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On February 27, 2010, Boy Scout Troop 840 welcomed 41 new Scouts to their troop at the annual All-Coppell Webelos to Scout Crossover ceremony at Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell. A record number 93 scouts crossed at this incredible ceremony which was presided over by the So Tsoh Chapter of the Order of the Arrow.
Before making their decision to continue their scouting journey, the Webelos II were able to attend Boy Scout Troop meetings and participate with each Troop at the annual Show 'n Do. In addition to seeing how the each troop sets up camp, the scouts threw axes, made rope, built a fire, and operated a catapult at the Show 'n Do. The Webelos II were invited to camp out with these boys to experience firsthand the life of a Boy Scout.
Webelos II select the Boy Scout Troop they want to join based on a variety of reasons. Some joined the same troop as their brothers or friends. Others choose Troops that best fit their personalities, overall goals, camping, high adventure trips, Troop activity level, community service and the spirit of the Troop. Some scouts, like Bass Stewart, Travis Thompson and Ryan Gordon, are looking forward to the entire boy scout experience; while others, like Marcus Krum, are counting the days until they can attend one of the high-adventure camps. Scouts must be at least 13 years of age to attend Northern Tier and at least 14 years of age to attend Philmont and Florida Sea Base.
Troop 840 is a boy-led troop, which will be a different experience for the new Scouts. In our Troop, the boys are responsible for planning and running the meetings, camping programs, meal planning and preparation and helping all Scouts achieve their fullest potential. In a boy-led environment, boys learn how to work with others, how to react to and handle situations, establish goals, learn leadership skills, become self sufficient and also how to deal with adversity in a safe environment. Boy scouts advance at their own pace and may earn over 120 merit badges on their journey to achieving the Eagle Scout rank.
Initially, these new boy scouts are placed in patrols with only first year scouts. Older scouts will work with them on advancement and boy scout basics, such as setting up tents, what to pack for campouts, etc. After summer camp, these scouts will be integrated into established patrols of scouts of all ages. Each scout is encouraged to take the Knot Master Class, which is held each week before the Troop meeting.
Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2010 and it promises to be a banner year for Troop 840. In addition to the monthly campouts and two summer camps, Troop 840 scouts will hike at Philmont, scuba dive at Florida Sea Base and participate in the National Scout Jamboree this summer. The Troop is currently planning trips to Florida Sea Base and Northern Tier during the summer of 2011, and is looking forward to its 25th anniversary in 2012.
Troop 840, led by Scoutmaster Terry Smith, currently has 132 registered boy scouts.
