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Troop 403 is is proud to have St. Luke's Episcopal Church as its Charter Organization. Our unit is in the Texoma Valley District of Circle Ten Council . The newest boy Troop in Denison (2013).  

Scouting is open to all, regardless of race, creed or national origin. We welcome all interested boys between the age of 11 and 18 to consider joining our Troop, whether or not they have any prior experience in Scouts BSA or Cub Scouts. 

As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is based on the principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and use their potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Scouting doesn't emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of doing one's best.


When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow scouts to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want youth to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a scout learn the value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him. During weekly meetings scouts learn skills, citizenship, and leadership. Troop meetings are scout led, providing youth the opportunity to grow in their confidence leading others. 


For most of the year, regular meetings are on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm at either St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Denison, Texas (usually the Fellowship Hall) or at the Scout Hut north across from the church at 300 N. Fannin Avenue.  The Troop votes on whether to move the meetings in the fall due to conflicts with Troop member schedules (like football, band, or other activities).  Please look at the calendar to confirm time/location. 

Whether you're an experienced scout or new to scouting, our Troop welcomes boys who seek growth and adventure in a boy-led troop. We provide a supportive and empowering environment where boys can grow, learn, and have fun. Join us on this incredible journey as we discover the joys of scouting together.

To get started or learn more about the Troop, contact us today. If you're ready to join, find the "Join Now" link under the "Menu" button at the top of this page and follow the steps to apply.

We can't wait to welcome you to our troop and embark on unforgettable adventures together!

If you ask any scout what their favorite activity in scouting, they'll most likely say camping.  In general, they want to go outdoors to challenge ourselves, enjoy nature, and encounter the inevitable opportunities to grow as leaders.  Nature can and will throw curveballs to scouts, and they learn to face challenges through applying scout skills in real life situations.

Our favorite scouting stories involve overcoming challenges, learning from our experiences, and applying scout skills to help our scout friends.  Our scout storries have occured in many locations, including: 

• Kerr Scout Ranch, Slippery Falls (Tishomingo, Ok)
• Fort Washita (Tishomingo, Ok) 
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon, Tx) 
• Big Spring State Park (Big Spring, Tx) 
• Fort Davis Mountains State Park (Fort Davis, Tx) 
• Erwin Park (McKinney, Tx)
• Robbers Cave State Park (Wilburton, Ok) 
• Camp James Ray (Pottsboro, Tx)
• Camp Hale (Talihina, Ok)
• Cross-Timbers Trail (Gordonville, Tx)
• Blue River Wildlife Area (Tishomingo, Ok) 

Summer Camp and Winter Camp are traditions for Troop 403, as we have had a contingent of scouts attend every year (summer camp) and occassionally attend winter camp.  We have camped at the following locations over the last several years.  

• Camp Constatin (on Lake Possum Kingdom, Tx | 2018, 2024)
• Kia Kima Scout Reservation (Hardy , AR | 2023)
• Camp Trevor Rees-Jones (Athens, Tx | 2019, 2022, 2023 [winter], 2024 [winter])
• Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch (Davis Mountains near Ft. Davis, Tx | 2021)
• Camp Simpson (Milburn, Ok | 2018 [winter], 2020)
• Camp Sid Richardson (Breckenridge, Tx | 2017)

Summer camp is a great time for scouts to learn leadership skills, develop character, and to become more physically active.  Scouts enjoy learning new things through a variety of merit badge classes.  Some scouts try more adventurous tasks, including Cavalcade (5-day horesback riding) or advanced rock climbing to name a few.  Summer camp also provides a great opporutnity for scouts to get to know other scouts from across the country (and world), as usually there are 300-400 in attendance.

ANNUAL RIVER TRIP

Denison Troop 403 takes scouts and thier families to Tahlequah, Oklahoma in September. We camp on the bank of the Illinois River, and we kayak or raft 12-miles of the river on our second day. This trip is usually a highlight  of the year. (Photo Gallery:  2022 | 2023 | 2024)

PHILMONT 2024

A Crew of thirteen Denison Troop 403 scouts and scouters participated in Philmont in June 2024 (June 18-27).  More than half of the attendees were returning HoME, as they completed a Philmont trek in 2022.  We just wanted to go back to Philmont. More information about the trek is available on this website under "Menu" > "Home" > "Philmont 2024." 

PHILMONT 2022

Thirteen individuals accepted the challenge to enjoy all the high adventure that Philmont has to offer starting June 23, 2022 and lasting for the entire 12 day trek.  Nine scouts and four advisors from Denison Troop 403 and Pottsboro Troop 55 joined together to prepare for the trek over the course of a year, encompassing four shakedowns, several gear check-offs, multiple trainings (including 6 members participating in Wilderness First Aid training). A great deal of growth was observed during this time -- including growth that each individual knows deeply about as they experienced challenges on the trail.  We are glad for each step, and encourage others to take similar journeys of self discovery during their scouting journey. 

ROBBERS CAVE CLIMBING ADVENTURE

A small contingent of Troop 403 members attended a campout hosted by Indian Nations Council Venturing Crews at Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, Oklahoma.  Activities included a 40' rock-face rapel, 100' free rapel, climbing, cave exploration, and a dutch-oven contest. The Troop participated in 2022 and 2023.  

FUN ACTIVITIES 

The Troop also enjoys a variety of activities together, including outings to see the Dallas Mavericks, OU Sooners (Football), Texas Rangers, and Frisco RoughRiders.  We also do quick day trip activities, including a day on Lake Texoma, games in Forest Park, bowling at HeyDay, and swimming at Waterloo Pool. 

FLAG PROGRAM

Denison Troop 403 runs a flag program within the city of Denison as a way to show our patriotism while also providing an opportunity for the community to invest in scouting.  The Troop supports multiple routes across the city resulting in approximately 200 flags being placed during the following holidays: 

• Memorial Day 
• Flag Day
• Independence Day 
• Labor Day 
• Patriot Day
• Veterans Day 
• Presidents Day

We are proud to be able to recognize our flag and country during these days and are appreciative of the investment provided by each of you who participate in the flag program! These investments help our Troop with gear and provide many scouts with an opportunity to participate in camping with scouts.

If you have questions about our Troop Flag Lease Program, please contact us.  

SERVICE PROJECTS

Troop 403 participates in a variety of service projects ranging from collecting food for the St. Lukes Food Pantry to individual scouts volunteering at the Texoma Shelter. Scouts painted the VFW parking lot, constructed and installed bird houses in open fields, and provided service to the local theatre.

During the February 2021 winter storm, the Troop activated our emergency procedures to respond to calls from the City of Denison to help distribute water to homes. Collectively, our scouts distributed dozens of cases of water. We also secured donations of two generators, which were donated to a veteran family and to an organization that serves veterans. Our scouts have directed traffic for the Texoma Shelter fundraiser, and packed and distributed over 8000 pounds of food in partnership with the Grayson College Mobile Food Pantry.  Most recently, we partnered with the Sherman VFW to perform a flag retirement ceremony.  On several of these projects, we invited or participated with other Troops in our area.

Our scouts look for places to make a difference!

JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE 

For the fourth consecutive year, Denison Troop 403 has been recognized as a Journey to Excellence (JTE) Gold unit. This prestigious honor is earned by troops that excel in various areas of Scouting, including membership growth, leadership development, camping experiences, and community service.

To achieve the JTE Gold award, Troop 403 met rigorous standards in the following areas:

• Membership: Recruiting new Scouts and retaining existing members.
• Camping: Participating in weekend campouts and longer-term adventures like summer camp or Philmont.
• Community Service: Giving back to the community through service projects.
• Leadership: Developing strong leadership skills among both Scouts and adult leaders.
• Planning and Budgeting: Creating and following a comprehensive program plan and budget.
• Training: Ensuring that all members, including Scouts and leaders, receive necessary training.

Troop 403's JTE Gold achievement reflects our dedication to providing a meaningful and rewarding Scouting program for our members.

STEPS TO JOIN

Step 1:  Contact Us

Contact the New Member Coordinator (denisontroop403@gmail.com), then attend Troop meetings and/or Campouts.

Step 2:  Complete Application

Submit an Application for Scout Application (Youth).  If you'd prefer to complete a paper application, let us know and we will send that to you (email it to denisontroop403@gmail.com). We are a family run troop and like all families to be active and participate where they are able. 

Step 3:  Pay dues

$105 covers all Council registration fees for the entire year. Fee is $80 for existing scouters, and will not be required until your time for recharter.  (There are NO Dues for the Troop itself, which some other units charge).   

Step 4:  Submit Health Forms

All Scouts and Adult Leaders will need to fill out a health form.

Step 5:  Purchase Scout Uniform

Need: Scout Shirt (tan), Shoulder Loops (olive drab), Circle Ten Council patch, US flag, world scout emblem, scout pants and/or shorts (olive drab), scout belt (olive drab), scout socks (olive drab), and latest edition of the Scout Handbook.   Optional: Scout hat.
Note: Class B t-shirts will be available to scouts, scouters, and families to show Troop spirit. 

Step 6:  Volunteer as a parent.  

It is important to understand how events are planned and executed, and also show your scout an example of service to others. We have many defined roles and small committees you can help with right away. Leaders also get free in-person and online training.  Complete the Adult Application to make the experience great!