Troop Meetings
Why do we have troop meetings?
Troop meetings give the Scouts an opportunity to plan their upcoming events.
We try to schedule as many campouts, activities, and other events as we can in order to give our Scouts the opportunity to have a fun experience while learning something new (and teaching other Scouts something new). However, as with any event, it doesn’t happen without proper planning.
While our troop meeting agendas cover a range of topics, one of the primary focuses is on giving the Scouts an opportunity to plan their upcoming events. During the meeting, the Scouts (in their patrols or together as a troop) will work together on the details of our upcoming events.
When do we meet?
Our troop meets once a week every Monday evening.
Due to holidays and other events, we sometimes skip a Monday here and there. Holy Cross Lutheran Church/School is our Charter Organization. Therefore, on Mondays when there is no school, we typically also do not have meetings.
Our troop meets all year long, even during the summer. We tend to relax things a bit more during the summer, especially since there are more opportunities to do things outside. We often replace a Monday meeting with some type of activity. A hike in a local part, a bike ride, a trip to a local archery range… It really all depends on what the Scouts plan during their meeting. (With adult leader approval, of course.)
What happens at the meetings?
While the content of our troop meetings vary from week to week, they typically follow a consistent format.
We start with an opening ceremony. The Scouts can include various items for this, but it typically includes the Pledge, reciting of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and the Outdoor Code, and similar items.
The Scoutmaster and/or SPL will then cover announcement regarding upcoming needs and events.
The troop then usually works together on a specific skill. This instruction and demonstration period is led by a Scout, and the other Scouts are given the opportunity to practice what they have learned. For example… A Scout may teach the others how to start a campfire with a flint and steel. Afterward, the Scouts will be able to go outside to practice what they have learned.
The Scouts then usually break up into their patrols. At this time, they will likely plan upcoming events. They may also spend some time helping their Scouts in the patrol complete rank requirements.
Who can attend troop meetings?
Of course, ALL of the Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend our meetings. The quality and enjoyment level of the meetings is directly related to the number of Scout attendees!
The adult leaders are also of course encouraged to attend all of the meetings. While they may take on an observation role for most of the meetings, it’s important that they are there to help instruct and guide the Scouts as needed. Following the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting, we of course always need at least two registered and trained adult leaders at every meeting and event.
Parents are not required to attend, but they are always welcome. Troop meetings are a great opportunity for them to ask questions and provide feedback to the adult leaders. It’s also an opportunity for them to see what happens at the troop meetings. Again, parents are always welcome!