For almost 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. The program builds boys mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. The skills they learn in Scouting help them overcome obstacles and challenges with courage and character throughout their lives. Give your son a valuable gift by encouraging him to join Boy Scouting today. The time you invest in him today will make a difference in the person he becomes tomorrow.
“Here, then, is Scouting in a nutshell: A game for boys under the leadership of boys with the wise guidance and counsel of a grown-up who has still the enthusiasm of youth in him. A purposeful game, but a game just the same, a game that develops character by practice, that trains for citizenship–through experience in the out-of-doors”
William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt, 1936
First Year, First Class…a foundation for success: When the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills required for safe and capable adventure. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter.
The Troop 115 Trail to First Class program gives new scouts the opportunity to complete all rank requirements in his first year of Scouting with this typical calendar:
- Months 1 to 3: Scout basics, patrol method, safety and awareness, fitness, knots
- Months 4 to 6: Citizenship, nature, basic Scoutcraft, camping intro, pioneering
- Months 7 to 9: First aid, swimming, map and compass, EDGE method
- Months 10 to 12: Advanced camping, cooking, orienteering, leadership
To become First Class in the first year a Scout has to be a member of an active troop that goes camping regularly, that provides plenty of opportunities to learn and use Scouting skills, that effectively presents the full Scouting program touching on all the aims and methods. Scouts earning First Class in the first year are one sign of a healthy troop.
Your family’s investment: There are some basic costs in joining Troop 115; an annual $24 registration fee to BSA, an annual $60 troop fee, and a $40 uniform shirt. Beyond those costs, scouts will contribute to planned events and activities they choose to participate in, ranging from $10 for short local outings, $250 to $500 for summer camp, up to $3,500 for a two week high-adventure camp or National Jamboree.
The value of your investment: Studies by Harris Interactive found that men who were Scouts earn higher annual incomes ($80k vs $61k), and have higher graduation rates from college (35% vs 19%). Compared with men who were never Scouts, men who were Scouts ﬁve or more years as youth are more satisﬁed with their present lives and occupations, have sustained lifelong friendships, and place a higher value on family relationships.
- 57% of NASA astronauts were scouts, 39 are Eagle Scouts
- 11% of US Naval Academy midshipmen were Eagle Scouts
- 16% of West Point Cadets were Eagle Scouts
- 28 members of the 113th Congress were Eagle Scouts
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