That's what Scouting offers young men worldwide! Your son is about to begin an exciting set of adventures. When he joins the world of Scouting, he'll find himself hiking along trails, canoeing down rushing streams, and camping under the open sky. At the end of a long hike in the backwoods, he will enjoy the breathtaking views and learn how to cook his own food over a camping stove. As a scout, he’ll travel the backcountry without leaving a trace and learn how to live well with what he carries in his pockets and pack.

Scouting is also a doorway to friendship. He might already be friends with others in the troop, but he’ll also meet lots of other scouts along the way. Scouting is a worldwide brotherhood many millions strong. Friendships made in Boy Scouts last a lifetime!

Boy Scouts know how to find their way with a map and compass, to stay warm and dry in stormy weather, and to give proper first aid. They observe wildlife close up and study nature all around them. There are plenty of important Scouting skills for him to master. He will also get a chance to teach others what he learns. Everyone helping everyone else – that is part of Scouting, too.

People have always relied on scouts to be prepared in time of need. His troop leaders will show him meaningful ways to help his family, community, nation, and world. In an emergency, he will be ready to do whatever the situation requires.

Outdoor adventures, service projects, leadership in his patrol and troop – Scouting will give him experiences and responsibilities that will help him mature. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law provide the guidelines he need to grow into a strong, confident adult. The knowledge and attitudes he develops as a scout will spill over into the rest of his life.

Finally, Scouting is fun. When you visit his troop, look around and notice a smile on every face. Everyone is sharing, learning, and living the scout life.

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in realizing their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath, Motto, Slogan, Law and Outdoor Code:

Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as what the scout is himself: his personal qualities, his values, and his outlook.

A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the youth’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, and to the government that presides over that society. He also learns how to be a good leader or follower depending on the circumstances.

A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self-control, courage and self-respect).

To be eligible to join Boy Scouts, your son must have achieved any one of the following:

• Completed the fifth grade, or
• Have earned the Arrow of Light Award, or
• Had his 11^th birthday (but not yet his 18^th!)

To join Boy Scout Troop 304, or any Boy Scout Troop in the United States, he must also complete the Boy Scout Joining Requirements. These requirements are explained in detailed on page 4 of The Boy Scout Handbook. But to summarize they include:

• Submit an official Boy Scout application signed by his parent or guardian.
• Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Demonstrate the Scout salute, sign, and handclasp.
• Show how to tie a square knot.
• Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code.
• Describe the Scout badge.
• With his parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide."
• Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

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