Scout Troop 211 has been continuously active since November, 1960. Its presence was brought about by boys desiring to belong to a group and to participate in adventurous activities while having fun. As the troop continues it relies on its history, traditions, and Troop Spirit.
The eight elements of Troop Spirit are presented below. Their order does not indicate importance. Each element is paramount. They work together as links of a chain. It follows that Troop Spirit is only as durable and strong as its weakest link.
Attendance is the foundation of Troop Spirit. Without it there would be no boy around to continue the Troop Spirit. In 1928 it was recognized that a scout absent from an activity without a valid reason may be violating the First, Second, Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Scout Laws. If Scouting is the activity that you want to be a part of, attendance should be as binding as any other engagement such as music lessons, dance class, athletics, etc. The registration fee is the price of joining the Boy Scouts of America, but faithful attendance is the price of membership in Troop 211.
Rank Advancement enhances Troop Spirit. As each Troop member advances, pride in achievement and scoutcraft skill development takes place. This is Troop 211's tradition. Every new Tenderfoot looks forward to the day when he will step out of his patrol and up onto the stage to receive his Eagle rank at a Court of Honor. The attainment of higher ranks is recognized and celebrated as the attainment of another goal set by a young man. The Tenderfoot badge is a reminder of the mariner's compass, indicating the true course towards being an Eagle Scout.
Team Work by Patrols enables each boy to "belong" to an efficient team. Green bar "Bill" William Harcourt stated in the Patrol Leaders Handbook, "It is Patrol Spirit that makes it seem more than worthwhile for its members to sacrifice their own comfort or wishes, if need be, for the good of the whole. That keeps out personal bickering and jealousy, that makes every fellow feel the fineness and realness of standing together through thick and thin, rain and shine." Therefore, the Patrol system is a very meaningful tool in developing Troop Spirit.
Adventure on Outings is in the heart of every boy and many parents. Memories, traditions and strong fellowship are developed and maintained through adventure. Sure they are fun, but hardships also occur. A troop outing with bad weather, burnt food or blisters will be remembered with greater satisfaction rather than one where everything goes well. Useful hardships which challenge the resourcefulness and cheerfulness brings about growth; while danger due to foolhardiness and inadequate preparation are avoided. Troop 211 provides adventure which allows each boy to develop the pride of "belonging".
Service through Good Turns demonstrates the Troop's usefulness. "The final and chief test of a Scout is the doing of a Good Turn to someone every day." Troop 211 builds a wholesome spirit so that it can have an objective in life.
Parental Support is important for fostering Troop Spirit. Without each parent contributing their expertise, the troop would not be able to provide the necessary elements to develop and maintain a positive environment for the growth of our sons. Every parent has something to contribute.
Recognition is vital to the enhancement of every person's self-esteem and self-worth. To be recognized in public for your achievements tells the world about your accomplishments. Troop 211 endorses several types of recognition. Recognition occurs at National, Council, District, and Troop Courts of Honor. Recognition is present at every troop meeting. Troop 211 subscribes to the Boy Scouts of America awards along with several additional awards programs that enhance the National program.
Leadership is the process of helping a group attain its goals. A wise Scoutmaster once said, "the boys will do almost anything that is expected of them if it is expected confidently enough, but do not confuse expectation with just ordinary hope." Self-discipline is a fundamental element of leadership. Obtaining some or all of what is expected of oneself is accomplished through self-discipline. Leadership and the development of self-discipline depends on individual personalities and the situations a boy has to confront. The situations a growing boy is associated with require an understanding of life's ethical principles. These principles are hard to comprehend for a scout-aged boy. Therefore, through leadership, self-discipline, and the scouting program's concrete set of guidelines: The Scout Oath, The Scout Law, The Scout Motto, and The Scout Slogan, the boy becomes acquainted with life's ethical principles.
From the Scoutmaster, the Adult Leaders, The Parents Committee Chairman, the parents through the Senior Patrol Leader to the newest Scout, we, as the role models, whether it be the adult leaders or troop leadership, need to maintain the consistency required to reinforce the "Aims of Scouting" for each other. These eight guidelines will assist everyone associated with the Troop, in understanding the mechanisms for developing and continuing Troop 211's Spirit.
Last Modified: December 27, 2000 copyright© 1999, Troop 211, Tucson, Arizona