WELCOME TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 1534! We are so glad you have joined us! We are very glad to have you! Because everything is so new, the transition into Boy Scouts can be a confusing time for parents and new Scouts. We wanted to give you as much information as possible to help you navigate the change. Much of the information contained in this packet is specific to our Troop, but some of it is general and applies to Boy Scouts as a whole. If you have any questions or need additional information, please don t hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to help in any way we can! Jim Corbett (Scoutmaster) scoutmaster@troop1534.com Cameron Wright (Committee Chair) cameron.wright@gmail.com Visit us online at www.troop1534.com.
What happens at a Troop meeting? Troop meetings take place on Monday nights from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. They are located at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church, unless otherwise notified. All Scouts, adult leaders and Committee members should be in their Class A uniform. In addition to always bringing their Scout handbook, Scouts should also bring any additional forms, payments, information, etc. as directed by their Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster. For Scouts 1. All Scouts gather for the opening ceremony which includes a flag ceremony, Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, Scout Law, Oath, Motto and Outdoor Code. 2. Announcements are made by Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) regarding upcoming events, activities and deadlines. 3. Troop will break out into Patrols for individual Patrol meetings - OR - Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) will lead the Troop in a specific activity or study. 4. At the end of the meeting, all Scouts will meet to circle-up where reminders of events, activities and deadlines are announced. Praise and prayers requests are gathered and prayer is held. 5. Troop meeting is adjourned. For Parents 1. Request or turn in a completed youth or adult application (see the Registrar). 2. Make a payment (dues, activities, t-shirts, etc.) or find the balance of what you owe (see the Treasurer). 3. Get information about upcoming events or activities (see Outdoor Activities Coordinator). 4. Find out how you can join the Troop Committee and what positions are available (see the Committee Chair). 5. Turn in permission slip for upcoming activity or event (see Outdoor Activities Coordinator). 6. Turn in completed medical form (see Medical Form Recordkeeper). 7. Ask questions or voice concerns regarding your son s involvement in the Troop (see Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters). 8. Hang out and relax with other parents and adult leaders!
How much does it cost? Dues Dues are assessed annually and are $100. They can be paid in one lump sum or in quarterly payments of $25 due January, April, July and October. Camping and Activities The cost for monthly trips varies, but they generally run between $15 and $30 dollars. T-shirts Troop t-shirts can be purchased for approximately $10 each. Fundraisers a great way to offset some of the cost of Scouting Fundraisers (including popcorn, camp card sales, Krispy Kreme sales, parking, wreath sales) are held multiple times throughout the year. Scouts who participate can earn a portion of the sales, which is deposited into their Individual Scout Account and can be used towards outings, dues, etc. Communication Google Group The Troop sends e-mail announcements, reminders, notices, etc. via a Google group. When you join the Troop, all e-mail addresses associated with your Scout will be added to the Group to ensure all information is received. Questions for the Troop can also be sent to the Google group for an answer. Facebook The Troop has a very active Facebook page where announcements, reminders, notices, etc. are also posted. Pictures from events are also posted frequently (particularly during summer camp). When you join the Troop, just ask to join Boy Scout Troop 1534 Buford Georgia. Troop Website Our website, Troop1534.com, is also very active. All information regarding you and your Scout can be found there: contact information, advancements, merit badges, event calendar, outing sign ups, financial account information, PayPal, etc. Weekly e-mails are sent from the website to let you know what events are coming up, whether you and/or your Scout have signed up for them, and your Scout s account balance. If any of your contact information changes (phone, address, e-mail), you can log in and change it yourself! There is also a PayPal link to pay balances online. When you join the Troop logins will be created for both parents and Scouts (if a Scout e-mail is provided).
What are the required uniforms? Class A Uniform Tan, button down shirt with patches o Shirt should be buttoned whether a neckerchief is worn or not and should ALWAYS be tucked in. Neckerchief & slide o Troop does not require they be worn for meetings, but they must be worn for activities outside of meetings. Sash with merit badges Green BSA pants/shorts Belt Socks o Troop does not require specific BSA socks BSA hat Tennis shoes o Scouts wearing flip flops, sandals, Crocs, etc. are NOT considered to be in uniform at any time. o In fact, many events and locations prohibit flip flops, sandals, Crocs, etc. for safety. As a general rule, it is a good idea to always wear tennis shoes. Where to Purchase Your Uniform There is a Scout Store in Lawrenceville where all of the required items can be purchased. It is located at 203 Swanson Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Just take Hwy 20 towards Lawrenceville, turn right on Swanson Drive and the Scout store is located at the end of the cul-de-sac on the left. For their hours of operation, please visit http://apalachee-bsa.org/contacts/districtoffice.html. The staff at the Scout Store is very knowledgeable and helpful and will walk you through every step of the uniform. Just let them know you are in the Northeast Georgia Council and that the Troop provides the Troop numerals. They will walk you through the rest! They can even show you where each patch should be sewn all you have to do is ask! Class B Uniform (Activity Uniform) Troop t-shirt Pants or shorts Socks Tennis shoes
Acronyms we use and what they stand for BSA Boy Scouts of America DE District Executive The Troop s direct point of contact with the District, assisting the Troop with any questions or needs that arise. FOS Friends of Scouting Organization within BSA that raises money to assist in paying for activities and properties for our Scouting district. It also helps Scouting families who have financial limitations. We want Scouting to be available to all boys, regardless of the finances of their families. OA Order of the Arrow Honor society within BSA whose members represent the ideals of Scouting. Scouts are nominated and voted into the OA by their Scout peers in the Troop. Once inducted, they can remain members for their entire lives. SM Scoutmaster The adult leader of the Troop. Works closely with the youth leaders and Troop committee to provide a quality program for the boys. ASM Assistant Scoutmaster Assistant adult leaders of the Troop. Assists the Scoutmaster, working closely with the boys and Troop Committee. There are multiple ASM s within the Troop. SPL Senior Patrol Leader Youth leader of the Troop. Is elected by Troop for a six month term. Runs Troop meetings and Patrol Leader s Council meetings and works closely with the Scoutmaster to ensure a smoothly running program. ASPL Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Youth assistant leader of the Troop who is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. Assists the Senior Patrol Leader. There may be multiple ASPL s within the Troop. PL Patrol Leader Youth leader of a patrol who is elected by the members of the Patrol. Plans and runs the Patrol meetings, communicates to his Patrol information regarding the Troop. He is the Patrol s representative on the Patrol Leader s Council. APL Assistant Patrol Leader Assistant youth leader of a patrol who is appointed by the Patrol Leader. Assists the Patrol Leader as necessary. Is a representative on the Patrol Leader s Council. PLC Patrol Leader s Council Youth committee within the Troop comprised of Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) and Patrol Leaders from each Patrol. Responsible for planning the events, activities and calendar of the Troop.
Adult Positions Within the Troop Direct Contact with Youth Scoutmaster (SM) The adult leader of the Troop. Works closely with the youth leaders and Troop committee to provide a quality program for the boys. Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) Assistant adult leader of the Troop. Assists the Scoutmaster, working closely with the boys and Troop Committee. There are multiple ASM s within the Troop. Chaplain Appointed by the committee chairman, provides spiritual tone, gives spiritual counseling and promotes the regular religious participation of each member. Indirect Contact with Youth This list is always evolving. Other positions may be created as the processes and needs of the Troop and Committee change. If you see the need for an additional position, let the Committee Chair know - we ll be glad to add you! Chartered Organization Representative Direct point of contact between the Committee and the Chartered Organization (Sugar Hill United Methodist Church). Appoints Committee Chair and approves new adult volunteers. Committee Chair Appoints and supervises the Troop Committee members and leaders. Secretary Keeps minutes and records and sends newsletters. Treasurer Handles unit funds, pays bills, maintains accounts and tracks annual dues and event payments. Advancement Chair Schedules boards of review and courts of honor. Monitors advancement of the Troop to ensure all boys are advancing. Also responsible for record keeping, submitting advancement reports and organizing achievements earned. Equipment Coordinator Works with youth Quartermaster on inventory, storage, and maintenance of unit equipment. Outdoor Activities Chair Secures tour permits and permission to use camping sites, serves as transportation coordinator and ensures a monthly outdoor program. Registrar / Records Coordinator Handles new youth and adult applications, maintains files and personal information for each individual in Troop.
Webelos Transition Coordinator Ensures smooth transition of new Scouts into the unit and orientation for new parents. Training Coordinator Ensures training opportunities are available, maintains training records and materials, and is responsible for making sure adult leaders are current on BSA Youth Protection training. Friends of Scouting Coordinator Works with Committee on public relations for FOS, organizes annual FOS campaign and is the contact within the Troop for FOS needs. Medical Form Recordkeeper Maintains updated medical forms for all Scouts and adults, ensuring they are up to date. Compiles forms for Scouts and adults attending summer camp for submission to camp staff.
Youth Positions Within the Troop Senior Patrol Leader Youth leader of the Troop. Is elected by Troop for a six month term. Runs Troop meetings and Patrol Leader s Council meetings and works closely with the Scoutmaster to ensure a smoothly running program. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Youth assistant leader of the Troop who is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader. Assists the Senior Patrol Leader. Patrol Leader Youth leader of a patrol who is elected by the members of the Patrol. Plans and runs the Patrol meetings, communicates to his Patrol information regarding the Troop. He is the Patrol s representative on the Patrol Leader s Council. Assistant Patrol Leader Assistant youth leader of a patrol who is appointed by the Patrol Leader. Assists the Patrol Leader as necessary. Is a representative on the Patrol Leader s Council. Troop Guide Works with new Scouts to ensure they are comfortable and learn how the Troop works. Teaches Scout skills and guides them to earning their Tenderfoot rank. Scribe Records activities of the patrol leaders' council and keeps a record of Scout attendance and uniform compliance at troop meetings. Quartermaster Keeps track of troop equipment, sees that it is in good working order, issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. Works with adult Equipment Coordinator. Librarian Maintains the care and use of troop merit badge books and merit badge counselor lists. Chaplain Aide Works with the Troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts, promotes the religious emblems program and leads praise and prayer requests at Troop meeting circle-ups. Order of the Arrow Representative Liaison between the Troop and local OA chapter or lodge.