The Scout Troop (11-15 Y/O)
About the Troop Section
The Troop Section caters for boys between the ages of 11 and 15. This is an important part of the whole Scout set-up as this section takes care of boys in an age group who are still developing their character. This section provides its members with the skills they will need for the future.
The Troop Section organizes meetings on a weekly basis. Twice a week the members are given the opportunity to learn the necessary scouting skills in order to develop their knowledge and enhance their personal skills. Also, monthly outdoor activities are organized in order to practice certain skills so that later on they can obtain awards or badges.
The Troop Section has smaller divisions called ‘Patrols’. This is done so that the members are given more individual attention. The Patrol consists of a maximum of eight members. The leaders in charge of the Patrol are the Patrol Leader and the Assistant Patrol Leader. The Patrol System helps its members to structure their own programme to acquire their first skills in leadership, strategic planning and so on.
This programme has two parts:
- an award programme that takes five years to accomplish;
- a system of badges.
The Award Programme consists of several progressive stages that members have to perform so that they can progress during their stay in the Troop Section. The programme has the following five stages:
- Tenderfoot – here a brief introduction in scouting knowledge and history is given;
- Pathfinder – a stage that provides the core of scouting;
- Explorer – this provides new skills and teamwork understanding;
- Pioneer – this provides challenging projects which emphasize personal development;
- Adventurer – a stage, which develops the leadership role and provides challenging adventures.
Proficiency Badges – The troop member is given opportunities to improve his own personal skills and badges are provided for the scout’s successful effort. These badges include those for Athlete, First-aider, Swimmer, Cook, Camp Cook, Camper, Canoeist and others.
If one is interested one should come to the Hamrun Scouts premises on Wednesdays or Fridays between 6.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m., and ask for one of the Troop Section leaders. These leaders will then introduce the prospective member to his patrol colleagues and to the patrol leader. We urge you to send your son to try out the Troop Section. After all your son has nothing to loose and everything to gain!