Join Boy Scouts in the Viking Council

Boy Scout Activities

The Patrol: 
As soon as a boy joins the Boy Scouts, he will become a member of a patrol, which is a group of four to eight boys who enjoy Scouting together. A Patrol Leader, elected by the patrol members, will help plan the exciting things that the troop will do. The patrol does everything together as a group.

The Troop: 
Each Scout troop is made up of numerous patrols of Scouts. The troop members elect a Senior Patrol Leader who is an experienced Scout and he is in charge of the troop. He runs the meetings and activities. The Scoutmaster is the adult directly responsible for the troop.

Advancement: 
The Scouting program provides many opportunities to learn skills and take part in terrific adventures. It also recognizes achievements by awarding badges of rank. The first three are Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. These focus on the Scout learning the basic Scout skills to prepare them to be a better camper, hiker and Scout. The next three ranks are Star, Life and Eagle. These focus on advanced skills learned from earning various merit badges and troop leadership positions.

The Troop Meeting: 
Troop meetings are held once a week at the troop meeting location (ex: church basement, school gym, etc.). The meeting is run by the Senior Patrol Leader and consists for five parts (although each troop is run slightly differently).

• Pre-Opening - This is the part of the meeting that occurs as the Scouts arrive. It could consist of a game, preparing for the next trip, working on advancement, etc.
   

• Opening - The official start of the meeting includes a flag ceremony and patrol reports.
   

• Skill Session - This consists of a demonstration or guest speaker on various Scout related topics.
   

• Inter-Patrol Activity - This can be a troop game, contest or other activity.
   

• Patrol Meeting - At this point each patrol retreats into their corner where they take attendance, collect dues and discuss patrol business such as planning for the next trip or activity. 
   

• Closing - Final announcements are made and any badges or awards earned are presented.

A major part of the Scouting experience is the camping and outings that take place on a regular basis.  These unique experiences are often an opportunity that the Scout would not ever get to have on his own.

• Day Trips - Most troops go on a monthly trip on a Saturday or Sunday to a museum, zoo, attraction or other activity.
   

• Camping Trips - Most active troops camp year round on a monthly basis. In warm weather they stay in tents and cook over a campfire. In cool weather they may choose to stay in a lean-to (a 3-sided wooden shelter) and in winter cabin facilities with heat and a kitchen are used.
   

• Summer Camp - Each summer Scouts have the opportunity to attend a week long Boy Scout Summer Camp. Activities there include: swimming, boating, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, sports, rifle shooting, archery, handicrafts, fishing, hiking, nature study and earning various badges.
   

• Other - Other trips a troop may choose to participate in include: council-wide camporees, canoe trips, special trips to other cities, etc.

Last Update May 15, 2023