Boy Scout Troop 1018

1. Boy Scout Troop 1018 Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts Version 1 Jan 08 Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

2. Introduction • History of Scouting • The Boy Scout Program – what and why • Differences between Cub & Boy Scouts • Advantages of Troop 1018 • Expectations • Other “odds and ends” • Wrap-Up & Questions Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

3. History of Scouting • Founded by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907 • “Fun with a Purpose” • Develop character, self-reliance, citizenship, and leadership • Brought to America in 1910 • Worldwide movement, Scouting programs exist in over 190 countries Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

4. The Scouting ProgramPreparing for the Future • The Outdoor Program • The centerpiece of Scouting • Great opportunity to teach skills; self-reliance • Scouting is also about: • Learning life skills • Service to others • Leadership • Teamwork • Interactions with adults • New experiences Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

5. Cub Scouts vs. Boy Scouts • Scout led • PLC plans agenda; SPL runs meetings • Scouts active in annual planning conference • Scouts plan their outings – menus, etc • Emphasis on leadership and teamwork • Boys are responsible for their own advancement • Each Scout sets his own pace, no “group advancement” • Older boys help younger boys • Adult role: mentor, suggest, safety • Adult leaders, not parents, sign off advancement & merit badge requirements Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

6. Advantages of Troop 1018 • Small size • One-on-one mentoring, individual attention • Flexible programs & scheduling • Lots of interaction between older & younger Scouts • All have opportunity for high adventure • Trained, motivated, and stable adult leadership • Wide variety of activities • Family participation (railroad show, tours, ski trip) Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

7. Advantages II • Strong outdoor program • Monthly camping is essential to staying with Scouting • 51% of boys that leave Scouting come from troops with 5 or few camping outings per year • 85% retention from units that camp every month • Communications – website, email, handbook, newsletter • Advancement opportunities • 1 – 2 Eagle Scouts each year Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

8. Advantages III • Our Scouts themselves • Variety of interests outside of Scouting • Sports, band, drama, science fairs and programs • Different backgrounds, different schools, different interests • “Graduates” come back as adult leaders • Boys’ perspective • Camping • Feeling of teamwork; inclusiveness • Selected as Best Patrol at District Camporee 4 times • Games, skits, songs, fun Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

9. Summer Camps • “Traditional” • Hawk Mountain (2008) • Goshen (2007) • Resica Falls, PA (2006) • Hawk Mountain, PA (2005) • High Adventure • Kandersteg, Switzerland (2009) • Philmont (2008) • Florida Sea Base (2007) • Kandersteg, Switzerland (2006) • C&O Canal – 60 mile hike (2005) + Jambo Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

10. Expectations of Scouts • Live by the Scout Oath and Law • Support the Scouting program • Work toward advancement • Fully participate in the troop and patrol • Participate in troop fundraisers • Wear the uniform • Perform community service Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

11. Expectations of parents • Help/encourage your son • Monitor his progress, encourage advancement • Enable his participation • Learn about Scouting • Help the troop • Actively participate as an adult leader • Committee member, Assistant SM, trainer, merit badge counselor • Participate in specific activities • Fund raising, driving, planning an activity Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

12. Odds and Ends • Fundraisers – wreaths & mulch • Flexibility – we work around your family schedule • Troop gift to new Scouts • Scarf, slide, handbook,1018 patch • Website (www.troop1018.org) • New Scout orientation (Saturday program) • “Scoutcraft basics” campout in April • Summer camp – Hawk Mountain, late June Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

13. Wrap - Up • Importance of finding a good “fit” with a troop • Bridging ceremonies; early joining • Thanks for your interest in 1018 Questions? Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

14. Back Up Back Up Slides Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

15. Costs of Scouting • $50 Annual Dues • Registration, patches, misc troop expenses • Activities – registration & food ($20) • Uniform ($50 - $75) – uniform exchange • Camping equipment (?) • Lots of troop gear available for checkout • Summer camp ($100 - $1400) • Nobody denied Scouting experience for financial reasons • Scoutbucks can defray most costs • Camperships Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

16. The Harris Survey • In 2005 BSA commissioned the Harris Interactive research organization to study the influence of Scouting • Polled youth and adults • Divided into 3 groups • Non-Scouts (never in the program) • Scouts • Those in Scouting program for 5+ years • Entire report is available on BSA Nat’l website Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

17. The Harris Survey (con’t) • Over 2/3 of men who were Scouts say there have been real-life situations where having been a Scout helped them to be a better leader • Men who were Scouts are more likely to have: • Higher levels of education • Higher earnings • Own their own homes • Scouts are more involved in after school activities • Sports (Scout: 75%; never a Scout: 72%) • Music, dance, drama (Scout: 36%; never Scout: 22%) • Arts & crafts (Scout: 29%; never Scout: 21%) • Yearbook or newspaper (Scout: 12%; never Scout: 5%) Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

18. The Harris Survey (con’t) • Grades in School • Reporting mostly A’s • Scouts: 25% • Scout for 5+ years: 29% • Never a Scout: 17% • Percentage who agree that Scouting has improved their performance in: • Athletic skills: 66% • Science: 56% • Reading: 52% • Math: 50% • Being a Scout does not necessarily guarantee success, but there are clear indicators of the positive influence of the program in many areas Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC