Troop 138 Paramus

SCOUT SPIRIT

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What Is Scout Spirit? Scout Spirit is defined as “Living by the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and Motto in your daily life.” As a whole, having Scout Spirit means supporting others, bettering your community, and striving to become your best possible self. It’s the duty of each scout to determine for themselves how best to live with Scout Spirit.

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ACTIVE PARTICIPATION 

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To earn each of BSA's top three ranks — Star, Life, Eagle — a Scout must “be active” in his troop and patrol for a specified number of months and “serve actively” in a position of responsibility such as patrol leader or quartermaster. So what exactly does “active” mean and how do troop leaders measure participation? 

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WHY IS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT? Scouts best achieve the aims of Scouting (character development, citizenship training, and personal and mental fitness) when they participate in meetings, outings, and service projects, and hold positions of responsibility.

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WHAT CONSTITUTES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION? To meet the requirement of active participation, a Scout must be registered in the unit and be in good standing, meaning he hasn’t been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. In addition, he’s expected to meet the unit’s “reasonable expectations.” 

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50% OF MEETINGS AND OUTINGS CONSTITUTE PARTICIPATION FOR TROOP 138? Our 50% participations is reasonable and recognizes the many worthwhile opportunities go beyond Scouting. A Scout who falls short of the unit’s expectations will be given the chance to offer an acceptable explanation. Certainly there are medical, educational, family, and other issues that may prevent higher levels of participation. A board of review must also provide the Scout an opportunity to demonstrate how non-Scouting activities have contributed to his growth. (However, this option is only available if the board of review members can agree that the young man has already exhibited Scouting values.) For example, he might have missed a campout to attend a church youth retreat. Remember, the advancement program isn’t about what a Scout has done; it’s about what he’s able to do and how he has grown.

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DO MONTHS OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION HAVE TO BE CONTINUOUS? No. A Scout may piece together any periods he has been active and still qualify. And his active months don’t expire if they are followed by inactive months.