Troop 333 Information For New Scouts

Joining Up

Written by Scoutmaster

 “You Are About To Embark On A Great Adventure...” Everyone loves a good mystery book. We never know how it will end. Even if we see the pathway in front of us.

In many ways, the same is true of scouting. Here you are, 11, 12 or maybe 14 years old. You've thought about the guys you've seen in the uniforms. At grocery stores, at sporting events raising the flag, along the highway or at campgrounds. They all work together. The adults and kids seem happy and are having fun. You want to know what it's all about. And is it something you would love to do?

As with life's greatest mysteries sometimes we have to make a leap of faith and join in. We can direct you to a number of websites, and show you all kinds of historic articles, give you magazines to read, and tell you the facts. But none of that is as exciting as meeting the scout troop face to face, and possibly making a new friend.

If you don't know the scout law, you should. Key to a troop's operation and a scout's honor is the law he lives by... When you visit the troop to see if its for you, you will be greeted. You will be welcomed to join in with a patrol. You will be treated as if we've known you for a long time. Like a friend. BECAUSE a scout is friendly.

The Scout law

The scout law covers all aspects of life, not just being friendly. And it is one of the requirements you will need to learn about to become a scout.

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." In case you missed the reasons a scout will welcome you openly, think about what these words mean to you. Someone you just met, who is sworn to be helpful, will help you adjust to your new environment, offer you a seat, and speak with you warmly. A scout will be courteous and listen to your questions and answer you directly. A scout will not belittle your questions or comments just because you may not know something. They are kind. And cheerful.

When you visit our troop, expect to be treated well. You are our guest.

To join scouting, you must:

1. Meet age requirements: Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but is not yet 18 years old.
2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
3. Find a Scout troop near your home.

If you decide you want to join our troop we will ask you learn those items necessary to achieve your scout rank, as soon as possible. By coming to a meeting our scouts can help you learn these items quickly:

1. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
3. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
4. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
5. Describe the Scout badge.

With your parent, you must:

1. Complete the Pamphlet Exercises contained in the front of the scout manual. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide".

And finally you must meet with the scoutmaster. Your parents and others will be present:

Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

You will be asked to demonstrate the things you've learned.

CONGRATULATIONS! You will have taken your first step into a greater scouting adventure.