Scouting should be fun!
Learning new skills is important, but Scouting shouldn't be just a continuation of school.
Advancement should be a by-product of having fun and learning new skills. If a Scout participates, he will complete advancements as part of the natural Scouting program.
The outdoor program is a major part of Scouting. It is where a Scout learns self-reliance and gets to practice the skills he's learned.
If a Scout doesn't participate in camping and other trips, he is missing a very important part of the program.
Parental participation and interest is critical. It not only gives you a chance to do things with your son, it shows him that you think Scouting is important.
A boy learns by doing things for himself and making mistakes. If you, the parent, do everything for him and don't let him grow and learn by trying new things and sometimes failing, you are doing him a disservice.
We encourage parents to attend meetings and other Troop events. Scouting activities aren't a secret. Your child is your most precious possession. Being involved will allow you to get to know and be confident in the Troop's leadership. Parents registered with Scouting America are welcome on all trips, but please come as a Troop leader, and not Mom or Dad.
Scouting, like everything else, costs money. We try to keep costs down. Quality outings are costly, especially when considering the high price of food and fuel.
We beleive in keeping fundraising to a minimum. We have one annual big fundraiser: our pasta dinner & auction.
We try to subsidize Scout trip fees, and drivers are reimbursed for their gas and toll expenses.
It is a long standing Troop policy that no boy should miss out on a Scouting activity because of a temporary financial hardship. If you are having such a problem, talk to an adult leader. We will do whatever is necessary to see that none of our Scouts are denied the opportunity to enjoy the Scouting experience.
Equipment and uniforms are expensive. We try to get outgrown uniforms and boots donated, so they can go to our younger Scouts. We do not strictly require official Scouting America equipment. Olive trousers and khaki colored shirts with Scout insignia are acceptable. We try to offer suggestions for lower cost camping equipment, military surplus, and other sources.
We try to have a variety of different activities which challenge a boy and expose him to new things. Some examples of our monthly trips include: rifle shooting & archery, rock climbing, white water rafting or canoeing, Scout camporees, and bike trips. Our community service includes Memorial Day flag placement and the Wreaths Across America event at Long Island National Cemetery, adopt-a-highway cleanups, and participation in local parades.
We are proud to have a good number of our Scouts achieve Scouting's highest rank: Eagle Scout. But we also believe that a Scout can have a valuable Scouting experience no matter what ranks they achieve.
Finally, (and once again): Scouting should be fun