Troop 542 Parent's Orientation

Parents Orientation Page 1

Troop 542 Parent's Orientation

28 April 2014


Agenda

• Why We're Here Today• Troop Organization

– Boy Led Troop – Adult Support

• Advancement– First Class in a Year– Merit Badges– Review Boards

• Program at Meetings• Monthly Outings• Costs and Fundraising• Good Turns and Service Projects• How We Communicate• Training


Why We're Here Today



Purpose of Scouting

– BSA 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.

– BSA Vision Statement: The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout OathOn my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times;To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout LawA Scout is:

Trustworthy, Obedient,Loyal,

Cheerful,Helpful Thrifty,Friendly, Brave,Courteous, Clean, andKind,

Reverent.



• Troop 542's leadership firmly believes in the value of the Scouting program– Promotes strong values

– Teaches life skills

– Develops leadership qualities

– Scouts develop life long friendships

• Parents need to be involved so that their son can get the most from the program– You need to understand the program

– We can use help



• We currently have 108 scouts and 28 active adults– Seems like a good ratio, but …

• We'll probably see the number of boys increase a little more this spring

• The number of Adults will decrease– Constant turnover– 11 Don't have sons in the Troop now

» Some of us will stay because we love the program» Others are looking for replacements already

– 4 More have sons who will age out before the end of 2015– By 2015 a large percentage of the adults who make our troop

function could be gone• New people with fresh ideas and in better touch with evolving

youth culture are important if we want to keep our program relevant


Troop Organization


Council and District

• Council– Cradle of Liberty

– Covers Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties

• District– Baden Powell

– Units located in Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Plymouth, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Whitemarsh townships

Troop 542 is in the Baden Powell District of the Cradle of Liberty Council


Youth Leadership In Scouting

• One of the most valuable aspects of Scouting is learning to be a leader

• The ranks of Star, Life, Eagle, and Eagle Palms have leadership requirements

• Junior Leaders doing their jobs is an important key to the success of the program– The troop couldn't function without them

– They learn valuable life skills

• The patrol structure enables this leadership to take place– First year scouts in their own patrols

– Move up in the spring of the following year

– If there's a problem, let us know, we can make a change


Troop 542 is divided into eight groups of scouts called “Patrols”

Two Patrols for First Year Scouts

Five Patrols for Experienced Scouts

One Patrol for our Senior Leaders

SharkShark CobraCobra

Pine TreePine Tree LightningLightning

PythonPython

RavenRaven EagleEagle

Each patrol has a color Each patrol has a color code to identify its code to identify its

equipmentequipment

Scouts wear their patrol patch on their right sleeveScouts wear their patrol patch on their right sleeveUnit 3: Troop Organization

CougarCougar

Senior PatrolLeader (SPL)Tom Abraham

ASPL for TroopPatrick MacKinlay

ASPL for PatrolsNick Valentine

ASPL for CommsWyatt Whitney

Scribe

TroopQuartermasters

Librarian

Leave No TraceTrainer/Instructor

PatrolLeaders

TroopGuides

Lead Instructors

Historian

Chaplain Aide

AssistantPatrol Leaders

AssistantScribes

Quartermasterfor Patrol

Assistant PLs forEcology

ASPL for ActivitiesNot Assigned

Bugler

AssistantInstructors

Den Chiefs

OA Troop RepMatt Leung

Senior PatrolLeader (SPL)Tom Abraham

ASPL for TroopPatrick MacKinlay

ASPL for PatrolsNick Valentine

ASPL for CommsWyatt Whitney

Scribe

TroopQuartermasters

Librarian

Leave No TraceTrainer/Instructor

PatrolLeaders

TroopGuides

Lead Instructors

Historian

Chaplain Aide

AssistantPatrol Leaders

AssistantScribes

Quartermasterfor Patrol

Assistant PLs forEcology

ASPL for ActivitiesNot Assigned

Bugler

AssistantInstructors

Den Chiefs

OA Troop RepMatt Leung

Difficulty 4 – Filled by dedicated experienced Scout, qualifies for Eagle

Difficulty 3 – Slightly less demanding, qualifies for Eagle

Difficulty 2 – Scoutmaster assigned, does NOT qualify for Eagle

Difficulty 1 – Scoutmaster assigned, does NOT qualify for Life or Eagle

Difficulty 4 – Filled by dedicated experienced Scout, qualifies for Eagle

Difficulty 3 – Slightly less demanding, qualifies for Eagle

Difficulty 2 – Scoutmaster assigned, does NOT qualify for Eagle

Difficulty 1 – Scoutmaster assigned, does NOT qualify for Life or Eagle


Eleven Skills Of Leadership

1. Communications2. Know and use the resources of the group3. Set the example4. Represent the group5. Evaluation6. Planning7. Control the group8. Share leadership9. Manage learning10. Counseling11. Understanding needs and characteristics of group


Every Junior Leader Has a Job Description

TROOP QUARTERMASTER Difficulty 7:• OBJECTIVE:

– The Quartermaster's objective is to make certain that the troop has all the necessary equipment for its activities, and that the equipment is properly used, properly maintained, and doesn't get lost.

• RESPONSIBILITIES:– The quartermaster is responsible for the troop equipment. He keeps the equipment inventory. When equipment

is damaged he tries to get it repaired. When new equipment is needed, he requests permission to buy it and, when authorized, makes the purchase. The quartermaster makes gear is there and in shape to use when needed.

– On camping trips the QM arrives early to be sure the proper equipment is loaded. At the site he distributes the equipment to patrols and helps with setup. Throughout the trip he makes sure equipment is well cared for, and performs maintenance as required. As we pack to leave, he inspects patrol gear to be certain everything is in order.

– Several times a year the quartermaster organizes work nights to maintain the equipment.– The quartermaster provides a monthly report to the SPL who presents it at the troop committee meeting.

• QUALIFICATIONS:– Be First Class or higher.– Regular attendance on camping trips.

• AUTOMOBILE:– Although not required, it is a help if the quartermaster can drive. This makes it easier for him to get to the shed

to check things out, and fix things up. It also makes it easier for him to get out to buy things when we need them.

• COMMITMENT:– I will try to attend all troop activities, and promise not to miss more than 2 camping trips during my year as QM.– I will be at summer camp.– I will devote time at home in addition to time spent at troop functions, to my role as QM.– I will carry out the duties described above.


• Scoutmaster - Jay Eibner **• Assistant Scoutmasters for New Scouts – Paul Thress **, John Schultz **• Assistant Scoutmasters – Ed Borkowski **, Arland Hotchkiss**, Dave Mulvey **, Kevin McLemore**• Chairman – Al Moffatt **• Institutional Representative – Janice Brunner• Treasurer – Glenn Valentine• Program – Rob Decker• Advancement - Al Feather **, John McCawley*, Harvey Waite• Den Chiefs & Membership – Bill Ackerman• Transportation – Joe Wright• Roundtable Representative – George Harris• Social Affairs – Sue Lauer *• Uniform Exchange – Lisa Halteman• Camping Activities – Doug Ehrgott• Fund Raising – Paul Devery• Ecology – Steve Cebula• Patrol Leader Coach - John Makovics• Scouting For Food – Bill Ackerman• Publicity – Bob Price **• Meeting Activities – Mark Allemang• Unit Training Coordinator - Mark Krueger**• Special Projects – Bob Price **• Order Of The Arrow Coordinator - Bob Price **• Equipment – Max Kasten **, Todd Peterman, Charles Zwicker• High Adventure – Al Moffatt **, Arland Hotchkiss *

Troop 542 Organization - Key Adults

Note: Troop 542 currently has 59 registered adults. The 28 who are active on the Troop Committee are mentioned by name on this page. The remainder help on an ad-hoc basis with review boards, on camping trips, and at various other times.

* Son will turn 18 soon

** No son in Troop


Adults Can Help as Registered Leaders

• Easy to sign on– Take the on line "Youth Protection" and "Troop Committee

Challenge" courses– Register with the Troop as a leader

• Help out in one of the following ways– Uniformed Leader

• We can always use more leaders• Requires you to take Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

(IOLS) training in addition to the basic on-line courses

– Troop Committee• Constant turnover as boys turn 18 and their parents move on• Understudy someone now and take over in a year or two

– Merit Badge Counselor• There are bound to be Merit Badges that align with your interests

– Help out with review boards


Adults Can Help as Interested Parents

• Help your son get the most out of Scouting• Learn about the program, stay abreast of what the Troop is doing

– Watch for the Eagle to com– Check the This Week link on the web site– "Like" our Facebook page (we seldom use direct e-mail)– Help us make our phone chain work

• Teach a Merit Badge class• Volunteer to help as a Patrol Leader Coach• Help with transportation• Participate with us on activities

– Monthly camping trips– Ecology projects– Community service– Fundraising– Quarterly parent's nights


Advancement


Types of Badges

• Progress Awards (Ranks) -- Leading Up To Eagle• Merit Badges -- Advanced Skills In Specific Areas

– A number of merit badges must be earned as part of the requirements for the top three progress awards of Star, Life, and Eagle

– 130 different merit badges are available

– The Eagle badge requires a scout to earn 21 of them

• Special Awards -- Examples are Religious Awards, Hornaday, World Crest, Etc.

• Leadership Positions -- Worn By Junior Leaders• Temporary Patches -- For Special Events Like Gold Rush• Standard Uniform -- Community Strip, Troop Number,

Patrol Patch


Progress Awards (Rank Advancement)

Scout

Tenderfoot

Second Class

First Class

Eagle

Life

Star

Scouts wear their progress award on their left pocketScouts wear their progress award on their left pocket


Advancement Requirements Reflect Scouting’s Purpose

• Have fun with friends by participating in activities;

– Camping, swimming, hiking, wielding an ax.

• Growing into responsible manhood by developing core values (the “Spirit of Scouting”).

– Duty to God– Duty to Others– Duty to Self

• Applying those values as you perform:

– Leadership– Service

• Learning skills

Spirit

Leadership Service

Skills Participation


Summary of Rank Requirements

Scout Understand Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code

Turn in application form Handbook page 4 None None

Spirit Participation Skills Leadership Service

TenderfootMemorize Oath, Law, Motto,

SloganCome on one camping trip Handbook page 438 Cooperate and learn Be ready to help

Second ClassLive up to our principles Four more activities Handbook page 440 Cooperate and learn Help for at least one hour

First ClassLive up to our principles Five more activities Handbook page 442 Cooperate and learn Be ready to help

StarLive up to our principles 75% of meetings and 50% of

tripsSix Merit Badges Including four

from the Eagle Required List Hold A Leadership Position Help for at least 6hours

LifeLive up to our principles 75% of meetings and 50% of

tripsFive More MBs (11 Total

Including seven from the Eagle Required List)

Hold A Leadership Position Help for at least 6hours

EagleLive up to our principles 75% of meetings and 67% of

tripsTen More Merit Badges (21

Total) Including 12 Required Ones

Hold A Major Leadership Position

Organize and lead a large project


Merit Badges

130 Merit Badges Cover A Wide Range Of Topics

Scout Skills like Hiking, Pioneering, Cooking, and Camping

Life Skills like Personal Management, Personal Fitness, First Aid, and Communications

Career Skills like Salesmanship, Chemistry, Engineering, and Dentistry

Fun Skills like, Golf, Fishing, Model Building, and Water Skiing


Merit Badges


A Scout's First Badges

• First year scouts should complete four ranks by the time they finish 6th grade:– Scout - Spring of 5th grade

– Tenderfoot - Fall of 6th grade

– Second Class - Winter of 6th grade

– First Class - Spring of 6th grade

• They can work on all these requirements at once

• Here’s what they need to do– Know what the requirements are

– Come to meetings and attend classes

– Come on camping trips for outdoor requirements

– Make sure each requirement is signed off when it's been completed


Know Your Requirements

• All Requirements are in your Handbook, look at them from time to time

• Look at the requirements for both the next badge you need and the one after that

• Be aware of it when you’ve done one, and get it signed off


Make sure they get signed off

• You can get them signed in your handbook

• More importantly, for ranks through First Class, make sure you get them signed in the advancement record book

• Each scout has a page for each of the first four ranks

• After First Class you’re on your own


Steps To Getting A Progress Award

Meet the participation requirement by being active

at meetings and on trips

Show scout spiritBy living Up To TheScout oath and law

Do the skills requirements listed in The handbook, or earn

The required merit badges

Have a scoutmaster’s conference, and get the check sheet signed

When all requirements are complete, have your progress

review with a few adults

Receive your badge at a parent’s night

Serve in a leadership position

Meet the service project requirement

For every rank you need to:

Star life And eagle candidates must also:

Get the scribe to put your name in his book

You don't need to have all requirements done to sign up. Get your name in the book as soon as you think

you'll be advancing.

All the requirementsmust be done before

this review

Unit 4: Advancement

Scribe will give you a Progress Review Check Sheet (salmon

sheet) READ IT


Steps To Getting A Merit Badge

Read the requirements.You can find them on-line

or in the handbook supplement

Complete all requirements as directed by the

counselor

Contact the counselor, find out how he/she wants you to approach the badge

Meet with the counselor and get him/her to sign the blue card. If it's a one-on-one meeting, bring a parent.


Obtain a signed blue card from the Scoutmaster. If you need the counselor's name and phone number, the

Scoutmaster will put it on the card.

Give the blue card to the Scribe, make sure he marks it on the yellow sheet

Make sure your badge is on the yellow sheet in

the Scribe’s book. If not, we won’t know

about it, and it won't be awarded

Unit 4: Advancement

Steps you can do on your own Steps That require Interaction


Have a scoutmaster’s conference, and get the

salmon sheet signed

When all requirements are complete, have your board of

review with a few adults


Get the Scribe to put your name on the pink sheet

in his book

The Scribe will give you a salmon sheet -- READ IT

You must do this before the deadline for a court of honor

These steps may all be done before you finish the requirements

You must finish the requirements before the board

of review


Steps to Eagle

• Once a boy has earned Life, the Scout and his parent should schedule a meeting with the Scoutmaster to discuss the process

• The Eagle rank has the standard five requirements– Spirit: Live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law– Participation: Be active in Troop and Patrol– Skills: Earn the needed 21 Merit Badges– Leadership: Serve actively in one of the positions– Service: Plan and lead a project

• The Eagle Scout Service Project is probably the most challenging and most beneficial item

– Develop a proposal and get it approved– Develop a plan– Execute the project– Prepare a report

• When the requirements have been completed, prepare an application form• Obtain letters of reference• Schedule a Troop review• Present yourself to a District Review board


Program at Meetings


Typical Monday Night at 542

• Before the meeting– Service patrol comes at 7:00 to set up

– Monthly Junior Leaders "Green Bar Meeting" at 7:00

• During the meeting– Scouts wear uniforms

• Complete Class A most of the year, Class B in the late spring

– Opening led by Senior Patrol Leader

– Patrol Corners led by Patrol Leaders

– Advancement classes

– Meeting activity (usually a game)

• After the meeting– Service patrol remains behind to put the room back as it was


How parents can help with meetings

• Be aware when your son's Patrol is the Service Patrol and have him here at 7:00

• Be punctual, we start promptly at 7:30 and important announcements are part of the opening

• Get your son to wear a complete uniform– We're convinced this affects behavior

• You can help the Patrol Leader prepare for his portion of the meeting as a Patrol Leader Coach

• You can help with the advancement part of the meeting by teaching a class

• You can help with the meeting activity


Monthly Outings


Monthly Outings

• Check the Eagle

• Check the calendar on the web site

• Typical schedule– GOLD RUSH (One day event in January)– CAMPING IN CABINS (Weekends in February and November) – VAN TRIP – Visit to a place of interest such as Washington DC (A

Weekend in March)– CAMPING IN TENTS (Weekends in April, May, and October)– CANOE OR RAFT TRIP (A Weekend in June)– HIGH ADVENTURE, SUCH AS THE SCOUT SEA BASE OR PHILMONT

SCOUT RANCH. (A Week or two in July for older scouts)– SUMMER CAMP (A week in August)– BACKPACKING ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (A Weekend in

September)– ONE DAY EVENT (A Saturday in December)


How you can help on monthly outings

• Make sure your son is prepared (check the web site)– Dressed properly

• We typically don't wear uniforms on monthly outings• Exceptions are Van Trip, High Adventure, Summer Camp, and

District Events

– Proper equipment

– Understands what the program will be

• Come and help (you're always welcome)• Help with transportation• Help with planning the program• If your son is the food buyer, look over his shoulder

– Our menu planning process can be found on the web site

– He'll be sent home with a list, some coolers, and a check

– He should arrive 15 minutes early for departure with the food, receipts, and any change


Personal Gear

• Personal Gear – Most overnights

• Sleeping Bag• Poncho

– Backpacking and High Adventure, above plus

• Backpack• Canteen or Water

Bottles• Mess Kit• Vittles Kit

– Summer Camp• List provided in

packet

Scout’s Scout’s BackpackBackpack

Scout’s Scout’s Sleeping Sleeping

BagBag

Unit 2: Personal Gear

Troop Troop Dome TentDome Tent


Personal Gear

Unit 2: Personal Gear

Troop Dome Troop Dome TentTent

Troop Butane Troop Butane StoveStove

Scout’s Water BottleScout’s Water Bottle

Scout’s Mess KitScout’s Mess Kit


Costs and Fundraising


Costs througout the year

• A re-registration fee of $45 (going up) is charged each year. • Cost of activities is approximately as follows:

– Camping trips - $30 (for food and campsite fees)

– Canoe trip - $50 (food and canoe rental)

– March trip - $120 (lodging, meals, transportation, admissions)

– Week at summer camp - $395

– One day activities - $10 (lunch and a patch)

– High Adventure to Sea Base or Philmont - $1,250 (fly)

– High Adventure Summit - $900 (drive)

• Scouts also need uniforms• We don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to be in

Scouting because of money– We have access to "Camperships" for boys who need them


Fundraising

• Troop 542 usually has only two fundraisers per year– Ongoing WAWA Hoagie Coupon sale

• Pretty painless, sell Wawa coupons • Helps fund the troop

– Popcorn sale in the fall• Run by the larger Scouting organization• Raises money for the Council and the Troop

– These two fundraisers pay for all of our equipment and subsidize our activities

• Friends of Scouting (FOS) drive in the spring raises money for the Council


Good Turns and Service Projects


Good Turns and Service Projects

• Scouting for Food Good Turn– Organized by the Council

– Every November

– Food goes to local food cupboards

– Our record is 5,880 items, but we only got 3,576 in 2011

– Construction vs collection

• Eagle Projects – Organized by the Scout himself– We've had about 14,000 hours of service through these

• Ecology Program– Highway Cleanups four times a year

– Semi-annual service project

• Monkey Bridge– Annually at Simmons School

– Bi-annually at Upper Dublin Community Day


Training


Training for Junior Leaders

• The District offers a half day youth leadership training course each December– Recently we've hosted it right here at Supplee Church

• The Council offers "National Youth Leadership Training" for a week each summer– Troop 542 is willing to pay the fee for two scouts a year

• A separate "Den Chief Training" is offered each December for boys who hold or wish to hold that position

• Leave No Trace Training – For Scouts who wish to become the Troop's "Leave No Trace Trainer" and others who are ecology minded


Training for Adults

• Mark Krueger is our "Unit Training Coordinator"– Makes sure everyone has the required training and bugs

people to take it

Available Courses Who Must TakeYouth Protection Required for everyoneTroop Committee Challenge Required for everyoneScoutmaster/Scoutmaster's Assistant Required for Scoutmaster and AssistantsIntroduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills Required for Scoutmaster and AssistantsFirst aid/CPR/AED Must have someone trained in this on each activityHealth & Safety Must have someone trained in this on each activityChemical Fuels Must have someone trained in this on each campoutCold Weather Training Must have someone trained in this for winter campoutPhilmont Training Required to go to PhilmontLeave No TraceThe "Trainer's EDGEThis is ScoutingWomen In the OutdoorsWood Badge

Documents

Troop 542 Parent's Orientation