Scouting is a lot of fun. Fun keeps the boys coming back week after week. But there is more to Scouting than just entertaining boys. Scouting also has as its mission the following three Aims of Scouting:

• To build moral strength and character
• To foster citizenship
• To develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness.

These Aims represent the long term goals that we have for each boy. They underlie everything we do in Troop 889.

To accomplish these Aims, Scouting has developed eight "Methods of Scouting." Those methods are:

• HIGH IDEALS: These ideals are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.

• THE PATROL METHOD: Working in patrols gives each Scout an experience in group living and participating citizenship. The boys meet regularly in their patrols to plan for outings and cook by patrol. Each patrol elects a Patrol Leader, who serves on the Patrol Leaders' Council. The Patrol Leaders' Council, under the leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader, works with the Scoutmaster in planning and carrying out the program of the Troop.

• THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM: Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and mankind's place in it.

• ADVANCEMENT: Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and, by participating in the troop program, progresses as he overcomes each challenge.

• PERSONAL GROWTH: As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. The religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method.

• ADULT ASSOCIATION: Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Association with adults of high character is critical at this stage of a young man's development.

• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

• THE UNIFORM: The uniform advances the Aims of Scouting in many ways. For the Boy it is a reminder of the high ideals that he has agreed to live by. It gives him a feeling of belonging, not only to his patrol and troop, but to the worldwide brotherhood of Boy Scouting. It becomes a source of pride upon which a boy displays his advancements in rank and achievements. And to the community, it is a respected symbol of citizenship and leadership.

At Troop 889, we are committed to the Aims and Methods of Scouting.

Before your son joins a Troop you should visit several Troops with him so he can choose the Troop in which he feels most comfortable. As your son narrows his choices, consider going on a camp out with the Troop as well. These experiences will give him an excellent idea of what Scouting is like with the Troop.

Parents are always welcome to attend Troop 889 meetings and camp outs. At these activities you will see the boys engaged in the game of Scouting — planning outings, learning a skill or simply having fun in an inter-patrol competition. Scouting is a game with a purpose. As you observe these activities, you will see the opportunities your son will have for personal growth as part of the Scouting movement.

Unlike a Cub Scout Pack, a Boy Scout Troop is led by the boys themselves. With the help and guidance of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters, the boys will plan and carry out the Troop's programs. In the process, the boys learn leadership, self-confidence and teamwork.

This does not mean there is no place for parents. To the contrary, we need you to be involved to ensure that the program is successful. We need parents to volunteer as merit badge counselors, to assist in special projects, and to join us on our monthly outdoor adventures. Any parent is welcome to join the Troop Committee or to volunteer in some other capacity.

Working with Scouts is fun. You'll enjoy watching the boys tackle new challenges. Plus you'll share the fellowship of some pretty nice parents. If each of us will do a little, none of us will be overburdened.