Rolling Hills CHRISTIAN CHURCH Kickoff April 3, 2011
Scoutmaster Vision Expectations Be mindful of the scout oath and law Wear your uniform, proudly Participate! Bring your handbook to every meeting & outing Make and meet your commitments Seek to learn (read the book, ask questions, be part of the solution) Do it safely and have fun!
The Patrol Method Boy Scout Troop Organization Youth Leaders Patrol Leaders Sr.Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Council Scout Guides Troop 465 Golden Empire Council Rotary Club Of EDH El Dorado Adult Leaders Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmaster(s) Troop Committee PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL PATROL A PATROL B PATROL n http://scoutmaster.org/usscouts/boyscouts/bstroop.asp
The Patrol Method Troop 465 will be Boy-Run using the Patrol Method (just like all Boy Scout Troops.) Patrols : 6-8 boys +/- similar in age, development, and interests unique patrol name (source of pride). Patrols elect boys into key leadership positions: Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Other leadership positions Senior Patrol Leader Elected by all members of the troop. In charge of troop meetings from beginning to end. SPL runs the meetings. The Scoutmaster gives him the tools to succeed by working with the SPL before and after the troop meeting to give guidance) Patrol Leader A patrol leader is elected by members of the patrol. Responsible for the patrol's activities Represents the patrol as a member of the patrol leaders' council. "The patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don't really have a Boy Scout troop. - Robert Baden-Powell
Other Troop Leadership Positions The troop is run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. Youth Leader Positions Senior patrol leader - top junior leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed. Assistant senior patrol leader - fills in for senior patrol leader in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors. Troop Historian - collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members. Librarian - keeps troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by troop members. Instructor - teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members. Junior assistant Scoutmaster - a Scout 16 or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned. Patrol leader - gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders' council. Assistant patrol leader - fills in for the patrol leader in his absence. Troop guide - advisor and guide to the new Scout patrol. Den chief - works with a Cub Scout den as a guide. Quartermaster - responsible for troop supplies and equipment. Scribe - the troop secretary.
Troop Planning and Decision Making PLC (Patrol Leader s Council) Holds monthy meetings to plan activities. Organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for weekly troop meeting. Holds annual program planning conference to create yearly plan for the troop. Patrol leaders' council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning troop activities. Troop Committee Adult leaders
Scoutmaster (SM): Trains and guides Boy Leaders Helps make the troop, boys successful Ensures health and safety. Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM): Helps operate the troop; supports the SM SM Duties: Train and guide boy leaders. What does the Scoutmaster (SM) and Assistant SM (ASM) do? Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council for training and coordination in planning troop activities. Attend troop meetings Attend troop committee meetings Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation. Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements. Promote scouting within the troop and community, helps with recruiting plan Includes other adults/groups (assts, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop. Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year. Build a strong program using proven Scout methods Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.
Seven-Step Troop Meeting Plan 1. Preopening Activity 2. Opening Ceremony 3. Skills Instruction 4. Patrol Meetings 5. Interpatrol Activity 6. Closing 7. After the Meeting
About Rank Advancement and Procedures The Boy Scout program is based on rank advancement. Advancement requires individual effort and initiative and it emphasizes leadership and service The Boy Scout Handbook is the primary guide (scout ranks are shown starting on page 432). Keys to Advancement: Be active, do your best to live by the Scout Oath and Law, practice leadership, give service to others, learn Scout skills (mostly in the outdoors), and earn merit badges (primarily from adult counselors). Bring handbook to all meetings/outings where rank requirements are likely to be taught, tested, and signed off. Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class emphasize general Scouting Skills Advancement Procedure: Review the Boy Scout Handbook Requirements are signed off by the SM or ASM Once a Scout has all requirements signed off in his Handbook for a given rank advancement, he should arrange a Scoutmaster Conference. (this it is the Scout s responsibility!). Scoutmaster reviews the Scout s skills and knowledge and discusses the Scout s progress and goals. The Scout then meets with members of the Troop Committee or other parents at a Board of Review to discuss the Scout s overall experience within the Troop. The Board of Review is a great time to give feedback or suggestions on how the Troop may better meet the Scout s needs or interests. Finally, the Scout will receive their new rank badge at a Court of Honor. Goal: Achieve First Class rank within 12-18 months. Star, Life, Eagle ranks emphasize greater individual initiative with leadership and community service
About Merit Badges and Procedure Merit Badges: Focused on learning skills in specific areas of interest. There are over 120 merit badges that can be earned! Merit badges are not required for Tenderfoot through First Class Star, Life and Eagle ranks, earning merit badges is mandatory. (consult handbook) Star: Earn 6 merit badges (4 from Eagle required list) Life: Earn 5 additional (3 from Eagle required list) Eagle: Earn 10 additional (21 in total) Procedure: 1. Meet and discuss your Merit Badge goal(s) and get a Blue Card from the Scoutmaster 2. Fill it out for the specific badge, and have the SM sign it. The SM will also assist the scout in obtaining the name and contact information of a Merit Badge Counselor for the badge he has chosen to work on. 3. Find and meet with a counselor before working on the badge (This is the boy s responsibility to set up; NOT the parents ). Obtain the merit badge book from the Troop Librarian (or purchase) and read it! Work with the counselor to complete the requirements for the badge. 4. Upon completion, have the counselor sign your blue card. He or she will keep one portion. Return the remaining two sections to the SM. You will get your badge and your section of the blue card at the next Court of Honor.
www.troop465edh.org Troop Resources Events calendar (with details) Forms Outing registrations PLC notes Scoutmaster s corner Links and other useful resources www.gec-bsa.org www.scoutstuff.com www.meritbadge.com