BOY SCOUTS
A Program for boys ages 11-17
LET'S GO SCOUTING!
ORGANIZATION
| PROGRAM
ORGANIZATION
THE PATROL
As soon as a boy joins the Boy Scouts, he will become a member
of a patrol, which is a group of four to eight boys who enjoy
Scouting together. A Patrol Leader, elected by the patrol members,
will help plan the exciting things that the troop will do. The
patrol does everything together as a group.
THE TROOP
Each Scout troop is made up of numerous patrols of Scouts. The
troop members elect a Senior Patrol Leader who is an experienced
Scout that is in charge of the troop. He runs the meetings and
activities. The Scoutmaster is the adult directly responsible
for the troop.
ADVANCEMENT
The Scouting Program provides many opportunities to learn skills
and take part in terrific adventures. It also recognizes achievements
by awarding badges of rank. The first three are Tenderfoot, Second
Class, and First Class. These focus on the Scout learning the
basic Scout skills to prepare them to be a better camper, hiker
and Scout. The next three ranks are Star, Life and Eagle. These
focus on advanced skills learned from earning various merit badges
and troop leadership positions.
PROGRAM
THE TROOP MEETING
Troop meetings are held once a week at the troop meeting location
(ex. church basement, school gym, etc,). The meeting is run by
the Senior Patrol Leader and consists of five parts (although
each troop is run slightly different).
- PRE-OPENING - This is the part of the meeting that
occurs as the Scouts arrive. It could consist of a game, preparing
for the next trip, working on adancement, etc.
- OPENING - The official start of the meeting includes
a flag ceremony and patrol reports.
- SKILL SESSION - This consists of a demonstration or
guest speaker on various Scout related topics.
- INTER-PATROL ACTIVITY - This can be a troop game,
contest, or other activity.
- PATROL MEETING - At this point each patrol retreats
into their corner where they take attendance, collect dues and
discuss patrol business such as planning for the next trip or
activity.
- CLOSING - Final announcements are made and any badges
or awards earned are presented.
ACTIVITIES
- DAY TRIPS - Most troops go on a monthly trip on a
Saturday or Sunday to a museum, zoo, attraction, or other activity.
- CAMPING TRIPS - Most active troops camp year round
on a monthly basis. In warm weather they stay in tents and cook
over a campfire. In cool weather they may choose to stay in a
leanto (a 3-sided wooden shelter) and in winter cabin facilities
with heat and a kitchen are used.
- SUMMER CAMP - Each summer Scouts have the opportunity
to attend a week long Boy Scout Summer Camp. Activities there
include: swimming, boating, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking,
sports, rifle shooting, archery, handicraft, fishing, hiking,
nature study, and earning various badges.
- OTHER - Other trips a troop may choose to participate
in include: council wide camporees, canoe trips, special trips
to other cities, etc.
