Overview
Lexington, Kentucky’s Troop 859 was formed on August 27th, 2007. It was officially chartered on August 30, 2007. Original members of the Troop were Graham, Will, Austin, Julian, Joseph, Jared, Abe, Adam, Ben, Cameron and David — later joined by Andy, Wyatt, George, Dominic and Will T.
Truly a “boy led Troop”, the Scouts chose their Troop number (859), Troop colors (blue and white), elected leaders, formed Patrols and completely organized themselves.
The Troop meets every Tuesday night, holidays and bad weather not withstanding, from 6;30PM to 8:00PM at Trinity Hill United Methodist Church, 3600 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40517.
Additional Information on the Troop
Dues: Dues are $60 per year (or $5 per month), plus annual BSA Membership fees at end of 2010 – new scouts $1 transfer fee at time of crossover. BSA Membership Fees due $15 per Scout ($30 for OA members).
Scout Gear: Troop 859 provides each Scout with a Troop Neckerchief, neckerchief slide, Boy Scout epaulets and Troop Numerals. Each Scout needs to buy the current Scout Handbook and the new Class A Boy Scout uniform, available at the Blue Grass Council Service Center, 3473 Yorkshire Medical Park, Lexington KY 40509 (859-231-7811).
Activities: We have monthly camping trips and BSA Summer Camp. This year we are attending Camp McKee locally for $200 per Scout. Initial deposit of $50 per Scout is due at the end of February for Summer Camp, June 13 – 19, 2010.
The Troop will also be visiting the National Jamboree held at Fort AP Hill near Washington DC, July 25 – August 4th. We will stay in a Boy Scout camp, Camp Snyder, in Haymarket VA, near the site of the Jamboree, July 26-30th, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Scouting!
Advancement:
Courts of Honor: 2 or 3 Courts of Honor each year recognize the achievements of the Scouts over the previous months usually held in February/March, and September/October and possibly at the end of the year in December.
Merit Badges: Merit Badge work is available to Scouts on an individual basis or group basis with the Troop and during BSA District, Council and National events like BSA Summer Camp, District and Council Merit Badge Fairs or National Jamborees.
Advancement Goals: First Class, First Year! We support each Scout who follows the BSA requirements to earn all ranks, restrained only by the national guidelines. The progress of each boy is reviewed regularly by Scoutmasters and the Advancement Chair. Each Scout can review his advancement records during Troop Meetings in the record folders or by asking a Scoutmaster to access the TroopMaster records.
Troop Committee: All adults are invited to join the Troop Committee and help support the Troop! We need different talents and resources! The Troop Committee’s primary responsibilities are supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering quality troop program and handling administration. The Committee generally meets the first Tuesday of each month.
Troop Equipment: The Troop has a new Troop Trailer and 8 two-man tents that are used by the Scouts on camping trips. The new Troop is assembling additional camping equipment, including additional tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, patrol boxes and hopefully a trailer in the future.
Scout Equipment: Each Scout will need a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, compass and knife, in addition to the Scout Handbook and Uniform. Other personal gear: a plastic bowl, a spork, an insulated plastic mug, water bottle, flashlight, personal hygiene kit, scout knife if the Scout has earned the Totin Chip. Multi-tools (Leatherman, etc.) are acceptable if the knife is not too large and does not have serrated edges.
Troop Uniform: Class A uniforms are worn when traveling to and from camping events and during all meetings. Class A uniform consists of the Scout shirt, Troop scarf, Troop or BSA neckerchief slide, Scout zip-off pants or Scout shorts, Scout socks, and leather shoes or other appropriate footwear. The Troop has a “uniform bank” where uniform shirts and pants may be obtained for free of charge with a minor donation suggested. When a Scout joins the Troop, he will be given a new Troop neckerchief, numerals and epaulets.
