New Scout

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Published on Saturday, 27 August 2011 21:24

Written by Super User

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Welcome to the Troop 603 family! We hope to provide your Scout with a rewarding Scouting experience.We’re sure that you have many questions, such as; What equipment will my son need?What should he pack for a weekend camping trip?What uniform pieces are needed?Where can I go to find out information?We hope to answer some of your questions here.

Uniform:The uniform shirt is required, with proper patches (unit number, council strip, etc.)If the Scout does not own the official BSA pants, blue jeans may be worn, provided they are blue.We would love to see every boy in a complete uniform, shirt, pants, socks, hat, belt, etc…However, we realize that this can be quite an expense, especially since the boys grow out of them so fast.So, do the best you can. Scouts that have reached the Star Rank are required to have the BSA pants.

Scout Handbook:Your son should have this with him at every Scouting related activity.There are times where opportunity only knocks once and a good Scout is always prepared.

Medical Forms:These forms must be completed prior to your son’s participation in any activities.If any medications are needed, they are to be given to the Scoutmaster prior to leaving for an activity.Dosage information and any other instructions should be written.Please put medications in a clear plastic bag and include a piece of paper with your son’s name on it.Medications must be in the original, pharmacy issued container.

Equipment:The troop owns tents, stoves, lanterns, cooking equipment and cooking utensils.A boy who does not get a good night’s sleep, does not have a good time on the campouts.Therefore, we recommend investing in a good sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.The sleeping pad can be as simple as a mat made out of foam, to something more elaborate like a self-inflating sleeping pad.Personally, I use a sleeping pad made by Therma-Rest.I have owned my sleeping pad for 15 years now and it has held up quite well.

A personal mess kit is also a good item to have, since it saves some money on disposable plates and utensils, plus it’s less of an impact on our environment!The minimum necessary is a bowl, spoon and cup.

In the fall, we recommend a good pair of hiking boots.This troop likes to hike!Good footwear is critical.

Again, in the fall, a backpack will be helpful.For now, a duffel bag will suffice.For our spring camping trips, we will be very close to the vehicles and our activity plans do not include hiking.There are many different varieties and styles of backpacks.Don’t be afraid to have your son try them on, load them up with weight, walk around the store, etc...We wouldn’t want him to get 3 miles into a 10 mile hike and discover that his backpack is uncomfortable!Backpacks also make it easier to transport gear.And, a backpack will teach your son how to pack conservatively, since everything will need to go into the backpack.

The equipment list below is provided as a guide.Items that have an ‘X’are things to bring on every trip, regardless of the time of year.Other items are useful in the summer months or the winter months.

What To Leave At Home:Electronic entertainment devices, such as Gameboys, radios, cellphones etc…Extra snacks, candy, soda, etc…

Troop Information:The troop has a website that has a calendar page which is kept current.We also publish a monthly newsletter.Please make sure to provide an e-mail address, if you have one, since a lot of communication happens via e-mail.

Summer Camp:Summer camp provides many opportunities for the Scouts.Each Boy Scout owned camp provides an array of activities designed to challenge each Troop, Patrol and individual Scout.Summer camp provides a vast array of merit badge offerings.Much of the Scout’s work along the advancement trail occurs at summer camp.Many camps also offer a special program designed for the first year Scout

Summer camp also provides the opportunity for the individual Scout to experience a bit of independence, as well as personal responsibility.Best of all, summer camp is a lot of fun!

Court of Honor: Troop 603 will conduct a Court of Honor at least twice a year.Usually, one is held in September and another in March.The Court of Honor is a celebration!We recognize the achievements of each boy; merit badges, rank advancement, special awards, etc…Every parent is strongly encouraged to attend, as this is also a time that the troop leadership uses to pass along important information.

Activity Fee:There is a $20.00 activity fee for every camping trip.This is used to purchase food for the weekend.The troop pays for the campsite rental. Adults transporting boys to Scouting events are not charged (the gas they is usually more than the activity fee).

How much does Scouting cost?:In addition to the monthly activity fee, the troop collects yearly dues.This is usually done in the fall and is currently $35.This money is broken down as follows;$10 goes to cover BSA registration fees, $12 pays for a subscription to Boys Life magazine and $13 covers the cost of the troop provided travel and class 'C' shirt.

The troop also conducts one major fundraiser a year, which is our Christmas Tree Lot. This fundraiser pays for the majority of our activities, and helps to subsidize some of our more expensive activities. In addition to the activities, the fundraiser also pays for equipment, badges and awards, as well as other various expenses. To give you an idea, our annual budget is in excess of $20,000.00 per year.

To help the individual Scout, the troop will occasionally conduct other fundraisers.Any money earned from these additional fundraisers goes directly into each boys “Scout Account”.The Scout Account can be used to pay for the monthly activity fee, yearly dues, summer camp, or any other Scouting related need.

Merit Badges: The merit badge program is designed to provide introductory knowledge and skill in many different areas.Certain merit badges are required for advancement, this information can be found in the Scout Handbook.

Parent Participation:This is always encouraged!With that said, let’s keep in mind that this is a Boy Scout Troop with the goal of developing boys into men of good character, strong values and solid leadership skills.As parents and adults, it is our job to “pick them up when they fall”.We must allow the boys the freedom to fail and learn from the mistakes.

Some areas where you can help are:

Troop Committee:Our committee meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month.The committee is charged with setting policy, troop finances, recruiting leaders, conducting Boards of Review, and general support of the program.You do not need to be a registered committee member to attend.

Troop Meetings:If you have an interesting occupation or hobby that you’d like to share, we would love to have you speak at a troop meeting.

Transportation / Camping:Transporting a group of people unable to drive is always a challenge.As a general rule, the troop meets at the church at5:30PMon Friday.If you are willing to drive, please let our activities coordinator know.

Emergency Contact:

Please contact our Activities Chairperson, who has a copy of our travel schedule, camp site information, additional activity information, etc…

Interested? Send an e-mail to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

What is Boy Scouting?

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Category: Uncategorised

Published on Saturday, 13 August 2011 01:15

Written by Super User

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What is the purpose of boy scouts?
How old are scouts?
What kinds of activities are common to scouting?
What are troops and patrols?
How is the leadership organized?
        Adult Leadership
        Youth Leadership
What are the benefits of scouting?
What are the scout advancement ranks?

Scout Law
Scout Oath
Scout Motto
Scout Slogan

What is the purpose of boy scouts?

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.

Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.

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How old are scouts?

Boy Scouts is for boys aged 11 through 17. When the 18th birthday is reached, he can no longer be a boy scout, but he can continue to support a troop in an adult leader role. As a scout grows in skill, he takes on responsibility and moves from being a learner to being a leader.

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What kinds of activities are common to scouting?

The troop program and activities are determined by the senior patrol leader and the patrol leaders council under the oversight of the Scoutmaster. Troops generally hold meetings weekly. Troop meeting activities may vary from training in Scout skills to planning camping trips or playing games.

Troops may plan outings and activities outside the troop meeting. These may involve camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, rafting, climbing and other activities. These outings are an important place for Scouts to work on skills and rank advancement, have fun, and engage in productive outdoor activities.

The summer camp program provides a week-long session for troops that includes merit badge advancement and adventure activities. Facilities may include ranges for shooting sports — archery, rifle, and shotgun — and for climbing and rappelling.

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What are troops and patrols?

The troop is the fundamental unit of Boy Scouting. The troop size can vary from a minimum of five Scouts to several dozen. Each troop is sponsored by a community organization such as a business, service organization, private school, labor group or religious institution. The chartered organization is responsible for providing a meeting place and promoting a good program. A chartered organization representative manages the relationship between the troop, the chartered organization, and the BSA.

Each troop is divided into patrols of eight or so Scouts led by a patrol leader elected from within the patrol. Patrol meetings are generally held during the weekly troop meeting. The patrol's independence from the troop varies among troops and between activities. Patrols' autonomy becomes more visible at campouts, where each patrol may set up its own camping and cooking area. Divisions between patrols may disappear during an event which only a small part of the troop attends. Patrols may hold meetings and even excursions separately from the rest of the troop.

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How is the leadership organized?

Every troop has two separate leadership structures: one consisting of Scouts and another consisting of adults. The adult leadership manages the logistics of troop activities, administers rank advancement and awards, maintains troop records and finance, and recruits new Scouts and adult leaders. The youth leadership keeps order and coordinates at activities. Scouts and adults cooperate to plan agendas for troop meetings, as well as the troop's schedule of outings.

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Adult leadership

The troop committee is made up of responsible adults who are approved by the local council and the chartered organization. The committee chairman leads the committee and appoints its members to specific tasks such as treasurer, secretary, advancement, activities, equipment and membership. The committee and the chartered organization representative are responsible for the selection of the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster must be at least twenty-one and is directly responsible for training and guiding the boy leaders, working with other adults to bring Scouting to boys, and for using the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. 

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Youth leadership

The youth leader of the troop is the senior patrol leader (SPL), elected by the Scouts in the troop. He is responsible for the overall performance of the troop, runs troop meetings and ensures that the program for troop meetings and other activities is carried out. He is advised by the Scoutmaster. There may also be one or more assistant senior patrol leaders. In addition, each patrol elects a patrol leader who then appoints an assistant patrol leader and other positions within the patrol. Together, the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and patrol leaders make up the patrol leaders council (PLC), the group of Scouts that is responsible for developing the troop's program with the advice of the Scoutmaster.

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What are the benefits of scouting?

What are the scout advancement ranks?

Boy Scouts has seven ranks, grouped into two phases. The first phase of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class is designed to teach the boy Scoutcraft skills, teamwork, and self-reliance. Scout is the first rank, awarded when a boy first joins the Scouts, and requires just a rudimentary knowledge of Scouting's ideals. Further ranks have progressive requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth, and Scout Spirit. Scouts with a permanent mental or physical disability may use alternate requirements, based on their abilities and approved by the council.

The second phase of Star, Life, and Eagle is designed to develop leadership skills and encourage the Scout to explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. These ranks require that the boy serve in a position of responsibility and perform community service.

The Eagle Scout requires, in addition to merit badges and a position of responsibility, a community service project planned and led entirely by the Eagle Scout candidate. After attaining the rank of Eagle, a Scout may earn Eagle Palms for additional tenure and merit badges.

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Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

 

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Scout Oath (or Promise)

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.

 

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Scout Motto

Be Prepared

 

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Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily

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