New Boy Scout Parent Notes
Purpose: Since the Boy Scouts themselves, with adult guidance, are the leaders of the troop, the goal is for the scouts to take responsibility for information and relaying it to you, the parents. The following is meant to straighten any confusion that might result until this process is perfected.
Organization of the Troop
The boys are grouped somehow in patrols, 5-8 per patrol. Each patrol will elect a leader (patrol leader). The troop elects a senior patrol leader (SPL) and assistant patrol leader who arrange and lead the whole troop meetings. Elections for these and other positions are held about every six months, so everyone will have a chance to be in some leadership position (actually a requirement for some advancements).
The boys need to have The Boy Scout Handbook at each meeting.
After completing page 4, they become an official Boy Scout. The other ranks in order are Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
Meetings Mondays, 7:15-8:30 pm, St. Pius X School
A calendar of events and meetings is included in each newsletter. These include:
Regular Troop Meetings--Fun, working on badges, planning, etc. All Boy Scouts invited. Since there are only 2-3 per month, try to make these regularly. Parents are always welcome on a regular basis or as available to catch up on info. or to help.
PLC Meetings (Patrol Leader Council)--These are for elected patrol leaders, senior and assistant patrol leaders, adult leaders and any interested adults. Planning led by scouts occurs here for the next month. This meeting is held in place of a regular scout meeting.
Court of Honor-- Held 4X a year; awards and advancement, important announcements and past activities are reviewed. All parents are encouraged to come with their sons, share in the boys' achievements and catch up on the latest news. Class A uniform should be worn.
Board of Review--During this part of a regular troop meeting, advancements are checked. For those participating in a review, a Class A uniform should be worn. Check the newsletter calendar for the dates.
Activity--In general, once a month, a special activity is planned--camping, skiing, hiking, family meal (Dec.), etc.. Parent volunteers are needed to drive and participate on these. Anyone can volunteer anytime. Note: On the Monday after a weekend event, in general, there is no Regular Troop Meeting.
Troop Committee Meeting--Adults only. Discusses major happenings and concerns. Usually a Sunday eve towards the end of the month, 7pm. Jack Gross's house. All parents are welcome.
What Does a Scout Wear?
Class A Uniform--This is the official Boy Scout shirt (long or short sleeve), scarf or white T-shirt underneath, and long or short scout pants, if available. (Officially, it also includes a Scout belt and socks) The Class A uniform should be worn at all Court of Honor, Board of Review and taken to Scout camp. For regular meetings, a Scout T-shirt or red polo scout shirt can be substituted. (These T-shirts and polos can be bought at the Scout Shop, 1900 N. Meridian). The troop provides the scout scarf when they complete the joining requirement and attain the first rank of Scout.
Patches--The Crossroads of America patch and 441 are placed on the left sleeve as in Cub Scouts. The purple fluer-de-lie is placed over the left pocket as in Cub Scouts. Red epaulets are placed on the shoulders. (See Handbook, p.12). (These can be purchased at the Scout shop.) The only other badge that is carried over from Cub Scouts is the Arrow of Light, which is placed under the left pocket. When merit badges are earned, they can be placed on a merit badge sash, as shown in the Handbook, p.188.
Special Note: When applying for the Eagle Scout Award, proof must be presented that you completed all the Merit Badges required. The cards obtained with the badge are the proof, not the badge itself. So, from the beginning, keep track of all of these cards for advancements, positions held, and badges earned. One idea is to place them in a baseball trading card album.
Registration and Dues
Once a year, each scout must officially register and pay dues. For new scouts, this is as soon as possible. For returning scouts, this is in January.
New scouts: To register, complete the following:
Registration form including medical history. This can be obtained from Bobbi McManaman at the meetings. BE SURE TO CHECK THE BOY'S LIFE BOX IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE.
2. Pay dues, this year $50.00. Checks payable to "Troop 441".
3. Submit an e-mail address (that will be read regularly).
News---How Do You Know?
News, calendar and items are all distributed routinely only via e-mail or Ed's website, johnedstone.net. The newsletter comes out monthly. If preferred, paper copies are available at the meetings on request. See the Senior Patrol Leader.
Permission Slips
For every outing, a permission slip signed by a parent is required. These will be included in your e-mail along with the newsletter.
How Do We Pay For This?
Usually, there is a charge for individual camping trips and other outings. These will be mentioned on the permission slip and are due before participating in the event.
Each scout has an individual account that consists of money he earned from fundraising. This can be used for any camping or other expense as desired. A note should be made if the fee is to be paid from a scout account.
A yearly registration fee of $50.00 is due by Jan 31 or upon joining the troop.
*****Make all checks payable to Troop 441.****
Summer Camps
There are 3 boy scout camps available: Baden Powell, Dan Beard and Ransburg. Dan Beard and Baden Powell are day camps at Belzer. Dan Beard is for lst year scouts. Baden Powell for older scouts, first class and higher. In both, a scout can sign up to work on needed requirements or merit badges. This year there are 8 (4-day) sessions Mon-Thur, 8:45-3:00: starting June 17th-20th and ending Aug 5th-8th. Cost is $50. per session. Forms are available from Joe Doerr. Registration is currently being taken.
Ransburg Summer Camp. A week-long overnight camp for all the troop. This year it is July14-20. A downpayment of $70.00 is needed by 3/4/02 or ASAP, payable to Troop 441. The balance of $75. is due May 1st, as well as medical form signed by your doctor and merit badge choices (someone at the meeting will help your scout figure the choices out). Contact Joe Doerr 255-0471 with questions or to obtain the medical form.
What Should a Scout Bring on a Campout But Often Forgets:
Spoon and/or fork
Flashlight
Water Bottle
Rain Gear
Warm cap and gloves in winter
Scoutmaster's Wish List:
If anyone had some spare time or talent, wouldn't it be nice to:
----Share the outdoor activity planning for one or more events
----Build a storage shed for equipment
----Volunteer with Committee Chairperson (Vince Catania) to help in a variety of ways
Who Do I Contact About-----
Finances, reimbursement for expense, individual scout accounts:
Ken Zabriskie
Troop Registration, troop health forms: Bobbi McManaman
Phone:578-7638
Newsletter, articles (deadline 25th for the next month):
John Smith, Phone: 845-8923, johncort1@comcast.net
Helping Teach a Merit Badge or Rank Requirements: Committee Chairperson - position vacant.
Fundraising: Bethany Nelson, Phone: 257-5471
Outdoor activities, camping: Bill Dye, Phone 576-0997
Summer camps, camp registration and health forms:
Joe Doerr, 255-0471
Other Parent Questions: Ed Johnstone, 257-6341, e-mail ed@lilly.com
Current Important Dates for New Scouts
April 8 Mon Regular Troop Meeting--Board of Review and Elections
Ross Hall 7pm
April 15 Mon Court of Honor--Ross Hall, 7:15pm
April 22 Mon Regular Troop Meeting--Ross Hall, 7:15pm
April 26/28 Fri/Sun Spring Camporee & OA TapOut
April 29 Mon NO TROOP MEETING
May 6 Mon Regular Troop Meeting--Ross Hall, 7:15pm
May 13 Mon Regular Troop Meeting--Ross Hall, 7:15pm
May 18-19 Sat/Sun State Park Camping--TBA
May 20 Mon Regular Troop Meeting--Ross Hall, 7:15pm
May 27 Mon NO TROOP MEETING--MEMORIAL DAY
Future Dates
June 8-9: Canoe Trip
July 14-20: Summer Camp