A week or so before a boy turned eleven, we would schedule a time to go to the new scout's home and meet with him and his parents, taking the eleven-year-old Patrol Leader with us to welcome the new boy.  We developed this collection of information to share with  the new scout and his parents.

Why Scouting?

"When properly carried out under the direction of priesthood leaders. Scouting supplements activities for young men of Aaronic Priesthood quorums and for eight-, nine-, ten-, and eleven-year-old Primary boys. Scouting also assists in accomplishing the eternal purposes of the priesthood and families. Scouting under Church sponsorship must not operate independently of the priesthood and the family. The Scout unit should become an extension of the home, the deacons, teachers, or priests quorum, or the Primary classes and should function as part of the Church's activity program for boys and young men.

"Scouting can help boys and young men enhance close relationships with their families and the Church while developing strong and desirable traits of character, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness, all based upon a firm belief in God. The original aims and purposes of Scouting outlined by Lord Baden-Powell were to teach boys and young men spirituality, self-reliance, service, leadership skills, emergency preparedness, and conservation of natural resources. Scouts learning these skills participate in worthwhile community, school, and Church service projects." (from the Scouting Handbook, 1997, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Supplies the boy will need:

- Boys will need a full uniform and a Scout Handbook.
- Parents need to fill out the registration form and medical form on the back
- Access to some personal camping equipment

Rank Advancement:

- Cover the Joining Requirements
- Briefly describe the process of a Rank Advancement
- Each rank has a set of requirements that the boy must pass off to his Scout Leaders
- Scoutmaster Conference with Scout Leader
- Board of Review with Troop Committee
- Badge awarded in next Patrol Meeting
- Publicly recognized at next Ward or Stake Court of Honor
- Show the parents where the requirements are found in the Scout Handbook.
- Encourage the parents to know where their boy stands and help him with the requirements (most  requirements can be learned at home with the help of the Scout Handbook and then passed off to the Scout Leaders at the next meeting)
- Our Goal is First Class Rank by 12^th birthday

Meetings and Activities:

- Patrol Meeting weekly (wear uniform and bring Scout Handbook)
- Three overnight camps during the year (fathers are appreciated)
- Monthly outdoor activity in months without camps
- Quarterly Courts of Honor (Families should attend to support their boy)

Miscellaneous:

- Swimming Lessons recommended for those boys who cannot swim reasonably well.