3rd Anniversary

[BrentAllen]

Three years ago today we started our Troop, with 6 11-year old Scouts and a handful of adults. I clearly remember wondering for those first 6 months if we would ever get any Scouts for a second patrol. Now, three years later, our membership is up to 42 Scouts and we are wondering how many boys we can handle. From the beginning, we have been focused on quality of program, not quantity. We have had a very good run, so far.

 

* Retention is high, over 90%. We've had only 3 Scouts quit. I won't be surprised if this number drops some in the future.

* Summer Camp participation is high, over 90% each year. Our older Scouts have been to Summer Camp for 4 years, and all indicate they will be returning next year.

* We continue to cook in camp at Summer Camp. This is the boys' decision, and they more emphatic about it every year. I think this one part of our program does more to make us a strong Troop than anything else we do.

* Patrol Method is going strong. The SPL and PLC are doing a good job of planning the annual calendar, campouts, and meetings. They understand this is their Troop.

*Advancement is on track. Nearly all Scouts are earning First Class in 18 - 24 months. We have 5 Life Scouts who are about to turn 15. We will hopefully see our first Eagles next summer.

* Outdoor program is strong. We go camping at least 11 months each year, with a High Adventure trip in the 12th month. The boys plan a little bit of everything - backpacking, canoeing, caving, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness survival, and car camping. We've had Crews attend both Northern Tier and Sea Base. We've also had a few special trips - canoeing trip to the Okefenokee Swamp, we have a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip to Cumberland Island coming up this winter.

* The Scouts are involved in many activities outside of Scouting. Nearly all our freshmen are running Cross Country and involved in band, some in the high school marching band. Several are on their Quiz Bowl team. Nearly all our Scouts are involved in band. Most participate in a sport, either football, soccer, basketball or baseball. Many are on their neighborhood Swim Team. We've had 8 Scouts earn the Mile Swim patch.

* Four Scouts and five adults have completed Wilderness First Aid training. Over half the Troop is CPR/AED trained.

 

We still have a long way to go, and a lot of work to do. Keeping the older Scouts active will be our biggest challenge, but we are fortunate to have a great group of young men setting a great example. They are all very good friends and will likely stay involved because of their friendship, if nothing else.

We are blessed with a fantastic CO and dedicated parents. We have 6 leaders who have completed Scout Leader Training and ITOLS, and two more currently taking the training through our district. The Troop Committee is fully staffed, trained, and holds monthly meetings. We are now working on plans to build our own Scout Lodge.

I can't wait to see what's to come in the next 3 years!(This message has been edited by BrentAllen)

[Scoutfish]

Congratulations!

Sound like you have the quality indeed! Those are impressive numbers!

[Cubmaster Randy]

Congratulations , The time sure does go by fast

Keep up the good work Brent(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Randy)

[phips]

Congratulations!

Sounds like a great troop.

Keep up the good work.