Congratulations on your decision to join the world's greatest youth movement.  Welcome to our ranks!  

I remember the excitement and anxiety I felt when I first became a Boy Scout.  My mind was racing with dreams of adventures that lay ahead, and yet I was worried about whether or not I was up to the challenge; would I ever be able to tie a square knot, or memorize all twelve points of the Scout Law.  The older Scouts were bigger, stronger, and more experienced.  It seemed like they knew everything, and if they didn't, they sure didn't tell me.  I remember my first hike; I thought I would die before the end.  And my first camp; catching minnows in the river, and sleeping out under a canvas tarp.  It was GREAT!  

There have been many hikes and camps, since then, and now it is your turn.  You are the boy standing on that exciting first step in Scouting.  You, like me, have much to learn, but don't worry.  The Scouts and Scouters of our Troop stand ready to help you along the way.  And if you wonder if you're good enough, let me assure you, you are.

This web page has been designed to help out too, providing you and your folks with the information you need to be successful; what you can expect of us, and what we expect of you, the newest member of Troop 329.  Please read it over carefully, and let us know if you have any questions at all.  As my old Scoutmaster used to say, "The only dumb question, is the one you don't ask."

Yours in Scouting,

                  
Greg Myers
Scoutmaster     

The Handbook is the essential guide book for every Scout.  It is called a "Hand-Book" because that is where we expect to find it; in your hand.  In addition to being full of really cool stuff about being a Scout, the Handbook is where we track your progress.  So read it often, apply its lessons, and bring it with you to all Scout Meetings and Outings.   

You can tell a lot about a fellow by the clothes he wears.  Soldiers, policemen, carpenters, barbers, bankers and ministers all dress differently in order to let people know what they do.  Likewise, when you play a sport, you dress appropriately for the game you are about to play.  You wouldn't wear a baseball outfit to play hockey, or football pads during a soccer game.

The Boy Scout Uniform says a lot about the guy who wears it too.  It tells people that this is a young man who is ready for adventure.  The uniform is tough, durable, and made for action.  The pants convert from long trousers to shorts quickly.  The pockets are large to hold more of the gear you need.  

The Uniform also provides us with a place to display the patches that show your membership in the your Patrol and Troop, as well as your Advancement, Leadership position, and past Outdoor adventures.  

And the Uniform says one thing more.  It proclaims to the world that you are a member in the world's greatest youth movement.  You are someone who lives out the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Someone who can be depended on, and a brother to other Scouts.  

All Scouts and Scouters in Troop 329 are expected to proudly wear the Boy Scout Uniform at all Scout functions.  The official uniform consists of

• Official Boy Scout short-sleeved shirt, with Boy Scout Forest Green shoulder loops 
• Official Boy Scout Trousers or shorts (canvas zip-off trousers are highly recommended)
• Boy Scout web belt and buckle
• Boy Scout socks
• Scout hat (optional)
• brown or black hiking shoes. 

The following Insignia should also be purchased for a new scout's uniform

• World Crest Emblem
• Greater St Louis Area Council Patch
• Troop 329 Numerals 

At this time the Troop 329 Uniform does NOT include a neckerchief, or slide.   

Scouts may wear a Troop or other Scouting t-shirt instead of the Field uniform shirt for non-public outings and meetings.
Any clothing (hats, t-shirts, etc.) depicting non-scouting logos, messages, or slogans are not part of the uniform, and should not be worn as such.  

The Troop provides most of the group equipment needed for camping,such as tents, lanterns, cook pots, etc.  However Scouts will need to purchase some basic equipment for their personal use.  

We have attached an Equipment List for New Scouts below.  Please use this list as a guide.  These basics should not be costly.  Please talk to one Uniformed Scouters BEFORE buying any expensive gear.  

Additional equipment can be added gradually as the Scout progresses and his skills increase.

DO NOT BRING ELECTRONICS such as radios, Game boys, CD playeers, IPods, MP3s, etc. to Outings.  You will NOT be able to use them.  Cell phones are to be used only in emergencys, and for purposes of safety and logistics.      

The Troop currently charges $50 per Scout, payable in two $25 payments, due in February and August.  These dues pay for badges, camp registration fees, and other administrative costs.

The cost of weekend outings vary, but are approximately $15 per Scout.  These fees are usually collected by the Patrol, and cover the cost of food for that Patrol.  Payments for outings should always be made at least one week prior to the event, in order for the Patrol to be able to shop for your grub.

The cost of a week at Summer Camp is currently $285.  In order to help encourage Scouts to earn and save money to pay for Scouting activities, the Troop has set up a "Pre-paid Camp Accounts"  for each member of the Troop.  Funds deposited into a Camp Account will be available for use in helping to pay for Summer Camp, or a High Adventure Trek.  A Scout may make savings deposits into his Camp Account at any regular Troop meeting. 

The Troop runs a number of fundraisers throughout the year.  These include Boy Scout Popcorn and Christmas Wreath Sales in the late fall. 

50% of all of the Troops profits raised at each of these fundraisers, will be credited to the Prepaid Camp Account of the Scouts and/or family members who participated.  This amount will be calculated by either individual sales, or hours worked, as appropriate.  Scouts are not limited to the number of people who may work on their behalf, but participation is required for credit.  "Clocking in" and disappearing will not count.

Funds may not be borrowed or withdrawn from a Camp Account.  Unused balances will be carried over each year, but will be forfeited back to the Troop if a Scout drops out of the Troop.  The Prepaid Camp Account Program is a powerful tool for any Scout who takes advantage of it.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  No Scout will be denied the chance to participate in Scouting bacause of a lack of money.  There are friends of Troop 329 who can help those who find it difficult to afford the full fees and costs of Scouting.  Parents are asked to have a quiet word with our Scoutmaster Mr. Knotts, or Assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Hinkebein, if there is a problem.