The Scouting program is for youth ages 11-17. Scouting at this level is not co-ed, Troop 750 is a boy troop and open to boys at this time.
There are many youth organizations to chose from, such as sports, service clubs and educational programs. As volunteers, we salute these organizations for their work with young people. The Scouting program, however, goes above and beyond programs offered by traditional youth organizations.
Scouting provides activities that:
- encourage boys to try new things,
- nurture love for the outdooors,
- advocate service to others,
- build self-confidence,
- foster new friendships,
- emphasize teamwork,
- cultivate citizenship,
- promote leadership skills,
And, most importantly, it's LOTS of fun!
What is and is not important to us in Troop 750 may seem odd on first glance. What is important for us is:
- NOT the food on the campout, but that the boys cooked it.
- NOT a sharp-looking flag ceremony, but that the boys put it together.
- NOT who would make the best Patrol Leader, but that the boys elect one.
- NOT that Johnny learns first aid, but that Billy teaches him.
- NOT that we cover everything on the meeting agenda, but that the Senior Patrol Leader is in charge.
Our goal is not to get things done, but to create a safe and healthy environment with the training and resources that the Scouts need, and then let them do it.
It can be a very messy business, and painful to watch. Meetings where the boy leaders are in charge can be very chaotic. It can be very tempting for adults to jump in and sort things out, because that is what adults do. We must remember that this is the process of Scouting, that this is how they learn—even from disorganization and failure.
We must remember that our business as adults is not the same as the business of the boys. It is up to them to get things done. It is up to us to make sure they have what they need, but (within the bounds of health and safety) not what they do with it.