I. PURPOSE
A. OBJECTIVES OF SCOUTING
The Scouting program began in England in the early 1900's. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, insisted
that education could be FUN -- and should be! The Boy Scouts of America began in 1910 and has grown to the most
effective program for boys to learn basic skills in a variety of areas, to learn teamwork in a fun-filled environment, and to
learn leadership skills. The three primary aims of Scouting are:
1. CHARACTER - what the boy is himself; his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.
2. CITIZENSHIP - the boy’s relationship with others. He comes to learn of his obligation to other people, to the
society he lives in, to the government that presides over that society.
3. FITNESS - in four distinct aspects: of the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve
problems), the “moral fiber” (as shown by courage, respect of others, etc.), and the emotions (self-control and self-
respect).
B. PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK
This book is provided to help Troop 977 Scouts and their parents know more about how our Troop functions. In addition
to this book, Troop newsletters and special notices are distributed to keep everyone informed of planned Troop
activities. Parents are also encouraged to contact the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chairperson with any
problems or questions. If problems cannot be resolved, a boy should be encouraged to visit other troops rather than
drop out of Scouts. Scouting is educational, but more importantly it is FUN! Scouts and their parents are urged to
actively participate in Troop activities and to promote the successful fun-filled legacy of TROOP 977.
C. PARENTS’ ROLE
To the Troop - Parents’ support of a Scout Troop is a key element in the success of a Troop. Many parents will assume
an active role in the Troop Committee (see Section VIII). All parents should do their share in providing transportation to
meetings and to camp outs for their son and other scouts. Parents can also help in a variety of ways in support of
Troop fund-raising activities (see Section VI).
To your Son - Your most important support to the Scouting movement is your direct support of your son. The boys who
enjoy Scouting the most are often those with parents that participate with them. Take time to review your son’s Boy
Scout Handbook so that you will understand more about the Scouting program.
Encourage your son in every aspect of his Scouting activities. In particular, help him to learn the importance of being
consistent in whatever he does by being regular in his attendance to Troop meetings each week and by actively
participating in Troop outdoor activities.
In some schools, your son will have a problem with peer pressure even though he is enjoying Scouting activities. Be
aware – if this becomes a problem, encourage him to talk with other Scouts and Scout Leaders about it, and contact a
Troop Leader for other suggestions.
D. BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK
The Boy Scout Handbook is an important item to assist a new Scout in getting off to a good start. He will use his Scout
Handbook to read and learn about Scouting skills and activities, and to track his advancement along his trail to EAGLE.
The Scout Handbook should be brought to every meeting and to every Camp out.
E. UNIFORM POLICY
The Scout uniform is an integral part of each Scout’s identity with Scouting and with Troop 977. Uniform items may be
purchased from the Scout Shop or from any store that carries Scout items. Only official BSA uniform items are
authorized for Class A uniform -- no substitutions. All patches are to be worn as shown in the Scout Handbook. Current
BSA policy dictates proper position, location and quantity of patches to be worn.
The following items have been designated as “Official Troop Uniform” items by the Troop 977 Patrol Leaders Council:
· Troop Neckerchief --- Black with red border & red fleur-delis
· Troop Shirt --- Official Scout short-sleeved shirt (tan) with red shoulder loops
· Troop T-Shirt --- Troop logo located on left chest of shirt, as designed by Troop
· Troop Pants --- Official Scout uniform long pants or Official Scout shorts with green/red socks
· Troop Belt --- Official Scout green web belt and Scout buckle
F. TROOP DRESS CODE
Class “A” - formal --- Complete uniform as described in the Troop Uniform Policy with all authorized medals and
badges; Troop neckerchief. To be worn for all Courts of Honor and other BSA special recognition events.
Class “A” - informal --- Same as Class “A” formal, except no medals, or sashes and any Boy Scout belt. To be
worn to all Troop meetings and during all Troop travel, unless directed differently by the Scoutmaster.
Class “B” --- Any Scout T-Shirt (summer camp, special event, or Troop designed T-shirt); Scout pants
or shorts with long socks, and BSA belt. Scout T-shirt with pants or shorts other than Official Scout pants/shorts are not
approved as Class “B”. May be worn during camp outs or service projects as approved by the Patrol Leaders Council
and the Scoutmaster.
Class “C” - work/play --- Blue jeans, shorts, Scout T-shirts & work gloves as appropriate for the activity and
weather.
Scoutmaster --- The same applies for all uniform classes with the following exceptions: Campaign (Smoky Bear)
hat, Official Boy Scout Leader dress belt. Other adult leaders should also wear complete uniforms in order to set the
right example for our Scouts.