Welcome to Troop 11 from First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri!  We are members of the Five Rivers District in the Great Rivers Council.  Chartered in 1988, the Troop's active, exciting, and progressive program makes it one of the fastest growing in the last twenty plus years.  The information below outlines some of the program highlights and policies that have made Troop 11 an enjoyable place for Scouts and parents alike!


SCOUTING IS...

• A Troop-centered program of high adventure and outdoor skills for boys ages 11-17.
• A program of outdoor skills and leadership development.
• Camping, hiking, aquatics, crafts, Indian lore, and athletics, just to name a few. 

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING IS TO...

• Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth.
• Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship.
• Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body.
• Strengthen the ability to get along with other boys and respect other people.
• Factor a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and leadership skills.
• Show how to be helpful.
• Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
  

SCOUTS...

• Establish their own goals and rate of advancement.
• Help plan programs and make decisions in their Troop.
• Participate in special community "Good Turn" projects.
• Are boys divided into groups called patrols.
• Meet weekly at troop meetings.
• Participate in monthly outdoor activities and attend a yearly summer camp for a week.  If eligible, participate in a yearly high adventure outing.

PARENTS HELP TO...

• Provide continuous encouragement and support for your sons as they progress in Scouting.
• Participate in special Courts of Honor when Scouts receive advancement recognition.
• Participate in monthly Committee Meetings.
• Provide transportation for scheduled weekend activities.
• Lend special skills and abilities as merit badge counselors or consultants.
• Serve on the Troop Committee or in a direct leadership role as an Assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster.

Scouting Ideals:  The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, The Scout Law, The Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan.  The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.  The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes. 

Troop Meetings:  We meet at the church on the sixth floor from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. every Monday that school is in session.  Adult leaders frequently arrive early for merit badge instruction, advancement conferences, and reviews.  While at meetings, Scouts are expected to remain in the area of the Sixth Floor Scout room and respect church property.  We ask that all Scouts refrain from the use of cell phones and electronic devices during meetings.

Advancement:  Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method.  The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge.  The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.  The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Dues:  Each Scout pays $20 annual dues to the troop and national registration fees of $15 a year.

Uniforms:  Scouts wear Class A uniforms to weekly meetings.  The Class A consists of a Scout shirt (long or short sleeve), red shoulder loops, appropriate insignias, Scout belt, Scout pants or blue jeans, Scout socks, and a blue Troop 11 neckerchief with slide.  You may wear your merit badge sash to formal occasions such as the Court of Honor, Board of Review, and special ceremonies.

Expenses:  In addition to the dues and uniforms described above, each Scout must purchase a Scout Handbook and merit badge books as they need them.  We do have a Library of merit badge books for loan.  They may also want to buy a Field Book.  Field equipment they need includes a sleeping bag, ground mat, rain gear, cot, canteen, flashlight, compass, etc.  We do have a stock of serviceable, but outgrown Scout shirts, shorts, and slacks available to our troop members.

Outdoor Program:  The BSA program is designed to take place outdoors.  It is the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another.  In the outdoors, the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose.  Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the world around us.  The outdoors is the laboratory in which Scouts learn ecology and practice the conservation of nature's resources.

Camp outs/Outings:  We schedule camp outs and outings on a monthly basis.  Make sure to click on "Events" on the home page to see a some of our activities.  We depart from and return to the First Baptist Church at the back parking lot next to the train station.  We rely on parents for transportation to our outings.  We do own two troop trailers to haul our stock of camping gear.  
Each Scout is responsible for the cost of meals.  Each patrol plans their meals.   After it is approved by the Scoutmaster, two scouts are responsible for purchasing the groceries.  This is a great way to learn about budgets, shopping, and money management.  If a Scout cancels or decides not to attend (after the food is purchased), the troop cannot guarantee reimbursement.  
At least two registered adults are required for all outings.  Of course, all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend!  We usually have several parents who go in addition to several registered leaders.  We ask that Scouts do not use cell phones and electronic devices during campouts.  You may turn in your phone to the Scoutmaster at the beginning of the camp out.  It will be returned to the Scout at the end of the outing.  Remember why we go camping... to enjoy the outdoors.

Some examples of our outings over the last few years are Summer Camp at Geiger in St. Joseph, MO, Florida Sea Base Coral Reef Sailing, Philmont Scout Ranch Backpacking Adventure, Johnson's Shut Ins State Park, Taum Sauk Mountain SP, Elephant Rocks SP, Thousand Hills SP Aquatics, Rock Bridge State Park, Camp Hohn, Rappelling, Shotgun/Rifle/Archery Shooting, Mic-O-Say Family Campfires, Mark Twain Cave, Onandoga Cave State Park, Ha Ha Tonka SP Hike, Montauk and Bennett Spring SP Trout Fishing, Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, Camp Timber Acres, Katy Trail Bike Hike, Hidden Valley Snow Skiing, Beaumont Scout Reservation St. Louis Cahokia Mounds National Historic Site, Mastadon SP, Ft. Davidson Civil War Historic Site, Four-Day Road Trips to Dallas, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Little Rock, District Camporee at Thunderbird and Hohn, just to name a few.

The Court of Honor:  Three times a year, Troop 11 holds a Court of Honor.  At this time, rank advancement, merit badges, and special awards are presented.  Sometimes, we have a photo slide show to highlight some of our camp outs and trips.  These ceremonies are usually held in October, February, and June.  Scouts are expected to wear their full "Class A uniform, which includes a neckerchief and merit badge sash.

Raising Funds for Our Troop:  The Trails End Gourmet Popcorn Sale is a big fundraiser for us.  Our Troop receives 33% of all sales.  We need everyone's help in selling this product.  We also hold an annual Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast, Holiday Spaghetti Dinner, BBQ's, Salute to Veterans Airshow, and others.

Summer Camp:  Each summer, our troop goes out-of-council for a seven-day adventure at Camp Geiger near St. Joseph, Missouri.  The reservation is well known for its outstanding programs and facilities.  It is ranked as one of the top ten programs in the nation!  Several new improvements have been added such as a brand-new world-class C.O.P.E Course, shooting sports range, Nature Lodge, Council Ring, and Mic-O-Say Lodge.  Click http://www.ponyexpressbsa.org/ to view the latest information on Camp Geiger.  We have traditionally attended the Third Session during the last week of June.

Tribe of Mic-O-Say:  In addition to the Order of the Arrow honor program, Troop 11 is honored to be a part of the Tribe Mic-O-Say.  This is an honorary society dedicated to the preservation of the Scouting traditions.  It provides recognition for Scouts who demonstrate and prove their devotion to Scouting even beyond the extra mile.  Click http://www.micosay.org/ to check out the Mic-O-Say program.

Adult Leadership:  The Scouts are responsible for running the meetings, adult Scouters provide a supportive and supervisory role.  We have a large contingent of adult involvement in our Troop.  There will never be fewer than two registered adult leaders with Scouts at any given time.

Parental Involvement:  Please take time to read the Scout Handbook, Field Book, and merit badge books with your son.  Your support, guidance, and encouragement are vital to his growth as a Scout and young man.  Troop rosters, schedules of events, a web site, and newsletters will be provided to give you information on our planned activities.  The Troop leaders will try to give you as much advanced notice as possible so your participation can be scheduled.  The Troop Committee and Scoutmaster invite you to take an active role in our unit.  If you don't want to register as an Assistant Scoutmaster, you may want to register as a Troop Committee Member.  Regardless of how many adults we seem to have, you can never have enough.  A Boy Scout unit is only as strong as its adult leadership.  Besides, its a ton of fun!  If you have any questions, send us an e-mail clicking on "Contact Our Troop" at the top of the page.