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ON-LINE PARENT HANDBOOK
This document was updated on April
3, 2002 |
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Troop Objectives
Troop 114 strives to provide a fun and worthwhile scouting experience for the
boys of the Troop. Experience has shown that a good understanding of the program
by the parents has a very positive benefit to the Scouts and the Troop. This
handbook is intended to help the parents understand our program and
expectations. Please take the time to read and review this information with your
son.
Troop114 has several objectives for its scouting program. The overall objective
is to provide an opportunity for the boys to learn basic scouting and camping
skills and to develop their character and leadership abilities. These
characteristics are exemplified in the Scout Oath and Law. The leadership and
scouting skills are learned through troop meetings, campouts, and service
projects. The Troop also provides advancement opportunities for the scouts.
Our basic program features camping and related scouting skills. We want to
provide weekend camping opportunities along with a long-term summer camp, and a
high adventure trip for the older scouts. Throughout the program, we encourage
the scouts to live by the Scout Oath and Law. The boys are encouraged to grow
mentally, physically, and spiritually. We hope that the scouts learn that
service to others and the community is a fundamental part of being good
citizens. Leadership training and opportunities are another growth area that Boy
Scouts provides for the boys.
Boy Scouts has a well-defined rank advancement. All scouts are encouraged to
work toward their next rank. This provides them opportunity to learn specific
skills as well as accomplish a set goal. Our goal is for new scouts to achieve
the rank of Boy Scout within one month and earn the rank of First Class during
the first year of scouting.
A central premise of the entire program is that it is a boy-run organization.
Your son is expected to be responsible for his own activities, whether in
preparing for meetings, for camping trips, or for an advancement session. Most
of all, the boys are expected to be intimately involved in running the Troop.
Adult leaders provide guidance; the Scouts grow through the program to provide
increasing levels of leadership. The success of the Troop and its activities is
ultimately the responsibility of the Scouts.
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Organization
The Boy Scouts of America is a unique organization in that it is one of few
national organizations endorsed by an act of Congress. The national organization
is divided into "Regions", and the Regions are divided into "Councils".
Councils, in turn, are divided into "Districts". Most policies, which we follow,
rules we obey, and requirements, which are fulfilled for either advancement or
special awards, are set at the National level. Most day-to-day administration,
such as establishing and operating camps, stocking "scout stores" with books and
uniforms, and record keeping, is performed by the local Council. The day-to-day
interaction with individual troops, such as leader training for adults and
youth, camporee organization, and counseling to the units is provided at the
District level. The National, Regional, and Council functions are largely run by
paid full time professionals, whereas the District functions and individual
Troop positions are filled and run entirely by volunteers.
Troop114 is in the "Upper Midwest" Region, and a part of the "Indianhead"
Council, "Riverwood" District. The Indianhead Council runs from St. Paul east
into St. Croix county of Wisconsin, and runs approximately 100 miles north and
south of the cities. The Riverwood District, as the name implies, includes
Afton, Stillwater, and Woodbury.
Each scout troop in the District is sponsored by a civic organization; VFW
Posts, Churches, PTA's, and Volunteer Fire Departments are common examples. The
sponsor, in undertaking that role and title, assumes a responsibility to the
troop to provide a meeting place, and to help where possible with leadership,
community service opportunities, and other miscellaneous forms of assistance. It
should be noted that the sponsor does NOT incur financial obligation to the
Troop; the scouting movement, more so than youth sports or scholastic activities
is based on the principle that we earn our own way for our own activities, and
as such sponsors are discouraged from financial support. In this vein of
self-sufficiency, the Troop also assumes a responsibility to the sponsor, namely
to repay the sponsorship with at least one service project for that sponsor each
year.
Troop 114's sponsor is First Presbyterian Church and VFW Post 323. They have
been and continue to be an excellent sponsor, providing us with a meeting room,
storage facilities, and opportunities for the Scouts to conduct service
projects. We, in turn have done service projects for the church including
painting and providing Scouts to act as color guards for special church
occasions.
Boy Scouts were founded by Britain's Lord Baden-Powell, who established the
organization as a means of teaching youth outdoors and leadership skills. He
based the youth organization on British military organization as a means of
fostering and developing those skills. A Boy Scout unit is thus a "Troop", and
each "Troop" is organized into teams called a "Patrol". A Troop can consist of
as many as a hundred boys, or as few as eight or nine, but most Troops have
20-40 boys, and a Troop of over 50 is a large one. The Patrols of a Troop,
regardless of Troop size, are 6-10 boys each. Leadership is provided by the boys
of the Troop, under the supervision and guidance of an "Adult Committee", at
both the Troop and the Patrol levels. Troop 114 is a relatively large one, with
about 30-50 boys throughout the year.
The activities of the Troop are overseen and guided by a group of adults known
as the "Troop Committee". The committee consists of a chairman, the Scoutmaster
and his Assistant Scoutmasters who provide the direct guidance to the Scouts of
the Troop with outdoors and leadership skills, a Scouting Coordinator to act as
the liaison between the Troop and its' Sponsor, and other committee members who
serve the committee in specialized functions (i.e. Treasurer, Fundraising
Organizer, Transportation Coordinator, etc.). The size of a Troop Committee
varies with the size of the Troop, of course, but should have at least one adult
for every five Scouts to provide optimal support for the boys. Troop 114, as a
large Troop, also requires a large committee and encourages all parents
interested in becoming involved with the program to join our committee in some
capacity.
As noted earlier, one of the fundamental goals of the Scouting organization is
to teach leadership to future adults. The basic approach towards this goal is
teaching through experience. Scouts are given opportunities to plan and run the
activities of their Troop, leading their peers under the guidance of the
Scoutmaster and the other adults. Younger Scouts are thus led by older and more
experienced Scouts, with boys being given opportunities to build leadership
skills at gradually increasing levels of responsibility. The Scouts are guided
and counseled at every level by the Scoutmaster, his Assistant Scoutmasters, and
other adults of the Troop Committee.
The most visible Scout leader is the Senior Patrol Leader, known as the SPL. He
is responsible, through the Patrol Leader's Council, for the planning of
specific activities to be run by the Scouts and he is responsible for leading
the entire Troop at any of these meetings, formations, or activities. The
individual Patrols of the Troop report to him through their Patrol Leaders. The
SPL is assisted by his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) (ASPLs), the number
depending on the size of the Troop, and by other Scouts who have assumed
responsibilities for special tasks (ie. Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain's Aide,
Historian, and others). The SPL may also be assisted and counseled by a Junior
Assistant Scoutmaster, if a Troop has a Scout experienced enough to serve in
that position.
The Patrol Leader's Council (PLC), which usually meets once/month, consists of
the SPL and his ASPL(s), the Patrol Leaders, and leaders invited by the SPL; the
Scoutmaster serves only in an ex officio capacity to assist the SPL and his
leaders. Typical plans to be made by the PLC might be the agenda of upcoming
Troop meetings, a hike on a forthcoming campout, or an inter-Patrol skill
competition.
The SPL is elected by the scouts, with the slate of candidates being determined
by the Scoutmaster and his assistants. Criteria for becoming a candidate are
experience with the Troop relative to the position's responsibility, the level
of rank advancement achieved by the Scout, interest by the Scout in the
position, and willingness by the Scout to commit to the responsibilities of the
position. The ASPLs and other troop leaders are appointed by the SPL with the
advice of the Scoutmaster. One key exception is the position of Junior Assistant
Scoutmaster, where the Scout is a senior boy appointed by the Scoutmaster.
(Other leadership positions appointments may also be made by the Scoutmaster
when he determines a need exists either to help provide a Scout leadership
experience or when a special function is needed.) Patrol leaders are elected by
the members of each patrol. Elections are typically held once a year, although
some Troops choose to rotate leaders at six-month intervals.
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Program Overview
Troop 114 activities include troop meetings, patrol meetings, weekend campouts,
summer camp, high adventure camps, service projects, special events (i.e. swim
party), and advancement opportunities. Troop meetings are generally held two to
three times per month from September through July. The meetings are held on
Tuesday evenings in the Ark of first Presbyterian Church. Troop meeting programs
vary from week to week but may include scout skill instruction, merit badge
classes, demonstrations, special guests, test passing opportunities, campout and
activity planning, games, and announcements. Often when a basic scout skill is
being taught to new scouts a merit badge class will be offered for older scouts.
Patrol meetings are for planning patrol activities and will be held has needed.
They will frequently be incorporated as part of the troop meeting.
Weekend campouts are typically scheduled for the months of September, October,
November, January, February, March, April, May, and July. The November, January,
February, and March campouts are in cabins or shelters and the others are
usually in tents (weather permitting). Campouts usually depart from the church
parking lot after dinner on Friday evening and return to the church between 11
AM and 12 noon on Sunday. Campout activities vary depending upon location and
weather. A typical weekend would include tenting (2 man tents) and cooking by
patrol, test passing for rank advancement, patrol competition, free time,
campfire, and a chapel service.
Summer camp is usually the first full week of August at Tomahawk Scout
Reservation near Rice Lake, WI. Our campsite, Crow, is one of the finest at
Tomahawk and we must reserve it one year in advance. It is located on the lake
and fishing is a popular free time activity. The scouts sleep in two man wall
tents. Cots are provided. Meals, except for Wednesday, are eaten in the dinning
hall. On Wednesday, the cook's day off, the scouts are provided food to cook at
our campsite. Summer camp provides the best opportunity for advancement and to
earn merit badges. There is a program for new scouts to help teach them the
skills necessary to reach First Class. New scouts are encouraged to focus on the
basic Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class skills and should plan on taking
only one merit badge. Other activities at camp include swimming, sailing,
canoeing, rowing, rifle and archery range, horseback riding, nature and
scoutcraft areas, hikes, and visiting the trading post. Detailed information is
available in the spring. The primary objectives of the June and July troop
meetings and the July campout are to get organized for summer camp.
The BSA offers several High Adventure opportunities for older scouts. Each scout
participating in these activities must be at least 13 years old by December 31
of the year preceding the outing (BSA requirement). Troop 114 has an annual
winter campout at Shad land". This winter camp involves building and sleeping in
snow huts. Troop 114 also has a goal of providing 1-2 week summertime High
Adventure camp. The BSA operates High Adventure programs at Philmont Scout Ranch
(backpacking) in New Mexico, Sommers Canoe Base in the Boundary Waters, Sea Base
(sailing) in Florida, and several others. The older Scouts and the troop
committee work together to select a high adventure program based on the
interests of the scouts and availability of adult advisors.
During the year, Troop 114 also offers some more challenging Venture activities
such as cycling and canoeing for older scouts. To participate in these Venture
activities a Scout must meet certain criteria. These criteria are listed in the
Appendix D.
For camping activities the troop provides tents, cook stoves, and patrol
equipment. Each scout must supply their own personal gear including sleeping
bag, clothes, eating utensils (cup, plate, knife, fork, spoon, etc.), rain gear,
etc. A list of the personal equipment typically needed is found in Appendix C.
Scouts will be informed if specific additional equipment is needed for an
activity. Also, each patrol will be responsible for providing an ice chest(s)
for food storage.
A campout signup and parental permission slip will be sent (or given out at a
troop meeting) at least two weeks before the outing. This form must be completed
and returned by the due date on the form. Transportation for all the activities
is provided for by the parents of the scouts involved. The signup form will have
a place for the parents to indicate if they can drive and how many scouts they
can accommodate (All vehicles must have seat belts for each passenger and
minimum insurance of $50/100/50,000.) If each parent offers to drive several
times a year there should be plenty of transportation without placing an undue
burden on anyone.
There is a fee charged for each camping activity. This fee covers the cost of
the campsite as well as providing for equipment. The fee will typically include
the cost of the food. Generally, cooking is done by patrol with each patrol
being given a budget for their food. The task of buying the food is rotated
among the patrol members. The scout purchasing the food will be reimbursed by
the Troop during the campout. Please save the receipts. Once a scout signs up
for a campout he is expected to pay for any costs actually incurred even if he
does not go. The troop committee tries to keep the costs to a minimum so that no
scout will be unable to go for financial reasons. If finances prevent a boy from
going to a campout or summer camp the parents should contact the committee
chairman or scoutmaster. The troop does not have scholarship fund but we will
try to work out an arrangement that will allow the scout to participate.
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Advancement
The Boy Scout advancement program challenges boys to do their best. It invites
them to master a challenging series of skills that prepare them to enjoy the
outdoor action Scouting promises. As they master these skills, they move up
through six Boy Scout ranks, each more demanding than the last, and each
qualifying them for more exciting outdoor adventure - and more fun.
Each boy must have his own copy of the Scout Handbook to record and have signed
off advancement requirements met. There are five basic steps in the Boy Scout
advancement program that apply to all six ranks:
1) The boy learns. He learns Scouting skills by taking an active, hands-on role
in troop and patrol meetings and outdoor programs. This learning is a natural
outcome of his regular Scouting activities - his on-the-job training.
2) He is tested. The Scout should seek out a senior scout (or adult leader) to
demonstrate the skill to once he has learned it. When his leaders see that he
has mastered a given skill and satisfied a given requirement, they tell him so -
and sign off in his book.
3) He has a Scoutmaster Conference. When a Scout completes all requirements for
a rank, he must participate in a Scoutmaster Conference. The purpose of the
conference is to develop, over a period of time, an increasing level of
understanding and trust between the Scoutmaster and each Scout. The goal is to
have a one on one recognition of the Scoutmaster to the Scout; providing an
opportunity for the Scout to talk informally with the Scoutmaster, and learn how
to set goals to solve his own problems.
4) He is reviewed. When a Scout completes all requirements for a rank, he
appears before a "Board of Review" composed of members of the Troop Committee
and/or senior Scouts. Their purpose is not to retest him, but to make sure he
has met all requirements, to review his progress in showing Scout Spirit (i.e.
living by the Scout Oath and Law), to chat with him about how he feels he's
getting along with the troop and its program, and of course to encourage him to
keep advancing. Additionally, this allows a Scout to learn to communicate openly
with other adults.
5) He is recognized. When a Scout is certified by the Board of Review, he is
awarded his badge of rank as soon as possible, normally at the next troop
meeting, and recognized again at the next Court of Honor.
Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class are largely hands-on
requirements, and progress through three levels of challenge. For example, in
first aid, a Scout working on Tenderfoot will learn to treat simple blisters and
scratches; for Second Class, he will learn to treat shock; and for First Class,
he will be asked to transport someone with a broken leg.
Scouting advancement is flexible. A Scout does not have to wait to pass
Tenderfoot to work on Second Class or First Class requirements, but may work on
all three ranks at the same time. There is no waiting period between these ranks
for advancement through them. However, the Scout must earn the ranks in
sequence. He is eligible to receive his badge as soon as he is certified by the
Board of Review. He is free to work at his own rate, and should not be pushed or
pressured - Encouragement Yes, but no deadlines!
Except for a few rare exceptions, all advancement requirements must be
demonstrated for and signed off by an older scout or an adult leader. Our troop
policy is that any Scout with the rank of Life or higher may signoff any of the
requirements up through First Class (except Scout Spirit and swimming). Star
Scouts may signoff advancements for Tenderfoot and Second Class. Adults leaders
may sign off any of the requirements. Scouts are encouraged to get a number of
different Scouts and adults to pass them off on the various requirements rather
than work with only one leader. The Scoutmaster or his designee will sign off
the Scout Spirit requirement during the Scoutmaster conference.
Part of completing each requirement is getting it signed off in the handbook.
This should be done as soon as possible after the requirement is finished. It is
not appropriate for a scout to ask someone three months later to remember and
sign off a requirement. It is the Scout's responsibility to get the book signed.
Scouts must be careful not to lose their book or they may have to redo any
requirement that have not been permanently recorded in the troop records.
The requirements are designed progressively so that when he reaches First Class,
a Scout will be:
- A good outdoorsman
- Physically fit
- Active in his patrol and troop
- An informed and active citizen
- Making the Scout Oath and Law a part of his daily life
The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle are increasingly challenging levels of
advancement developing individual interest through merit badges, showing Scout
spirit, taking part in a service project, and assuming increasing levels of
troop leadership. Each of these ranks also has a tenure requirement, and
completion of some of the 15 "Eagle List" merit badges in addition of others of
personal choice.
Merit badges offer the Scout challenges and opportunities to learn and have fun
in many areas of interest. There are more than 100 merit badges available,
addressing sports, Scouting skills, crafts, hobbies, science, trades, business,
and future careers. Any Scout may earn any merit badge at any time - a Scout
does not have to be a certain rank to be eligible. Scouts work with a merit
badge counselor to learn about the subject. The typical procedure for earning a
merit badge is:
1) Choose the merit badge of interest and review the requirements. A number of
merit badge pamphlets are available in the Troop library.
2) Get the name of the merit badge counselor from the advancement coordinator
and an approved (signed by the Scoutmaster or an assistant) merit badge
application card. Appendix B lists the current Troop 114 merit badge counselors.
3) The Scout should then call the merit badge counselor and discuss how he
should proceed. Some counselors will ask the Scout to complete the requirements
as listed in the merit badge pamphlet and then call back for an appointment to
review the badge. Other counselors will want the Scout to make two or more
appointments and work through the requirements together. At summer camp and at
some troop sponsored merit badges the requirements will be covered as a class
group.
4) At the final meeting with the counselor the Scout should present the merit
badge application card for the counselor to sign. The scout is required to
present the signed card to the Advancement Coordinator in order to receive the
merit badge.
Service projects are civic activities which contribute to our community. Such
projects may be cleaning up a park, making a hiking trail, helping at a Senior
Citizens Home, collecting food for the needy. These projects are approved by the
Scoutmaster ahead of time. The goal is to have the Scout learn to be an active
citizen by helping others. The service projects for the ranks of Star and Life
should be at least six hours long. Service projects done as part of group
related activities for other organizations such as church typically do not count
for scout service projects. The service project for Eagle must combine
leadership along with community service. Eagle service projects are much broader
in scope and must be approved in advance by the Scoutmaster, the Troop
committee, and the district Advancement Coordinator.
Leadership positions help the Scout learn to guide others along the Scouting
path. Such opportunities are patrol leader, senior patrol leader, assistant
senior patrol leader, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster,
bugler, chaplain aide, instructor, junior assistant Scoutmaster, crew chief,
team captain, or troop guide. Each rank requires certain duration in a
leadership role, but not a certain leadership position. The Scoutmaster can also
assign the Scout to carry out a leadership project to help the troop, if no
leadership positions are available. Scouts should verify with the Scoutmaster
that the position or project that they are doing would fulfill the advancement
requirements.
Board of Reviews are held periodically during troop meetings, campouts, or
committee meetings. The Scout is responsible for contacting the Advancement
Coordinator to signup for the Board of Review. Scouts are expected to appear for
the Board in full dress uniform and to be prepared to recite the Scout Oath and
Law. Scouts being reviewed for the ranks of Star or Life should bring with them
a one-page resume of their scouting experiences. The Board of Review for Eagle
is chaired by the District Advancement chairman.
A Court of Honor is held once in the fall, winter, spring, and summer to bring
the Scout and his
Family together for recognition of his advancement. This is the opportunity for
the Troop Committee
To present all earned awards to the Scouts in the presence of their family and
friends. Any Scout that
Has earned awards since the last Court of Honor will be recognized. It is a
proud moment for the
Scout and his family, so please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to be
there for your son.
The best way to help your son advance is to understand the program, encourage
him to stay active, and to be sure he gets requirements signed off as soon he
completes them. Since it is possible (and often natural) to complete some
requirements for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class at the same campout, each
scout needs to be familiar with all the requirements for these ranks as soon as
he starts working on Tenderfoot.
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Communications
One of the keys to providing a challenging and successful scouting program is
good communications between the scouts, the leaders, and the parents. Due to the
large size of the troop, the diverse interests of the scouts, and the number of
troop activities, it is easy for things to be poorly communicated. Since
Scouting is designed to encourage the boys to grow in responsibility, the final
responsibility for understanding the program and being informed rests with each
individual scout. If there is any question the scout should seek a clarification
from his patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or one of the Scoutmasters. Calls
from the parents are always welcome but should come only after the scouts
themselves have tried to obtain an answer.
To get the communications effort off to a good start, an introductory meeting is
held with the parents of new scouts immediately after they join the troop. This
meeting is designed to give the parents an overview of how the scouting program
works as well as how Troop 114 is run.
A troop schedule is typically e-mailed out two times a year to provide a
long-range calendar of activities. Additional e-mailings are sent as
appropriate. Troop mailings are addressed to the boy and his parents. Parents
are encouraged to open and read this information. Many times if the boy opens it
first the parents never see it. Detailed information and/or schedule changes are
primarily communicated by announcements at troop meetings. If a Scout misses a
meeting, he should call his patrol leader to find out what he missed.
All parents and scouts are welcome to call the Scoutmaster at any time if they
have a question. However, if the question pertains to a specific activity, such
as a campout, the question will be best answered by directly calling the
Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of that particular activity. Suggestions for
program improvement are always welcomed and encouraged.
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A Scout is Reverent
Since it's founding, the Boy Scouts has encouraged boys to do their duty to God
and to develop spiritually. Boy Scouts does not endorse or support any
particular religion but encourages each boy to grow in the faith he chooses.
Troop 114 has regularly included as part of its camping program a
non-denominational Christian chapel service. These brief services are run by the
adults and the boys. Summer camp has chapel services for Protestant and Catholic
Scouts. All scouts are expected to attend these services. If these services are
not appropriate to the scout's religion, the parents should discuss the
situation with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman so a suitable arrangement
can be worked out.
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Dues, Fees, & Fund raising
In order to maintain a Boy Scout program, Troop 114 has found that it takes
about $85-$120 per Scout per year. These costs are distributed among troop
equipment
(principally camping equipment), advancement awards, and operational costs such
as
mailing. Most of the spending goes to directly benefit the boys. The troop
activities are financed in several ways. First, each scout is assessed dues and
fees as determined by the committee. For 2002-03, the troop dues are $30.00,.
Dues must be paid up to participate in campouts and other activities.
To keep the cost to families as low as possible, the Troop supplements its dues
and fees with fund raisers. In the past, the Troop has sold Christmas wreaths, a
Rose sale, and popcorn. This has provided the bulk of our income, most of which
is used to purchase needed equipment. It also allows the Scout to build up
credits in their own Scout Account to help fund their camping trips or to
purchase their own camping equipment. Our objective is to provide financing for
the Troop's program with a minimum of time and effort. We want to focus our
efforts on Scouting; not fund raising. Each Scout is expected to participate in
any fund raiser to the best of his ability.
The Troop does not want to deny any Scout the opportunity to participate in
Scouting due to lack of finances. Parents should discuss the situation with the
committee chairman, Scoutmaster or committee treasurer, if there is a concern
with finances.
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General Troop Policies
In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to Scouting, the Troop 114
Committee has established some guidelines for participation in Troop activities.
Conduct
Boy Scouting, as a boy run activity, is dependent on team work and the
development of a participative environment. To do this we need to respect others
and to treat each other with dignity and courtesy. The conduct expected is
summed up in the Scout Oath and Law.
General meeting conduct, such as not talking during demonstrations and
announcements is expected. To have effective meetings we need to have the
attention and cooperation of everyone.
No fighting, smoking, gambling, alcohol, drugs, or hazing is allowed at any
time. No fire arms, fireworks, hunting knives, or other dangerous items allowed
at any Troop activity.
Specific rules are established for campouts to ensure the safety and well being
of everyone. Everyone is expected to follow the rules of the specific situation.
This includes those requests given by the boy leaders.
Any serious infraction will be promptly followed up with the boy and his
parents. If necessary, disciplinary action will be taken by the committee which
may include suspension or expulsion.
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Attendance
Attendance is not mandatory at all meetings and campouts but it is expected
unless there is an illness or conflict. We know the boys have many other
activities such as family, school, church, and sports. However, regular
participation is needed if we are to have a successful Troop and the boy is to
have a successful experience.
Advancement is dependent upon being active in the Troop. To advance, each Scout
must show Scout Spirit. One of the best ways to demonstrate Scout Spirit is to
be regular in attendance. Scout skills and merit badges are frequently taught at
meetings and campouts and Scouts not in regular attendance will miss these
opportunities. A Board of Review has the authority to deny a Scout rank
advancement if they feel that his attendance record has been less than
satisfactory (i.e. frequent unexplained absences).
If a boy misses a meeting, it is his responsibility to call his patrol leader
and get updated.
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Uniforms
The proper uniform is expected for all Troop activities. We have established the
following guidelines.
Troop meetings - wear the Scout Class A shirt (std. uniform shirt)
Court of Honor & Board of Review - full Class A uniform including neckerchief
and merit badge sash (once merit badges have been earned). Boy Scout pants are
optional. Other pants should be dark colored and neat.
Campouts - wear Scout Class A shirt when traveling to and from camp and for
special occasions at camp.
Class B uniform is a scout T-shirt and can be worn to less formal activities
(i.e. bike rides)
Like in sports, uniforming is important to develop a unity and an identity. A
coach would not play a player without his uniform nor can we. Boys who
continually "forget" to wear their uniform can be denied access to Troop
activities and rank advancement.
Scouting also does not allow clothing that advertises tobacco, alcohol, or other
activities not consistent with the Scouting program to be worn by either Scouts
or adult leaders.
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Medical
A current medical form (within 12 months) is required for each boy and adult
participating in our Troop's activities. A physical is not required each year
for Scouts as long as he has had a doctor's examination during the past three
years. Troop 114 normally ask parents to update the medical forms for each scout
just prior to summer camp. It is the parents responsibility to let the leaders
know if a boys medical history changes during the year.
If parents sign a permission slip, leaders will give Tylenol for common
headaches, etc. The adult leaders will not give any other over-the-counter
medication to a Scout. Leaders must be informed of and given any prescription
medications, and will be responsible for dispensing them properly. The
responsibility for taking necessary medication, once dispensed, rests with the
Scout.
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Safety
While the Scouting program encourages exploration and adventure, the Scouting
organization and our Troop actively follow proscribed safety precautions in
Meetings, Campouts, and other activities. All adults on the committee are
required to at least have the Council's "Fast Start" training, and are
encouraged to take the complete leader training course and other specialty
training sessions as well. We firmly adhere to the policy of "2-on-1" (Two
scouts with an adult OR two adults with one scout at all times, never an adult
and a scout alone). We also maintain the "Two-deep Leadership" policy; there
will be no activities held in which we do not have a minimum of two adults
present.. In addition to these two key principles, we also follow specific
Council and National policies such as "Safe Swim Defense", "Safety Afloat",
traveling with the appropriate Tour Permits, and other appropriate precautions.
As noted earlier, parents will always be apprised of the Troop's activities.
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Training
The Troop's activities, while fun, revolve around learning, whether it be the
skill sets needed for advancement and safe camping, specific merit badges, or
leadership. Much of this learning occurs as a natural part of the Troop's
activities. In some cases, specific training sessions are held. The Adult
Committee intends to schedule "Youth Protection" training once a year as a troop
activity for all boys, and at least one parent is encouraged to attend that
Troop Meeting. Troop Leader Training is run for the Patrol Leaders Council and
outher youth leadership at least once and frequently twice a year; these
sessions are lead by the Scoutmaster and selected assistants. Each year the
Adult Committee will also offer a "Scholarship" to Silver Pathfinder, a
week-long training session held by the Council to selected seniour boys. Older
boys may also be offered other training opportunities by the District or by the
Council.
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Troop Size
Troop 114 is a large troop. This has both benefits and drawbacks. Due to our
rapid growth in past years, the committee reserves the right to restrain the
rate of growth of the Troop in order to better serve all involved. This means
that preference is first given to Webelos from our feeder packs - Packs 114, and
250. Other boys wishing to join the Troop are asked to first visit several
troops and consider joining another troop in the area. If they still feel that
Troop 114 is best for them, then their application will be discussed by the
Troop committee. Preference will also be given to boys with brothers in the
troop and also with parents willing to get actively involved with the troop.
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How Parents Can Help
Parents can help their son (and the Troop) in two very important ways. The first
and most important way is to understand the Scouting program and encourage your
son to participate and advance. This encouragement should include helping him
understand what needs to be done, but please don't do it for him. Unlike Cub
Scouts, parents (unless they are active Troop leaders) typically can not sign
off advancement requirements. Your reinforcement of the Scout Oath and Law is
also a big help.
The second way for parents to help is to volunteer to help with the Troop. This
volunteer help may range from driving one way to a campout to being the
Scoutmaster. Everyone is expected to drive occasionally but everyone is not
expected to be a Scoutmaster or an Assistant. In between these extremes are a
number of opportunities that can contribute significantly to the Troop. One
opportunity is to assist the adult leaders by going camping. If each dad camped
with the Troop only once a year we would have ample adult supervision.
Volunteer campers need not be trained or have a uniform; we just need a few
extra adults to help keep track of our large Troop.
Another opportunity is to serve as a merit badge counselor. There are merit
badges available pertaining to most hobbies and professions. To qualify to be a
counselor you need to be comfortable that, based on your experience, you can
help the scouts work through the requirements of the badge. As a counselor you
have considerable latitude as how you wish to structure the completion of the
requirements. Some counselors conduct classes with a group of boys. Others
simply outline how they want the requirements completed and wait for the scout
to complete them on his own. All counselors must be registered with the
Indianhead Council. Please ask one of the adult leaders for a registration form.
There is no cost to register to be a counselor.
Also if you have an interesting hobby or job, the Troop is always looking for
special guests to talk (and demonstrate) at our Troop meetings.
There are other opportunities to serve as either a regular or part time member
of the committee. As a regular member of the committee, you would be assigned a
task such as treasurer or advancement coordinator. These people also need
assistants to share the load and take over if they are unavailable. Another
important function of the committee members is to guide the Troop in setting up
programs, activities, and policies. Part time committee positions are also
available to help with specific tasks such as fund raising or Webelos
transition.
For those parents that want to become very involved, there is the opportunity to
become an Assistant Scoutmaster. Assistant Scoutmasters are typically given an
area of responsibility that fits there interests (i.e. High Adventure or 1st
year scouts) and are asked to help out supervising Troop meetings and campouts.
There is training available but not required. Due to its large size, Troop 114
needs a number of Assistant Scoutmasters.
Please talk to the Committee Chairman, Scoutmaster, or one of the assistants if
you are interested in helping in any way. We are all volunteers and understand
that each parent has varying talents and opportunities to help. The Troop needs
your help if we are to offer a good program for the boys.
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Troop 114 - Stillwater