Troop 381 New Parents Orientation

1. Troop 381New Parents Orientation Feb 2008

2. What is scouting about Methods of Scouting Troop Advancement Elements of a Boy led Troop Cub/Boy Scout differences Boy Scout Advancement Parents Role Service Projects Money/Fundraising Uniform Policy Adult Leadership Training Supporting the Troop Troop Policies Programs Troop Meetings Agenda

3. What Scouting is All About • Aims of Scouting – three specific objectives: • character development, citizenship training & personal fitness. The principal focus is on the boys and in making it fun

4. Methods of Scouting • Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan define what it means to be a good scout and a good citizen. • Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in interacting in small groups which provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork and completion. • Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors which their skills are put to the test and developed to become more self-reliant. • Advancement. Boy Scouting program through rewarding achievement teaches important skills and builds self-reliance and self-confidence. • Associations With Adults. Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop.

5. Methods of Scouting (cont’d) • Personal Growth. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster, service projects, camping and leadership opportunities help each Boy Scout in his growth toward Scouting's aims. • Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. • Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. The uniform signifies Boy Scouting unity while allowing each boy to show his achievement.

6. The Troop Organization

7. Elements of a Boy-run troop • Scouts choose their activities during their Annual Planning Conference • Scouts run the Troop meeting • Scouts organize themselves during campouts and activities • CAUTION: Many activities will seem very disorganized and can possibly be made more efficient if an adult were doing it The adult leaders role is to provide guidance for the scouts

8. Difference between Cub Scout and Boy Scout Advancement • A Boy Scout Troop is not structured like a Cub Pack • Boys have more responsibility • Planning, packing, setting up camp, cooking, activities • Scout is responsible for initiation of advancement • Parents cannot sign off. SM, ASM, or Troop Eagle Scouts and Instructors are the only persons in the troop that that can sign off. Scouts & parents MUST understand this. Do not baby the boys. Let them fail once in awhile! Failure sometimes can be the best teacher.

9. Boy Scout Advancement • Scouting Ranks • Boy Scout • Tenderfoot • Second Class • First Class • Star • Life • Eagle Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1st Class Star Life Eagle Requirements are in the book. Each rank requires a Scoutmaster Conference and eventually a Board of Review (Committee).

10. Advancement • The parent’s role is not to carry the scout • The parent’s role is to monitor, motivate, and support the scout

11. Parent Responsibilities – Monitor Progress • To monitor, you have to understand what is required. • Your Assignment: • Read Chapters 1 and 3 of the Boy Scout Handbook • Track his progress

12. Parent Responsibilities – Be Encouraging • For Tenderfoot, most items are taught by older scouts and Adult leaders. But they can get stuck. • Your Assignment: • Encourage working on the fitness requirement - especially pull ups! • Help him memorize Scout Oath, Scout Law

13. Parent Responsibilities – Be Supportive • There are some things that the scout cannot do without help • Your Assignment: • Select camping gear • Help him get to troop meetings and functions • Prepare for Summer Camp

14. Service Projects • Our scouts are encouraged to participate in service projects. The purpose of this activity is to build a sense of community. “One influences community by being involved” • The Troop will participate in various service projects. Service projects include Eagle projects for Scouts in our Troop as as well as District, Council, and community sponsored events.

15. The troop is operated through a combination of dues and fundraising activities. Dues are $60 per year. The primary fundraiser for the Troop is participation in the annual Boy Scout popcorn sale. Most campouts and troop activities are based on a “pay as you go” fashion Primary costs for most of the activities are: food, campground fee and Gas Fundraising is encouraged not discouraged: a scout is thrifty! All About Money/Fundraising

16. Uniform Policy • All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to wear the full Scout uniform. While that might not be possible for all Scouts, Troop 381 has identified the minimum uniform elements for each Scout: • Shirt (required) – All Scouts are expected the official Boy Scout shirt during meetings and appropriate outing, including while traveling to/from all Scouting activities. • Slide and Neckerchief (required) – Scouts may wear the official Scout slide or one that they have made themselves. A Troop 381 neckerchief will be presented to each Scout when they join the Troop. • Belt (required) – Any official Scout belt (web, Philmont, Order of the Arrow, etc) may be worn.

17. Uniform Policy (cont’d) • Insignia – All insignias that are worn will be worn in the correct position. (required) The troop number (381), council patch, patrol patch, patrol/troop position patch, and current rank patch. (optional) Year pins, activity patches. • Troop 381 Activity T-shirt (required)– The Troop t-shirt will be worn in lieu of the official scout shirt for designated activities and during summer months. • Scout Pants – (optional)

18. Boy Scout Handbook needed for troop meeting Stuff Scouts need

19. Recommended equipment: 20 deg sleeping bag, Pillow, pad water bottles bag for campstuff (backpack, duffel) mess kit Sunscreen Flashlight (headlamp) shoes (no open toes) extra blanket for cold scout book knives (only whenapproved!!!) pencil and paper Don’t forget : hat, warm clothes, extra change of clothes, toiletries(toothbrush paste, comb, be minimal here)meds (including extra glasses, contact stuff) Camping Equipment The troop provides the following: tents, stoves, trailer, lanterns, kitchen tools,axes, saws,.... See www.bsatroop381.org for more detailed info

20. Camping Policies • What is not allowed: electronics in camp, power drinks, guns, etc in accordance with the Guide To Safe Scouting • Food is not allowed in tents – attracts animals • There is specific protocol/permission procedure for using fires, knives, axes and saws

21. Adult leadership: Scoutmaster • The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster works directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop. • The Scoutmaster is responsible for training boys to be Troop leaders, working with and through other responsible adults (Assistant Scoutmasters) to bring Scouting to the boys, helping the boys grow into good Scouts and responsible citizens, and interfacing with the Troop Committee to ensure that the necessary resources are available to ensure a good Scout program is provided to the boys.

22. Adult leadership: Troop Committee • The Troop Committee is a group of parents and adults interested in the general welfare and operation of the Troop. The Committee is responsible for seeing that the necessary resources are made available to support the Scouts as necessary. These resources include record keeping, adult recruiting, boards of review, transportation, and more. Specific Committee positions include: • Committee Chair, Membership, Secretary, Newsletter, Merit Badge Coordinator, Life-to-Eagle Coordinator, Advancement, Quartermaster, Training, Transportation, Medical Records, and Treasurer (as well as the Chartered Organization Representative and the Scoutmaster).

23. Troop Leader Intros • Scoutmaster – Julian Trujillo • Committee Chair – Gary Craddock • Secretary – Naomi Findley • Treasurer – Mark Jordan • Advancement – Alice Lawson • Eagle Advancement – Ev Heinonen • Camping – Bruce Foster • Merit Badge Coordinator – John Tucker

24. Training • Scouts • Orientation campout in Spring for new Scouts (tentative) • Troop Leader Training provided to troop leadership after every election • Committee / Parents • Youth Protection – every 2 years • District Adult Leader training offered spring/fall • Boy Scout Roundtable Meetings • Wood Badge • Philmont

25. Training • Parents / Scouts • How to Protect You Children from Child Abuse • First section in Scout Handbook • Leaders Should be Trained • Youth Protection • Scouting Fundamentals • BSA Policies & Procedures • Creates linkages to immense reserve of resources • 2-Deep Leadership

26. Supporting the Troop • The boys have nothing to run if there is no parent support – they lack the life experience that we have. They need our help to coach them and guide them – not delegate (micro manage). • The troop needs help in many forms – driving to outings, summer camp planning, advancement, etc. Join the Committee if you do not have the desire and/or time to be an ASM. • Start with adult leader training – it helps you, your son, and the troop • Scouts are more likely to succeed and stay in the program long term if they have a parent involved!

27. Troop Policies • Troop 381 policy is governed by our Troop By-Laws which are based on Boy Scout of America policy • Safety is top-most concern for all Boy Scout activity • The Scout Oath and Law are the RULES of the Troop

28. Programs • Troop Meetings • Monthly Activities, • Camping (car camping), back packing • Camporees / Scout-o-Ramas/District Events • Summer Camp • High Adventure Camps

29. Troop Meetings • Every Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:00pm • At Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church • Except holidays, or some school breaks • After meeting instruction for Merit Badges, Scout requirements • Uniforms look good! • Organized by PLC • Meeting Activities can included • Merit badge work • Preparing for campouts, trips, activities, etc. • Board of Reviews • Fun activities