Here are a few things we feel are important to consider when looking for a Boy Scout Troop
Location
Most people live relatively close to the troop they join. Living to far away can make it difficult to make it to a troop’s weekly meeting.
Leadership
Boy Scouts is a scout run program, however there still needs to be strong adult leaders to teach the scout how to successfully run the program and help scouts learn to be effective leaders. Continuity of Adult Leadership is the sign of a strong program. Explore troops with adult leaders that have been with the Troop for many years.
Outdoor Program
Outdoor programs should fit your interests. Some Troops only camp in the summer. Others have a twelve-month program that includes both winter and summer programs. The most active troops have a program for younger scouts and a high adventure program for boys 14 and over. Your son most likely will not be able to attend High Adventure campouts when you first join the troop; however they are an important part of scouting and provide a way for your son to continue to be challenged and develop. These trips include but are not limited to Florida Sea Base, Philmont Scout Ranch, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Troop Size
Some kids like small troops, some kids like larger troops. Unless the troop is continuing to decrease in size, what is more important is retention rate.
Scout Retention Rate
How many scouts make it all the way through the program. For many troops, this means making it to Eagle. Some troops are able to draw many kids in but are then unable to keep them coming back week after week.
Continued Involvement
After finishing the program, it is important that scouts continue with scouting. This usually means continuing on in the troop as an adult leader. This is able to help scouts that are finished with the program continue to learn and grow, and definitely helps with continued leadership development. These are also some of the best leaders for new scouts; they have recently finished the program and know what new scouts will need help with. They are also closer in age to new scouts making it easier to connect with them and become role models.
