About Us

WELCOME TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF SCOUTING!

Pack and Troop 30 have a rich history of Scouting excellence in the Little Rock area. Troop 30 has had over 100 Eagle Scouts through the years.  The Scouting groups of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, continue a long tradition of quality programming. The adult leadership is committed to providing a quality program for all youth in line with the concept of the “youth-led troop”, established by Lord Robert Baden- Powell, the founder of Scouting.

Baden Powell called Scouting “a game with a purpose”, and saw the way that Scouts could be taught valuable lessons of leadership, living, and character development by using the outdoors as a classroom.

Many distractions compete for the attention of our youth, and many of those distractions are harmful to their development. The Scouting program provides wholesome activities and challenges to help them grow “physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight”, in accordance with the Scout Oath.

The Pack and Troop also engage in regular service activities to engage with the community and to teach the importance “help(ing) other people at all times”. 

Mission Statement of Adult Scouters at St. Paul UMC

As adult Scouters at St. Paul United Methodist Church, it is our mission (1) to provide leadership and guidance for Scouts who look to us as role models in a complex and confusing world, (2) to use our best efforts to create opportunities for teaching and practicing the ideals of the Scout Law and Oath, including our duty to God, (3) to provide opportunities for every Scout participating in the Scouting program at St. Paul to advance from Lion Cub to Eagle Scout if they are diligent and committed to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, (4) to create a nurturing environment for Scouts consistent with the Christian principles of the United Methodist Church, although mindful and respectful of the individual faith of each Scout and their family, and (5) to fulfill the Oath in our own lives.

Long Term Goals of Pack 30/Troop 30

1. Personal Growth. Provide opportunities for personal growth, development, and maturity for youth in the St. Paul UMC neighborhood through the Scouting program.

2. Advancement. Provide opportunities for every Scout participating in the Scouting program at St. Paul to advance over their years in Scouting from Lion Cub to Eagle Scout if they are diligent and committed to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.

3. Outdoor Experiences. Provide opportunities for outdoor experiences for all Scouts through hiking and camping and for high adventure experiences for older Scouts, which may include trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, National Jamboree, and other out of state destinations.

4. Spiritual Development. Provide a nurturing spiritual environment and opportunities for spiritual development through participation in the religious awards program for each Scout’s faith and educational level

(i.e., God & Me, God & Family, God & Church and God & Life).

Adopted August, 1997 

Troop 30 Advancement Policy

It is the policy of Troop 30/St. Paul United Methodist Church to utilize the advancement program of Scouting America as one of the eight Methods of Scouting:

• 1. The ideals

  2. The patrol method

  3. The outdoors

  4. Advancement

  5. Association with adults

  6. Personal growth

  7. Leadership development

  8. The uniform

The Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee believe that it is important to allow the Scouts to mature along the way on their trail to Eagle Scout. As adult Scouters, it is our responsibility and our personal commitment to provide opportunities for all Scouts to advance as quickly as possible if they are diligent and work hard. 

However, in addition to satisfying the requirements stated in the current edition of the Handbook and the current requirements book, it is the policy of this Troop that all Scouts be at least 13 years old to receive the rank of Life Scout and at least 14 years old to be eligible for the rank of Eagle Scout. While we want our boys to advance and grow in accordance with their natural abilities, we recognize the need for maturity, the demonstration of leadership skills and a long-term commitment to the principles of Scouting by all Scouts desiring to achieve the highest ranks of Scouting.

Training and Youth Protection

The Troop always seeks to observe the requirement of “Two Deep Leadership” so that two trained adult leaders are present for all Scout meetings and activities. Many of our Scoutmasters have completed the Scouting America Wood Badge Training and several of our adult leaders are involved in training other adult leaders within the Natural State Council. If you are interested in becoming a trained adult leader, please let us know!

Troop 30 Diversity Guide

Scouting America’s Diversity Philosophy

It is the philosophy of Scouting to welcome all eligible youth, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or orientation, who are willing to accept Scouting’s values and meet any other requirements of membership.

Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of Scouting America.

Scouting America's Diversity Statement

Scouting America promotes a culture where each youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging and builds communities where every person feels respected and valued. Leading by example and encouraging each other to live by the values expressed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, we welcome families of all backgrounds to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s increasingly diverse communities.

Troop 30’s Commitment to Diversity

Troop 30 fosters a youth-led environment where a diverse group of Scouts learn and grow individually and as a team, guided by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Troop leaders, Scouters, and committee members are united in upholding these core tenets of Scouting, which serve as the foundation for everything we do. We believe that diversity enriches our character and strengthens our shared commitment to service, integrity, community, and personal growth.

Troop 30’s Inclusion Policy

Troop 30 is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for all Scouts, Scouters, and families. Our goal is to ensure every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow through Scouting.

1. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Troop 30 embraces diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, national origin, ability, and family structure. We believe that a diverse troop strengthens character, broadens perspectives, and builds unity through shared values and mutual respect.

2. Equal Access to Participation
All eligible youth and adult volunteers are welcome to participate fully in Troop 30 activities, leadership opportunities, and advancement programs. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation and provide reasonable accommodations when needed.

3. Respectful Environment
Discrimination, bullying, harassment, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated. All Scouts and leaders are expected to treat one another with dignity and uphold the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in every interaction.

4. Leadership Responsibility
Troop leadership, including youth leaders, Scouters, and committee members, are expected to model inclusive behavior and ensure that all members feel safe, respected, and heard. Training and guidance will be provided to reinforce inclusive practices.

5. Reporting and Accountability
Concerns related to inclusion or behavior inconsistent with this policy should be reported to the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chair. All reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and confidentially.

Interpreting the Scout Law through a lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Scout is...

1. Trustworthy

A Scout builds trust by listening with empathy and standing up for what’s right — including the fair and inclusive treatment of others. They are reliable allies to people of all backgrounds.

2. Loyal

Loyalty means supporting not just friends and family, but also communities and individuals who may be marginalized or underrepresented. A Scout is loyal to the principles of equity and justice.

3. Helpful

A Scout actively helps others, especially those whose voices may not be heard. They create inclusive environments by offering help without judgment and by seeking out those who might be left out.

4. Friendly

Friendliness goes beyond politeness. A Scout reaches across lines of race, gender, ability, religion, and identity to build genuine, long-lasting friendships built on a foundation of mutual respect.

5. Courteous

Courtesy means respecting cultural differences, accessibility needs, and varied perspectives. A Scout acts with courtesy toward all people.

6. Kind

Kindness is shown by uplifting others, defending against bullying or exclusion, and taking time to understand diverse experiences. A Scout shows compassion and care for everyone.

7. Obedient

While obedience means following rules, it also involves recognizing when systems or traditions are unfair. A Scout can obey authority while also advocating for necessary change in inclusive and respectful ways.

8. Cheerful

A cheerful Scout contributes to a welcoming environment where all feel safe and valued. Optimism can be a powerful tool for inclusion — it encourages others to join and belong.

9. Thrifty

Thriftiness includes using resources wisely and ensuring opportunities (like Scouting itself) are accessible and equitable for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.

10. Brave

It takes courage to stand up to bias, challenge stereotypes, and address injustice. A Scout uses bravery not just for personal challenges, but to protect the dignity of others.

11. Clean

Cleanliness is about living a clean life — free from hateful speech, discriminatory actions, or harmful assumptions. A Scout keeps their heart and mind open to learning and unlearning.

12. Reverent

A reverent Scout respects diverse beliefs and traditions, whether religious or not. They honor others' ways of life, recognizing that spiritual and cultural inclusion enriches the Scouting experience.

Final Thought:

By interpreting the Scout Law through this lens, we see that diversity and inclusion aren’t separate from Scouting — they are central to its purpose. The values of Scouting call for action: to welcome others, to challenge injustice, and to build a better, more united world.