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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER SCOUTS

VARSITY SCOUTING

VARSITY SCOUT TEAMS

The Varsity Seout team is made up of young men ages 14 through 17 in a stand-alone program of the Boy Scouts of America. separate from the troop. Each of its five fields of emphasis is managed by a Varsity Scout tearn member who serves as program manager, and by an adult from the Varsity Scout committee who serves as program adviser. They work together in a manner similar to that of a player and a coach. A Varsity Scout team is divided into squads of four to eight members- just the right size to take maximum advantage of a great range of exciting activities and to have plenty of opportunities for everyone to serve as leaders. Every squad elects a squad leader. The team captain-a Varsity Scout elected by all the team members-conducts meetings and works closely with adult leaders (the Varsity Scout team Coach, assistant Coaches, and Varsity Scout committee members) to develop and carry out an effective program. A Varsity Scout may wear Scout shorts and a tan knit Varsity Scout shirt as an activities uniform. For more formal occasions, Varsity Scout team members wear traditional Boy Scout uniforms with orange shoulder loops and a Varsity Scout identification strip above the right pocket.

VARSITY SCOUTING'S FIVE FIELDS OF EMPHASIS

Advancement

Team program activities are arranged to help members complete the qualifications for the Eagle Scout rank and, for current Eagles. the Eagle Palms. Varsity Scouts may also pursue and achieve other Scout awards and recognitions.

High Adventure and Sports

Varsity Scouts plan and take part in tough physical and mental activities endeavors as wide-ranging as snow camping, whitewater rafting, backpacking. swimming, and roller hockey. In addition to learning and practicing the skills they need in order to enjoy the activities they choose, many Varsity Scout teams also set their sights on extended once-a-year experiences at a council-operated or national high-adventure base, or at another location selected by the team.