1. Welcome to Troop 474 www.bsatroop474.org Scoutmaster@bsatroop474.org

2. At least one outing per month (typically 2 or 3, more in summer) We offer about 50 nights of camping per year Tyke Hike for new Scouts (cross over from Webelos) - 5 days Summer Camp – 6 days 50 Miler or Super Outing – 7 to 14 days Crater Lake cross country ski trip (every 2 or 3 years) – 5 days Climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier (25 years and counting…) Igloo building, bike trips, canoe trips, bee line hikes, backpacking, Car camping, day hikes, day trips, …. The troop typically participates in about 1000 hrs community service per year Activities:

3. Boy run program (Scouts plan their own meetings, most outings) Sr. Patrol Leader, 3 ASPL’s, Patrol Leaders, Instructors Average of >2000 nights of camping experience Meetings are boy run – Leadership is the goal. Boys leading boys Program goals: Build Character Promote Fitness (physical, mental, spiritual) Establish Citizenship

4. Consistent, long term leadership Many parents stay involved with Scouting after their sons are grown and gone. Patrol Dads for each Patrol Troop Guide(s) for each new boy Patrol Established adult committee infrastructure to support troop activities. Adult advisors for many positions All Parents are expected to help in some way Adult Involvement:

5. Well, I think you know that I was headed off to Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) last August…., well it turned out to be very difficult and a lot more challenging in the physical and mental aspects than I had anticipated. I made it though, 25 pounds lighter and severely sleep deprived I became a 2nd Lt in the USAF on Nov 19th 1999. I can honestly say that was the most difficult challenge I have ever faced. I can also honestly say that there was not one day that I didn't use the skills, and lessons I learned as a Boy Scout in Troop 474. Of the approx. 140 people who started OTS with me, approx. 1/3 quit or failed. I know that I made my success happen but I believe my experiences with Scouts made it possible. As you've probably guessed my first assignment is to the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Currently, I have an apartment with a couple of other Lts who were at OTS with me (one an Eagle Scout), and work on future planning for Air Combat Command. As I mentioned earlier I recently found a Boy Scout Troop and I'm looking forward to my first outing with them the last weekend of April. Kirsi and I have 3 kids now, Colin (4), Natalie (3) and Ian (<1). …we celebrated our 12th last March… it is very important for me to say this, lest fate intervene before I do: Thank you, Mr. Brooten. Outside of anyone in my family, I've learned most from you, and your example. (And I've drawn mostly better lessons, when you were the source.) While I think I'm doing okay as a father, and as a citizen, I know I'd have a lot harder time of it without having seen the course you'd set. If you need any confirmation that your work has wrought good, here it is. I'm glad for the boys in the Troop, glad you're still there. Time sure does fly We are living in Mountlake Terrace (bought our first home in April), and both work downtown.. I sure have treasured my experience in scouting and continue to draw from it. Keep the updates coming. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually join you for an outing with Evan, Jr. sometime! Love to you and your family. I can't say enough about my experiences with the troop. I learned a lot..how to cook, how to survive outdoors and be comfortable in any weather, how to do many skills, but most of all how to be a citizen, friend, and good person! I can't thank you enough Mr. Brooten. Same goes for all the parents (Dad) and scouts associated with the troop, that made it such a great experience. My wife Amy and I just had a baby boy (Samuel), I hope we are around the Seattle area by the time he's ready to join Scouting so he can be part of the troop. The Long Term Result (we’re in the Character Building Business)