How Troop 50 Succeeds

How Troop 50 Works...SUCCEEDS!

We are a Troop led by boys under the guidance of adults. The boys plan, develop, and implement the Troop's program as voted on by (you guessed it) - the boys. Junior leaders instruct other boys in the skills of scouting, give leadership in activities ranging from simple games, to camping trip meals, to complex outings - all under the careful guidance of trained adult leaders.

• Troop Meetings
  • Troop meetings start promptly at 7:00 PM on Thursday evenings in the CLC at Ebenezer UMC. A troop meeting can consist of many elements. Often there is training in scout skills, preparation for the up coming outing, and games. We can also work on advancement, conduct patrol business, and hold competitions. Troop meetings are generally planned and conducted by the boys in the troop, although there may occasionally be a "guest" appearance by an adult. The last 15 minutes of our meetings are reserved for recognizing accomplishments & advancement and communicating important information.
• Troop Communications
  • Troop Communications take place primarily through a phone tree established by the scouts. Secondly, through verbal announcements by both adults and scouts at the end of regular troop meetings. An annual schedule is developed and made available to all members beginning with the first meeting in September. Monthly schedules are published by the Troop Scribe near the beginning of each month. Flyers and permission slips are available 2-4 weeks before regular monthly activities.
  • The Scoutmaster may communicate with parents directly roughly once a month by way of email to inform them of general information to be on the lookout for.
• Troop Leadership
  • Troop 50 is led by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) who is guided by the Scoutmaster. The SPL has several assistants(ASPL), and several senior leadership staff members who fill roles such as Troop Scribe, Treasurer, Quartermaster, Instructor, and several other key positions. The rest of the troop is divided into patrols of 6-12 boys. First year scouts are assigned to patrol under the leadership of an older scout known as a Troop Guide. Patrols elect their own leadership and create their own identity. New scouts are immediately assigned to a patrol.
  • The Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, and assistants make up the governing body of the Troop known as the Patrol Leaders Council(PLC). The PLC meets once a month to plan the Troop's activities. The Troop Leader's Council(TLC) is made up of the PLC and the Senior Leader Staff. The TLC meets quarterly to conduct Troop Business.
  • Junior Leaders are trained annually by the Scoutmaster staff and receive guidance from adult advisors throughout their term of office. Junior leaders typically serve a one-year term of office.
  • The Scoutmaster Staff consists of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. This group is responsible for training and advising junior leaders, guiding the implementation of the Troop's outdoor program, keeping an eye out for the safety of the boys.
  • The Troop Committee serves make sure the Scoutmaster staff is the best it can be, is acting appropriately, and provides structural support to the Troop through finance, advancement, and other committees.
• The Role of the Parent
  • The primary role of the parent is to help motivate the scout to stay active in the Boy Scouting program. Providing transportation to scheduled meetings and encouraging the boy to participate in camping trips, summer camp, patrol activities, and advancement will go a long way in helping the scout to achieve his goals and the goals of scouting. Some parents take on a little more active role by providing transportation and even participating in the occasional camping trip. Parents do not have to be registered scouters, but we suggest that parents who attend more than 2 outings per year do register as a matter of protection under BSA insurance and training.
  • Parents who help their sons stay with the program ensure that the most good will be accomplished in their young man. Boys learn different things at different ages in scouting. In the first few years they learn practical life skills plus a little of leadership. Once a boy reaches the rank of First Class he starts to learn and practice more of leadership. This takes time to practice and stick-to-repetitiveness. Parents can help a boy succeed by helping him stick to making and keeping commitments to his patrol and his troop.