Welcome to Troop 307!

Scouting Builds Character

     Troop 307 has been active for over 55 consecutive years.  Our Troop is dedicated to the development of character in our boys.  Our mission is to provide them with opportunities to grow and to learn through a diverse set of activities.  Central to our program is the philosophy that one learns more by doing.  As such, each component of our program is structured to allow the scouts to select, to plan, and to direct as many activities as is practical. 

    Specifically, the program allows each scout to advance, at their own speed, throught a series of ranks in which they increase their knowledge of basic scouting skills.  These skills have an emphasis on outdoor life (hiking and camping), physical fitness, first aid, and citizenship.  As they progress through scouting, they also engage in, with increasing responsibility, service and leadership related projects.  While on the trail to Eagle Scout, which is the pinnacle of Scouting, the experience is also personalized via merit badges.  There are over 120 merit badges in which scouts can explore diverse topics including:  Aviation, Canoeing, Electronics, Law, Photography, Sports, and Woodwork. 

     Our Troop is extremely proud of our tradition of fostering Eagle Scouts.  From our inception, our scouts have reached Eagle at a rate greater than twice the national average - and in the past 6 years, 5 times the national average.  Not only is obtaining the rank of Eagle a satisfying accomplishment, it is a key that can help unlock doors to your son's future.  Employers look very favorably on Eagle Scouts.  Being an Eagle Scout also influences college admission.  They know that only individuals that have dedication, diligence, and desire achieve this rank. 

     Troop Meetings:  Our Troop meets in the Fellowship Hall complex of our sponsoring organization, The First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills/Northridge, at 10400 Zelzah, Ave., Northridge CA, 91326.  We meet each Tuesday evening from 7:15 pm until 9:00 pm.  Even though our sponsoring organization is a Church, our Troop is non-denominational and is open to, and respicting of, all faiths. 

     Committee Meetings:  The Troop Parent Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month @ 7:15 pm during the regular Scout meeting.  All parents are asked to attend to hear about the Troops activities, finances, and to add your own views.  Your participation is important for the success of the Troop.  Our adult leadership is tremendous, and is among the most recognized in the area. 

     Troop Organization and Operation:  Our Troop is comprised of three organizational pieces:  Scouts, Scouters, and Parents. 

Scouts:  Each boy in scouting is placed within a patrol which is comprised of about 8-10 boys.  The boys themselves elect their patrol leader and divide up responsibilities.  The troop is comprised of a number of patrols, currently we have five scout patrols:  Cobras, Dragons, Eagles, Scorpions, and Wolverines.  There are two adult Scouters that are assigned as Advisors for each patrol. 

All scouts elect a single scout to serve as their Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) for a six month term. It is the SPL's responsibility to plan and execute many of the programs activities.  The SPL selects two assistants and a number of other Scouts to serve in staff positions.  The staff positions provide individual Scouts the opportunity to contribute to the running of the troop and to learn through these leadership positions.  Staff positions include:  Scribe, Librarion, Quartermaster, Historian, Chaplain, and Troop Guide. 

Scouters:  Our Troop is blessed with a large number of quality adult leaders.  These adult leaders, who are identified as Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM's), share the responsibilities of mentoring and supporting the scouts in the Troop.  The Scoutmaster (SM) oversees the program and mentors the SPL in the discharge of his duties. 

Parents: Our parents come from varied walks of life.  This diversity provides strength to our Troop.  Each parent's contribution is valuable and appreciated.  Committee members may support scout advancements, organize banquets, facilitate communications, support fund raising activities, help with membership, teach merit badge classes, provide transportation, as well as participate in special activities and events. 

Finances:  The expenses for our Scouts are kept as low as possible.  The current annual dues are $75 for each Scout.  This covers his BSA National Registration Fee, a full year of Boys Life magazine, and his awards, badges, and patches.  We also require that at least one parent register with the Troop; parent dues are only $25.  The outings are usually in the $35 to $45 range with a couple being higher such as Skiing and SUmmer Camp, and some are free.  This money is used to pay for food, snacks, camping fees, transportation, and incidentals needed for each outing.  We have fundraising activities throughout the year where the boys can earn money to pay for their outings.  The vast majority of the money raised from our fundraisers goes directly to the boys.  With a little effort your Scout could pay for his activities on his own.  Some Scouts are able to earn enough money to pay for every outing of the year including his Summer Camp and still have money left over. 

Uniforms:  Scouts need to be in uniform for all Troop activities, unless instructed otherwise by the Senior Patrol Leader.  There are two classes of uniforms.  The Class A uniform is a Scout shirt with red epaulets, Scout pants, and a belt.  Scout uniforms and materials may be purchased from the local scout shop at 16525 Sherman Way Ave., Van Nuys.  Patches for the uniform are provided to the Scout upon entry to the Troop.  A uniform inspection sheet is available that shows the insignia and where to place them.  There is also a custom-made neckerchief unique to our Troop, which is part of a Scout's dress uniform.  This neckerchief is awarded to our members when they earn Tenderfoot rank.  The Class B  uniform is for field use.  It consists of a special Troop 307 t-shirt, which can be purchased from the Troop. 

Fundraising Activities:  Each year we have several fundraising activities.  These allow us to provide a better program.  Many scouts, through these fundraisers, earn enough money to pay for all of their yearly camping trips.  Two examples of these events are our Popcorn Sales and Pata Paradise Dinner. 

     Here at Troop 307, we all share a common goal for our scouts:  the wholesome growth and the building of character, with the guidance of decent role models.  We are extremely proud of our Scouts, our Scout Troop, and the entire Boy Scout Organization.