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This sheet is designed to provide some basic information about Troop 1283. If you have any further questions regarding uniforms or equipment, Troop outings, or how to contribute to our program, please do not hesitate to contact one of the adult leaders listed below. We are always more than willing to listen and help!

CONTACT:  Mr. Lee Howard, Scoutmaster, (301) 262-4724

INFORMATION:  Mrs. Sharon Bagnell, Committee Chair,
                          Church Office, (301) 262-4141

MEETING PLACE: Cresthill Baptist Church, 6510 Laurel-Bowie Rd., Bowie, MD 20715 The church is located approximately one block south of the Bowie Post Office on Rt. 197.  Membership in the church is not required.

MEETING DAY: Tuesday. 7:30 TO 9:00 PM.  In general the first three Tuesdays of the month are regular troop meetings, and the fourth is a Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meeting that is attended by boy leaders who plan the next month's activities.

TROOP PROGRAM: Troop 1283 conducts an outdoor-oriented program for boys aged 11 to 17, with the aim of developing the boy's character, citizenship, and fitness. Troop 1283 subscribes to the recognized Methods of Scouting to achieve these aims.

A month's program in Troop 1283 typically includes three regular meetings, one planning meeting, and one outing (hike or campout). Additional activities include a Troop Court of Honor, Good Turn, Scout Show, Troop picnic, or Eagle Court of Honor. The Troop also spends a week at summer camp, usually at the Goshen Scout Camp in July.

FEES: $40.00 per year, prorated to date of joining the troop. This includes registration, Boy's Life magazine subscription, and Troop insurance.

UNIFORM: The official Boy Scouts of America uniform is required to be worn by all Scouts in the Troop. Upon joining, new scouts receive a Troop neckerchief and a bead award program totem.

HANDBOOK: The official Boy Scout Handbook is required by all Scouts. This handbook provides the Scout with basic information and is used to track the Scout's rank advancement.

EQUIPMENT: Some personal equipment is needed for outings. Generally, a Scout needs to have hiking boots, a sleeping bag, backpack, canteen, mess kit, and eating utensils. Tents, tarps, cooking equipment, stoves, etc. are provided by the Troop. Use of personal tents for troop camping activities is discouraged.

ORGANIZATION: Within the general guidance of the adult leaders, the Troop program is entirely planned, organized and run by the troop's boy leaders.

COURTS OF HONOR: Parents and families are expected to attend. Courts of Honor are held three times a year, not counting Eagle Courts of Honor. Courts of Honor are the ceremonies where the Scout receive their awards and are recognized for their advancement through the ranks of Scouting.

TROOP COMMITTEE: The Committee meets monthly, usually the last Thursday of the month after the PLC. All parents are welcome. The Committee reviews the planned activities for the next month and oversees Troop activities in general. Call the Committee Chair for time and location.

TRANSPORTATION: Each family is expected to pitch in and assist with transporting the scouts and equipment to hiking and camping activities. Vehicle insurance information must be provided to the Committee Transportation Coordinator. Participating in hikes and campouts is not required.

BOARDS OF REVIEW: Boards of Review are conducted by the Troop Committee and parents. As part of their advancement requirements each Scout must meet with a Board of Review to discuss his progress, involvement in Troop activities and any problems he may be having.

TROOP SCOOP: This is a newsletter published each month with dates and times of upcoming activities.

ANNUAL FAMILY DINNER: The annual Troop family dinner is held every year in February during National Scout Week. This is also one of the three planned Courts of Honor.