The About Us / Welcome Troop 629 section of our website contains a lot of information in how Troop 629 operates and what the expectations are. Below are all of the sections for ease of navigation, scroll down to read the current section.

Financial Assistance

Troop 629 policy has always been and is still the same – no scout should miss participating in any activity due to a temporary shortfall in their family’s ability to afford the activity. We have been blessed to have sufficient funds to offer every scout the ability to quickly earn their way through a service project of their choosing. Coordinate with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair to start this process but do not hold back asking if the need exists. In addition, the high adventure bases and camps have scholarship applications for various events.

Troop 629 will setup a High Adventure (HA) Account for each scout once he starts to earn money through Scholarship (Service Hours), Leadership Programs, or Troop Fundraising. The scouts HA Account will be “credited” to use for future activities (see each section below for credited amounts and which activities the credits can be used for). Per BSA policy, the “credited” amounts cannot be used to purchase items for the scout (tent, Nalgene, clothing, camping gear, etc.) nor can it be reimbursed to the scout in terms of actual dollars. When a scout is no longer registered with the Troop any remaining “credits” will be moved back to the general scholarship fund to be used for other scouts. “Credits” can be moved to another family member, but not to other scouts. These “credits” include any reimbursement by a family to an HA Account (via the Troop 629 Expense Report). Once in an HA account, it cannot be reimbursed via check/cash.

Troop 629 – Scholarship (Service Hours)
The Troop will offer assistance to those who are in need. There is an exchange for service hours by the scout and funds credited to the scouts HA Account which is calculated at $10/service hour. There is a cap of $500/year whereas the scouting year is from 9/1 – 8/31. The service hours must be for a non-profit organization and be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster. Once approved and executed, the scout must obtain a letter or email from the organization acknowledging their volunteer hours. The scout should have the Scoutmaster sign this letter/email and the scout should then pass it onto the Treasurer for crediting their HA account.

Troop 629-led service activities do not count toward Scholarship (Service Hours) but can be counted toward rank requirements. Examples of Troop 629-led service activities include Scout Sunday, Scouting for Food, Eagle Scout projects, and Patrol Service projects.

Scholarship (Service Hours) “credit” can be used for any activity in the Troop, including annual dues, day trips, weekend outings, High Adventure trips, etc.

Troop 629 – Leadership Programs
There are two leadership programs where 100% of the program cost paid by the scout will be credited to the scout’s HA account. Once he completes the program 50% will be credited, and once he has completed 6 months of a position of responsibility (i.e. leadership position) in the Troop after returning from the program the remaining 50% will be credited. The two programs are noted below:

  1. National Youth Leadership Training Program (NYLT). NYLT brings new skills and greater enthusiasm to youth leaders. This week-long course features instruction in skills that can be used at home, at school, on the job, and, in particular, at the Scout unit level. Through activities, events, games, and adventures, NYLT participants will work hard and play hard together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer. The NYLT program is available to scouts who are 13 years or older and are First Class rank or above. http://aacnylt.org/Main/index.php
     
  2. National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). NAYLE emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and selfless service, using the core elements of NYLT to help youth strengthen these skills. It is offered at all four national High Adventure bases. The Scoutmaster will recommend youth for this program. https://www.scouting.org/programs/boy-scouts/resources/nayle/ 

For both programs above, the scout family must submit receipt showing payment in order for the Troop to credit the scout’s HA account. Only program costs are credited, items that might be required such as transportation (including airfare), gear, etc. are not included. As of 2022, NYLT program cost is $245 and NAYLE program cost is $425.

Leadership Programs “credit” can only be used for High Adventure trips such as Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, Summit Betchel Reserve, as well as week-long trips like Summer Camp.

Troop 629 – Fundraising
Two annual Troop/Council fundraising opportunities is popcorn sales and camp cards. The Troop also holds a tree recycling event in late-December/early-January each year. In addition, the Troop will occasionally hold fundraisers such as a carwash, garage sale, electronics recycling, flower sales, etc. The amount scouts can earn in these events differ year-to-year, so the specifics of how much will be credited to the scout’s HA account will be announced at the time of each event.

Troop Fundraising “credit” can only be used for High Adventure trips such as Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, Summit Betchel Reserve, as well as week-long trips like Summer Camp.

Council Campership – Atlanta Area Council: Assistance for Summer Camp
A limited number of camperships are available each year for youth members registered in the Atlanta Area Council. Camperships may be requested for those youth that desire to attend camp but cannot afford to go. Camperships are available for up to ½ the camp fee. Campership Application Forms, may be duplicated. No Campership Application will be accepted after May 1st. For more information go to http://www.atlantabsa.org and search for ‘campership’.

High Adventure – Assistance for High Adventure Trips
Campership funds have been established for each of BSA’s National High Adventure programs, including Philmont, Northern Tier, and Sea Base. Eligibility, amount, and how to apply differs for each program. Please see the SM or the Troop’s lead advisor for a particular HA for additional detail.