New Members
Welcome to Troop 73!
We are so glad you are here to learn more about us. We encourage you to look through our Web site to see the many things we do and the many successes our Scouts have had.
If you are new to Boy Scouts, use the button on the right to get started with Troop 73. Those who have been members with other units and don’t know their member ID can download this form and email it to us.
Join Troop 73
Our Focus
At Troop 73 our focus is on the Scouts. It is our goal to make their experience both fun and rewarding. We have succeeded if these three objectives are met for the Scouts:
- Character development
- Citizenship training
- Personal fitness
Cub Scouts versus Boy Scouts
Many families come to Boy Scouts having already experienced Cub Scouts. Boy Scouts has many aspects that will feel very familiar but there are many differences. Understanding those differences will help a child make the transition to their new Scouting experience. The following was summarized from material originally created by BSA Troop 175 of Niles IL.
| Cub Scouts | Boy Scouts | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideals | Cub Scout Oath and the Laws of the Pack. | Scout Oath and the Scout Law, Motto and Slogan. |
| Structure | Scouts belong to dens, which are grouped by rank (age). Dens make up the Pack. | Scout belong to the Troop. Scouts are assigned to patrols, usually with boys close in age. |
| Leadership | Parents-led pack: Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Den leaders and parents. YOUTH: No youth leaders. ADULTS: Plan and lead all activities | Scout-led Troop: Under guidance of the adult Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Commi8ee members and parents. YOUTH: Patrols led by Scouts, who are elected by the Patrol members. Patrols also have an Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, etc. The Troop is lead by the Senior Patrol Leader, elected by the Scouts. SPL is assisted by the Senior Patrol, made up of advanced scouts and other Patrol Leaders. ADULTS: Encourage and advise, but assist only when needed. |
| Parents’ Role | All parents are expected to help lead activities. Scouts must be accompanied by parents on overnight trips. | All parents are expected to assist and support Scouts, taking on tasks youth cannot (transportation, chaperoning, shopping, finances for fundraisers etc.). Overnight trips are optional for parents. |
| Advancement | Scouts are awarded for demonstrating effort toward skills. Scouts rely on Den leaders and parents to plan and assist with advancement. Achievements can be approved by Den leader or parent. Scouts move forward with their Den even if requirements not fully achieved. RANKS: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelo, Arrow of Light | Scouts are awarded for mastery of skills. Ranks must be earned and approved by troop leadership, not parents. Scouts only advance to next level when all requirements are achieved. Merit badges are earned for acquisition of knowledge and skills in specific subject. Some badges are required for higher ranks and additional badges are optional. RANKS: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle, Eagle Palms |
| Camping | A couple of weekend trips per year with parents (cabin or tent). Summer camp is typically 1⁄2 week. | Several camping trips and other outdoor activities per year. Week-long summer camping trips. High-adventure trips for more experienced Scouts. Parents are encouraged but not required to attend. |
