member of Troop 613, any questions you have should be asked of your son first. If he is unable to answer the questions, he should call his Patrol Leader who is responsible for obtaining the answer. Please note that not all questions need to be asked through your son, if you have any questions regarding the Troop or questionable information you received do not hesitate to contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson.

The Troop has two other means of communication, periodic newsletters and a Troop website. The website is kept up-to-date with latest information on upcoming events.

The members of Troop 613 hope that you and your son enjoy your Scouting experience with us. We will do our best to provide him every opportunity to reach his highest goals. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson.

 

 

 

 

Original Release Date: 6/21/00

Revision/Date: