Scouting with Troop 8
Troop 8 Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old.
Troop 8 is a mentoring ministry of First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi, which chartered the troop in 1921. The Scouting program achieves objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities.
To help our new families get off to a good start, Troop 8 has developed a detailed Parent’s Guide to answer many of the “getting started” questions and concerns. This and other documents are available on our Resources page.
COMMUNICATION / QUESTIONS
Thank you for your interest in joining Troop 8. We would love to talk with you about this opportunity. Here are several of the many adult leaders involved with Troop 8:
- Bill Spence, Scoutmaster – pspence01@aol.com – (601) 594-0884
- Richard Rebich, Troop Committee Chairman – rebichr@bellsouth.net – (601) 832-3045
- Ken Booker – busybookers@bellsouth.net – (601) 940-7831
- Jackie Meck, jackie.meck@pt-llc.com – (601) 842-0909
MONDAY NIGHT MEETINGS
Starting in late August through early May, Troop 8 meets almost every Monday night (with exception to most holidays) from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the First Baptist Jackson’s Christian Life Center.
Typical meetings consist of guest speakers, patrol-led activities, merit badge classes and many other exciting activities.
CAMPOUTS
Outdoor adventure is one of the most important aspects of Scouting. Not only does it allow a Scout to experience nature at its best, but gives him the opportunity to learn outdoor skills and strengthen his imagination and interest.
Troop 8 follows the camping principles of “Leave No Trace Behind“
Between the months of September and April, Troop 8 has at least one weekend campout or outdoor activity per month. These campouts typically are planned around a central theme that may be geared toward a specific skill or merit badge.
Please check the Troop Calendar for specific dates.
SUMMER CAMPS
Troop 8 typically sends various groups of Scouts to the many summer camps across the nation that are owned or sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. These camps include:
- Camp Hood (Hazlehurst, MS)
- Camp Bob Hardin (North Carolina)
- Philmont (New Mexico)
- Sea Base (Florida Keys)
- Northern Tier Canoe Base (Minnesota/Canada)
- Camp Orr (Arkansas)
COURT OF HONOR CEREMONIES
The Court of Honor ceremony is a special time when ranks of advancement and other special awards are presented to Scouts and leaders. Troop 8 holds three Court of Honor ceremonies each Scout year. The dates are listed on the Troop Calendar.
ORDER OF THE ARROW
The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:
- To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
- To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
- To promote Scout camping
- To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others
Members of the Order of the Arrow from Troop 8 are part of the Sebooney Okasucca Lodge #260.
Sebooney Okasucca Lodge