ABOUTTROOP 909
OUR MISSION
The mission of Troop 909 is to provide the best program BSA has to offer in the training and leadership development of young men into future leaders and responsible citizens, with good character, high moral values, and with good physical and mental fitness. We will accomplish this mission through the experience of backpacking adventures, the patrol method, and the guiding principles of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code, under the guidelines established by the National Office of Boy Scouts of America, the Circle Ten Council, and the Lone Star District.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We are a backpacking Troop. For most of our outdoor activities, if we can’t carry it, we don’t bring it. At any given time we strive to maintain a smaller roster of active Scouts (approximately 35 Scouts consisting of 4 patrols of 6-8 boys), organized Patrols, and active adult leadership. Our experience has been that this structure and approach affords each boy the optimum hands-on opportunity to assimilate the values and tenets of the Scout Oath and Law. There are no eligibility criteria to join Troop 909 other than those mandated by BSA. We do however encourage all prospective parents and Scouts to weigh the structure and typical activities of our Troop when deciding which Troop is best for their family. Backpacking and living in the outdoors is not for all, but we believe it to be the best environment to challenge young men to grow. The values of Scouting are best imparted while enjoying the great outdoors.
We make every effort to camp once a month during the school year. During the summer, our Troop participates in traditional summer camp, and offers older Scouts an opportunity to attend one of Scouting’s three High Adventure Camps (Philmont, Northern Tier, and Sea Base). We have a formal Trail to First Class Program that strives to provide the training and outdoor activities required for a new Scout to reach the rank of First Class within 12 to 18 months of joining our Troop. While we do have a focused advancement program we do not rush boys to their next rank – to us Scouting is an experience, not a race.
SEE OUR LATEST TRAVELS
SCOUTING IS 3/4 OUTING
The use of the outdoors is one of the main methods for reaching the three Scouting aims. Most Scouting activities (cooking, setting up a tent, building camp gadgets, etc.) are best served outdoors. These activities build self-confidence, teamwork, and a healthy respect for the environment outside our front door or civilized community. The outdoors helps to give a Scout a sense of something bigger than himself (maybe for the first time). The challenges the Scout meets and conquers during his career are designed to grow with him. Learning to pitch a tent on his first campout, survival techniques in the winter, and living from his backpack while hiking the high country trails of Philmont Scout Ranch present him with progressive challenges. Troop 909 uses the “outdoor classroom” as much as possible to support the Boy Scout program.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY
Experience has shown us that a successful Scout has an active home team supporting him, with family support making a definite impact on the rewards of the Scouting journey. Our Troop expectation is that at least one parent make an effort to participate actively in the operation of the Troop. There are many ways to do so, each with varying degrees of time commitment. We recognize that boys and their families have competing commitments. Our position is that while Scouting doesn’t always come first, it should not always come last either.
Be Prepared.
Do a good turn daily.