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Troop 53

Your First Year

The first months of a Scout's career are important as he makes the transition from Webelos to Boy Scouts or just into Scouts period. All new Scouts are put in Patrols (a rough equivalent to Cub Scout Dens) under the supervision of one or two Assistant Scoutmasters. If all or most of your Webelos Den is joining us you will stay together as a Patrol. The first things your Patrol does are pick a Patrol name such as "Screamin' Eagles" or "Evil Blue Beavers", and elect a Patrol Leader. Each New Scout Patrol is assigned a Troop Guide, an older Scout whose job is working with the new Scout Patrol Leader to help him run the Patrol.

The first full year for new Scouts will focus on learning the basics of Scouting and advancing through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. The goal is to have all new Scouts earn First Class rank within one year of joining. To help them focus on basics, we have developed a First Year Scout Training Program which covers all of the requirements for the above ranks during that year.

One of the key events that will greatly help your Scouting career is Summer Camp. Summer Camp is a great experience and gives new Scouts plenty of advancement opportunities, some of which are unavailable at normal Troop and Patrol activities. You should plan to attend Summer Camp in your first year of Boy Scouts. Much of our First Year Scout Training Program relies on the First Class Emphasis program we run at Summer Camp. Missing out on this opportunity puts you waaaay behind other Scouts who joined with you and makes some of the requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class much more difficult to achieve.

More Information:

• What personal equipment should I take on my first campout?
• New Scout Patrol First Campout Plan
• Lots more interesting and useful stuff can be found on our Miscellaneous Information page.