|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scouting is unlike anything your son has ever experienced before.
Unlike school, organized sports, or perhaps even in the home
setting, in a Boy Scout troop the youth are the ones who are in
charge. THEIR desires become our agenda. THEIR ideas for adventure,
fun, and excitement are what the adults guide them to bring into
reality. In Scouting, THEY speak and the adults listen.
By practicing representative democracy, they pick their own
leaders who form the "Patrol Leader Council" that creates the yearly
agenda. Scouts work together on every issue, from what to eat at camp,
deciding who will wash dishes and shop for food, they learn and PUT INTO
PRACTICE communication, public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution,
and leadership.
By taking advantage of any of the 130 possible merit badges,
they gain exposure to areas of interest ranging from Rifle Shooting to
Chemistry, from Small Boat Sailing to Aviation, and from Reading to
Nuclear Science. Statistically, the Merit Badge program often leads to
life-long hobbies and even career choices. At a minimum, Merit Badges
help a young man try things he may never have had a chance to do if not
for the Scouting experience, such as rifle shooting, archery, sailing,
or camping.
While boys are busy "being Scouts" and having fun, they
start to embody the virtues of Scouting defined in the Scout Oath and
Law.
What is Scouting? It's "fun with a purpose".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Boy Scout Of America
Program is a 101 year old, professionally crafted, program of education
and character development. By using the "Outdoor Method" (camping,
fishing, rock climbing, etc) boys work together to do "the things boys
like to do". In the process, they learn the value of teamwork, honesty,
communication, mutual respect, and more as they work towards their goal
and overcome any obstacles they encounter.
By employing the Methods of Scouting, we reinforce the
purpose of Scouting, which are reflected in our Oath and Law. The goal
is to see that they become permanent fixtures in the character of each
Boy Scout as we teach them to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly,
Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrift, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Most boys get to do things and go places they would have
never had the opportunity to do if not for being involved in Scouting.
Ever try shooting rifles, shot guns, and bow & arrows?
Ever try fishing?
Ever cook over an open fire?
Ever spend the night in a tent? or spend the night under the stars?
Ever camp when the high temperature was 10 degrees and snow was on the ground?
Ever used a knife, axe or saw to make a useful "tool"?
Ever start a fire by using only friction?
WE HAVE !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Boy Scout troop leads itself. Adults are present to guide and ensure
safety & compliance exists, but it is the YOUTH who make key
decisions. The primary role of the Scoutmaster is to teach the Senior
Patrol Leader how to run/lead his troop.
The Scouting program using The Patrol Method
means the Troop members ELECT their own leaders; individual Patrol
Leaders and a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) who takes on "ownership" and
hold the actual leadership position within the Troop. The SPL appoints
an assistant scout (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - ASPL) and various
other leadership positions, all of whom serve at the Scoutmaster's
discretion.
While serving as Senior Leaders, the SPL and ASPL cease to be members of their respective patrols and function as peers
with the adult leadership. The SPL and ASPL execute Program decisions,
lead the meetings, plan agendas, pick camping destinations, and LEAD BY
EXAMPLE when executing the agenda that the boys themselves created and
agreed to follow.
Patrol Leaders are responsible for the well being and actions of their
individual patrol and will REPRESENT their patrol in the Patrol Leaders
Council (PLC).
At the PLC meeting (chaired by the SPL and monitored by the Scoutmaster
or Assistant Scoutmaster), Patrol Leaders plan future trips and troop
meetings. Through a model of Representative Government, they
CHOOSE the trips and activities THEY want to do, and appoint other
scouts to serve as skill instructors, or lead games or other
activities. Adult leadership keeps them on track with suggestions and
advice, but the decisions are ultimately left to THE BOYS.
Once the future meetings/camping trips are planned, the SPL and
Scoutmaster present the PLC's plans to the Troop Committee for review.
The agenda is checked for issues such as necessary fund raising, unique
equipment/skills, camp ground reservations, and is given an over-all
inspection to confirm that trips are aligned with the purpose of
the Scouting Program. If the plans are approved, and the weekly
meetings are lead by the boys (as designed) unless the skill instruction
needed is currently beyond the skill set of the Scouts, or relates to
merit badge requirements, then adults will render assistance.
ADULTS are a RESOURCE for guidance and ensuring that things are done the "BSA way" for safety, youth development and general direction setting.
"Boy Leadership" really means the Troop is doing the things the BOYS
THEMSELVES want to do, and in doing so, will develop the leadership,
communication, problem resolution, and organizational skills that
underscore why Scouts excel in all other areas of their lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|