Troop 20 has produced hundreds of Eagle Scouts, several of whom have won further recognition. Four of these Scouts were chosen as Oklahoma Eagle Scout of the Year, one was named as the National Eagle Scout of the Year Runner-up and one as National Eagle Scout of the Year. Troop 20 Scouts have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, business men, legislators and even Governor of the State.
Troop Profile
Troop 20 has been one of the leading troops in Oklahoma since the early days of statehood. Today’s Troop 20 averages 25-40 Scouts in size. These Scouts, together with some 15-20 registered adult leaders, constitute the Troop in the 21st century. The Troop accepts all boys of the proper ages with no requirement of previous Cub Scout experience.
All Scouts and adult leaders are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings in proper Scout uniforms. This is defined by the Troop as a regulation Scout shirt with proper patches and insignia and a Scout belt. Brown or green “Scout-like” pants or shorts are encouraged. If shorts are worn, they should be worn with appropriate Scout socks. During the summer months the Troop adopts a “Class B” Scout t-shirt policy to wear instead of the normal “Class A” Scout shirt.The Troop maintains recycled uniforms for Scouts who may be unable to afford them, as well as providing financial “scholarships” on a confidential basis.
Uniform Policy
Troop Organization
Troop 20 is a boy-led troop divided into Patrols. Opportunities for leadership are rotated on a regular basis. The Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders are elected every six months. Other Troop officers are appointed to fill out the leadership positions within the Troop. These Troop leaders, with the guidance of the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and the Troop Committee, are responsible for organizing the Troop meetings and the campouts and other events.All Scout Troop leaders are expected to participate in leadership training and are strongly encouraged to attend both Junior Leader Training (JLT) and Pinetree leadership camps. A Patrol Leadership Council (PLC) meets each month on a regularly scheduled basis to plan Troop events. The Troop Committee also meets monthly. All adults are welcome to participate and offer their ideas for the Troop. The Troop Committee manages the big picture of outdoor planning, advancement, communications and finances.
Troop Finances
Troop 20 is fortunate to have the long-standing support and sponsorship of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church. Church members serve in Troop leadership roles and have always been active in the life of the Troop. Church support includes meeting space, use of church buses for transportation and annual financial support.
The main fundraiser for the Troop is the annual BSA popcorn sale. For many years Troop 20 has been among the top sellers in the Indian Nations Council. The funds raised by each Scout are divided by the Troop after costs, with each Scout receiving a monetary deposit to a Troop bank account. These funds can be accessed and spent by each Scout and utilized as “Scout bucks” to pay for summer camps, campúouts or purchase uniforms or other equipment. “Scholarships” are also available on a confidential basis for Scouts who need assistance with Troop expenses.
Advancement
Scout advancement is under the supervision of the adult leaders of Troop 20. One of the adults is directly assigned the responsibility of directing the advancement of the younger Scouts from Tenderfoot to First Class. Others supervise the Star and Life ranks, with an Eagle Coordinator assisting Scouts who are approaching Eagle rank with their Eagle projects and merit badge requirements.
Merit badge classes are offered throughout the year, along with Scout Skills classes according to need. The Troop generally offers four Eagle required merit badges each year, taught during Troop meetings. All parents are encouraged to register as merit badge counselors and assist with at least one merit badge course.Adult Leadership
Adult leadership within the Troop consists of men and women – both are equally welcome. All adult leaders have undergone BSA background and reference checks. All are required to take one or more BSA safety and leadership courses. All Troop activities are conducted under the principle of “Two Deep” leadership, which requires that at least two adults must be present to supervise all activities. This provides safeguards for the well being of the Scouts within the Troop.Outdoor Programs
The Troop attends summer camp each year during the last week in June at Camp Tom Hale, the Indian Nations Scout Camp near Talahina, Oklahoma. Our Scouts also attend High Adventure Camp at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and have also participated in National Jamborees, and High Adventure camps at Sea Base in Florida for scuba diving, Boundary Waters in Canada for canoeing and Kanik in New Mexico for winter camping.The Troop camps out once each month while enjoying hiking, fishing, backpacking, canoeing and other activities. The Troop maintains modern tents and camp equipment for use by the Scouts. All outdoor activities are supervised by adult leaders who are trained and experienced. There is a family campout each year where members of the Scout families are welcome to campout and participate with the Troop
History