About Us

Learn about Troop 285 through this YouTube Video

Troop 285 was founded in 1965 along with the opening of St. Mark Catholic Church in Plano, TX and has been in continuous existence ever since.  During this period of time the troop has had Scout Masters who have given their time, talent, and personal interest in furthering the scouting ideals.

Where to find Troop 285:

• Troop Meetings: Monday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm (except Mondays following a campout)

• Troop Leader Council (TLC) Meeting: Monday following a campout from 7:00-9:00 pm.  This is only for the troop leaders (scout and adult), not a regular troop meeting

• Meeting Location: St Mark Catholic Church Community Center, 1100 W 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075 (Southwest Corner of 15th and Alma, 1st floor, corner room closest to Alma).  Across the street from Cane's.

About the Troop:

• Member of Chisholm Trail District in Circle 10 Council

• Average about 55 - 65 registered scouts with about 30 - 40 active and the remainder finishing higher rank requirements.

• We have 3 active mixed age patrols.  (NOTE: We have brought new Webelos into their own patrol before, as some troops do; however, the mixed age patrols have proven to work best in our troop for the success of the scouts)

• 20+ registered adult leaders and we do expect adults to be active in the troop for the success of all the scouts.

• Over 160 Eagle Scouts since our founding, which is a testimony to the program and the commitment of its leaders, young and old. Many more will graduate to Eagle within the next few years.

Our Campouts:

• Campouts: Once a month, typically on the 3rd weekend of the month.  Assemble at 6:00 Friday night for departure, returning by Noon on Sunday.  Refer to the Home page for a list of upcoming campouts.  See some pictures from our previous campouts in the Public Photo Album.

• Special Campouts:
• Winter Camp - Attend either the Circle 10 Council camp or we organize our own campout at Heritage Farmstead in Plano. When at Heritage Farmstead, our leaders volunteer their time as MB counselors to teach the scouts, then on the final night we have a family feast, including all family members.
• Summer Camp - We alternate between local (no more than 4-5 hours drive time) and non local (Camp Alexander, CO; Buffalo Trails, West Texas; Lewis and Clark, SD; and others)
• Family Camp - We have one campout during the early summer where families are encouraged to attend for fun and fellowship.

• High Adventure:
• Regularly send at least 1 crew, usually 2 crews to Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base, and Summit, rotating locations annually.
• Scouts have also been active in High Adventure at Summer Camps; therefore, we seek Summer Camps with a High Adventure Program.

Fees and Fundraising:

• Monthly Dues: $2 / month on Money Monday.  A nominal amount to teach the scouts about responsibility and paying their own way.
• Grub money on campout weekends of $15 (covers Friday night cracker barrel, 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday)
• Membership Dues are $140 annually (less than $12 per month) - Inclusive of the BSA 2020 recharter increase
• $107 / scout goes to rechartering
• Scouts are provided the Troop neckerchief, slide, epaulets, and a Troop 285 activity shirt upon joining
• The remainder of the funds help to provide a solid program, including:
• Patches and rewards for scouts
• Trained leaders (Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED, RSO, Rifle Instructor, Shotgun Instructor, Archery Instructor, Climbing Instructor)
• Providing all camping equipment (tents, stoves for each patrol, fully equiped chuck boxes, coolers and dry boxes, 2 dining flies, etc.)
• 2 travel trailers (1 for troop gear and 1 for personal gear / camp specific supplies) and a storage trailer
• Other supplies to provide scouts with a great experience.

• Fundraising
• We participate in Council Popcorn Sales, Council Camp Cards, and a Spring Landscape Flower Sale
• Scouts are asked to sell $200 in any combination of sales
• Scouts are provided a portion of sales over $200 to be placed into their scout account for use toward High Adventure Camps, Summer / Winter Camps, and Third Party Outfitter fees when used on a campout (Canoe rental, Zipline cost, Caving guides, Group Dynamix Lock-in, etc.)

We trust this has given you some key information about our awesome Troop and we would like to hear from you, so please Contact Us.