Scouts BSA

For Personal Development

Scouting provides a series of surmountable and achievable goals to expand the horizons of young people and give them opportunities they cannot find through school or other outside activities. Scouts learn at their own pace, through carefully designed experiences that have been developed over time to be effective for learners at all levels. Learning how to tie knots, plan a menu, swim, or administer first aid is useful in life, but the combined impact of learning and being tested on those skills builds confidence and self-reliance.

For Community Development

Scouts develop individual skills, but they also have opportunities to use those skills to help their fellow Scouts, families, and the community at large. All youth members volunteer in the community and many Troops undertake service projects. Citizenship education, in support of community, nation, society, or the world, is a major component of the Scouting advancement program.

For Values Development

The mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. The Scout Oath and Scout Law encourage service, kindness, accountability, and duty. Within the framework of Scouting, youth develop character, leadership, and mental and physical fitness. All participants learn how to keep each other safe, whether physically, psychologically, or spiritually. Scouts BSA does not exclude any youth or adult member based on personal identity, circumstances, or abilities.

Scout Troops

A Troop is a unit of Scouts BSA, made up of girls or boys. Troops meet several times each month to learn skills, play games, recognize accomplishments, and elect leaders. They also plan outings such as camping, hiking, service projects, or visits to local and regional attractions. Each Troop decides which activities to do, and youth members lead planning and organizing. Troops often plan activities with other Troops or Cub Scout Packs and participate in District-wide or Council-wide programs. Troops are led by youth members supported by adult leaders who ensure safety and act as guides and mentors. Girl Troops and Boy Troops often meet at the same time and place for joint activities but maintain separate youth and adult leadership.

Adult Leaders

Each Troop has two or more adult leaders (21 or older) trained in the Scouts BSA program, requirements, and principles. For female Troops, at least one female adult leader is required to participate at all times. All adults involved with Scouting in any capacity must pass a background check and take Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse Training every year. Scouting practices Two-Deep Leadership which ensures that two adult leaders are required for any engagement with a Scout or group of Scouts. This requirement covers in-person activities, online communications, or personal interactions such as Merit Badge evaluations.

Merit Badges

Merit Badges are foundational for Scouting and enable youth members to learn new skills and demonstrate mastery. There are over 135 badges, in topics ranging from law to lifesaving, camping to citizenship, gardening to game design. Many can be earned virtually, by working alone or with the rest of the Troop. Merit Badge Counselors guide Scouts through the process and certify that requirements have been met. Badges are awarded during a Court of Honor ceremony by Troop leaders.

Advancement

In addition to Merit Badges, Scouts earn Ranks to demonstrate their overall development in the program. Adult leaders mentor youth to determine their goals and the path toward achieving them. There are also positions within the Troop, such as Senior Patrol Leader, which are elected by youth members. Some Scouts will decide to work toward the highest rank, Eagle Scout, but others will not. There are also Awards in many categories, which can be earned locally or nationally.

Uniforms

Scouts BSA uniforms are designed to create a sense of unity, equality, identification, and personal commitment. The iconic Scouts BSA uniform represents the ideals of Scouting and enables Scouts and leaders to display their accomplishments and demonstrate dedication. Uniforms must be well-maintained and worn neatly and are greatly encouraged to be worn for all Scouting activities. Troops can decide when uniforms must be worn, such as during a Court of Honor or community function.

Meetings

Troops meet several times each month during the school year, usually on a set night of the week. Each meeting typically includes activities that support Merit Badges, planning for future events, time for socializing, and shared food. Scouts may break up into Patrol units for some of these activities.  

District and Council Events 

Great Falls Council and its districts sponsor many activities during the year that all Troops can participate in, such as:

• Camporees – weekends where Troops can camp and share a common set of activities
• Klondike Derby – Troops compete by pull their sleds through a course and stopping to complete challenges along the way
• Advancement Fair – Troops members collectively work on Merit Badge and rank requirements, assisted by adult volunteers

Outings and Activities

Scout Troops love to plan activities outside of regular meetings! They include trips to local museums and attractions, visiting companies or agencies, or religious activities. Outdoor adventures build character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. Scouts learn to have fun safely outdoors, whether on the water, on foot, on vehicles, or at a campsite. Scouts are taught outdoor ethics via the Leave No Trace program, ensuring they can enjoy outdoor adventures with minimal impact on the environment, wildlife, and other visitors. Troops plan camping trips to other locations such as parks, campgrounds, and even ski areas.

Community Service

A major part of Scouting is service to others. Troops participate in large events such as the annual Scouting for Food campaign or smaller events such as cleaning up a park. Troops often provide staffing for Cub Scout activities such as Pinewood Derby or swimming instruction. 

Summer Camp

The Great Falls Council owns and operates Camp Gorton and Camp Scouthaven , which provides Scouts with outdoor adventure opportunities each summer and throughout the year. Scouts BSA members are highly encouraged to attend Scout Camp, which offers Merit Badge opportunities, unmatched waterfront and shooting skills facilities, and fellowship with other Troops. 

High Adventure Bases

BSA operates four High Adventure sites that Scouts can visit with their Troops: Northern Tier in Minnesota, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Sea Base in Florida, and Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. These are major undertakings in terms of time, planning, and fundraising, but provide a level of facilities and experiences that is one-of-a-kind. Locally we have our own Birchbark Adventures with 3 different trek locations available!