As Scouting Leaders, we have each made a promise to provide an exciting and challenging program for the boys a program in which they can truly be leaders and be involved in shaping their future and the future of others around them. We cannot do this alone, however. Frankly, your son's success in the scouting program begins with YOU. It has been said many times that behind every Eagle Scout are two determined parents! Here are some of the things you can do to help out.

• Be aware of advancement requirements. These may be found on pages 14 - 16 for Tenderfoot through First Class, and pages 594-596 for Star through Eagle. Know where he is and what he needs for his next rank.
• Help your scout set goals for attaining rank and badges. Watch for signs that he's bogging down, getting sidetracked, or just plain losing interest.
• Encourage his participation in troop functions, including regular meetings and campouts. A lot of times, we schedule advancement opportunities for scouts during these times. If he's not participating, he's losing out on the fun and the opportunity.
• Encourage him to wear his uniform correctly and proudly. It is a symbol of scouting and what it stands for. It is IMPORTANT. If financial considerations are of concern, please contact a committee member.
• We do collect dues of about $48 for each boy, per year. That's a real bargain at less than a dollar a week and it even includes a subscription to Boy's Life Magazine! These dues may be paid annually (by January) or a little bit each month. Every boy has his own account within the Troop treasury and records are maintained throughout the year.
• Annual fees do not cover all the costs of operating the troop. Therefore, various fund raising activities are carried out throughout the year. Participation in these activities provides excellent opportunities to teach the boys fiscal responsibility and can be fun for the whole family.

Remember, you are ALWAYS welcome at any of our troop meetings and functions. I'll go even further. A troop is a living organism. We need new scouts to "stay alive." But we need their parents too. Parents can help us out in many ways - don't be surprised if you get a call asking to lend a hand. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Committee Member - Helps to meet the supply need and administrative support for troop operations. Also assists in setting goals for the troop.
• Merit Badge Counselor - Works with scouts to learn basics of some hobby, skill, or career in which the counselor already has extensive knowledge.
• Assistant Scoutmaster - Works with a patrol to guide them in being a part of the Scout Troop.
• "Ad hoc" Leader - Attending Troop functions as an extra driver or as an adult at our fund-raising activities.

The only entrance qualification we have for ANY of the above jobs is that you be willing to give up a little of your time to help us out. Many of our parents find out we adult leaders have fun too!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call. Just one last thing as in any group, there's bound to be some friction. Most of the time the boys themselves can work through this with adult guidance. On some occasions, a leader may need to work directly with a boy and his parents to get him through a difficult time in his social growth. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and also sincerely appreciate your help