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Troop Operations
Who plans the meetings and activities?
The Patrol Leaders’ Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, all Patrol Leaders, and the Troop Guide(s). Our Troop happens to include ALL leadership positions for input and ease of communication.
How often does a Troop meet?
Scouts meet once each week at their Troop meeting. Beyond that, it depends on the Patrol and Troop. A Troop may hold a special activity, such as a service project or outdoor experience, in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings.
What is a Patrol?
A Scout Patrol is a small team of normally six to eight Scouts where Patrol members learn skills together, share responsibilities and take on leadership roles.
Who runs the Troop?
The Senior Patrol Leader who is elected by the Scouts. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are able to help, but it's the SPL who is responsible.
General Questions
What is the age range for joining Scouts BSA?
Youth can join a Scout Troop who have earned the Arrow of Light rank and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the 5th grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old.
What is the responsibility of a parent of a new Scout?
Scouts BSA Patrol and Troop meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. However, parental involvement is not forbidden. If a parent or guardian would like to be present during a Troop meeting, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance so that a way can be arranged for them to observe. There also might be some provisions for them to register for a position on the Troop Committee or as an Assistant Scoutmaster. There are always ways for your parent or guardian to be involved.
How do adults get involved?
All Troops are chartered to a local organization. The chartered organization serves as a sponsor of Scouting and is essentially the owner/operator of the Scouting unit. In this role, the head of the organization approves all adult volunteer leaders. All leaders are required to take our child safety course called “Youth Protection,” and specific training for their role in Scouting is available either online or in a classroom setting. To help the organization maintain a quality program, there is a person assigned to be a liaison between the unit and the chartered organization. In addition, every unit has a Committee (typically made up of Scouting parents) that oversees the proper operation and ensures a safe and fun program.
What supplies and equipment does a Scout need?
The single most important piece of equipment a Scout needs is the Scout Handbook. A local Scout shop is the best place to buy a handbook, and the staff there can guide you to get exactly what you need (See address and hours under Uniform!).
The uniform is also very important as it plays an essential role in creating a sense of belonging, and it’s where a Scout gets to display his awards and rank achievements. Check out the interactive uniform builder. Uniforms can be ordered online or in person at the local Scout shop.
Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. What equipment is needed, as well as whether it will be provided by the Troop, will vary. In our Troop, we will provide cooking and cleaning gear for campouts, as well as tents, but we do expect Scouts to bring most of their own gear (To find out more about what Scouts should have, under Scouting Resources, hit Helpful Links and PDFs and under Campout Checklists, you'll find all of the info you'll need. If you need help purchasing this equipment, our Troop is willing to help through Scout Scholarships.)
What is meant by Boy-Led?
The Scouts are the primary leaders of the Troop. They are responsible for planning and organizing Troop events. The adult leaders are there for guidance and to ensure activities are carried out in a safe manner.
How does a Scout get a leadership position?
Elections are held twice a year. We first vote on the Senior Patrol Leader. Scouts interested in running for Senior Patrol Leader will be in tandem with an Assistant and will give a short speech. Then the Troop votes. From there, those interested in getting all others that are not running for Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or Assistant Patrol Leader hand their applications to the SPL, ASPL, and/or Scoutmaster for those listed who gets what position.
How much does it cost to be a Scout?
The annual registration fee is $66. However, most units will require additional fees to cover the cost of certain activities and program supplies. The Scoutmaster can explain all the details about the unit’s annual fee and exactly what it includes.
Is Scouting safe?
Yes. Programs are designed to follow a strict set of rules and policies that can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Every registered adult in Scouting is required to complete a Youth Protection training course and a criminal background check.
Who should be contacted if help is needed?
A Scout’s Patrol Leader is the first resource if there are any questions. The Senior Patrol Leader is the next source of information, and then finally the Scoutmaster.
Are Scouts required to hold a leadership position?
Yes, some ranks require a Scout to actively serve in a leadership position for a required period of time.
Star Scout requirement - 4 months
Life Scout requirement - 6 months
Eagle Scout requirement - 6 months
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The Statements Of Scouting
Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Scout Moto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a good turn daily
Vision Statement
The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
The Aims And Methods Of Scouting
The Scouting program has specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are:
character development
leadership development
citizenship training
personal fitness
Leadership development is also one of Scoutings eight methods contributing to both good character and good citizenship.
The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.
Ideals
The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Scout measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as they reach for them, they have some control over what and who they become.
Patrols
The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
Outdoor Programs
Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.
Advancement
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Association with Adults
Scouts learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases, a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to the Scouts, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.
Personal Growth
As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Young people grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with their Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine their growth toward Scouting’s aims.
Leadership Development
The Scouting program encourages Scouts to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership and becoming a servant leader helps a Scout accept the leadership role of others and guides them towards participating in citizenship and character development.
Uniform
The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
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Abbreviations
Most Frequent
SM - Scoutmaster The individual in charge of running the day-to-day activities of the Troop.
ASM - Assistant Scoutmaster The individuals who assist the Scoutmaster in running various parts of the Troop. ASMs can have specific roles, such as activities coordinator, or just be generalists.
COH - Court Of Honor The public ceremony where Scouts are awarded any badge or rank advancement. It is open to extended family and friends.
BOR - Board Of Review The meeting between a Scout and 3 Committee Members in the Troop for the purpose of confirming the Scout's achievements towards a rank.
BSA - Boy Scouts Of America Now referred to as simply Scouting. BSA is the still-used acronym for the organization of Scouting as a whole.
Alphabetized List
ASM - Assistant Scoutmaster The individuals who assist the Scoutmaster in running various parts of the Troop. ASMs can have specific roles, such as activities coordinator, or just be generalists.
ASPL - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second-highest youth leadership position in the Troop, working closely with the Senior Patrol Leader to help the Troop move forward.
BSA - Boy Scouts Of America Now referred to as simply Scouting. BSA is the still-used acronym for the organization of Scouting as a whole.
BOR - Board Of Review The meeting between a Scout and 3 Committee Members in the Troop for the purpose of confirming the Scout's achievements towards a rank.
COH - Court Of Honor The public ceremony where Scouts are awarded any badge or rank advancement. It is open to extended family and friends.
COR - Chartered Organization Representative The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization.
OA - Order Of The Arrow For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well.
SM - Scoutmaster The individual in charge of running the day-to-day activities of the Troop.
SPL - Senior Patrol Leader The Boy Scouts of America has long recognized the Senior Patrol Leader as the highest youth leadership position in a Troop. They are the primary link between a Troop’s Scouts and its Adult Leaders.
YPT - Youth Protection Training All adult volunteers must pass a background check and undergo mandatory Youth Protection Training. The training teaches and tests all volunteers on the tenants of Scout safety to ensure a safe space for all youths in the program.
Scout Handshake, Sign, and Salute
Handshake
The Scout salute and handshake are ancient signs of bravery and respect. During the colonial period of the United States, many men carried weapons for protection.
Sometimes when they met one another, there was an uneasy moment as each man watched the other's right hand. If it went to his sword or his gun, there might be a fight. But, if it went to his hat, it was a salute of friendship and respect.
The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors (The Ashanti Empire was one of few African states that resisted European colonization.) whom Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, knew almost 100 years ago in West Africa. He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, "In our land, only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection."
The Ashantis knew of Baden-Powell's bravery because they had fought against him and with him, and they were proud to offer the left hand of bravery.
When you use the Scout salute and handshake, remember that they are signs of respect and courage.
Salute
The Scout salute shows respect. Use it to salute the flag of the United States of America. You may also salute a Scout leader or another Scout.
Give the Scout salute by forming the Scout sign with your right hand and then bringing that hand upward until your forefinger touches the brim of your hat or the arch of your right eyebrow. The palm of your hand should not show.
Our Scout salute and handshake are ancient signs of bravery and respect. During the colonial period of our country, many men carried weapons for protection. Sometimes when they met one another, there was an uneasy moment as each man watched the other's right hand. If it went to his sword or his gun, there might be a fight. but if it went to his hat, it was a salute of friendship and respect, same as the Handshake.
Sign
The Scout sign shows you are a Scout. Give it each time you recite the Scout Oath and Law. When a Scout or Scouter raises the Scout sign, all Scouts should make the sign, too, and come to silent attention.
To give the Scout sign, cover the nail of the little finger of your right hand with your right thumb, then raise your right arm, bent in a 90-degree angle, and hold the three middle fingers of your hand upward. Those fingers stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath (Duty to God, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self.) Your thumb and little finger touch to represent the bond that unites Scouts and Scouters throughout the world.
Definitely Joining? Contact Us!
To make contact easier, use the menu either above or on the right, and hit (mouse users, hover over) "New/Transfer Scouts", then under the menu options hit "Contact Us"!