Troop 149 has been chartered to Friendship Presbyterian Church since May of 1959, and has met continuously since that time, with ups and downs of activity level, size, and adult leadership. In 2009, Troop 149’s growth led to the creation of Troop (3)537, which subsequently also formed Troop 7, both in Oconee County.
Scouting provides members with leadership opportunities, training, and experience. Scouts in Troop 149 organize annually into 3-4 Patrols, each with a Patrol Leader, and the troop elects its Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders Council members twice a year. Many other Scout leadership positions are also available, such as Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain’s Aide, and more, and our Scouts often serve as Den Chiefs to help Pack 149. Many of our youth also provide leadership beyond the troop level, for instance as staff at Camp Rainey Mountain or in Order of the Arrow roles. Most years, the Troop sends at least two Scouts to take part in the Council’s National Youth Leadership Training program. Our adult leaders are also encouraged to become trained for their positions.
With adult support, the PLC members plan weekly meetings, the program calendar, and instructional activities. Troop meetings typically include an opening ceremony at 7 PM, announcements, patrol time, instructional time (merit badges and rank requirements), and an inter-patrol activity or game prior to the closing ceremony at 8:30.
Troop adults are encouraged to register as Merit Badge Counselors for one or more of the nearly 140 Merit Badges offered through the Scouting program. Adults are also able to register and serve as Assistant Scoutmasters – helping deliver the program and camping activities—as well as in many Troop Committee roles (chairing functional areas such as membership, advancement, boards of review, service projects, fundraising, treasurer, and more). The Troop Committee meets (in person or via Zoom) once per month to touch base on committee and troop activities, policies, and planning.
Troop communications are facilitated through an email listserv that helps keep troop members and parents in the loop about upcoming meetings, trips, and activities.
