As a matter of policy, the Troop is "Scout Run." We try to give each Scout as much freedom to learn and to develop his independence, leadership skills and sense of responsibility as possible. The Adult Leaders defer to the Troop Leaders as much as possible, even to the point of allowing failure of a program or plan, unless safety or well-being are threatened, or where allowing a poorly planned activity to proceed will provide no useful purpose.

Each year, the Scouts elect a Scout who will lead the Troop as Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) for that program year. Every six months, patrols elect their Patrol Leaders. The remaining Troop leaders are selected by the SPL. These Scouts truly lead the Troop.

Registered Adult Leaders assist in program and oversee safety. Adults are part of the "Staff Patrol" on outings and work as a patrol, handling their own cooking and other duties as assigned. The adults try not to interfere with the patrols unless there is a safety issue.

Scouts camp in patrols and learn by "guided discovery"–doing for themselves and figuring out solutions to problems that arise. A Troop Guide or other experienced Scout works with the New Scout Patrol on camping skills during outings. The Scouts develop independence and self-confidence by doing for themselves.

Parents are encouraged to accompany the Troop on outings-training is not required. It is generally recommended that parents leave any discipline of their own son(s) to the SPL or to another adult. Not only does this help us to make the Troop "Scout Run", but Scouts tend to respond more reasonably to someone other than their parents; this also prevents the Scout from resenting his parent’s presence on the outing.

Costs of outings are covered by the outing fee which includes camping fees, food, and special program items if needed. A typical Troop campout will cost about $12 a day. Most other costs are covered by Troop dues of $5 per month.

Fundraisers are planned periodically to allow Scouts to earn the money needed to attend outings and High Adventure trips.

Advancement

The BSA advancement program is an important part of the Troop program. It encourages Scouts to learn vital skills which allow them to get the most out of the outdoor activities and to participate safely. While the development of certain skills is essential, participation in the formal advancement program is voluntary. We do not feel it is in the best interests of the Scout or of the Troop to push a Scout up the advancement trail if it is not important to him. We will, however, provide all encouragement and assistance to the Scout who wants to advance and to learn new skills, and we strongly encourage every Scout to set a goal of becoming Eagle Scout. We have found our program to be very effective-63 Scouts have made Eagle in our Troop!

Uniforms are an important element in the methods of Scouting. In Troop 1097, the class A uniform, consisting of the official Boy Scout belt, uniform shirt and hat, is required to be worn for all Scout meetings and travel to and from any activity. The Troop patch sewn on the front of the hat and the Troop neckerchief are also required to be worn. The Troop occasionally holds uniform exchanges where “experienced” uniforms will be available at Courts of Honor. The class B uniform, which consists of a Troop or other Scout T-shirt, may be worn for camping and summertime meetings. Troop dog tags are required to be worn on all Troop outings.