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Welcome From the Scoutmaster

Scouting is a great program and I want you to know of some of the things you can expect. The things you learn here will help you throughout your life - in school, at home, at work, and when you have your own families - but all that seems a long way off. I am sure that you are more interested in what’s going to happen now!

When you first join us, you will be assigned to a Patrol. The Patrol is the basic unit within the scout troop. A Patrol typically has six to eight boys of generally the same age that work together as a team to camp, accomplish tasks, and to have FUN. Each Patrol has a Patrol Leader. This is a Scout who is elected by the Patrol members to be the group’s leader. By the time it’s your turn, you’ll be ready to assume the leadership role,

The Troop is led by a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). This Scout works directly with me, the Scoutmaster, to organize activities, to plan camping trips, and to ensure that we are all having fun. He is elected by the Troop members for a six month term. At some point in the future, you will have learned the skills to be the SPL.

So far, I have talked a lot about leadership, but the only word I have emphasized is FUN. That’s because that’s what we strive for - having fun in everything we do, from learning basic skills to teaching others. We are constantly looking for new adventures; from canoeing down a lazy river to rappelling down a tower, from backpacking through a pristine forest to visiting new places. Through it all, you will be "doing", not just watching.

The other area in Scouting that I want to touch on briefly is earning rank. As a Scout, the responsibility for earning ranks rests on you - not your parent, not your Scout leaders - you. We will give you all the help you need, but you are the one who will make it happen. Then, when you finally reach the top as an Eagle Scout, you will have the satisfaction and pride of having done it your way!

Again, welcome to Troop 26 and have fun!!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me.

In Scouting,

/s/ Kenny Knous
Scoutmaster