Troop
About Troop 186
Last Updated
09/08/2009 06:21 PM
Troop 186 is a registered Boy Scout Troop operating under the Heart of America Council, Trails West District. It is sponsored by the Lenexa United Methodist Church, our Chartering Organization. Since 1946, the Troop has enjoyed healthy growth during a period of more than 60 years of active service to the community. (Click here to view our original charter.)
Troop meetings are typically held each Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the church, while meetings on the 1st Monday each month from May through September are held at Sar-Ko-Par Park (meet at the Shelter on the NE corner of the Lake). Campouts are generally held the third weekend each month throughout the year. Also, the Monday following a campout is usually set aside for an activity selected by the Patrol Leaders' Council. During the summer months, the Troop attends a long-term summer camp located somewhere outside the Scout's familiar camping territory. In addition, the Troop organizes a high-adventure activity for the older Scouts each year.
One of the most common concerns that the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster Corps hears is that a Scout and his parents are not adequately informed of Scouting procedures and Troop activities. The Trail Tips is a guide on how to obtain the information that you need as a Troop 186 parent, however we must emphasize that Troop 186 is a "Scout-run" Troop. This means that ultimately it is each Scout's responsibility as a member of a patrol to see that he is prepared to participate in Troop activities. The adult leaders make every effort to see that the information is available, but unless there is a last minute change that requires personal communication, we depend upon the channels of communication described below; we will not contact a Scout individually to be sure that he is prepared. Your sources of Troop information are:
Trail Tips - This is the best source of information on Troop philosophy, policy, and procedures. It also includes some great personal equipment lists that come in handy when your son is packing for an overnight campout or for summer camp. Please keep this, and refer to it when questions arise.
Troop Scoop - Periodically at one of the quarterly Courts of Honor we will distribute the Troop newsletter, Troop Scoop. Each issue will contain news and information on recent and upcoming Troop activities. It also includes a list of key adult leaders for your reference. Troop Scoop will help you be aware of what is currently going on in the Troop.
Patrol Leaders - The patrol leader is responsible for his patrol. If your son has a question about an upcoming event, he should call his patrol leader first to find out. If your son is the patrol leader, it is his responsibility to find the answers by calling the Senior Patrol Leader. If you keep track of the schedule of events posted to the Troop calendar, you can ask your son the pertinent questions to see if he is prepared.
Troop Calendar - The Troop calendar is the best place to check first for the latest information about upcoming Troop events. We strive to keep the Troop calendar updated for the next 6-12 months at a time. Before each campout, and in advance of most other Troop activities, make sure you check the Troop calendar for the latest information regarding that activity.
Troop Emails - From time-to-time you will receive emails from the Troop Communications Chairman, Campout Chairman or Activity Night Chairman or other Troop Committee members or Scoutmasters. Emails are the life blood of this Troop, and help us to coordinate attendance at upcoming Troop events and get you the very latest changes to those plans. Please ensure the Troop Communications Chairman has your current email address on file so you will always be on top of Troop activities. Multiple email addresses for parents and scouts is highly encouraged.
Handouts - Before each campout, and in advance of most other Troop activities as well, a handout is distributed at Troop meetings and most handouts are also emailed to each email address registered with the Troop. If your son is not at a Troop meeting, he will not receive important information about an upcoming Troop event. If you know an activity is approaching and you are lacking information, it is time to have your son check the Troop calendar or start making phone calls.
Announcements at Troop Meetings - At approximately 8:20 p.m. of each Troop meeting we have announcements. All parents are invited to attend any Scouting activity, but we strongly encourage you to come to this announcement time so you can hear the announcements and join us for the closing circle. You will get the latest details of the planned events, assure that you see copies of handouts, and have an opportunity to meet other parents and the adult leaders of the Troop.
If you have a question or concern as a parent, you can call the designated individual or any of the Troop leaders. Each issue of the Troop Scoop lists the names and phone numbers of each member of the Scoutmaster Corps, the Troop Committee, and the boy leadership organization. We have an outstanding group of adult leaders in the Troop, each one working hard to help the boys run a successful Scout Troop. Every one of these leaders is here because they believe in Scouting, and are dedicated to supporting your son's successful Scouting experience. Do not hesitate to contact one of them if you have a concern or question.
And even though we currently have a great group of adults supporting the Troop, we need parents from each year's new Scouts to become active in the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster Corps to provide continuity from one generation of Troop 186 to the next. Please consider how you can best become a part of this rewarding youth ministry, and stay connected to your son as he begins adolescence.
In 2006, Troop 186 celebrated its 60th anniversary. We have a lot of history, and can be proud of the past accomplishments of the Troop. Each of us wants the best experience for our sons, and whether he knows it or not, each Scout wants to be part of a Troop of which he can be proud. We believe in the Scouting ideals, the Scouting program, and the Scouting method. With your help, Troop 186 can build on its tradition and provide the opportunities for growth, learning, fellowship, and enjoyment that we know you want for your son.
Sincerely,
Troop Committee, Troop 186