Troop 542 Parent's Orientation
28 April 2014
Parents Orientation
Page 1
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
Parents Orientation
Page 2
Why We're Here Today
Parents Orientation
Page 3
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.
Parents Orientation
Scout Oath
On 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 Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy,
Loyal,
Helpful
Friendly,
Courteous,
Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean, and
Reverent.
Page 4
Why We're Here Today
• 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
Parents Orientation
Page 5
Why We're Here Today
• 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
Parents Orientation
Page 6
Troop Organization
Parents Orientation
Page 7
Council and District
• Council
– Cradle of Liberty
– Covers Philadelphia,
Montgomery, and
Delaware counties
Troop 542 is in
the Baden Powell
District of the
Cradle of Liberty
Council
• District
– Baden Powell
– Units located in Ambler,
Lower Gwynedd,
Plymouth, Springfield,
Upper Dublin and
Whitemarsh townships
Parents Orientation
Page 8
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
Parents Orientation
Page 9
Troop 542 is divided into eight groups of scouts
called “Patrols”
Two Patrols for
First Year Scouts
Raven
Five Patrols for
Experienced Scouts
Pine Tree
Cougar
One Patrol for our
Senior Leaders
Lightning
Eagle
Each patrol has a color
code to identify its
equipment
Shark
Python
Cobra
Scouts wear their patrol patch on their right sleeve
Unit 3: Troop Organization
Parents Orientation
Page 10
Senior Patrol
Leader (SPL)
Tom Abraham
ASPL for Troop
Patrick MacKinlay
ASPL for Patrols
Nick Valentine
ASPL for Comms
Wyatt Whitney
Patrol
Leaders
Scribe
Assistant
Scribes
Troop
Quartermasters
Quartermaster
for Patrol
Librarian
Leave No Trace
Trainer/Instructor
ASPL for Activities
Not Assigned
Lead Instructors
Assistant
Instructors
Assistant
Patrol Leaders
Troop
Guides
Historian
Den Chiefs
Chaplain Aide
Bugler
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
Assistant PLs for
Ecology
Difficulty 1 – Scoutmaster assigned, does NOT qualify for Life or Eagle
OA Troop Rep
Matt Leung
Eleven Skills Of Leadership
1. Communications
2. Know and use the resources of the group
3. Set the example
4. Represent the group
5. Evaluation
6. Planning
7. Control the group
8. Share leadership
9. Manage learning
10. Counseling
11. Understanding needs and characteristics of group
Parents Orientation
Page 12
Every Junior Leader Has a Job Description
TROOP QUARTERMASTER Difficulty 7:
• OBJECTIVE:
–
•
RESPONSIBILITIES:
–
–
–
–
•
Be First Class or higher.
Regular attendance on camping trips.
AUTOMOBILE:
–
•
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:
–
–
•
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.
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.
Parents Orientation
Page 13
Troop 542 Organization - Key Adults
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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 *
Note: Troop 542 currently has 59
Uniform Exchange – Lisa Halteman
registered adults. The 28 who are
Camping Activities – Doug Ehrgott
active on the Troop Committee
Fund Raising – Paul Devery
are mentioned by name on this
Ecology – Steve Cebula
page. The remainder help on an
Patrol Leader Coach - John Makovics
ad-hoc basis with review boards,
Scouting For Food – Bill Ackerman
on camping trips, and at various
Publicity – Bob Price **
other times.
Meeting Activities – Mark Allemang
Unit Training Coordinator - Mark Krueger**
* Son will turn 18 soon
Special Projects – Bob Price **
Order Of The Arrow Coordinator - Bob Price **
** No son in Troop
Equipment – Max Kasten **, Todd Peterman, Charles Zwicker
High Adventure – Al Moffatt **, Arland Hotchkiss *
Parents Orientation
Page 14
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
Parents Orientation
Page 15
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
Parents Orientation
Page 16
Advancement
Parents Orientation
Page 17
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
Parents Orientation
Page 18
Progress Awards (Rank Advancement)
Scout
First Class
Eagle
Tenderfoot
Second Class
Star
Life
Scouts wear their progress award on their left pocket
Parents Orientation
Page 19
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”).
Spirit
Leadership
Service
Skills
Participation
– Duty to God
– Duty to Others
– Duty to Self
•
Applying those values as you
perform:
– Leadership
– Service
•
Learning skills
Parents Orientation
Page 20
Summary of Rank Requirements
Spirit
Participation
Scout
Understand Oath, Law, Motto,
Slogan, and Outdoor Code
Turn in application form
Tenderfoot
Memorize Oath, Law, Motto,
Slogan
Come on one camping trip
Second Class
Live up to our principles
First Class
Live up to our principles
Star
Live up to our principles
Life
Eagle
Skills
Leadership
Service
None
None
Handbook page 438
Cooperate and learn
Be ready to help
Four more activities
Handbook page 440
Cooperate and learn
Help for at least one hour
Five more activities
Handbook page 442
Cooperate and learn
Be ready to help
75% of meetings and 50% of Six Merit Badges Including four
trips
from the Eagle Required List
Hold A Leadership Position
Help for at least 6hours
Live up to our principles
75% of meetings and 50% of
trips
Five More MBs (11 Total
Including seven from the Eagle
Required List)
Hold A Leadership Position
Help for at least 6hours
Live up to our principles
75% of meetings and 67% of
trips
Ten More Merit Badges (21
Total) Including 12 Required
Ones
Hold A Major Leadership
Position
Organize and lead a large
project
Handbook page 4
Parents Orientation
Page 21
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
Parents Orientation
Page 22
Merit Badges
Parents Orientation
Page 23
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
Parents Orientation
Page 24
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
Parents Orientation
Page 25
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
Parents Orientation
Page 26
Steps To Getting A Progress Award
For every rank you need to:
Meet the participation
requirement by being active
at meetings and on trips
Show scout spirit
By living Up To The
Scout oath and law
Do the skills
requirements listed in
The handbook, or earn
The required merit
badges
Unit 4: Advancement
Get the scribe to put your name
in his book
Scribe will give you a Progress
Review Check Sheet (salmon
sheet) READ IT
Have a scoutmaster’s conference,
and get the check sheet signed
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.
Star life And eagle
candidates must also:
Serve in a leadership
position
Meet the service
project requirement
When all requirements are
complete, have your progress
review with a few adults
Receive your badge at a
parent’s night
Parents Orientation
All the requirements
must be done before
this review
Page 27
Steps To Getting A Merit Badge
Steps you can do on your own
Read the requirements.
You can find them on-line
or in the handbook
supplement
Complete all requirements
as directed by the
counselor
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
Steps That require Interaction
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.
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.
Give the blue card to the Scribe, make sure he marks it
on the yellow sheet
Receive your badge at a parent’s night
Unit 4: Advancement
Parents Orientation
Page 28
You must do
this before the
deadline for a
court of honor
Get the Scribe to put your
name on the pink sheet
in his book
The Scribe will give you a
salmon sheet -- READ IT
These steps
may all be done
before you finish
the requirements
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
You must finish
the requirements
before the board
of review
Receive your badge at a
parent’s night
Parents Orientation
Page 29
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
–
–
–
–
–
•
The Eagle Scout Service Project is probably the most challenging and
most beneficial item
–
–
–
–
•
•
•
•
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
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
Parents Orientation
Page 30
Program at Meetings
Parents Orientation
Page 31
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
Parents Orientation
Page 32
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
Parents Orientation
Page 33
Monthly Outings
Parents Orientation
Page 34
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)
Parents Orientation
Page 35
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
Parents Orientation
Page 36
Personal Gear
Troop • Personal Gear
Dome Tent – Most overnights
Scout’s
Backpack
Scout’s
Sleeping
Bag
• Sleeping Bag
• Poncho
– Backpacking and High
Adventure, above plus
• Backpack
• Canteen or Water
Bottles
• Mess Kit
• Vittles Kit
– Summer Camp
• List provided in
packet
Unit 2: Personal Gear
Parents Orientation
Page 37
Personal Gear
Troop Dome
Tent
Scout’s Water Bottle
Scout’s Mess Kit
Troop Butane
Stove
Unit 2: Personal Gear
Parents Orientation
Page 38
Costs and Fundraising
Parents Orientation
Page 39
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
Parents Orientation
Page 40
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
Parents Orientation
Page 41
Good Turns and Service Projects
Parents Orientation
Page 42
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
Parents Orientation
Page 43
Training
Parents Orientation
Page 44
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
Parents Orientation
Page 45
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
Youth Protection
Troop Committee Challenge
Scoutmaster/Scoutmaster's Assistant
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills
First aid/CPR/AED
Health & Safety
Chemical Fuels
Cold Weather Training
Philmont Training
Leave No Trace
The "Trainer's EDGE
This is Scouting
Women In the Outdoors
Wood Badge
Who Must Take
Required for everyone
Required for everyone
Required for Scoutmaster and Assistants
Required for Scoutmaster and Assistants
Must have someone trained in this on each activity
Must have someone trained in this on each activity
Must have someone trained in this on each campout
Must have someone trained in this for winter campout
Required to go to Philmont
Parents Orientation
Page 46