How to succeed in our troop

Troop 82 is extremely proud of its long lineage of Eagle Scouts. Some have gone on to become notable members of our community and society. Even with these achievements, it is important to note our troop is about developing young men and providing outdoor experiences.

• The success for each scout depends directly on the following

• Parental involvement
• Be a good leader - There are many opportunities for scouts to be a leader
• Be a good follower - When you are not a leader, you need to find ways to help scout leaders.
• Advancement camp participation - The first camp all our scouts go to. Learn to camp and basic scout skills.
• Summer camp participation - Scouts earn most of their merit badges here. Merit badges lead to rank advancement. Rank advancement encourages scouts to keep progressing.
• Adventure camp participation - There are many adventure camps throughout the year. This is the most fun part of scouting.

• Leadership

Troop 82 is truly a scout run troop with adult leader guidance. Sometimes it isn't pretty to watch, but we enjoy as young men develop by leading their peers. Parent volunteer participation is critical to our success. Please find a way, no matter how small, to become involved. Send an email to the troop or simply talk to one of our scoutmasters on a monday night.

• Merit Badges and Advancement

Earning merit badges is important to rank advancement but not necessarily the focus of scouting activities. The advancement program allows Scouts to progress from rank to rank. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence. Requirements serve as the basis for a Boy Scout's rank advancement. The four steps to advancement are learning, testing, reviewing, and recognition. Many Scouts have been introduced to a lifelong hobby or rewarding career through the merit badge program. Merit badges help Scouts develop physical skills, social skills, and self-reliance.

• Elections

Elections to leadership positions in the troop are held twice a year. Shortly after the elections, these new leaders are sequestered to develop the plans for activities for their term at PLC. They may also decide on activities not occurring during their term such as the Annual Long Term adventure (planning for this begins at least 18 months in advance).

• Meeting Activities

A single patrol will sponsor events for the month. The schedule The Senior Patrol Leader and his assistants ensure activities are ready by making phone calls to patrol leaders.

• Advancement Camp

Each year in May, Troop 82 conducts its own Advancement Camp at Tip Top Ranch. The camp is designed for new scouts to begin their Troop 82 experience in the outdoors while earning their tenderfoot rank. The camp is run by the older scouts in the unit and supervised by adults. It is a learning experience for all. This is also the first time they have a chance to camp out in a relatively protected environment. They will also participate in a long hike.

The camp is held on Tip Top Guest Ranch located at the top of Rist Canyon. This family owned and operated working ranch spans a mountain range and sits nestled between the foothills to the east and Continental Divide to the west. It is available to our unit with the graciousness of long time former scoutmaster Terry Anderson.

• Summer Activities

The troop participates in an summer advancement camp and an adventure camp every year. We may go to one of various advancement camps in the region such as Camp Larimie Peaks in Wyoming, Medicine Mountain in SouthDakota, Camp Ben DeLatour, and Peaceful Valley south of Denver. Scouts can quickly earn 3- 6 merit badges during the week which keeps them motivated to move forward. High adventure camp, as its name applies, is focused on adventure. We generally try to go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico once every three to four years. We keep the cost of our adventure trips in mind when we plan them. We avoid having two expensive trips back-to-back. Although the scouts can raise money through the year fundraising, the adults that go with them can't. We are always looking for new adventures and welcome anyone's input into the process. The final contenders are defined at the November PLC eighteen months ahead of the trip. Parents are emailed options and the decision is made in an election at the January Court of Honor.

For each rank advancement board of review, scouts must know the Scout Law, Scout motto and Scout oath. It is also a good to know the outdoor code.

• Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

• Scout Oath (or Promise)

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

• Scout Motto

Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

• Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors,
and be conservation-minded.