Responsibilities of Parents

Believe it or not the parents have as great or greater role in the success of their scout as the Scoutmaster. Time and time again we see the scouts of parents that take no active role in scouts drop out early. Those scouts who have parents that take an active role are the scouts who succeed.

1. First off, it is your son that is participating in the program. You are there to guide, not do for your son. A wise old Scoutmaster once said, "Never do anything for a boy that he can do for himself". These words were never truer than they are today.
2. Boy Scouting is not a baby sitting clinic; nor is it manners school. It is a program for boys to gain experience in many different walks of life, learn self reliance, and learn to become leaders or followers as appropriate. Help your son understand what scouting is all about and provide a home where principles of scouting are already lived.
3. Learn about the program. Read your scout's books. Study on the net, get familiar with the troop web site and other scouting sites. Understand what the ranks are and what is needed to move up through them. You should not be doing things for you son, but if you know what he should be doing you can offer guidance and an occasional nudge in the right direction when needed.
4. Ask the adult scout leaders what you can do to help the troop. There are nearly always roles that go unfilled in a troop. Here is a link to adult job descriptions.
5. Boy Scouting is boy led. While this may at times appear disorganized and chaotic this is how the scouts learn. Do not interfere with the youth leaders unless an immediate safety issue is involved. If you have a concern bring it up with one of the uniformed, trained, adult leaders.
6. You may not always agree with an adult leader. Privately discuss your ideas or concerns with them and then let them do their job and make the decision. Unless a boy or group is in danger don't interfere with the final decision. All adult troop leaders have been trained and take their jobs seriously. We welcome your help, but we do encourage you to get trained if you want to work with the scouts directly.
7. Make scouting an exciting topic within the household. The boys don't always want to go or may lose interest but it is certain that they will be much better off for participating in the program. Help motivate them.
8. Donate financially to the official program. Much support is needed to keep councils and other organizations running. If you have means, donate to the cause.
9. Have fun yourself. Scouting is meant to be adventurous. Serve and grow with your son! You can have a great time and help you son grow into adulthood.