INTRODUCTION
This guide is written primarily for new Scouts and their parents; however, every member of Troop 835 should be familiar with its contents. These pages explain how a typical Boy Scout troop operates with information that is specific to Troop 835 and to Circle Ten Council. The information comes from a variety of sources including the Boy Scout Handbook and Scoutmaster Handbook. Every Scout and his parents should read this guide upon joining Troop 835.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Boy Scouts of America History *
Troop 835 History *
Charter Organization *
Joining Troop 835 *
Parents' Orientation *
Information Distribution *
Regular Troop Meetings j*
Dues and the Cost of Scouting *
Uniforms *
Books and Needed Materials *
Monthly Outings *
Campout Worship Service *
Campout Contraband *
Campout Behavior *
Equipment *
Advancement *
Merit Badges *
Summer Camp *
Departure & Return *
Merit Badges and Activities for Summer Camp *
Medical Forms *
Directions to Camp James Ray *
Summer Camp Adult Duties *
Community Service *
Service Hours Opportunities *
Scouting for Food *
Scout Sunday *
4th of July Parade *
Fall Festival *
Other Opportunities *
Eagle Projects *
Troop Leadership *
Patrols *
Senior Patrol Leader *
Patrol Leaders' Council *
Patrol Leader *
Other Scouting Activities *
Scout Show *
Advancement Day *
Merit Badge College *
Religious Emblems *
Order of the Arrow *
Oak Leaf Training *
Golden Acorn Junior Leader Training Conference *
BSA Lifeguard *
Hazing and Initiations *
Behavior, Conduct, Troop Rules *
Adult Volunteers *
Adult Training Opportunities *
Troop 835 Adult Leader Profiles *
The Scoutfitter *
Appendix A — Board of Review Preparation *
Appendix B — Procedure For Advancement *
Appendix C - Troop 835 Policies *
Knife Policy *
Two-Deep Adult Leadership and Transportation Policy *
Discipline Policy *
Appendix D — Scouting Expenses *
The founder of the scouting movement, Robert Baden-Powell, spent much of his life serving in the British Cavalry. He received his early military training in India and then served in Africa. At the turn of the century, he was an officer in the war between Britain and descendants of Dutch settlers, the Boers, in South Africa. He gained worldwide fame during the war defending the town of Mafeking against the force of Boer soldiers. He stood fast for 217 days until another British army group broke through the enemy lines and lifted the siege.
Baden-Powell came home to England as the best-known hero of the Boer War. He decided to use his fame to help British boys become better men. He based his ideas for a boy’s organization on his own experience as a youngster in England and as a soldier in India and Africa. In 1907, he invited a group of boys to attend the world’s first Boy Scout camp on the English island of Brownsea. The success of the camp led him to write a book he called Scouting for Boys. It was an instant best seller. Boys by the thousand bought it and decided to become Scouts. Scouting spread like wildfire throughout England and, before long, around the world.
One day in 1909 in London, England, an American visitor, William D. Boyce, lost his way in a dense fog. He stopped under a street lamp and tried to figure out where he was. A boy approached him and asked if he could be of help. "You certainly can," said Boyce. He told the boy that he wanted to find a certain business office in the center of the city. "I’ll take you there," said the boy.
When they arrived at their destination, Mr. Boyce reached into his pocket for a tip. But the boy stopped him. "No thank you, sir. I am a Scout. I won’t take anything for helping."
"A Scout? And what might that be?" asked Boyce. The boy told the American about himself and his brother Scouts. Boyce became very interested. After finishing his errand, he had the boy take him to the British Scouting office.
At the office, Boyce met Lord Bayden-Powell, the famous British general who had founded the Scouting movement in Great Britain. Boyce was so impressed with what he learned that he decided to bring Scouting home with him.
On February 8, 1910, Boyce and a group of outstanding leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America.
Troop 835 was organized and chartered in 1968 to Schreiber Memorial United Methodist Church. Cub Scout Pack 835 had been formed at Gooch Elementary School. When those boys reached 11 years of age, there was no local scout troop for them to join. The church was approached to start a troop. The church agreed to charter Troop 835 and so several men form the church helped organize the troop.
For over 30 years, the unit, being a strong troop since its inception, has camped on a monthly basis, participated in the Scout Show, gone to winter and summer camp, and had High Adventure trips to Philmont, Yellowstone, Colorado, Grand Canyon, Missouri and the 2005 National Boy Scout Jamboree.
The unit is a true neighborhood troop as members attend about 10 different schools, belong to several different churches, and live in several different zip codes. However, the troop members are all bound by the desire to have a fun and meaningful scouting experience.
Twelve men have served as Scoutmaster over the past 30+ years and have provided hours of dedicated service to make a program for not only their sons but for 88 boys who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The troop believes that every boy has the potential of being an Eagle.
Troop 835 is a boy-led and Quality Unit award troop and currently enlists assistance from the Scoutmaster and a number of Assistant Scoutmasters. We have approximately 30 active members ages 11 to 18. The troop prides itself in monthly campouts and has a well-equipped troop trailer.
CHARTER ORGANIZATION
Troop 835 is sponsored by Schreiber Memorial United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas and is open to all eligible boys regardless of race, religion, national origin, or where they attend school. Schreiber provides us with a meeting place and storage room for some troop items. In return, each Scout is expected to assist in planned service projects that benefit the community as a whole and our sponsor in particular such as distributing flyers for the church, performing some landscaping, assisting in the church fall festival, participating in Scout Sunday, and helping the church in any way the scouts can be of service.
Selecting a Boy Scout troop to join is an individual decision for each family. Every troop is different in the kinds of activities they schedule and in their personalities. You should choose the troop that you feel will best meet your needs. In selecting a troop, you should consider the following factors:
– Are the troop activities the kind that you would enjoy?
– How do the Scouts interact with each other?
– How do the older Scouts interact with the younger Scouts?
– Are there older Scouts active in the troop? (This indicates if the troop's program is exciting and interesting for a variety of ages.)
– Is the troop "boy led" or is it led by the adults? (The best answer is the troop is "boy led".)
– Are you comfortable with the adult leaders in the troop?
– Are the adult leaders trained, do they follow BSA policy, and do they welcome input and participation by all parents?
In practice, the decision of which troop to join usually comes down to two factors: convenience of the weekly troop meetings (meeting night and location) and which troop a boy's best friends are in.
A Scout does have the freedom to transfer to another troop if, for any reason, he changes his mind after joining a troop. When comparing troops it is not too important how large a troop is, or how many Eagle Scouts it has, or how many high-adventure trips they go on. The measure of a successful troop is how well it meets the three aims of Scouting: encouraging participatory citizenship, building strong moral character, and helping boys to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. In other words, do boys leave the troop a better person than they were when they joined? With so many troops in North Dallas, it may seem like a huge task to choose just the right one. Fortunately, all of the troops in the North Dallas area are excellent and any one of them would be a good choice.
A parent or guardian should accompany you to a troop meeting at the time you decide to join Troop 835. One of the adult leaders will visit with you and your parents to explain Troop 835's program and procedures. You should receive the following materials and forms:
• Boy Scout Application
• Troop Roster
• Troop Schedule
At the next meeting you should return the completed Boy Scout application along with the annual dues in the range of $90 - $100 (See Troop Treasurer for exact fee). This fee covers your registration with the Boy Scouts of America and a subscription to Boys' Life magazine, merit and rank badges, scout handbook, red shoulder loops, neckerchief and tie slide, Troop 835 T-shirt, insurance, troop equipment and supplies. See Appendix D for more information on Scout expenses. Please contact either the Scoutmaster or the Committee Treasurer if the annual dues present a financial burden.
If you are transferring from either Webelos or another troop, please include your existing membership information (Cub Scout Pack No. or rank and merit badge cards.) with your application. If you are a new Boy Scout, review the joining requirements found on page 4 of your Boy Scout Handbook. Before you return the above forms, you should complete requirement 9: With your parent or guardian, read and review the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide which is found inside the front cover of your Boy Scout Handbook.
Anytime Webelos and their parents want to visit Troop 835, the troop leaders will try to answer the following questions and address any of your concerns not listed here.
– What are the troop's expectations for Scouts and for their parents?
– What will a Webelos Scout have to do differently once he is a Boy Scout?
– What will a Scout's parents have to do differently once he is a Boy Scout?
– What is the parents' role and involvement in their son's Scouting career and his troop?
– What is the cost of Scouting and how does the troop finance it?
– What books, uniforms, camping equipment, and camping clothing are needed now and in the future?
– When and where will the troop go to summer camp? What preparations are needed for going to summer camp?
The most current information, announcements, and schedules for Troop 835 can be found on the Internet at: http://www.troop835.com
Important announcements are frequently distributed to the troop. The scout should ensure that his parents receive all announcements handed out at scout meetings.
An annual calendar is produced after the annual boy-run program planning conference in late August. Copies of this calendar are available on the web site or by asking the scout master for a copy.
The site map for www.scouting.org/index.html will allow you to locate a vast amount of Scouting information.
Troop meetings: Monday evenings, 7:30 to 9:00
Troop committee meetings: As needed; usually quarterly
Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings: As needed with Scoutmaster; usually monthly
Meetings are held at:
Schreiber Memorial United Methodist Church
4525 Rickover Drive (located next to W.T. White High School)
Entrance to the church parking lot is off Schreiber, Rickover or Twin Post
MAP
Weekly troop meetings are held year round except during summer camp, Monday holidays and during the Christmas season. Scouts in Troop 835 come from so many different schools that it is not practical to cancel meetings during each spring break or other school vacations. Please check the monthly calendar for all meetings.
As a member of Troop 835, regular meeting attendance is expected. We encourage Scouts to be active in church, school, and extra curricular activities. Some Scouts in the troop "take a break" from Scouting during one sport season or another and then return when the season is over. We do not penalize Scouts who miss meetings or outings due to sports or other extra curricular activities. However, if you miss a lot of meetings and troop activities, it will be difficult to maintain steady advancement progress.
In order that the Troop avoid the burden of fund raising efforts, the troop relies on annual dues of $90 to $100 per Scout to draw from for Troop expenses. See Appendix D for further breakdown of Troop expenditures and Scout expenses.
The Troop Committee recognizes that Scouting has become expensive and can be a strain on a household budget. No Scout should be prevented from participating for financial reasons. Financial assistance is available for any Scout who is unable to be fully involved in Scouts due to financial difficulty. Please contact either the Scoutmaster or the Committee Treasurer.
Many Troop activities involve expenses for meals and sometimes registration or camping fees. For each outing, the troop collects an activity fee from each participating Scout and Scouter. Activity fees pay the total cost of the event. The Scoutmaster and Event Coordinator determine the activity fee for each event. The cost of summer camp and high adventure trips are paid in full by the Scout. Scouts should consider earning and saving for a portion of his Scouting expenses.
UNIFORMS
Your Scout uniform (p. 12 - 13, Boy Scout Handbook) is to be worn while traveling to, traveling from, and during all Troop functions and Scout sponsored activities. You are, therefore, expected to own a uniform and to wear it. Uniforms can be purchased at the Scout Fitter, located at 8605 Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas. "Gently used" uniforms are available in the storage closet at the church. The Scoutmaster has the keys to the closet. You may also donate "gently used" uniforms to the troop.
As part of your field uniform described in your Boy Scout Handbook, the Troop 835 neckerchief is the standard plain red neckerchief with the gold border and BSA emblem. Your patrol will vote on a name and select a patrol patch for everyone to wear. The Arrow of Light patch is the only Cub Scout rank that can be worn on the Boy Scout shirt. New Quality Unit patches will be issued by the troop. Red shoulder loops are worn. The Circle Ten Council shoulder patch and "835" should be attached to the left sleeve. The troop number should touch the council shoulder patch. The Veteran Bar for 25 years can also be worn since the Troop has been in existence since 1968. Each time a rank is attained, you will need to determine how it is to be adhered to the pocket since the previous rank patch is removed each time a new rank is earned. A merit badge sash is worn only on formal occasions such as Courts of Honor. The short sleeved shirt is more flexible. Long sleeve shirts or T-shirts may be worn under the Scout shirt for added warmth.
For some events involving a lot of physical activity and during the summer months, the Senior Patrol Leader may designate that the troop T-shirt can be substituted for the Scout shirt. This is known as "the activity uniform" or the "Class B" uniform. The Troop 835 T-shirt is given to all scouts who join the troop. A well prepared Scout should also have his Boy Scout Handbook and a notebook and pen or pencil at all functions. You should consider these items as part of the uniform.
Once the Troop arrives at a camp site, you may find it more practical to change out of your uniform and into clothing more suitable for outdoor activities. You should use your own judgment about what clothing is appropriate for the weather and conditions.
If you have any questions about the uniform or patch placement, refer to the inside of the Boy Scout Handbook and the uniform inspection form available from the Scoutfitter.
The scoutmaster will give you the 11th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook .when you join Troop 835. Put your name in your book as soon as you receive it! The handbook contains most of the information you will need to advance in rank along with important information about how a Boy Scout troop functions, what you will need to be prepared to go camping and hiking. Bring your Handbook with you to every troop meeting and on every campout. Start reading your Handbook right away. You should become familiar with its contents and you should stay aware of what you need to do next to advance in rank.
The Boy Scout Requirements book is essential to all scouts and scouters. It lists all the ranks, awards and merit badges and their specific requirements as well as a good list of guidelines in the section Introduction to Merit Badges.
From time to time you will also need to purchase merit badge pamphlets. Each of the 100 plus merit badges has its own pamphlet that contains not only the requirements for the badge, but also the information you will need to complete the requirements. Any time you are working on a merit badge, you should have the current merit badge pamphlet. These books are updated often, so check the back cover of this year's Boy Scout Requirements Book for a list of the latest revision dates for each of the merit badge pamphlets. The troop library has a limited number of merit badge pamphlets available for loan. See the Scoutmaster or Troop Librarian to borrow something from the library. If you purchase your own copy of a merit badge pamphlet, please consider donating it to the troop library when you are finished with it.
"Outings" are a major part of Scouting. Camping, hiking, canoeing, and all kinds of outdoor activities is an important method for achieving the three aims of Scouting. Outdoor activities are the central part of the fun of Scouting and are a major source of advancement opportunities. Troop 835 schedules some sort of outing every month of the year. We have fun outdoors regardless of what the weather conditions may be. We certainly learn more and gain greater confidence when we are camping during "adverse" weather.
You will advance faster and become more proficient in your Scout skills if you participate regularly in troop outings. The more outings you attend, the more you will enjoy Scouting. A preliminary schedule of activities is published in the troop’s annual calendar and on the website. Adjustments are made to some of the details, locations, and dates as the year progresses. Final details and permission slips are distributed at troop meetings a few weeks prior to the scheduled outing. The permission slip will detail the schedule, the activity fee, food plan, special clothing and equipment requirements, and emergency contact information. The permission slip will ask for all phone numbers from where you may be reached while your son is away. Please contact the scout master with any questions regarding the campout
Your permission slip and activity fee should be given to the Scout Master or a designated adult leader at the Monday meeting prior to the campout in order to get an accurate headcount. The activity fee covers food, lodging, admissions, and participation costs. The activity fee may be paid in cash or by check and is usually from $20 to $80. On the Monday meeting prior to the campout, the patrols plan their meals and decide who will purchase the food. At the latest, the activity fee must be paid before the troop departs the parking lot.
For the summer one-week high adventure trip, the cost averages around $300 to $500.
You are expected to travel to and from outings in your full activity uniform and to remain in uniform whenever we are in public. The Senior Patrol Leader will inform the Scouts when there is an exception to this guideline.
Many of the troop's outings are in a wilderness setting. To preserve the wilderness experience and for our safety, do not bring extra food or electronics along on our outings.
Scouts cook and tent with their Patrol. Parents are strongly encouraged not to tent with their sons on campouts. Having the boys work and bond as a patrol unit is an essential element in the program. No boy may tent with an adult other than his parent.
Parents are invited to attend all outings.
Campout Worship Service
"A scout is reverent". Every Troop 835 campout has a brief Sunday morning worship service. These services emphasize the beauty of God’s creation. Full "Class A" uniform is worn to the Campout Worship Service.
Campout Contraband
The "Totin’ Chip" is required to carry a pocket knife. The following items cannot be brought to any Troop 835 Campout. They will be confiscated by an adult leader and returned to the scout’s parents, not to the scout, after the troop returns to the church.
– Fireworks or firearms, ammunition, or archery equipment
– Sheath knives, long bladed pocket knives or axes
– Tobacco or illegal drugs (prescription drugs must be itemized on the permission slip and will be put in the care of the Scout Master)
– Alcoholic beverages
– Inappropriate literature or magazines
– Radios, tape players, CD players, electronic games or other electronic equipment (long commutes over 3 to 4 hours may waive this restriction)
– Aerosol cans of any kind Including insect repellant
Campout Behavior
Campouts require the cooperation and positive participation of every Scout/Scouter. Disruptive behavior is incompatible with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Scoutmaster may withdraw the privilege of camping with the Troop from any Scout who disrupts a campout. On all outings, the following is expected of all scouts:
– Respect the driver and passengers with whom you are carpooling.
– Respect the Scoutmaster and adult leaders who are guiding your way.
– Respect your fellow Scouts and their belongings.
The following behavior may result in disciplinary action (parent may be called to remove the boy from the event). Privileges must be "earned" back by demonstrating the Scout Oath and Scout Law over a period of time in a way to be determined by the adult leadership:
– Disrespect towards any Scout or adult leader including inappropriate language
– Intentional misuse of any equipment, tools, or gear
– Any action that may endanger your safety or the safety of any Scout or adult leader
– Use of tobacco, alcoholic beverage, or illegal drugs
– Entering a vehicle, boat, or any other mode of transportation with a person that is not traveling with the troop is expressly forbidden. While traveling in vehicles, seat belts must be worn at all times.
Proper equipment and clothing are essential for safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. Some equipment is owned and maintained by the troop and stored in the troop trailer. This usually includes equipment that must be shared such as cooking equipment. Troop equipment is assigned to individual patrols. The patrols are responsible for the care of the equipment and bringing the appropriate equipment for each outing. The patrols work with the troop quartermaster when troop equipment needs servicing or replacing. Each individual Scout is expected to provide his own tent, personal equipment and clothing. The list of suggested equipment and clothing is found on pages 224 and 225 of your Boy Scout Handbook. It is not necessary to purchase the best or most expensive camping equipment and clothing. However, the cheapest equipment may last for only one outing and will not be a bargain.
Tents (p. 238 - 239, Boy Scout Handbook) Each boy is asked to provide his own tent. If a boy does not have access to a tent, he should check with the scout master to either borrow or share with a boy from his patrol who does have a tent. The boys are encouraged to share with other scouts who do not own tents. If a tent purchase is being made, consider purchasing a tent designed to be carried while backpacking (light weight) as the boys have many opportunities on outings to "backpack in" carrying their tents on their packs.
Backpacks (p. 228 - 231, Boy Scout Handbook) It is not necessary for a new Scout in Troop 835 to own his own backpack. On most monthly campouts a simple duffel bag or gym bag will suffice. When the time comes for a Scout to go on his first backpacking trip, he should borrow a backpack and see how he likes backpacking. A backpack is an expense that a new Scout can put off until later. Some sporting goods stores lease backpacks.
A Scout's first backpack should be an external frame that is adjustable to accommodate the growth in the early years. Many manufacturers offer adjustable "youth" models. Do not buy a large backpack to "grow into". An ill fitting backpack can cause a lot of discomfort and result in a miserable hiking experience. A rear loading pack is easier to pack than a top loading pack. A capacity of 2000 to 3000 cubic inches is sufficient for a beginning pack.
Personal Clothing (p. 202 - 205, Boy Scout Handbook)
Sleeping system (p. 240 - 241, Boy Scout Handbook) In Texas, any type of sleeping bag will suffice for most weather from March through November. If it becomes very cold during that time, a sleeping bag can be supplemented by folding a blanket in thirds and inserting it into the sleeping bag. A stocking hat may also be needed for very cold weather. If you already have a sleeping bag, use it. You should not need to replace it. If you are going to purchase a sleeping bag then go with a stuffable mummy or semi-mummy bag with a drawstring hood, synthetic insulation, and nylon outer covering. Get a stuff sack when purchasing the bag. Lightweight sleeping bags are best for backpacking.
A ground pad is an important part of a sleeping system. The pad is important for more than just your comfort. The pad provides vital insulation between you and the ground. A half inch thick closed cell foam pad is the least expensive and most durable choice. Self-inflating insulating foam sleeping pads are more comfortable and much more expensive. Avoid foam rubber or other open cell foam pads because they soak up water and do not insulate well. Avoid a simple inflatable vinyl air mattress like you would use in a swimming pool because it has no insulating value.
Rain Gear (p. 206, Boy Scout Handbook) Staying dry is important to staying warm. A Scout does not need an expensive, high-tech rain suit. There are inexpensive rain suits available. Poncho’s are not recommended.
Foot Gear (p. 200 - 201, Boy Scout Handbook) In good weather you may get by wearing athletic shoes on a campout. However, a waterproof hiking boot will stand up better to the rain, mud, and other conditions encountered on a campout and will protect your feet better than an ordinary athletic shoe. Under some weather conditions, an ordinary athletic shoe may be a serious health risk.
Advancement is an important part of Scouting. It is a measure of your growth and progress. Each Scout should keep his own personal advancement record in his Boy Scout Handbook (p. 438 - 449). You should also record your service hours/dates, campouts, troop activities, and leadership positions in your Handbook. The troop also keeps advancement records on each Scout. Your Boy Scout Handbook identifies all rank advancement requirements. Information on merit badge requirements is found in the appropriate merit badge pamphlets. In crossing over Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, you will note a significant difference in the standards for rank advancement. In Cub Scouts the standard was to "Do Your Best". In Boy Scouts you are expected to complete the stated requirements and satisfy the standards of each rank and merit badge. Sometimes you may find that you must work hard and grow beyond your current capabilities to obtain your goals.
You should work on your advancement with your parents, your fellow Scouts and your Scout leaders. You should work on your advancement on your own, in your patrol meetings, during Troop meetings, and during other Troop functions such as campouts. Scout skills can not be mastered by performing them just once. Expect to practice them repeatedly, even after a skill has been "signed-off". After mastering a skill on your own, with your parents, or in school, sign off may only come from the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster. Expect to demonstrate the skill(s) of the requirement.
There is a greater variety of experiences available to Scouts that are First Class in rank or higher. While you may work on any merit badge (p. 184 - 193, Boy Scout Handbook) at any time, you should concentrate on achieving the rank of First Class before devoting a lot of time working on merit badges.
Each Scout should meet regularly with the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference (p. 60, 109, 165, 175, Boy Scout Handbook). This conference is used to discuss your goals and accomplishments and is required to achieve each rank advancement. Upon successful completion of the Scoutmaster conference, the Scoutmaster will ask the Advancement Chairman to schedule your Board of Review for an upcoming scout meeting. You do not have to wait until you have completed the requirements for another rank before asking for a Scoutmaster conference. You may talk with the Scoutmaster at any time.
A Board of Review (p. 61, 175 - 176, Boy Scout Handbook) is a requirement for each rank advancement. The Board consists of two to four registered members of the Troop Committee but can not include the Scoutmaster or your parents. You need to have your Boy Scout Handbook ensuring that all rank requirements have been completed and signed off by a leader and be in full Class A uniform to appear before a Board of Review. In addition, you should bring any items that might be necessary to demonstrate the requirements for the current rank. At the beginning of the review, introduce yourself to the Board. You may be asked to stand before the Board and recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law. After this introduction you will be invited to be seated. During the review, the board will discuss your development along your trail to Eagle, quiz you on skills that were required for your particular rank, and evaluate you in terms of troop activities and worthiness for the next rank including how you live the Scout Oath and Scout Law. It is also a time for you to give feedback to the Board on activities and the Scouting experience in Troop 835. At the end of the review you will be asked to leave the room while the board discusses your qualifications. The board will then call you back into the room and inform you either that you qualify for the next rank or what additional actions you must take to qualify. Do not expect to pass every Board of Review the first time. Troop 835 wants you to realize that you must truly earn your ranks before they are awarded. See Appendix A and B for details.
Each Scout should be reviewed every year whether you are ready to advance in rank or not. This helps the adult leaders monitor Scouts that are advancing and those that are not and to offer appropriate encouragement and guidance.
Following a successful Board of Review, the new rank badges are awarded to the Scouts at that or the next scout meeting. Formal recognition of advancements and merit badges are made in front of family and friends during a ceremony at a Court of Honor (p. 176, Boy Scout Handbook). Troop 835 schedules two Courts of Honor each year. Your family should attend both Courts of Honor as this is a family event. Friends are also welcome. You should keep track of any documentation (Merit Badge and Rank cards) issued to you as they may be necessary to advance to the next rank. A plastic sleeve protector (used for baseball cards) is a good way of keeping up with the cards.
After attaining the rank of Life Scout, you will meet with one of the adult leaders in the troop and receive your Life to Eagle Pamphlet. This meeting is to discuss ideas and suggestions for your Eagle Service Project (p. 173, Boy Scout Handbook). Special guidelines have been outlined by BSA for this project. Your Eagle Service Project must conform to these guidelines. Your Scoutmaster, Troop Advancement Chairman, and North District Advancement Chairman must approve your project before your project begins. The Eagle Court of Honor is held for each Eagle candidate when he has completed his Trail to Eagle. Eagle Courts are separate from the regular Troop Court of Honor. Eagle Courts involve an impressive ceremony that emphasizes the lessons learned on the Trail to Eagle. Support the Scouts of Troop 835 who have achieved this highest rank by being present at their Eagle Courts. Families take an active role in planning the ceremony for their Eagle Scout.
The Boy Scout merit badge program is an excellent way for Scouts to learn important Scout skills in more depth and to explore many different careers and hobbies. A Scout may even select a career or life long hobby based on his experience with the merit badge program. The program also gives the Scout the opportunity to learn an important life skill: to make an appointment with a merit badge counselor whom he may not know.
The procedure for earning and receiving merit badges can be found in the Boy Scout Requirements book. It is beneficial if the Scout has a "Buddy" to work with on the same merit badge. Scouts may work on merit badges at any time. Merit badges are not required to advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Therefore, until a Scout has completed First Class, his time is better spent focusing on the requirements of the first three ranks rather than earning lots of merit badges. A certain number of merit badges must be earned for the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle. (p. 188-189, Boy Scout Handbook).
Many merit badges are earned at summer camp. A few weeks prior to summer camp, all Scouts going to summer camp will consult with the Scoutmaster and select which merit badges they wish to work on during camp. First year Scouts should select no more than two or three merit badges. There will be a list of prerequisites for each merit badge. It is the Scout's responsibility to obtain the merit badge pamphlet, read it, and to complete the prerequisites prior to camp.
If a Scout does not complete a merit badge with the counselor that he starts with (such as completing only part of the requirements during summer camp), the Scout has until his 18th birthday to complete the merit badge with another counselor. The Scout must still ask the Scoutmaster for the name of another counselor. In all cases, the final counselor who signs the completed merit badge application has the obligation to ensure that the Scout has properly completed the merit badge. It is up to the counselor how much work with a prior counselor will be accepted.
All parents in the troop probably have hobbies, professions, or interests that correspond to one or more of the merit badges. Parents are encouraged to share their expertise and enthusiasm for a subject by being a merit badge counselor. A merit badge counselor coaches and helps Scouts with the requirements of a specific merit badge and helps the Scouts become aware of the deeper aspects of the subject. Only registered merit badge counselors may sign the merit badge application card. To become a merit badge counselor, contact the troop Advancement Chairman for the information and registration forms for free training. Merit Badge Counselor Training is available at least once a year.
Summer and winter camp can be the highlight of the year for many Scouts. Every Scout should plan on attending summer camp. Troop 835 usually goes to summer camp at Camp James Ray on Lake Texoma in mid June, shortly after school is out. The cost of summer camp is approximately $175, the cost of winter camp is approximately $100, and both should be paid in full to obtain the early registration cost.
Scouts will need to bring the following equipment and supplies (Please label ALL items):
– Complete Scout uniform to be worn during evening meals and campfires. This includes Scout shirt, troop neckerchief, pants/shorts, socks, and belt.
– Shirts, shorts, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants for five to seven days
– Underwear and socks for five to seven days
– Hiking boots and/or athletic shoes. Shoes and socks (no open-toed shoes) are necessary for every day walking to various areas. Sandals, aqua socks, and wearing shoes without socks will cause severe blisters and are NOT appropriate for daily wear.
– Shoes that can be worn in the water if planning any boating merit badges
– Cot, sleeping bag or blankets and small pillow
– Mosquito netting
– Toilet kit or bucket (toothbrush, towel, wash cloth, soap, comb, etc.)
– Notebook, pencil or pen, Boy Scout Handbook, appropriate merit badge pamphlets
– Sun screen, sun glasses, hat, even at winter camp
– Water bottle or canteen
– Drinking cup for water throughout the day
– Insect repellent. NO aerosol sprays
– Flashlight with extra batteries
– Pocket knife only if Totin' Chip card has been earned
– Compass
– First aid kit
– Camera
– Swim suit, towel, and beach shoes. Wear swim trunks under uniform because the swim test will be one of the first events on Sunday at summer camp
– Rain gear
– Positive attitude, smile, and enthusiasm
$5-$10 spending money. A little more if a merit badge requires supplies; i.e. leatherworking, basketry (More money than this tends to be wasted or lost)
Scouts should NOT bring their own boats, weapons or ammunition, bows, arrows, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, fireworks, valuables, noise makers, electronics of any kind (radios, games, CD players, cell phones, etc.), food, or pets. NO aerosol sprays, they destroy the water proofing of the tents and are flammable.
Departure & Return
Summer Camp at Camp Constantin/Winter Camp at Camp Misenbach
We will meet at the church on Sunday morning to leave for camp. If you are available to drive either to or from camp, please speak with the Scoutmaster.
– Scouts must be in complete uniform
– Bring a sack lunch or snack
– Each Scout should check in for a final check list
– All medication must be given to the Scoutmaster at this time with detailed written instructions as to how the medicine is to be administered
– At the campsite, Scouts will change into swim trunks and the entire troop will head to the pool for a swim test
– We will return to the church on Saturday around noon.
Merit Badges and Activities for Summer and Winter Camp
The merit badge list available a few weeks prior to camp. Sign up as soon as it is available to ensure that you get to work on the merit badges of your choice.
Medical Forms
Everyone who goes camping with Troop 835 must have a Personal Health and Medical Record on file so that proper treatment can be made in the case of accident or injury.
There are three classes of medical records. Class 1 and Class 2 are printed on the same form (Form 34414). Class 1 is a Personal Health and Medical History. This section must be updated by a parent or guardian annually. The Class 1 section covers the bottom front and top half of the back of Form 34414. Class 2 is a Medical Evaluation and requires a physical examination within the past 36 months and a doctor's signature. Form 34414 is only to be used by individuals under the age of 40.
Class 3 is Personal Health and Medical Record (Form 33412) and requires a physical examination and a doctor's signature. This form must be updated annually for individuals over 40 and is used by all individuals on high adventure trips, regardless of age.
Restrictions
At summer and winter camp, the Scout Oath and Scout Law are our guiding principles. We expect each leader to provide the guidance within the troop to follow these principles, the policies of Camp James Ray, the Circle Ten Council, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Firearm Restriction: Camp will provide rifles, shotguns, bows, arrows, and ammunition at the shooting sport ranges. Under NO circumstances should ammunition or weapons be brought into camp.
Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs: Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not permitted in Scout Camp. Possession or use of them on camp property will be cause for removal from camp.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated areas for leaders only. The goal of this policy is to keep smoking away from scouts.
Vehicles: Vehicles are not permitted in campsites. Vehicles should be parked in the main parking lot. One vehicle will be allowed to deliver and remove troop and personal gear at check-in and check-out.
Personal Items – Label All Items: The camp nor the troop is responsible for lost or stolen items. If such an unfortunate event occurs it is recommended that a police report be filed for insurance purposes if the missing item is of significant value.
Fuel: All fuels must be stored and locked in the troop trailer.
Youth Protection: We adhere to all youth protection provisions of the Boy Scouts of America. Two-deep leadership is required at all times.
Medication: All prescription medications must be stored at the Health Lodge in its original container. Inhalers, EPI pens and heart medications will be kept by the Scout or a troop leader at the discretion of the Health Officer. Over the counter medications will not be allowed in camp unless they are prescribed by a physician.
Visitors: All visitors should check in with the camp office except for Friday family night.
Leaving Camp: If you plan to leave camp during the week, please sign out and then sign back in at the camp office.
Pets: Pets are not permitted in camp.
Life at Camp
Scouts may choose to bring money to camp to be spent at the Trading Post. $5 to $10 should be sufficient. The Scoutmaster will have a lock box for safe keeping all money or other valuables. Both he and one of the assistant Scoutmasters will have a key to the box. The scout should put his money in a ziplock bag with his name on it for easy identification. If a scout chooses to keep his own money, the troop leadership is not responsible for lost or stolen money.
The Trading Post has a full selection of souvenirs, Scouting items and small uniform items such as Scout socks, belts, hats, and supplies for the various merit badges. Please do not plan on spending a lot of money on snacks at the Trading Post.
Homesickness is a natural part of growing up. The only question is when and how severe you will first experience homesickness. Therefore, do not be embarrassed if you feel sad and miss your parents. Talk with one of the adult volunteers. They may be able to help. The best solution for homesickness is lots of fun and activities. If you miss your parents, write them a letter.
It a parent has an urgent need to speak with a scout or an adult leader, call the camp office. Leave your number and the message. You will receive the return call most likely around camp meal time. Cell phones may not work at camp.
Parents can help with homesickness by sending encouraging letters to camp and by setting expectations that their son will have fun and will remain in camp for the entire week. If your son does call home due to homesickness, please encourage him to remain at camp and do not agree to come and get him. Parents may send letters to camp with the leaders on departure day. If you mail your son letters or packages, please do NOT send food items. Raccoons are a constant problem and there is no safe place to secure food in camp.
Scouts are expected to travel to camp with the troop, to stay the entire week, and to travel home with the troop. If your son arrives at a later time he will miss part of scheduled program and advancement activities while we try to reschedule his check-in. Camp can be very busy with advancement activities and just plain fun. Scouts may miss out on significant portions of the camp experience and may fail to complete merit badge classes if they leave camp during the week. Do not try to fit in ball games or other activities during the week. After all, it is a four hour round trip to camp.
There is a lot more to camp than just advancement and merit badges. First year campers should leave plenty of free time for fun stuff like open shooting at the rifle and archery ranges, open swimming, open boating, and just enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.
Parents are welcome to visit camp at any time. With the exception of the Friday evening Family Night portion of the camp, all visitors must check in at the camp office upon arrival and departure. This includes adult volunteers who arrive or depart during the week. On Friday evening, visitors may stay for the evening meal. Cost is $5 - 10 per person. Please inform the Scoutmaster on the Sunday of departure for camp if you plan to attend the dinner so he can inform the kitchen staff of the additional meals. You may also leave word for the scoutmaster during the week and then pay him when you arrive.
All Scouts are expected to stay in camp the entire week. Anyone departing camp before Saturday morning (adult or Scouts) must check out with the Scoutmaster. If a parent visits during the closing campfire on Friday evening or otherwise is departing camp near the end of the week, encourage your son to stay and help his patrol break camp on Saturday and travel home with the troop. On Saturday morning, results of advancement work are distributed to the Scoutmasters. It is easier to verify the accuracy of these reports if all of the Scouts are still in camp. That way, errors can be corrected before we depart. Once we leave camp, it is difficult to track down the counselors and make corrections.
Summer and Winter Camp Adult Duties
Every troop is required to have a minimum of two adults. These adults must be in camp at all times. Do not plan to leave camp during the day or night to run errands during the time that you have volunteered to help. If you volunteer to help at camp but cannot stay the entire week, the troop will try to match you up with other volunteers to share the days to cover one of the required leadership roles. Please coordinate your arrival and departure with your replacement so that the troop is adequately covered at all times. As an adult volunteer, you are encouraged to serve the entire troop and to not just spend all of your time with your own son. Encourage your son to spend time with his friends and his patrol. Encourage him to work, play, sleep, and eat with his patrol. Parents must try not to disrupt the patrol method or interfere with opportunities for growth in self-reliance. The following is a list of suggested "duties" for all adults, both volunteer leaders and visiting parents, while in camp.
– Wander around to each of the program areas and merit badge classes and check up on the quality of the program and the quality of performance of the camp staff.
– Hang around the campsite. Work with any Scout there on rank advancement, merit badge homework, or Scout skills. Not all Scouts have every hour scheduled. There will be plenty of time to better get to know each Scout and teach him one on one.
– Make sure the Scouts get to their scheduled activities and classes.
– Keep track of the schedule of medications and make sure the Scouts take their medicine at meal times.
– Be a friend to each Scout. Encourage him to take full advantage of the fun and beauty of camp - not just the merit badge program. Take them to open shooting or open swimming and boating. This will help keep homesickness in check.
– Coach the junior leaders of the troop to oversee the daily duty roster and get the hoppers to the Dining Hall on time and the latrine cleaned daily.
– Your own enthusiasm gets the boys excited about getting up and going each day.
– Help calm the boys each night and prepare them for lights out with some thoughtful reflection. We will have some "inspirational" time each night as part of our routine of establishing when it's time to be quiet and get ready for bed.
– Keep an eye out for "teaching opportunities" to reflect on the Scout Oath and Scout Law and how it applies to the behavior of the moment.
– Encourage the boys to write home and to write our charter organization to thank them for sponsoring our troop. The Scoutmaster will have stamps and writing "stuff".
– Respond to conflicts, injuries, homesickness, forgotten/lost/broken items.
– Encourage and praise the Scouts. Keep their spirits and enthusiasm high.
– Encourage and praise the STAFF.
– Keep the "bank" secure. There will be a locked box in the Scoutmaster's tent for valuables and money. Two adults have the key to the lock. That way we do not have to worry when everyone is out of the campsite at the same time.
– Discourage the boys from filling up on junk and sugar from the trading post.
– Take advantage of the many training opportunities while at camp. Complete the classes on Youth Protection, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, etc.
– Watch for personal items "lying around" that may end up being reported as missing.
– Ensure that our scouts stay out of other campsites unless they have specifically been invited and if invited, to respect the campsites and equipment of other troops.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Boy Scout Slogan:
Do A Good Turn Daily
Boy Scout Oath:
. . . To help other people at all times; . . .
Every Scout is expected to perform acts of charity and kindness and to develop a life long habit of community service and helpfulness towards his neighbor. Many Scouting awards and most of the ranks in Boy Scouts have a requirement to perform a certain number of service hours. An hour of service may be giving your time to our charter organization, your community, or for a neighbor. For the purpose of rank advancement, Scouts may count service hours performed to meet requirements from their school and church. However, work which directly benefits the Scout himself, his troop, or the Boy Scouts of America, does not usually count towards rank advancement.
Scouts should seek out opportunities for performing community service and they should participate in the community service projects which are scheduled by the troop.
SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITIES
Scouting for Food. A scouting activity that collects food for food banks in the North Texas area.
Scout Sunday. Each year Troop 835 prepare a pancake breakfast for church members on Scout Sunday.
4th of July Parade. Troop 835 is invited to participate in the Glen Cove Neighborhood 4th of July Parade and to lead in the presentation of the colors.
Fall Festival. Each year Schreiber Memorial United Methodist conducts a Fall Festival. Scouts are needed on the scheduled Saturday to assist in the festival.
Other Opportunities. Occasionally the church will ask the Troop to participate in spruce up activities around the church grounds or playground.
Eagle Projects. Scouts working on Eagle projects will ask for volunteers to assist in "crewing" for the project.
BSA is a unique organization in that the Scouts are responsible for planning and running most of the activities. The adult volunteers are there to provide advice, leadership training, and administrative support. When a Scout has a question or concern about the troop, he should first go to the junior leadership rather than to the adult volunteers. In addition to your Boy Scout Handbook, more information on leadership and various junior leaders in a troop can be found in the Boy Scout Junior Leader Handbook.
Patrols. As a member of Troop 835 you will be a member of a patrol (p. 16 - 23, Boy Scout Handbook). Within each patrol, the Scouts elect a Patrol Leader who then appoints the other positions within the patrol. Your patrol should have its own flag. Each patrol flag must include the patrol name. Your patrol flag may also include such items as "Troop 835", "Dallas, TX", "Schreiber", names of individual patrol members or the Scoutmaster. The patrol flags must also be smaller than half the size of the Troop flag. New and young Scouts will be assigned to a new or existing patrol (p. 18, Boy Scout Handbook).
Senior Patrol Leader. The person in charge of the troop is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) (p. 26, Boy Scout Handbook). He is elected to this office by all of the Scouts in the troop. Nominations are accepted during the troop meeting preceding the election. After consulting with the Scoutmaster, the SPL appoints an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL). Other troop leadership positions (p. 172, Boy Scout Handbook) appointed by the SPL include Quartermaster, Scribe, Troop Historian, Librarian, and Order of the Arrow Troop Representative. A Scout must be active in the Troop and be at least First Class in rank in order to be nominated for Senior Patrol Leader.
Patrol Leaders' Council. All of the Patrol Leaders make up the governing body of the troop called the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) (p. 24, Boy Scout Handbook) which is headed by the Senior Patrol Leader. The PLC conducts a troop program planning conference in August to outline the troop activities for the coming year. The PLC meets monthly to take this outline and plan the details of troop meetings and outings for the coming month.
Patrol Leader. Patrol Leaders are the foundation of Troop junior leadership. Each Patrol elects its own Patrol Leader. Patrol Leaders should have attended Oak Leaf Junior Leadership Training and should be at least First Class Rank. He should expect to receive coaching from his Scoutmaster, other adult leaders as well as your fellow junior leaders. More intense training is available in Golden Acorn training. Once elected, he must commit himself to fulfilling the responsibilities of a Patrol Leader.
The responsibilities of a Patrol Leader include:
• Appointing Patrol members to Patrol jobs
• Taking the lead in planning and steering Patrol members and activities
• Encouraging the Patrol members to recruit new members for scouting
• Representing the Patrol at Patrol Leader meetings
Scout Show. The annual Scout show is held in May. Troops from the Council demonstrate some aspect of Scouting by assembling pioneering structures, cooking over campfires, making rope, setting up model campsites and the like. Scouts are asked to spend some time in the Troop 835 demonstration.
Advancement Day. Clinics are offered where Scouts have an opportunity to focus on a few merit badges all in a day session. This is a great time to complete all requirements for a merit badge in one day. This is usually held the Saturday before Thanksgiving at Brookhaven College.
Merit Badge College. Circle Ten Council offers a summer program where Scouts can earn Merit Badges in a college campus setting. Each merit badge class is a one week class. Registration for these classes is held in the Spring.
Religious Emblems . "A Scout is reverent." All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God. You may go further and give a special service. This may qualify you for a religious emblem (p. 413 - 416, Boy Scout Handbook). Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem. You should contact your religious leader for further information if you are interested in earning your religious award. Workbooks for these awards can be purchased at the Scoutfitter.
Order of the Arrow . The Order of the Arrow (p. 426 - 427, Boy Scout Handbook) is a national brotherhood of Scout campers. The honor of becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow is one that you cannot set out to earn on your own. The members of your troop bestow this honor on you. This is done when you have proven yourself worthy of receiving it through active participation in troop activities. To be eligible for election into the Order of the Arrow, you must be an outstanding, unselfish camper, be at least First Class in rank and have 15 days/nights of camping within the past 2 years including 1 week at summer camp.
Oak Leaf Training . This is a weekend junior leadership training course conducted by the North District in the Spring. The course is offered to Boy Scouts who are preparing for leadership positions within their troop. It trains Boy Scouts to understand the patrol method and troop leadership.
Golden Acorn Junior Leader Training Conference. The Junior Leader Training Conference is an intense seven day outdoor summer experience for troop youth leaders in support of the Scoutmaster's responsibility to train the troop's boy leaders. The scout must be at least 13 years old with a rank of first class or higher and be recommended by the Scoutmaster. Circle Ten Council's JLT course is called Golden Acorn and is based on an outline approved by National Council, Boy Scouts of America.
The conference has six aims.
• To give each participant the confidence and knowledge to run the troop program.
• To give each participant a working knowledge of the eleven leadership principles and to help him relate these skills to his troop responsibility.
• To give participants the opportunity to share ideas and experience with Scouts from other troops.
• To create an atmosphere where Scouts will experience Scouting at its best.
• To enhance the relationship between the participant and his Scoutmaster.
• To have ...FUN!!!
BSA Lifeguard. This program is generally available at summer camp and will result, when successfully completed, in receiving a Lifeguard certificate. This is not an easy award to achieve. See details on page 409 of the Boy Scout Handbook.
All Scouts, adult leaders, and parents should know that hazing is forbidden by the Boy Scouts of America and will not be tolerated in Troop 835.
The BSA policy on hazing can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting, Chapter XIV - Youth Protection and Child Abuse:
All forms of hazing, initiations, ridicule, or inappropriate teasing are prohibited and should not be allowed.
Parents and guardians are welcome to observe all Scouting activities and ceremonies and to visit camp. Scouts and parents should know that secret organizations are not permitted in Scouting.
Scouts will participate in induction or investiture ceremonies. This is different from an initiation which is not permitted. In an induction ceremony, the person should feel honored and welcomed.
Initiations are characterized by belittling and embarrassing someone and having fun at someone else's expense. These types of activities are not part of BSA’s character building mission and have no place in Scouting.
BEHAVIOR, CONDUCT, TROOP RULES
All members of Troop 835, both youth and adults, are expected to live their daily lives in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Oath and Law embodies the expectations of everyone's behavior and conduct.
When a Scout misbehaves, the Scoutmaster or an assistant Scoutmaster will evaluate the situation, consider the circumstances, and then use his or her best judgment to make a decision that is fair and just. The response to misbehavior may come from the junior leaders in the troop or it may come from the adults. Disciplinary actions and responses to misbehavior should never involve corporal punishment, denial of food, or belittling of a Scout.
One of the aims of the Boy Scouts of America is help young men develop strong moral character. Being a good father, a good husband, and an effective leader requires critical thinking and the ability to make sound judgments and ethical decisions. In an effort to serve as effective role models, the adults in Troop 835 will try to exercise these characteristics and not hide behind a long list of inflexible rules. Comprehensive by-laws, codes of conduct, and behavior consequence plans tend to preclude the application of common sense, fairness, and justice. See Appendix C for specific details.
Adult volunteers fill one of three roles. They may serve as a uniformed leader who works with the Scouts on a regular basis during weekly meetings and monthly outings. They may serve the troop as a merit badge counselor or rank advancement coach. Or they may provide support for the troop through the troop committee. Regardless, all volunteers need to be registered and have Youth Protection Training (YPT) at a minimum. YPT and Basic Leadership Training are available on a frequent basis.
The adults who work directly with the Scouts at all events are the Scoutmaster and the assistant Scoutmasters. One of the most important jobs of the Scoutmaster corps is to train and guide the junior leaders in running THEIR troop.
The troop committee provides the support that makes the program planned by the Patrol Leaders' Council a reality. A Committee Chairman organizes and delegates the tasks within the committee. Other key members of the committee are the Treasurer, Advancement Chairman, Secretary and Equipment Coordinator.
Youth Protection Training. All adult leaders must take this training. It is offered frequently throughout the district. The course lasts 2 hours. Parents planning to camp with their sons are strongly recommended to take this training.
Basic Leadership Training (BLT). Basic Leadership Training teaches the fundamentals of troop operations through hands-on instruction. Students are organized into patrols and assume the role of Scouts in a typical troop while the instructors take on the troop leadership roles. The course covers New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster Specific, and Outdoor Leader Skills Training. This course is appropriate for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, troop committee members, and interested parents. This course is conducted over the course of 2 Saturdays and a weekend campout.
Boy Scout Wood Badge. Go beyond the basics taught in BLT and learn and apply the 11 principles of leadership over the course of two wonderful 3 day weekends hands-on course.
Merit Badge Counselor Training. There are occasional opportunities to take this training for those who are interested in understanding the procedures involved in merit badge counseling. This is open to leaders as well as parents who may have expertise in a specific merit badge skill in which they wish to share with the Scouts.
Guide To Safe Scouting. An online guide to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The Guide to Safe Scouting presents policies and guidelines to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through over eighty years of experience. http://www.circle10.org/training/safescouting.cfm
Monthly Boy Scout Roundtable. Open to all leaders 2nd Thursday each month at 7:30. 1st United Methodist Church, Carrollton.
2006 TROOP 835 ADULT LEADERS
DeWayne Hughes, Scoutmaster, dhughes@trooop835.com
Paul Brighton, Committee Member, pbrighton@sbcglobal.net
Stephanie Brighton, Committee Member, pbrighton@sbcglobal.net
Pat Constantine, Assistant Scoutmaster, patrickconstantine@hotmail.com
Heather Dickie, Assistant Scoutmaster/Committee Treasurer, heatherdickie@troop835.com
Michael Everidge, Assistant Scoutmaster, meveridge@sbcglobal.net
Dawn Fremming, Committee Chairperson, dhartwick@ti.com
Fred Harvey, Committee Member, fkdad@yahoo.com
Glenn Hughes, Assistant Scoutmaster, nghughes0204@hotmail.com
Wayland Loomis, Assistant Scoutmaster, wayloomis@aol.com
Scott Macduff, Assistant Scoutmaster, gsmacduff@comcast.net
Jean Miller, Assistant Scoutmaster, jlm-jean@swbell.net
Dr. John Richmond, Assistant Scoutmaster, john.richmond@utsouthwestern.edu
John Rosenthal, Advancement Chairman, jdrosenthal@comcast.net
Cinde Sanders, Committee Member, csanders@amazingattractions.com
David Silver, Assistant Scoutmaster, hiyosilver@msn.com
Pam Silver, Committee Member, p_g_silver@msn.com
Phyllis Smith, Committee Secretary, rptsmith@flash.net
Ray Smith, Assistant Scoutmaster, rsmith@enscous.com
Janet Turnage, Committee Member, Janet@tcocpa.com
The Scoutfitter is the in-house store that helps supply the scouts and scouters of Circle Ten Council.
The ScoutfitterAPPENDIX A — BOARD OF REVIEW PREPARATION
Dress. The scout rank candidate will be in full Class A uniform. See handbook for description.
Records. The candidate will have his Boy Scout Handbook to present to the board for review.
Material Accountability. The scout could be quizzed on anything in the current rank as well as previous ranks. (ie. The parts The scout should be prepared to talk about all subjects from the current rank as well as previous ranks. It has been agreed, however, that this will be a time to determine the Scout’s attitude and his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals as well as reflection on the Scout’s experience with the troop and to assess if goals are being met.
Recommendation. Candidates showing a proficiency in the various scout skills and strength of character will be recommended for the rank award. Those who show weak areas will be asked to focus on that area for additional work and a follow-up review in order to be recommended. It will be up to the board’s discretion to determine proficiency.
Award. Upon recommendation for rank, the Scoutmaster will present the patch. Rank cards and pins will be held for presentation at the next Court of Honor.
APPENDIX B — PROCEDURE FOR ADVANCEMENT
Upon completion of requirements for a rank or Merit Badge, the scout will contact the Advancement Chairman (referred to as the AC here after) for verification of his records.
The AC will verify the scout’s records for completion dates and signatures. Parents will not be allowed to sign-off requirements for their son (as in Cub Scouts). When the scout feels he has completed a requirement, he should report it/demonstrate it to another Scout-trained Adult Leader for their signature. When the records are approved, the AC will sign the scout’s book to indicate the requirements have been recorded. The scout will then contact the Scoutmaster to arrange the SM Conference.
At the Scoutmaster’s option, he will schedule the conference or direct the scout to meet with a troop guide to work one or more weeks reviewing each requirement of the rank to ensure proficiency in skills and knowledge. The mentoring process and Scoutmaster conference are the testing phase of earning the rank. Scout and Guide arrange a schedule to work on testing for rank requirements. One option is for both to meet 30 minutes prior to scout meetings. The Scout may then meet with the Scoutmaster for the Scoutmaster conference. If the Scoutmaster deems more work necessary, he can recommend additional mentoring.
Upon completion of the Scoutmaster conference, the Scoutmaster will notify the AC to purchase the rank patch and to schedule the Board of Review as soon as possible. The scout will be notified of the appointment.
Upon successful completion of the Board of Review, the Scout will be presented with the appropriate Rank patch. Rank cards and pins will be presented at the next Court of Honor.
Merit Badge patches will be presented at the time of completion so that the patches can be added to the sash. Cards and pins will be presented at the next Court of Honor.
All Rank and Merit Badge cards need to be kept in a safe place (plastic protector sleeve, like baseball cards) for verification and for presentation of the Eagle records.
APPENDIX C - TROOP 835 POLICIES
Adopted by Troop Committee November 1, 2002
Knife Policy
Folding pocket knives with a maximum blade length of 3" are the only knives (other than mess kit knives) allowed in Troop 835. Sheath knives are prohibited. The scout must have his "Totin Chip".
Two-Deep Adult Leadership and Transportation Policy
At least two adult leaders, or one leader and a parent of a participating Scout, must be at all scouting events. At least one adult must be 21 years old or older.
An adult cannot bunk with a scout who is not his/her son. We avoid situations where an adult is alone with a scout who is not his/her son, such as at the end of troop meetings.
The Troop needs car license plate and insurance information for all vehicles transporting scouts.
As a rule a Scout should not be alone in a car with only one unrelated adult. Transportation to and from campouts should generally be arranged so that an adult leader does not travel alone in a vehicle with just one unrelated scout.
Discipline Policy
Troop 835 strives to teach Scouts to live by the principles exemplified in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scouting should be fun and challenging while providing a safe and supportive environment in which Scouts can learn and grow without unnecessary roughness, physical or verbal intimidation, foul or offensive language or disrespectful behavior. All Scouts should help build Troop unity and an effective, enjoyable program.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include:
• Failure to follow reasonable directives from an adult or junior leader
• Unnecessary or inappropriate physical roughness
• Threatening or intimidating another person by word or action
• Foul language, as well as negative or derogatory banter
• Offensive behavior or language regarding race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation
• Behavior that displays disrespect for other persons, personal property or the environment
• Smoking
• Possession or use of fireworks
• Unauthorized use or possession of firearms or other weapons
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances (except medication of which the adult leadership is aware).
• Intentional misuse of personal gear or troop gear that may endanger the scout or other members of the troop.
• Use or possession of axes, hatchets or sheath knives or any knife except a folding pocket knife (maximum blade length 3") without permission of the Scoutmaster or other adult leader.
• Accepting rides (any mode of transportation) from an unauthorized person outside of the troop.
When discipline problems occur that need more than a friendly reminder from a Scout's peers or supervising adults, the following steps are taken:
Step 1) A Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or other designated adult asks the Scout to stop the inappropriate behavior. The adult makes sure the Scout understands the nature of the offense, discusses appropriate behaviors, and, with the Scout, seeks ways to correct damage that resulted from the Scouts action.
Step 2) If the problem persists, an official warning is issued to the Scout and reported to the Scoutmaster, who maintains a log of such incidents.
Step 3) If the Scout continues to misbehave, the Scout's parent(s) or guardian(s) are contacted. The Scoutmaster, at least one Assistant Scoutmaster, and the Scout's parent/guardian(s) should devise a plan to resolve the problem and for the Scout to compensate for his inappropriate behavior. The Scoutmaster informs the Troop Committee Chair.
Step 4) If the problem continues to persist, the Scoutmaster should call a conference attended by the Scoutmaster and at least one Assistant Scoutmaster, a Troop Committee member, the offending Scout and the Scout's parent(s) or guardian(s). The problem(s) is/are discussed, positive goals are formulated and a plan is devised to resolve the situation. The Scoutmaster and at least one Assistant Scoutmaster may temporarily suspend the Scout from troop meetings and activities until such a conference occurs. Junior leaders are not permitted to expel other Scouts from troop meetings or events.
Step 5) If inappropriate behavior continues, or there is disagreement among the parties involved, the matter is taken to the Troop Committee. The Committee listens to all interested parties, gathers information and decides the matter. Possible resolutions include, but are not restricted to, negotiating an agreement with the Scout and his parent(s) or guardian(s) about acceptable behavior, requiring that a parent or guardian attend all scouting activities in which the Scout participates, or expelling the Scout from the troop.
Fortunately serious problems rarely arise due to the good character of our Scouts. When there are problems, cooperation among Scouts, Scoutmasters and parents often turn problems into opportunities for growth and character development.
APPENDIX D — SCOUTING EXPENSES
Estimated Expenses per Scout |
Total Amounts |
||||
Annual Dues (due January 1) |
90.00 |
||||
Uniform |
smaller sizes |
larger sizes |
|||
Shirt (short-sleeved) |
23.00 |
31.00 |
|||
Insignias |
9.00 |
9.00 |
|||
Pants |
37.00 |
49.00 |
|||
Shorts |
31.00 |
39.00 |
|||
Belt |
6.00 |
9.00 |
|||
Socks |
5.00 |
5.00 |
|||
Sash |
5.00 |
6.00 |
|||
Cap (optional) |
11.50 |
11.50 |
|||
Hiking Boots |
20.00 |
50.00 |
|||
147.50 - 209.50 |
|||||
Basic Camping Equipment |
Inexpensive equipment |
||||
One-time costs. Equipment prices vary depending on many factors. |
|||||
Tent |
70.00 |
||||