The First Year
For Scouts in their first year, a program is run by older Scouts and adult leaders to help them advance to the rank of First Class. They will learn about the world around them, develop practical skills, and learn to work together as a team. Sessions at our weekly meetings are combined with activities on our monthly campouts to help them advance at their own, personal, rate of progress.
For Scouts at the rank of First Class and above, Merit Badges classes are run at our weekly meetings, thanks to a large, dedicated group of adult leaders. The size of our Troop and the level of parental commitment allows us to teach more than half of the fourteen badges required for the rank of Eagle Scout every semester. The remaining seven (a minimum total of 21 merit badges are required, 14 Eagle required and at least 7 non-eagle required) are usually earned at summer camp, but the leadership is also willing and able to work with the Scouts on those, as needed.
In addition to the fourteen Eagle-required merit badges, there are over 100 additional merit badges that can be earned. These badges cover a range of mental, physical, practical, and entertaining areas of interest, and are a wonderful way to learn about things they may not otherwise have a chance to experience. We offer some of these badges during the Scout year, usually taught by adults who have hobbies or occupations in areas relevant to them, and they can be lots of fun. Many of these badges are also offered at summer camp, and through Merit Badge Workshops offered by our Council. *updated 7/21/22
One of the final, and most difficult, challenges for an Eagle Scout candidate is his Eagle service project. This entails choosing a project that is approved by local council and the national organization, planning every aspect of it, and involving significant, supervised activity by Scouts and others. It is designed to demonstrate leadership, organization, and service to the community, and members of our Troop always contribute their time and resources to help the prospective Eagle Scouts.
To help Scouts who are at this point in their progress, we have a mentoring program to guide them through the process. These mentors help coordinate “Life to Eagle” programs, give advice about service projects, and provide assistance with paperwork.