Back in November 2007, Troop 340 had its first meeting. With 22 boys, a new Scoutmaster and help from two council professions, Scouting was introduced as an After-School Program at the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy. With nothing more than an American flag, and Oath and Law posters on the wall, we started a program we hoped would create opportunities for boys that would not normally get a chance to experience.

My name is Bob Craig. I am their Scoutmaster and this is our story.

Troop 340 is not your traditional Boy Scout Troop. All the boys are in the 6th Grade. They will be here for one year and then move on to Marietta Middle School. My goal when taking the role was to get them excited about scouting, hopefully get them through a couple of ranks, take them on a few trips and then transition them to a traditional troop.

That was the plan.

But the troop has formed a bond; not only with me but with each other. They want to continue as members of Troop 340. Obviously, I was delighted that they felt this way. Is there a chance that Troop 340 could grow, expand and become more "traditional"? Boy-led, Senior Patrol Leaders, maybe even an Eagle Scout one day? Those are things that go beyond my wildest imaginations for this troop. But with attitude, dedication and passion; anything is possible.

There are two challenges we now face:

1. Marietta Middle School, where these boys are going next year, lets out at 2:30. Marietta Sixth Grade Academy lets out at 4:00. Where do the boys go between 2:30 and 4:00? What will they do? Who will supervise them? These are the questions I struggle to answer.
2. Due to the time of our meetings (4PM) and the family situations of many of our boys, parental involvement is very difficult. With a small troop of a dozen boys, one or two adult leaders is sufficient. By retaining these boys, getting new boys crossing over and potentially picking up boys from 8th grade, our numbers could increase significantly next year. A great problem to have...but still a problem.

I have heard the quote passed along many times at Roundtable and wondered when the first time I would get to say it. "Many hands make for light work." I am looking for volunteers to help keep Troop 340 growing! Can you help?

YiS,
Bob Craig
Office (770) 578-5817
Cell (215) 285-4885

PS. As a new Troop, we struggle with supplies and gear. Please think of Troop 340 as you do your Troop "Spring Cleaning"!

Special thanks to Tom Welch (Troop 75), Kyle Hughes (Troop 008) and Michele Parks for their help and support this year and to Troop 797 for opening their tent flaps and allowing us to join them at the Spring Camporee.