How Can Parents Get the Most Out of Scouting? 

While the role of parents in Boy Scouting is quite different from their role in Cub Scouts, it is no less important or needed. Although the program is boy-run, we still welcome and need adult participation in order to handle the many various tasks that boys can't do and that make an excellent scouting program. Also, the first year can be a confusing transition for both boys and parents as the two programs are rather different. Here is how you can help your son make the transition successfully. Remember, Many hands make light work

Each family needs to help out and take on at least one Eagle Scout based Merit badge. We will assist you with the material needed to teach, there are 12  topics in which to choose from:


  1. First Aid
  2. Citizenship in the Community
  3. Citizenship in the Nation
  4. Citizenship in the World
  5. Communications
  6. Personal Fitness
  7. Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving
  8. Environmental Science
  9. Personal Management
  10. Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling
  11. Camping
  12. Family Life

  1. Actively support his participation in Scouting: to go to meetings, campouts, summer camp, and other outings. These are the places where the boys learn the skills. A boy can't advance unless he participates. Encourage him to show initiative to learn and get his skills "signed-off". Remember in the first years you can be a significant influence on his enthusiasm for Scouting. 
  2. Get him to Troop meetings every week: most of the boys can’t drive
  3. Have him arrive on-time: 6:45 
  4. Make sure he comes in complete Class A uniform with handbook: Help him be responsible for these things. Even if he is coming from a sports event, practice or other activity, it only takes five minutes to change in the car and it shows respect for his uniform, his Troopmates and leaders and for what the uniform represents. If your son perceives the uniform is not important to you, it will not be important to him. 
  5. Read the book: learn about the program and help him prioritize his participation with homework, sports, other activities and home/family responsibilities. 
  6. Ask questions and encourage your son to do the same. His Scoutmaster and other leaders are always available to answer your questions. If there is something you don’t understand, are concerned about or just want to discuss, ask us.
 
How Else Can You Help the Troop: 

  1. Help us by going on some outings with us. As stated above, Boy Scout camping is not the same as family recreational camping, but helping hands are often needed to run activities.
  2. Help with some events: We always need help with things like refreshments,   and other service projects, as well as longer range planning, new scout orientation, Camporee and summer camp. 
  3. Serve on a Board of Review. In the weeks before a Court of Honor, we need a small committee of parents to meet individually with boys to certify their advancement. This is a formal opportunity for the boy to voice his goals and reflect on his scouting experience. 
  4. Become a Merit Badge counselor. If you have a special skill or hobby and feel qualified to help teach small groups of boys about that skill, you may sign up to be a Merit Badge counselor which would make you qualified to teach and grant some merit badges to our boys.  You may also ask to only work with Troop 773 boys if you wish or you may work with boys from other troops as well. 
  5. Consider getting trained and helping us as a leader. The most successful troops have many Assistant Scoutmasters each of whom take on special areas of responsibility. It's fun and a great way to get to know your kid in a different context. Many hands make light work.