BSA Troop 31 New Scout Parents Program Overview

Transcription

1 BSA Troop 31 New Scout Parents Program Overview Boy Scouts Rank Advancement Merit Badges Massawepie Summer Camp 100 Year Celebration - A Century of Making a Difference

2 Welcome To Troop 31

3 Welcome To Troop 31 TROOP 31 INFORMATION AND FACTS History Charter April 1, 1913 Affiliated with Third Presbyterian Church for over 99 years Supported more than 150 Eagle Scouts Philosophy Our focus is to direct the scouts to achieve Boy Run activities We provide strong emphasis on camping, hiking and safety Input for activities is actively solicited from Scouts Meetings First Monday after Labor Day through June Follows the Rochester City School District calendar Start promptly at 7:15 PM and end at 8:45 PM

4 Meetings Troop 31 meets every Monday Weekly program follows one of four themes S = Scout Skills A = Advancement F = FUN E = Education

5 Boy Scout Goal: A Boy-Run Troop (with advice as needed from adult leaders) Each scout belongs to a Patrol which is a group of 5 to 10 boys, led by a Patrol Leader, a scout that they elect. The patrol leader is responsible for organizing, motivating, and managing his patrol. He represents the interests of his patrol mates when planning activities with other patrols and relays information to his patrol as needed. There is also an Assistant Patrol Leader to help The Patrol Leader with the patrol duties. The APL fills in for the PL when needed and is second in command. Some patrols choose to elect an APL at each election and then have him move up to PL at the next election. Patrols belong to a Boy Scout Troop which is led by the Senior Patrol Leader, a boy elected by the troop. This scout has ultimate responsibility for all the scouts in all the patrols in his troop. He runs all troop meetings, delegates responsibilities, and interacts with adult leadership. The SPL should be at least a First Class rank scout and must earn the respect and cooperation of his troop to be successful.

6 Troop 31 Adult Leaders Each troop has an adult leader, the Scoutmaster, who is a volunteer registered with the Boy Scouts of America and trained. The Scoutmaster is responsible for helping the scouts with their planning of the year's program so the scouts are given adequate opportunity to advance in rank and complete merit badges. A troop will only be successful if there are also Assistant Scoutmasters to support the Scoutmaster. These adult leaders should only do those things that the scouts can not do themselves - driving, for example. The boys should be allowed to lead their own troop with only minimal guidance as needed, depending on the maturity and abilities of the scout leaders.

7 Troop 31 Committee The Troop is supported by a Troop Committee, all volunteers. There is a Troop Committee Chairman and other troop committee members. Most troop committees consist of past Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmasters, Troop Alumni and members of the troop's Chartered Organization. The Chartered Organization is granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America to use the Scouting program. This chartered organization can be a school, service club, religious group, or other group interested in youth. The chartered organization approves the leadership of the troop, provides a meeting place, and operates the Troop within the guidelines and policies of that organization and the BSA. Troop 31 is chartered by Third Presbyterian Church.

8 The Big Picture: Boy Scout Organization Troops in our area are organized into a District based on geographic boundaries determined by the local Council. Districts are grouped into a Council. A Council is responsible for growing a successful scouting program in its locality. A Council owns camp property and runs summer camps. It also offers fundraising programs, adult training, and service projects to support the troop units. According to the BSA National Council there are over 300 councils. Councils in a geographic area are grouped into an Area of which there are 26 in the country. Areas are grouped into a Region of which there are 4 in the country. Regional management centers are liaisons between councils and the Boy Scouts National Council. BSA National Council, located in Irving, Texas, is the governing body of the scouting program in the United States. They set policy, offer national awards, organize national jamborees, have 3 high-adventure camps, and define the scouting program.

9 Meeting Structure Opening At the beginning of each meeting, scouts recite Pledge Of Allegiance Boy Scout Oath Boy Scout Law Closing Circle At the end of each meeting, the troop closes with a brief and dignified closing circle. The scouts, adult leaders and parents all form a circle. Announcements and reminders are spoken. Each participant makes the Scout sign and with their right hand and supports the lifted right wrist of their neighbor to the left with their clenched left fist. The evening closes with the Scout Benediction: "May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us till we meet again. Good night, scouts."

10 Boy Scout Slogan Do a Good Turn Daily. Some Good Turns are big - saving a life, helping out after floods or other disasters, recycling community trash, working with your patrol on conservation projects. But Good Turns are often small, thoughtful acts - helping a child cross a busy street, going to the store for an elderly neighbor, cutting back brush that is blocking a sign, doing something special for a brother or sister, welcoming a new student to your school or scout to your troop. A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of kindness.

11 Boy Scout Motto Be Prepared. "Be prepared for what?" someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, "Why, for any old thing." said Baden-Powell. The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water. But Baden-Powell wasn't thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead. Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That's what the Scout motto means.

12 Boy Scout Oath On my honor... By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath.... I will do my best... Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don't be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do.... To do my duty to God... Your family and religious leaders teach you about God and the ways you can serve. You do your duty to God by following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs.... and my country... Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter. America is made up of countless families and communities. When you work to improve your community and your home, you are serving your country. Natural resources are another important part of America's heritage worthy of your efforts to understand, protect, and use wisely. What you do can make a real difference.... and to obey the Scout Law;... The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself.

13 Boy Scout Oath (continued)... To help other people at all times;... There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world.... To keep myself physically strong,... Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. it also means avoiding harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and anything else that can harm your health.... mentally awake,... Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it.... and morally straight. To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and selfreliance.

14 Boy Scout Law A Scout is Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him. A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. A Scout is Friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own. A Scout is Courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. A Scout is Kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

15 Boy Scout Law (continued) A Scout is Obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them. A Scout is Cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. A Scout is Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property. A Scout is Brave. A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him. A Scout is Clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean. A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

16 Awards, Honors and Symbolism The BSA offers many awards and honors, such as: The Totin' Chip card is given to Scouts who have learned how to safely use sharpedged tools. The Firem'n Chit card is given to Scouts who have learned how to safely build and light a campfire. Thirty or so different religious emblems are granted in conjunction with various Christian denominations and other religions. (e.g. "Parvuli Dei ) 20, 40, 60 and 100 Nights under the Stars awards (Nights under the Stars include all forms of camping.); 50 Miler awards for hiking or watercraft trips of 50 miles, plus 10 hours of hikingrelated community service; The Mile Swim award, for swimming one mile nonstop; The Heroism Award, for heroic action such as saving a life; The Honor Medal, for resourcefulness and skill in saving or trying to save a life. Square Knot awards are given for significant good deeds. Patches may have different color schemes according to the good deed done. Most Square Knot awards can be earned to adults only, with the exception of the youth religious emblems.

17 Boy Scout Uniforms The official dress uniform is commonly referred to as the Class A (Full Dress) uniform and the Class B (Activity) uniform. The Scouting program in America has always included uniforms for its members and volunteers to identify members and show they are part of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts and leaders should wear their uniforms to all troop meetings, scout outings and scout activity travel. The tan and green Boy Scout uniform is a well-known symbol of American scouting. All scouts in the program wear the same uniform with the major differences being the badges each scout has earned and the troop specific neckerchief. Most scout troops also have an activity uniform which is often a t-shirt customized just for the troop. (it can be a generic Boy Scout logo t-shirt from the Scout Store, a t-shirt from Camp Cutler or Massawepie, or a t-shirt from one of the troop's trips, dress shorts or jean shorts - no rips or holes, and footwear). (uniform shirt, shorts, belt, Troop 31 red and gray neckerchief, BSA socks, preferably hiking boots or sturdy sneakers).

18 Boy Scout Rank Patches Scout Tenderfoot Joining Patch not considered a Rank Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle

19 Badges Of Rank: The Scout Badge has a brown fleur-de-lis on a greenish-yellow background. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes a compass needle, pointing the Scout in the right direction, which is onward and upward. The Tenderfoot Rank Badge has a yellow fleur-de-lis, with a star on each of the two lateral points, an eagle on the center, and a shield on the eagle's chest colored somewhat like the American flag. The stars symbolize truth and knowledge; the eagle and shield symbolize freedom and readiness to defend that freedom. The Second Class Rank Badge has a yellow horizontal scroll with the words of the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared," the ends turned up, and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom. The knot symbolizes a reminder for each scout to remember the Boy Scout slogan which is to "Do A Good Turn Daily". This emblem represents service. The upturned ends of the scroll symbolize cheerfulness in service. The First Class Rank Badge combines the emblems for Tenderfoot and Second Class. The Star Rank Badge has the First Class emblem on top of a yellow star. The Life Rank Badge has the First Class emblem on top of a red heart, signifying that the ideals of Scouting have become a part of the Scout's life and character. The Eagle Scout Badge has a grey eagle, and a grey scroll like that on the Second Class emblem. They are on a tricolor background ringed with the words "Eagle Scout: Boy Scouts of America."

20 Boy Scout Specific Ranks Focus Scout Tenderfoot Second Class basic scout safety camping knowledge First Class Star Life Eagle self-sufficiency service leadership ultimate scouting

21 Rank Advancement A new boy first receives the Scout badge showing that he has joined and is participating in the program. As he enjoys outings with his patrol and demonstrates his expanding skill base, he naturally gains the Tenderfoot rank, followed by Second Class and First Class ranks. At this point, a scout has learned skills enough to handle himself in the outdoors and begin teaching new scouts. Once a First Class rank is reached, the scout continues his trail by performing service deeds and earning merit badges in topics that interest him or that he has decided to explore to reach a higher rank.

22 Boy Scout Trail Rank Advancements Every rank in scouting is reached by accomplishments by the scout. These requirements are age-appropriate activities that help grow and mold the boy into a self-sufficient, confident, able young man. Themes run through the requirements from the beginning of his journey (Tiger) to the end (perhaps Eagle). For instance, when a Wolf scout cooks cookies with his mother or father, that begins to train him to cook for his patrol as a Life scout. And, when a Tiger Cub visits a police station he begins learning how to be a model citizen.

23 Rank Advancement The requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class may be worked on simultaneously. However these ranks must be earned in sequence.

24 Boy Scout Rank Requirements (above First Class Rank) Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 4 months. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life. Earn a certain # of merit badges, including # from the required list for Eagle. Take part in service projects totaling at least # hours of work. Serve actively # months in an approved Position of Responsibility.

25 Merit Badges Some merit badges relate to personal development and adult living Others represent Scout skills Many are handicrafts or hobbies Most are potential career options

26 Earning Merit Badges A Boy Scout can begin working on merit badges as soon as he joins a troop, but no merit badges are required for advancement until he receives his First Class rank. Advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle all require completion of merit badges, service, and leadership. To reach Eagle rank, a scout must complete a total of at least 21 Boy Scout merit badges listed in his handbook, 12 of which come from the Eagle-required badge list.

27 Merit Badge Process A scout decides he would like to earn a specific merit badge. He obtains approval to begin the merit badge from his Scoutmaster along with a Blue Merit Badge Card signed by the Scoutmaster. The Scout and Scoutmaster identify possible merit badge counselors. The scout then contacts the counselor to begin badge work (always following safe scouting guidelines they can never be alone, there must always be at least one additional person present). The counselor reviews the requirements with the scout and they decide on projects to complete and a completion schedule. The counselor provides expertise, advice, guidance as needed until the scout has completed the requirements. The merit badge counselor certifies completion of requirements. The completed and signed Blue Card is turned in to the ASM Advancement and the merit badge patch is presented at a Court of Awards along with the scout s copy of the Blue Merit Badge Card which he must keep in a safe place to prove he has

28 Eagle Required Merit Badges Eagle Required badges are identified as cloth badges with a silver border Camping Citizenship in the Community Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Communications Environmental Science Family Life First Aid Personal Fitness Personal Management and one from each of the following: Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving Cycling, Hiking or Swimming

29 Optional Merit Badges Boy Scout merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 122 different areas of knowledge and skills. The merit badge program plays a major role in the scouting advancement program and participation can begin as soon as a scout registers with a troop. Each scout can explore topics from American Business to Woodworking as he has interest. The only limitations are his ambition and availability of adult merit badge counselors to offer instruction. These optional non-eagle badges are identified as cloth badges with a green border.

30 Merit Badge Counselors Merit badge counselors are volunteers over the age of 18 that have been trained and approved by council or district committees. They are knowledgeable in the topic and understand the goals of scouting and the Boy Scout merit badge program. Seneca Waterways Council has a directory of approved counselors.

31 How Does A Scout Earn Merit Badges? There are many opportunities for scouts to earn merit badges, including: Massawepie Summer Camp Working With Council Approved Merit Badge Counselors Working With Troop 31 Leaders Who Are Merit Badge Counselors Attend Merit Badge Universities & Workshops Attend Programs Offered By RMSC Or Other Approved Private Facilities

32 Merit Badge Blue Card Front Council s Copy Scout s Copy Merit Badge Counselor s Copy

33 Council s Copy Merit Badge Blue Card Back Scout s Copy Merit Badge Counselor s Copy

34 Merit Badge Workbooks

35 Merit Badge Requirements And Worksheets Merit Badge Requirements and Worksheets can be found at: Click a merit badge name in the list for the current requirements. Right click on a worksheet name to save or print the worksheets. Worksheets can help Scouts organize notes, listen actively, and document their work.

36 Sample Merit Badge Worksheet

37 Fingerprinting Merit Badge Requirements

38 Fingerprint Card

39 Camping Troop 31 generally camps once a month September through May at various venues Scouts need to confirm attendance and PAY their $10 fee TWO weeks prior to the event The troop provides the tents and food scouts need to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows and personals (mess kit and utensils) January Campout Leo Camp Cutler February Campout Tug Hill Plateau Service Project May Campout Parent/Son Campout

40 Massawepie Massawepie Scout Camp is the Adventure Of A Lifetime! Summer Camp is the highlight of the year for many scouts. Troop 31 has attended Massawepie Scout Camp for two weeks every summer since the camp opened in Massawepie is a 3,769 acre camp located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York State (near Tupper Lake). Massawepie Scout Camps combine unique wilderness programs with a traditional Boy Scout summer camp. Massawepie's superb camp staff offers all of the traditional Boy Scout summer camp merit badge and program opportunities. Younger Scouts will find plenty of advancement opportunities, including the Trail Blazer program for first year campers.

41 Massawepie BarkEater Each year, scouts receive a Massawepie camp patch and have the opportunity to participate in the BarkEater program, which is Massawepie's honor camper program. The BarkEater program is designed to enrich the summer camp experience by introducing Massawepie and Adirondack history and lore, and by promoting environmental awareness and advancement, while reinforcing the aims and ideals of Scouting. To become a member, and have the privilege of wearing the BarkEaters' beaver totem, Scouts must complete annual requirements for service and camp experience. The BarkEater program lasts for five years. There are five levels of recognition in the BarkEater program with five distinct ceremonies and totems.

42 Questions?