Troop 601 Scouting Philosophy
- Scouting should be fun.
- Learning new skills is important, but Scouting shouldn’t be just a continuation of school.
- Advancement should be a byproduct of having fun and learning new skills. If a Scout participates, he will complete advancement requirements as a natural part of the Scouting program.
- The outdoor program is a major part of Scouting. It is were a Scout learns self-reliance and gets to practice the skills he’s learned.
- If a Scout doesn’t participate in camping and other trips he is missing a very important part of the program.
- Parental participation and interest is critical. It not only gives you a chance to do things with your son, it shows him that you think Scouting is important.
- A boy learns by doing things for himself and making mistakes. If you, the parent, do everything for him and doesn’t let him grow and learn by trying new things and sometimes failing, you are doing him a disservice.
- We encourage parents to attend meetings and other Troop events. Scouting activities aren’t a secret. Your child is your most precious possession. Being involved will allow you to get to know and be confident with the Troop’s leadership. Parents registered with the BSA are welcome on all trips, but please come as a Troop leader, rather than Mom or Dad.
- Scouting like everything else costs money. We try to keep costs down. Quality outings are costly, especially when considering the high price of food and fuel.
- We believe in keeping fundraising to a minimum. We have one big fundraiser (our pasta dinner / auction) every year. The initiation fee and yearly dues are $75 per year. We are told it’s reasonable compared to other Troops.
- We try to subsidize Scout trip fees, and drivers are reimbursed for their gas and toll expenses.
- It is a long-standing Troop policy that no boy should miss out on a Scouting activity because of temporary family financial problems. If you are having such a problem talk to an Adult leader. We will do whatever is necessary to see that none of our Scouts are denied the opportunity to enjoy the Scouting experience.
- Equipment and uniforms are expensive. We try to get out-grown uniforms and boots donated, so they can be made available to our younger Scouts. We do not strictly require official Boy Scout equipment. Olive drab trousers and khaki colored shirts, with Scout insignia are acceptable. We try to offer suggestions for lower cost camping equipment, military surplus, and other sources.
- We try to have a variety of different activities, which challenge a boy and expose him to new things. Some examples of our monthly trips include: rifle shooting & archery, rock climbing, white water rafting or canoeing, Scout camporees, and bike trips. We have also gone on yearly trips to a historic location, such as Washington DC, Boston, or Philadelphia. We usually stay at a local Scout camp which keeps the cost of lodging down. Community service includes Memorial Day flag placement and the Wreaths Across America event at Long Island National Cemetery, adopt-a-highway cleanup, and participation in local parades.
- We are proud to have a good number of our Scouts achieve Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle Scout. But we also believe that a Scout can have a valuable Scouting experience no matter what ranks they achieve.
- Finally, (and once again): Scouting should be fun.