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For Prospective Scouts

  1. What is Boy Scouts?
  2. How old must a boy be to be in Boy Scouts?
  3. What's the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts?
  4. What is the goal of Boy Scouts?
  5. How are these aims accomplished?
  6. How is the Boy Scouts organized?
  7. Are all troops alike? Must a boy join a specific troop? Must he be a member of the troop's chartering organization?
  8. How much does it cost to be a Boy Scout? Does some of that money go to pay the Scoutmaster and other adults of the troop?
  9. What can boys do in Scouts?
  10. What generally happens at troop meetings each week?
  11. Is Boy Scouts part of the military?
  12. Must a boy go to church to be a Boy Scout?
  13. Where do parents fit in?
  14. I see lots of acronyms, abbreviations, and other terms. What do they all mean?
  15. Where do I go if I have questions?
  16. Where on the Internet can I find out more about Boy Scouts?
Q: What is Boy Scouts?

A: Scouting has been described as a game with a purpose. The game is fun and adventure in the outdoors. The purpose is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting offers adventures young people enjoy, teaches them lifetime values and skills, and introduces them to leadership.

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Q: How old must a boy be to be in Boy Scouts?

A: A boy can be a Boy Scout if he is at least 11 years old or has completed 5th grade but is not yet 18 years old. If he completed his Arrow of Light award as a Cub Scout, he may become a Boy Scout at the age of 10½ years old.

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Q: What's the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts?

A: Cub Scouts is a program designed for boys who are between 7 years old (or 1st grade) and 10 years old (or 5th grade). In Cub Scouts adults, called Den Leaders, take the primary leadership role. In Boy Scouts, boys are trained in leadership skills and principles and are the primary leaders under the guidance and supervision of the Scoutmaster and his assistants.

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Q: What is the goal of Boy Scouts?

A: Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as what the boy is--his personal qualities, his values, his outlook. The second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy's relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, and to the government that presides over that society. The third aim is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).

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Q: How are these aims accomplished?

A: Boy Scouts uses eight methods designed to accomplish these aims.

1. Ideals: The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. "Show Scout spirit", a requirement for each rank advancement, means living up to these ideals.

2. Patrols: The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they easily can relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.

3. Outdoors: Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and mankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

4. Advancement: Through the advancement method, Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them. The Scout plans his advancement and, by participating in the troop program, progresses as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.

5. Adult Association: Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man's development.

6. Personal Growth: As Scouts plan their activity and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others. The religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

7. Leadership Development: Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

8. Uniform: The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. Wearing the uniform also helps boys develop a sense of belonging to their patrol and troop. It reinforces the fact that all members of the BSA are equal to one another. People seeing a boy in a Scout uniform expect someone of good character who is prepared to the best of his ability to help those around him.

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Q: How is the Boy Scouts organized?

A: In Boy Scouting, most troops aim to train their boys for leadership. Each troop has a senior patrol leader, elected by all the boys in the troop, who with his assistant senior patrol leader(s) takes the helm for leadership within the troop. The troop is made up of patrols, units of five to ten Scouts who function together, about the same size as a Cub Scout den. Each patrol elects a patrol leader, who chooses his assistant patrol leader. In a young troop, the boys will obviously need more adult guidance and coaching in running meetings, etc., but in an established troop with older Scouts, you should see much evidence of "boys leading boys".

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Q: Are all troops alike? Must a boy join a specific troop? Must he be a member of the troop's chartering or sponsoring organization?

A: The choice of a troop is a personal decision. All members of a den need not join the same troop, nor is there a "designated" troop that your boy must join, although some packs have a close affiliation with a brother troop. Most troops welcome any new Scout who would like to join them.

We recommend that you and your son visit several troops, so you both can see how different troops do things. If possible, you and your son should attend an overnight campout as a guest of a troop. Contact the troop(s) you are interested in to set up a visit and go with your son to help him assess the troop.

During your visit, observe the activities and ask questions. You want a troop you and your son will feel comfortable with. Don't be afraid to ask about the troop. They will be proud to tell you about themselves.

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Q: How much does it cost to be a Boy Scout? Does some of that money go to pay the Scoutmaster and other adults of the troop?

A: Ask your local troop what they charge and what that amount includes. At a minimum, it will include the B.S.A. registration and insurance fee of $8.50 per year. A troop might also charge an additional amount to cover a subscription to Boys' Life magazine, a Boy Scout Handbook, troop T-shirt or cap, etc. None of this money is used to pay the Scoutmaster or other troop adults. These people generously volunteer their time to work with your son and the other boys.

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Q: What can boys do in Scouts?

A: Scouting promises a boy the great outdoors. As a Scout, he can learn how to camp and hike without leaving a trace and how to take care of the land. He'll study wildlife up close and learn about nature all around him. There are plenty of skills for him to master, and he can teach others what he has learned. Everyone helping everyone else--that's part of Scouting, too.

Scouting promises friendship. Members of the troop he joins might be boys he already knows, and he will meet many other Scouts along the way. Some could become lifelong friends.

Scouting promises opportunities to work toward the Eagle Scout rank. He'll set positive goals for himself and then follow clear routes to achieve them.

Scouting promises tools to help him make the most of his family, his community, and his nation. The good deeds he performs every day will improve the lives of those around him. He will be prepared to help others in time of need.

Scouting promises experiences and duties that will help him mature into a strong, wise adult. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law can guide him while he is a Scout and throughout his life.

To see some of the exciting activities in Troop 205, take a look at our Photo Gallery.

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Q: What generally happens at troop meetings each week?

A: Younger Scouts traditionally work on their rank requirements so they can advance through the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Ranks in their first year in Scouting. Much of their attention in meetings and on campouts is devoted to their basic Scout skills for these requirements. All scouts generally utilize troop meetings to work on the skills and planning required for the next campout or other outdoor adventure.

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Q: Is Boy Scouts part of the military?

A: The Boy Scouts of America is a private organization that is not connected in any way with the U.S. Armed Forces or any other component of government at any level. Military training and drill are not allowed, although marksmanship and elementary ceremonial drill are permitted.

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Q: Must a boy go to church to be a Boy Scout?

A: The Boy Scouts of America recognizes the importance of religious faith and duty, but religious instruction is left to the Scout's religious leaders and family. Some troops are chartered by churches or other religious organizations and may use the Boy Scout program as a part of their general youth program, but Scouts who are not members of the chartering organization are not required to participate in its religious activities.

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Q: Where do parents fit in?

A: When you join Scouting with your son, you're in for friendships and great times. A strong team of active adults ensures the success of a troop. There are many different levels of involvement in a troop, from leadership roles, to serving on the troop committee, to helping with campouts, to driving to events, etc. The local council service center provides training for volunteers so you will be knowledgeable and confident. We hope you can get involved with your son as he continues on in Scouting. It's been our experience that successful Scouts have parents who can make time to be involved. You will meet your son's Scouting friends, share in his experiences, and enrich the lives of your community's young people. At the same time, it's no secret that adults in Scouting have as much fun as the kids!

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Q: I see lots of acronyms, abbreviations, and other terms. What do they all mean?

A: Like all other groups, Scouting has its own language and terms. Here are some of the more common ones. Many morecan be found in the glossary on pp. 101 - 106 of Troop Program Resources (BSA pub. #33588).

ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER (APL): a Scout in the patrol appointed by the patrol leader to help him in leading the patrol and to take his place in his absence.

ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER (ASM): a volunteer Scouter, 18 years old or older, who helps the Scoutmaster by working with the troop and with a new-Scout patrol or Venture patrol. Sometimes abbreviated SA because of the designation code for Assistant Scoutmaster on the BSA Adult Application.

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER (ASPL): a troop youth leader who is appointed by the senior patrol leader and who helps him with the details of his job. The ASPL takes the place of the SPL in his absence. Larger troops may have more than one ASPL, each with his own area of responsibility.

BOARD OF REVIEW (BOR): a review held to determine whether a Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements, to find out how the Scout is doing in his patrol and in the troop, and to encourage him to advance toward the next rank. The review is conducted by three to six members of the troop committee. Eagle Scout candidates are reviewed by members of the District Advancement Committee.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA (BSA): A nationwide organization founded February 8, 1910, and chartered by the U.S. Congress June 15, 1916.

CAMPOREE: a weekend district or council activity to demonstrate the techniques of living in camp. Troops from the district or council meet for fellowship and intertroop competitions.

CAMPOUT: a weekend or long-term (5-7 days) troop activity. Troops usually camp out every month of the year, either at Scout camps in the area at privately owned property to which they've been given access.

COUNCIL: an administrative body of the Boy Scouts of America chartered to be responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic area. A council may be the size of a municipality or county, or may cover a larger area. Longhorn Council serves Tarrant County and 22 other counties in North and Central Texas.

COURT OF HONOR (COH): a ceremony to recognize and honor Scouts who have completed Boy Scout advancement, merit badges, or other achievements. Most troops hold several Courts of Honor each year.

DISTRICT: a geographic administrative unit within a council. Longhorn Council has fourteen districts. Trailblazer District covers northeast Ft. Worth, Keller, Watauga, North Richland Hills, and Richland Hills, as well as parts of other neighboring cities.

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE (DE): a professional Scouter who works under the direction of the council Scout executive to support the units and to act as an adviser to the volunteer leaders in the district.

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING (FOS): the BSA's program to allow family members, businesses, and the community to particpate directly in the capital campaign for the council. Proceeds go directly to Scout camps and equipment.

HIGH ADVENTURE: a National Council or local activity or program for older Scouts. These activities usually provide additional challenges appropriate for more experienced Scouts.

JAMBOREE: an event where Scouts gather to share Scouti ng experiences. It may be a National Jamboree where Scouts from around the country get together or it may be a World Jamboree where Scouts gather from all over the world. The term was chosen by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, to describe the first international gathering of Scouts camping together in London in 1920.

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER (JASM): a youth leader chosen by the Scoutmaster to function as an assistant Scoutmaster. The JASM must be at least 16 years old and is often an Eagle Scout.

JUNIOR LEADER TRAINING (JLT): training designed to teach teamwork and leadership skills in a more structured framework for the boys who lead the troop. This training might be conducted by the troop, the district, or the council. In Longhorn Council, council-level training is called Twin Arrows.

MERIT BADGE: recognition given to a Scout for completing the requirements for one of over 110 merit badges offered. Subject areas for badges include Scout skills, hobbies, occupations, and citizenship.

ORDER OF THE ARROW (OA): Scouting's national honor society, the members of which have been chosen by their peers for their Scouting spirit and camping ability. It sets out to recognize those youth and adult campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.

PATROL: a group of five to ten Scouts who belong to a troop and work together in and out of troop meetings. There are usually several patrols in one troop.

PATROL LEADER (PL): a youth leader elected by the boys in his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council.

PATROL LEADERS’ COUNCIL (PLC): the youth leaders who plan troop meetings and events. The senior patrol leader chairs the PLC. Other members include the ASPL and patrol leaders. Other youth leaders might attend PLC meetings as needed but do not vote. The Scoutmaster acts as adviser.

PROFESSIONAL SCOUTER: a registered, full-time employee of the Boy Scouts of America who has successfully completed formal training at the Center for Professional Development. These employees help to coordinate the Scouting program in a particular area.

SCOUTER: a registered adult member of the BSA who serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD: the annual food drive in which Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout packs in the area participate. Food and other items are collected on behalf of local food banks for distribution to those in the community who are in need.

SCOUTMASTER (SM): the volunteer leader, at least 21 years old, of the Boy Scout troop, appointed by the chartered organization.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER (SPL): the youth leader elected by the boys in the troop. He leads the troop, presides at troop meetings, events, and activities, and chairs the Patrol Leader's Council. He also attends Troop Committee meetings and appoints the other boy leaders (except for patrol leaders).

TROOP COMMITTEE: the committee of adults appointed by the chartering organization to administer the affairs of the troop, including sitting on Boards of Review. Members of the Committee may have specific areas of responsibility such as finance, advancement, outdoor/activities, etc.

TWIN ARROWS: Longhorn Council's Junior Leader Training course.

VENTURE PATROL: an optional older-boy patrol (ages 13 through 17) within a Scout troop. In some troops Venture patrols are permanent (that is, the Venture patrol scouts are always part of a Venture patrol and not part of another patrol). In other troops Venture patrols are formed on an as-needed basis for special high-adventure activities and then disbanded. The Scouts in these Venture patrols remain members of their regular patrols.

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Q: Where do I go if I have questions?

A: Talk to the adult and boy leaders of the troops you visit. They'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Also, look in the business section of the white pages of your telephone book under "Boy Scouts of America" for the location and phone number of your local council office.

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Q: Where on the Internet can I find out more about Boy Scouts?

A: There are many good, informative sites available. There are just a few on our Useful Links page to get you started, most of which have links to other good sites.

In addition, many councils, districts, and troops have their own Web sites for keeping Scouts and their families informed.

Also, there are at least two email lists devoted to general Scouting topics.

SCOUTS-L has subscribers all over North America and in a number of other countries. Message traffic is limited to 50 messages per day and regularly hits that limit. To subscribe, send a message to:

LISTSERV@LISTSERV.TCU.EDU

In the body of the message put:

SUBSCRIBE SCOUTS-L [your name]

with NO other text (including signature lines). You will receive a confirmation message to which you must reply within 48 hours. Shortly after you reply you should begin receiving list mail. Note that new subscribers (including resubscribers) are put on "moderated" status (that is, their posts are sent to one of the list moderators for review before being released to other list subscribers) for a short while.

BOY-SCOUTS-L is a fairly new list hosted by the RootsWeb Genealogical Cooperative, which also hosts this Web site. Message traffic is currently light but has no numerical limit. To subscribe, send a message to:

BOY-SCOUTS-L-request@family.rootsweb.com

In the body of the message put:

SUBSCRIBE

with NO other text. If you prefer to receive list mail in digest format (several messages per email), send your subscribe message to:

BOY-SCOUTS-D-request@family.rootsweb.com

You will NOT receive a confirmation message, but you will be automatically subscribed within a short time (usually less than 30 minutes) after you send your subscribe message. Because message traffic is light, it may take several days for you to begin receiving list mail.

With both lists it is considered proper etiquette to send a message shortly after you subscribe to introduce yourself to the other list members.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

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