Troop 102 Frequently-Asked Questions
Q: Troop 102’s website states that the troop is a “traditional boy-led troop”. What is a traditional boy-led troop?
A: A traditional boy-led troop is a troop that the boy scouts decide where the troop will camp and what the program will be. The boys don't just take part in a ceremony or attend troop meetings. They lead the ceremonies and troop meetings as well as set the agenda. Of course, adults (Scouters) are always there for safety reasons and to sometimes keep the meetings on track.
Q: Is every scout required to go on every camp out and meeting?
A: There are circumstances that may prohibit a scout from attending a meeting or a camp-out event. Troop 102 does not insist that any scout attend every event , but we encourage maximum participation. We believe that a scout that goes on most of the camp outs and attends most of the meetings will learn the scout skills that can help him in later life.
Q: Can my son participate in other activities as well as being a member of Troop 102?
A: At Troop 102 we’ve had and currently have boys who participate in other activities besides scouting. Some of the other activities include basketball team, lacrosse team, cross country team, baseball team, soccer team, robotic team, middle school and high school band, drama club, religious classes and other clubs and sports teams. Yes a scout can participate in other activities and still be a scout in Troop 102.
Q: Is Troop 102 a paramilitary organization?
A: Absolutely not. Troop 102 has no ties with any military organization. There are people who confuse our scouts in their good-looking official Boy Scouts of America uniform with people in the military that also keep their uniforms in good condition.
Q: Why do the scouts have to camp in tents instead of camping indoors?
A: Scouting offers the outdoor experience to the boys. It is easier and cost-effective to camp in tents as opposed to using a house or a cabin. If you ask the scouts, they will tell you that tent camping is one of the best experiences of scouting.
Q: Is it safe to camp out in tents in the colder months or in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow? Why would a troop camp out in bad weather or rain?
A: We here at Troop 102 have camped in all kinds of weather conditions. It is very easy to only camp out in good weather, but the boys learn quite a bit when faced with challenging conditions. The most important thing is to prepare the boys for the weather conditions that they will experience. Even though we prepare the boys for these conditions, the adults are still there for the safety of the boys. On several occasions the adults have altered the plans and, in one case, have decided to depart from a camp out due to extreme weather conditions. The safety of the scout is our first priority during all camp outs.
Q: Can a parent go on camp outs?
A: Parents are welcome to attend any camp out or meeting. It is mandatory that any adult that is camping out with the scouts fill out a leadership form. This form allows the Boy Scouts of America to do a background check to make sure our scouts are safe from predators. We also insist that any adult complete the Boys Scouts of America-required youth protection training. This is also for the safety of our scouts.
Q: Why do the boy have to cook their own meals?
A: The scouting program is set up to teach the scout life skills. One of these skills is to prepare meals on your own. In fact, as of 2014 the Cooking Merit Badge is required for award of Eagle Scout.
Q: Is it safe for the scouts to cook?
A: As in every aspect of scouting, the scouts are not just asked to cook without proper instruction. Every scout is shown how to safely prepare meals as well as clean up afterwards. This includes the preparing of meats, poultry and fish. The scout is also taught to properly sterilize the cooking surfaces, dishes and utensils.
Q: Can scouts other those who are sons of the scout leaders achieve the rank of Eagle Scout?
A: Yes. We have had many scouts obtain the rank of Eagle. Although some of these scouts have been the sons of leaders, quite a few scouts have had parents that are not connected with the scouting program in any way.
Q: Does scouting get in the way of school work?
A: At Troop 102, we tell our scouts school is the most important aspects of their professional lives.
Q: Is there illegal use of drugs on camp outs?
A: The illegal use of drugs is not tolerated at all in the Boy Scout program. The use of all drugs, alcohol and Tabaco products are prohibited for everyone: scouts, leaders and any visitors.
Q: Do scouts get home sick on camp outs?
A: The adult leaders are always watching out for any heath problem a scout may encounter. On a few occasions we have had to call the parents and send a scout home that is sick.
Q: Why does Troop 102 go on so many camp outs?
A: The scouting curriculum requires the troop to plan at least one event per month. The boys like to camp out, so, therefore, we do camp out quite a bit.
Q: What are some of the trips and events Troop 102 participates in?
A: Troop 102 goes on many different events some of these event includes:
Camp outs
Bike Hike the East Bay Bike Path
Bike Hike the Cape Cod Canal
Canoeing trips
White water rafting trips
Mini Golf
Movies
Day hikes
Visit to car racing track
Trip to Washington DC
Trip to Gettysburg
Climb Mt. Washington
Trip to NY Museum of Science
Hike the Liberty Trail
Hike the Minuteman trail
Hike the RI North South Trail
Q: Does Troop 102 participate in any service projects?
A: Troop 102 participates in several service projects every year. In fact, a scout needs to participate in a service project every year. One of our biggest projects we participate in every year is to support the entire weekend for the Special Olympics at the University of Rhode Island.
Q: Does Troop 102 allow boys with special needs to join.?
A: Yes. Boys with special needs can join Troop 102.
Q: What projects has Troop 102 done for the town?
A: Troop 102 has a history of serving the Town of Scituate and many of our Eagle Scout projects have helped the Scituate community. Projects like, refurbishing the Potterville and Chopmist Fire Stations; building the sun deck at the Scituate Senior Center; building a walkway and easement from the sun deck to the parking lot of the Senior Center; refurbishing the volleyball court and fix the drainage problem at the basketball court in North Scituate; replaced the doorway and stairs leading to the basement of the Senior Center; refurbish the bleachers and the creation of new foundations for the bleachers at Manning Field. We have also completed projects that serve other communities like Providence and Foster.
Q: Do you have any advice or information about attending summer camp at Camp Yawgoog?
A: We have links to the Camp Yawgoog health form, merit badge program as well as information on the camp scholarship program located in our links section of our web site. We also have a file for first time campers as well as a leaders guide to Camp Yawgoog.