BSA Troop 391 is charted by the First United Methodist Church of Hawkins, Texas. The Church actively promotes Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and hopefully soon, a new Venturing Crew. The Scouts are very active in the community and with activities throughout the city.

SCOUTMASTER                         Jim Shupe                          jshupe391@netzero.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN          Ron Rutherford                   roseweed11@aol.com

Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11 through 17 years old. The program achieves the BSA’s objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities. 

A Boy Scout troop is a vehicle to deliver the aims of Scouting which are packaged in the form of program. A successful troop program will provide boys the opportunity to:

• Practice citizenship through patrol activities and patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings.
• Grow in self-reliance by participating in outdoor adventures.
• Gain an appreciation for the environment and God’s handiwork through camping.
• Have a positive and understandable code to live by in the Scout Oath and Law.
• Participate in activities that are good wholesome fun.

Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath (see below), the Scout Law (see below), the Scout Motto (see below), and the Scout Slogan (see below). 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. 

Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. 

Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources. 

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. The Boy Scout advances through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, 1st Class, 2nd Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

Personal Growth. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting’s aims. 

Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.