Indoor Program 

Troop 270's Indoor Program is run by the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC), which is headed by the Senior Patrol Leader. The weekly 90 minute troop program is divided into several activities, some designed to teach scouts and others strictly for fun. While the same schedule is not followed on a weekly basis, Scouts can look forward to the following activities on a regular basis:

Merit Badge Classes
During the course of the Scout Year, Troop 270 sets aside time during each meeting for Scouts to work on merit badges offered by Troop 270 leaders. At all times the meetings theme is listed on the Troop 270 calendar of events. Double click on the meeting night and all of that meeting's info will appear in a pop-up window. As always, scouts can work on merit badges outside of the troop meetings, they just need to coordinate with the Advancement Scoutmaster.

Advancement Classes
Scouts who need to work on advancement requirements are welcome to work on their requirements before troop meetings and at a designated time during some meetings. Tenderfoot through First Class ranks require scouts to be checked off on a variety of skills that they learn from the older scouts, through experience, merit badges or the skills taught at the troop meeting. One of Troop 270's goals should be to see that all of our current scouts attain their First Class rank within one year of their Webelos Crossover.

For more information about Advancement see the Advancement section of this site.

Skills
This part of the Indoor Program usually revolves around what Troop 270 has upcoming in the Outdoor Program, and is assigned to the patrols on a rotating basis.

As Troop 270 goes on different activities through the course of the year, it is necessary to have different skills taught to the scouts so that they will be prepared for the upcoming activity. For example, before the annual Bike Trip, we have skills on biking, bike safety and bike repair.

Specific skills for advancement and camporees are reviewed throughout the year when needed.

Patrol Time
During the course of some meetings, Troop 270 sets aside some time for the scouts to meet in their individual patrols. While the scouts should be holding two patrol meetings outside of the troop meetings, it is convenient during troop meetings for the scouts to meet in patrols, especially before an upcoming activity to get organized. It is at these times that the patrols can confirm menus, attendance and plans for the activity, as well as to go over some minor matters.

Games
Recognizing that Scouting is supposed to be fun, the PLC always sets aside meeting time for a game. Whether it is snatch the hat or scout tag, some type of game will always be part of the weekly Troop 270 program. Variety is good, and the scouts are encouraged to come up with new ideas for the game period.

Announcements
Announcements may not be the most exciting time of the meetings, but it is a necessary time. With such a busy Calendar of Events and program, announcements keep the scouts and parents informed of what is upcoming and what they need to do and remember. Although we try to be brief, it is not always possible, and with so much going on, someone will always have something new to say. Scouts and adults should also check the Troop website frequently for more information on announcements.

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.

Ideals
The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Patrols
The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives.

Outdoor Programs
Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.

Advancement
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Associations With Adults
Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.

Personal Growth
As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

Leadership Development
The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform
The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

If this sounds good to you and you want further information about how you can join Troop 270, simply click the Contact Us link on the left and send an email to the Scoutmaster for more information.

We meet at 22 Elm Street (in the Scouting, Inc. Building), Thurmont, MD 21788 every Thursday night between 7:00pm and 8:30pm. You are welcome to stop by and observe one of our meetings at any time. We hope to see you soon.

*For more information about The Boy Scouts of America see their web site .