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From Webelos to Boy Scouts Welcome Webelos, parents, and Webelos leaders! This page is designed to aid you in completing the Arrow of Light, selecting the right Boy Scout Troop for you, and to introduce you to Troop 445. For more information or to schedule a visit or a campout with Troop 445, please click on the "445 Contacts" link on the main menu at the left and email either Mr. Elmer Jewell (Scoutmaster) or Mr. David Willey (Troop comittee recruiting coordinator). |
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Come visit a Troop 445 meeting!
Troop 445 meets every Monday night* at St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington. Our Troop meetings begin at 7:30pm and last until 9:00pm. Troop meetings include an opening, a skill presentation, time to meet as patrols, a game, and a closing. When you come to visit Troop 445, you will be included in all activities going on that evening. We want to do our best to make you feel welcome!
Click the 445 Calendar link to see the list of upcoming Troop meetings, then contact Mr. Jewell or Mr. Willey to schedule a Troop meeting visit.
*On Monday nights following Troop campouts, we hold a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meeting. This is a meeting of the youth leadership of the Troop at which the PLC puts together the detailed plan for the Troop meetings and next campout. Troop members and visitors are welcome to attend these meetings to see what is going on, but these meetings are not considered regular Troop meetings.
Come camping with Troop 445!
Troop 445 schedules a campout or other outdoor activity each month. Webelos dens are welcome to join us for any of our campouts (except our annual long term summer camp). The spring Camporee and fall Camperall are great outings to join us at. We would ask that your den and leaders attend the weekly Troop meeting immediately prior to the campout or activity so we may plan accordingly.
Click the 445 Calendar link to see the list of upcoming Troop camouts and activities, then contact Mr. Jewell or Mr. Willey to set up campout attendance.
Tips on finding the right Boy Scout Troop for you (and your parents)...
The first step in finding the right Troop for you is getting a list of Troops in your area. If you live in the Arlington area, you can get this list by contacting the Longhorn Council at 817-624-5500, or by visiting their website at http://www.longhorncouncil.org/. You can get a list of Troops in the Tejas district by visiting their website at http://www.tejasdistrict.org/. Remember, the closest Troop is not always the best Troop for you. We suggest that you attend several meetings of each Troop you are interested in.
Here are some things to look for when visiting:
- Make sure the Troop does the kinds of activities you like. Take a look at their calendar. Do they go camping every month? Do they go to an annual summer camp?
- Does the Troop seem organized? Keep in mind that a "boy led" Troop can sometimes resemble "controlled chaos."
- Do the adults, older Scouts, and younger Scouts all treat each other with respect?
- Does the Troop seem to be accomplishing something? Are they having FUN?
- Is the Troop run by boy leaders, or are the adults doing everything?
Here are some questions to ask:
- How much Scouting experience has the Scoutmaster had?
- Are there any Assistant Scoutmasters to help the Scoutmaster?
- How many of their Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout?
- Are most of the Scouts older or younger, or do they have a good mix of ages?
- If possible, talk to some of the parents of the Scouts present. Are they happy with the Troop? Do the boys seem happy?
- What kind of equipment is provided by the Troop, and what will need to be purchased by the Scout?
- How large and active is the Troop Committee?
- How is transportation for Troop events handled?
- How does the Troop raise the money it needs?
- How does the Troop handle parents who want to get involved?
Please remember that choosing a Boy Scout Troop is a big decision for you. Hopefully the Troop you choose will be a big part of your life for the next several years. It is worth a little extra effort up front to make sure that the Troop you choose is right for you.
Whether you choose to join Troop 445 or not, we hope Scouting will be a great experience for your whole family!
