Meeting Location
Oak Hills Church Student Center
19619 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78257
Every Monday · 7:00–8:30 PM
San Antonio, Texas · Chartered 1998
Oak Hills Church · Every Monday 7:00–8:30 PM
Are you in the 5th through 12th grade?
Join Troop 701Who We Are
Chartered in 1998, Troop 701 is a tight-knit community where parents and scouts genuinely know each other. Your son will not become just another number in the system.
With 28 registered scouts and 15 trained adult leaders, we’ve maintained an average of 15 to 18 scouts on our rolls for several years — and we see ~20 scouts at each Monday night meeting. That’s an extraordinary participation rate for scouts who are athletes, musicians, and involved in countless activities outside of Scouting.
Our goal for every first-year scout: First Class. Historically, scouts who attend summer camp and reach First Class go on to earn their Eagle.
Mr. Scott “Woody” Woodard
Rotary Club of San Antonio at The Dominion
Rep: Mr. Timothy Hawkins · Delegate: Mr. Heath Jackson
Mr. Jed Arnold
Scouts, do you want to be your best? Are you in the 5th through 12th grade? Parents, do you want the best for your son? Are you Troop 701 is a safe and fun environment where boys learn to become the men so desperately needed today — through adult leaders who teach, coach, and mentor.
Register OnlineOur Foundation
Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. Troop 701 achieves this through a boy-led, parent-supported program.
Building integrity, honesty, and moral courage through real-world experiences.
Teaching scouts to be active, responsible members of their community and nation.
Encouraging physical health and mental resilience through outdoor challenges.
Every scout gets the opportunity to lead — and learn how to lead effectively.
Monthly 2-night camps at state parks and private ranches across Texas.
Service projects and community involvement are at the heart of Scouting.
Growing as Scouts
Advancement is the process by which a boy scout grows in skills, character, and leadership. The primary goal is personal growth — not a race to the finish.
Learning → Testing (Review by First Class and above scounts and by Scoutmaster Conference) → Reviewing (Board of Review) → Recognition
During weekly meetings & camping scouts plan Rank Advancements where advanced ranked scouts guide (First Class and above), train and signoff requirements for new Scouts.Parents can monitor, motivate and support the scout.
Session with Mr. Woody. He gets to know the scout, sets goals, mentors, and builds confidence before each rank advance.
Conducted by 3 adult committee members. Not an exam — it ensures the scout completed requirements and is having a great experience in the troop.
Formal recognition every quarter. Eagle Scout honors are celebrated with a special Eagle Court of Honor planned by the family and Troop.
Track progress at advancements.scouting.org (Scoutbook)
Skills & Achievement
Scouts need at least 21 merit badges to earn Eagle Scout — 13 of which are required. There are more than 135 badges, and any Scout may earn any of them at any time. Troop 701 has in-house counselors for many Eagle-required badges and holds planned sessions during Monday night meetings.
The Alamo Area Council also holds Merit Badge Universities each year, and summer camp is an excellent opportunity to earn additional badges. Our committee team tracks the event dates and inform the parents and scouts.
Adult volunteering opportunity : Interested in becoming a Merit Badge Counselor? Visit Alamo Area Scouting
Becoming Leaders
Leadership positions are a component of advancement, so it is important that all youth have the opportunity to lead.
Visit scouting website for more postions : https://troopleader.scouting.org/general-troop-information/troop-structure/troop-positions/
The Great Outdoors
Camping is the heart of Scouting. Troop 701 plans 2-night camps every month, scheduled 6–12 months in advance. Scouts choose locations at Texas state parks and private ranches, plan their own menus, manage budgets, and do all the cooking themselves.
Everyone, including BSA, has their own list of camping "Essentials". This is only one resource/guide
This is the one item that will make the most difference in a comfortable campout. A few extra bucks will buy a bag that will last longer, and keep your son much warmer.
There are many high-tech synthetics and fills on the market (e.g. Hollofill 808, Hollofill II, Qualofill, Polarguard 3D, Polarguard HV, Polarguard FD). These insulate even when wet and are pretty rugged. Down-filled bags are better suited to experienced backpackers. They are more expensive and require more care. Most good outfitter stores will have brochures to contrast the different materials.
Read up first. http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0209/d-outs.html
Use the temperature rating as a guide not a guarantee. A 30 degree bag from one company may be warmer than a 20 degree bag from another. Check the type and weight of the fill. A 20 degree bag should suffice for most winter campout experiences in this area.
Fleece blankets or "poncho liners" are lightweight solutions for extra insulation in winter and are usually all that is needed in the spring and summer months.
Don't buy a "junior" size bag. If taken care of, a sleeping bag could last a long time.
Expect to pay $50 – $150.00
A good closed cell foam pad is a must ($10-15). It protects against moisture, heat loss and rough ground. Youth – with their lighter weight – don’t really need much more than this.
Self-inflating pads, such as Therm-A-Rest and Slumberjack, are very nice for larger adults, though they are much more expensive than foam ($30-80).
Don’t even bother to bring a generic air mattress.
The Troop provides tents and patrol tarps if needed.
Like sleeping bags, a large investment may get you a great quality product, but there are plenty of inexpensive options that keep you just as dry.
Unlike sleeping bags, you don't really need your own, although every Scout probably wants one.
Only plastic is waterproof. Every tent should be pitched over some plastic sheeting (3 – 6 mil) to keep water from seeping through the floor.
Look into Boys Life article on tents.http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0205/d-outs.html
BOWL or PLATE (Tupperware, plastic butter tub, large Sierra cup)
SPOON (metal sets are nice, LEXAN is lightweight and easily thrown away by mistake)
CUP (Sierra cup, thermal travel mug).
If the Scout has a metal bowl, it should have handles. Otherwise, his hot chili or stew will end up on the ground right after it burns his hand through the bowl.
Each Patrol has a Chuck Box with pots/pans for car camping. Individual pots from these sets may be chosen for backpacking based on what is going to be cooked.
Every Scout should carry a minimum of two quarts of water
A good one (1) quart water bottle, such as Nalgene, ($12) is practically indestructible and fits well in a backpack and fanny pack pockets
Inexpensive alternatives are 20 oz soda bottles & military surplus canteens. Bike bottles will leak! Camelbacks are best reserved for older scouts – some maintenance is involved.
Simple to make your own. A band-aid box makes a good container
Each Scout must make an individual kit for Second Class advancement and there is a First Aid merit badge requirement to make a family kit for the home.
Red Cross and other name brands are commercially available from $15 - $50
The Troop carries a "group" first aid kit for each campout.
Rain is inevitable. Rain suits are preferable, but a poncho and a pair of coated nylon wind pants are a good alternative. $20-30
The $1 emergency ponchos are handy for emergencies, but not as a primary.
Waterproof, “breathable” rain shells can be found for under $100.
Backpacks are not essential for car camping. Duffel bags or any tote bag can haul gear to/from the car just fine.
External Frame packs are preferred for the beginner. It offers the greatest amount of comfort and adjustability. Shop for a properly fitting frame and ensure that it has a padded hip belt.
Internal Frame packs are more suited for experienced packers.
If you are interested in backpacking, then do some research and talk to the local outfitters.
Boys grow fast during these years, so you may expect to buy a larger pack in 3 years when your son is ready for High Adventure treks.
Expect to pay $50 – 120+ .
Rain covers ($15-20) are important because packs are not 100% waterproof. A large plastic trash bag can be used temporarily. (PS. Everything inside should be in 1-2 gallon Ziploc bags).
Tennis shoes will not cut it. When Scouts go hiking they need sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
Name brands with "waterproof" labels can be found for about $100.
Wear them to school some to help break them in BEFORE the hikes.
Just as important is a couple pair of wool-blend or polypro socks.
A sturdy flashlight or headlamp is a must.
LED lights are very popular and the batteries last a long time. Send extra batteries in a Zip-Loc.
Cost $3 – 30+.
Select a compass with a rectangular, clear plastic base. These are easier to orient on a map. Silva, Suunto and Brunton are the leading brand names.
Expect to pay $7-15; plenty to pick from at BSA store or Academy.
During cold weather campouts, Scouts should NOT be wearing cotton clothes. When (not if) they get wet and cold, Scouts are miserable and they stop being interested in scouting and camping out. Please take some time to properly outfit your boy with at least two changes of synthetic or wool-blend clothing for fall and winter campouts.
Check COSTCO or SAMS every now and then for deals.
A properly “layered” scout will have on the following (from outside-in, top-down): fleece or nylon knit cap, polyester or down fill jacket, fleece vest, polyester pull-over or wool shirt, polypro long underwear top, nylon or wool pants, polypro long underwear bottoms, wool/polypro wicking socks, waterproof boots.
NO Cotton.NO COTTON. No COTTON
Sheath (hunting) knives are usually prohibited by troops and boys do not need them for camping.
Scouts may not carry or use a knife until they have earned their Totin' Chip.
Swiss Army type knives are the most popular. The only blades really needed are the main general-purpose blade and the smaller penknife blade. Other useful blades are scissors and saw.
Expect to pay $17 – 30
Please look into products as needed and other parents also a great resource to discuss the equipment before purchasing.
After every camp, scouts reflect together to build communication, learn from experience, and keep improving.
Successes and highlights worth celebrating
Challenges to learn and grow from
Future opportunities and ideas to explore
Read your son’s Scout Handbook on Essentials. He needs no less, no more.
Don't get pressured into spending several hundred dollars before your son goes on his first campout. There is plenty of equipment that can be borrowed from the troop, other adults or scouts to test out before you buy. If you have any questions, please ask the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters.
Weight is not a factor here. This is an opportunity to bring luxury camping items such as: folding tables, chairs, larger tents, cots, coolers, and cast iron skillets. Most of the Troops outings are car camping.
Everything must fit in or be tied to the pack. Hopefully, the overall pack weight is less than 1/5th (20%) of the Scouts body weight. No chuck boxes or ice chests. This calls for backpack-able stoves (if fires are not available), non-perishable foods, etc. Every patrol will have at least one backpacking trip a year.
Looking the Part
Tan Boy Scout shirt, Scout pants or shorts, Scout belt. Troop 701 provides the Troop 701 insignia patch, neckerchief, and slide. Required for travel, Courts of Honor, troop meetings, and formal events.
Purchase at: Scouting America Musselman Scout Shop
2226 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213
Troop or other Scout t-shirt or sweatshirt. Worn during camping trips, service projects, and activity events. Troop 701 T-shirts can be ordered during summer camps and Council-wide campouts.
Scout Shop Website: alamoareascouting.org/musselman-scout-shop & Scouting America scout shop
For Families
As a small troop, we depend on consistent participation from parents to sustain the level of advancement and cohesion our scouts are working to achieve. Troop 701 limits fundraising so parents can focus on what matters: coaching and developing scouts through meetings, campouts, and real experiences.
Pay dues, complete adult training (Safeguarding Youth, Extreme Weather Preparedness), and manage registration.
Monitor your scout’s advancement profile, RSVP for camping events, view the troop calendar, and communicate with other adults.
Get In Touch
Scouts, do you want to be your best? Are you in the 5th through 12th grade? Parents, do you want the best for your son? Troop 701 is a safe and fun environment where boys learn to become the men so desperately needed today — through adult leaders who teach, coach, and mentor.
Register Online