Plainfield Troop 304 was originally established July 29, 1957.

The Patrol Method

In keeping with BSA policy, BSA Troop 304 is run by its youth members.  The troop organization follows the Patrol Method.  Boys are members of Patrols, each with its own name ( Buffalos, Cobras, Phoenix, Bats, Owl, Spartans) and leadership: the Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader.  Leading the Troop is the responsibility of the Senior Patrol Leader and his Assistant.  Various other troop level positions, such as Quartermaster, Librarian, Chaplain Aide, Scribe, Webmaster, Leave No Trace instructor, and Historian help the troop run effectively.  Patrols camp and cook together on outings and occasionally gather for Patrol activities outside of the scheduled troop activities.  Youth leaders (Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Ass’t Patrol Leaders) gather on the 2nd Tuesday of month with the Scoutmaster as the Patrol Leaders Council.  The PLC, chaired by the Senior Patrol Leader, establishes Troop Meeting themes and plans and assigns Patrol responsibility for setup, skill training, opening/closing ceremonies, and cleanup for the coming month's meetings.

The youth members of the troop elect the junior leaders twice yearly.  Troop Leadership Training, using approved BSA methods and materials, follows each election.  The youth leadership chairs and staffs the troop's Annual Planning Conference.  The Planning Conference establishes the general activity schedule for the next 12 months.  From this plan the Troop's activity calendar is developed.

Adult participation in the troop's activities is by intent to be a guidance and teaching role.  Adults play a major role in the behind-the-scenes planning and performance of the Troop.