Troop 529 New Parents

Welcome to Troop 529

Scout Troop 529 of Shalimar, Florida, has enjoyed a strong partnership with Shalimar United Methodist Church (SUMC) for over 30 years. Chartered by the Methodist Men's Club of SUMC on August 22, 1966, and approved by the Gulf Coast Council, our mission is to develop men of solid moral character and informed, active citizens who are physically fit.

Troop 529 meets every Monday from 7 PM to 8:30 PM year-round at our Scout Hut located at 630 Camborne Ave NE, Fort Walton Beach. Additionally, we offer a camping or outdoor event every month for our Scouts and strive to provide at least one High-Adventure activity per year for the older Scouts.

Our regional council, the Gulf Coast Council, provides us with the Spanish Trail Scout Reserve in Defuniak Springs, FL, where we attend camp and special events.

Interested in our troop? Feel free to stop by any Monday Troop meeting, or contact us using the link below or by calling the Scoutmaster at the provided phone number.

Parent Information

What we want for your son is the same thing you want for him. Our aims for each boy remain consistent with those established when the BSA was founded over 100 years ago:

One of the best aspects of Scouting is that you can be involved right alongside your son! Family involvement is crucial to Scouting because family is important. The volunteers who run a Boy Scout troop can be mentors to your son, but they can't replace you. Scouting is a fun activity that combines enjoyment, the outdoors, and learning into one great adventure.

You might be wondering how Scouting achieves all that. We have specific methods that define Scouting, primarily by presenting your son with fun things to learn and do, and challenging him to do his best in everything he undertakes. Our methods include:

Ideals of Scouting

The ideals of Scouting are encapsulated in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These principles are the foundation of Scouting, outlining our goals for each boy who joins. Without the Scout Oath and Law, Scouting would be just another club.

Take a look at the words in the Scout Oath and Law, and you'll see the positive impact Scouting can have on your son:

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to

Do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.


Scout Motto

Be Prepared


Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily


Scout Law

A Scout is....

TRUSTWORTHY   A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL                 A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL             A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY            A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS       A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND                    A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT           A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL          A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY               A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE                A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN                 A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT          A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Patrol Method


The patrol is the basic unit of Scouting. When your son joins, he becomes a member of a patrol, a group of Scouts he will camp with, play with at meetings and activities, and work with on various tasks. His patrol will be like a second family, providing support, comfort, laughter, and companionship, even through muddy adventures.


Outdoors


The outdoors is where Scouting truly comes to life. While some activities take place indoors or in front of a computer, the most important experiences happen outside. Scouting wouldn't be as fun without outdoor adventures. Your son will spend a lot of time outdoors, learning to sleep in a tent in winter, swim, hike, camp, cook, track wildlife, and much more. The outdoors is where boys belong, exploring and learning in nature.


Advancement


Advancement is how Scouts learn and grow. Your son will acquire skills like camping and first aid while exploring hobbies and potential careers such as dentistry, electronics, journalism, fishing, coin collecting, and pet care. Each badge presents challenging requirements that encourage him to think, plan, and motivate himself. Unlike school, Scouting advancement is self-directed, fun, and builds confidence in his ability to achieve his goals.


Personal Growth


Personal growth is both a goal and a method of Scouting. Your son will discover his strengths and weaknesses, try new things in a supportive environment, and learn about himself. Over time, he will gain a deeper understanding of who he is, fostering significant personal development.


Adult Association


Adult association is vital for your son. Kids seek adult approval and rarely find it outside the home. Scouting allows your son to interact with adults, learn to work with them, and see positive adult behaviors to emulate. Scouting also offers you a chance to be involved, not just as a spectator but as a Scoutmaster, committee member, or merit badge counselor, contributing to the program's success.


Leadership Development


Leadership development is a standout feature of Scouting. Unlike other youth organizations, Scouting empowers youth to make decisions, develop the program, and lead. Adults act as guides and mentors, while Scouts take on real leadership roles, learning to make decisions, compromise, and lead their peers.


The Uniform


The Scout uniform is more than just clothing. It symbolizes a commitment to Scouting ideals and showcases achievements. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride, both in personal appearance and accomplishments. To the community, the uniform represents a positive image, reminding everyone that not all kids are bad and not all groups are violent.


Join Us!!


We hope you’ll seriously consider joining us in the Boy Scouts of America. If you are looking for a great Scout troop, please contact us.