About Us

Troop meetings 

Troop meetings are Sunday nights from 7 pm to about 8:15 pm at VFW Post #9656, 4120 Piehl Rd, Temperance, MI 48182.

We love to CAMP!!!! 

You should note we really emphasize CAMPING or BAG NIGHTS (nights in a sleeping bag) and higher and higher adventure events.  This is what scouting is all about!  CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR!!!  We offer the Normal Scouting program and the Venture Patrol for older Scouts who are 14 and have achieved the rank of First Class.

What to expect on Troop 777 outings 

Basically, we like to promote the teaching of zero-impact camping, teach the boys how to camp, cook, take care of themselves, and have a lot of fun.  We do a lot of fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and canoeing, and sometimes we let the boys take bikes on these outings.

Advancement: Learn - Review - Test 

We try to focus on the Scouts working on rank and they should achieve first class within 12 to 16 months.  It is the boy’s responsibility to work on advancement and follow up in getting things signed and completed.  We will help them, but this is part of the growing up phase from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and being a young adult (I know it may seem like a challenge for some New Scouts, but they can do it with your/our help).  After they complete the requirements, then they ask the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster’s conference.  This is held with the Scoutmaster and one of the Assistant Scoutmasters to review that he has completed the requirements, living the Scout Law and Oath, and to discuss how he is doing in the Troop and Scouting.  In general, this is to make sure he is prepared for the Board of Review.  After he completes this, he then will go before the Board of Review made up of at least 3 committee members.  They will review the Scout’s activities and advancement since the last Board of Review.  Scouts must wear their Class A uniform for the Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.

Some things you should know about going on outings with Troop 777

• Outing Fee (Food, Camping, Gas cost) due at Sunday meeting before outing (please have an exact amount, cash or checks made out to Troop 777).
• Unless otherwise stated, we leave from Northwest Christian Church.
• Please eat before you come on all outings.
• If you are driving, please gas your car before we go.
• Please plan and pack ahead and be on time as sometimes we have a long way to drive and we want to get there as soon as we can. Remember your actions will effect others. BE PREPARED!

Some things you will need for campouts with Troop 777

• The Scout Handbook!!!  It is the most important thing to have!  It tells you how to be a Scout, go camping, cooking, etc.  All the things listed below are in this and more. 
• A good Knife, preferably a Swiss Army Knife (and please not a cheap imitation) or a good utility knife with locking blades, its uses are numerous (probably your most important tool of camping and survival in the outdoors). “Totin Chip” training is required.  A cheap knife is JUNK and dangerous!  We recommend Swiss, Gerber, Buck, Leatherman, and others.
• Thermo cups, utensils, and plates are not provided; you need to bring these and take care of them.  This helps us reduce trash and cost and practice Leave No Trace.  Scouts should also bring something to clean these with such as Clorox wipes or sanitizer solution.
• Sleeping Bag - 2 is best - one for cold weather and one for warm.
• Scout Uniform, Troop 777 red shirt (class B).
• Rain gear, matches/fire starter.  “Fireman Chit” training is required.
• Clothes for the season and weather.
• Canteen/water bottles.  Sun protection (hat, sun tan lotion, etc.).
• Compass, flashlight, personal wash kit.  Other personal effects (camera, watch, notebook, pencil, sunglasses, swimsuit, gloves, etc.).

Cooking on outings, sometimes we cook as a Troop/Patrol or sometimes on the Scout’s own and it goes like this….

• As a Troop:  All food, snacks, drink, etc. provided (except your cup, plate, and eating utensils as mentioned above).  Additional snacks are allowed if Scout wants to bring them.  But please do not load up on sugar.  Try trail mix, Jerky, string cheeses, crackers, etc.  Typical meals provided include Friday Cracker-barrel (snack), Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Cracker-barrel, and Sunday breakfast.  The boys make the menus and do the preparation with assistance from designated adults.
• As a patrol:  Each patrol will decide on menu and members will be assigned items to bring.  We have Troop Equipment we use for most of these outings, but sometimes we do not take the trailer (such as on a backpacking outing) and then the patrol members must bring additional items.  The Troop leaders and older Scouts will help teach the new Scouts what is necessary.  When in doubt, consult the Scout Handbook!
• Cook on your own:  Scout needs to bring all their own stuff for drinking, eating, and cooking. This should include eating utensils, a mess kit, food, drink, oils, snacks, etc.  A non-liquid stove (such as Sterno or propane) is acceptable or wood fire.

Scout's behavior and discipline 

We do not want to discipline, but sometimes it is required.  Please see the Troop Handbook for do’s and don’ts of being a good Scout and how discipline is handled.  For the current Troop Handbook please click on the Troop Handbook button.

In conclusion 

We hope this gives you a good start on what to expect for preparing and going on Troop 777 outings.  REMEMBER, WE LOVE TO CAMP!!!!  If there are ever any questions, please feel free to contact me or one of my Assistant Scoutmasters.  Hope to see you on one of our outings soon!

Yours in Scouting,
Troop 777