The participation of adults during scouting functions is vital to the success of the troop.  Many times the question is asked, "What can I do as a parent at troop meetings and campouts?”  Great question, here are some answers.  First of all we encourage all adults to register as a Troop Committee member.  The Troop Committee manages the administrative aspects of the Troop's operation.

Troop Meetings

• Get your boy to the troop meeting on time.  Come early if you can, so you can help with setup.

• Participate during the opening ceremonies (flag, pledge, oath, law).

• Listen to the announcements.  Often important information is conveyed. 

• Try to watch the noise level of the adult conversations.  Even if the adults are speaking softly, the combined effect of several conversations can interfere with the meeting program.

• Make payments on time.  Campout payments are due the second Monday before the campout.  Summer camp payment schedules are distributed.

• Get involved!  Speak to the Committee Chairman, or the Scoutmaster, about where the Troop currently needs help.

• As a registered Troop Committee member, help out with Boards of Review for Scouts that are advancing.

• Chaperone and even participate in the game

Campouts

• Please come!  Parent involvement has been a long tradition in the troop and it is great to be in the outdoors with your son.

• Offer to drive!  We always need cars/vans/pickups.  If you can pull a small trailer, we will be eternally grateful.

• Safety is the top priority on our campouts!  If you see an unsafe condition, talk to the Scoutmaster or, if necessary, take immediate action.

• Camp Leader:  The leader in camp is the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader).  He is supported by his Patrol Leaders, the Scoutmaster, and a designated Assistant Scoutmaster.

• Remember that Boy Scouts, in contrast to Cub Scouts, is a boy run program.  Let the boys do it themselves!  They need a chance to test their leadership skills, make mistakes, and learn from them!  If you have a suggestion for the youth, try to resist the temptation to offer advise (exception is a safety issue, then you are expected to take action).  Instead, pass your suggestion to the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.  They will talk to the SPL (the youth in charge) who will appoint a youth to coach the boy(s).

• When you arrive at the campsite, your job will be to set up your personal tent.

• There will be plenty of opportunities to help.  Just ask the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmaster what you can do.  If you like to cook, there is lots of cooking to be done.  If you already have outdoor skills, offer your services.  If you would like to learn a skill, watch what the boys are doing and learn it yourself.  If there is nothing needed, sit back, relax and enjoy the outdoors!

Always

• Encourage and bring FUN.

• Get Trained, read the Handbook and Merits Badge books so you can be a resource and inspiration.

• Lead by example Live by the Scout Oath, Law and Motto and the Scouts will too.