FAQ - Section
Frequently Asked Questions Use this section to find out (quite a bit) about the BSA Program, and the degree to which Troop 602 embraces the way it "aught to be".
What is "Boy Scouting"?
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".
What do boys do as "Boy Scouts"?
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 AIMS of Scouting, which are reflected in our Oath and Law. The goal is to see that they become permanant 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 spend 5 days canoeing down the Missouri River? Ever try shooting rifles, shot guns, and bow & arrows? Ever try biking 50+ miles at a time along the Continental Divide? Ever try fishing? How about fly-fishing? Ever cook over an open fire? Ever spend the night in a tent? How about an "emergency shelter" you created in the woods? Ever see the stars from parts of Montana where there's no "light pollution"?... a sky so clear you can see the Milky Way? WE HAVE !
What is the ONE bit of advice for a Scout?
READ THE BOOK ! The Boy Scout Handbook does an EXCELLENT job explaining the BSA Program. It also provides valuable skill instruction and has the potential to IGNITE dreams of adventure, exploration, and fun for boys of all backgrounds and abilities.... all of which are POSSIBLE in this troop! "I'm bored" are the 2 words NO Scout has a right to say, as we are determined to help bring all their ideas into reality. Spend time with your son each night (especially if he is new to Scouting). Read the book with him. Quiz him on a skill, or "challenge" him to a knot tying contest. Ask him how he sees himself living up to the Scout Law. Don't let Scouting be "1 hour a week" each Tuesday night, but a regular and routine part of every day.
What do you mean by "Boy Led"?
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 peerswith the adult leadership. The SPL and ASP 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.
If Scouting is "boy led", why have adult leaders?
A Boy Scout troop is "boy run", and the functioning boss is one of the Boy Scouts who serves as the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). He's elected to that position by all the Scouts in the troop and typically serves for a 6 month term (he is allowed to run for re-election). However, just because a patch is sewn on your sleeve designating you as the "leader", it doesn't mean that you actually know HOW to lead. That's where the adults come in. The Scoutmaster's job is to teach the boys how to lead their own unit. That seems to be more of a "journey" than a "destination" because in 6 months, a new election is held. The next Scout to be elected as the SPL may have strong leadership skills, or may be be starting to develop them for the first time so getting to a "100% boy run" status is difficult. Sometimes we're able to be more "out of the way" than others, but our goal is to let the youth leaders "lead" and only step in when necessary, even if that means letting them make a few mistakes along the way.
I wasn't a Scout as a boy, can I be a Scout Leader
All are welcome to contribute as much as they would like as a uniformed leader, Committee Member, or a Merit Badge Councilor (MBC). As a Committee Member, you should be willing to attend the monthly Committee Meeting (4th or 5th Mon of each month, 6PM) and get involved in as much/little upcoming activities as you wish. As a Merit Badge Councilor, you choose to provide counseling from 1 to many of the available 130+ Merit Badges. YOU DO NOT need to be an "expert" to be a councilor, as the $4.59 handbooks will cover ALL that you need to know to learn/teach each particular badge. As a Merit Badge Councilor, your time is ONLY used "upon request" when a Scout decides he would like to work on a particular badge for which you've agreed to be a councilor. Merit Badges are earned OUTSIDE of the weekly meeting, so Scouts meet with you ON YOUR SCHEDULE of availability. NOTE.. all leaders MUST complete a BSA Adult Application, which requires you to provide your Social Security Number. A background check will be done by the Baltimore Area Council. WE (Troop) will NOT know of the particular details of anyone's record, but will simply be told "yes/no" regarding your eligibility. If you do not provide your SSN, you will not be accepted as a leader. This is National BSA policy, not an ad hoc policy of Troop 602.
What's so special about "Eagle Scout"?
Becoming an Eagle Scout is no small achievement. In fact, among adults who have gone on to become astronauts, doctors, politicians, or business leaders, most of them will say that earning their Eagle is clearly among the most important achievements in their lives. Back to the question... WHY? Look at it from this angle.... ADVANCEMENT is completely up to the individual Scout. If he has no desire or sense of committment to advance in rank, that is his choice. IT IS POSSIBLE for a boy to attend EVERY meeting and EVERY camping trip, and never make it through 1/2 of the available ranks if he isn't motivated enough to take the extra step of demonstrating skills or earning merit badges. Statistically speaking, only 2 out of 100 boys in Scouting will push themselves to become Eagle Scouts. The "Trail to Eagle" is one of persistance, dedication, well-rounded learning experiences by earning 21+ merit badges, strong attendance at meetings and camping trips, and hundreds of hours of community service.... all culminating with the planning and complete exectution of his "Eagle Project" before his 18th birthday. The "Eagle Project" is SO MUCH MORE than "giving something back to the community" (which it is, and let's not minimize the importance of community and charity). It is actually his "final exam" in Scouting. HE manages his Eagle Project. He will put to use all of the lessons he learned as a Boy Scout; communicating, organizing, recruiting, conceiving an idea, selling the idea, planning the work, assigning work details to those helping him, being the "accountant" that tracks the hours worked and the money spent, etc. In every conceiveable way, HE is the "project leader". THESE are the highly desirable skills and traits that makes "Eagle Scout" stand out on a job resume or college application, and the fact that such skills and moral foundations are learned/mastered before "society" recognizes him as an "adult"... simply amazing!
What is an "Eagle Project"?
An "Eagle Project" is project that is ORGANIZED and MANAGED by a Life Scout who is working towards the Eagle rank. There are guidelines for Eagle Projects that will be described below, but in its most simple definition, it is a community service project where the Eagle Candidate shows of his LEADERSHIP ABILITY. It is not for the candidate to "do" the work, but to provide the organization and leadership so the work can get done. Does an Eagle Project need a certain number of "minimum hours"? No. There is no set minimum for a project, although most average more than 100 hours of combined service. However, the length of work must be long enough that there is AMPLE OPPORTUNITY for a scout to show/demonstrate actual "leadership"? Does an Eagle Project have to be unique? Yes & No. An Eagle Project does NOT need to be "unique", but it should be unique FOR HIM. A scout who simply repeats a project he worked on with another scout is NOT "leading".... he's "repeating" some one else. Remember, PLANNING is a big part of the project/process. Does an Eagle Project require "building" something? No. An Eagle Project can be a SERVICE, but it cannot be "routine service"... such as raking leaves at his church, spreading mulch, or cutting the lawn. An example of a non-routine service may be the planning/organizing/executing of a clothing drive, blood drive, or canned food drive. By PERSONAL PREFERENCE, many scouts like "building" something that they can come back to years later and say "That was my project!". Does an Eagle Project require all the Scouts to work on it? No. There must be some involvement of the Troop (leaders) so that those who will be sitting on a candidate's Board of Review can say they saw leadership qualities, but that does not mean all the labor has to come from Scouts. If the Candidate wants to call upon friends, family, or contract labor, that's up to him as the "foreman" to hire the right people to get the job done. However, it is "healthy" when workers include the troop members as it gives all the Scouts a feeling of participation and the motivation for their own Eagle endeavors. Does an Eagle Project have to cost a certain amount of money? No. If money is needed, it is up to the Candidate to raise it through donations, fund raiser, or it can be self-funded. The stipulation is that there can be NO money left over. Any leftover money must be returned to those who donated it. Does an Eagle Project have to benefit Scouting? It CAN'T. Once again, the BSA shows its value to the surrounding community. Eagle Projects are done for organizations OUTSIDE of The Boy Scouts of America. Can an Eagle Project be done on Government property? Yes. Please note that the nature of "government" is slow and full of "approval processes". Doing any work on government land or for government agencies will require permits, approvals, etc....that can take quite some time. Scouts should ask these questions in the early stages of his project. Government land projects are NOT a good idea for a boy who is facing the "timeout" of his 18th birthday as government delays may cause him to MISS his Eagle opportunity. Can an Eagle Project be done after his 18th birthday? No. There is a 60 day time gap after a boy's 18th birthday to file his application for Eagle and have his Board of Review, but ALL WORK (Project, Leadership, Merit Badges, Rank) has to be done prior to his 18th birthday unless he has ALREADY been granted a waiver for medical/developmental purposes. He's a really good kid, A student, involved in sports, etc... Is there ANY way to get an extension on time? No. All work for the Eagle Rank must be completed before a boy's 18th birthday. No exceptions. Do adults help in the Eagle Project? Absolutely! Just because it's "his" project doesn't mean he's expected to be a structural engineer, electrician, or master carpenter. An Eagle Candidate may reach out and solicit assistance from the RIGHT RESOURCES in order to plan/execute his Project. Remember, his job is not to be the guy swinging the hammer or drawing the plans... but HIRING the right people. Is there a special way for Eagle Projects to be done? Yes. Please reference the BSA Eagle Project Workbook for a step-by-step guide (and approvals!) needed to complete an Eagle Project.
What is the purpose of a "patrol"?
A significant part of the Scouting experience is to get plenty of HANDS ON activity. From knot tying, to cooking on a fire and stove, to learning how to use a pocket knife or axe... Scouts "DO". In order to make sure everyone gets a chance to DO, boys are divided into smaller groups within the Troop so that everyone gets ample opportunity to participate. This is part of what the BSA calls, "The Patrol Method". Within a patrol-sized group, boys do not get "lost among the crowd" or feel as though their opinions (and votes) don't matter. Each plays a critical and important role in the Patrol's success. The definition of the "Patrol Method" from the National Council's website...
Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for the patrol's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All patrol members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the patrol and of each of its members.
Why don't your patrols have boys of mixed ages?
Many troops mix boys of different ages in their patrols.
Usually, the justification is "so older boys can teach the younger boys". If that model is working for them, great, but that RARELY works and puts them in the very small minority. Even in the Cub Scouting Program, the BSA recognizes thedevelopmental differences in boys of different ages and clarifies the NEED to keep young boys separate from older boys. That model continues in Boy Scouting and Venture Scouting.
Most units who use a "mixed age" model experience a lot of bullying and/or intimidation; usually manifesting itself in low-key intimidation; older boys making all the decisions and younger kids quietly following along or being "out voted" or "shouted down" on the decisions. By sheer size/age difference, younger/newer boys end up being intimidated and just "go with the flow", not really getting benefit of the "self-guided" model the BSA has laid out.
However, the overt mission of this Troop's leadership is to run this unit "by the book". The "book" we refer to is the National BSA Program, and it clearly states that "Patrols are made of boys of SIMILAR AGE, ABILITY, and INTERESTS."
It is also HIGHLY DESIRED that Patrols be "permanent groups" so that they can become close friends and EVOLVE (through trials and tribulations) into well functioning units (mastering the skills of communication, teamwork, respect, problem resolution, etc). Sometimes we have to do a "reshuffle" based on development or changing attendance, but these changes are only done WHEN NEEDED.
To further justify separating Scouts by ages, keep in mind that Patrols are strongly encouraged to do "patrol activities"(activities away from the rest of the Troop). This is literally impossible to do when a group of 16/17 year old Scouts want to go on a canoe trip or rock climbing and other members in their patrol are FORCED to be left behind because they are 11-13 years old and not skilled, mature, or strong enough to join in on the activity. Some activities also have age restrictions from the BSA, showing again, why a "mixed age" model goes against the Methods of Scouting.
And the model of age separation continues in Venturing...
The Venturing model (once again) REINFORCES the BSA's "group by age and ability" concept by grouping the older boys who seek (and are physically able) to do High Adventure Scouting from those incapable physically or intellectually.
There are MANY NUANCES interwoven into this 100 year old program, and none of them exist by accident. When Troops try to "modify" their Program and change/eliminate/ignore certain aspects of how a unit is supposed to operate, they [knowingly or not] deprive their Scouts of the FULL EXPERIENCE designed into being a Boy Scout.
What happens at camping trips?
Camping trips usually follow the following format. Scouts arrive at the LDS church in Class B Uniform on a Friday evening, typically at 4 PM so we can depart by 4:30 PM. Once all gear is packed and a final check for permission slips and medications is complete, we depart for our camping destination. Upon arrival, the first order of business is to choose camp sites and set up tents. Once all tents are up, kitchen/cook areas are set up and then all personal gear is stowed. Time permitting, the boys will have "Cracker Barrel" (snack) and the remainder of the night until 11 PM is "free time" for Scouts to unwind and burn off some energy. Saturday mornings begin with the designated cooks waking up 1/2 hour before reveille and starting to prepare breakfast. At reveille, the rest of the camp will rise. Patrols are encouraged to eat together. Each patrol will have their own dining area, or in the case of a shared pavilion, designated tables. Once KP is complete, there is a flag ceremony and then the Program portion of the day begins with a break for lunch around noon. Program (Scout-skill related activity, and/or the purpose of the camping trip) continues until 5 PM. After dinner, the flag is lowered ceremoniously and there is free time until the Council Fire (at dark). At the Council Fire, boys often perform skits, tell jokes, and enjoy Cracker Barrel. We generally sleep a little longer on Sunday. Again, cooks are called to prepare breakfast 1/2 hour before their patrols. Cold breakfasts are encouraged, due to the faster KP time. After KP, all scouts are to gather personal gear and then start packing kitchen/dining areas. The tents are the last to be packed, as it is usually necessary to wait until the tents and ground cloths have dried completely before stowing them. A tent put away wet will grow mildew and be ruined in a VERY short time. While waiting for tents to dry, the Troop is lead in a "Scouts' Own" prayer service by the Chaplain's Aid; a boy appointed by the SPL to lead religious events. Once all gear can be packed, camp is struck and we depart for home targeting a return to the LDS church by 10 AM.
How is the weekly/monthly agenda determined?
During the monthly Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meetings, each patrol leader participates in the discussion to plan upcoming camping trips and/or destinations. His choices should be a reflection of the suggestions, ideas, and desires of his fellow patrol members whom he was elected to represent. With the Scoutmaster's guidance, the PLC will debate among themselves which activity(s) are to be part of the Troop's upcoming agenda. Planning Guidelines for the PLC should follow the basic guideline: 1. MAKE IT FUN ! 2. MAKE IT EXCITING ! 3. Complete this phrase, "I joined Scouting so I could __________" (fill in the blank) 4. Gear each camping trip to relate to 1 or more Merit Badges and/or rank advancement needs 5. Once the monthly destination is planned, start planning the weekly meetings that prepare for each camping trip. NOTE: It is not required that the entire troop do the SAME activity at camp! We fully support the concept of "parallel program" where different groups of Scouts may be engaged in different activities. Examples would be a "bike hike" where the boys who don't know or don't prefer to bicycle can opt for hiking or another activity that can be done at the same camp facilities. The PLC is asked to plan no more than six months in advance. While a longer time horizon would help in planning trips and reserving camp sites, we feel it is important that newly-elected patrol leaders actually get to "lead" on 1 or more trips that they planned entirely. Patrol Leaders serve for terms of 6 months; hence the set time horizon. Once the monthly destinations/activities are chosen, the PLC then plans the 3 to 4 weekly troop meeting that lead up to each trip, incorporating in each the skill training necessary to make the trip successful. Planning should be very detailed including who will be the skill instructors and how much time of each meeting will be for each part of the nightly agenda. Troop meetings are for "learning", the camping trip is for "doing". This format ensures that EVERY Scout has exposure and OPPORTUNITY to work on Merit Badge requirements. However, the monthly agenda may not be sufficient for Scouts to complete the entire MB requirements and the responsibility is shifted to THEM to engage the Scoutmaster for a blue card and be connected with a Merit Badge Councilor so they can get credit for the work they've done and find out what they need to do to complete the badge on their own.
What is a "Patrol Outing"?
While there is a planned agenda for the Troop as a whole, individual Patrols are encouraged to participate in their own activities aside from the weekly meeting. For example, if a Patrol wants to hike or visit a zoo, they need not wait until the activity can be scheduled and incorporated into the Troop's annual or semi-annual plan. Patrol members may plan & execute trips on their own. In this age of Facebook and Twitter, nothing stops a patrol from having spontaneous plans or outings to add to their fun/excitement as Scouts. The only stipulations would be that any outing done as a "Scout unit" must comply with the Guideline To Safe Scouting, and we'd ask that Patrols NOT plan trips that are REPLACEMENTS for the scheduled Troop activities. Patrol Outings are a great way to build unity and teamwork in a patrol, and a great way to keep the program nimble and exciting.
What are some of the things THIS troop has done?
When it comes to what we do, we're proud to say that we're way past the "recruiting hype". This troop DOES... ... camp or have a "big idea" occur EVERY month ... hiked Yellowstone National Park ... 5-day canoe trip down the Missouri River ... horseback riding ... fishing and fly-fishing ... shoot rifles and shotguns ... archery ... swam the Green canyon, Ashton ID ... 5 to 50 mile bike hikes ... pioneering projects ... orienteering with map & compass ... hiking ... "Wilderness Survival" weekends sleeping in snow caves we built from scratch ... week-long Summer Camp each year ... study mammals, reptiles & amphibians, nature ... study soil & water conservation, oceanography ... fossil hunting (and we have the shark teeth to prove it) ... cooking over open fire And there is so much MORE. We do not limit the level of "adventure" the boys want to have. Scouting is a BOY LED program. THE BOYS decide what we do, and strong, trained, committed adults help them achieve their goals. What do YOU want to do?
What is the Order or the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the Honor Society of Scouting.
Purpose
As Scouting’s National Honor Society, our purpose is to:
Eligibility
The Order of the Arrow membership requirements are:
How / When do I wear the OA Sash?
The OA sash and Merit Badge sash are worn over the right shoulder. The OA Sash is NOT an "automatic part" of your Field Uniform (Class A). Your membership in the OA is shown by the pocket flap patch on your right hand pocket. Simply put, the OA sash is only worn at OA events or when you are rendering service directly on behalf of the OA. A scout never wears both, nor should either of the sashes ever be worn hanging from the belt. Per the OA Handbook: The Flap Signifies a scout or scouter as a member of a Lodge(if their dues are paid) The Members wear their sash at camp on Visitors night for the OA call out ceremony Members of the Unit Election Team wear their sash when they come in to do a unit election. (This is also an appropriate time for the members of the troop to wear their sash.) Members of the Dance team wear their sash while at a Function.
How much does Scouting cost?
The Troop does not charges an annual "activity fee".
Fund Raisers are held as needed to fund new equipment, more elaborate camping destinations. Summer Camp Fee - Week-long Summer Camp is a GREAT experience, and we encourage Scouts to attend every year. The average fee is $330. So far, we have been able to fund the trip through our fund raising activities. ================== Fund Raising - held as needed to supplement the cost of running the Troop. Covers new/replacement equipment (tents, stoves, cook gear, propane tanks, etc), or to cover the cost of more elaborate camping destinations
Does my son have to come every week?
We certainly won't send the "Scout Police" out to find you if you don't show up, but you miss out on a big part of the BSA Program if you don't attend regularly. Scouting is NOT just playtime, or "Billy's weekend fun" away from his kid sister. Scouting is a carefully crafted character-development program. Each boy is a member of a PATROL, and as such, is part of a smaller group (as compared to the whole Troop of boys) where he is given AMPLE opportunity to play an active and valuable "hands on" role in the patrol's success.
A boy who shows up sporadically DEPRIVES himself of the chance to make key decisions within his patrol; choose trip ideas and destinations, make menu selections, divy out workload, and build close friendships. Every meeting includes a period of valuable skill instruction and fun interpatrol competitions that relate to the upcoming camping trip. If a boys misses a meeting, he will find himself less prepared for the upcoming weekend in the outdoors. The troop meetings are where we "learn", but the camping trip is where we reinforce the skills by putting them into practical use. Scouts should make every effort to attend meetings on a regular basis. Those who don't are missing out on the full experience of their limited Scouting years, and are causing their patrol members to do the same.