Boy Scout Troop 289 is a member of the Cogioba District of the Middle Tennessee Council Headquartered in Nashville, Tn.
Troop 289's Goals and Objectives:
Our primary goal is to exemplify the Scouting ideal of a “boy-led troop.” * A central principle of Boy Scouting is that a well-run troop is run for and by the young men who belong to it. The adult leaders assist the Scouts with activities, troop organization and advancement—but the Scouts themselves make these things happen.
Troop 289’s objectives are:
To provide a wide range of opportunities for the Scouts to develop Scoutcraft skills, to enjoy outdoor activities and respect nature, and to challenge themselves physically and develop self-confidence; * to foster camaraderie and help Scouts understand the dynamics and value of teamwork; and * to provide opportunities for Scouts to plan, organize and run their own activities, to test and develop their leadership skills, and to take responsibility for their individual and group efforts.
Meetings and Outings:
Troop 289 meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Wedenday evenings, at Sykes Funeral Home. We do not meet on public or school holidays.
Our meetings typically consist of opening and closing ceremonies, patrol corners, work toward rank and merit badge advancements, and planning for upcoming outings. The specific agenda varies from week to week, and is planned by the boy leaders with adult guidance.
Ranks and Requirements:
After joining the troop as a Scout, you’ll earn six ranks on your path to Eagle Scout. You can work on the first three—Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Scout—at the same time, and most of the Scouts in Troop 289 become First Class Scouts within 12-18 months of joining the troop. You’ll find that you can complete all of the requirements by attending troop meetings regularly, participating in the troop’s monthly outings, and joining us for our weeklong summer camp sessions.
As you earn each of these ranks, you’ll find yourself developing terrific outdoor skills, self-reliance, physical fitness and community service.
The next three ranks — Star, Life, and Eagle Scout — will sharpen the skills you’ve learned and help you develop new skills in different leadership positions within the troop. You’ll earn merit badges in a variety of areas, pass on your Scoutcraft knowledge to younger Scouts, and organize and carry out service projects and adventure activities.
The Scout Uniform:
Boy Scouts and Scout leaders should proudly wear their Scout uniform for all Troop meetings, travel while on a troop outing, fundraising and community service events, and Courts of Honor. Our Troop adopted solid black neckerchief and standard green BSA ballcap as part of our official uniform. At a minimum, at Troop meetings, the boys should have their Scout shirt neatly tucked in while also wearing acceptable pants and shoes. Merit badge sashes and OA (Order of the Arrow) sashes are typically worn only on more formal occasions (such as Courts of Honors). Specific advice on the proper wearing of Scout uniforms, placement of patches and insignias on the Scout shirt can be obtained from The Boy Scout Handbook and the Troop 289 Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster. Sometimes you will hear the terms “Class A” and “Class B” uniform. These are actually not official BSA uniform designations, but most Scouts and adult leaders understand these military terms to mean the “official uniform” and the “activity uniform.” The “Class B,” or activity uniform consists of the wearing of the Scout T-shirt provided to all Scouts. It is often worn during outdoor events and the summer months of Troop meetings.