The Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing practices have compelled the leadership of Scouts BSA Troop 542 to transition to virtual meetings. The stay-at-home order began when the troop was conducting scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews. Recognizing the impact of school closings and the cancellation of extracurricular activities would have on their youth, the leadership turned on a dime and quickly set-up multiple scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews via the online Zoom app so Scouts could advance in rank.
Since March, the troop has continued to hold virtual meetings, which are set-up like former in-person gatherings at Supplee Presbyterian Church. On Monday evenings, the Scouts of Troop 542 log into the main meeting room where attendance is taken, and announcements are made. After the pledge of allegiance and the Scout Oath, the boys break into smaller groups according to their rank advancement needs. For example, Scouts that have joined in the past 18 months gather in one session to work on rank advancement requirements in the troop’s first-year program. Scouts that hold higher ranks attend merit badge classes. This requires quite a bit of work behind the scenes by troop committee members who make sure each Scout transits from the main meeting to one of several breakout sessions.
Categories: Troop Trips