Methods

Patrol Method

The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participation in citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches youth how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives. The Senior Patrol Leader runs the Patrol Leader's Council, which meets monthly, to plan and organize Troop activities. The leadership changes regularly to allow different Scouts to learn and practice leadership skills.

Outdoor Program

The Outdoor Program is an iconic part of the Scouting program. Every Scout is given an opportunity to learn valuable outdoor skills. Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. Outdoor experiences can occur almost anywhere—from a camp to a community park. Troop 617 will take part in at least one outdoor activity each month. Scouts learn to use outdoor ethics principles to preserve the environment while participating in camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Troop 617 will have a robust camping program that includes both front-country and backcountry events.

Personal Growth

As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of personal growth. Scouts also experience dramatic physical and emotional growth. Scouting helps Scouts channel this change into productive endeavors. Some Good Turns are big—saving a life, helping out after floods or other disasters, recycling community trash, working with their patrol on conservation projects. But Good Turns are often small, thoughtful acts that affect an individual or a small group of people. A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of kindness.

Uniform

The Scout uniform gives youth a true sense of belonging to their patrols and troops. A Scout in uniform is seen by the community as someone with good character who is prepared and helpful to others. Scoutmasters in full uniform set a good example for their troops and are perceived as community leaders. The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good, creating a positive youth image in the community and giving Scouts a sense of belonging. Wearing the uniform shows the Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America uses eight fundamental methods in the Scouts BSA program by which the aims are achieved and which provide fun and adventure to achieve Scouting's aims. The methods are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.

Adult Association

Leadership Development

Ideals

Scouts learn from the example set by their adult leaders, who become positive role models for troops. Scouts learn by watching adult conduct. Association with adults of high character enhances the personal growth and maturity of the Scout.

Adult volunteers within Troop 617 are required to complete BSA position-specific training as well as Youth Protection Training.

Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan.

Scouting encourages youth to learn and practice leadership skills. As Scouts progress through ranks, they take on leadership positions of increasing responsibility. Leadership skills are learned by doing. Scouts learn about planning, organizing, and decision-making. Scouts learn to be effective leaders and good followers.

Troop 617 Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters provide guidance, support, and mentorship, and clear the path for the Scouts to lead.

Advancement

The advancement program places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. Advancement is not focused on specific times or specific ages. If a scout chooses to shoot for the Eagle rank, they have until their 18th birthday to complete all the requirements on that trail. Initially, a scout advances working with older scouts and some adults to learn the basic outdoor skills. The Troop meetings and outings provide opportunities for the scouts to achieve their requirements. As a scout advances, a series of merit badges are offered, some of which are required to achieve the Eagle rank.

Troop 617 follows the Four Steps of Advancement:

The Scout Learns. "With learning, a Scout grows in the ability to contribute to the patrol and troop. As Scouts develop knowledge and skills, they are asked to teach others and, in this way, they learn and develop leadership."
The Scout is Tested. "The unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements. They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout. Merit badge counselors teach and test Scouts on requirements for merit badges."
The Scout is Reviewed. "After completing all the requirements for a rank, except Scout rank, a Scout meets with a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life ranks, members of the unit committee conduct it. See 'Particulars for Tenderfoot Through Life Ranks,' 8.0.2.0. The Eagle Scout board of review is held in accordance with National Council and local council procedures."
The Scout is Recognized. "When a Scout has earned the Scout rank or when a board of review has approved advancement, the Scout deserves recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next unit meeting. The achievement may be recognized again later, such as during a formal court of honor."