New to Scounting

The Boy Scout program is very different from the Cub Scouts - mostly in the fact that it is Boy-Led. If scouts are coming from a well-run Webelos program where they were given responsibilities and decision-making opportunities, they will shift into a troop environment easily. If their Webelos leader did all the planning and operational work, then they will have a rougher time taking on responsibility for their scouting activities.
 
There are 7 ranks in Boy Scouting, culminating with the Eagle Scout rank. The first 4 ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, & 1st Class) are a time for a scout to learn skills for outdoors, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. The last 3 ranks (Star, Life, Eagle) are earned by completion of merit badges, service efforts, and leadership. Once First Class rank is earned, a scout changes from being a 'learner' to a 'leader' and is expected to teach new scouts.
 
Either the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or higher ranking scout will sign off on scout advancements . We encourage younger scouts to go to higher ranking scouts for sign-off rather than to the same adult every time. This helps build relationships with the troop leadership and turns their handbook into an autograph book of other scouts' initials.
 
A common schedule for our scouting unit is:

• 1 Patrol meeting each month
• 2 Troop meetings each month
• 1 Troop campout each month

An active boy scout can reach First Class rank in 12 months and should reach First Class within 18 to 20 months. Our program schedule offers many activities that will have scouts meet that time schedule.

Please see the BSA mission statement regarding diversity. >>Click here