Boy Scouts of America
Troop 96
Parent's Guide
August 2005
Introduction
Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 96, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church-Seagoville, TX. On behalf of the Scouts, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and Troop Committee, we welcome you to our organization, and hope that your son's Scouting experience is the best that it can be.
This guide has been prepared to orient new, and existing, parents to the Boy Scouting experience offered by our troop. It is fairly comprehensive, and will serve as a handy guide to our troop organization, resources, and policies.
Aims and Methods of Scouting
The Aims and Methods of Scouting explain a great deal about how and why we do things in Troop 96. Briefly the Aims of Scouting are Growth in Moral Strength and Character, Participating Citizenship, and Development of Physical, Mental and Emotional Fitness. The Eight Methods of Scouting are Ideals, Patrols, Outdoors, Advancement, Adult Association, Personal Growth, Leadership Development and Uniform. For a more detailed description, please feel free to consult the resources listed at the end of this document.
Parental Involvement
Parental encouragement and support are essential for a Scout to succeed and advance. Unlike Cub Scouts, however, Boy Scouting requires the Scout to achieve on his own, without his parents doing it for him. A Scout's support group is also built into the troop by association with other Scouts and the leadership of the senior Scouts and adults who are part of the program.
We encourage all parents to stay informed as to their Scouts activities and progress. You are also encouraged to become part of the program by volunteering as an adult leader, either as an Assistant Scoutmaster or member of the Troop Committee. We do not, however, encourage parents to teach their Scouts "alternate" ways of doing things, or parents doing things for their Scout.
Don't do for a Scout what he can do for himself. You'll be surprised and pleased by your Scout's development at this stage of his life, as he matures through the program.
Please feel free to talk to any of the adult leadership about ways of getting involved.
Troop Organization
Troop 96 is a Scout-run troop. This means that the Scouts make the decisions on troop programs, and are responsible for the implementation of those decisions. The Scouters (adult leadership) are there to support the Scouts' efforts, provide guidance as appropriate, and ensure that the safety and well being of the Scouts is not compromised. As a chartered Boy Scout Troop we adhere to the policies and procedures as set forth by the Boy Scouts of America and our local Boy Scout Council (Circle 10 Council).
Boy Scouting is a volunteer organization. Troop 96 does not pay any of its adult support. The Boy Scouts do have paid professional Scouters at the local and national levels, as well as paid support staff. At the troop level, however, all adult participants are volunteers who are recruited from troop parents, and other interested parties. In accordance with BSA guidelines and procedures, all adult volunteers must submit to a background check when joining the troop.
As previously stated, Troop 96 is a Scout-run troop. As such, the organization of the troop begins with the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC). The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) leads the PLC. The Scoutmaster selects the SPL during the semi-annual elections, which are generally held in September and February of each year. During these elections, the Scouts elect Troop members to the various Leadership positions such as Historian, Scribe, Quartermaster, and Chaplains Aid. The Scoutmaster selects the Troop Guide and Instructor positions. The Patrols elect Scouts for Patrol Leader.
The PLC is comprised of the Senior Patrol Leader, Asst. Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Historian, Scribe, Librarian, Oa Rep., Troop Guide, and other positions as filled. The PLC holds an annual Planning meeting in August of each year, where the troop plan is set for the next calendar year. Monthly programs are developed, and responsibilities are assigned to each patrol. In addition, the PLC holds monthly meetings to perform more detailed planning of upcoming activities, and to deal with general troop business. The SPL coordinates all planned activities with the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee members to ensure that appropriate adult support will be available for the planned programs.
Upon joining the troop your Scout will be assigned to a Patrol. Patrols each contain 8 to 12 Scouts, and are the cornerstone of the Scouting program. The patrols are led by Patrol Leaders, who are elected by the patrol on troop election night. The Patrol Leader assigns the other leadership positions within the patrol. Patrols are comprised of Scouts who are of different ages and ranks. One of the main purposes of Scouting is learning, and the ideal way is to have the older Scouts teach the younger ones the requisite Scout skills. Part of learning is testing, thus we have ASM's signing off most of the advancement requirements. Each patrol is assigned an adult Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) .
Patrols function as cohesive units. They camp together, and attend the meetings as a patrol. Please be advised that upon joining the troop your Scout may or may not be assigned to a patrol with his friends that he may have bridged from Webelos with, or friends from school, the neighborhood, etc. Patrol assignments are at the discretion of the SPL and Scoutmaster. While efforts will be made to accommodate placement requests when joining, placement will be dependent on balancing the patrols with regard to the number of Scouts in each, and distribution of skill levels.
Overall the troop is organized under the leadership of the Troop Committee Chairman. He/she reports and is responsible to the First United Methodist Church, and to the BSA for the overall Troop 96 scouting program.
The Troop Committee is comprised of adults and is charged with the business aspects of running the troop, and is led by the Troop Committee Chairman. Responsibilities of the Troop Committee include finances, adequacy of troop equipment, recruiting adult leadership, maintaining official troop records, advising the Scoutmaster, ensuring adherence with BSA and Troop policies, and providing adequate facilities for the scouting program. Membership in the troop committee or on various subcommittees is open to all parents, and to others with an interest in the scouting program.
The Scoutmaster's first responsibility is to train and guide the PLC. He is also the "approver" for all advancement, helps the PLC make sure the Troop Program meets our needs, councils Scouts, and works with the Committee to make sure the PLC's programs are supported. Reading the Scoutmaster Handbook is recommended for all parents to fully understand the SM's function in the Troop. In Troop 96 we have several ASM's to assist the SM in his duties. Each Scout patrol is assigned one or two ASM's as Patrol Advisors. The Patrol Advisors are responsible for adult leadership oversight of the patrols, and will work directly with the Patrol Leaders and Scouts on program elements and advancements. In addition, there are ASM's who work on general "at large" basis with the troop, or in specialized roles such as the new scout coordinator. ASM's must attend at least "Scoutmaster Fundamentals" training, and are also encouraged to take advanced training from the BSA.
TROOP POLICIES
As with any organization Troop 96 has policies and procedures that must be followed for maintaining membership in the organization. The BSA sets many of these policies, but the Troop Committee has adapted others in order to better serve the needs of the Scouts and our program. Troop 96 maintains a comprehensive Policies and Procedures Manual. The key points of our policies and procedures are summarized below for your reference.
Membership Fees
Troop 96 is a non-profit organization. All fees are used for program purposes. A membership Fee is assessed upon joining the Troop, and various fees are assessed throughout the year to cover expenses for camping, food, and transportation.
Dues
Scouts are expected to pay their own way with semi-annual dues. Dues are used to pay for rechartering the Scouts into the BSA and for subscriptions to "Boy's Life" each year. The troop policy is for the Troop Scribe to collect the dues in January and July of each year. Currently, there is not a Scribe; therefore, please pay your dues to the Treasurer. Dues must be current in order for the Scout to participate in camping events. For those who may not be able to pay dues due to family hardships, see the Scoutmaster so that something can be worked out for the Scout to continue to achieve new skills and abilities. Money should not be an issue in your son's growing experience.
Fundraising
Several fundraising opportunities are presented during the year for the Scouts. These fundraisers usually include the sale of concessions and Boy Scout Popcorn, although other opportunities may become available from time to time. Participation by the Scouts in these fundraising activities is strictly voluntary, but keep in mind that the scouts benefit from these proceeedsand they should be encouraged to participate. Parent participation in fundraising events is strongly encouraged as it shows a genuine interest in your son's Boy Scout experience.
Uniforms
BSA is a uniformed organization. Troop 96's standard uniform (Class "A") is a tan Boy Scout Shirt with Red epaulets, Circle 10 Council patch, rank patch, troop position patch (as required), Brotherhood of Scouting patch, American Flag, and Patrol Patch. For correct placement of patches and insignia please see the Boy Scout Handbook. In addition, a Scout Belt is worn with all BSA uniforms. Official Boy Scout pants, and socks are optional. In addition, the Scout may wear the Scout Sash, OA patch (if qualified), religious award square knot (if qualified) and Arrow of Light (if qualified). The Class "A" uniform is worn to all troop meetings, Courts of Honor, and other functions as determined by the PLC, and is also the troop travel uniform.
"Class B" uniforms may be worn at camp and on other occasions as approved by the PLC. The "Class B" uniform is a Troop T-shirt. Other Scout related T-shirts may be worn during extended stay camps. No camo clothing may be worn at any Scout function (ie..., t-shirts, ball caps, pants, jackets, jungle hats, etc.). There will be no exception to this policy. Scouts and/or Scouters will not be permitted to participate in, and will be asked to leave the meeting if they are wearing this type of clothing. Open toed shoes are also not a part of the Official Scout Uniform and will not be permitted at Scout functions (ie..., shower shoes, flip flops, sandles, and the like).
Personal Equipment
Scouts are responsible for providing and maintaining their own personal equipment. Such equipment includes sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks, flashlights, water bottles, eating items, compass, personal first aid kit, and toiletries. For a list of recommended personal equipment please refer to the Boy Scout Handbook. The troop will provide lists of special personal equipment required for long term camps or high adventure activities as required.
Many parents new to Scouting tend to buy the wrong equipment, and waste a lot of money. We suggest asking before you buy - we've made the mistakes - so you don't have to.
Also please note that electronic items (radios, CD players, games, etc.) are not allowed on campouts. At times electronic items may be allowed in vehicles while traveling (with the leader's/driver's permission, and with headphones). All electronics outside of vehicles will be confiscated. We camp to enjoy the outdoors, and such games distract from the program, and are also prone to breakage. Similarly games that make a lot of noise or have a lot of small pieces are not allowed.
Knives
Pocket Knives may only be carried by those Scouts who have successfully completed a Troop training program, and received a "Totin' Chip" card. Pocket knives must have a foldable, lockable blade, less than 3 inches long. Fixed blade knives are prohibited, as are gravity knives, hunting knives, switchblades and spring blades. The use of expensive pocket knives is discouraged, as they tend to get lost or broken on campouts.
Troop Equipment
Troop 96 supplies much of the necessary equipment to support our camping program. This includes chuck boxes, stoves, Dutch ovens, grills, rope, lanterns, water coolers and tarps. Scouts are responsible for the safe and reasonable use of the equipment. While the troop will repair damage to the equipment from normal wear and tear, extensive damage due to misuse of the equipment or horseplay will be the Scout's responsibility.
Camping
Camping is the heart of the Scouting program. Campouts are where the Scouts learn and practice their skills, and build lasting relationships with the other Scouts and Scouters. Troop 96 camps on a monthly basis, with the exception of December, and the month of Summer Camp. In general, the troop will leave on Friday night at about 6 pm, and return on Sunday in the late morning or early afternoon. Details are provided on the permission slip for the respective campout.
The camping program is established by the PLC as part of the yearly planning. In general, campsites are varied, and are chosen to support the program for the month. Transportation to camps is via private vehicles, provided by the parents. Any other arrangements must be approved by the SM. Youth Protection Guidelines will be followed.
Parents are welcome to camp with the troop, provided advance permission has been obtained from the Scoutmaster. Parents (as are all adults) are responsible for providing their own personal equipment to include tents. All adults on a campout will be considered as full working members and must camp in the designated adult area or as assigned by the SM. Adults are not allowed to camp with the Scouts. Camping parents and siblings at the annual family campout will be assigned their own camping area by the SM. Parent's are also welcome to visit any campsite, but should check with the Scoutmaster first of the troop so as not to interfere with the troop program.
Campout Cooking
Cooking and food purchasing for campouts is done on a Patrol basis. Each Patrol will plan its own menus based on the campout guidelines established by the PLC. Scouts will be appointed within the patrol to purchase food and prepare meals, which are requirements for advancement. Both hot and cold meals are prepared depending on the overall program. Meals are chosen by the Patrols for nutritional requirements and to suit the type of camping or hiking experience. Fast foods are not allowed, nor are sodas or "junk food." There are many health reasons for this, particularly in the outdoor environment. All menus are approved by the SM or ASM's.
Summer Camp
The Troop attends a Summer Camp each year, generally in June. Summer Camp is a week-long experience, where Scouts can generally participate in a broad range of Scouting activities, ranging from basketry to water-skiing. Summer camp is also an opportunity to earn Merit Badges that are difficult to earn in a troop activity setting.
This is a very important experience for all Scouts, especially new Scouts. BSA has found that the vast majority (90%) of Scouts who do not attend their first summer camp leave Scouting during their first year.
The costs for summer camp are borne by the Scouts. Costs include the camp, transportation, and spending money. Summer Camp may occur either in or out of Circle 10 Council, as decided by the PLC in its long range planning.
Winter Camp
The Troop attends Winter Camp each year, in December. Winter Camp is also a week-long camping experience, where Scouts can participate in a wide range of activities. Merit Badge classes and Camp wide competitions are the norm, as well as, the Polar Bear Swim. This is also an important camping experience, like Summer Camp, in which the Scouts can experience the vast weather changes Texas has to offer. We will on occassion go out of Council for this experience and the costs will vary. In Council, the cost is considerably cheaper, due to the fact that the Troop prepares all of it's own meals in camp.
Other Long-Term Camps
From time to time the troop may participate in other long-term camps or trips. These may be treks to various High Adventure bases (i.e. Philmont, Packard, etc) or fall or spring break trips. This type of activity is outside of the normal programs for the year, and is only undertaken if selected by the PLC, and adequate adult coverage can be assured.
Permission Slips
Signed Permission Slips are required for Scouts to attend Troop activities (outside of normal troop meetings). Part of the permission slip contains a release for the troop to obtain medical help for the Scout if he is injured. Permission slips also contain contact information for both the troop's and parent's use, and other pertinent information for the parents. Any Scout showing up for an activity that requires a permission slip without one will not be allowed to participate in that activity. Parents will be required to either come and get the Scout, or fill out a slip.
Contact telephone numbers on the slip must be viable numbers. In case of an emergency, the information provided is the only way to reach you.
Permission slips are distributed via the Troop website, and should be turned in with camping fees on the Monday prior to the campout.
Behavior
Behavior problems happen with every child in this and every other troop. These instances will be looked at on a case by case basis. The older Scouts and adults set the example for the younger Scouts to follow. In the rare case a behavior problem goes far enough to be placed in the hands of the Scoutmaster, it is considered on an individual basis. The primary tenant is that no Scout has the right to lessen or interfere with the Scouting experience of others. The Troop has a Code of Conduct form that each scout signs for as well as Troop Rules. There will be no exceptions to the rules.
Medical Information and Medications
The Scoutmaster needs to be informed if a Scout is taking any medication, or has any medical condition that may warrant special treatments. The medical form you provide as part of the application process is the primary means of communicating this information. Of particular importance are allergies to medications, insect stings, poison ivy, etc. In the event of a serious injury during a troop activity, medical help will be sought for the Scout.
Medication is the responsibility of the Scout. In some cases a Scouter will maintain the medication, but it is preferred that the Scout handle his own medication and FULLY understand it. Due to the nature of our outdoor activities, please discuss any medications with your physician beforehand, and contact the SM directly. Troop 96 Scouters are not allowed to dispense any prescription or non-prescription (including Advil, Tylenol, etc) medications or treatments without the written consent of the Scout's parent or guardian.
All medical information is treated with confidence. Extended camping activities may require physicals and physician's releases, the forms for which will be provided as appropriate. Medical Forms are also available on this website under Forms.
Telephone Tree
Troop 96 maintains a "Telephone Tree" to help keep parents and Scouts informed of upcoming events, or for emergency notification. Please help ensure that any changes to your telephone number or contact information are kept current in the troop's records.
Advancement/Recognition
Advancement in Troop 96 is per the BSA's requirements, criteria and policies. All advancement criteria are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook. Through First Class advancement is dependent on achieving sufficiency in basic Scouting and outdoor skills. From then on advancement is dependent on individual accomplishment and leadership.
Each Scout will advance at his own pace. Some will start fast, then slow down. Others will do the opposite, while some will just rocket, or plod along. While advancement is encouraged, it is not mandated. The program is available to all Scouts at their own speed. Parents are encouraged to take a STRONG interest in what their Scout is doing to progress, but should not PUSH.
Troop 96 believes in immediate recognition of a Scout's accomplishments. When a rank is earned the Scout will receive his new rank badge as soon as possible, and is expected to sew it on himself before the next meeting. To further recognize the Scouts we have a quarterly Court of Honor to recognize the achievements of all Scouts in the troop.
Eagle Scouts
As stated above we support the advancement of all Scouts as far as they want to go in Scouting. We are not, however, an "Eagle Factory," as some troops can tend to be. Our program supports the earning of all required and many optional merit badges, and provides ample leadership opportunities, for the Eagle Rank, which is Scouting's highest achievement. The Eagle, as any other rank, has to be earned by the Scout at his own pace, according to his own desires. There is an "Eagle Coordinator" available on the Troop Committee to help guide your Scout through the Eagle process.
Merit Badges
Merit Badges may be earned by the Scouts on an individual basis. Merit Badges provide the opportunity for the Scouts to develop specialized skills, and explore individual interests. Above the rank of First Class achievement of merit badges is required for advancement. There are certain merit badges that are also required for Eagle, and a certain number of these must be earned at each rank above First Class.
Troop 96 supports a cadre of qualified Merit Badge Counselors to help this process. The Merit Badge Counselors are coordinated by the Merit Badge Coordinator, a Troop Committee position. Please note that only qualified Merit Badge Counselors can approve merit badge requirements. Parents cannot sign off on Merit Badge requirements for their Scouts.
Courts of Honor
Troop Courts of Honor are held on a quarterly basis to celebrate the Scouts' achievements and advancements. Troop 96 holds a potluck supper in conjunction with the Courts of Honor. This allows all families to celebrate the achievements and to show their support for all of the Scouts.
Service Projects
From time to time the Scouts will have the opportunity to participate in Service Projects. These may be sponsored by an Eagle Scout Candidate as part of his Eagle required project, or may be activities such as Scouting for Food, or community service activities. All Scouts are encouraged to participate in service projects. They demonstrate a commitment to others and our community. Rank advancement also requires a certain number of service hours for each level of advancement. Parent participation is usually welcome, although parent service time does not count towards the Scout's service time.
Scout Sunday
Each year the Troop participates in Scout Sunday at FUMC. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the value of the Scouting program to our chartering organization, as well as commemorate the anniversary of the BSA. Attendance at one of the services is encouraged. If you prefer not to attend the service at FUMC, we recommend that you wear your Scout uniform at the religious service of your choice.
Order of The Arrow
The Order of The Arrow is a service organization within the Boy Scouts. Scouts are elected to the OA via secret ballots of their peers at one of our yearly troop elections. Requirements for election are given to the troop at the time of the elections. Scouts elected to OA will not be notified, but will be "called-out" during a Council campfire.
Resources
There are many resources available to Scouts and parents. The primary reference is the Boy Scout Handbook. Each Scout must have a handbook, and must coordinate his advancement sign-offs with the Troop Advancement Chairman. The handbook also contains a lot of valuable information for parents.
Other BSA Publications
Scoutmaster Handbook
Troop Committee Guidebook
BSA Fieldbook
Boy Scout Requirements
Guide to Safe Scouting
Junior Leader Handbook
Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America
Woods Wisdom, Troop Program Features
Internet
There are a number of resources on the Internet available for your use or just browsing. Just do a search for Boy Scouts of America, or by Troop number, and the results are endless. Troop 96 also has a website located at http://troops.scouter.com/tx/trp96/. All forms and information will be put out via the internet. For those without internet access, hardcopies of the information will be available still.