Parent Introduction Meeting

The Patrol Method

Cesar Gonzalez

Scoutmaster

The Patrol Method

"The formation of the boys into Patrols of from six to eight and training them as separate units each under its own responsible leader is the key to a good Troop.“

~ Lord Robert Baden-Powell

• Building blocks of the Troop

• Small group to work together

• Leadership and Skills

How Patrols Work for New Scouts

How does it work?

• New Scouts are led by Troop Guides, Instructors and New Asst Scoutmasters

• Integrated into Troop to grow Patrol relationships

• Patrol Leadership to be voted for in August

Organization

SPL

TR

OO

P S

TA

FF

ASPLY ASPLO ASPLEASPLS

SPARTANS

FLAMINGICE

CUBES

SURFINBIRDS

PANTHERS

QuartermasterHistorianLibrarianScribeChaplains AideInstructors (3)Troop Guides (3)OA RepBuglerDen Chief (2)

COURT OFHONOR

CAMPFIREPROGRAM

A-TEAMNEWSCOUTS

Advancement

Arlene Freeman

Advancement Chair

Aims of Scouting

The aim of Scouting is not to make every boy an Eagle Scout; the aims are:

• Growth in moral strength and character

• Participate in Citizenship

• Develop physical, mental and emotional fitness

The Eight Boy Scouting Methods

1. Ideals: Oath – Law – Motto – Slogan

2. Patrols: Peer Groups – Elected Representation – Activities

3. Outdoors: Appreciation and proper procedures

4. Adult Association: Image – Role Models – Examples

5. Personal Growth: Good Turn – Service Projects- Religious Emblems

6. Leadership Development: Leadership skills and practice – Citizenship

7. Uniform: Commitment to Aims – Identity

8. Advancement: Self-reliance – Ability to help others – Challenge

Four Steps of Rank Advancement

• Learning: At meetings – At campouts – At other Boy Scout Activities

• Testing: Scoutmaster signature on rank requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook

• Review: Scoutmaster Conference – Board of Review

• Recognition: Weekly meetings – Quarterly Courts of Honor

Scout Rank Requirements

• Register

• Scout sign, salute and handshake

• Square knot

• Describe Scout badge

• Complete parent pamphlet exercises

• Scoutmaster Signature in Boy Scout Handbook

Boy Scout Ranks

• Tenderfoot

• Second Class

• First Class

• Star

• Life

• Eagle

Recordkeeping

It is a Boy Scout’s responsibility to keep records of his rank advancement progress.

• Boy Scout Handbook

• Backup Copies

• TroopMaster

Advancement Questions

Any questions, so far?

• Boy Scout Handbook

• Scoutmaster

• Advancement Coordinator

Merit Badges

Rosie Talbot

Merit Badge Coordinator

The Eight Steps of Merit Badges

The eight steps to earning a merit badge can be found on the troop website at www.troop172tx.org, under advancement

1. Select a merit badge of interest

2. Find a Merit Badge Counselor

3. Contact the Merit Badge Counselor – obtain a Merit Badge Progress Card - BLUE CARD

4. Obtain the Scoutmaster's Signature on the BLUE CARD

The Eight Steps of Merit Badges

5. Meet with Merit Badge Counselor to learn, explain, and demonstrate all requirements. Only the merit badge counselor can sign off on completion of the merit badge requirements.

6. Once all requirements are complete, obtain the Merit Badge Counselor's signature on the BLUE CARD.

7. Obtain Scoutmaster signature for the completion of the merit badge.

8. Turn in BLUE CARD to the Advancement Chair.

More About Merit Badges

Any Scout can complete a merit badge until age 18.

To complete a partially earned merit badge, if the original counselor is no longer available, contact a new counselor• Make the Merit Badge coordinator aware of the new counselor

• Review with the new counselor requirements already accomplished

• Continue working on the merit badge

• Only the new counselor can sign off on requirements to complete your blue card.

Merit Badge Resources

Merit Badge books

• Available for purchase at Scout Store

• Borrow from Troop Library

Merit Badge requirements

• Requirements and worksheets online

• http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badge_Worksheets

Camping

• Skill Instruction

• Safety and Appropriate Training

• Achievement Verification

• Chaplain Service

• Equipment Support

Expectations at a Campout

• First Year Scouts Buddy-Up in Troop Tents

• Patrol Independent

• Led by Trip SPL and ASPL

• Work Together to get Troop Elements done

• Participate in planned events

• Learn skills and achieve requirements

• Cook for themselves – Full Prep and Clean-up

• Learn from Skill Presented and Troop Youth Leadership

• No Electronics

• No Sodas

Adult Involvement

David Smith

Committee Chair

Boy Scouts of America andCharter Organization Policies

• Mission Statement

• AIMS

• Methods

• Official Resources

• What that means for us…

Troop 172 Structure

From the Troop Committee Guidebook Pg. 11

Committee Organization and Responsibilities

Participation on the Committee is open and encouraged

• Troop’s board of directors

• Supports the troop program

From the Troop Committee Guidebook Pg. 13

Getting Involved as anAssistant Scoutmaster

Introduction Meeting for New Leaders – March 22

• Patrol Assignments – 6 months

• Training for Safety and Position

• Signoff to Tenderfoot – Introduce Merit Badge Procedure

Support and Introduction to Troop

Open Positions on ASM Staff

Youth Protection and Training Requirements

www.troop172tx.org

Cesar Gonzalez, Scoutmaster (512) 922-6178

David Smith, Committee Chair(512) 925-6518