Troop 500 Program Overview

Organization

Troop 500 is organized as a troop with several patrols. Depending on the total number of Scouts, the patrols usually have 6 to 8 boys each. Currently, we have four patrols, one for the troop’s oldest Scouts and three that team experienced Scouts with newer Scouts. Each patrol is led by a Patrol Leader, an older Scout elected by the patrol members. Each Patrol Leader can appoint an Assistant Patrol Leader for his patrol. A senior Scout called the Troop Guide can be appointed to help with the newest Scouts. A Senior Patrol Leader, or SPL, is elected by the entire troop and is the highest ranking troop officer. He usually appoints an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. These generally are boys who have been patrol leaders and are among the most experienced Scouts in the troop. The SPL also can appoint a troop Quartermaster, troop Librarian, troop Scribe and troop Historian. These positions each have a term of six months. The positions of Troop Guide, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Instructor and Den Chief are all appointed by the Scoutmaster for a one-year term. Selections are made in December for terms beginning January 1 and in June for terms beginning July 1.

The PLC

The Patrol Leaders' Council, or PLC, comprises the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders. Other senior Scouts are also welcome to attend. The PLC leads our program. They plan Monday Troop Meetings, organize outings and are responsible for leading the troop. Typically, there is a PLC meeting once a month.

Troop Meetings

Troop Meetings are held on Mondays, starting at 7:30 p.m. and lasting until 9:00 p.m. Currently, we meet at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church at the corner of 4th Street SE and Independence Ave. On a typical Monday night, we might work on knots, plan a campout, make snowshoes, learn first aid or listen to a speaker talk about caves. Sometimes we go swimming or play basketball. All Scouts should try to attend the Troop Meetings.

Uniforms

There are two uniforms that we wear: Class A and Class B. The Class A uniform is the tan uniform shirt with the patches sewn on, dark green or tan pants/shorts and the Troop 500 T-shirt. The Class A uniform should be worn at all Troop Meetings, Courts of Honor, on High Adventure trips and at special events. The Class B uniform is the Troop 500 T-shirt. We wear this on campouts and Troop functions tike service projects. The troop has started a uniform swap box for outgrown and unused uniforms.

Outings

Troop 500 goes on an outing at least once a month. The calendar lists the dates for all the trips planned for the year. This year, our Scouts will choose from options such as backpacking, caving, skiing, canoeing, rafting and other trips. Some of the outings start on Friday night and some on Saturday, depending on where we are going and what we're doing. Additionally, each summer we go to Summer Camp at the Goshen Scout Reservation in Goshen, Virginia. Scout camp is a great time to work on outdoor merit badges like Swimming, Camping, Mammal Study or Canoeing. We also like to do an extended camping trip, called High Adventure. These trips are for the Scouts who have been in the program for a few years. In the past, we have gone backpacking in Virginia, sailing in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and canoeing in Maine. Our scouts have also attended the National Jamboree in Virginia and the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and its Double H wilderness program.

Dues

The Troop collects annual dues, usually at the end of October. The amount is $50 per Scout and includes the Class B uniform T-shirt and Boys Life, a Scouting magazine.