Leadership Development: The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. We believe that the boys “own” the troop and that its success depends primarily on them. Therefore, our adult leaders will not do for a boy what he can do for himself. Except in cases where safety is jeopardized, we will let a boy-planned activity succeed or fail on its own merits.

Patrol Leader Selection: The Scouts elect who will serve as their Patrol Leaders. Twice each season Troop 61 conducts Patrol Leader elections.

Patrol Leader Training: Each year Troop 61 conducts a patrol leader training course to share the tools of leadership with current and potential Patrol Leaders.  They cover subjects such as teaching, communicating, planning meetings, planning campfires, planning skill demonstrations, Patrol Leader duties, menu planning, etc. Various leadership subjects are also taught at the Patrol Leaders Council meetings.

Uniform: The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in the world brotherhood of youth that believes in the same ideals. The uniform also provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. Also, when wearing the uniform, a boy is more likely to act as a Scout should. It is expected that all Scouts should be in proper uniform at all troop meetings and certain campouts in addition to summer camp. Many of our adult Committee members also wear uniforms to set the example.