The Aims of Scouting | The "Methods of Scouting" | Before Your Son Joins Troop 889 | The Role of Parents in the Troop | Equiping Your Son for Scouting | The Leaders' Commitment
• HIGH IDEALS: These ideals are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.
• THE PATROL METHOD: Working in patrols gives each Scout an experience in group living and participating citizenship. The boys meet regularly in their patrols to plan for outings and cook by patrol. Each patrol elects a Patrol Leader, who serves on the Patrol Leaders' Council. The Patrol Leaders' Council, under the leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader, works with the Scoutmaster in planning and carrying out the program of the Troop.
• THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM: 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.
• ADVANCEMENT: Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and, by participating in the troop program, progresses as he overcomes each challenge.
• PERSONAL GROWTH: As Scouts plan their activities 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.
• ADULT ASSOCIATION: Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Association with adults of high character is critical at this stage of a young man's development.
• 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.
• THE UNIFORM: The uniform advances the Aims of Scouting in many ways. For the Boy it is a reminder of the high ideals that he has agreed to live by. It gives him a feeling of belonging, not only to his patrol and troop, but to the worldwide brotherhood of Boy Scouting. It becomes a source of pride upon which a boy displays his advancements in rank and achievements. And to the community, it is a respected symbol of citizenship and leadership.
At Troop 889, we are committed to the Aims and Methods of Scouting.
Before your son joins a Troop you should visit several Troops with him so he can choose the Troop in which he feels most comfortable. As your son narrows his choices, consider going on a camp out with the Troop as well. These experiences will give him an excellent idea of what Scouting is like with the Troop.
Parents are always welcome to attend Troop 889 meetings and camp outs. At these activities you will see the boys engaged in the game of Scouting — planning outings, learning a skill or simply having fun in an inter-patrol competition. Scouting is a game with a purpose. As you observe these activities, you will see the opportunities your son will have for personal growth as part of the Scouting movement.
Unlike a Cub Scout Pack, a Boy Scout Troop is led by the boys themselves. With the help and guidance of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters, the boys will plan and carry out the Troop's programs. In the process, the boys learn leadership, self-confidence and teamwork.
This does not mean there is no place for parents. To the contrary, we need you to be involved to ensure that the program is successful. We need parents to volunteer as merit badge counselors, to assist in special projects, and to join us on our monthly outdoor adventures. Any parent is welcome to join the Troop Committee or to volunteer in some other capacity.
Working with Scouts is fun. You'll enjoy watching the boys tackle new challenges. Plus you'll share the fellowship of some pretty nice parents. If each of us will do a little, none of us will be overburdened.
As a member of Troop 889, your son will need to have camping gear. Our Gear Guide will help you identify good places to purchase these gear and get the best value for your money. The Troop has a supply of tents and stoves, so your son will only need to obtain his personal camping gear. We encourage you to have your boy earn the money for his equipment. This will help him learn what it means to be thrifty. The Troop also runs one major fundraiser each year. To encourage the boys to participate in our popcorn fundraiser, we divide fifty percent of the proceeds from each fundraiser among the boys who participate. The funds will be placed in a Troop account for each participating scout, from which the scout can draw to purchase gear and pay their expenses on Troop outings.
A final note: the leaders of Troop 889 are committed to creating an environment where the boys can learn and grow together. We encourage the boys to work as a team and do not permit hazing, name-calling or other destructive behaviors. Only in such an environment can a boy fulfill his promise to keep himself physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight.