Introduction

As parents of Cub Scouts, you will notice similarities and differences in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.  The primary difference between the two programs is that the boys themselves plan and conduct their own activities both on a troop, patrol and personal level.  The role of the Adult Scouters is to guide, mentor and support the Scouts.

Troops are run this way because this is a big part of the leadership lessons boys learn in the Scouting program.  So seeing a troop for a first time may seem "chaotic" but that is actually a sign of a good troop.  If you see a well run troop, especially if adults are doing alot of the talking, you don't have a boy-led troop and the boys are not getting that leadership experience.  The objective of the Boy Scouts of America and this Troop is to help youth develop skills for adult life, through a step-by-step program.  The methods used are the Boy Scouts ideals, the patrol system, outdoor programs, advancement, leadership development and the uniform.

Meetings

We open every troop meeting with the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code as a reaffirmation of the ideals of Scouting.  We close every meeting with a Scoutmaster's Minute and the Troop sing of Vespers.

Scouts are expect to wear the Field uniform (Class A) which consists of the Scout shirt (with the appropriate patches), Scout pants, Scout belt and Scout socks.  The Field uniform is to be worn to all meetings and while traveling to/from a Scout function.  During the summer months, the Activity uniform (Class B) iwhich consists of the Troop T-shirt, Scout pants, Scout belt and Scout socks and is worn to troop meetings.  For a Court of Honor, the Field Uniform is supplemented by the merit badge sash.

Patrols

New Scouts entering the Troop (typically in January, but can be at any time) are organized into Patrols of all new scouts and will remain in these patrols for six months.  These patrols will have no more than six members and will rotate patrol leader for one month.  New Scouts have older Scouts as Troop Guides and Advisors and an adult Scoutmaster for this six month period.

After the first six months, scouts are then moved to regular patrols.  Each Scout will be asked to list two or three scouts they want to be in a patrol with, Scouts will be then be put in a patrol of Scouts in the 5th, 6th, 7th and the fall semester of 8th grade.  Any older scout who is not of at least the First Class rank will remain in these patrols.