First Year ProgramOur first year program begins with the March meetings after bridging (if your son was a cub scout). At that time we have a program designed specifically for the first year scouts and their parents. The new scouts quickly learn the differences between the adult-led cub scouting program and the boy-led troop at the first meeting. No more sitting around tables listening to Den Leaders! Instead, they will experience a meeting led by boys only a few years older than them. At the same time, we conduct a question and answer session for the parents of the new scouts. It is a great way to kick off our program and it answers many of the questions that everyone has.
Please visit the Troop Calendar to review the planned activities through the end of the year. The new Scouts are welcome to join the Troop for a camp out later that month which is specifically designed to give the new scouts a very complete introduction to our troop and scouting. There are activities planned for the whole weekend that cover many different requirements for advancement. Following the camp out, almost every troop meeting will cover another of the requirements needed for advancement. On each monthly camp out there are many opportunities for rank advancement and requirements sign off. (**Please note, the only signatures accepted in their books for requirement completion are those of the troop leaders and select designated senior scouts, Parents are not allowed to sign off in their scout’s book.) Our goal is for each Scout to achieve the rank of First Class Scout within 12-18 months of joining the Troop. There are no merit badges required to achieve any of the first four ranks. That doesn’t mean that they can’t work and earn them, just that it isn’t required for the first four ranks. All of the requirements for each of the first four ranks are contained in the Scout Handbook. The first four ranks are: Boy Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout: RequirementsBoy Scout Joining Requirements
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Summer CampBoy Scout camp is a week long resident camping experience for Scouts from age 11 to 17 years old. While providing Scouts with an excellent opportunity for advancement, summer fun and new experiences, there are many camp activities that strengthen our patrols and troop organization. Scouts also have the opportunity to earn merit badges and obtain skills and knowledge to make their year-round program safer and more fun.
However, Scouts indicate that summer camp is more than just a place to have fun. It also offers Scouts the opportunity to participate in physically and intellectually challenging activities, introduces them to new and rewarding experiences, and provides them with supportive relationships. When the Troop holds the discussion on where to attend summer camp (there are many excellent choices in the area), the decision is always made swiftly and unanimously. They want to return to Camp Horseshoe! Our Troop schedules Summer Camp during the 1st full week in July every year. Links: Camp Horseshoe Website • Camp Horseshoe Map High Adventure TripsOur Troop takes advantage of BSA’s High Adventure Scouting opportunities when the Scouts have enough interest and are eligible to participate.
Minimum Requirements The minimum requirements to participate in a BSA High Adventure Program are being 14 years old prior to the start date of the program, achieving the rank of First Class by the sign up date for the program, and meet the standards for Scout fitness for participation in a High Adventure Program. In the event that the number of Scouts that sign up for the program is less than or equal to the number of Scouts allowed by the Troop reservation, the date of achieving the rank of First Class may be extended to one month prior to the departure date. The three high adventure facilities are: Philmont Scout Ranch Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s largest national high-adventure base. Its 34 staffed camps and 55 trail camps provide an unforgettable adventure in the high country along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. SeaBase The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is a unique Scouting program that offers aquatics programs found nowhere else. Whether your interests lie in sailing, scuba diving, rustic camping on an undeveloped barrier island, fishing or a combination of all, this is the place for your troop or crew. Northern Tier In the summer and fall, Scouts head to Northern Tier for canoeing, hiking, exploring, and some of the best freshwater fishing anywhere. Northern Tier is the only official BSA outfitter in the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and or in Canada. In the winter, Northern Tier is home to Okpik, Scouting’s cold-weather camping program, with dogsledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow shelter building, animal tracking, cold-weather cooking, and ice fishing. Troop FeesSee Troop Information for annual fees. Fees for trips vary.
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