Join us on the trail to Eagle!

Top Ten Things to Know about Troop 1631

1. Meetings are every Monday night from 7:00 to 8:30 at FSMS during the school year, except one Monday per month (usually the last Monday) on which the regular meeting is replaced by our “PLC” (Patrol Leader Council) meeting.

2. The expected uniform is full Class A (tan shirt, belt, short/pants, socks) unless the event notice explicitly indicates Class B (T-shirt, shorts/pants, socks). You can order a class B shirt by asking a troop committee member. 

3. Scouts and Adults will need to subscribe to t1631@yahoogroups.com for weekly news updates.  Scouts should join the troop's social media groups.

4. Any off-site activity (pretty much anything other than a regular meeting) requires a permission slip signed by a parent. The permission slip usually also has detailed information about the activity.

5. Scouts are responsible for their own advancement. Scouts are encouraged to contact scoutmasters and merit badge counselors to find out what they need or get signed off. Parents should “coach” their scouts but should not take responsibility.

6. Parents cannot sign off requirements for their own sons. Scouts can work on advancements on their own, but the completion must be signed off by an ASM.

7. We have lots of activities. We need parents to help lead them. Without your help, we have no program. This is now your troop. The best way to get involved is come to a Patrol Leaders Council meeting and/or the monthly committee meeting.

8. Parents are encouraged to get involved. Troop meetings are planned and run by scouts. Sometimes the planning and execution is not what it could be. This is part of the learning process, but without coaching, there is no learning. Interact with the scouts. Ask them what they are supposed to be doing. Provide guidance.  Adult involvement is usually in the form of Assistant Scoutmasters, who generally work with the Scouts on rank advancement, merit badges, camping, and activities;  and the Troop Committee, which is the administrative arm of the troop.  See more in the Scouter's Section of this website (navigation button to your left). 

9. The first three ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class) focus on skills. The second three (Star, Life, Eagle), focus on merit badges, leadership, and service. 

10. Never do what a scout can do.