Philosophy
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Our philosophy is to have our Scouts learn, advance through ranks and grow as individuals while having fun. Our goal, or aim, is to help the boys develop their moral strength & character, strong citizenship traits and their physical, emotional & mental fitness.
Troop Organization
Troop 149 is chartered by the Montessori School of Lemont. Troop 149 is a member of the Pathway to Adventure Council, Tall Grass District.
Troop Meetings
Troop meetings are usually held on every Tuesday at 7:00 PM at St. Al’s/St. Pat’s School (20W145 Davey Rd, Lemont) and are typically 1 hour. The meetings start at the end of August and run through June.
Patrol Method
Troop 149 believes in and follows the Boy Scout Patrol Method, which promotes a boy-run Program. The Troop is made up of several Patrols varying in size, usually from six to eight scouts. Each Patrol elects a Patrol Leader and an assistant patrol leader who not only leads the Patrol for a period of time but also represents the Patrol in the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC).
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is a scout who was elected by his peers to run the troop. Adult leaders who serve as Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters or Troop Committee members guide and advise the SPL.
Patrol Leader’s Council
Patrol Leader Council Meetings are where troop outings and meeting planning are discussed. The PLC meetings start at 6:00 PM on the last Tuesday of the month. The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s), and all Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders are required to attend. If a Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader cannot make a meeting, a substitute from the Patrol must attend. Two adult leaders must be in attendance.
Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings may be held at any time and place. Many troops set aside a portion of each troop meeting for its patrols to gather. Others encourage patrols to meet on a different evening at the home of a patrol member. The frequency of patrol meetings is determined by upcoming events and activities that require planning and discussion. The patrol leader should report any information from the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made to each patrol member.
Elections
Twice yearly, September and March, the scouts will vote for new scout leaders. In order to run for a position, a “Leadership Position Application” form needs to be filled out and turned into the Scout Master one week prior to the election. Anyone running for a position is required to stand in front of the troop and give a speech describing why he is the best candidate for the position. Almost all positions will be held for a period on six months. All positions require attendance of at least 50% of the meetings and campouts. A description of the positions is listed below. Some rank requirements include holding a position of leadership for a specific duration of time.