Troop105ParentGuide_rC.pdf

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Boy

Scouts of

America

Troop 105

Parent Guide

Alpine, California

Sponsored/Chartered by the Alpine Kiwanis

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Revision History

REVISION DATE REASON FOR CHANGE

October 2001 Original Release

A April 2003 Updated costs, minor additional changes

B October 5, 2010

Updated costs, added current policy regarding Star & LIfe advancement, added BSA Annual Health & Medical Record requirement (BAHMR), other miscellaneous changes.

C February 6, 2011

Added binder requirement and electronic device note to Troop Meeting section.

Added tenting & electronic device policies and BAHMR procedure to Outings section.

Moved Insiginia Guide to Appendix A.

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Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. This is a tremendously important and rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him. What is it all about? What will you be expected to do? We have prepared this booklet to answer some of your questions. The following pages

describe the organization of a Troop and the advancement pattern that each boy will follow. Reading this will help you understand how your boy can progress through the ranks and get the most from the Scouting program. You will also learn what you can do to help your Scout and his Troop.

How to Become a Scout in Troop 105

1. Parents must complete a Boy Scout Application.

These can be obtained from the Scoutmaster, or Membership Chair.

2. Make a check out to BSA Troop 105. $60.00 Troop annual fee per family

$1.00 transfer fee for Scouts transferring from another troop or den $16.00 for new Scout registration

$12.00 for subscription to Boy's Life Magazine (optional)

3. Submit the completed Boy Scout application and check to the Scoutmaster or Membership Chair.

This should be done as soon as possible so that your new Scout can start attending outings and earning rank advancement sign-offs and Merit Badges (which will be explained later in this document).

4. Your boy will need:

A Boy Scout handbook, 12th Edition $10.00 A Boy Scout shirt (between $25.00 – $45.00) A Boy Scout cap $13.00

Shoulder loops (Green) $2.50 Slide $4.00

World Scout Crest Emblem $1.50 Council Strip $1.50 - $6.00 Troop number $1.50

NOTE: All of the items above can be purchased at the BSA Scout Shop at 1207 Upas St. in San Diego.

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2 What is Scouting all about?

There are three aims to scouting. These are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement and represent the long term outcomes we want for every boy.

♦ To build character ♦ To foster citizenship ♦ To develop fitness

The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

SCOUT LAW

A Scout Is:

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent

SCOUT OATH

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

SCOUT MOTTO Be Prepared

SCOUT SLOGAN Do a Good Turn daily

OUTDOOR CODE

As an American, I will do my best to Be clean in my outdoor manners, Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors, and

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More and more men, trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today's world as responsible adult leaders. Men who earned badges as Scouts sit on the Supreme Court and in the chambers of Congress. Others hold important offices in our government, business and industry. Most of the members of congress were Scouts, as well as most of the astronauts who have walked on the moon. The long list of famous scouts includes:

President John F. Kennedy Boy Scout Neil A. Armstrong, First person to set foot on the Moon Eagle Scout President Gerald Ford Eagle Scout J. Willard Marriott, Jr. President of Marriott Corporation Eagle Scout William C. DeVries, M.D.; Transplanted First Artificial Heart Eagle Scout Sam M. Walton, Chairman/CEO, Wal-Mart Eagle Scout Barber B. Conable, Jr. President, World Bank Eagle Scout

The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth-oriented organization in the United States. More than 4 million boys and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-led organization. The boys learn how to organize and lead the Troop. After training, and with supervision from the adult leaders, the boys run the show.

The boys in the Troop will be working towards a variety of ranks from Tenderfoot, through First Class, and on to Eagle. As they travel on their trail to Eagle they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, but they will actually lead teams of scouts in a number of situations. Eagle Scouts find that their accomplishments are considered valuable in obtaining acceptance into college or the work force. Boy Scouting also provides for growth of moral strength and character, teaches citizenship, and enhances the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. This is all done in the spirit of fun and adventure.

Troop 105 Organization

Troop 105 is a member of the Heartland District (East County), of the San Diego-Imperial Council, of Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's organization consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, the Troop, and the Troop's Parents.

Chartered Organization (Sponsor)

Every Troop is sponsored by an organization that, in effect, "owns" the troop. The Chartered Organization for Troop 105 is the Alpine Kiwanis. The Chartered Organization shares our

objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership and a place to meet. A Chartered Organization Representative acts as a liaison between us and the Kiwanis Club.

Troop Committee

The Troop Committee is made up of parents, and community members dedicated to scouting. It takes care of troop funds, fund raising activities, membership records, activity permits and

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4 Troop Meetings

Troop 105 holds Troop meetings year round on Tuesday, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Alpine Elementary School Auditorium. Changes to the meeting schedule or location will be announced at Troop meetings. Meetings will offer opportunities for fun and advancement.

Scouts should bring their Boy Scout Handbook and Troop 105 binder to every meeting.

NOTE: Scouts are not to use or have out electronic devices during troop meetings unless previously approved by the Scoutmaster. Emergency phone calls are the only exception. Notes taken during announcements or instruction shall be via pen or pencil and paper only.

Patrols and Patrol Leaders

The Troop is made up of teams of Scouts called Patrols. A Patrol usually consists of no less than six and no more than ten Scouts. The boys in each Patrol elect a Patrol Leader who in turn appoints the assistant Patrol Leader. New Scouts will be assigned to a Patrol soon after they join the Troop.

The Senior Patrol Leader is a troop-elected Scout who oversees the entire Troop. The Senior Patrol Leader selects his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leaders' Council, which runs the Troop meetings. The Patrol Leaders' Council meets on the first Monday of every month at 6:00 pm at the Alpine Union School District Administration Building at 1323 Administration Way, Alpine, CA 91901 to plan the activities. Elections for Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader are held every six months.

Troop Parents

The role of parents within Troop 105 is to be supportive of the Troop's efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents should try to:

1. Read their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting. Also become familiar with the Troop 105 binder issued to all new Scouts. In it you will find a Troop Roster with names and phone numbers of Scouts and Adult Leaders in the Troop. You will also find a list of equipment needed for a campout or hike and permission slips that you need to complete and sign so your Scout can participate in outings.

2. Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when appropriate.

3. Show support to their Scout and the Troop by attending Troop Courts of Honor.

4. Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar. Become familiar with your son's Patrol and the other boys in the Patrol and Troop.

5. Volunteer to help the Troop with various jobs such as providing transportation to outings and participating on outings when possible.

6. Attend Committee Meetings and available training sessions so that the encouragement and direction you give to your Scout or other Scouts is consistent with that of Boy Scouts and the other Adult Leaders.

7. Consider becoming an Adult Leader in the Troop.

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5 Adult Leadership and Training

All Troop outings and meetings require two trained Adult Leaders, or one Adult Leader and a Scout parent, both of whom must be at least 21 years of age AND Youth Protection Training (YPT) trained.

Parents are encouraged to become Adult Leaders by taking training offered by the San

Diego-Imperial Council. Check out

Online training is also available at

Parents can also serve as Merit Badge Counselors in their areas of expertise. We can provide you with information about different kinds of leadership opportunities and training times and locations.

Scout Advancement

The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace, through a series of ranks for which he is awarded badges. Ranks are: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

The boy must complete the joining requirements for the rank of ‘Scout’ with the Scoutmaster. These are explained in the Boy Scout Handbook, 12th Edition, pages 12-34.

Encourage and help your Scout complete these joining requirements in the first few weeks so that he will be encouraged early on and enthusiastic about his progress.

The required skills for the other ranks are also explained in detail in the Boy Scout Handbook, which the boy will also use as a record book as he is "signed off" for each skill by one of his Scout Leaders. The Scout must earn the ranks in order, but he may complete any requirement for Scout through First Class at any time. The higher he climbs, the more challenging his tasks - and the more rewarding. The skills are designed to:

• Prepare and qualify Scouts for more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges

• Develop body and mind, grow self-confidence, and develop leadership skills

• Allow the Scout to discover how it feels to go further than he ever thought he could

We don't look at advancement as a goal, but as a natural outcome of a planned, quality Troop program. There are four steps of advancement:

1. The Boy Scout Learns

Each skill is listed and explained in the Boy Scout Handbook. The boys are encouraged to read the Handbook to learn a particular skill. In addition, Troop meetings and outings often teach skills needed for advancement, and Summer Camp offers another great opportunity to learn the skills. It's up to the Scout to take advantage of the advancement opportunities available to him, and to take initiative to ask for someone to test him when he is ready.

2. The Boy Scout is Tested

Regardless where the boy has learned the skill, a trained Scout Leader in his own Troop (and never his own parent) will test him on it when the boy indicates he is ready. If he performs the skill fully and correctly, according to the wording in the Boy Scout Handbook, the Scout Leader will sign and date his Boy Scout Handbook in the appropriate place. Opportunities for sign offs exist at all Scout meetings and outings.

3. The Boy Scout is Reviewed

When the boy has completed all the sign-offs for a particular rank, he asks for a Scoutmaster conference. After the Scoutmaster agrees that the Scout is ready to earn the rank, the Scout requests the Advancement Chairman (a Troop Committee Member) for a Board of Review. There he goes before a small panel of adult leaders of the Troop.

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from outside of the Troop (i.e. school teacher or counselor, church/synagogue

Priest/Pastor/Rabbi or youth leader or adult friend from the neighborhood, etc.) to participate in the Board of Review.

He must bring his handbook and be prepared for a uniform inspection. The purpose of the review is not to retest the Scout, but to determine his attitude and acceptance of Scouting's ideals; to ensure that the advancement requirements have been met; to discuss the Scout's experiences in the Troop; to determine if leadership in the Troop could be doing anything differently to enhance the boy’s Scouting experience and to encourage him to keep working towards advancement.

4. The Boy Scout is Recognized

When a boy earns a new rank, he will be recognized at the Troop Meeting and presented with his new rank patch. The Troop's Court of Honor, held every six months, recognizes all Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor. The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements. Parents, relatives, and all other interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Advancement through First Class

From the time the Scout enters the Troop through the time he earns advancement to First Class, he is learning basic scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team. Although there is no official timetable, a reasonable goal is to earn first class within one year of joining the Troop.

Advancement from First Class to Eagle

From the achievement of First Class through Eagle, the Scout will be demonstrating leadership, performing service projects, earning Merit Badges and using the skills learned previously. These ranks are harder to obtain than the earlier ranks, but are also more interesting for the older scouts. Upon completion of all the requirements for Star and Life the Scout will be eligible to work for Eagle. The final steps to Eagle are filled with leadership experiences.

How to Earn a Merit Badge

The goal of the Merit Badge program is to expand a Scout's areas of interest and to encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject.

Through the earning of Merit Badges, many Scouts have discovered a passion leading to a career or been able rule out a direction for their life once thought interesting. The Scout learns how to accomplish individual tasks that support defined objectives tied directly to a specific goal. There are over 100 different Merit Badges covering many different areas of knowledge. While earning Merit Badges is a major part of the advancement requirements for Scouts at and above the rank of First Class, any Scout may work to earn a Merit Badge. The process for earning a Merit Badge is as follows:

1. The Scout selects a Merit Badge he wishes to work on (see list in Boy Scout Handbook) and seeks the approval of the Scoutmaster. If approved, the Scoutmaster will give him a merit badge "blue card".

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Enter your zip code, select the Merit Badge you are ready to work on, and a list of counselors nearby with phone numbers and e-mail addresses will be displayed. If the Scout has no Internet access, he may asks the Advancement Chairman (a Committee Member who attends the Troop meetings, oversees the Troop’s Advancement Program and is responsible for recording signoffs and merit badges into the TroopMaster database) for the name(s) and phone number(s) of registered merit badge counselors. There are also many Adult Leaders in Troop 105 who are Merit Badge Counselors.

3. The Scout borrows the Merit Badge booklet for that particular Merit Badge, either from the Troop Library (see the Scout who is the Troop Librarian), or by purchasing it from the Scout Shop downtown. The Scout must use the most up to date information when working on a Merit Badge. He may want to print off the merit badge worksheets available at Most Scouts begin working on the requirements at this point.

4. The Scout (not a parent) contacts a merit badge counselor and arranges a time and place to meet with the counselor. A buddy or parent must accompany the Scout to meet the Merit Badge Counselor. He/she will review any requirements already completed and guide the Scout toward the completion of other requirements.

5. When the Scout completes the work on the merit badge, the Scout re-contacts the Merit Badge Counselor and requests a meeting to demonstrate successful completion of the Merit Badge. If satisfied that the requirements have been met by the Scout the counselor will sign the blue card and the Scout will turn it in to the Advancement Chairman.

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8 Boy Scout Outings

Troop or Patrol outings may be campouts, hikes, field trips, service projects, Scout-sponsored events like Camporees, Scout Fairs, or Summer Camp, or outings to provide an opportunity for Scouts to earn Merit Badges. Troop 105 attempts to provide at least one outdoor event per month. Scouts are encouraged to attend as many outings as possible. It is on these outings that Scouting ideals are realized. Some outings are appropriate for new Scouts and some, such as the week-long Sierra Hike are for more experienced Scouts. Information will be provided to the Scouts several weeks to a month before each outing.

Permission Slips (Activity Consent Form) for Outings

An Activity Consent Form, signed by a parent or guardian, is required for each and every Scout outing. You can find the Activity Consent Form on the troop website at: and in the Troop 105 Boy Scout binder that was issued to your Scout when he joined the Troop. You can also obtain an Adobe interactive .pdf form via email from the Committee Secretary. You may pre-fill in much of the form and then make copies of it so they are ready for you to sign for each outing.

Adult leaders and parents also need to turn in a Activity Consent Form to participate in Scout outings.

Campout Tenting Policy

Scouts that are under 14 years of age or have not achieved the rank of First Class must have a tenting buddy. This is usually the scouts’ outing buddy. Once a scout has reached 14 years of age or the rank of First Class, he has the option to tent alone (with parent & tour leader approval).

Electronic Device Policy

To fully realize the scouting experience, all electronic devices (CD players, Ipods, MP3, PMDs (Personal Music Devices), cell phones, PDAs, GameBoys, etc.) may be used only during transit to and from outings. Once you have arrived at the outing destination, all electronic devices shall be turned off and stored in the vehicle. An exception to this policy is GPS devices and cameras, as long as their use does not detract from the instruction or activity being held.

Physicals for Outings *** VERY IMPORTANT ***

All active Scouts and adult leaders desiring to participate in any outings must have a physical exam once a year. The BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (BAHMR) form MUST be used. Parts A and B are to be filled out by you and part C must be completed by the physician. You

can find the form on the council website at:

or from the Committee Secretary.

A copy of the completed BAHMR form must be given to the Troop 105 Committee Secretary.

The Troop 105 Committee Secretary or his/her designee shall maintain a copy of each BAHMR.

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9 Equipment for Outings

Scouts will find a list of camping equipment needed and suggested for overnight outings in the Scout's binder. Parents should not feel that they need to purchase all of these items before their Scout's first outing. Talk to the Scoutmaster and other Scouts. New boys can share tents with other Scouts and may be able to borrow many of the items on the list from other Scouts. Little by little your Scout will learn which type of items work best on outings and they can be purchased over a period of time. Many of our Scouts shop for camping gear at the following stores:

REI Outdoor Gear

5556 Copley Drive, San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 279-4400

Adventure 16 Inc.

4620 Alvarado Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92120 (619) 283-2362

Wal-Mart

Fees and Fundraising

Annual Registration Fees/Re-Chartering

The process of re-chartering is the annual collection of registration fees from the Scouts. For Troop 105, this is completed by the end of December each year. At this time every boy is required to pay his registration fee of $16, and the $60.00 troop annual fee per family, and may subscribe (or re-subscribe) to Boy's Life Magazine. The Troop also makes a formal visit to the chartering organization at that time to renew their commitment for the coming year.

Monthly Dues

In addition to the annual registration fee, every boy is expected to pay $5 dues at the first Troop Meeting of each month. These monthly dues provide additional funds for troop outings and upkeep of troop materials. The sum is kept small and separate from the annual registration fee to provide an opportunity for the scout to be responsible for earning it and remembering to bring it.

Fees for Outings/Activities

Individual activities may have fees associated with them. If so, the parents will be notified. The fees are kept as reasonable as possible because the Troop uses its funds to cover some of the cost of outings.

Fundraising

Additional funds are raised by the boys through our annual Christmas wreath sale. Information will be provided to the Troop in October of each year.

Friends of Scouting

Each year, the Council operates its Friends of Scouting (F.O.S.) campaign to raise money for the Council operations. The Council is responsible for maintaining the Council Camps, the Council Scout-O-Rama, the Council Camporees, as well as other Council activities, Local BSA

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10 The Scout Uniform

The Scout uniform helps to achieve the objectives of Scouting. The uniform by itself cannot make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its use has been proven to improve both the Scout and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each scout is required to purchase and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform items:

Field or "Class A" Uniform

• Tan scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches (San Diego-Imperial Council strip.

green shoulder loops, World Scouting patch, Troop Numerals, and patrol emblem.)

• Boy Scout Hat (any official BSA style)

• Olive Scout pants or shorts (required for Scouts at first class rank and above)

• Boy Scout Socks, for wearing with shorts.

• Scout belt and buckle.

• Troop 105 neckerchief (will be presented by the Troop after the Scout has participated in

two Troop outings)

• Neckerchief slide (can be purchased or made by Scout)

• Tennis shoes or hiking boots

Activity or

"Class

B" Uniform

The Class B uniform is worn, as instructed by Troop leadership, when activities may cause damage to the field uniform.

• Official Troop 105 “Highlighter” T-Shirt. Mandatory for some troop functions/outings.

• Tennis shoes or hiking boots

• Scout pants or shorts (required for Scouts at first class rank or above)

• Boy Scout Socks, for wearing with shorts

Where to Place Insignia on the Uniform

Uniforms and insignia are worn a certain way. The Troop Leaders and staff at the Scout Shop will be able to answer any questions you might have on where to put what badge. Inside the cover of the Handbook there are guides for badge placement. You may also refer to the Insignia Guide at the back of this Guide.

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11 Scout Shop

The Scout Shop sells a large variety of items related to Scouting. It is your best source for official Scout uniforms, literature, program accessories, camping gear, crafts and more. The Scout Shop for the San Diego area is located at the San Diego-Imperial Council Boy Scout Headquarters near Balboa Park. See address and phone number below. If you cannot get to the Scout Shop, you may order by phone, or you may order online from the BSA Scout Shop at:

San Diego-Imperial Council Scout Shop 1207 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 294-3806

Headquarters

San Diego-Imperial Council Office 1207 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 298-6121

And Finally

You are joining a great organization that includes tens of thousands of adult leaders, interested parents, and the BSA professional staff. Scouting is much more than enjoying the outdoors. The Troop teaches leadership skills and community skills.

Scouting also shows the boys how they can keep themselves strong and healthy and make the most of school. With hard work and dedication, your son will be able to serve as a leader in the Troop and advance in rank along the trail to Eagle.

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Merit Badge Sash

n If worn, merit badges are attached to front (and back, if needed) of sash.

nVenture/Varsity letter is attached at bottom front corner.

nTemporary insignia may be worn on back.

Notes __________________________________________

Shoulder Epaulets

n Green shoulder loops identify Boy Scouting (all members of a troop).

n Blaze (orange) loops identify Varsity Scouting.

Notes __________________________________________

Right Sleeve

n U.S. flag emblem centered directly below shoulder seam.Only the

most recently earned Centennial Quality Unit Award may be worn

below patrol emblem or below the National Honor Patrol star.

n Musician badge, if in band or drum corps, is worn ½ inch below patrol emblem.

Notes __________________________________________

Left Sleeve

n Council shoulder emblem, unit numeral, and veteran unit bar are worn as shown snug up, and touching each other.

n On the official shirt, the badge of office is centered on the pocket, as shown. On the official uniform shirt, the badge of office is centered and touching the unit numeral, or centered 4 inches below the shoulder seam.

n On the shirt, the Trained Leader emblem is centered as shown at the top of the pocket flap. On the official uniform shirt the veteran unit bar (25, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 years) is positioned above and touching troop numeral and in turn touching council emblem.

n Den chief cord is worn over the left shoulder, under epaulet. Notes __________________________________________

Right Pocket

n Jamboree insignia (only one) worn above BSA or interpreter strip.

n Order of the Arrow lodge insignia worn on pocket flap.

n Temporary insignia worn centered on the pocket or hung from the button.

n The Varsity or Venture strip is worn above the BSA strip or above the interpreter strip.

n Nameplate, if worn, is centered above the BSA strip, interpreter strip, and Venture or Varsity strip. If no Order of the Arrow lodge emblem is worn, the name plate is centered on the pocket flap. Notes __________________________________________

Left Pocket

n Service stars are centered above the pocket, 3_⁄₄_{inch from top point to}

top point and 3_⁄₈_{inch from either the pocket or embroidered knots.}

n Embroidered square knots are worn centered above the pocket in rows of three.

n Not more than five medals may be worn, pinned centered immediately above the pocket (extending over knots if both are worn).

n The wearing sequence for knots or medals is at the wearer’s discretion and lead color is to the wearer’s right.

n Badges of rank are worn centered on the pocket above the Arrow of Light Award, as shown.

n The World Crest emblem is worn centered horizontally over the left pocket and vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.

Notes __________________________________________

Total Insignia Score(transfer to other side) 5 pts. 5 pts. 5 pts. 5 pts. 30 pts. 5 pts. 5 pts.

RIGHT pockeT LeFT pockeT

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Boy ScoutS of AmericA 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.o. Box 152079 irving, texas 75015-2079 http://www.scouting.org

7 30176 34598 7

34283 2008 Printing SHoULDeR SeAM 4" SHoULDeR epAULeTS AND LoopS

RIGHT SLeeVe LeFT SLeeVe

(oFFIcIAL UNIFoRM SHIRT)

Troop105ParentGuide_rC.pdf

Boy

Scouts of

America

Troop 105

Parent Guide

Revision History

Table of Contents

Field or "Class A" Uniform

Activity or

"Class

B" Uniform

Where to Place Insignia on the Uniform