Youth Led Troop

Advancement

The advancement program allows scouts to progress from rank to rank. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man acquires from his participation in a troop. Requirements serve as the basis for a Scout's rank advancement. The four steps to advancement are learning, testing, reviewing, and recognition.

Personal Growth

Scout-age youth experience dramatic physical and emotional growth. Scouting offers them opportunities to channel much of that change into productive endeavors and to find the answers to many of their questions. Through service projects and Good Turns, Scouts can discover their place in the community. Many Scouting activities allow youth to associate with others from different backgrounds. The religious emblems program offers pathways for Scouts to more deeply understand their duty to God. The troop provides each Scout with an arena in which to explore, to try out new ideas, and to embark on adventures that sometimes have no design other than to have a good time with good people.

Leadership

Scouts is a youth-led, youth-run organization, but the youth must be trained to be leaders. One of the Scoutmaster's most important responsibilities provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers the youth with the skills he will need to lead his troop.

The Outdoors

Scouting provides many opportunities for young men ages 11 through 17 to help plan and participate in rugged outdoor adventures. From day hikes to camporees and summer camp, the troop plans activities that match the interests and abilities of the Scouts. Older Scouts may participate in high-adventure programs such as rock climbing, rappelling, and whitewater rafting. Younger Scouts may attend summer camp and learn teamwork within their patrol and troop. Summer camp blends fun program with advancement requirements to reinforce skills learned throughout the year. In Scouting, fitness is fun with a purpose.

The Patrol Method

Patrols are the building blocks of a Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of youth 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.

Scouting's Values

Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct, respect for others, and honesty. Scouts learn skills that will last a lifetime, including basic outdoor skills, first aid, citizenship skills, leadership skills, and how to get along with others. For almost a century, Scouting has instilled in young men the values and knowledge that they will need to become leaders in their communities and country.

Scouts with Special Needs

The basic premise of Scouting for youth with special needs is that every youth wants to participate fully and be respected like every other member of the troop. While there are, by necessity, troops exclusively composed of Scouts with disabilities, experience has shown that Scouting usually succeeds best when every youth is part of a patrol in a regular troop.