Introduction

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to help boys become honorable men. The aims of Boy Scouting are to: 1) build character, 2) foster citizenship, and 3) develop mental, moral, and physical fitness.

Troop 165 is an Honor Unit of the Boy Scouts of America. The Troop is committed to providing boys ages eleven to eighteen, challenges and fun-filled adventure within the aspects of the Boy Scouts program. Our Troop is located within the Tomahawk District of the Capitol Area Council. Our Scouts have competed with other troops at camporees, at Scout Expo, and at summer camps. They have canoed, hiked, backpacked, fished, and explored some of the most beautiful areas of the nation. They have camped in temperatures ranging from 19 to 113 degrees; in sun, wind, rain, hail, sleet, and snow; and at altitudes in excess of 12,000 feet. They have served others by doing everything from helping mom and dad at home to helping the community-at-large with such projects as Brushy Creek Elementary School improvements, Round Rock Area Serving Center canned food drives and improvements, maintaining Lake Georgetown Park, improving Camp Texlake Girl Scout Camp and clearly identifying area addresses on curb sides improving response time of emergency vehicles.

History

Troop 165 had its organizational meeting one night in March of 1983, at the Brushy Creek Elementary School. Thunderbird District Executive David Parkhill had all the ingredients for a Boy Scout troop: Boys, parents, a trained Scoutmaster, and a willing and eager sponsor.

Charter Member Scouts:

W. Tyler Brady

Matthew J. Braswell

Ray Foster

Trevor D. Peten

Michael K. Rouse

Ted A. Williford

Charter Member Adult Leaders:

Larry E. Walrath, Scouting Coordinator

Edward Williford III, Committee Chairman

William T. Brady, Assistant Scoutmaster

Troy G. Braswell, Committee Member

William A. Peten, Committee Member

G. D. ”Tim“ Atkinson, Scoutmaster

Traditions

Troop 165 has had several strong traditions, including the following:

Regularly Scheduled Camping: The Troop plans activities one year in advance, with between 12 and 14 camping activities per year.

Scout Cooking: The Scouts have always planned, purchased, and cooked their own meals. Other food traditions and rules are explained in the Food section.

No Lanterns: The light in our campsites has come from the stars, the moon, a campfire, or a small flashlight. One Coleman lantern is provided at summer camp only, so that Scouts may study at night.

Boy Run Troop: In accordance with Boy Scout guidelines, the Troop is managed by the boys and their elected leaders. Adults act as advisors and facilitators, not decision-makers. Boys learn by doing as well as by example, and learning leadership is no exception to the rule.

Trained Leadership: Leadership training has always been required of all boy and adult leaders. Many adult leaders have completed the Wood Badge training class.

Punctuality: The Troop makes every effort to return from camping trips on time. A typical camping trip schedule begins by meeting at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Fire Station and returning at noon on Sunday. Your Scout must assist in reaching this goal by packing up and cleaning up on schedule.

Uniforms: Troop members are proud to wear their uniforms. Uniforms are always worn when traveling, at campfire ceremonies, at meetings, and at Courts of Honor. The summer camp uniform is Scout shirt, shorts, socks, and hat (neckerchief is optional depending on the event). If a family cannot afford a uniform, the situation should be discussed with the Troop Committee Chairman.)