Boy Scout Troop 964
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Welcome To Troop 964
Whether you are a WEBELOS Scout who has just crossed over, a transfer Scout
from another Troop, a boy who has never been a Cub Scout or a Boy Scout, a parent
or adult volunteer, welcome to Troop 964!
Our Troup is sponsored by the Lake Zurich American Legion Post #964 and has
been active since 1980. The Troop has played an important role in the development
of young men in our community by providing a wide variety of activities and
community service within a healthy learning environment.
This guide has been developed to help Scouts and their parents become familiar with
Troop operation and the Scouting program. If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact one of the Troop leaders.
However high your
dreams soar…
Revised: February 2012
…We are here to
help guide you
on your flight.
On My Honor . . .
Welcome!
It is wonderful to have you as a part of Troop 964. Our Troop, through our activities and
programs, actively strives to accomplish the three aims of Boy Scouting: building character;
fostering citizenship; and developing mental, moral and physical fitness. Troop 964 provides an
attractive, safe and wholesome environment in which boys can invest their leisure time. We
provide an opportunity for each Scout to learn self-reliance, personal responsibility, and respect
for others. Scouts in Troop 964 have the ability to develop their leadership skills and to
challenge themselves both physically and mentally.
To accomplish these goals we use the Eight Methods of Scouting as developed by the Boy
Scouts of America. Those methods include:
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Ideals. The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the
Scout Motto and the Scout Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and
as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.
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Patrols. The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participatory
citizenship.
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Outdoors. The Boy Scout Program is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the
outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other.
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Advancement. Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to
overcome in order to advance. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his
own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement,
which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy
in self-reliance and the ability to help others.
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Adult Association. Boys learn from the example of their adult leaders. In his quest for
manhood, every boy needs contact with adults he can copy.
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Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout Troop visible as a force for good and
creates a positive youth image in the community.
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Leadership Development. The program encourages boys to learn and practice
leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total
leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the
leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim.

Personal Growth. As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they
experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal
growth method of Scouting.
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Troop 964's Scouting Philosophy – Have Fun!
While all Boy Scout Troops follow the BSA Guidelines, Troops do vary in terms of the activities
they schedule and in the way the meeting and campouts are run. In simplest terms, our
philosophy at Troop 964 is to have FUN! By keeping the activities fun, we keep boys in the
program. Staying in the program allows them to develop Scout skills and advance in rank at
their own pace. We encourage the boys to plan and run the program.
Boy Run Troop
Troop 964 is a Boy Run Troop. We set the Troop calendar and plan our yearly activities at a
campout held each year before school starts. All of the Scouts in the Troop are encouraged to
attend and to help select activities for the Troop for the upcoming year. This process continues
throughout the year. The Scouts meet once a month to plan the meetings for the next month.
For example, when the Troop had a Canadian summer canoe trip scheduled, the Scouts selected
canoeing skills, light camping gear and wilderness camping methods to be discussed at their
Spring meetings.
The Troop Patrol Method
The Scouts also participate in the Troop organization and operation. Troop 964 uses the
modified National Boy Scout patrol method of Troop organization and operation. The Scouts
are sometimes divided into patrols and select their own leaders, but the Troop provides the food
and the adult’s act as kitchen managers and menu buyers. Work responsibilities are then given to
the Scouts as appropriate.
Leadership and Teamwork Skills
Participation and involvement in the operation and decision making of the Troop provides an
interesting program to the Scouts and one that they enjoy. It also provides opportunities to
develop leadership and teamwork skills. However, most importantly, it provides the Scouts with
a lot of FUN!!
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How Do I Join? . . . And What Happens Next?
Becoming a Scout in Troop 964
A boy is eligible to enter the Boy Scouts when he meets one of the following requirements:
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Has completed the fifth grade;
Has earned the "Arrow of Light" Award and is at least ten
and one half years old;
Has reached the age of eleven and has not reached eighteen.
A Boy Scout registration form must be completed and signed by a parent. There is a registration
cost which includes the National BSA registration fee, Boy’s Life magazine subscription and
Troop expenses to cover insurance, meeting materials, awards, literature, etc. The annual
registration fee is $75. All boys who wish to become Scouts should be able to participate in
Scouting. If any cost puts a financial burden on the family, contact the Scoutmaster or the
Troop Committee Chairman. No boy should miss Scouting because of the cost.
Weekly Meetings
Troop 964 meets on a weekly basis. The Scouts wear the official (Field) (Class A) Scout
uniform to each meeting. The Troop meets each Monday night during the school year at the
Lake Zurich American Legion Hall, 51 Lions Drive. Scouts should arrive at 7:05 P.M. The
meetings start at 7:15 P.M. and conclude at 8:45 P.M. Meetings are not normally held on
Monday Nights when there is a National holiday.
Check the troop calendar at
www.lztroop964.org to confirm meetings and troop activities.
Scout uniforms and other Scout items are available at the Northwest Suburban Council’s Scout
Shop, located at 600 Wheeling Road in Mount Prospect. Driving instructions: Take U.S. Route
12 south to the RandHurst Mall in Mount Prospect. Turn left at the Kensington Road stoplight.
Take Kensington to Wheeling Road (the first stop light). Turn right onto Wheeling Road. The
Scout Shop is on the right side of the road at the first curve. You will see a Boy Scout Center
sign at the driveway. The Scout Shop’s telephone number is 847-824-6880.
Scouts should bring their Boy Scout Handbook with them to every meeting. Advancement
requirements are recorded in the Handbook and it is a wonderful resource for Scout skill related
activities.
A typical Scout meeting includes:
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Opening ceremony
Scout Skill or Merit Badge related activity
Patrol Meeting
Troop or Patrol competition or Game
Announcements
Closing Ceremony
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Methods of Communication
Troop 964 makes every effort to communicate effectively.
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Written permission slips/information on upcoming events is picked up at the
up at the meetings by Scouts and Parents.
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Emails will also be sent with upcoming event permission slips and
information. Emails will keep you informed on any troop updates
between meetings or urgent messages.
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We publish a newsletter, The Troop Scoop, which is available
on our website.
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Parents are encouraged to attend meeting, or stay for the first or last 10 minutes of the
meeting to hear pertinent announcements and activity plans. There is also an
announcement board at the front of the meeting room with info and sign up sheets.

If parents cannot attend the end of the meeting, ask your Scout if there were any
announcements. Many scouts carry a small note pad and pen to make reminders.
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Parents should always feel free to call any adult leader with questions or comments about
the Troop and its operation.
Adults should read each issue of
Scouting Magazine and Scouts
should read Boy’s Life Magazine
for the latest facts and ideas
pertaining to Scouting…
Troop Web Site
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You can find our web site at: www.troopmasterweb.com/964
Space for our web site is donated free of charge by Byte Me!, a Mount Prospect based
computer and internet services company. They also donate free space to the Northwest
Suburban Council.
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You can check the Troop calendar, print a blank permission slip, and find a listing of
Troop events and pictures.
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There are great links to sites that will help when working on advancement requirements,
knots and merit badges.
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There are also links to the Northwest Suburban Council, Eagle Scout sites and other great
Scouting sites.
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The FUN Begins!
Our Camping and Outdoor Program
Troop 964 schedules at least one campout a month. Except for December when we do a shut in.
We try to provide both high adventure and travel to interesting camps. Campouts usually
assemble and depart from the Lake Zurich American Legion Hall Friday evening by ~6:00 p.m.
and return to the American Legion Hall early Sunday early afternoon.
Program Highlights
Our current Scouting calendar, listing all campouts and other activities is listed on our web site.
A list of past program highlights includes:
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Weekend Canoe Trip on the Rock River - Oregon, IL
U.S. Grant Pilgrimage - Galena, IL
Camp Buffalo Bill: Cody, Wyoming
Kettle Moraine, Wi. & Van Patten Woods, Il.
Overnight camping on the W.W.II submarine the U.S.S. Cobia at the Wisconsin
Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, WI.
Weekend campout to Warren Dunes State Park, - MI
Ski Weekend/Cabins – Cascade & Christmas Mountain, Camp Grey, Wisconsin
Summer Camp at Owasippe: Whitehall, Michigan
Campout in Eagle Cave - Blue Mound, WI
Spring and Fall Camporee
High adventure canoe/camping Boundary Waters Canada/Minnesota
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Summer Camp
Troop 964 attends summer camp at Camp Owasippe on an annual basis. Owasippe is owned and
operated by the Chicago Area Boy Scout Council and is located on a beautiful lake in a forested
area near White Hall, Michigan. All Scouts are encouraged to attend Camp Owasippe.
Owasippe is a wonderful experience and a great place for swimming, boating, working on rank
advancement and merit badges. The Scouts always have a great time at Owasippe.
The cost is approximately $260 per week for a scout, $165 per adult. Parents who cannot afford
the fee should contact the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chairman. No Scout should
miss summer camp because of the cost. The local Council sponsors a special “Summer
Campership” program for these instances.
Other Summer Camping Activities
Troop 964 traditionally offers a second week of summer camping. In the past we have gone to
BSA Camp Buffalo Bill in Cody, Wyoming (six miles from Yellowstone National Park). That
trip included stops at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Mountain and the Badlands. We have also
gone to the Charles L. Sommers BSA National Canoe Base in Ely, Minnesota. This canoe base
is on the Boundary Waters and allows the Scouts to canoe in Canada. We enjoy and have also
been to Camp Tuckahoe in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and most recently, a trip there in 2004.
Florida Sea Base
Make a splash! Head to the Florida Keys and dive
into an amazing Florida Sea Base adventure and
wade into more excitement than you ever thought
possible. Snorkeling, SCUBA, boating, and beach
camping are among the many possibilities.
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Northern Tier
Don't miss the boat! One of the most beautiful
and remote parts of North America offers a
unique opportunity for Scouts. Canoeing,
hiking, fishing, and winter camping in and
around the beautiful lakes of northern
Minnesota and southern Canada await you at
the Northern Tier.
Philmont Scout Ranch
Take a hike! The mountains of New Mexico offer the
adventure that you have always dreamed about.
Backpacking, rock climbing, western lore, living history,
and the views from peaks over 10,000 feet tall will make
memories that last a lifetime.
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National Scout Jamboree
The 2010 National Scout Jamboree is being planned for right
now. We hope to have a great group of scouts to represent
Troop 964 at this historic event. It will be a great honor for
the scouts chosen to be part of this event. 2010 is the 100th
Anniversary of Boy Scouts. On July 26, 2010 the empty
fields of Jamboree City will accept throngs of Scouts carrying
gear and tents filling the empty ground. By dust, the landscape will be transformed into
a bustling city of 18,000 tents, 3,600 patrol kitchens and 43,000 Scouts and Leaders.
This transformation occurs in mere hours, making Jamboree City the fastest growing
city in Virginia, if not the world. An event that will not easily be forgotten.
Permission Slip and Cost
Each campout requires a specific permission form signed by the parent or guardian,
which must be turned in by the announced deadline. This form is usually distributed two
weeks before the campout and includes the date, time, cost and other specific
information about the campout. Scouts without parental authorization cannot participate
due to insurance and liability concerns. A generic permission slip is available at the
Troop 964 web site for those Scouts that occasionally lose a permission slip between
the Troop meeting and home.
The cost of individual campouts varies depending campsite fees and event costs. The
average cost of a Troop 964 campout, including food, is usually between $20 and $30.
Special events such as Eagle Cave and the Ski trip will be higher. Eagle Cave is about
$50+ for the weekend while the Ski trip is about $100+ including housing, rentals and lift
tickets.
Clothing and Equipment
Scouts participating in a campout are expected to travel
dressed in the Scout Class A Uniform. (Scout shirt,
neckerchief and slide) Scouts should pack clothing and
equipment appropriate for the event, weather and season.
There is a list of camping items on our website. If special
equipment is needed you will be informed before the event.
The troop provides cooking equipment and tents.
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No Sheath Knives!!!
The clothing and equipment required for a campout is listed in the Boy Scout Handbook. A
small folding knife may be carried by Scouts who have earned the BSA Totin’ Chip. In
addition, Scouts are encouraged to ask their Patrol Leader, the Senior Patrol Leader, any
Assistant Scoutmaster or the Scoutmaster if they have any equipment related questions before
any campout or outdoor activity. Any necessary special equipment will be identified before the
campout. The Troop provides tents, dining fly, patrol cook kits, Dutch ovens, stoves, lanterns,
axes and saws.
Scouts may be asked to take a tent or cook kit home for drying or cleaning on occasion. Scouts
are responsible for the care of the Troop equipment in their charge. Troop equipment should be
returned at the next meeting.
Food
The food & drinks are supplied by the Troop. Menus are set by the
Scouts and Leaders at a regular meeting before the campout. NO FOOD IS
ALLOWED IN TENTS AT ANY TIME: CRITTERS WILL
COME FOR A SNACK!!! A NALGENE TYPE BOTTLE SHOULD
BE CARRIED FOR WATER. NO ENERGY DRINKS ALLOWED!!!
Fund Raising Opportunities
Troop 964 offers the Scouts an opportunity to help pay the cost of camping through our
fundraising activities. Like most units we sell wreaths and popcorn. The Troop splits the profit
for each Scout’s sales with the Scout. This money is put into their Scout account and can be
applied to any of the trips. We sell snow cones on the 4th of July at Taste of Lake Zurich. In
both instances, the boys are paid for the time they work, depending on the total profit. Last year
they made about $7.50 an hour. Last year two boys paid for all of summer camp and a week of
high adventure camping with the money in their Scout accounts. The more you put into it the
higher the rewards.
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Parent Involvement in Outdoor Activities
In order to insure a successful outdoor program, the following parental involvement is necessary:
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Please notify the Scoutmaster if your son, who has registered for a trip or campout,
has a change of plans and cannot attend.
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Please notify the Scoutmaster if your son has a medical restriction, a diet restriction
or must take a prescription drug while on a campout. Prescription meds must be
given to the adult “in charge of meds” for that trip in the original medication bottle.
Please send only the number of doses necessary for the campout.
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Scouts are discouraged from bringing any electronics to events. If they bring cell
phones, i-Pods, CD players, boom boxes, hand held video game, radios, or other
electronic items on campouts, these items are at their own risk! The troop takes no
responsibility for them being lost or broken. Items brought along for the car ride are
suggested left within the vehicle upon arrival to camp. Leaders carry phones for
emergencies.
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When your son has been asked to take a tent home for drying - please be sure the tent
is returned to the next Scout meeting dry, clean and properly folded.
1. Unpack the tent, fly, ground cloth, tent frame and stakes within 24 hours of
use
2. Tents left unpacked will be damaged beyond repair
3. Dry out all parts, preferably outdoors on a clothes line
4. Use guys to attach to line or carefully attach with spring type clothes pins
5. Inspect all parts and clean dirt from the tent, fly, ground cloth, poles and
stakes
6. Do not use any soaps or detergents - use warm water & sponge only
7. Allow all parts to dry completely
8. Then repack into tent bag as instructed
9. Return tent to Troop, noting any problems with the tent within one week of
outing
10. DO NOT PUT TENT OR RAIN FLY INTO CLOTHES DRYER
11. DO NOT USE CHEMICAL TO CLEAN
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Be available to provide auto transportation to or from campouts or outdoor activities
on occasion.
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Provide adult supervision for a campout or outdoor activity on occasion.
How Does All Of This Get Done?
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Role of Boy Leaders
The boy leaders are the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant
Scoutmasters, Troop Guide, Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders. These boys provide
leadership at Troop meetings, campouts, events and patrol meetings.
The Senior Patrol Leader is the top junior leader of the Troop.
The Senior Patrol Leader runs all Troop meetings, events,
activities, and chairs the Patrol Leaders Council. The Senior
Patrol Leader takes the lead at campouts and works with the
Patrol Leaders to insure that all the jobs get accomplished and
everything runs smoothly.
The Patrol is the basic unit in the Troop, and is composed of
Scouts who work together as a team. The patrol elects a patrol
leader who then selects an assistant patrol leader. Most Troop
activities depend on the patrol working as a unit.
The Patrol Leader is a vital communication link in the Troop organization. The Patrol Leader is
a member of the Patrol Leaders Council, the decision making body of the Troop. The Patrol
Leader brings his patrol’s needs to the attention of the council and at the same time acts as a
Troop leader making decisions that affect all Scouts.
Troop 964 is committed to training its junior leaders. We
send three to five boys a year to Troop Leader Development
Training. This one week camping and training course is
provided by the Northwest Suburban Council and is held in
early June of each year at BSA Camp Lakota, located near
Woodstock, Illinois.
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Role of Adult Leaders
The adult leadership of Troop 964 is composed of volunteers. They are registered with the Boy
Scouts of America and are parents willing to devote their time to assist with conducting Troop
activities. The Scoutmaster, all Assistant Scoutmasters, the Committee Chairman as well as
many on the Troop Committee are BSA trained. We are proud that one of our Assistant
Scoutmasters has been named the Signal Hill District Assistant Scoutmaster of the Year and
another Assistant Scoutmaster has been given the Signal Hill District Award of Merit, the
highest volunteer award the District can bestow.
Current adult leadership positions with the Troop include:
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Scoutmaster
Assistant Scoutmasters
Troop Committee Chairman
Troop Committee Treasurer
Troop Committee Secretary
Troop Committee Members Responsible for Fund Raising
Troop Committee Member Responsible for Advancement
Troop Committee Members Responsible for Transportation
The Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters work directly
with the Scouts. They train and guide the youth leaders and work
with the other adult leaders to bring Scouting to boys. They
provide guidance at Troop and patrol meetings. They participate
in campouts and other outdoor activities with the Scouts.
Troop Committee Members meet regularly on the first Monday of
each month during the school year. The Troop Committee provides
organizational support and performs Troop business functions.
The Troop Committee is responsible for finances and budgeting.
The Committee provides the necessary support to the Scoutmaster
so that he may provide a superior Scouting experience to the boys
in the Troop. Parents are welcome to attend Troop Committee
meetings and help shape Troop programs.
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Role of Parents
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to “serve others by helping to instill values in
young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in
achieving their full potential." Bringing home the values of Scouting requires concerned and
involved adults who understand how young people grow and develop, who can create an
environment for learning and growth, and who are willing to provide them with activities and
meaningful experiences that reinforce positive values.
The adult role model has always been one of Scouting's methods. Caring adults interested in the
welfare, growth, and in the positive development of young people have been a hallmark of
Scouting since its earliest years. Our example as involved parents is the starting point. Scouting
works when adults that care about Scouting and live by its values, participate in Scouting.
There are opportunities in Scouting for any interested parent. You do not have to be a skilled
outdoorsman to become involved in Scouting. There are Merit Badges in everything from Art to
Woodworking. If you have a special knowledge of one of those areas you may enjoy being a
merit badge counselor. If you have organizational, business, writing or paperwork skills, you
may want to join the Troop Committee. If you do have those outdoor skills, if you would like to
learn them, or if you would just like to spend some quality time with your son, becoming an
Assistant Scoutmaster may be just the thing. You are invited to join us on a campout to see what
it is like.
Scouting, like any volunteer organization, depends on the support of interested and concerned
parents to see that activities are organized, conducted properly, and adequately financed. Parents
of each Scout are requested to participate in at least one Troop activity (helping out with driving
to and from campouts, with fundraising and service projects, with the Troop Newsletter or
camping with the Troop as an adult supervisor) during the Scout year. We need everyone's
cooperation and assistance in order to have a successful program. The strong history of Troop
964 is a direct result of the support from the parents of active Scouts.
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Scout Rank Advancement - The Road to Eagle Scout
The first step after registration is to earn the Scout Badge by completing the
simple requirements listed in the Boy Scout Handbook.
The Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks require that certain Scouting skills to be
learned. These are explained in the Boy Scout Handbook, discussed at the weekly Scout
meetings and practiced on campouts. The Scout is encouraged to seek help in mastering the
necessary skills by consulting with older Scouts, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters or
other adult leaders.
Star and Life Scout ranks are achieved by earning Eagle required merit badges and elective merit
badges, by actively holding a leadership position, by being active in the Troop for a specified
time period and by showing Scout spirit. To achieve the rank of Star Scout a boy must earn four
Eagle required merit badges and two elective merit badges. To achieve the rank of Life Scout a
boy must earn an additional three Eagle required merit badges and an additional two elective
merit badges.
http://clipart.usscouts.org/library/BSA_Insignia/BSA_Merit_Badges/bsasash.gif
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Merit Badges
Merit Badges are earned when a Scout fulfills the specific requirements and has the
accomplishment recorded on his merit badge card by an approved counselor. Merit Badges are
usually earned at Troop meetings, outside activities, merit badge clinics and at summer camp.
The merit badges are earned in the following manner:
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The Scout must obtain a merit badge book to study. The Troop library has many merit badge
books for loan. The Ela Area Library has merit badge books available and merit badge
books can be purchased at the Scout Shop. The requirements are also listed on line with easy
to fill out worksheets at www.meritbadge.org.
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He must get a merit badge card signed in advance by the Scoutmaster, indicating what badge
he is working on.
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The Scout must contact the registered merit badge counselor he has chosen and the counselor
will review the Scout’s work with him. When the Scout can demonstrate that he has passed
the requirements, the counselor will approve the Scout for the badge. The Troop keeps a list
of approved merit badge counselors. National BSA rules require that Scouts work on merit
badges with a buddy or with two-deep adult leadership.
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Upon passing the requirements and getting the card signed as having passed, the Scout must
turn the card into the Scoutmaster or to the Troop Committee Advancement Chairman for
posting.
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All earned merit badges should be recorded in the Scout's Handbook under the appropriate
rank.
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Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review
Upon completing all requirements for his next rank, the Scout must make an appointment for a
conference with the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster’s conference will be scheduled prior to the
next Court of Honor. The Scoutmaster’s conference usually includes a discussion of the items
the Scout has mastered for the rank advancement and a discussion of the Scout’s future Scouting
goals. The Scout should wear his Class A uniform to the Scoutmasters Conference.
After the conference, the Scout will participate in a Board of Review. The board is composed of
three adult committee members and is usually scheduled one week before the Court of Honor.
Following an introduction of the Scout to the Board by the Scoutmaster, the Board determines if
the Scout has completed all requirements, if the Scout has demonstrated the Scout spirit and
leadership associated with the rank. The Board will ask broad general Scouting related questions
of the Scout. However, this is not designed to be a re-testing once the Scout has been passed on
the requirements. The Scout should wear his Class A uniform to the Board of Review.
Upon the successful completion of the Board of Review, the Troop committee advancement
member will submit the appropriate forms to the Northwest Suburban Council for processing and
recording. Both Troop 964 and the Northwest Suburban Council maintain records of the rank
achieved for each Scout. The Scout should be sure that all rank achievements are recorded in his
Boy Scout Handbook. It is important that the Scout retain his Handbook and merit badge cards
for verifying achievement.
Troop Court of Honor
Troop 964 recognizes rank advancement and Merit Badge achievement at a formal Court of
Honor four times a year. This is a time of great pride for the Scouts. Parents and friends are
encouraged to attend. We hold a Court of Honor in September that recognizes all the work the
Scouts did at summer camp. We hold a Court of Honor and potluck dinner in December that
recognizes advancement and promotes the Holiday Spirit. We hold a Court of Honor in March
after the Signal Hill District Merit Badge Clinic and a final Court of Honor in June to recognize
the final work of the school year.
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Eagle Scout
The Eagle rank has special requirements. The Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges, 11
Eagle required merit badges and 10 elective merit badges. The Scout should review all Eagle
requirements as he approaches or earns the Life rank with the Assistant Scoutmaster responsible
for Eagle rank advancement, to avoid missing any essential Eagle requirements.
An Eagle project, where the Scout must show his leadership ability, must be discussed with the
beneficiary of the project and then with the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster must approve the
project before and it can be presented to the Troop Committee for approval. The Scoutmaster
and then the Troop Committee may make recommendations for changes and improvements in
the proposed Eagle project before granting their approvals. After the Troop Committee approves
the project it must be presented to a District Eagle Coordinator for final approval and then the
Scout can begin the actual project.
When the project is completed, the Scout must prepare an Eagle Project Report. Much like a
school term paper, an Eagle Project Report documents the work that the Scout, and everyone that
assisted him, did on the project. The report and the Scout’s Eagle application are then submitted
to the Scout’s eagle coordinator and to the Northwest Suburban Council for review.
Once approved, the Troop Committee will schedule an Eagle Board of Review. When this
process is completed a very special Eagle Scout Court of Honor is held.
Nationwide, only four Scouts in one hundred reach the rank of Eagle Scout. We in Troop 964
are extremely proud that we have had five Scouts earn the Eagle Rank in the last four years!
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Order of the Arrow
Purpose
The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
To promote Scout camping
To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to
others
History
The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in
1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It
became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting
program in 1934. In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor
campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Today, the OA is recognized as Scouting's National Honor Society.
Membership
The OA has more than 181,000 members located in lodges affiliated with more than 310 BSA
local councils.
Eligibility
To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity
Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of
camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but
no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident
camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The
balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are
elected to the Order by their fellow troop or Varsity team members, following approval by the
Scoutmaster or Varsity Scout Coach.
Boy Scout Troop 964
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Lord Robert Baden-Powell
I have always been fond of saying that
"Scouting is a game with a purpose." Even
today, we can still say, Scouting is about
three things: It's about fun. It's about
values, and it's about learning. Fun is the
game, learning is the process, and values
are the purpose."
Lord Robert Baden-Powell,
Founder of the World Scouting Movement
Again, welcome to Troop 964! It
is wonderful to have you as a part
of our Scouting family. As we said
early in this Guide, our Scouting
philosophy is to insure that the
boys have fun in their Scouting
activities. As a part of that fun, the
boys learn Scouting skills and the
values that are a part of the Scout
Oath and Scout Laws. Values that
will be with them the rest of their
lives. Baden-Powell was right;
Scouting is a game with a purpose.
Boy Scout Troop 964
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