Troop 977 is a boy led troop.  The boys are organized into patrols with the BSA leadership structure for the patrols and the troop in place.  Our philosophy using the EDGE (Educate, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable) method along with Pine Tree and NAYL training for the scout leaders to give the boys the tools necessary to be successful leaders.  Under the tutelage of the Scout Master and his team of Assistant Scout Masters the boys are guided through lessons, via Merit Badges and Rank Requirements, that will help them on their Scout Journey and through out their life.  A few aspects of this training are self discipline, self reliance, and responsibility.  This takes special effort for parents as well, as we have to restrain from jumping in the boys activities and preparation when we see eminent failure on the horizon.  It is sometimes better to let them fail at a few things.  It generally only happens one or two times.  It is important to trust that the Scout Master and Assistant Scout Masters do not want any harm to come to the boys entrusted to them and will always flag safety issues with the Senior Patrol Leader and the rest of the Youth leadership of the troop.   Keep in mind discomfort from lack of preparation does not constitute a safety issue.