The current members of Troop 443 Committee wish to welcome you and your child into Scouting.

Troop 443 is boy led—the Scouts design and run their own program within the framework of BSA rules with oversight by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and the Troop Committee.

Our goals are (1) to help the boys to develop moral strength and character; (2) to learn and practice good citizenship, (3) to develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness; and (4) to have fun.

These goals will be accomplished in the following ways:

• Ideals. The ideals of Scouting are explained in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan. The Scouts measure themselves against these ideals and continually try to improve.
• Patrols. The patrol method gives Scouts experience in group living and citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on the boys and teaches them how to accept it.
• Outdoors. Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that the Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that skills and activities practiced at Troop meetings come alive.
• Advancement. Scouting provides challenges and recognition through rank advancement. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. He is rewarded for each advancement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
• Adult Association. Boys learn from the positive examples set by their adult leaders. Association with adults is an important element in a boy’s development.
• Personal Growth. As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. Doing “Good Turns,” by helping others, is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting.
• Leadership Development. Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared leadership and total leadership situations.
• Uniform. The uniform makes the Scout Troop visible and creates a positive youth image. Wearing the uniform shows a commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.

YOUTH LEADER POSITIONS

The key youth leadership positions include:

• Senior Patrol Leader
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
• Patrol Leader
• Quartermaster (Scout)
• Scribe
• Historian
• Librarian
• Chaplain’s Aid
• Instructor
• Troop Guide
• Order of the Arrow Rep.
• Den Chief(s)

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Active parental participation is essential in the success of a Scout! There are many ways that parents can be involved with the Troop. Parents can serve in Adult Leadership positions such as Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee Members, and Merit Badge Counselors. Another way parents can help is coordinate and lead a fundraiser or a weekend campout. Don’t underestimate the value of such assistance, both to the Troop and in the eyes of the Scouts. Training is necessary to adult participation, but it is reasonably easy and usually painless. Scoutmasters require a little more dedication over time to complete all of the necessary training, but much of it is actually fun.