REGINA: What did you find lacking in existing boys youth organizations that you felt the need for a new organization?
BRIAN: The two fundamental roots: 1) First and foremost, we are Catholic and the outdoors is simply the context we experience the growth in our faith 2) To help combat the culture of death and what society has to offer, men need to be around other man to help grow in their authentic masculinity, so the father/adult male guardian - son charism was created. We feel there are numerous opportunities and organizations where the foundation is rooted in dropping your child off to obtain formation, whether it be in sports, schooling, or outdoor activities. This organization fills a gap that we feel needed to be filled in that it offers a place for fathers and sons to be unified, and to experience growth ‘together’.
REGINA: What has been the reaction of the Catholic Committee on Scouting to the founding of the Troops of St. George?
BRIAN: Beyond some early brief correspondence the first year, dialogue has been non-existent at the national level.
REGINA: Have you encountered any issues from Diocesan or local parishes?
BRIAN: We have encountered two main difficulties to date. The first having to do with the national organization being approved by our local diocese as an apostolate of the Catholic Church, to which we can now call a difficulty of the past with receipt of this recognition as of May 2018. While it is not a requirement for approval at every diocese, should that be a need in a particular diocese, the heavy lifting has been completed by Bishop Michael Olson and the team at the Diocese of Fort Worth.
REGINA: Excellent!
BRIAN: The second difficulty centers around General Liability insurance at the troop level. While we provide Activity (Accident) insurance for each member, General Liability coverage has been a bit difficult to secure and at an affordable price. This is one the main items we are attempting to tackle with our current matching donation campaign running through June 30th. All donations are matched 100% up to $35,000 for a total of $70,000 as achieved.
REGINA: Do you have a training program for adult volunteers?
BRIAN: While we have a base level Starter Kit, as well as a Captain's Forum for sharing of "best practices", we do not have a formal training program in these early years. We do see to it that all leaders within a troop are trained and vetted with their local diocesan Child Safety program, or we provide that training in the event it is not easily accessible.