Troop 520 was first chartered by the First United Methodist Church in 1952. It is the oldest and one of the largest Boy Scout Troops in the area serving the entire Cedar Hill community.
Support from the parents is an important reason that the troop has flourished so long. Realistically, the troop could not function or exist without the support of the scouts’ parents. In short, we need your help to make this program work.
We particularly appreciate parents who can commit extra time and effort as a scout leader, committee member, or merit badge counselor. If you are interested, please contact one of our troop leaders for more information on how you can help your son’s future and the future of other deserving boys in the troop. There also will be times when we will call upon all parents for help, such as major activities or fundraisers.
The Troop meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Please plan to have your son arrive in proper uniform and picked up promptly after the meeting. We are very fortunate to be able to use the Family Life Center and expect the scouts to treat that facility with the respect it deserves.
Boy Scouts of America requires an annual chartering fee of all scouts, which is due in January of each year. For 2008, that fee is $10.00 per person. For scouts who join the troop during the year, that fee is prorated. Your son can also subscribe to Boy’s Life magazine at the same time. For 2008, that subscription costs $12.00 per year.
The fee for the monthly campouts will vary depending on the food required and the local camp facility fees, but commonly runs around $20.00 per person. These fees are due no later than the Tuesday meeting before the campout. (If a scout has paid his fee for the campout and does not attend, the fee will be forfeited—we cannot return the provisions after they have been purchased.) If an activity is canceled because of inclement weather or if we have less than 50% participation, then the fee will be held and applied to the next event the scout attends.
A new scout is expected to have a Class “A” uniform from the waist up. By the time the scout presents himself for his First Class Board of Review, he should be in a complete Class “A” uniform. This uniform consists of a tan shirt, green uniform shorts or long pants, belt and green scout socks. The appropriate insignia and badge of rank should also be current. The scouts wear their Class “A” uniforms at the Board of Review, Court of Honor, Summer Camp, and when instructed.
The Class “B” uniform is the casual uniform and consists of Troop 520’s red pull-over shirt worn with appropriate pants or shorts. This shirt is only available at the troop scout office at a cost of $16.00. This uniform is worn at troop meetings and while traveling to campouts. A scout should be in uniform at every meeting.
Each scout is required to obtain the Official Boy Scout Handbook. This handbook should be kept in good order and must be presented to his scoutmaster at the time of his Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review to progress to his next rank.
Scouts are expected to participate in all troop activities. The vast majority of the requirements for advancement are accomplished during these activities. Because those activities include monthly campouts, your son will be expected to obtain and maintain his own personal camping gear. This gear generally includes the following:
___Sleeping Bag ___Insulated Sleeping Pad
___Frame Backpack with Waistbelt ___Personal Toilet Articles
___Two-Person Tent ___Flashlight w/Spare Batteries
___Poncho ___Plate, Bowl, Cup and Utensils
___Boots or Sturdy Shoes ___Canteen or Water BottleWe realize that some of this gear can be expensive, particularly the sleeping bag, frame pack, and tent. You do NOT have to purchase a pack and tent immediately. For campouts that do not require the boys to hike in, your son can use a duffle bag for his gear. Similarly, the boys are encouraged to share tents when practical.
The troop also has a lot of collective experience with what equipment works best and where to get it at a good price. Before spending your hard-earned money, we encourage you to contact one of the adult advisors for suggestions regarding specific equipment and where it can be purchased.
Upon joining Troop 520, each scout and his parents receive the troop’s Code of Conduct. This simply is a common sense set of rules consistent with the Scout Oath and Law, and a brief explanation of what happens if a scout violates those rules.
Merit Badges are used to help your scout advance towards Eagle Scout. Classes are conducted by adult leaders and are usually held during the weekly troop meeting. Each scout is required to attend at least one class during the meeting. If you are interested in teaching a merit badge class, please contact one of our troop leaders for more information.
Once a quarter, the troop and their families come together for a Court of Honor - a ceremony recognizing scouts who have earned merit badges or advancement in rank. We encourage and expect all scouts and families to attend this important event. We also encourage you to bring a camera to record your son’s journey toward Eagle.
Troop 520 schedules a one-week summer camp each year at a registered Boy Scout Summer Camp. Typical activities include canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, rifle shooting, merit badge classes, and various troop competitions.
Summer Camp is an important part of the Boy Scout experience for many reason. Summer Camp presents a unique opportunity for the scouts to accomplish many of their requirements for advancement in a single week each year. Summer Camp also presents unique opportunity for personal growth and leadership development. We encourage all scouts and their families to make Summer Camp a priority.
Once every two years, Troop 520 schedules a high-adventure trip for our older scouts. The minimum age and experience level will vary according to the requirements of each particular trip. For example, a two-week backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico is a strenuous undertaking intended for experienced and physically fit scouts. These high adventure trips tend to be more expensive and require more advance preparation than the typical summer camp. Therefore, we will attempt to give everyone suitable advance notice of these trips.
Troop Code of Conduct
1) No alcohol or drugs will be tolerated.
2) No cursing.
3) Argumentative or abusive language is not permitted.
4) No inappropriate reading material may be taken on any scout activity.
5) All radios and audio players (when permitted) must be used with headphones. Music with R-rated lyrics is not permitted.
6) No firearms, fireworks, slingshots, or knives with blades longer than 5 inches.
7) Maintain cooperative attitude with Adult Leaders, SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leaders, and other scouts.
8) Never handle another scouts property without his permission.
9) Respect the vehicles and rules of our volunteer drivers. No horseplay in vehicles; no eating or drinking without the driver’s permission; and always take your trash with you when you get out.
10) All activities should be done in groups of 2 or more. Never venture off by yourself.
11) At campouts, be aware of schedule of activities. Show up on time for meals, activities, Chapel, etc. Show responsibility.
12) When patrol camping, stay with Patrol Leader until your campsite is setup and then follow the schedule.
13) Fires may be built only with Adult Leaders’ permission and then only after constructing a Fire Ring.
14) No rock or dirt clod throwing (or any other objects).
If a scout violates the Scout Oath, Scout Law, or the Troop Code of Conduct, his parents will be notified of the infraction and the scout and his parents will be scheduled to meet with the Troop Disciplinary Board to discuss what action should be taken.
Adult Volunteers
As an adult volunteer, what would you receive in return for giving some of your time?
- An opportunity to share your ideas with other adults and put your talents into action as you carry out the troop program
- A chance to help boys learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men
- An evening of fun and fellowship each week, sharing with boys their pride in learning and in achieving
- A code to live by that will set a worthwhile example for boys and adults
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow strong in mind and body
It is the intent and goal
of all the adult volunteer leaders
to provide the best possible scouting program
available anywhere to the boys of this community.