Troop 102New Parents Orientation

Agenda

• Mission Statement• Methods of Scouting• 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• What Will Boys Do?• Troop Meetings

“Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job.”

“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.”

“Never do anything a boy can do.”

“Every Scout deserves a trained leader.”

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Aims of Scouting – three specific objectives: character development, citizenship training & personal fitness.

The principal focus is on the

boys and in making it fun

Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct and honesty. A boy who spends one year in a Scout troop will learn lifetime skills. He will learn basic outdoor skills, self-reliance, and how to get along with others. Scouting will prepare him to live a more productive and fulfilling life.

Life Skills in a Values-Based Environment

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.

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.

The BSA's definition is that “empowering boys to be leaders” is the core of Scouting.

A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality.

What is a “boy-led” troop?

Elements of a Boy-led 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

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.

Boy Scout Advancement

• Scouting Ranks– Boy Scout – Tenderfoot– Second Class– First Class– Star– Life– Eagle

Tenderfoot 2nd Class

Star

1st Class

Life Eagle

Requirements are in the book.Each rank requires a Scoutmaster Conference and eventually a Board of Review (Committee).

Advancement

• The parent’s role is not to carry the scout

• The parent’s role is to monitor, motivate, and support the scout

What to do in 1st Month?

• Earn Scout rank (p. 4)

• With patrol plan and go on first campout(This would be a good timeto open your camping meritbadge.)

• Work on Tenderfoot requirements #’s 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8. Or More!

Merit Badges

Scout advancement lets you move ahead in your own way and at your own speed. There are 121 merit badges to choose from.

•Decide on which badge to earn

•Get a signed merit badge application (blue forms?) and the name of a qualified counselor for that merit badge from your Scoutmaster

•Along with another Scout, a relative, or a friend, set up and attend your fist appointment with the merit badge counselor who will explain requirements and help you plan ways to fulfill them.

•Complete requirements.

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

Parent ResponsibilitiesBe 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

Parent ResponsibilitiesBe 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

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 well as District, Council, and community sponsored events.

All About Money/Fundraising

• The troop is operated through a combination of dues and fundraising activities.

• Dues are $?? 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!

Stuff Scouts Need

• Uniform– Shoulder Loops– Pensacola Bay Council Patch– World Brotherhood Patch– Troop Numerals

• Boy Scout Handbook • Camping Equipment

Uniform Policy

• All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to wear the full Scout uniform. While that might not be possible for all Scouts, Troop 102 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.

• Belt (required) – Any official Scout belt (web, Philmont, Order of the Arrow, etc) may be worn.

Uniform Policy (cont’d)

• Insignia – All insignias that are worn will be worn in the correct position. (required) The troop number (102), council patch, patrol patch, patrol/troop position patch, and current rank patch. (optional) Year pins, activity patches.

• Troop 102 Activity T-shirt – The Troop t-shirt will be worn in lieu of the official scout shirt for designated activities and during summer months.

• Scout Pants – (preferred, but not required)

Troop Policies

• Troop 102 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

Expectations

• Good Attendance• Proper Uniform• Bring Scout Handbook• Remember Chain of command• Buddy System• Watch each others’ backs• Respect PL, SPL, and each other• Work together and follow directions• Do your part

What Will Boys Do?

• Plan and Run Meetings • Annual Planning• Plan and Do Outdoor activities• Public Service Activities• Camporees / Scout-o-Ramas / District Events• Summer Camp• High Adventure Camps (Offered by District at different times)

– Florida Sea Base – snorkeling, SCUBA, boating, and beach camping

– Northern Tier - canoeing, hiking, fishing, and winter camping in and around the beautiful lakes of northern Minnesota and southern Canada

– Philmont Scout Ranch – hiking in mountains of New Mexico

Troop Meetings

• Every Monday, 6:30 – 8:00pm– At GB CLC (Community Life Center) on 98 – Except holidays, or some school breaks

• Uniforms look good!• Organized by PLC• Meeting Activities can included

– Preparing for campouts, trips, activities, etc.– Board of Reviews– Fun activities– Merit badge work, not often

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!

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.

Adult LeadershipTroop 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).

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

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

Resources• BSA National Web Site - http://www.scouting.org/ • Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan -

http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-503a.html • Fact Sheets -

http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=mc&c=fs • Youth Protection -

http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=xx&c=yp • Eagle Scout  - http://www.nesa.org/trail • Forms - http://www.scouting.org/forms/ • Knots - http://www.proknot.com/index.html

Troop Leader Intros

• Scoutmaster – • Committee Chair – • Secretary – • Treasurer – • Advancement –• Eagle Advancement – • Camping – • Merit Badge Coordinator –