BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA
TROOP 628
Allegheny Highland Council
Western Gate District
Overview: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 628 is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetimes thus enabling them to achieve their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the BOY SCOUT OATH and LAW.
Troop 628 will be governed by the Scout Oath, Scout Laws, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan. It is by following these rules that you can become a TRUE Scout.
The long trail to Eagle, Scouting's highest rank, is full of opportunities for you to learn, to lead, to listen, and to teach. By setting goals for yourself and then working to reach them, you can gain valuable knowledge, and experiences in many fields. It takes determination and effort, however, the results are rewarding. The Scout handbook discusses the challenges and recognition that await you along the "Trail to Eagle".
TROOP HISTORY & OBJECTIVES
Troop 628 was originally chartered in 2000. The troop was organized by parents to provide a quality Scouting experience for their sons.
The aims of the troop are the same as those established by the Boy Scouts of America:
§ To build character and moral strength,
§ To foster citizenship, and
§ To develop physical, mental and emotional fitness
Boy Scouts of America has developed and proven the methods for a successful and exciting Scouting program. Troop 628 was created with the objective of fully utilizing this program. These methods are as follows:
IDEALS As stated in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.
PATROLS The patrol method teaches and promotes teamwork, leadership, and a sense of identity.
OUTDOORS Outdoor activities are the hallmark of the Scouting experience.
ADVANCEMENT A series of objectives, rewards and recognition develops self-confidence and maturity.
PERSONAL GROWTH Activities are geared towards stretching a Scout’s horizons.
ADULT ASSOCIATION Scouts learn by the example set by their adult leaders.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Scouting provides ample opportunities for leadership training and practice by being a boy run, adult advised program.
UNIFORM Uniforms provide a sense of belonging, personal pride, and are a symbol of commitment to Scouting’s ideals.
THE CHARTERING ORGANIZATION
American Legion Glenn A. Pratt Post #1460 charters Troop 628. The legion receives a charter from Boy Scouts of America to use its program for a one-year period. The charter must be renewed annually.
The legion has in turn agreed to provide membership dues for the adult leadership to operate the Boy Scout program. The legion owns and operates Troop 628 and selects a representative to act as a direct link between the church and the troop.
TROOP ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
The Troop operates on a patrol system with 8 to 10 Scouts in each patrol. Each Scout is to wear a patrol emblem on his uniform. Patrols operate as independent units for many of the Troop activities. Each patrol will periodically elect their Patrol Leader. Each Patrol Leader then appoints his staff. The Troop Staff is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader who is either elected by the Troop or appointed by the Scoutmaster and other members such as Scribe, Guide, Quartermaster, etc. who are appointed by the Scoutmaster.
Patrol Leaders and Staff make up the boy leaders of the troop. These boys along with the Adult Leaders meet once a month at the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meeting to develop and implement the Troop Program.
All Scouts are important in the Troop Organization. Without the input and participation of each Scout at all events, the troop can function as designed. Therefore, it is important for a Scout to be committed to his Patrol and Troop. When adult leaders, boys, and parents make this commitment, Scouting can be fun and can help a boy achieve his full potential.