Parenting the Scout Way

ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

• Support your scout in attending weekly meetings, monthly campouts, and special events.  
• Help them prioritize scouting activities in their schedule.  

PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE  

• Allow your scout to take responsibility for their own advancement, packing  for campouts, and completing merit badge requirements.  
• Encourage them to communicate directly with troop leaders and ask  questions when needed.  

STAY INFORMED 

• Attend parent meetings and review troop communications (emails, calendars, announcements). 
• Familiarize yourself with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) advancement process and requirements.  

SUPPORT ADVANCEMENT GOALS

• Monitor their progress toward rank advancements and merit badges.  
• Provide guidance on completing requirements without doing the work for  them.  
• Encourage consistent effort toward Eagle-required merit badges.  

PROMOTE SCOUT VALUES AT HOME  

• Reinforce the Scout Oath and Law in daily life.  
• Help your scout practice leadership, responsibility, and teamwork at home.  

ENGAGE WITH THE TROOP  

• Volunteer to help with troop activities, such as driving scouts to campouts, assisting at fundraisers, or leading a merit badge session.)
• Join a committee role, such as Advancement Coordinator, Treasurer, or Parent Coordinator, to actively contribute.

SUPPORT CAMPING EXPERIENCES 

• Ensure your scout has the proper gear and is prepared for campouts.  
• Review the packing list with them but let them take the lead in preparing.  
• Encourage them to try new activities and step out of their comfort zone.  

FOSTER COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Encourage your scout to participate in troop-organized service projects.  
• Help identify and support opportunities for service in your local community. 

CELEBRATE MILESTONES 

•  Acknowledge your scout’s achievements at Courts of Honor and in daily life.  
• Encourage them to share their experiences and reflect on their progress.  

MODEL A POSITIVE ATTITUDE 

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for scouting activities and support troop goals.
• Approach challenges or setbacks as learning opportunities for your scout.  

ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HABITS 

• Help your scout maintain physical fitness for rank requirements and outdoor activities.  
• Encourage proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, especially before physically demanding events.  

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

• Maintain open communication with troop leaders to stay updated on troop needs and events.  
• Provide constructive feedback to help improve troop operations. 

 PROMOTE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

• Teach your scout to manage their troop dues, event fees, and fundraising efforts.  
• Support their participation in troop fundraisers to offset costs for activities.  

ASSIST IN MERIT BADGE PROGRESSION  

• Help your scout find qualified merit badge counselors and schedule meetings.  
• Encourage them to complete requirements for Eagle-required merit badges early in their scouting journey.  

SUPPORT EAGLE SCOUT GOALS  

• Be a resource for your scout during the planning and execution of their Eagle Scout Service Project.  
• Offer encouragement and logistical help without taking over the project. 

PARENT-TROOP PARTNERSHIP  

By embracing these expectations, parents play a vital role in creating a positive and enriching experience for their scout and the troop. Your support will help ensure that the troop operates smoothly, scouts are empowered to achieve their goals, and the entire family enjoys the journey to Eagle Scout.