Troop 712 is a scout-led troop using the patrol method where the scouts plan, organize, and lead their meetings, campouts, and outings with adult mentoring. Troop 712 develops leaders through leadership training, opportunities to plan and run meetings, and building their confidence through high adventure activities.

WELCOME TO TROOP 712

Welcome to BSA Troop 712. You are about to begin an adventure! Hopefully, this site will have answers to some of your questions about Scouting and our troop. Troop 712 and its leaders are committed to bringing a quality program and a positive experience to your boy by following the aims and ideals of Scouting.

The focus of our troop is camping. Along these lines, most of the time at our weekly troop and planning meetings is devoted to preparing for, or cleaning up from, camping trips and other activities. We go on a weekend campout every month, a week-long summer camp in June or July, and a High Adventure trip each year. In addition, we have troop outings and activities throughout the year.

THE AIMS OF SCOUTING

There are basically three aims of Scouting: They are 1) To Build Character, 2) To Foster Citizenship, and 3) To Develop Fitness.

Scouts and parents should not lose sight of the fact that our main goals are to have fun and build character.

Building character includes instilling moral and ethical qualities, honesty, courage and integrity in the boy. Also, included in character building are the traits of self-reliance, self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect.

Citizenship can be stated as the Scouts relationship to others in his community and nation. He learns how his local, state and federal government work and his obligation to keep his country strong.

Scouting recognizes four types of fitness and encourages the development of all of them. They include physical, emotional, mental and moral.

THE METHODS OF SCOUTING

There are eight Methods of Scouting. All of them are intertwined in the Scouting program. 

Scouting Ideals - are the personal behavior guides and standards that the boy commits to when he joins scouting. They are the Scout Oath and Law

Patrols - Is the method, which gives the boy the sense that he belongs to his own special group. Each patrol has its own name, its own meeting time and own sense of identity. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other.

Outdoors - Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where he puts into practice the skills and activities learned at troop meetings.

Advancement - Scouting provides a ladder of skills for the boy to climb at his own pace. As he acquires these skills he moves up through a series of finales. The higher he climbs the more difficult the challenges, and the more rewarding the accomplishment.

Personal Growth - All of the Scouting methods help a boy grow. Every one of them contributes one way or another to a Scouts personal growth as an outcome of his experience.

Adult Association - Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is critical at this stage of a young man's development.

Leadership Development - Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding floe concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform - The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. (see more about the uniform)

ANNUAL DUES

Dues Paid to the Troop Treasurer every December (typically) go toward: your Boy's Life subscription, the National BSA Fees, and the overall Troop Budget for the year - covering the costs associated with running the Troop including camping equipment (our primary expense), camping trip expenses (food and permit fees), t-shirts (Class B) and neckerchiefs. The fee is set in the Troop Budget passed by the Troop Committee.  Thanks to our one and only annual fundraiser (an auction/social event), we are able to keep the annual dues as low as possible. 

ATTENDANCE

Unlike many sport/school groups our Troop believes that participating in Scouting is something a Scout (or volunteer) should participate in because they want to. Therefore, there is no requirement to attend a certain number of meetings/events. If a Scout has sporting/school/other conflicts that keep him from Scouting for a period of time that is fine (it is appreciated if you let the SPL/PL/Scoutmaster know if you are going to be gone so we don't worry about you). The exception to the above would be Scouts in a leadership position - who are expected to regularly participate in meetings/campouts/events as part of their responsibilities, and if they are unable to attend - notify the Scoutmaster and SPL as well as find a replacement.