Troop 555 History

The Troop was first chartered in the spring of 2002. We offer a balanced program with an emphasis on camping, hiking, skills training, youth leadership, and backpacking. We are a mid-size troop with currently about 35 scouts on roster, with an average meeting attendance of about 20. This is a scout led troop with guidance provided by the Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmasters.

Troop Organization

The Troop is a collection of Patrols led by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL). Each month the SPL hosts a Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC) meeting to planthe meetings for the month and provide a three-month outlook. Members of the PLC include the SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Quartermaster, as well as a few other Leadership positions.

A Patrol is a group of 6-8 Scouts that enjoy partaking in learning and adventure together. Each patrol elects a Patrol Leader who leads the patrol and serves on the PLC. The Patrol Leader is responsible for communicating with his patrol members and coordinating with the SPL and PLC. Patrols meet separately on a monthly basis to do a fun activity and to build their bond as a patrol. Each patrol plans, camps, cooks and cleans together.

Troop Meetings

The Troop meets every Tuesday at the Saint Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, 18631 Chapel Ln, Huntington Beach, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. This location provides ample meeting space, parking, and a public park next door.

The 1st Tuesday of the month is for Patrol Meetings. The 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Tuesdays are Troop meetings. If there is a month with a 5th Tuesday there are no meetings held on that day. The Scouts are expected to wear their class “A” uniform to the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday Troop meetings. Class “B” uniform can be worn at the 1st  Tuesday (Patrol Meeting) and the 4th Tuesday (Troop Meeting). Patrols are encouraged to meet elsewhere for their Patrol meetings to do a fun activity (Yogurtland, sporting events, games in a park, etc.) to help bonding. An adult Committee Meeting is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Outings

Every year the Scouts plan the monthly outings for the succeeding year. Each outing is led by Scout leadership and supported by trained adult leaders.

What does it cost to join?

A one-time fee of around $140, plus dues of $5/month. The annual re-chartering fees, which go directly to Boy Scouts of America are revisited and collected each year in the fall.

The initial fee includes the following:

• Green shoulder loops
• Troop Neckerchief & BSA Slide
• Troop Hat
• 1 “Class B” shirt (Troop 555 T-shirt)
• Annual BSA registration & insurance
• Scout Life Magazine
• Advancement Notebook
• All rank patches and merit badges
• Troop camping gear (tents, stoves, patrol boxes, etc.) is provided.

Fundraising

Fundraising is used to reduce outing costs and to help Scouts pay for scouting items. Several fundraising events occur annually (Scout Popcorn and Scout-O-Rama sales, pancake breakfast).

Adult Leadership

The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters help mentor the scouts; however, the Senior Patrol Leader directs the Troop. The Committee Chair manages the administrative aspects of the Troop, with adult committee members performing specific duties to assist.

Adult Leader Contacts

Greg Hill, Committee Chair - hillgc_at_gmail.com (714) 878-4889

Marie Chassot, Recruitment Chair – dkmc2_at_verizon.net (714) 330-5620 

John Manley, Scoutmaster – john.manley_at_hotmail.com (714) 875-6932

What the Troop Expects from Parents                           

• Parental involvement is the key to a quality program, so we need your support!
• A minimum of one parent from each family is requested to be active in the Troop.
• Parents are encouraged to become trained leaders (required to work directly with the youth) or hold a committee position within one year.
• Each family is asked to be an adult coordinator for at least one camping outing per year (provide guidance to the patrol in planning - does not need to attend outing).

What the Troop Expects from the Scouts

• To participate and have fun
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law
• Enjoy the outdoors

What to Expect from Troop 555

• Fun! Fun! Fun!
• Committed, BSA-trained adult leaders
• Open communication and transparency
• Boy Scout run Troop and a patrol method philosophy
• Weekly meetings
• Monthly outings
• Summer Camp (1 week)
• Ultimate Frisbee