Quick Facts

1. Philosophy: We operate our troop based on a Boy's Lead approach as envisioned by the original founders of scouting and as required by BSA national policy. The adutl leaders provide guidance and oversight, but the boys have direct input into troop activities. We do have a structured advancement process and understand how important it is for the boys to be given opportunities to earn rank advancements and merit badges in a timely manner.

2. Parent involvement: We encourage parent involvement. All parents can play a role within the troop if they choose. Involvement can include becoming a trained leader or just assisting with some of our events or fundraising activities. We do require that adult leaders complete Youth Protection Training (YPT), Scoutmaster indoor, and outdoor training.

3. Financial commitment: Scouts are required to register their membership on an annual basis. Registration and related dues for the troop cost approximately $115 per year. Dues cover re-chartering fees, Boys Life magazines, rank and merit badge costs and other troop-related expenses. We try to keep charges at a minimum and we also provide opportunities for the boys to raise funds to support their activities. There is a separate cost for each camping trip and summer camp.

4. Camping trips: The troop schedules camping trips on a monthly basis – typically between the months of October and May. Each trip presents opportunities for the boys to complete rank advancements.

5. Summer camp: Each summer the troop schedules a trip out of state to a licensed Boy Scout camp. Summer camp is a one-week event and we try to schedule the trip toward the middle/end of June. Over the past few years the troop has travelled to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

6. Trained adults: The adult leaders of Troop 711 have extensive training. All adult leaders have completed indoor and outdoor leader training. Additionally, the majority of the leaders have completed Wood Badge training (the highest level of leader training) and have staffed the Wood Badge course. The leaders of Troop 711 are the most highly trained group of adult leaders of any troop in the South Florida Council.

7. Troop meetings: Troop 711 meets every Thursday evening (with some exceptions) from 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm. Meetings are structured to follow “best practices” with advancement opportunities provided at most meetings. The troop prides itself on being the first (and only) unit with a structured STEM program. Additionally, the troop prides itself on being committed to providing service to others. The boys are involved in service projects for St. Andrews, for our community, by supporting Eagle Scout projects and through their involvement in the Order of the Arrow (a scouting service association).

8. Communications: Troop 711 communicates with families about upcoming events with emails, texts and through Troop Master.