First, let me introduce myself. My name is Mike Michaelis and I am the Scoutmaster of Troop 928. I was in Cub Scouts as a youth then continued on to Boy Scouts where I advanced to the rank of Life Scout. Over the last 9 years, I have served in various positions as an adult in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and at the District level including Webelos Den Leader, District Shooting Sports Coordinator, Assistant Scoutmaster, Woodbadger, and Merit Badge Counselor. I graduated from Oklahoma State University, entered the United States Air Force and am now an airline pilot for American Airlines. My wife, Dana, has also been involved in scouting for the last 9 years serving as a Den Leader, District Day Camp Director, District Scouting for Food Coordinator, and Woodbadger. My two sons, Austin and Brandon are both scouts in this troop. Austin is an Eagle Scout and Brandon is hot on his heels as he just crossed over like many of your boys. My daughter is a girl scout and can’t wait to be old enough to join the crew. I guess you can see we believe in the ideals scouting teaches our children. Now that you know a little about us, let me share with you the great program we have here at 928!
I would like to welcome both the Scouts and the parents to Troop 928. I have prepared this booklet for both the boys and the parents that are either new to the Scouting program or have crossed over from Cub Scouts. I hope it will answer your questions and make the transition a little easier. I will cover all aspects of the program from registration to troop organization to equipment and finally advancement. If you need more information, please ask any of the adult leaders.
Troop 928 is a boy-led troop. Sounds scary, but in reality you will see your boys perform in ways you never imagined. What that also means is that sometimes activities don’t go as smoothly as we as adults expect. However, we feel it is important to empower the boys to lead in an environment where they are safe to succeed and sometimes to make mistakes and learn. This does not mean the adult staff is not involved, but that the involvement takes the form of mentoring rather than dictating. The activities of the troop are planned and executed by a Senior Patrol Leader elected by the boys and his youth staff. The operative structure is referred to as the patrol method. Boys are divided into smaller units, patrols, where the patrol leaders actively lead their individual patrols and provide the staff input to the Patrol Leader Council. This method allows the boys the opportunity to lead and learn by experience.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of scouting, had it right when he said “An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual.” He also said: “The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives his patrol leaders, the more they will respond.” Our troop leadership fully supports these ideals and strives to provide as many opportunities for the boys to be exposed to leadership experiences. This will most likely be the biggest difference you, as parents, notice as you transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts: Adults observe and supervise, the boys accomplish and do.
Parent involvement is an integral part of the Scouting program. We cannot do this program without your support and active participation. Whether a committee member, Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge counselor or just a parent that helps with campouts from time to time, your involvement is vital to your son’s success. The reward far exceeds the effort. I look forward to working with you and your son.
Mike Michaelis – Scoutmaster Troop 928
