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Troop 4 Columbia, Missouri Boy Scouts of America Chartered by Trinity Presbyterian Church |
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A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
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Troop 4 Columbia, Missouri Boy Scouts of America Chartered by Trinity Presbyterian Church |
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A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
Contents
Boy Scout Troop 4
Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 4!
Troop 4 was established
in 1963 and is one of the most active troops in
Here are some of the
things you need to know about our troop, how it functions, and the
responsibilities you and your son are expected to accept.
Meetings are held on a regular
basis during the school year on Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the
Fellowship Hall of Trinity Presbyterian Church,
Parents are expected to arrange transportation for their scouts to and from
the meetings. Please arrange to have
your scout picked up promptly following all scout activities.
A calendar of troop
activities and local scout activities is distributed at the beginning of the
school year and updated as changes occur.
It is important that his calendar be retained, as attendance at scout
functions ensures a successful scout experience. The calendar is also available at the troop
web site: www.scouttroop4.com.
The scouts pay annual
dues of $35.00 due by September 30th. The dues paid by each family help defray
the cost of merit badges, rank advancement patches, leadership patches, and
other operational costs, such as newsletter mailings. A scout's dues must be up to date in order
for him to attend a troop campout. The
annual dues are pro-rated for Webelos joining in March at $17.00. Each scout is given one neckerchief with their
initial registration with the troop.
At the time of a
scout’s initial entry into the troop, a one-time fee of $7.00 is charged for
registration with the national Scout Office.
A registered Webelo will pay a $1.00 transfer fee.
You may subscribe to
Boy’s Life, the national scouting magazine at the time of registration. The subscription fee is currently $9.00. The subscription period for Troop 4 is May
through April.
The annual registration
fee for adult volunteer, assistant scoutmasters, or troop committee members is
$10.00.
A replacement Troop 4
neckerchief costs $7.00 and is available at the information table.
All fees can be paid
with cash or checks made payable to Troop 4.
All money can be paid at the front table set up in the church lobby each
Monday night at the troop meetings.
When registering a new
scout a Boy Scout Application must be completed along with the Class 1 Personal
Health History Form #34414. An
additional physical and health form is required prior to a scout attending
Summer Camp or High Adventure.
Troop 4 is a full
uniform troop. Uniforms make a boy feel
like a scout. Scouts in Troop 4 are
expected to wear their scout uniform to troop meetings and to and from
campouts, at camporees, at designated times at summer camp, and at other
designated troop functions.
A Troop 4 uniform
consists of scout pants, scout shirt (complete with patches and red shoulder
tabs), scout belt and rope. When a scout
wears scout shorts he is expected to wear scout socks. The Class
A formal uniform consists of the Class A uniform plus a neckerchief, merit
badge slash, and OA slash. Class A
formal uniform is required for Courts of Honor, Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards
of Review, formal retreats at summer camp and other special occasions. The troop scarf is available at the front
table during meetings. Once a scout
starts earning Merit Badges a merit badge sash will be required. Scout uniforms are available through the
Great Rivers Council Scout Shop,
The Class B uniform
consists of scout pants and a troop T-shirt, scout belt and rope. When a scout wears scout shorts he is
expected to wear scout socks
Troop 4 maintains a
Uniform Exchange for scouts to purchase previously owned uniform parts and
equipment at bargain prices. The Uniform
Exchange Chairperson can be contacted at any time for a list of available
items.
A scout also needs a
current copy of the Boy Scout Handbook.
Each Scout should have his name boldly printed on his book and should
bring them to all meetings and campouts during the first year. It is recommended that his name be neatly
printed on the binding of the book.
In the Cub Scout
program the key relationship in terms of satisfying requirements for
advancement is between the boy and his parents.
In Boy Scouting, this relationship is between the boy and his troop,
with parent support.
The troop plans and
offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. These provide each scout with opportunities
to learn required skills and fulfill the requirements necessary to advance in
rank. The Merit Badge Resource Chair
coordinates a list of Merit Badge Counselors who serve as guides to help the
scouts complete requirements for merit badges.
Attendance at meetings and other activities, particularly summer camp,
is necessary to take advantage of these programs.
The troop Advancement
Chair maintains a list of the merit badges each boy has completed and ranks he
has achieved. Each boy's Boy Scout
Handbook serves as a ready reference for determining the requirements for
rank advancement. It is the scout's responsibility to secure
the necessary signatures in his handbook to document completion of the requirements. The scout's handbook needs to be viewed by
the Advancement Chair and a minimum of a week should be allowed for this. A Scoutmaster's Conference and Board of
Review are required for each advancement in rank. When a scout has met the requirements (Tenderfoot,
Second Class, First Class, Star, Life or Eagle), he requests a Scoutmaster's
Conference. PLAN AHEAD. These are requested by the scout and are scheduled at least one week in advance. Passing this conference, the boy
participates in a Board of Review.
Boards of Review are
composed of at least three members of the Troop Committee, and are conducted on
a regular basis. The Board of Review is
also requested by the scout and should be scheduled after the completion of the
Scoutmaster Conference. They are
frequently scheduled on the 3rd and 4th Monday of the month at the same time as
the weekly scout meetings. When a scout
successfully passes a Monday Board of Review, his rank is announced to the
Troop that evening. The Advancement
Chair will order a rank patch that will be presented within a week or two and
the scout formally recognized at the next Court of Honor.
If a boy wishes to be
recognized at a Court of Honor, all requirements and reviews should be completed three weeks in advance of the scheduled
Court of Honor.
Courts of Honor for
Troop 4 are held in May, upon return from summer camp in August and
December. The exact dates are listed in
the troop calendar.
See Appendix C at
the end of this booklet for Troop 4 Advancement Procedures.
The past several years,
the scouts of Troop 4 have chosen to attend H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in
All
scouts are strongly encouraged to attend summer camp. It is the highlight of the scouting
year. Previously acquired scouting
skills are put to use and many skills are learned in the merit badge classes
and programs offered at camp.
Summer camp runs for
approximately 9 days with a family visitation day scheduled during the
session. A prearranged payment schedule
is established through the months prior to camp. A family's special financial needs can be
addressed on an individual basis to the Committee Chair. The cost of summer
camp is approximately $270.00 per scout and $270.00 for adults (2006
costs). There are no part time scouts at summer camp,
although adults can attend part time.
The summer camp
experience can be especially beneficial to scouts new to the troop as it speeds
their assimilation into the Troop 4 family.
Scouts who attend summer camp return home enthused and committed to the
scouting program.
A summer camp
informational meeting is held in the Spring to address questions and concerns
of parents and to assist the scouts sign up for the various merit badges
offered.
Twice a year, the
scouts elect one boy in the troop to the position of Senior Patrol Leader
(SPL). The SPL, after consultation with
the Scoutmaster, selects the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL). Scouts volunteer for the remaining troop
leadership positions, which include Troop Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain's
Aide, Librarian, Bugler, OA Representative, and Historian. Scouts who satisfactorily fulfill the
responsibilities of these positions earn credit toward troop leadership
required for rank advancement.
The boys are an integral part of the
leadership and running of the troop. The
troop is divided into patrols, which elect their own leadership every six
months. Patrol leadership positions are:
Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Patrol Instructor and Patrol Quartermaster. The scouts in these positions have defined
responsibilities and learn a great deal about themselves and leading others.
Scouts are evaluated,
in writing, several times during their tenure in a leadership position. The amount of credit toward leadership
advancement is determined based upon these evaluations. An Assistant Scoutmaster and the Scoutmaster
complete the evaluations.
In keeping with Troop
4's goal of having a "scout run program," the PLC (Patrol Leader
Council) meets on a regular basis to plan the troop calendar, activities and
weekly meetings. The PLC is run by the
SPL and attended by the ASPL, Patrol Leaders, PLC Scribe, Troop Guides, and
adult Scoutmasters. It is the responsibility of each PLC member to attend these meetings or
send a substitute in order to represent their patrols.
This philosophy of
active leadership of the troop by the scouts themselves is central to the
operation of Troop 4, and all boys are required to take on leadership
responsibilities in order to progress to ranks beyond First Class.
DEN CHIEF - In order to
gain additional leadership skills boys may volunteer their time as Den Chiefs
to various Columbia Cub Scout Dens. This
can help them advance in rank.
Another type of
activity that all scouts engage in is community service.
Participation in
various service projects each year is part of the scouting program, and is also
required for advancement.
As scouts, the boys
engage in a wide variety of activities through which they develop valuable
skills, learn to work with and lead others, practice good citizenship and
community service and have a tremendous amount of fun.
Improper conduct by a scout at meetings,
campouts, or other scout activities will be reviewed by the PLC and troop
leaders. Parents may be asked to take
their scout home. Repeated problems with
conduct may result in possible suspension or dismissal from the troop.
Scouts can earn merit
badges to satisfy one of the requirements necessary to advance to ranks beyond
First Class. Before a scout begins work
on a particular merit badge, he should:
1.
Look
at the Troop Roster of Merit badge Counselors and contact a counselor on the
list and ask if they will be your merit badge counselor. All Merit Badge
Counselors must be registered at the District Scout Office. NOTE: In Troop 4, a parent may NOT serve as
his/her own son's merit badge counselor for those merit badges required for
Eagle, see Boy Scout Handbook page 446 requirement #3 under Eagle Rank).
2.
Obtain
a Blue Merit Badge Card from the Scoutmaster.
This is a three-part card and when completed, the Counselor will keep
one, the Advancement chair will keep one and Scout will keep one. While working on the badge the scout must
present the card at each session with his Counselor.
3.
Check
out the specific Merit Badge Book from the Troop 4 Library. You may also either borrow one or buy one at
the Boy Scout Office. Organize a
notebook for the Merit Badge. It should
contain paper, and a pocket/folder for holding loose sheets and the Merit Badge
Card.
4.
Make
an appointment with the Counselor to go over expectations and get direction for
the badge. Always arrive promptly.
5.
READ
THE BOOK! Take notes.
6.
Do
requirements under the direction and in agreement with your counselor.
7.
Meet
with your Counselor as required to complete the requirements. Always bring your Merit Badge Book, Notebook,
Blue Card and all equipment needed (i.e., rope, backpack, first aid kit, etc.).
8.
Upon
completion of the requirements to the Counselor’s satisfaction, the Counselor
will sign the merit badge card and retain the counselor segment for their
records.
9.
The
Scout returns the two remaining segments to the Scoutmaster for his
signature. One segment of the completed
card is retained by the scout. The final
segment is delivered to the Troop Advancement Chair by the Scoutmaster.
10. The Advancement Chair
updates the scout’s record and arranges for the formal awarding of the merit
badge at the next Court of Honor.
Some
Merit Badges are completed in groups or classes. Each of these maybe treated slightly
differently than the guidelines given.
Classes at Aqua Bummin’ and at Summer Camp do not have individual Blue
Cards. If the Merit Badge started in a
class is not completed, it is the Scout’s responsibility to then get a Blue
Card and Counselor and complete the merit badge.
For
incomplete Summer Camp Merit Badge information contact the Advancement
Chair. Scouts have one year until the
next Summer Camp to complete any badges that they started but were unable to
finish.
Parents
are encouraged to share their personal expertise by signing up to be merit
badge counselors for our troop. Talk
with the Merit Badge Resource Chair to arrange to be a counselor. There are more than 120 different merit
badges that can be earned by a scout.
Three-fourths of scouting is outings. Troop 4 maintains a very active outdoor
camping schedule. Monthly campouts are
held from September through June, regardless of weather.
The troop normally
participates in at least one high adventure trip per year usually schedule for
late July and early August. The troop
has had trips to the National Jamboree, Philmont Scout Ranch in
The dates for these
campouts are announced at the beginning of the scout year and are listed in the
troop calendar.
Please mark these dates
on your family's calendar.
Three weeks prior to
each campout, a head count is taken to determine food and transportation needs.
It is important that you and your scout
discuss ahead of time whether he will be attending the monthly campout. Your
assistance in this planning is necessary so the troop can make appropriate
plans. This is another responsibility of
being a Troop 4 parent.
Three weeks prior to a
campout (or three weeks if a holiday or non-scout Monday falls during the
month) all the monthly campout information will be posted on the bulletin board
or front desk as you enter the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All
scouts and Parents need to check this board for information covering costs,
departure times and pack checks.
Three weeks prior to
the campout, the scout is asked to bring his campout money. This pays for the food,
campsite fees, and any hiking patches the scout may want. The usual cost is $12.00 - $15.00 per
camper. Campout beads are awarded
following each campout and are worn with pride on the scout's belt totem. “Its all about the beads.”
Each patrol divides the
responsibilities associated with the campout.
They all help plan the menu and then assign some of the scouts to shop
for the groceries.
Your scout will be
given the opportunity to shop for campout food for his patrol. He will be given a tax-exempt letter and a
check to purchase the food. Your
assistance in the food buying process, be it transportation or shopping advice,
is appreciated. However, do not do the
shopping for them since this is part of his learning process.
Transportation to
campouts is provided by the troop's adult leadership, The troop leaves from
Trinity Presbyterian Church either Friday evening or Saturday morning and
returns to
Parents can help the troop
and patrol by encouraging their scout to fulfill these responsibilities in a
timely manner.
Scouts are required to be in full Class A uniform when
traveling to and from campouts.
Pack Checks are
routinely conducted on the Thursday night prior to a weekend campout. Pack Checks are held at the church at a
designated time. All scouts below the
rank of First Class must attend the pack checks. Their camping gear must be ready and checked
before it is loaded into the Troop 4 trailer.
The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, and Patrol
Leaders or Troop Guides from each patrol should also attend pack check. The older scouts are needed at the pack
checks to help load the patrol equipment and to check the packs of younger
scouts. Any scout needing their personal
equipment transported in the troop trailer needs to have it loaded during the
pack check. Assistant Scoutmasters
should attend pack check to supervise the loading of the trailer for the campouts.
In addition to a scout
uniform and handbook, appropriate camping equipment is helpful. This equipment can be costly so it may be a
good idea to delay any purchase of some of these items until your scout is
settled in. Attendance at several
campouts can give you a better idea of your scout's equipment needs.
A sleeping bag that is
designed to be comfortable in temperatures down to at least 20 F, rain gear
(poncho), and waterproof boots are recommended for all campouts. Tents,
backpacks, daypacks, canteens, etc. can be purchased later. The troop provides the scouts with a winter
camping and fall/spring checklist which will provide a
more complete list for your reference.
The checklists are included in the back of this Parents Guide. (Appendix A & Appendix B)
Sheath knives (fixed blade
knives) are not allowed on troop campouts.
A scout must earn a "Totin’ Chip" which signifies instruction
and safety in the use of a knife before they are allowed to bring a folding
knife on a campout. The knife blade
should not be longer than 3.5”.
We do ask that boys
help with troop, district, and council fund-raising activities during the
year. The funds raised help the troop to
keep yearly dues to a minimum. They also
help the council and district defray the costs of providing support to the
scouting program.
The troop has a profit
sharing plan whereby each scout can earn money toward summer camp, high
adventure events, or other Troop 4 activities.
The plan works as follows:
1.
Each
scout will be credited with a predetermined amount depending on the event.
2.
When
the event is officially completed, the total money credited for each scout will
be set aside (escrowed) within the Troop 4 regular checking account under the
control of the troop treasurer.
3.
The
scout can use his escrowed money to help pay for summer camp, high adventure
events, other Troop 4 activities, scout uniform, and camping equipment. Escrowed money may be carried forward to
subsequent years as long as the scout is a member in good standing in Troop 4.
4.
Any
money remaining in escrow when a scout leaves the troop reverts to Troop 4 to
be used for the purposes approved by the troop committee.
ORDER OF THE ARROW -
Order of the Arrow is a National BSA organization for the recognition of outstanding
campers in Boy Scouts. To become a
member you must be selected by your
troop and participate in special conclaves.
Several boys in Troop 4 are members of Order of the Arrow and display a
white sash with a red arrow when dressed in Class A formal uniforms.
TRIBE OF MIC-O-SAY -
Mic-O-Say is an honorary organization for boys and leaders attending H. Roe
Bartle Scout Reservation, which emphasizes strong morals and good scout
skills. Many higher-ranking scouts of
Troop 4 participate in Mic-O-Say while they are at summer camp. The Mic-O-Say program is central to our
success in retaining older scouts and returning them to summer camp, year after
year.
Information on Troop
Activities:
To stay up to date, parents are encouraged to
check the bulletin board and information table each Monday night when they drop
off or pick up their scout.
Participation on the Troop Committee, which meets once a month, is
another way to stay informed and involved.
The Troop’s website address is another valuable resource, which is
located at the following url:
Troop 4 Web Site: www.ScoutTroop4.com
Troop 4 List Serves:
Troop 4 Adults and Scouts: Troop4@Mail.ScoutTroop4.com
Troop 4 Scoutmaster Only: Scoutmaster@Mail.ScoutTroop4.com
To subscribe to the list serves or access the Troop 4 only section of the web site send an email to: Admin@Mail.ScoutTroop4.com
Listserv and Electronic Communications Policy
Scouting is a family
enterprise. When your scout joins us,
Troop 4 becomes your troop. We know you
want your scout and troop to be successful.
This will require encouragement and participation by you, the parent. Troop
4 is a large troop requiring a lot of adult help. This support
is organized through the Troop Committee, which meets monthly during the school
year.
All parents are invited
to attend these meetings, join the committee, and lend a hand in the many
support activities involved in conducting an active scouting program. Troop 4 is organized to provide a wide range
of experiences for its scouts, but such a program does necessitate broad
parental support. Please help make your
son's scouting experience a memorable one by becoming active in the Troop
Committee, or as a uniformed leader.
Troop 4 Adult Leader
Positions:
1.
Uniformed
Leaders
a.
Scoutmaster
b.
Assistant
Scoutmasters
- Quartermaster
- Chaplain
- Assistant
Scoutmasters at Large
- Campout Coordinator
- Patrol Advisor
2.
Troop
Committee
a.
Chairperson
b.
Secretary
d.
Members
at Large
e.
Sub-Committee
Chairs
Appendix A: Winter Camping Pack Checklist
NAME: ___________________________________
Patrol:
____________________________________
|
Complete Scout Class A Uniform |
|
Scout Class B Uniform |
|
Scout Handbook |
|
Tent |
|
Ground Cloth |
|
Sleeping Bag (20 º bag) |
|
Foam Pad or Mattress |
|
Extra Blankets |
|
Winter Coat |
|
2 Stocking Caps |
|
2 Pair of Gloves |
|
Dirty Clothes Bag |
|
2 Pair Hiking Boots or Shoes – one should be waterproof |
|
Rain Suit or Poncho |
|
1 set Insulated Underwear / Day |
|
1 Long Sleeve Shirt / Day |
|
1 Pair Pants / Day |
|
Sweater or Sweatshirt |
|
1 Pair Underwear / Day |
|
2 Pair Wool Socks / Day |
|
Sleeping Attire |
|
Towel and Soap |
|
Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste |
|
Sun Screen |
|
Knife, Fork, Spoon, Plate |
|
Flashlight And Extra Batteries |
|
Notebook / Pen or Pencil |
|
Compass |
|
Matches |
|
First Aid Kit |
|
Sewing Kit |
|
Pocket Knife with Totin Chip |
|
Garbage Bags |
|
Canteen or Water Bottle |
|
1 Gallon of Water (if water is not available at the camp site) |
Appendix B: Fall / Spring Camping Pack Checklist
NAME:
___________________________________
Patrol:
____________________________________
|
Complete Scout Class A Uniform |
|
Scout Class B Uniform |
|
Scout Handbook |
|
Tent |
|
Ground Cloth |
|
Sleeping Bag |
|
Foam Pad or Mattress |
|
2 Stocking Caps |
|
Beach Towel |
|
Swim Suit |
|
Water Shoes |
|
Gloves |
|
Dirty Clothes Bag |
|
2 Pair Hiking Boots or Shoes – one should be waterproof |
|
Raincoat or Poncho |
|
Sweater or Jacket |
|
1 Set of Clothes besides Uniforms / Day |
|
Sleeping Attire |
|
Towel and Soap |
|
Toilet Articles |
|
Sun Screen |
|
Insect Repellant (Non-Aerosol) |
|
Knife, Fork, Spoon, Plate |
|
Flashlight And Extra Batteries |
|
Hat |
|
Notebook/ Pen or Pencil |
|
Compass |
|
Matches |
|
First Aid Kit |
|
Sewing Kit |
|
Pocket Knife with Totin Chip |
|
Garbage Bags |
|
Canteen or Water Bottle |
|
1 Gallon of Water (if water is not available at the camp site) |
Appendix
C: Troop 4 Rank Advancement Procedures
Register
with the Troop at the front table.
Purchase a Scout Handbook. Write
your name on the inside and along the edges of your handbook.
All
ranks from Scout to First Class are tracked and handbooks updated by leaders specifically assigned to the new
scout program. The troop advancement
chairperson is usually at the front table in the lobby every Monday meeting
night. All Scouts below the rank of First
Class should bring their books to EVERY scout meeting. At the meetings and on campouts rank
requirements are practiced and signed off in the Scout’s Handbook.
SCOUT
– requirements see Boy Scout Handbook.
Talk to the Scoutmaster about arranging a Scoutmaster’s Conference. This is usually done shortly after the boy
joins Troop 4.
ALL
REQUIREMENTS FOR TENDERFOOT, SECOND CLASS and FIRST CLASS MUST BE SIGNED OFF
AND DATED by an Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, or a member of the Troop
over the rank of First Class. This is
the job of the patrol and troop instructors.
Note: The scout can be working on the requirements for the ranks of
Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First class at the same time.
TENDERFOOT
and SECOND CLASS – see requirements in
the back of the Boy Scout Handbook.
. When the first 12 requirements
are signed off, take your book to the Advancement chair to verify. The Advancement Chair must sign off
requirement 2a and requirement 4 for Second Class. They will update the Troop records and then
have you schedule a Scoutmaster’s conference.
You do this by contacting the Scoutmaster. Upon successful completion of your SM
Conference the scout will notify the Board of Review Coordinator that he is
ready for a Board of Review). A complete
and up to date Class A Formal Uniform is required for all Scoutmaster
Conferences and BOR’s. Upon successful
completion of your BOR you will be recognized at the next available opportunity
and introduced at your new rank.
FIRST CLASS –requirements in the back of the Boy Scout Handbook. When all of the first 9 requirements are met (advancement chair must sign off on #3) take your book to the advancement chair to verify. They will then tell you to contact the Scout Master for a SM Conference. Upon successful completion of your SM Conference YOU notify the Board of Review Coordinator that you are ready for your Board of Review. The Coordinator will set up the Board of Review and notify you of the time and date.
FOR
RANKS of STAR, Life, and EAGLE – see requirements in the back of the Boy Scout
Handbook. All Merit Badges, Service
Hours and Leadership Requirements are recorded with the Advancement Chair. They are usually available every Monday night
but call to confirm, if you need your book updated or any other
information. For the Ranks of STAR,
LIFE, EAGLE and EAGLE PALMS, Handbooks and Applications must be presented and
verified by the Advancement Chair .
Requirements 1, 3, 4, and 5 for STAR and LIFE need to be signed and
filled in by the appropriate leader prior to your SM Conference. Upon successful completion of your SM
Conference YOU contact the Board of Review Coordinator to arrange for your
Board of Review. The Coordinator will arrange the review
and notify you of the date and time.
It
is Troop 4 policy that Boards of Review for the ranks of Star and Life are not
conducted on campouts. Once you reach
the rank of Life you will receive an Eagle informational packet from your Eagle
Scout advisor. An Eagle Scout advisor is
assigned for all Eagle Scout applicants and projects. Contact him for direction with your Eagle
Scout project.
Appendix D: Additional Information for New Scout
Parents
Your son has been
placed in a patrol. The patrol is
comprised of 8 to 10 Scouts. In Troop 4,
we feel the "new' Scout has a greater opportunity to adjust and learn when
he is able to work with older more experienced Scouts. A group of 3 to 4 experienced scouts will
provide initial leadership to the patrol.
Each patrol has a Patrol Leader, Patrol Quartermaster, Troop Guide and
Instructor. The Scouts in the patrol
elect their own Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Patrol Instructor, and Patrol
Quartermaster twice a year. An Assistant
Scoutmaster is assigned to each patrol to serve as an additional resource for
the scouts. Scouts work within the
patrol setting toward fulfilling the requirements to achieve the ranks of
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class.
Patrol Leader: He must have achieved the rank of First Class,
and is elected by the members of the patrol.
Successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of this position meets the
leadership requirements to earn the rank of Star, Life or Eagle. The patrol
Leader does the following:
1. Represents his patrol members at the Patrol
Leader's Council Meetings
2. Coordinates the activities of patrol members
3. Coordinates advancements activities within
the patrol
4. Keeps his patrol informed about troop
activities
5. Attends 75% of all meetings, campouts, and
other troop activities
Troop Guide: He must have achieved the rank of First Class,
and is elected by the members of the patrol.
Successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of this position meets the
leadership requirement to earn the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle. The Troop Guide does the following:
1.
Acts
as Patrol Leader in the Patrol Leader’s absence.
2.
Acts
as an advisor or resource within the patrol for the Patrol Leader.
3.
Attends
Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC) meetings
4.
Functions
as a “Big Brother” giving encouragement and support to less experienced scouts.
5.
Works
with scouts to acquaint them with troop procedures.
6.
Serves
as an instructor for scouting skills.
Patrol’s Adult Advisor: An ASM with well-developed scouting skills
who is assigned by the troop’s Scoutmaster.
This Assistant Scoutmaster does not have a son in the patrol. The Patrol’s Advisor does the following:
1.
Acts
as a resource for the patrol
2.
Trains
Patrol Leadership
3.
Acts
as a skills instructor if needed
4.
Gives
counsel to Troop Guides/Instructors and new Scouts.
5.
Conducts
Scoutmaster Conferences
It is important the
boys learn the scouting skills and be able to apply them. Once a boy attains the rank of First Class he
has learned many of the scouting skills he will need. At this point he will be a leader in the
troop and will demonstrate his scouting knowledge by teaching younger scouts.
Many of the
requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are
action oriented rather than classroom oriented and will fulfill requirements
for the First Aid merit Badge.
Rank advancement
requires participation in troop and patrol activities. In addition to Monday evening troop meetings
three of the activities must include overnight campouts. The rank of Second Class also requires
participation in a Scoutmaster approved “service project”. All Scouts are expected to demonstrate “scout
spirit” by being an active and participating member of his troop and patrol and
by living the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, Scout Slogan and Outdoor
Code.
