Troop 115 is chartered by the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tennessee.   We are part of the West Tennessee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Central District.   Troop 115 has 26 scouts and 17 registered leaders.

Troop Committee

The function of  the troop committee is to oversee the operation of the Troop and provide support of the troop activities.

Adult Leadership

The troop meeting and outdoor activities are conducted under the supervision of  adult leadersship consisting of  Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters.  The troop encourages all adult leaders to be trained.  The troop follows BSA rules for 2-deep leadership and the Guide to Safe Scouting.  Leaders are trained in Youth Protection, Safe Swim, Safety Afloat, Safe Climb, CPR, and First Aid.  Adult participation is encouraged at all Scout activities.  All Scout parents and familes are strongly encouraged to attend the troop's Court of Honor.  These are the troop's special award ceremonies where we recognize the advancement and achievements earned by our scouts.

Thousands of volunteers leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scouting program.  They serve in variety of jobs--everything from unit leaders to chairperson of troop committees, merit badge counselors, and chartered organization representatives.  We always need new leaders,  but we don't always ask.  So we have some questions for you....

Would you like to hear more about becoming a uniformed leader of the troop?

Would you be able to teach a merit badge?

Do you have any special interests or hobbies that might be represented in our Merit Badge Program?

Would you be able to provide transportation?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES!, then please visit our next troop meeting and talk with the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee. Leadership Application   Merit Badge Conuselor Application

Cost

Several groups are responsible for supporting Boy Scouting: the boy and his parents, the troop, the chartered organization, and the community.  The annual registration fee covers membership to Boy Scouts of America and does not cover any expenses of the troop. 

The boy is expected to purchase his own Official Uniform and Activity  T-shirts and personal camping gear (sleeping bag, pillow).  Tents and cooking equipment are provided by the troop.  There are also various camping fees, Summer Camps and special trips in which the boys  may wish to participate.  Scholarships may be available for some events.  Scouts can earn commissions through the sale of the Trail's End Popcorn Council fundraiser.  These commissions go directly into the scout's personal account to defray cost of summer camp.

Each year Troop 115 holds a Spaghetti Dinner to raise funds for camping fees and equipment, and the cost of various awards presented to the Scouts. We encourage you and your son to get involved in our fundraising projects.  The money will ultimately help you because it lowers the costs.

The community, including parents, support Scouting through the United Way, Friends of Scouting campaigns, bequests, and special contribution.  This income provides leadership training, outdoor programs, a council service center and professional service to the troop.

Troop Structure

The troop consists of patrols.  Each patrol is made up of 6 to 10 scouts.  Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, and Patrol Quartermasters are elected by each individual patrol.  The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living.  It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.  The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. 

Our troop is lead by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) assisted by two Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL).  These are older Scouts who are elected by the troop. The Patrol Leader Conference (PLC) consists of  the SPL, ASPL, Troop Quartermaster, and individual Patrol Leaders.  The PLC meets to plan troop activities.

There are various other troop leadership positions elected by the scouts including chaplin, historian, troop guide and scribe.  Elections are held every six months in order for each scout to develop his leadership abilities.

Weekly Meetings

Troop 115 holds its regular meetings on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the gym of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Chuch in Jackson, Tennessee.  Our meetings end at 8:30 p.m.  Scouts are expected to help clean up the room as needed.  Parents are expected to pickup the scouts promptly after they are dismissed. 

Scouts are expected to attend the weekly troop meetings and it is suggested they be dressed in their Class A uniforms (official Scout shirt).  In the summer months Class B (troop t-shirts) is acceptable.  Hats should not be worn indoors.    Meetings open with the pledge, scout oath, and scout law.  Meetings close with prayer.

Advancement

Our Troop ask each boy to maintain a zipped notebook which contains the following items.  It is helpful to use divider tabs and sheet protectors.  This notebook assist the Scout in preparing for Board of Reviews and gives him a keepsake of his scouting career. 

• Scout Handbook
• Extra paper and pencil
• Troop Calendar
• Troop Roster
• Scout Activities List with date, event name, and location
• Camping List with date event name/location and number of nights camping
• Service  Hours List with date, activity and hours worked
• Merit Badges earned (Copies of merit badge cards, originial should be stored in a save place)
• Leadership Activities (for Star, Life and Eagle Ranks)

When a Scout has completed the requirements for rank. Rank Requirements, he should request a Scoutmaster's Conference to be followed by a Board of Review.  At each, a scout must present himself in Class A uniform with his signed handbook and notebook.  In order for a rank to be presented at a Court of Honor, schedule your Scoutmaster's Conference at least a month ahead. 

Uniforms

The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible.  Wearing the uniform is a commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. Official Class A uniforms can be purchased at the Coucil Scout Shop on Hollywood Drive.

However, Class A uniforms are not practical attire for Boy Scout outdoor activities.  The Troop has a set of 7 T-shirts that can be purchased through the Scoutmaster.  We have a "Clothes Closet" for used uniforms.  We encourage you to use it for both acquiring and donating uniforms.

The e-card, a new feature available to Scouts and leaders on the www.thescoutzone.org Web stie, helps a Scout complete the new First Class requirement to invite a friend to a troop meeting or activity.

To use the e-card, a Scout clicks on "Tell a Friend," enters his name and his friend's name and e-mail address in the designated boxes.  He selects the action images he thinks his friend would be interest in doing, then choose music and a message.

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