Troop 4's goals are those of Scout troops everywhere: character (honesty, integrity, values, and attitude), citizenship (family, community, service, and country), and fitness (physical, mental, moral, and emotional).
The eight methods
- Ideals: living the Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code.
- Patrols: the "natural gang" of 8 to 12 youth with elected leaders.
- Outdoors: hiking, camping, swimming, conservation, and sport.
- Advancement: accomplishment, helping others, surmountable challenges.
- Personal growth: the Good Turn, service, religious observance.
- Adult association: adults as guides, role models, and resources.
- Leadership development: skill and practice in leading others.
- Uniform: identity, practical attire, and commitment to the group.
How we do it
See it, do it. Scouts are taught a skill, then perform it to prove proficiency. Hands-on. We teach about microbes in streams, but the point is that a Scout can purify drinking water on the trail. Scout-led. We give Scouts frequent chances to lead, and within reason we let them learn from failure as well as success. A badly cooked meal on a first backpacking trip becomes an excellent one by the third. Outings with a purpose. Every outing has an agenda of advancement, competition, training, and free time. Fun.
Tri-level programming
Troop 4 is large, and Scouts aged 11 to 17 need different things, so patrols are grouped in three levels.
- Scout Skills patrols: new Scouts, aiming for First Class in about 12 to 18 months.
- Seasoned Scout patrols: typically First Class or higher, at least a year in, grades six through eight. These "middle Scouts" begin holding leadership positions and handle base camping and shorter backpacking.
- High Adventure patrol: the oldest Scouts, usually Star through Eagle, ages 14 to 17, ninth grade and up. They lead the troop and may take part in programs restricted to Scouts with the highest skills and fitness.
The levels overlap on purpose, because Scouts develop at different rates, and rank advancement is never required to stay in the troop. Scouts always work across ages: older Scouts serve as Troop Guides to younger ones, service projects involve everyone, and major outings are planned at the troop level, with occasional challenges tailored to each level.