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Troop 113
Parent Orientation Everything you need to know about the Troop
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.
- Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement
Agenda and Introduction
• About the Troop
• Troop Program & Organization
• Uniforms & Gear
• Adult Participation
• Communications
• Troop Finances
• Q&A
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About Troop 113
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Troop 113 Centerport, NY
• Established 1940
• Chartered by the Centerport Fire Department
• Chartered Org. Representative – Bill Wilkes
• Scoutmaster – Ernest Prescott
• Committee Chair – Scott Cohen
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Boy Scouts vs. Cub Scouts
Boy Scouts
• Troop and patrols
• Mixed rank patrols
• Individual advancement *
• Advancement recognized
immediately and at C.O.H.
• Youth and adult leadership
Cub Scouts
• Pack and Dens
• Same rank dens
• Lock step advancement
• Advancement recognized as
group during pack night
• Adult leadership
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* Parent involvement (i.e. “not so subtle encouragement” is recommended)
Aims of Scouting
• Character Development:
– Personal qualities
– Values
– Outlook
• Citizenship Training:
– Living and working with others with rules based on common good
• Personal Fitness
– Physical
– Mental
Methods of Scouting
• Scouting Ideals
• Patrols
• Outdoors
• Advancement
The Eight Methods of the Scouting Movement through
which the Aims of Scouting are achieved:
• Personal Growth
• Adult Association
• Leadership Development
• Uniform
Boy-Led Troop
Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting.
“Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their
patrols and their troop. The boys themselves develop a
troop program, then take responsibility for figuring out how
they will achieve the goals. One of our most important
challenges is to train boy leaders to run the troop by
providing direction, coaching and support. The boys will
make mistakes now and then and will rely upon the adult
leaders to guide them. But only through real hands-on
experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.”
- BSA Scoutmaster's Handbook
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Troop Program &
Organization
Troop Structure
Outdoor Program
• The outdoor program consists of:
– Monthly camping/backpacking
– Yearly High Adventure
– Summer camp
• Importance of the outdoor program:
– Development of learning
and teaching skills
– Planning
– Communication
– Being part of a team
– Leadership development
– Physical fitness
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Camping
• Monthly weekend trips (with some exceptions) from 6PM Friday
through Sunday morning or afternoon
• Important for Advancement
• Costs $15-20 (generally only for meals)
• Preparation:
– Wear uniform on Friday drop off at Harborfields High School
– Be prepared for environmental conditions (e.g. rain & cold, insects, etc.)
– Pack snacks, especially for cold weather camping (energy)
– Scout packs the gear from the list and parents check it
• Questions to ask your son:
– Do you need a sandwich for Friday? Car eating etiquette or eat a meal at home?
– What are you doing for food? Who is bringing it?
– Who are you tenting with? Who is bringing the tent?
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Summer Camp
• Details:
– Where: Yawgoog Scout Reservation, RI (other venues under discussion)
– When: Varies but typically early-July
– Who: All Scouts are encouraged to attend (parents may accompany Scouts as
long as YPT is current)
• Costs - $X per Scout (“Camperships” [i.e. financial aid] are available)
• Requirements:
– Medical forms (plan ahead and beat the June/July rush for physicals because
physicals have to be completed within 1 year of camp )
– Packing list (see website)
• What to expect:
– Completed merit badges and advancement requirements
– FUN! (boys love it)
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Advancement
• The primary goal of advancement is personal growth
• Boys advance through ranks at their own pace
• Advancement steps:
– Complete the rank requirements in the
Boy Scout Handbook
– Participate in a Scoutmaster conference
– Participate in a Board of Review (BOR)
• New ranks become effective on the date
of the BOR
• Formal recognition of newly attained
ranks occurs at Spring and Fall Courts of Honor *
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* Attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout is recognized at a specially-convened Court of Honor
Merit Badges
• Needed for rank advancement
• Over 135 merit badges can be earned:
– Independently (see “How Merit Badges are Earned”)
– Through special programs organized by the troop
(e.g. Snow Sports and Disability Awareness)
– At Scout camps:
• Summer camp (Yawgoog)
• Winter Scout camp (Baiting Hollow)
• Trail to Eagle camp (Baiting Hollow and others)
– At district and council-led merit badge programs
• The troop maintains a library of merit
badge pamphlets
• Local libraries also have a limited selection
• Visit www.meritbadge.org for more info
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Merit Badges (cont.)
How merit badges are earned:
1. The Scout selects a merit badge subject. He can consult with his patrol leader or a
Scoutmaster about his interests and should review the pamphlet and requirements
for merit badges he may be interested in
2. The Scout obtains an application (“blue card”) and merit badge counselor contact
information from a Scoutmaster
3. The Scout contacts the merit badge counselor to discuss earning the merit badge.
He should also discuss any work he has already started or completed. Unless
otherwise specified, work on requirements can be started at any time.
4. The Scout completes the merit badge requirements
5. The Scout reviews his work with the counselor. If all requirements have been met
the counselor will sign the application
6. The Scout presents the application to the Scoutmaster for final signature
7. The Scout submits the completed application to the advancement chair
8. Earned merit badges will be presented at Spring and Fall Courts of Honor
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(Experimental) Electronics Policy
1. Cell phones should not be used during program hours (Reveille to Taps) without
permission from an Adult leader.
2. Use of functions other than emergency phone calls must support the outdoor
program (e.g. using GPS) or assist a Scout with advancement (e.g. photograph
for a merit badge).
3. No texting. Texting should only be considered when voice emergency
communications are not possible.
4. No games or music. These are distractions and do not foster the Patrol method.
5. Noncompliance with this policy may result in confiscation of the phone. There
will be a “three strikes” policy, so the third time a Scout is seen violating the
Electronics Policy, that Scout’s phone may be taken away for the rest of the day
until program hours end.
6. Phones and other devices may be used before and after program hours, as long
as they do not keep people awake and are not being used inappropriately.
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Uniforms & Gear
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Uniforms
• Important for:
– Meetings
– Event travel
– Campouts on Friday night
• Useful tips:
– Ensure all components and
patches are correctly placed
(see patch location guide inside
the front and back covers of the
Boy Scout Handbook)
– Choose synthetic vs. cotton
pants
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Gear
• Gear is used for:
– Car camping
– Backpacking
– Summer camp
• Proper gear is critical for safety and comfort
• Gear lists can be found on the troop website
• The troop has gear to lend – no need to buy
everything at once
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Gear (cont.)
• Learn before you buy gear. Use troop gear or borrow gear until you know
enough to be “an educated consumer!”
• Spending a lot of money is easy; getting good gear without spending big
money is the trick!
• Proper fit, especially in boots and pack, are essential. Do not try to get
something that “he will grow into”. Use the troop uniform and gear
exchange.
• The “backpacking list” is a good starting point when you do start shopping.
For most of us, we use the same list when we go “car camping”, but add a
plastic fork, plate & bowl along with a folding chair.
• As with all things Scouting, the only “dumb question” is the one that you do
not ask. Troop 113 leadership, Scout and Adult, has a LOT of camping
experience.
Gear (cont.)
Basics
• 10-15° Sleeping bag
• Backpack
• Boots (waterproof)
• Plastic mess kit
• Nalgene bottle(s)
• Pocket knife
• Thermal base layer
• Rain gear
• Jacket
• Mittens & gloves
Additional Items
• Tent & footprint (cut to fit tent!)
• Sleeping bag liner
• Camp shoes
• Platypus (2-3L)
• Backpacking stove & fuel
• Emergency blanket
• First aid kit
• Bug repellent
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Indicates gear that can be requested to borrow
Gear (cont.)
Where to buy:
• REI
• Campmor
• EMS
• Campsite store
• Marshals *
• TJ Maxx *
• Dick’s
• Amazon
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* buy next year’s gear on sale
Useful tips:
• Buy slightly larger clothing
• Label everything (with black/silver sharpie or engraver)
After-Camping Care for Gear
• Sleeping bags
– Unzip and turn inside out for the 1-2 days
– Hang in a closet or store loosely in a large bag
• Tents and foot prints(ground cloth for under tent)
– Wipe clean and hang to dry
– Fold and store
• Mess kit and water bottles
– Wash in dishwasher (I know your son said he cleaned
them!)
• Platypus (hydration bladder) and tubes
– Thoroughly dry hydration bladder
– Disconnect tube, swing dry, and hang
• Clothes (non cotton)
– Wash in cold water, tumble dry on low. No fabric softener.
• Storage of gear
– Use a bin or return it to the backpack
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IMPORTANT
Check your son for ticks
after all camping and
backpacking trips (ticks
can be as small as the
head of a pin)
Clothes can be treated
with Permethrin to repel
ticks and mosquitoes
Adult Participation
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The Role of Adults
– Provide mentorship
– Ensure safety
– Provide transportation
– Provide encouragement to
foster advancement
– Serve as troop leadership
– Help their Scout with time
scheduling
– Accompany troop on outings
– Assist Scout with policy compliance
(e.g uniforms, medical records, etc.)
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Adults in the troop:
Three ways adults can participate: – Parental Support
– Direct youth contact leaders
– Troop committee
Parental Support
• It’s important and strongly encouraged…
– Participation on early campouts (if necessary)
– Drive to/ from troop meetings and activities
– Annual dues and event fees *
– Camping supplies
• However…
– it’s important to encourage a level of
independence too
• And…
– YPT is required (more on this later)
– Troop leaders are here to help
* Financial hardships can be managed via conversation with the troop committee chair
Direct Youth Contact Leadership
• Roles:
– Scoutmaster
– Assistant Scoutmaster
– Merit badge counselor
– Chaplain
– Event leaders
• Why participate?
– Be a part of your son’s growth
– Share experiences
– Many hands make light work
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Troop Committee
• Advancement
• Board of Review
• Chair/Co-chair
• Court of Honor
• Equipment
• Fundraising
• Life to Eagle
• Membership
• Den Chief
• Medical Records
• Outdoor Activities
• Secretary
• Service Time
• Training
• Treasurer/Finance
• Webelos to Scout
• Cub Outreach
• Webmaster
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Troop Committee Roles & Coordinators:
Youth Protection Training (YPT)
• Required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of
their position
• YPT must be taken every year
• YPT and other training is offered online at my.scouting.org
• Before taking YPT, set up an account at my.scouting.org if
you don’t already have one
• When taking YPT, please remember to enter your Member
I.D. number associated with the Troop
• Though required for registered members, YPT is excellent
knowledge for parents
Important YPT Concepts
• Two-deep leadership is required on all outings. A minimum of two
registered adult leaders — or one registered leader and a participating
Scout’s parent or another adult — is required for all trips and outings. One of
these adults must be 21 years of age or older.
• One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited. In
situations requiring a personal conference, such as a Scoutmaster
conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge and in view of
other adults and/or youth.
• The policies of two-deep leadership and no one-on-one contact between
adults and youth members also apply to digital communication. Leaders
may not have one-on-one private online communications or engage one-on-
one in other digital activities (games, social media, etc.) with youth members.
Leaders should copy a parent and another leader in digital and online
communication, ensuring no one-on-one contact takes place in text, social
media, or other forms of online or digital communication.
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Communications
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Troop Communications & Meetings
• Troop Website
• ScoutBook
• Electronic Mail
– Troop Secretary
– Scoutmaster
• Meetings
– Troop
– Committee
Troop Website
http://www.troop113centerportny.com:
• Troop news & information
• Troop calendar (with syncing)
• Resources, lists & guides
• Workbooks
• Maps
• Medical forms
• Permission slips
• Picture gallery
Home page
Troop Calendar
Resources, Resources, Resources!
Photo Gallery & Archive
ScoutBook
www.scoutbook.com:
• Web based service for tracking advancement and
progression through the Scouting program
• Calendar of events & RSVP functions
• Messaging, notifications and reminders of troop
activities & events
• Links to medical forms and pre-filled permission
slips
• FAQ forum
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Getting Started with ScoutBook
• Parents join ScoutBook via troop email invitation
• Applications must be processed in order to receive a
Scoutbook invitation
• Follow email link to activate account and access child’s profile
and Troop 113 information
• Navigate to the “edit profile” section in the Scout’s account
and:
– enter their date of Birth *
– scroll to the bottom and find the “Invite Scout to join ScoutBook”
– enter their email and they will get their own invite and login for
ScoutBook
* A correct DOB is required for synching ScoutBook data with official council records
ScoutBook (cont.)
• Your Child's Account:
– Tracks their rank advancement, merit badges and awards
– Hiking, camping & community service events can be entered and
tracked (important for rank requirements)
– Resource for merit badges, Scout oath, motto, etc.
• Troop 113 Information:
– Calendar of Events – permission slips can be printed from event
description page
– Reminders & RSVPs – RSVPing allows leadership to know who
is participating in upcoming events so they can plan accordingly
– Email from troop directly from ScoutBook
Meetings
• Troop Meetings
– When: Most Monday nights at 7:30 pm (see troop calendar)
– Where: Washington Drive Primary School (unless otherwise
specified)
– Who should attend: All Scouts, adult leaders, and parents
• Troop Committee Meetings
– When: 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:30 pm (see troop
calendar)
– Where: Harborfields Public Library (unless otherwise specified)
– Who should attend: All troop committee members and parents
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Troop 113 Information Roadmap
Most needed information regarding the troop and its
activities can be obtained as follows:
1. Look on ScoutBook
2. Check the Troop Website
3. Contact your Scout’s Patrol Leader
4. Consult with an adult leader
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You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
For questions regarding…
• Advancement, merit badges
and awards
• Troop events (meetings,
outings, etc.)
• Time challenges (e.g. sports
and other activities)
• Dietary restrictions
• Mental & physical disabilities
• Dues and event fees
• Financial hardship
Speak to…
• Scoutmaster, patrol leader
• Scoutmaster, patrol leader
• Scoutmaster, patrol leader
• Scoutmaster, patrol leader
• Scoutmaster, committee chair
• Treasurer, committee chair
• Committee chair
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Troop Finances
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Dues & Event Fees
• Dues ($160 per year) covers:
– BSA Scout registration
– Troop equipment
– Hats, neckerchiefs and slides
– Troop event expense reimbursement
• Troop event fees
– Registration fees
– Meals
– Transportation
– Other event expenses
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Fundraising
• Fundraising events:
– Applebee’s breakfast (yearly)
– Popcorn sales (yearly)
– Car washes (as needed for Eagle Scouts and special events)
– Car show (2019)
• Where do the proceeds go?
– Troop gear
– Dues waivers
– Troop event subsidization
– Court of Honor baskets
– Financial hardship assistance (for camp and troop events)
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Q & A
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