Troop 221 BSA, Plano, TX

Our Approach to the Scouting Program - March 19, 2007

Barry Burke - Scoutmaster

Troop 221 has 100% alignment with the BSA eight fundamental Methods of Scouting.

Our Troop has its own interpretation of these Methods based on our emphasis, personality, 25+ year history and heritage:

1. The Ideals – the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan are embraced by Troop 221 and these are fundamental to everything that we do.

2. The Patrol Method – each Patrol Leader will be given opportunities to develop and use leadership skills, with the support of a designated Assistant Scoutmaster for each Patrol.

3. The Outdoors – the regular monthly camp will give ample opportunity to develop outdoor skills; fun, fellowship, adventure and time to build team spirit. In addition to these fundamentals, there will also be time to work on merit badges and rank advancement with youth and adult leadership. The annual summer camp gives even greater opportunities to enjoy these fundamentals over a week long period in a beautiful location.

4. Advancement – trained leaders will ensure that the youth will progress in rank and also skills. As they advance, they will receive their rank patches at the first of our monthly meetings (as long as their Dues are current). The advancement will occur at the end of the regular meeting aligned with Money Monday. 

5. Association With Adults – the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters will be positive role models for the members of the Troop. We will take a sincere interest in their development and success.

6. Personal Growth – our blend of ages, backgrounds and ethnic origins allow for our boys to experience varied religious and cultural differences. Couple this with the opportunity to  challenge their abilities, use their leadership skills and their participation in service projects allows the youth to better understand where they fit into our community and hopefully answer some of the tough questions and situations they will face as they grow through their teenage years.

7. Leadership Development – every member of the Troop will be given training and provided opportunities to plan, organize and lead a patrol or other activities allowing them to put into practice the skills they have learned. This will give them the confidence they need to become great leaders in the future.

8. The Uniform – our Troop has adopted a slightly modified version of the BSA Uniform Policy. Our mandatory item of the uniform is the Class A shirt, worn correctly (tucked in with all badges correctly positioned and sewn on). 

The Class A uniform shirt may be worn with Scout pants, Scout shorts, denim blue jeans, smart shorts or hiking pants. Pants and shorts must not be ripped and underwear must not be visible. Belts should be Scouting related or plain. Sportswear is not acceptable clothing to be worn with the Class A shirt. 

Sneakers, shoes or hiking boots are acceptable footwear.

Board of Reviews, Courts of Honor, formal events at District, National, OA, etc will require the Class A Scout shirt and Scout pants to be worn.

Our Class B uniform is the Troop 221 t-shirt worn with long pants, shorts or sports shorts, as long as they are not ripped and underwear is not visible. 

The Scoutmaster (or an Assistant Scoutmaster in his place) has the discretion to decide what clothing is acceptable or unacceptable. Boys arriving at a meeting or event in unacceptable clothing will be asked to return home to change, or have a parent bring alternative clothing. 

Part of the Troop 221 heritage is that our Senior Patrol Leaders (SPLs) have been allowed to keep their “SPL” patch on their uniform. In future, our former SPL’s will be given a “Former SPL” patch which may be worn on their uniform, but their correct Position of responsibility patch must be worn.

Our Emphasis:

Troop 221 will have a strong emphasis on building great leaders for our community and country. We will use the Methods of Scouting and a strong emphasis on outdoor camping skills; hiking, climbing, cooking, and leadership development. We will also keep our older youth in the Troop by offering a Venture environment focused on high adventure endeavors such as wilderness survival, climbing, rappelling and water sports.

Please contact me at any time if your wish to discuss our Approach or require clarification.

Barry Burke

Scoutmaster, Troop 221, BSA

(214) 207-4908