Table Of Contents
What is Boy Scouting?
Mission Statement of the Boy Scouts of America
Scout Oath, Scout Law
Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Outdoor Code
Objectives of Scouting
Types of Uniforms
Roles in Scouting: ParentŐs, ScoutŐs and Adult LeaderŐs
FYI
Troop 380
Rules for Troop Meetings
Advancement
Scout Spirit
Merit Badges
Junior Leadership Positions
Responsibilities of Patrol Leaders and Patrol Members
Behavior
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910 and chartered by the US Congress in 1916 to provide a program that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth. It is a private organization open to all boys willing to embrace the values, objectives and methods of Scouting. Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are:
* physically, mentally and emotionally fit
* have a high degree of self-reliance (initiative, courage, and resourcefulness)
* have personal values based on religious concepts
* understand the principles of U.S. social, economic, and governmental systems
* are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and
understand our nationŐs role in the world
* have a keen respect for the basic right of all people
* are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society
The mission statement of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Law and Oath.
On my honor, I will do my best
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
A SCOUT IS:
Loyal-A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and world community.
Helpful-A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
Friendly- A Scout is friendly to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own.
Courteous- A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.
Kind- A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason.
Obedient- A Scout follows the rules of his family, school and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country.
Cheerful- A Scout looks for the bright side of life. 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 the future. 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 him or threaten him.
Clean- A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He helps keep his home and community clean.
Reverent- A Scout is reverent towards God. He respects the beliefs of others.
Be Prepared
Do a Good Turn Daily
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
Be conservation-minded.
Troop 380 is a boy-run troop. Scouts learn the skills to lead the troop and make decisions on the activities of the troop. Adult leaders are guides and advisors. Scouts conduct the weekly meetings and plan the activities.
Uniform
The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Wearing the uniform shows each Boy ScoutŐs 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 provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, 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.
The patrol method gives the Boy Scouts an experience in group living and citizenship. They learn about responsibility and teamwork. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives.
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. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us-they learn about ecology and practice conservation of natureŐs resources.
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The 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.
Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. 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.
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. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward ScoutingŐs aims.
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.
There are 2 types of uniforms Troop 380 uses. The selection of which uniform to use is dependent on the activity.
ŇClass AÓ Uniform
To be worn at most official troop functions
á Tan Scout shirt (short or long sleeve) with appropriate insignia and patches (Greater Pittsburgh Council strip, red shoulder loops, troop number, patrol emblem, rank patch, and leadership position patch)
á Troop 380 neckerchief (obtained from troop)
á Neckerchief slide (can be purchased or made by scout)
á Scout pants or shorts (beige or green slacks are a satisfactory substitute)
á Boy Scout socks
á Boy Scout hat (optional)
á Scout web belt and buckle
á Tennis shoes or hiking boots
á For a Court of Honor ceremony, Scouts of the rank of Star and above must also have their merit badge sash
ŇClass BÓ or Activity Uniform
To be worn as instructed by troop leadership, when activities may cause damage to the Class A uniform
á Boy Scout T-shirt/Sweatshirt
á Tennis shoes or hiking boots with socks
á Jeans or shorts
Uniforms and insignia are worn a certain way. There are guides to badge placement inside the cover of the Boy Scout Handbook.
The ParentŐs Role
First and foremost, parents should familiarize themselves with the Boy Scout Handbook. They should make themselves knowledgeable about the Scouting program and its methods. If they have questions they should ask the adult leadership to clarify the information.
The success of a boy is more likely with parental involvement. Parents can support the program in a variety of ways including suggesting and planning activities, driving to activities, typing services, committee duties, merit badge counseling, fund raising, and assisting their boy in the duties of their leadership position and any other activities that benefit the troop.
Most of all, the parentŐs role is to support the boy in his involvement in Scouting and give appropriate respect to the adult volunteers who keep the troop running.
The Boy ScoutŐs Role
The boyŐs role is simple: Participate actively in the troop and adhere to the principles and methods of the Boy Scouts of America. Most of all, the boy should have fun.
The most important duty of all adult leaders is safety.
The BSA has a ZERO TOLERANCE Policy for:
á Sexual or physical abuse (initiated by boy or adult)
á Substance abuse (drug or alcohol, boy or adult)
á Interpersonal violence (by boy or adult)
Secondly, adult leaders are teachers and counselors trained to provide quality opportunities for the development of character and knowledge. Good adult leaders are life long learners willing to provide their experience to the boys.
Council and District leaders are the representatives of the Boy Scouts of America whose mission is to provide quality control to the troop and to provide resources, and training to the troop leaders. They are invested with the responsibility to ensure that the methods and policies of Scouting are followed.
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scout program. They serve in a variety of jobs-everything from unit leaders to chairmen of troop committees, committee members, merit badge counselors, and chartered organization representatives.
Like other phases of the program, Boy Scouting is made available to community organizations having similar interests and goals. Chartered organizations include professional organizations; governmental bodies; and religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and citizenŐs groups. Each organization appoints one of itsŐ members as the chartered organization representative. The organization is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and support for troop activities.
For every 100 boys who join scouting, records indicate that:
-RARELY will one be brought before the juvenile court system
-2 will become Eagle Scouts
-17 will become future Scout volunteers
-18 will develop a hobby that will last through their adult life
-8 will enter a vocation that was learned through the merit badge system
-1 will use his Scouting skills to save his own life
-1 will use his Scouting skills to save the life of another person
ScoutingŐs alumni record is equally impressive. A recent nation-wide survey of high schools revealed the following information:
-85% of student council presidents were Scouts
-89% of senior class presidents were Scouts
-80% of junior class presidents were Scouts
-75% of school publication editors were Scouts
-71% of football captains were Scouts
Scouts account for:
-64% of Air Force Academy graduates
-68% of West Point graduates
-70% of Annapolis graduates
-72% of Rhodes Scholars
-85% of F.B.I. agents
-26 of the first 29 astronauts
In order to enjoy the adventures of Scouting, a boy must join and become a member of a troop. Troop 380 is sponsored by the Fox Chapel Episcopal Church in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania. The troopŐs sponsor provides a meeting place for troop meetings and associated activities.
Meetings are held on Monday evenings; outings are held monthly. The troop attends Boy Scout camp one week in June annually at Heritage Reservation, Farmington, PA.
Troop 380 does not charge monthly dues. Several groups are responsible for supporting Boy Scouting: the boy and his parents, the troop, the chartered organization and the community. Boys are encouraged to earn money for the troop during our annual fundraiser; holiday greens/popcorn/entertainment book sales in the fall. Each boy is encouraged to sell a minimum of $360 in order to keep his non-paying status. Each Scout earns a percentage of the dollar amount that he sells over the designated amount of $360. The community, including parents, Friends of Scouting campaigns, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council also support the scouting program.
The troop charges a small fee for outings. The most expensive outing is the yearly ski trip. Summer camp fees are paid by the ScoutŐs family. If for financial reasons, a scout would not be able to attend an outing or campout, please contact the Scoutmaster or Treasurer for troop financial aid.
Each meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 PM and should normally be concluded by 8:45 PM. Do not leave with your Scout until the meeting has been closed by the
Scoutmaster and the colors retired.
The meeting will start with the opening ceremony which always includes both the American flag and the Troop flag in their proper positions, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
During the meetings, Scouts are to remain quiet and attentive. Each Scout should show respect to whoever is speaking at the podium.
Every Boy Scout should bring his handbook to each meeting.
Each Scout should remove his hat before entering the hall.
For meetings, each Scout shall dress in his uniform consisting of shirt, neckerchief, belt, pants and shoes. The shirt may either be short or long sleeved and the pants may be long or short. Jeans may be worn if they are in good condition: no cutoffs, torn knees or ragged hems.
The scouting program provides many opportunities for boys to learn skills and take part in terrific adventures. Boy Scouts of America recognizes a boyŐs achievement by awarding badges of rank including Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle, the highest award in scouting.
Each rank is more challenging than the one before. Each prepares the boy to be a better camper, citizen, and Scout. Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development.
Active Scout participation and advancement go together. Older Scouts are expected to help and encourage younger Scouts in their advancement and teach them the needed skills. Merely achieving badges, without active participation in troop meetings, service projects and outings, is not sufficient for advancement. Mutual help and respect is an essential part of Scout Spirit, a requirement for advancement.
When a Scout has completed the requirements for a particular advancement, he should tell the Scoutmaster and arrange a ScoutmasterŐs Conference. When the conference is complete, the Scout must have a Board of Review in order to be approved for advancement. He will then be awarded his advancement at the next Court of Honor.
Scoutmaster Conference- a 1-on-1 meeting between the Scout and Scoutmaster to discuss the completed requirements for the desired rank advancement. This must be completed before moving on to the Board of Review. This conference is also a way for the Scoutmaster to guide the Scout towards further personal growth and development and troop participation.
Board of Review- a meeting between the Scout and 3 adult leaders to further discuss past, present and future activities toward rank advancement and growth. The dress for the Board of Review is the same for Court of Honor. The scout should also be prepared to recite the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. The scout must have his Boy Scout Handbook and the blue merit badge cards for rank Star and above.
Court of Honor- This is an important ceremony for each scout as he is recognized by the troop for his work toward advancements and merit badges. Parents are also recognized for their assistance with their sonŐs work. Families are encouraged to attend Courts of Honor. Refreshments and social time are held after the eveningŐs ceremonies are complete. Troop 380 holds four Courts of Honor each year.
According to the Boy Scout Advancement manual, a basic goal for the troop is for each Scout to advance at least one rank each year and for a new Scout to earn First Class rank during his first year in the troop. While it is not necessary to achieve the higher ranks to have a valuable experience in Scouting, those Scouts who have gone on to complete the Eagle rank greatly value the experience and the achievement and know that they have acquired skills and knowledge that will remain valuable to them for the rest of their lives. Developing responsibility, leadership, and self-reliance is at the heart of the Boy Scout experience and advancement represents a structured progression towards these goals.
The ranks of the Boy Scouts of America are:
á Scout-Requirements are basic Scout knowledge
á Tenderfoot- Emphasize basic Scout skills
á Second Class- Emphasize basic Scout skills
á First Class- Emphasize basic Scout skills
á Star- Complete merit badges, service and leadership
á Life- Complete merit badges, service and leadership
á Eagle- Highest rank, 21 merit badges (12 Eagle required), service project (which he plans, develops, and leads), and leadership. Must be completed by 18th birthday.
Many of the important goals of Scouting are achieved as a boy progresses through the first four Scout ranks. After attaining First Class, advancing to Star, Life and Eagle involves more difficult requirements and stronger individual commitment. These requirements include leadership, service and merit badges, both required and elective.
Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 380 measure Scout Spirit according to the following specifications: attitude, cooperation, respect, volunteerism, attentiveness, tolerance, friendliness and attendance. *Scouts should be aware that for every rank above Tenderfoot, ŇScout SpiritÓ is a requirement.
In order to complete a merit badge, the Scout should refer to the merit badge counselors list and contact the counselor to make an appointment to meet and perform the requirements listed in the merit badge book. However, in order to advance, each Scout must take the initiative to earn the appropriate merit badges. The troop librarian can provide the Scout with the appropriate merit badge book. When a Scout meets with the merit badge counselor, he must take a blue merit badge card signed by the Scoutmaster. This blue card is divided into 3 sections. When the requirements are complete, the counselor will sign the card and keep the section labeled ŇCounselors RecordÓ. The Scout must keep the ŇApplicants RecordÓ section. The ŇApplication for Merit BadgeÓ section must be given to the Advancement Chairperson. The merit badge will be presented to the Scout at the next Court of Honor ceremony.
There are several junior leadership positions within the troop. These first 5 positions listed here form the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) which is responsible for planning troop meetings and events. The PLC typically meets once a month at the Fox Chapel Episcopal Church. No regular troop meeting is held on this Monday. The positions of the PLC are:
á Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)- He is the top junior in the troop. He runs all troop meetings and campouts as well as the Patrol Leaders Council
á Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)- He is the second highest-ranking junior leader and leads the troop when the SPL is absent
á Patrol Leader (PL)- He represents his patrol on the PLC and keeps his patrol informed. He works with the SPL to communicate troop plans to his patrol. He also works with his patrol to gather feedback and ideas so they can be presented at the PLC
á Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)- He leads the patrol when the Patrol Leader is absent
á Troop Guide (TG)- He works with the new Scouts and helps them achieve the First Class rank
Other leadership positions are:
á Scribe- He keeps the troop records and records the activities of the PLC
á Quartermaster- He keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order
á Instructor- He teaches Scouting skills
á Chaplain Aide- He works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop
á Librarian- He takes care of the troop library
á Historian- He keeps a historical record and scrapbook of troop activities. He takes pictures at troop activities.
á Den Chief- He works with Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in a Cub Scout Pack
á OA Troop Representative- He works as a youth liaison between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and the troop
á Bugler- He plays the appropriate bugle calls at various troop activities
Participate in the troop Patrol Leaders Council
Work with the Troop Guide to lead the patrol meeting
Take attendance
Go over announcements
Give any required comments or opinions to the Scoutmaster
Be sure that everyone in your patrol knows what is going on around them. If any member misses a troop or patrol meeting, call them and inform them on what they missed
Be the main organizer for camp-outs. Delegate responsibilities for buying food, wood gathering, cooking, cleanup, and other camp tasks
Participate in troop and patrol activities
If you cannot make it to a troop or patrol meeting, let your Patrol Leader know before the meeting
ŇBe PreparedÓ. Always bring your Boy Scout Handbook, notebook, and a pen or pencil to meetings and on campouts
Listen to your patrol leader. Takes notes so you remember key dates and places, and so you do not forget anything you promised to do
Cooperate with others in your patrol. Things go more smoothly if everyone does their fair share then a little bit more. Follow the direction of your patrol leader.
The Scout Oath and Law will serve as our Code of Conduct at all times.
Misbehavior will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the activity.
It is the parentŐs responsibility to pick up their son if called by an adult leader.
Chronic misbehavior will result in probationary status. This period will not accrue towards rank advancement. Chronic misbehavior may result in dismissal from the troop.
The four steps associated with misbehavior are:
1. In troop counseling by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.
2. Dismissal from the activity, with request for parent to pick up scout.
3. Suspension from all troop activities for a period from 2 weeks to 2 months. Prior to rejoining the troop, a counseling session involving Scout, Scoutmaster, and parent(s) must occur.
4. For chronic misbehavior, probationary status with behavior norms established by Scout, Scoutmaster, and parent(s).