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2014-2015 Troop Planning Guide

Daniel Boone Council

Boy Scouts of America

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Aims and Methods of Boy Scouting

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting". They are

character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which the aims are achieved

are listed below, in no specific order to emphasize the equal importance of each.

Ideals

The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout

slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are

high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Patrols

The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in both group living and participating in citizenship. It

places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to

interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities

through their elected representatives.

Outdoor Programs

Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities

and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive

with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and

humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice

conservation of nature's resources.

Advancement

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the

advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each

challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in

the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Association with Adults

Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models

for the members of their troops. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them,

and take a sincere interest in them, can make a profound difference in their lives.

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Personal Growth

As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good

Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in

community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a

basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the

personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine

his growth toward Scouting's aims.

Leadership Development

The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the

opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of

leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of

Scouting.

Uniform

The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good, and creates a positive youth image in the

community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy

Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a

world-brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and

provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

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Check out the Council Website at

www.danielboonecouncil.org

Camp Daniel Boone

www.campdanielboone.org Get the Council Newsletter at

http://danielboonecouncil.org/NewsEvents/ Newsletter.aspx

BSA National Website: www.scouting.org

Create you’re My Scouting Account at

www.myscouting.org

Council Service Center

333 West Haywood Street

Asheville, NC 28801 Phone (828)-254-6189

FAX (828) 252-4818 Hours: Monday – Friday

8 AM to 5 PM

Asheville Scout Shop

828-253-4949 Hours: Monday – Friday

8 AM to 6 PM Saturday 10-3

Districts and Council Information

The Daniel Boone Council is divided into five districts to better administer Scouting within the geographic

communities of western North Carolina. Each is led by a team of volunteers (District Committees and

Commissioner Staffs) with the help and encouragement of at least one full time professional Scouter (District

Executive). Districts support the community organizations (such as churches, service clubs and veterans

organizations) that charter Scouting units, the

volunteer leaders who work directly with youth

members, as well as the unit level volunteers who

help administer the pack, troop, crew or post

program.

Cataloochee District: Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties

District Executive, Kirby Thompson 828-550-7865 Kirby.thompson@scouting.org

Nantahala District: Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties

District Executive, Caitlin Meeks 828-989-2538 Caitlin.meeks@scouting.org

Soqua District: Buncombe County

District Director, James Hulgan 423-443-9181 James.hulgan@scouting.org

Terrora District: Henderson and Transylvania Counties District Executive, Lauren Lampley 828-243-6598 Lauren.lampley@scouting.org

Toe River District: Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

District Executive, Alice Courtland 828-301-7139 Alice.courtland@scouting.org

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Quality Adventure Begins with Program Planning

“Fail to Plan = Plan to Fail”

Troop program planning is an annual process where a unit works through the patrols and patrol leaders council to develop a plan for adventure. It is the process of selecting great activities and themes, then developing an annual unit calendar and an annual unit budget to support those activities.

Benefits to a strong unit program include:

Step 1: Planning your Adventure! / Pages 6-9

Plan and execute your program to achieve the Journey to Excellence Award. On the following pages, you will find information to create your plan for your ideal year of Scouting.

Step 2: Funding your Adventure! / Pages 10-13

Begin by planning your budget. Include unit expenses and activity costs. Be sure to include your Scouts in the budget building process. Use the budget planning worksheet on page 12 to help find the total cost of your program and how to fund it. Step 3: Organizing your Adventure! / Pages 14-18

Next is making sure that your troop is organized and has many adults serving in a variety of leadership positions. The more families that are involved in planning and running your troop the less load it is on one individual.

Step 4: Preparing your Leaders and Families for Adventure! / Pages 19-20

Every boy deserves a trained leader. We want to make sure you understand how Scouting works and provide you the resources to deliver a fun and fulfilling program. The BSA provides a wealth of training opportunities at every level of Scouting. Whether you’re a first time Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or a high adventure veteran, there’s a training course for you. Continual learning is the key to the success of our programs.

Step 5: The Adventure! / Pages 21-32

This is why we participate in Scouting. This section covers many of the amazing activities that troops can participate in. Step 6: Recognizing and Celebrating the Adventure! / Pages 33-34

Everyone loves a great party and celebrating the achievements of our sons. This section covers an introduction to the importance of timely recognition and recourses for having great Court of Honor programs.

Well run high quality activities for youth Stronger parental involvement

More youth participating in outdoor programs, including summer camp

More funding with less fundraising, reducing out of pocket expenses for parents

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Program Planning: The Basis of a Successful Troop

Program planning is a simple but critical part of your troop’s success. Throughout the process, remember that your goal is to deliver a high quality program to each boy and his family. It should be fun, exciting and focused on the purposes of Scouting. Setting an Annual Program Plan provides direction, a sense of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment in a job well done. Planning also makes the best possible use of your valuable volunteer time.

One of the most important responsibilities of the troop committee is to keep the troop operating with a first-rate, year-around program. The quality of the program will depend largely on the troop committee giving the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters the support they need.

STEPS FOR A GREAT ANNUAL PROGRAM PLAN

Prior to the scheduled face-to-face conference complete the following steps:

Step 1

— Gather the following key information:

1.

Key school dates, like holidays and exams

2.

Community event dates

3.

The chartered organization's key dates

4.

Personal dates that may affect the troop's activities, such as the Scoutmaster's anniversary cruise

5.

Key district and council dates

6.

Data collected from the Troop Resources Survey

7.

Last year's troop annual plan, if you have one

8.

Troop priorities and goals

9.

Scouts' advancement records

10.

General outline of next year's program

Step 2

— Discuss this process with your senior patrol leader, explaining the importance of this process and his

role in it. Discuss your options for programs and activities and your troop goals. Share your draft outline for

next year's program and ask him for his input and thoughts. Be flexible at this point. Review this presentation so

he will understand the agenda and work ahead.

Step 3

— Your senior patrol leader shares the draft plan with patrol leaders, who then share it with Scouts to get

their input and ideas. Patrol leaders schedule a meeting to gather information and ideas from the Scouts. Take

good notes.

Step 4

— Invite the following people to attend the conference to maximize the efficiency of your planning.

1.

Your troop's youth leaders

2.

Troop committee members and other adult troop leaders

3.

Chartered organization representative

4.

Your unit commissioner (optional)

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The Troop Annual Program Planning Conference

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what keeps Scouts in the program. They like to have fun, do really

cool, challenging stuff, go places, and learn things, even though they might not want to admit it. That is what

we call program, and it doesn't just happen by chance. It takes planning and preparations, starting with your

patrol leaders' conference.

Use these ground rules while discussing ideas at your conference, and you can add your own rules too:

It is important to respect the views of each other. Listen and don't interrupt. Keep focused on your task to plan your annual program. Don't get sidetracked. Write out your ideas so everyone can see them.

Be in agreement.

Step 1

— Your Scoutmaster leads a discussion on your troop's goals for the coming year. Write the goals on a

flip chart or eraser board, and agree to a list of goals.

Step 2

— Share the draft printed calendar that shows the dates you researched with the rest of the meeting

attendees. Ask if anyone has any other dates they need to add.

Step 3

— Take a few minutes to discuss these dates and events. Once you feel comfortable with this stage of

the calendar, you might even take a vote to approve the dates you have so far.

Step 4

— Senior patrol leader shares updates from patrol leaders about what Scouts want to do. This can be the

most challenging exercise in your program planning conference, so take as much time as you need. You could

use the troop program features as a base for your Scouts' desired programs or themes. You might take it one

month at a time. Don't forget to add in advancement opportunities. The flow of your troop's program is up to

you and could be driven by your goals. As an example, if one of your goals is for the troop to take a wilderness

trip to Alaska, some of your programs could focus on traveling to Alaska, wilderness survival, trip planning,

wilderness first aid, and van safety.

Again, as you agree on a monthly feature or program theme, write it on a flip chart or board and take a vote.

Designate someone to write all this in a master calendar and take good notes!

Step 5

— Add other important dates such as:

1. Boards of review 2. Courts of honor 3. Troop open house 4. Service projects

5. Webelos-to-Scout transition ceremonies

6. Any other dates already planned this far in advance

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Step 6

— Hold a final discussion on the plan, calendar, and goals, and then take a vote for approval. Once you

approve your annual plan, it will go to the troop committee for final approval.

Step 7

— To make this plan a truly valuable tool, it

must

be shared with each Scout family, your chartered

organization, and all other interested parties. This is a must!

Your plan will be a living, breathing document. For it to have real value, you must follow it, share it with

everyone, and review it regularly to see if modifications have to be made. Good luck on another great year, and

don't forget to share your plan and calendar with every Scout family!

Sample Troop Calendar

August

Theme: Cycling

Outing: Bike Hike

Board of Review Date:

Aug 10

Other: Troop Picnic / COH

September

Theme: Nature

Outing: Backpacking

Board of Review Date:

Sept 18

Other: Service Project

October

Theme: Climbing

Outing: Camp/ Climb

Board of Review Date:

Oct 16

Other: Popcorn Sale

Fall Open House

November

Theme: Citizenship

Outing: Kings Mtn SP

Board of Review Date:

Nov 8

Other: Service Project

December

Theme: Computers

Outing: Science Museum

Board of Review Date:

Dec 8

Other: COH

January

Theme: Snow Sports

Outing: Klondike Derby

Board of Review Date:

Jan 18

Other:

February

Theme: First Aid

Outing: Camp Grimes

Board of Review Date:

Feb 7

Other: Camp Card Sale

OA Elections

March

Theme: Pioneering

Outing: Daniel Boone

Board of Review Date:

March 18

Other: COH

Webelos Crossover

April

Theme: Woodworking

Outing: District Camporee

Board of Review Date:

April 16

Other: Service Project

May

Theme: Cooking

Outing: Backpacking

Board of Review Date:

May 10

Other: Unit Elections

June

Theme: Camping

Outing: Summer Camp

Board of Review Date:

June 28

Other: Begin plan for next

year

July

Theme: Water Sports

Outing: Rafting / Camp

Board of Review Date:

July 18

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Planning Objectives

Outdoor Program

Providing monthly program activities with a minimum of 6 or seven outdoor activities annually for the boys in the troop is critical to running a successful program. Attending roundtable, talking with other leaders and involving your Scouts in program planning is a great place to start when deciding where to go on outdoor activities. Activities can include day trips as well as overnight experiences.

Troop Communication

A consistent concern of parents is that they are communicated with effectively by the Troop leadership. Consider putting together a monthly newsletter with upcoming events, items for families to be aware of and reminders about deadlines. Develop a unit website, or facebook page. The more communication that you have with your families the happier they will be and the more likely those parents will be to be an active participant.

Advancement

The program must be developed to encourage Scouts to achieve advancement. Advancement recognition must be presented in a timely manner. An important milestone is to encourage every new Boy Scout to achieve the First Class rank in 12 – 18 months. Advancement should be presented every quarter at a Court of Honor. Providing a meaningful ceremony to the boys and their families can build ownership for parents in their son’s advancement. By being

recognized regularly, a Scout’s self esteem is further developed as he learns about progressing through his rank requirements.

Know and understand the advancement process for Boy Scouting. Ask for help if you need it. Use the Online Advancement process when possible. Keep accurate records for every Scout.

Unit leaders should use the Troop Program Features and Troop Meeting Plan worksheet to help plan their meetings.

Service Projects

Scouts across the nation are answering the call to service. Scouting fosters a spirit of citizenship by service to others. It is recommended that units do at least one service project for their Charter Partner each year. It is also good to plan to do a minimum of 3 annually. Service hours should be reported to the community service website. The link can be found on the left side of the Daniel Boone Council website. If you need your log-in information please contact the council office. In 2013 25,000 hours of community service were recorded by Daniel Boone Council units! Project ideas include Scouting for food, Adopt a School, Messengers of Peace, working with Charter Partner and local civic clubs.

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Troop Budget Planner

INCOME

(Complete the expense side first, then return to this income worksheet)

A) TOTAL UNIT BUDGETED PROGRAM EXPENSES

INCOME: Dues

Amt X 10 Months

# of Scouts Annual dues (monthly amount x 10 or 12 months) Surplus from prior year (beginning fund balance)

B) INCOME SUBTOTAL

C) TOTAL FUNDRAISING NEED (A minus B)

Popcorn Sale Revenue

(Check with your local council for commission percentage and bonuses.) Need Commission = Troop Goal

Popcorn Sales Goal per Scout =

Troop Goal # Scouts = Scout

Goal

Camp Card Sale Revenue

Camp Card Commission is 50% Need Commission =

Troop Goal

Camp Card Sales Goal per Scout =

Troop Goal # Scouts =

Scout Goal

TROOP OPERATING BUDGET

UNIT DETAIL: Date budget completed:

Scoutmaster: Troop No.

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Committee chairperson: District:

Treasurer:

Popcorn chairperson: Projected No. of Scouts:

Camp Card Chairperson Projected No. of registered

adults:

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EXPENSES

Troop Operating Budget

Annual Cost Per Person No. of Scouts/ Adults Total Unit Cost PROGRAM EXPENSES:

Registration and insurance fees Total youth + adults @ $26 ea. $26.00 Boys' Life Total subscriptions @ $12 ea. $12.00

Unit charter fee Yearly flat fee @ $40

Advancement $9.00 Camping trips (1) Camping trip (2) Camping trip (3) Camping trip (4) Camping trip (5) Camping trip (6) Camping trip

District events Camporees (2)

Other (1)

Special activities Merit badge day, first aid rally, Etc

Field trips Location

Handbooks One for each new youth @ $10 $8.00

Adult leader training Outdoor Skills

Unit equipment purchases Tents, cook stoves, etc.

Leader camp fees

Leader recognition Thank yous, veterans awards

TOTAL UNIT BUDGETED PROGRAM

EXPENSES:

INCOME:

Annual dues (monthly amount x 10 or 12 months) Surplus from prior year (beginning fund balance)

Other income source

INCOME SUBTOTAL: TOTAL FUNDRAISING NEED:

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Why should Your Unit Sell Popcorn and Camp Cards?

The Daniel Boone Council popcorn and camp card sales are a very important source of funding for the local Scouting units, as well as the council. The sale provides Scouting units with a safe, coordinated money earning opportunity with no upfront cost to the unit. Popcorn sales can fund the troop needs such as camping gear, program supplies, books, recognition items and major troop expenses. Camp Cards can help scouts earn their way to camp, providing them the opportunity to be thrifty and earn their own way. In 2013 the popcorn sale provided over $140,000 in financial support directly to units in the Daniel Boone Council, and camp cards sales provided an additional $27,000.

What does this mean for your unit?

You can use the popcorn and camp card sales to fund your entire year’s worth of activities. Imagine being able to have great events, campouts and have every Scout participate in summer camp without asking the family for any money! It is possible with these fundraisers!

Would you like to …

Have a cohesive unit of adults and Scouts?

Teach the Scouts and the unit the principles of Free Enterprise and “paying their own way”? Have all Scout activities paid without having to dip into your wallet?

Eliminate the hassle of collecting dues every week? Buy great equipment without breaking your budget?

Buy your Charter Partner nice gifts each year as a Thank You? Have the most fun with your Scouts?

Unit Commissions

Popcorn Commissions ranges from 28% to 37% plus prizes for the Scouts. Camp Card Commissions are 50% of gross sales.

Benefits

There is no up-front money needed by the unit for either sale, and you only pay for what you sold. No extra product!

Teaches Scouts the responsibility of earning his own way and builds self confidence. Provides experience in public speaking, salesmanship and financial skill development.

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Important Product Sale Dates

Popcorn

Camp Cards

Kick-off

Varies by district.

Consult District

Leadership

Date Set By Unit

Sale Starts

26 September 2014

2 February 2015

Sale Ends

31 October 2014

6 April 2015

Payments Due

1 December 2014

17 April 2015

Steps to a Successful Sale

Recruit a sale chairman

Attend your district kick-off and roundtable events to learn more

Set specific goals for every Scout

Develop and share with Scout prize/incentive programs

Make the sale fun, recognize top sellers weekly

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Guidelines for Unit Funds and Accounts

Tax ID Numbers Under the Chartered Partner Concept, Chartering Organizations own the Pack, Troop, Crew or Post that is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America’s program. To establish an account with a local bank, individual units have two options for obtaining a tax ID number. Units can either use the ID number of their charter organization, or they can apply directly the IRS for their own tax ID number. Often the IRS will provide the unit with a tax ID number over the telephone. Units are not permitted to use the Daniel Boone Council’s Federal Tax ID number because ID number transactions are reportable to the IRS and this number was assigned only for activities of the Daniel Boone Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc.

Reconciling The unit committee is responsible for unit finances. A treasurer is recruited to administer the account, and ideally the committee chair should receive the bank statement to reconcile. All unit funds should pass through the bank account including, but not limited to dues, fundraising dollars, popcorn sales income, camping fees and gifts. An exception might be registration fees which are collected as part of an

organized School Night event. In this case, fees collected can be transmitted directly to the Scout Service Center. Funds not needed for registration at that time should be deposited in the Unit Account at the Scout Service Center and reserved for Re-charter fees.

Checking Accounts Unit funds should be deposited in a checking account that requires two signatures on every check. Same family members must not approve payment or be the secondary signatory. The unit leader could be one of the signers, but it is recommended that it be a committee member. Unit leaders night have a petty cash fund (with a limit set by the unit committee) which is accounted for with receipts each month. The chartered organization should audit the unit finances annually and make this data available to the membership of the chartered organization.

Unit Equipment The chartered organization “owns” the unit and all of the property and funds used by the unit remain the responsibility of the organization as long as the BSA charter remains in place. A unit is usually an

unincorporated association, not a legal entity that can bear title to property. Gifts to a unit are almost never tax deductible. An annual inventory of a unit’s equipment should be given to the chartered partner, insuring the units equipment is recommended. If a unit dissolves, or the charter lapses or is revoked and all efforts to reorganize have been exhausted, the charter partner shall apply unit funds and property to the payment of unit obligations and then give the surplus to the Council or another Scout unit.

Unit Accounts All units can maintain an account at the scout service center for the purchase of patches, pins, books etc., at the Service Center at the Scout Shop or for registration, Re-chartering and Boy’s Life subscriptions. A print out of the account

activity can be obtained from the Scout Service Center upon request. Only the current account balance can be given over the phone. Unit accounts are provided as an optional complimentary limited service. The funds do not earn interest, nor are any fees charged. Units are responsible for keeping the account in a positive state.

Unit Money Earning All unit conducting a fundraiser must submit a BSA money earning application (#4427) to the Scout Applications Service Center in advance of the event. This will familiarize the unit committee with the BSA unit

fundraising policies and allow volunteer District Committees to screen for disreputable companies or conflicting projects, and to approve the project. Approval is generally given at the district level, but is always subject to review at the council level. The council popcorn and camp card sales do not require an application.

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Troop Committee Resources

The key to a successful Troop program is organization. A well-structured Troop Committee allows the Scoutmaster to focus on great Boy Scout activities and ensuring that dens are doing the same thing. They need support from a

committee on matters like fundraising, records and registration, planning civic service, and advancement. Your district team (commissioners, committee, executive) are committed to helping units develop and establish functioning

committees through individual coaching and training. Remember, the role of the Scoutmaster is to plan for program at the Troop level and work with den leaders, not orchestrate all functions of the Troop—that is the role of the committee.

Plan for Your Units Long-Term Success

It’s far better to find 10 people who can do the work of one, than it is to find one person who can do the work of 10! Take a look at your unit—is the leadership strategically placed to make your plans for long-term success come true?

Each unit position should have volunteer participation and future leadership representation. Seasoned leadership will help us continue to grow and strengthen our unit, serving as top leaders. Experienced parents and leaders act as co-chairs and co-leaders.

Newest members can observe, help and learn to take on future leadership roles.

Remember everyone has something to contribute and may be waiting for you to ask for help.

Positions Name (2014) Name (2015) Name (2016)

Chartered Organization Rep Scoutmaster (SM)

Committee Chair (CC) Asst Scoutmaster (ASM) Asst Scoutmaster (ASM) Asst Scoutmaster (ASM) Asst Scoutmaster (ASM) Asst Scoutmaster (ASM)) Secretary (MC)

Treasurer (MC)

Advancement Chair (MC) Activities Chair (MC) Popcorn Kernel (MC) Camp Card Chair (MC) Camping Chair (MC) Membership Chair(MC)

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Re-chartermania

The Daniel Boone Council will throw a party in every district in 2014 for the unit volunteers to complete their units’ Re-chartering process and complete the Journey to Excellence paperwork. Every unit is invited, and encouraged to attend their districts’ Re-chartermania event. Come and enjoy soda and pizza, and complete your unit Re-charter and JTE Scorecard. Assistance will be available to help with the process!

Dates for 2014 Re-chartermania events:

Cataloochee District : November 20, 2014 @ Sylva First Baptist Church Nantahala District: November 3, 2014 @ Tri-County Community College Soqua District: November 15, 2014 @ TBA

Terrora District: January 17, 2015 @ TBA

Toe River District: November 6, 2014 @ Spruce Pine First Baptist Church

Time and location will be announced closer to the date but make plans now for your unit to be a part of this fun evening.

Re-chartering Timeline

October

Re-charter reminder cards will be mailed to each unit leader and committee chair. These cards will have your Re-charter access code, so make sure to keep them. Instruction packets will be available at October

Roundtables.

Finalize list of Scouts and Leaders that are participating in 2014-2015. Collect $26 per person for annual dues and insurance and $12 per Boy’s Life subscription.

Log into BSA Re-chartering system and complete the online process. Call your unit commissioner if you need assistance.

November

Attend Re-chartermania and turn in the completed Re-charter and complete the unit Journey to Excellence paperwork OR get help from district personnel to complete your unit Re-charter and complete the JTE paperwork.

What Should YOU Bring to RE-CHARTERMANIA

List of all activities your Troop participated in 2014

List of all service projects your Troop completed in 2014

Current roster, printed from the online re-charter system (must have Chartered Org and Committee Chair signatures) If you need help with this process we can do it at Re-chartermania and collect signatures afterward. Troop check book / blank check from Treasurer

All new youth applications for those not listed on your current roster

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What Journey to Excellence Brings to Your Troop

1.

A framework for

planning

the next year.

The Journey to Excellence standards are based on what successful units do to continually improve. If your unit plans to achieve gold or silver Journey to Excellence, you’ll have a strong and active program.

2.

A method for

evaluating

your unit.

Journey to Excellence provides tangible measurements based on things you are likely already tracking, such as how many campouts you have, how many youth are advancing, etc. and uses simple ways to calculate your performance.

3.

Guidance

in areas where you might do better.

As you track your performance against the Journey to Excellence standards, you can easily see where you could do better.

4.

Specific

guidelines and standards

of what is considered good performance.

Journey to Excellence has specific, simple measurements to help you. You can easily compare what you are doing against the standards.

5.

Early warning

of potential problem areas.

You track any areas where your unit is not performing as you might like and have plenty of time to make corrections.

6.

Recognition

for good Scouting.

You can proudly receive your bronze, silver or gold recognition for your Scouting unit for the year.

7.

Benchmarking

to get ideas and tips from other good units.

You can receive help and best practices in areas where other units have met the gold standard. In areas where you are doing well, you can give help and ideas to other units.

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Preparing your Leaders and Families

for FUN!

The leadership of the Troop is an important part of the success of the Scouting program. The adult leadership will influence the life of every boy and family involved in the program. It is essential to find qualified individuals to fill the leadership roles within the Troop. Quality, trained leadership helps ensure that the boys have fun while successfully moving through the program.

All parents and leaders should be trained to ensure your Scouts are having the most FUN in a SAFE environment. It only takes 3 easy steps!

Step 1 Youth Protection Training

Go to www.myscouting.org and create an account. If you are registered please put your BSA ID number your profile, if not please add it to your profile after you become registered. Under the training section on the left side of the website select E-Learning and complete the Youth Protection Training module. Print your certificate and submit it with your application to become registered.

Scouting’s commitment to youth protection is achieved through the shared involvement of everyone in Scouting! Every leader MUST take this to know how to keep our youth safe in Scouting, and to be registered. Parents are encouraged to complete the training as well.

Step 2 Scoutmaster Job Specific Training

Attend one of the Scoutmaster Job Specific or Troop Committee Challenge training sessions. Parents are also invited to attend these training opportunities. The course is intended to provide troop leadership with the

information and tools they need to lead successful Boy Scout troops. Troop Committee challenge can be delivered to your committee as a group upon request of the district training team.

Step 3 Intro to Outdoor Leaders Skills

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct

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Dates for Boy Scout Training Sessions

Scoutmaster Job Specific and

Troop Committee Challenge

September 20, 2014 Toe River District

October 4, 2014 Cataloochee District

October 11, 2014 Soqua District

November 8, 2014 University of Scouting

January 2015, Cataloochee Merit Badge Midway

February 7, 2015 Soqua District

March 4, 2015 Cataloochee Training Day

March 21, 2015 Terrora District

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills

June and July @ Camp Daniel Boone (during summer camp)

September 19-21 Terrora District

March 27-29, 2015 Camp Daniel Boone

University of Scouting

November 8, 2014 @ Haywood Community College

A fun filled action packed day of

training for all Scout Leaders and

Parents. Topics range from where to

camp ideas, cooking, games,

ceremonies, flag etiquette, Unit

Admin help, online advancement, job

specific training and much much

more.

Roundtables

Cataloochee: 1st Thursday Sylva Baptist Nantahala: 1st Monday Andrews UMC Soqua: 1st Monday Council Office Terrora: 1st Wednesday Cummings UMC Toe River: 1st Monday Spruce Pine Baptist

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Camping and Program Opportunities

The next section covers just a small snippet of the camping opportunities available to your Troop. Camping has

always been a core part of Scouting. The outdoor classroom is both an enjoyable experience and a learning

one. We want every Scout to have the opportunity to attend camp. That is why we are committed to keeping

our camp fees as low as possible. Contact the Daniel Boone Council Office for promotional materials or more

information.

Event Date Host District

Merit Badge Midway May 17, 2014 Toe River

Log Rollin Day

(Camp Service Day) May 31, 2014 Camp Daniel Boone

Asheville Tourist Scout Night June 28, 2014 Asheville Tourist Boy Scout Shooting Sports Day September 27, 2014 Nantahala

Camporee October 17-19 Cataloochee @ CDB

Klondike Derby Oct 31 – Nov 2 Toe River @ Grandfather Mtn

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Event Date Host District

Klondike Derby February 13-15 Cataloochee

SM Job Specific Training March 21, 2015 Soqua and Terrora

IOLS Training March 27-29, 2015 Camp Daniel Boone

Hungry Games Camporee April 17-19, 2015 David Atkinson / Camp Daniel Boone

Camporee May 1-3, 2015 Soqua @ Camp Daniel Boone

Council Eagle Banquet May 9, 2015 TBA

Log Rollin Day May 30, 2015 Camp Daniel Boone

Detailed information on these and other national, council and district level events can be found on

the

www.danielboonecouncil.org

website, and in the weekly newsletter, the Long Rifle. All Scout

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Celebrate the Achievement

When humans participate in ceremony, they enter a sacred space. Everything

outside of that space shrivels in importance. Time takes on a different

dimension.

- Sun Bear

Scouting ceremonies for the presentation of awards, raising or lowering of the flag, opening or closing a meeting

are “a book in which a great deal is written”. Ceremony asks us to stop, listen, and share an important moment.

Scouting ceremonies are an enunciation of values and aspirations, a celebration of achievement. Establishing and

maintaining ceremony is the Scoutmaster’s job. We needn’t preside over every ceremony but should see that they

are properly conducted and respected. We ought to make our ceremonies simple and meaningful.

We may be tempted to change ceremonies often because we fear Scouts will grow bored with them. In my

experience Scouts appreciate predictability and familiarity. Repeating the same ceremony also gives scouts more

opportunities to understand exactly what is being said. The job of a Scout-aged boy is to question everything and

to seek boundaries. They may act aloof or disinterested, adopt an attitude of insincerity or condescension, or

otherwise try to disassociate themselves from what their peers may consider silly or to cover their own stage fright.

Expecting and, for the most part, ignoring is usually the best way to handle any awkwardness and the occasional

reluctance of some Scouts to participate.

While Scouting ceremonies ought to be formal and meaningful they shouldn’t be staid or flowery. Sincerity is the

most important production value, everything else is window dressing. Ceremonies ought to be simple direct and

brief: a few words, a salute, a handshake and that’s it. Saluting, lowering and folding the flag with respect and a

sense of moment leaves a greater impression than listening to a lecture on patriotism.

Opening a meeting with the recitation of the Scout oath and law promotes discipline better than rules of conduct

listed on the wall. The formal presentation of an award in a candle lit room is a greater reward than simply

handing out badges.

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Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America

is a tradition dating from the inception of the Scouting movement. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man acquires from his participation in Scouting. Advancement is one of the eight methods used to achieve the aims of Scouting – character development, citizenship training and personal fitness. It is of great importance that advancement recognition is done on a regular basis. Troop Court of Honor’s should be held at least three times a year, and four or five time for very active troops. When implemented correctly, the advancement program will:

• Help build a boy’s self-esteem.

• Help build his self-reliance as he discovers that he is now old enough to assume certain responsibilities toward other people.

• Give a boy the positive recognition that he needs.

• Bring a boy and his family closer through the advancement activities that family members enjoy together.

Your planned Troop program should produce the achievement of merit badges and rank advancement monthly. If your unit is not achieving this simple goal, your program is ineffective.

• Scout leaders should use the Troop Program Features and Troop Meeting Plan worksheet to help plan their meetings. Advancement is built right in if followed.

• Enter earned advancements online monthly using Internet Advancement (instructions can be found on our website).

• Boys have a ladder to climb, with recognition at each step. Presenting awards to boys in meaningful and timely ceremonies recognizes their accomplishments and encourages them to continue in Scouting. Ideally, recognition should be given at Quarterly Court of Honor’s.

Another great resource is www.scouting.org. Click on Scout Source and then select the Boy Scout program tab. Local resources available to you include monthly Roundtable meetings, District Trainers, Advancement team, Commissioners, District Executive, and other Boy Scout Leaders in your district. Pac

Free rank advancement will be awarded to units that turn in their re-charter on time,

conduct a family FOS presentation, participate in either popcorn or camp card sales and earn

at least Bronze level Journey to Excellence.

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Appendix

The next set of pages is information for your reference. It covers great Boy Scout

programs that your Troop can work together to accomplish!

Service Hours Contest 27

Scout Strong 28

Adopt –a-School 29

National Outdoor Awards 30

Letter from Scout Executive, Joshua Christ 31

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2014 Daniel Boone Council Community

Service Hours Contest

Making community service a part of your Pack or Troop’s overall program is a true win-win for all involved.

The community benefits as organizations or individuals receive valuable help. It gives your Pack or Troop’s

program calendar some additional structure and content. And it teaches your youth some valuable lifelong

lessons about being involved in their community and the benefit that can be provided by volunteerism.

2014 Journey to Excellence calls for Troops to participate in two, three or four service projects; and Troops to

participate in four, five, or six service projects. For both Packs and Troops, one

must

benefit the Charter

Organization

and

all hours have to be logged on the Journey to Excellence website.

Because of the importance of Community Service to the Scouting program, we have decided to begin a

Community Service Hours Contest to reinforce our message to Scouts. A Pack and Troop in each District will

be awarded a pizza party. Here are the guidelines:

The Pack and Troop that has the most hours

per Scout,

logged at servicehours.scouting.org from January

1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 will be awarded the party.

1 Pack and 1 Troop per District will be awarded.

One project must benefit the Charter Organization. (You must submit to your District Executive what this

project was.)

Updates will be provided quarterly via the Long Rifle newsletter.

That’s all there is to it! Here are some tips and ideas:

Choose an adult in your Unit to be responsible for entering Community Service.

Include Service projects in your Unit Calendars while planning the rest of your Scouting year.

Create and submit press releases and photos to your local paper so Scouts get “recognized”.

Scouts should always wear their uniform (if possible) when completing their Service Projects.

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ScoutStrong PALA Challange

“To keep myself physically strong” has been part of the oath that Boy Scouts have

followed for more than 100 years. Even with fitness and wellness already one of its

aims, the Boy Scouts of America has made a formal commitment to do more to address

the major health concerns facing today’s youth. In August, the organization launched

SCOUTStrong.

SCOUTStrong was kicked off by announcing a collaboration with the President’s

Challenge, the premier program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports &

Nutrition, resulting in a Scout-specific Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)

Challenge.

Scouting parents and volunteers can participate in the PALA Challenge with Scouts.

Scouts under age 18 earn the PALA by exercising 60 minutes a day for five days a week

for six out of eight weeks. Adults earn the PALA by exercising 30 minutes a day for five

days a week for six out of eight weeks. There is no cost to participate in PALA.

Scouts, parents, and volunteers can improve their fitness by earning the SCOUTStrong

PALA Challenge award, which is now available in Scout shops. Family members can do

this together. The motto for SCOUTStrong is, “Fit, Fuel, Fun,” emphasizing physical

fitness, good nutrition, and having fun.

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BSA Adopt a School Program

VISION

The BSA Adopt-a-School is a project designed to begin to proactively address our Community/School Relationships.

This process is where true community development work can begin. It truly is a win-win situation for both Scouting and our schools.

Benefits

Improve relationships with local schools

Establish a defined community service project that counts towards JTE Hours

Increase exposure of Scouting value to schools and local community

Increase membership through positive exposure

Council Goal

To formally adopt 20 Schools in 2014 To document at least 1,000 service hours on Adopt-a-School projects in 2014

How it Works

Unit Leader contacts Dan Rogers to discuss the school they desire to adopt. Appointment is set to meet with Principal of the school to discuss the project. The unit and the school agree to specific projects to be completed.

Unit pledges to the project and registers on the www.adoptaschool.org website.

Unit completes projects and records service hours through the adopt a school website.

Recognition

Units receive a project patch for pledging to participate.

As projects are completed unit will receive color coordinated mini patch for each project. Council and participating schools will receive a certificate of participation.

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National Outdoor Awards

Do you enjoy camping under the stars, rafting a whitewater river, or hitting the trail afoot, on a bike, or even

on a horse? Can you pitch a tent, find your way, and bandage an ankle using only materials in your Troop? Are

you prepared to do any of these in rain, snow, sleet, or heat? If so, the National Outdoor Awards are for you.

There is nothing virtual about these awards—you can earn them only by demonstrating knowledge and

experience in the outdoors. So, if you are a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout and think you are tough and disciplined

enough to hike or ride the miles, camp the nights, and run the rivers or lakes, then read on and see if the

National Outdoor badges or possibly the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement could be for you!

When a Scout excels in outdoor participation, there are new awards to show for it! This program, conceived by

the National Camping Task Force of the BSA®, includes a series of five badges designed to recognize a Boy

Scout or Varsity Scout who has exemplary knowledge and experience in performing high-level outdoor

activities.

The award consists of five emblem segments positioned around the perimeter of a beautiful center emblem.

All are embroidered in full color. The segments represent five areas of emphasis: Riding, Hiking, Camping,

Aquatics, and Adventure, with rigorous requirements to earn each segment. The center emblem features an

outdoor scene with fleur-de-lis and the words "National Outdoor Awards."

Full Details for the program can be found at

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(32)

Letter from Scout Executive

Dear Scout Leaders and Parents,

Thank you for your commitment to the youth in our communities. Your dedicated, selfless

service delivers this amazing program of Character Education and Citizenship Training to our

young men and women at a time when it is desperately needed.

For the program to achieve its full potential it is important to recruit and energize enough

volunteers, as well as plan a balanced program of activity, learning and recognition. It is

through these activities that the true magic of Scouting happens. Units that deliver a

well-planned monthly program theme and outing attract more adult leadership and youth. Those

that then recognize these youth and adults on a regular basis keep them involved.

This guidebook is designed to help you and your Troop committee plan and deliver a GREAT

program in the coming year for your Scouts. If you have questions, or are unsure how to

effectively plan your unit program please contact your Unit Commissioner or District

Executive. Our team of district volunteers and professional staff will be glad to help your

committee learn and execute this basic, but critical process.

Again, thank you for your service, and may your campfire burn brightly, shining a world of

discovery on our Scouts.

Yours in Scouting,

Joshua Christ

Scout Executive

Daniel Boone Council

References

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