What is Boy Scouting “A Game with a Purpose”……Lord Baden Powell

1. What is Boy Scouting“A Game with a Purpose”……Lord Baden Powell It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide for youth an effective program designed to build character, to teach citizenship, and to develop personalfitness. • Outdoor skills training • Leadership development • Learning to work in a group (Patrol’s) • Nurturing independence • Fun activities A scout is “Helpful”

2. --- In Transition ---

3. Today’s Agenda Putting the Pieces Together • Opening Flag Ceremony • Introduction • Boy Scouting • Weblos ~ Scout Transition • Summer Camp • Scoutmaster Presentations (Ridgefield Troops) • Summary • Questions & Answers On my “Honor”

4. Three Defining Principles of Boy Scouting • Morality • Strength & Character • Citizenship • Participation & Understanding • Fitness • Physical • Mental • Emotional A scout is “Brave”

5. Scout Leader Introduction • Troop 49 Paul Payne • Troop 76 Neil Doran • Troop 116 Gordie Knapp • Troop 431 Steve Furman A scout is “Kind”

6. Boy Scouting ~ Mission Statement On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country And to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight; The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. A scout is “Trustworthy”

7. Boy Scouting ~ Purpose The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Scouting will… • Offer young people responsible fun and adventure • Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law • Train young people in citizenship, service and leadership • Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program A scout is “Courteous”

8. Cub Scouting & Boy ScoutingThe Differences Boy Leadership and Leadership Development • The ability to work in Self Governed Patrols • Advancement by working with Patrol leaders (boys) or leaders (adults) • Outdoor Program – Adventure Component • Adult Association • Personal Growth – Community Service A scout is “Loyal”

9. The Patrol Method…… Adult Lead /Boy Run The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives. • Weekly meetings • Camping locations and activities • Monthly Patrol Leaders counsel • Allowing things to sometimes not go perfectly…. • We give the boy’s the chance to make (minor) mistakes… And we provide the opportunity to learn from them… A scout is “Friendly”

10. Adjusting to the Responsibilities • Cub Scouts is a family, and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills . Boy Scouting is designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program… & peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. Character Development ~ Citizenship Training ~ Personal Fitness

11. Troop & Patrol Organization Junior Leader “Green Bar” Organization Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Venture Patrol First Assistant Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Instructors Troop Scribe Patrol Scribe Patrol Quartermaster Troop Quartermaster Troop Librarian Patrol Librarian Boy Run Leadership

12. Is Scouting For My Son ? Scouting Emphasizes Three Specific Objectives: Character Development~Citizenship Training~Personal Fitness • Ideals~ Scout Oath, Law, Motto & Slogan • Patrols~ Responsibility & Decision Making • Outdoor Programs~Skills, Activities, Confidence • Advancement~ Surmountable obstacles • Adult Association~ Encouragement, Leadership, Guidance • Personal Growth ~ The Good Turn Concept • Leadership Development~ Practice Leadership Skills • Uniform~ Positive Youth Image A scout is “Thrifty”

13. Parental Involvement The troop's success depends upon your support & activeinvolvement in scouting activities: • Fund Raising • Eagle Advisor • Service Projects • Board of Review • Committee Member • Leadership Assistant Scoutmaster • Teaching one or more merit badges • Planning Camping Trips ~ High Adventure • Transportation or supervision for the campouts A scout is “Obedient”

14. “Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right” Training of Leaders The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. • Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters earn • “Trained” certification when they have completed • three basic courses… • New Leader Essentials • Scoutmaster & Asst. ScoutmasterLeader Specific Training • Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills A scout is “Clean”

15. Safe Scouting The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members. • Two-deep leadership • Respect of privacy • Appropriate attire • Hazing prohibited • Separate accommodations • No one-on-one contact • Constructive discipline • No secret organizations • Junior Leader Training and supervision • Proper preparation for High-Adventure activities A scout is “Cheerful”

16. Eagle • Star • Tenderfoot • Second Class Scout • First Class Scout • Life • Basic Scout Boy Scout Advancement Advancement is the way you grow as a scout, and become eligible for troop leadership positions and honors. Advancement is based on Achievement, not age or grade

17. ~ Scout Transition "Good Turn Daily"

18. Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition • Visiting Troops • Where are my son’s friends ? • See Troops in Action • Arrange to participate in an outing? "Be Prepared"

19. Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Webelos Transition Weblos Transition • When to join a troop? • Coordination of Crossing Over • What do Scouts do after Crossing Over? • New Scout Camp Out Webelos Transition Scouting Could Make a Difference in Your Son's Life

20. Summer Camp @ Sequassen • Is it required ? • Accommodations ? • Necessary equipment ? • Do all boys attend camp ? When should a Webelos Scout consider summer camp? On my honor I will do my best

21. Ridgefield Troop Presentations • Troop 49 Paul Payne • Troop 76 Neil Doran • Troop 116 Gordie Knapp • Troop 431 Steve Furman A scout is “Kind”

22. Wrap Up • Benefits of Scouting • Why join the Boy Scouts • Questions & Answers TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES

23. Thank You

24. For help or questions about using this presentation please contact Robert Messinger Troop 116 Ridgefield CT Rmessinger@mags.net