FAQ - Section

	FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Use this section to find out (quite a bit) about the BSA Program, and the degree to which Troop 51 embraces the way it "aught to be".

What is "Boy Scouting"?

What do boys do as "Boy Scouts"?

What is the ONE bit of advice for a Scout?

READ THE BOOK ! The Boy Scout Handbook does an EXCELLENT job explaining the BSA Program.  It also provides valuable skill instruction and has the potential to IGNITE dreams of adventure, exploration, and fun for boys of all backgrounds and abilities.... all of which are POSSIBLE in this troop!  "I'm bored" are the 2 words NO Scout has a right to say, as we are determined to help bring all their ideas into reality. Spend time with your son (especially if he is new to Scouting).   Read the book with him.  Quiz him on a skill, or "challenge" him to a knot tying contest.  Ask him how he sees himself living up to the Scout Law. Don't let Scouting be "1 hour a week" each Thursday night, but a regular and routine part of every day.

What do you mean by "Boy Led"?

If Scouting is "boy led", why have adult leaders?

A Boy Scout troop is "boy run", and the functioning boss is one of the Boy Scouts who serves as the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL).  He's elected to that position by all the Scouts in the troop and typically serves for a 6 month term (he is allowed to run for re-election). However, just because a patch is sewn on your sleeve designating you as the "leader", it doesn't mean that you actually know HOW to lead.  That's where the adults come in.     The Scoutmaster's main job is to teach the boys how to lead their own unit.   That seems to be more of a "journey" than a "destination" because in 6 months, a new election is held.  The next Scout to be elected as the SPL may have strong leadership skills, or may be be starting to develop them for the first time so getting to a "100% boy run" status is difficult. Sometimes we're able to be more "out of the way" than others, but our goal is to let the youth leaders "lead" and only step in when necessary, even if that means letting them make and learn from a few mistakes along the way.

I wasn't a Scout as a boy, can I be a Scout Leader?

Where would I fit as an adult leader?

Boys are Scouts.   Adults are Scouters. As a Scouter, you can serve in 3 capacities in a local Scout unit. Other positions exist at the District level, but we're focused on the Troop on this FAQ. Scoutmaster (SM) / Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM)- these Scouters work closest with the Scouts and ensure the program is running as it should.  Their primary focus is to support the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader by guiding them in leadership of the Troop while delivering the "Program". Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) - a MBC works with Scouts on an individual basis to work on the specific badges that the MBC is registered to teach.  A MBC works with the Scouts "on demand" when he is contacted by the Scouts requesting time to complete badge work. Committee Member - the role of the committee is to provide the Scoutmaster with the support needed to deliver the program that the Patrol Leader Council chooses as the "Program".   The Committee provides the logistical support (funds/fund raisers, camping equipment, Treasury, camp site reservations, recording advancement, Boards of Review, registration/recharter, etc) needed to support the Troop.   The Committee also has the responsibility to ensure that the Scoutmaster and the PLC are delivering a program that is aligned with the BSA Charter.  If not, the Committee can recommend replacements.  The Committee Chair would report to the Chartering Organization Representative who has the ultimate authority in all aspects of the Troop. The Committee is headed by a Committee Chairman who functions as the "great organizer" to make sure that sub-committees are on-task in their roles within the troop, such as ensuring a Treasurer delivers a Treasurer's report... Outdoor Chair is making campsite reservations....  Quartermaster is maintaining the camping equipment.... webmaster(s) are updating the website... etc.   There are a myriad of positions needed to staff a strong committee, so most adults in a troop are registered as Committee Members.

What's so special about "Eagle Scout"?

Becoming an Eagle Scout is no small achievement.  In fact, among adults who have gone on to become astronauts, doctors, politicians, or business leaders, most of them will say that earning their Eagle is clearly among the most important achievements in their lives. Back to the question... WHY? Look at it from this angle.... ADVANCEMENT is completely up to the individual Scout.   If he has no desire or sense of committment to advance in rank, that is his choice.   IT IS POSSIBLE for a boy to attend EVERY meeting and EVERY camping trip, and never make it through 1/2 of the available ranks if he isn't motivated enough to take the extra step of demonstrating skills or earning merit badges.  Statistically speaking, only 2 out of 100 boys in Scouting will push themselves to become Eagle Scouts. The "Trail to Eagle" is one of persistance, dedication, well-rounded learning experiences by earning 21+ merit badges, strong attendance at meetings and camping trips, and hundreds of hours of community service.... all culminating with the planning and complete exectution of his "Eagle Project" before his 18th birthday. The "Eagle Project" is SO MUCH MORE than "giving something back to the community" (which it is, and let's not minimize the importance of community and charity).   It is actually his "final exam" in Scouting.   HE manages his Eagle Project.  He will put to use all of the lessons he learned as a Boy Scout;  communicating, organizing, recruiting, conceiving an idea, selling the idea, planning the work, assigning work details to those helping him, being the "accountant" that tracks the hours worked and the money spent, etc.   In every conceiveable way, HE is the "project leader". THESE are the highly desirable skills and traits that make "Eagle Scout" stand out on a job resume or college application, and the fact that such skills and moral foundations are learned/mastered before "society" recognizes him as an "adult"...  simply amazing!

What is an "Eagle Project"?

An "Eagle Project" is project that is ORGANIZED and MANAGED by a Life Scout who is working towards the Eagle rank.   There are  guidelines for Eagle Projects that will be described below, but in its most simple definition, it is a community service project where the Eagle Candidate shows of his LEADERSHIP ABILITY.    It is not for the candidate to "do" the work, but to provide the organization and leadership so the work can get done. Does an Eagle Project need a certain number of "minimum hours"? No.  There is no set minimum for a project, although most average more than 100 hours of combined service.   However, the length of work must be long enough that there is AMPLE OPPORTUNITY for a scout to show/demonstrate actual "leadership"? Does an Eagle Project have to be unique? Yes & No.   An Eagle Project does NOT need to be "unique", but it should be unique FOR HIM.   A scout who simply repeats a project he worked on with another scout is NOT "leading".... he's "repeating" some one else.   Remember, PLANNING is a big part of the project/process. Does an Eagle Project require "building" something? No.  An Eagle Project can be a SERVICE, but it cannot be "routine service"... such as raking leaves at his church, spreading mulch, or cutting the lawn.  An example of a non-routine service may be the planning/organizing/executing of a clothing drive, blood drive, or canned food drive.    By PERSONAL PREFERENCE, many scouts like "building" something that they can come back to years later and say "That was my project!". Does an Eagle Project require all the Scouts to work on it? No.  There must be some involvement of the Troop (leaders) so that those who will be sitting on a candidate's Board of Review can say they saw leadership qualities, but that does not mean all the labor has to come from Scouts.   If the Candidate wants to call upon friends, family, or contract labor, that's up to him as the "foreman" to hire the right people to get the job done.   However, it is "healthy" when workers include the troop members as it gives all the Scouts a feeling of participation and the motivation for their own Eagle endeavors. Does an Eagle Project have to cost a certain amount of money? No.  If money is needed, it is up to the Candidate to raise it through donations, fund raiser, or it can be self-funded.  The stipulation is that there can be NO money left over.  Any leftover money must be returned to those who donated it. Does an Eagle Project have to benefit Scouting? It CAN'T.   Once again, the BSA shows its value to the surrounding community.   Eagle Projects are done for organizations OUTSIDE of The Boy Scouts of America. Can an Eagle Project be done on Government property? Yes.  Please note that the nature of "government" is slow and full of "approval processes".   Doing any work on government land or for government agencies will require permits, approvals, etc....that can take quite some time.  Scouts should ask these questions in the early stages of his project.   Government land projects are NOT a good idea for a boy who is facing the "timeout" of his 18th birthday as government delays may cause him to MISS his Eagle opportunity. Can an Eagle Project be done after his 18th birthday? No.   There is a 60 day time gap after a boy's 18th birthday to file his application for Eagle and have his Board of Review, but ALL WORK (Project, Leadership, Merit Badges, Rank) has to be done prior to his 18th birthday unless he has ALREADY been granted a waiver for medical/developmental purposes. He's a really good kid, A student, involved in sports, etc...  Is there ANY way to get an extension on time? No.  All work for the Eagle Rank must be completed before a boy's 18th birthday. No exceptions. Do adults help in the Eagle Project? Absolutely!   Just because it's "his" project doesn't mean he's expected to be a structural engineer, electrician, or master carpenter.   An Eagle Candidate may reach out and solicit assistance from the RIGHT RESOURCES in order to plan/execute his Project.  Remember, his job is not to be the guy swinging the hammer or drawing the plans... but HIRING the right people. Is there a special way for Eagle Projects to be done? Yes.  Please reference the BSA Eagle Project Workbook for a step-by-step guide (and approvals!) needed to complete an Eagle Project.

What is the purpose of a "patrol"?

A significant part of the Scouting experience is to get plenty of  HANDS ON activity.  From knot tying, to cooking on a fire and stove, to learning how to use a pocket knife or axe...   Scouts "DO".

In order to make sure everyone gets a chance to DO, boys are divided into smaller groups within the Troop so that everyone gets ample opportunity to participate.  This is part of what the BSA calls, "The Patrol Method".

Within a patrol-sized group, boys do not get "lost among the crowd" or feel as though their opinions (and votes) don't matter. Each plays a critical and important role in the Patrol's success.

The definition of the "Patrol Method" from the National Council's website...

Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for the patrol's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All patrol members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the patrol and of each of its members.