Selecting a troop; what criteria to look for

[Compass]

Great post, Pack38Scouter! We are starting a new troop, and you have helped me in very many ways. Good luck in your future troop!

[Pack38Scouter]

Since I didn't have but three takers on my offer of the checklist in MS Word document format ... I'll post it since I think that a lot more people could use it. I can not take credit for this. This is a complilation from many sources from the Net and from parents/scouters that I have talked to in the past year. Use if if you find it useful ... and I APOLOGIZE FOR THE SIZE OF IT!

 

YIS

 

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Visiting a Troop

 

Lets face it; we didn't have to look for a Cub Scout Pack to join. Our son joined Pack 38 because it was sponsored by our son's Elementary School. This is not the case with Boy Scouts as the majority of the Troops are sponsored by other private organizations (such as Churches, Community Association, School, etc.). This does not imply that you must be a member of the organization in order to join a Boy Scout Troop as many of the Troops operate at arms-length from the Charter Organization. Which Boy Scout Troop to join is a personal decision, each Scout needs to decide which one to join. It is ok if all of the Scouts join different Troops as long as they feel that the Troop is right for them.

 

Each Boy Scout Troop has its own personality, each one is different. When you and your son are choosing a troop to join, there are several areas that you should consider; however, it is very important that your son is the person who does the choosing and not you. You will provide the guidance to help him meet his ideals of scouting. The only way to discover which one is right for your son is to visit as many as practical, (3 - 5) and then to narrow the list down and visit the "finalists" a second time. Attend their meetings. Its similar to choosing a college. You want to help your son pick out the right one for him. Listed are the points were thought to be important.

 

Do they seem organized?

 

Is this troop a good size? Is it too big or too small? What are the ranks of the scouts? A good size is about 20-30 active boys. Look at the number of different ranks.

 

How many adult volunteers are involved with the troop? What training do the adult volunteers have? How much Scouting experience has the Scoutmaster had? Are there any Assistant Scoutmasters to help the Scoutmaster? Check to see how many adults are helping with the troop and how many of them are trained. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps each person accept the leadership roles of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

 

What steps are taken to help the new scouts earn Boy Scout skills? Where do the new scouts learn many skills? At meetings and at campouts? Are older scouts helping to teach newer scouts the skills that they are expected to learn and then practice throughout their time in scouting?

 

Does the troop give the boys opportunities to earn Merit Badges and Advancements? At campouts throughout the year that work on different Boy Scout Merit Badges? At some campouts, the boys work on requirements to earn their Rank Advancements?

 

Is the troop an adult-lead or boy-lead troop? Does the Troop encourage the boys in leadership positions to plan meetings and give input on campouts. The adults serve as advisors to make sure that the events that the boys follow the rules of Safe Scouting. A troop is where Scouts to learn leadership through participation. It is unfortunately a well kept secret that Scouting is a leadership training program with the outdoors as a laboratory.

 

Do the adults, older Scouts, and younger Scouts all treat each other with respect?

 

Patrol Method Used - The Patrol Method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in leadership activities. The patrols determine troop activities through their elected representatives.

 

Uniformed Youth & Adults - The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a group. It shows each Youth and Adult's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.

 

Troop Meetings Planned by Youth? Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) of the Troop should plan the Troop meetings, campouts and activities. It is an important part of the leadership experience.

 

Troop Calendar Planned by Youth - Ask who planned the calendar. It should be planned by the Patrol Leaders' Council and approved by the Troop Committee. Is there anything that would interest your son?

 

Troop Calendar Published - It needs to be planned/published or it doesnt exist.

 

Enthusiasm of Youth & Adults - If the youth and adults are not excited by their program, why should you join!

 

Troop Roster Published - Look and see if you find someone you know and then call them. Ask them about the program, leaders and activities.

 

Troop Program Explained During Visit - Each Scout program should plan programs that work towards the three aims of Scouting.

 

Were you asked to join? Not only should you be made to feel welcome at the Troop Meeting.

 

How does your Son Feel - What was your son's impression of the visit? When he joins a program, you also become a part of it.

 

What kind of equipment will your son require to have? Does the troop have a Parent Information handout that states what equipment is required? Does the troop provide equipment that will be used by the patrols such as tents, chuck boxes, etc.? Is our scout responsible for providing his personal equipment? (Sleeping bag, uniform, etc.)

 

What are the yearly costs to join the troop?

1. The cost is $____ per boy and $____ for an adult to join.

2. Troop charges $_____ per month in dues.

3. The basic camping fee is $______________. This also includes the dues for the month. Occasionally, a campout has a program that requires an additional charge. This charge will be collected from each scout that is attending the campout.

4. Any other dues? $__________.

 

What fundraisers does the troop participate in?

1)____________________________________________.

2)____________________________________________.

3)____________________________________________.

 

Does your son know anyone in the troop? Is anyone is his den considering joining the troop?

Anything that concerns you during your visit with the troop?

Anything that you like about the troop during your visit?

If it is possible, talk to some of the parents of the Scouts present. Are they happy with the Troop? Do the boys seem happy?