FAQ:

What type of Equipment Does a New Scout Need?

Scouting magazine has a terrific set of listings shown below.  CLICK HERE

What are the Aims and Methods of Scouting?
 

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, and 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 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.

What do Adults Do on Campouts

Our goal is for our Scouts to become independent and function as a team.  On campouts, adults guide our youth leaders and provide suggestions about actions needed.

​

How Does a Scout Advance in Rank

The requirements for each of the Scout ranks are described in the Official Boy Scout Handbook. The ranks that a Scout can achieve, in order from lowest to highest, are:

• Scout

• Tenderfoot

• Second Class

• First Class

• Star Scout

• Life Scout

• Eagle Scout

During the first year in Scouting, a youth is working on many basic Scout skills. He should work with his assistant Scoutmaster(s) and the other youth in his Patrol to work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class during Troop meetings, on Troop campouts and also we encourage Patrol outings. New Patrols will be assigned an older Scout or Troop Guide. The Troop Guide will assist with the rank advancement process. They may also get a Troop Instructor involved to demonstrate and teach the Scout skills.

There are special events held throughout the summer that focus on advancement for the first year Scout. This includes summer camp and day camps available through the Council

What is Order of the Arrow?

"The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service"

​

The Order of the Arrow recognizes Scout campers, boy and adult, who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. It exists to develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit, promote Scout camping and summer camp as part of a unit's program and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

​

Every Scout troop, Varsity team or Venture crew can nominate qualified boys into the Order of the Arrow. Unit elections are held once a year in early spring and election is by peers. To qualify for election, a boy must be a registered youth member of the BSA holding the rank of First class or higher; and, since becoming a member of a troop, team or crew, have experienced 15 days and nights of camping, including 6 consecutive days and nights, under the auspices of the BSA within two years prior to election. Boys who are elected will be notified in a "call out" ceremony and then invited to participate in a weekend Ordeal. There they complete their membership ties through service to the camp.

​

Official BSA Order of the Arrow Site

What is "2-Deep Leadership" and "Youth Protection" all About

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided. 

​

All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.

​

(Effective September 1, 2023) Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.  

Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.  

​

All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant.  Adult volunteers must register in the position(s) they are serving in. Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement. See FAQ for list of approved adult registration fee required positions.   Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.