How We Do Things

Troop 624 was chartered in September 1949 by St. Ann Parish in full compliance with all of the requirements set forth by the Boy Scouts of America, a Congressional corporation, established in 1910. The Troop is located in the Chain Bridge District of the National Capital Area Council and has been serving the Arlington Community ever since.  The Troop is one of the more active and successful troops in the Council. The Troop maintains an excellent working relationship with the parish through the good work of the Chartering Organization Representative, who serves as a member of the Troop Committee and monitors the Committee’s work.

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide quality leadership for our nation. This means that the lessons learned by the Scouts through their advancement, working together in patrols and community service is intended to prepare them for their roles as America’s leaders in years to come.

The guiding precepts of the Troop are the Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Each Scout is expected to live by the standards. Each Scout learns these early in his advancement and is expected to be able to articulate them at any time when asked and definitely at each Board of Review in his advancement.

Troop operations are based on the concept that the Scouts run the troop. This is done using the patrol method which is a group of eight to ten Scouts, led by the Patrol Leader and his assistant. New Scouts are assigned to a Patrol. Together they do what is necessary on outings and in meetings to enliven the program. The Patrol Leaders Council is comprised of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide and Patrol Leaders. Together with the Scoutmaster in attendance they establish the program for the Troop. The enrolled Scouts elect all officers of the Troop annually in January and July. The Senior Patrol Leader is elected with the concurrence of the Scoutmaster.

Adult leaders are elected and confirmed by the Troop Committee. The leaders include the Scoutmaster Staff comprised of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters. Additionally, the Troop Committee is made up of registered parents and other interested adults. All must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America and have taken the Youth Protection Training on line. The Scoutmaster Staff is responsible for seeing that the Troop operates smoothly on a daily basis. The Troop Committee ensures the permanency of the Troop. Working closely with the Scoutmaster Staff, it is responsible for ensuring adherence to the official Boy Scout Program, overseeing operations, supporting the Scoutmaster Staff, supporting the annual program, maintaining financial integrity, conducting the Boards of Review and resolving any difficulties that may surface.