Introduction
Meetings
Uniforms
Advancement
Outdoor program
Dues
Fund raisers
Troop committee

Introduction
Boy scouting is an organization devoted to our youth. The goals of the Boy Scouts of America are to produce responsible, civic-minded individuals who are self-sufficient and prepared for tomorrow

A troop can consist of any number of scouts divided into patrols and leadership. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the leader of the troop and is aided by one or more Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders. None of these scouts belong to a patrol. The patrol consists of 4-8 scouts with a patrol leader and an assistant patrol leader. As this shows, the troop is run by the scouts. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters act in an advisory capacity, serving as a resource and making sure everything functions properly.
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Troop meetings
Troop 5 meets every Monday, unless it falls on a National holiday or the Columbia Public Schools are not in session. Check the calendar for the meeting schedule. If the Columbia Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, we will not meet. The troop meets from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Whittler Hall of the Missouri United Methodist Church.

The first Monday of each month starting at 7:00 pm is the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). These meetings are for the junior leaders of the troop (boys) to plan the next month’s meetings and outings. Only troop leaders attend these meetings.
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Uniforms
Troop 5 is a uniformed troop. We require a scout shirt with a Troop 5 neckerchief (first neckerchief and cap are provided by the troop). Should a scout have a problem obtaining a uniform shirt, we will gladly help out. If possible, a full uniform is best. Uniforms are worn to all meetings and coming and going to events/activities. Wear your uniform proudly.
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Advancement
Each scout needs a Boy Scout Handbook as it contains all the requirements for each rank and also contains a wealth of information. Scouts will also find two other books useful--the optional Scout Field Book, containing more information on the outdoors, and the current Requirements Book that lists all merit badges and other awards.

Boys entering Boy Scouting first work on the Scout badge. This introduces the boy to scouting, advancement, and what scouting has to offer. He learns the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Motto, and Slogan. He becomes familiar with the Scout badge and the Outdoor code. He is beginning the road to being a respectable citizen with good moral character. He is also beginning to become independent within a social order.

Next come the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks. The requirements for each of these are quite similar, however, each is progressively more challenging as the scout continues. Each scout receives much encouragement to advance through First Class during their first year, however, each will progress at their own pace.

Now the scout begins the real trail to the Eagle Scout rank. Up to this point things have been spelled out for the scout as to what must be done to advance. Now the scout becomes more in charge of his own advancement program. The remaining ranks are Star, Life, and Eagle. To earn these ranks, the scout must earn merit badges on various topics for a total of 21 for Eagle. Of those 21 merit badges, 12 are required and 9 are of the scout’s choosing. Many scouts find their profession or at least a hobby or two while working on merit badges. There are over 120 merit badges, with topics ranging from law, engineering, and medicine to woodworking and climbing.
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Outdoor program
Troop 5 conducts a strong outdoor program designed to let each scout live up to his potential while strengthening his social and individual skills. It also continues his citizenship, physical and moral development.

The Troop camps or hikes at least once a month from September through May. This allows each scout to become aware of his world while advancing in rank and just having fun. We also attend summer camp. Boys are given an in-council camp option and an out-of-council camp option (normally Bartle Scout Reservation). Camping dates will vary due to availability of the two-deep leadership that we maintain at all times. All camping equipment (tents, lanterns, cooking equipment, etc.) is provided by the troop. Personal gear (sleeping bag, flashlight, mess kit, canteen, etc.) is the responsibility of the individual.

The troop is looking to implement more high adventure experiences within our troop. To participate, scouts must be at least 13 or 14 years of age, depending on the activity. We also participate in a number of field trips such as baseball games, Native American rendezvous, merit badge colleges, and other areas of interest.
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Funding
Dues: Dues are decided by the Troop Committee. Currently they are $30.00 per year, payable in the fall to the Troop Treasurer. When joining in February or March, all new boys will pay a $15.00 fee only. This covers the cost of registration, advancement, and Boy’s Life. If there is a problem with being able to afford the dues or any other part of our program, there is always something that can be worked out. NO boy will miss out on a scouting adventure due to monetary problems. In addition, each scout will have his own personal account in which we ask that they maintain a minimum balance of $20.00 at all times. This account assists them with budgeting and paying for events, or items needed from the Scout Office. At various times, when we have fund raisers, the participating scouts’ portions will automatically be credited to their accounts. Parents may, at any time, add funds to their son’s account.
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Fund raisers:

1. Troop 5 participates in the Council Popcorn Sale. This has been very profitable for the Troop and the boys.
2. The Troop Committee and Boys age 15 and older can participate in the Missouri United Methodist Men’s Club’s concession stand during certain MU football games.
3. The Troop Committee and Scouts may decide on additional fund raisers.
4. We encourage any other ideas for fund raisers that you may have.

The profit distribution for each fund raiser will be announced at the beginning of the sale. For popcorn sales, we normally divide this 50-50 between the boys and the Troop, based on how much each boy sells. The Troop Committee Treasurer balances all accounts. The individual scout may request funds from his scout account at any time to pay for scout-related activities and/or equipment. It is possible for a scout to earn all or most of his summer camp fees by participating in these fund raisers.
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Troop Committee
The Troop Committee functions like a board of directors for the Troop, with its own bylaws and evaluation process. The committee is composed of parents and other interested individuals who assure that the Troop is functioning properly and follows all BSA guidelines. The Troop Committee Chair presides at all committee meetings. The committee covers all areas of troop function--advancement, fund raising, treasury, camping, and many other areas.

The Committee meets once a month during August through May every year. Currently the committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Missouri United Methodist Church, Room 202. During the summer, a planning meeting is held to help approve the next year’s Troop calendar.

Each troop family is requested to have one parent as a committee member. The more people on the committee, the more abundant the ideas and the easier it is on everyone involved. It is a great way to participate in your son’s teen years and gives you both good memories for the future.
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Boy Scout Troop 5
Missouri United Methodist Church
9th Street
Columbia, MO  65201