Troop # 30

About Troop 30

Our Mission

The mission of Troop 30 is to prepare young people to make ethical choices throughout their lives by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Through our program, we guide Scouts in becoming responsible, caring citizens and leaders — not just in Scouting, but in life.

Scout Spirit

Scout spirit is the embodiment of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in everyday life. It is not simply about adhering to these principles while in uniform, but about living them consistently, regardless of the situation. The ideals of Scouting — honesty, kindness, loyalty, and service — become second nature when woven into daily actions. One of the most powerful expressions of Scout spirit is the commitment to "Do a Good Turn Daily," a simple yet profound act that reminds Scouts of their responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around them.

The Aims of Scouting

Everything Troop 30 does is in service of three goals:

  • Character Development — the personal qualities, values, and outlook of each Scout, shaped by experience and guided by the Scout Oath and Law
  • Citizenship — a love for country and community, with an understanding of responsibility to others and to the world
  • Personal Fitness — physical, mental, and emotional well-being developed through outdoor adventure, challenge, and reflection

How We Achieve Those Aims: The Eight Methods of Scouting

  • Scouting Ideals — The Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan guide every Scout's actions and character
  • The Patrol Method — Scouts work, camp, and lead in small mixed-age teams, building teamwork and responsibility from the ground up
  • The Outdoor Program — The core of Scouting takes place outdoors, where skills are lived rather than just learned
  • Advancement — Structured, self-paced milestones that build self-confidence through achievement
  • Personal Growth — Service to others and goal-setting develop compassion, resilience, and purpose
  • Adult Association — Adult leaders serve as mentors and role models of high character during a formative stage of life
  • Leadership Development — Every Scout is given opportunities to lead, plan, and take responsibility for others
  • The Scout Uniform — A symbol of commitment to the principles and community of Scouting

The Foundational Texts

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 Law
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.

Scout Motto: Be Prepared
Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily

Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to —
Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation-minded.

Troop Organization

Troop 30 is organized into three levels that work in harmony:

  • Patrols — The heart of the Troop. Scouts are organized into mixed-age patrols of 5–10 boys. New Arrow of Light (AOL) crossovers begin in a dedicated AOL patrol; our most experienced Scouts form a Senior Patrol. Each patrol elects a Patrol Leader who serves a six-month term and leads his patrol in planning activities, campouts, and service projects.
  • Junior Leaders — The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) presides over all Troop meetings and activities. The Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) — made up of Patrol Leaders and key staff positions (Troop Guide, Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain Aide, and others) — meets monthly to plan the Troop's program. The Scouts run the Troop.
  • Adult Leaders — The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters provide mentorship, safety, and guidance to the Junior Leaders without taking over the program. The Troop Committee supports logistics, administration, and finances.

Troop 30 is chartered by St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1500 Capitol of Texas Highway North (Loop 360), Austin, TX, which has a long history of supporting Scouting. We are a non-denominational troop and embrace Scouts of all faiths.

Our Annual Calendar

Troop 30 follows a school-year program with a consistent annual rhythm:

  • Monthly campouts — September through May, planned and led by the Scouts through the PLC
  • Lost Pines Scout Camp — June; a week of merit badge work and rank advancement at LCRA Lost Pines Scout Reservation
  • High Adventure trips — Annual trips for older Scouts to destinations such as Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier, and MOHAB Base Camp
  • Planning Conferences — Held in August and February, where the PLC sets the Troop's program direction for the next semester
  • Courts of Honor — Held roughly quarterly to recognize rank advancements, merit badges, and special awards

Members can view the full event calendar after logging in to this website.

Community Service

Service to others is a cornerstone of the Scouting program and a core value of Troop 30. Scouts contribute regular service hours toward rank advancement, participate in troop-organized projects, and lead Eagle Scout service projects that leave a lasting mark on the Austin community. Past partners have included Mobile Loaves and Fishes and numerous neighborhood organizations throughout Central Texas.

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