2
How to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop When visiting a Boy Scout troop there are some things that you will want to look for to help you tell the difference between a good troop and a great troop. All Scout programs work toward the three aims of Boy Scouting - citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. This happens by using specific ways (methods) designed to accomplish these aims. All together, your son will begin to live the values found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. These eight methods should be visible in a troop program and structure. Methods of Scouting 1. Ideals – Troops regularly use and demonstrate the Scout Oath, Law, motto (Be Prepared), and slogan (Do a Good turn Daily) in meetings, ceremonies, and personal behavior. 2. Patrols – Boys work in groups of 6-8 boys with an elected leader for the group. The patrol method is critical to learning and practicing teamwork and leadership skills. 3. Outdoors - Scouting takes place outdoors. A great troop goes outdoors often. 4. Advancement - Badges encourage learning and personal development. Great troops award them within a week of being earned and have three or more formal ceremonies which include families each year. (We call them “courts of honor.”) All Scouts who advanced since the last court of honor are recognized. 5. Adult Association – Your son gets to know role-model adults (other than mom and dad) as mentors. This will reinforce behaviors you are trying to teach. 6. Personal Growth – Scouting helps your son grow, physically, emotionally and spiritually. And the Scoutmaster will help move this process along with personal encouragement. 7. Leadership Development – Your son will be a leader in his troop – and not too long from now! Mentors will help him learn and practice new leadership skills. And he’ll get recognition for his service as a leader. 8. Uniform –This “outdoor gear” holds badges and shows off your son’s successes. It will encourage him to earn that next patch and earn the respect of his peers and leaders. The positive impact of the Scouting program lasts a lifetime. Your decision is an important one. Talk it over with your son!

How to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop - Chester … to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop.pdfHow to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop When visiting a Boy Scout troop there are some things

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: How to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop - Chester … to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop.pdfHow to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop When visiting a Boy Scout troop there are some things

How to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop When visiting a Boy Scout troop there are some things that you will want to look for to help you tell the difference between a good troop and a great troop. All Scout programs work toward the three aims of Boy Scouting - citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. This happens by using specific ways (methods) designed to accomplish these aims. All together, your son will begin to live the values found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. These eight methods should be visible in a troop program and structure.

Methods of Scouting

1. Ideals – Troops regularly use and demonstrate the Scout Oath, Law, motto (Be Prepared), and slogan (Do a Good turn Daily) in meetings, ceremonies, and personal behavior.

2. Patrols – Boys work in groups of 6-8 boys with an elected leader for the group. The patrol method is critical to learning and practicing teamwork and leadership skills.

3. Outdoors - Scouting takes place outdoors. A great troop goes outdoors often.

4. Advancement - Badges encourage learning and personal development. Great troops award them within a week of being earned and have three or more formal ceremonies which include families each year. (We call them “courts of honor.”) All Scouts who advanced since the last court of honor are recognized.

5. Adult Association – Your son gets to know role-model adults (other than mom and dad) as mentors. This will reinforce behaviors you are trying to teach.

6. Personal Growth – Scouting helps your son grow, physically, emotionally and spiritually. And the Scoutmaster will help move this process along with personal encouragement.

7. Leadership Development – Your son will be a leader in his troop – and not too long from now! Mentors will help him learn and practice new leadership skills. And he’ll get recognition for his service as a leader.

8. Uniform –This “outdoor gear” holds badges and shows off your son’s successes. It will encourage him to earn that next patch and earn the respect of his peers and leaders.

The positive impact of the Scouting program lasts a lifetime. Your decision is an important one. Talk it over with your son!

Page 2: How to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop - Chester … to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop.pdfHow to Choose a Great Boy Scout Troop When visiting a Boy Scout troop there are some things

Don’t just settle for a good Scout troop. With just a little

homework, you can offer your son a distinct advantage in life: a great Scout troop! Prepared. For Life.

Some clues to look for in great troops.

Troop meetings are run by boys. The troop is a real life opportunity for Scouts to. It isn’t easy, and meetings might be a little chaotic. New leaders often stumble, but a smooth polished program run by adults isn’t a great troop. Great troops have boy leaders plan the program with adult help. If the meeting is run or directed by adults, leadership training for boys in that troop isn’t great yet.

You see a team of Scout leaders and hear patrol names. Unless a boy belongs to a small group, he’ll be slow to get leadership opportunities. Look for boys who seem to “own” their patrol and you’ll see opportunity for your son.

Troop programs are planned by boy leadership. Ask who planned the calendar. Great troop calendars are planned by the boy leaders (“patrol leaders’ council”) coached by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Troop Committee.

Troop calendar dates are published. Were you given a copy?

Troop members are listed on a roster. Ask to see a copy. Look and see who you know and then call them. Ask them about the program, leaders and activities.

Monthly communication to parents and an active website are keys to great troops. Even a great calendar needs updating and you want to know about your son’s opportunities for service and leadership.

Dues, fees and fund raising are explained. You should know how the troop program is financed and what the money you are paying is used for. Find out what the campouts and activities cost. Great troops offer chances for Scouts to earn their own way through the program.

You were asked to join. Great troops aren’t shy about sharing Scouting. They have an enthusiasm that is contagious and you will feel welcomed. The troop wants your family to join.

Your son is excited. A troop is a personal choice. Even great troops don’t always feel right to every boy. There are “flavors” of Scouting. If your son doesn’t seem excited to join this troop, you owe him a visit to a few more troops. Luckily, you don’t live far from 5 or more different troops. We can help you get contact information if you email us at [email protected] .