Welcome To Troop 424

To the parents of our new scouts:

We would like to welcome you to our family of scouting. We have three leaders (Jim, Scott, Ken) with over 50 years of scouting experience. Most of us started out as scouts ourselves. We hope to give you as parents some idea of the work we do as a troop.

Our aims;
Build character -- we start with the pledge of allegiance to the flag
the scout oath (or promise), scout law, scout motto, scout slogan and outdoor code these guidelines are what we live by.
Foster citizenship -- by learning about our community, and world around us
Develop fitness -- at the very least we hope that each scout will learn how to swim. If your son stays in scouting he will be exposed to a variety of physical activities. We only ask that each scout do his best!

Remember our plan is to have fun!!

The highest rank a scout may obtain is that of Eagle Scout. Nationally less that 2% of all boy scouts ever earn this rank. This is a great achievement that a scout will carry the rest of his life. We will do all that is possible to help every scout reach his dreams. As a parent your help is needed to encourage and participate in your sons growth as a scout.

As you must realize, not all scouts will earn the eagle rank. The most important goals are still to build character, foster citizenship, and develop fitness.

A list of rules for the troop will also be passed out to each family. Please take time to read and understand each rule with your scout. We will deal with discipline in this order, the first offense will be a “talk” with the scout. 99% of the time this will be the end of a given problem. If the problem continues we will call the parents and scout to meet with the scoutmasters. If the problem persists the next step would be to have a parent present at all scouting functions and activities. If all this fails, as a last resort the scout may be asked to leave the troop. Our hope is that it will never go this far!

Your task as parents is to encourage and help your son. Please have your son to meetings and activities on time. This also applies to picking up your son at the end of meetings and activities. You may be asked to help drive to and from some of the scout events. Also we will be working on fund raising events during the year and will need the time and help of all parents.

Every year our troop will attend a week long camp, plus many weekend camp outs. We do not use canned food on camp outs. All food must be sliced, diced or chopped and cooked. Your scout will learn how to select and prepare meals using the food triangle. For the older scouts we will try to have a high adventure such as canoeing, backpacking etc... Each year. As we must follow BSA guidelines not all scouts can attend these events (age and merit badge requirements apply)

If any scout cannot attend summer camp due to financial reasons please let us know. This also applies to equipment and uniforms. We ask that our scouts pass down uniforms and equipment to the troop. No one should be denied scouting due to financial reasons!

Each month or so we will try to issue a newsletter or email. This will contain info about upcoming events, times, dates & places. As we let the scouts determine the activities they would like to attend, we ask that you make every effort to have your scout present. If anyone has activities or knows of events that would be of interest please let us know so we could put it in the schedule!

The troop will have several “PLC” (patrol leader council) meetings per year to help plan for up coming events and activities. This is a boy lead troop. Scouting can be a great experience for your son and your self. If you want to join as a scoutmaster or committee person and attend meetings/activities or campouts we welcome your help!
Also there are over 100 merit badges from american business to woodwork--we are always looking for people that have an interest in any one of these merit badges to help teach. This would be done with our troop only. The bottom line is the more help we have from all the parents-- the better the program your son will receive.
In closing, let the journey begin!

Yours in scouting,

Jim R.

And so it goes...

Welcome To Troop 424

Remember our plan is to have fun!!