** This thread discusses the Content article:
Scouts On The Road Can Be "Lone Scouts" **
Scouting has been a part of our weekly routine for the past couple of
years. We have been blessed with a wonderful troop at home (Troop 439
Rocks!), but now that we're on the road many people think that the boys
will have to quit. Not so. A little known program called "Lone
Scouts" allows the boys to continue progressing on the road. Here's
more information...
Who May Register as a Lone Scout
Provided the membership requirements are met, there are certain situations in which a boy's needs and interests might best be served by the Lone Scout plan because he cannot readily join a unit or attend meetings of packs and troops.
Boys who are eligible to become Lone Scouts include
* Children of American citizens who live abroad
* Exchange students away from the United States for a year or more
* Boys with disabilities that might prevent them from attending regular meetings of packs or troops
* Boys in rural communities who live far from a Scouting unit
* Sons of migrant farmworkers
* Boys who attend special schools, night schools, or boarding schools
* Boys who have jobs that conflict with troop meetings
* Boys whose families travel frequently, such as circus families, families who live on boats, and so on
* Boys who alternate living arrangements with parents who live in different communities
* Boys who are unable to attend unit meetings because of life-threatening communicable diseases
* Boys whose parents believe their child might be endangered in getting to Scout unit meetings
* Boys being home schooled whose parents do not want them in a youth group
All boys registering as Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts must do so through a BSA local council, with one exception: Sons of American citizens who live outside the United States should contact the International Division of the Boy Scouts of America.
Boys who are at least in the first grade and/or who are at least 7 years old but younger than 11 years old may join as Lone Cub Scouts. Boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade or who are 11 years old but younger than 18 years old may join as Lone Boy Scouts.
Counselor
Every boy registering as a Lone Scout must have an adult, 21 years or older, who meets adult membership requirements and agrees to serve as the boy's Lone Scout friend and counselor. This counselor is usually the boy's own parent but might also be his guardian, minister, teacher, 4-H Club leader, or an experienced Scouter who lives nearby.
The counselor encourages, instructs, examines, and reviews the boy on all steps toward Scouting advancement. This person also helps the Lone Scout take part in local council activities. For more information on the role of the Lone Scout friend and counselor, consult the Lone Scout Friend and Counselor Guidebook, No. 14-420B.
Lone Scout Activities
Although a Lone Scout carries out many activities at home and in his community, he also may participate in local district and council activities along with boys from local Scouting units. These may include camporees, Scouting shows, and service projects as well as Cub Scout day camp and Cub Scout or Boy Scout resident camp. A Lone Scout may be invited to special meetings of a pack or troop.
The Lone Scout follows the same basic program as other Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, but he carries out the program through independent action and self-reliance, special skills suitable to his situation, and communication (by letter, radio, e-mail, fax, etc.) with other Scouts.
Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts may advance in rank in the same manner as do Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in packs and troops. The only difference is that references to packs, dens, troops, and patrols do not apply.
Lone Cub Scouts and Lone Boy Scouts are encouraged to purchase and wear a uniform as do other Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Wearing the uniform at appropriate times may have even more significance for a Lone Scout than for boys belonging to packs and troops. It can help to give the boy a feeling of belonging and support.
Lone Scouts are entitled to wear the Lone Scout emblem, No. 00352A, below the council shoulder patch on the left sleeve. They can wear any other badge or insignia appropriate to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Lone Scouts also have their own neckerchief, No. 00703A.
