Your son is about to become a member of the greatest boy movement in the
world and participate in one of the best Scout troops in the country. The
intention of this letter is to convey some basic information about our
troop and how we operate.
Troop meetings are every Wednesday night at Salem-in-Ladue Methodist Church beginning
at 7:30 sharp and ending around 9:00. Please have your son there a few
minutes early so that he can meet new friends and still be ready when the
meeting starts.
The Scout Handbook is a superb source of information and one should be
purchased as soon as possible. Scout supplies are available at the two
St. Louis Area Council Scout Shops -- one is located at Page and Lindbergh,;
the other at 4568 West Pine in the Central West End.
Our uniform is very distinctive and traditional and our Scouts take a lot
of pride in it. Over 80 years of proud tradition are woven into Troop 17's
distinctive year-round uniform -- a uniform that encompasses the best of
Scouting tradition and yet distinguishes us from other troops. We look
like Scouts -- not a soccer team or just another youth group.
If your son has a tan Webelos uniform that he can utilize, that's great.
(You'll have to remove and add some of the patches though.) If not, then
you should purchase one for him as soon as possible -- and definitely by
the time he earns his Scout award. He will feel much more a part of the
activities if he is dressed like the other Scouts. Recent research by many
schools has shown what Scouting has known for years -- that boys, in uniform,
are much better behaved. Until he purchases one though, he should wear
blue jeans and a plain white T-shirt to the meetings. Enclosed is an information
sheet covering the uniform items, their cost, and where to obtain them.
Should a Scout wear his uniform on a campout? The answer is no except on
special occasions like a Camporee or summer camp. Since camping is sometimes
dusty or muddy, we feel that we should avoid excess wear and tear on the
uniform. What equipment should your son bring? The Scout Handbook contains
clothes and personal equipment lists. Most of the time, the troop provides
the food for the campout at a nominal cost, but occasionally your son will
need to bring his own meals.
WHAT YOUR SON CAN EXPECT FROM OUR TROOP
We hope a full Scouting program wherein he can learn the Scouting skills
and have a good time. There will be many hikes, campouts and other activities.
We plan at least one outdoor activity per month -- usually weekend camping
trips. We also attend a long-term summer camp the S-F Scout Ranch near
Farmington. On these outings, they will learn many skills but, best of
all, will be the fellowship and the friendships they will make with other
Scouts.
An opportunity to experience leadership commensurate with his experience,
interest, and available opportunities. He'll learn to teach and lead other
Scouts. We encourage our Scouts to plan and run their own program with
guidance from the adult leaders.
Adult leaders act as coaches in Troop 17. They are there to help the Scouts
develop their social and leadership skills and act as a source of advice.
Adults are present at every troop function to ensure that activities are
properly run and supervised.
We hope we can live up to his and your high expectations and we will do
what we can to help him do it for himself.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SON
We expect him to do his best to live according to the Scout Oath &
Law, to follow the rules and to obey his leaders so that something can
be accomplished at troop meetings and campouts.
We expect him to advance along the trail to Eagle. We want him to feel
that he is accomplishing something and the advancement ranks are a visible
indication of his progress. If he applies himself, he can even earn a place
on that long list of Seventeeners who have achieved Scouting's highest
rank -- Eagle Scout.
We expect regular participation. This is a must if he is to get the most
out of Scouting. Boys who are ambitious and active are the ones who have
the most rewarding Scouting experiences.
We expect and encourage his participation in sports and other school and
religious activities (most of our Scouts do) as long as it does not occur
on a Tuesday night, the troop's meeting night. We are as proud of our Scout
troop as any coach is of his team.
We expect him to wear his Scout uniform. A Scout in uniform is proud of
his Troop, is better behaved, and feels better about himself. Does anyone
compete on a football or baseball team or participate in the band without
a complete and correct uniform? Of course not. We have equally high standards
of excellence.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM MOM AND DAD
Our staff consists of a Scoutmaster, several Assistant Scoutmasters, numerous
experienced older Scouts, and a committee of fathers and alumni to oversee
the whole program. Although we are rich and deep in leadership, we do expect
help from time to time such as transportation to and from various events
or, perhaps, providing a cake at a Court of Honor. If you would like to
participate in a leadership or support capacity, you should speak to the
Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman to let them know of your interest so
that when an opening exists you are sure to be considered.
It is necessary for you to be present when your son receives his advancements
in rank and other awards at our Courts of Honor. The Scouts work hard to
achieve their awards and it is important that their parents show an interest
in their progress and accomplishments.
Each Scout progresses along the trail to Eagle Scout at his own rate but
encouragement at home is very important.
It takes money to run a Scout Troop and maintain our equipment. Our principal
source of revenue is the manufacture and sale of our unique hat presses.
This provides most of the funds we need but dues are also needed. These
are assessed annually and cover, for example, such items as badges awarded,
activity fees, and Boy's Life Magazine.
IN CONCLUSION
As a result of his time with Troop Seventeen, we sincerely hope your son
learns a lot, attains a high rank, makes lots of friends, has a healthy
experience, and a becomes a better citizen.