Troop 55
Parent Guide
Boy Scouts of America
Wabuha District
Winnebago Council
February, 2009
Parent Guide
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Wabuha District
Winnebago Council
February, 2009
Introduction
Organization
Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
Troop 55
Adult Leadership
Training
Advancement through 1st Class
Advancement from 1st Class to Eagle
Merit Badges
Boards of review
Courts of Honor
Rechartering and Fees
Annual Registration Fees
Fees for Outings and Activities
Fundraising
Friends of Scouting
Field Uniform
Activity Uniform
Uniforms and Insignia
Book
Scout Shop
Resources
And Finally
All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind
are convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.
-Aristotle
Introduction
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? What does it cost? We have prepared this booklet to answer these questions. Our program will make your son a better person and give him the fundamental tools to be successful in whatever path he chooses in life. These skills are learned by Scouts working together and actually doing things themselves. Last but not least, our goal is to have fun!
The following pages describe the organization of the Troop and the advancement pattern that each boy will follow. Reading this will help you understand how your boy can progress through the ranks with your help. It will help you understand how you can help and what the various adult volunteers are doing to help the troop.
What Is It All About?
There are three aims to scouting which represent the long term outcomes we want for every boy.
- Aim I – To build character
- Aim II – To foster citizenship
- Aim III – To develop fitness
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 group living and participating 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 members can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives. Each patrol consists of 4 to 8 scouts with one scout elected as a patrol leader and one as an assistant patrol leader. Patrol leaders learn how to manage troop activities by working under the direction of a senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. Older, experienced Scouts may serve as troop guides, to assist new Scouts in learning scout skills.
Whenever the troop comes together for a meeting or an activity, the senior patrol leader is in charge. He also, in consultation with the scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed. It is our goal (and the concept of Scouting since its inception) to have the boys run the troop with the adults acting as advisors.
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. In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.
Advancement
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome 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.
Associations With Adults
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.
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 as 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.
Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
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Since 1910, these principles have been taught in an atmosphere of recreation and fun which allows young people to develop self-confidence, leadership and moral character. 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 the following Eagle Scouts:
Important Eagle Scouts:
Willie Banks
Olympian, Former World Record Holder, Triple Jump and Long Jump
Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr.
Former Secretary of the Treasury and Former United States Senator, Texas
Bill Bradley
Former United States Senator, New Jersey
Milton A. Caniff
Cartoonist
William C. DeVries, M.D.
Surgeon and Educator
Transplanted first artificial heart
Thomas Foley
Former Speaker of the House and
Former United States Congressman, Washington
Dr. Robert M. Gates
Former director, CIA
President, Texas A "&"M University
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
38th President of the United States
J. Stephen Fossett
First to circumnavigate the earth solo in a balloon
Michael Kahn
Stage Director
Academy Award—Winning Film Editor
John Koncak
Center, Orlando Magic, National Basketball Association
James A. Lovell Jr.
Apollo Astronaut and Business Executive
J. Willard Marriott Jr.
Chairman of the Board and President, Marriott Corporation
Sam Nunn
Former United States Senator, Georgia
H. Ross Perot
Founder, Electronic Data Systems Corporation and The Perot Group
Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
Harris Salsbury
Pulitzer Prize—Winning Author
Togo West
Former Secretary of Veteran's Affairs
As of the printing date of this document, Troop 55 is proud to have assisted 101 Scouts to the rank of 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. While some of the meetings may not run as smoothly as we may desire, this is a very important part of their learning process.
The boys in the Troop will be working toward their 1st class and then their Eagle Ranks. 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. Many Eagle Scouts put their accomplishments on their résumés and find they are often considered in obtaining acceptance into colleges 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.
Annual Troop Calendar
In September each year, a calendar of events is distributed to Scouts and their families. It includes as much as is known up to that time about the coming years schedule regarding campouts, service events, Courts of Honor, etc. The calendar will be updated when necessary and updates will be posted on our troop website: http://www.troop55cfia.org.
Organization
Troop 55 is a participating member of the Wabuha District of the Winnebago Council, 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 belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 55 is the Cedar Heights PTA. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered organization Representative acts as a liaison between the school and Troop 55.
Troop Committee
The troop committee functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of the non-program issues surrounding the Troop. For example: newsletters, Troop funds, fund raising activities, membership drives and Pack coordination, activity permits and coordination, advancement records, procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment and trailer, Troop web site and much more. The committee operates in the background and helps the Troop run smoothly. We have been very fortunate to have a large number of adults being active in the committee so everyone shares in the workload.
The committee meets monthly, these meetings are open and attendance is encouraged to all parents and other interested adults. Please mark the dates on you calendar and come! Any parental concerns can be addressed at the committee meeting.
Some of the Troop committee positions include:
- Charter Organization Representative – Liaison between the troop and Chartering Organization
- Troop Committee Member – Registered volunteer helping with the troop business
- Advancement Chair – Administers the troop advancement program, maintains records and prepares advancement reports for the council
- Fund-raiser Chair – Organizes fund raising projects to meet the troop needs
- Recruiting – coordinates webelo recruiting functions
- Secretary – keeps minutes of the Troop Committee meetings
- Quartermaster – maintains supplies for the Troop and maintains the Troop trailer
- Camping – makes arrangements for all camping trips, reservations, tour permits, etc.
- High Adventure – coordinates, plans and organizes the Troop High Adventure trips
Troop 55 holds meetings weekly. Meetings are held most Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Changes to the meeting schedule will be announced as early as possible to allow for proper planning. Troop 55 does not meet on Mondays when Cedar Falls Public Schools are not in session (I.e. holidays, snow days).
Adult Leadership
Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a Scout parent, both of whom must be at least 21 years of are required for all Troop 55 meetings, trips or outings. If you would like to become an adult leader in the troop you can ask the committee chair for a Be a Volunteer Leader form. Fill it out and return to the committee chair.
Training
Most of the Adult leaders have received position specific training and the scout master and Assistant Scoutmasters have taken Outdoor Skills Instruction training provided by the Winnebago Council. The Troop 55 Scoutmaster has also participated in Wood Badge training; which is the highest level of training offered by the Boy Scouts of America. All leaders are also required to take part in the on-line youth protection training. Troop 55 is extremely fortunate to have 13 adult leaders that are Wood Badge trained. This is very rare, but also speaks highly of our belief in the importance of training for the scouts and adult leaders.
All new adults are strongly encouraged to be active in the troop. This may be at a committee position, an “apprentice position” or as an Assistant Scout Master Position. Adult leadership is still very important to the success of Troop 55.
Patrols and Patrol Leaders
The Troop is a group made up of several patrols. Ideally, a Patrol consists of a Patrol Leader and four to eight Scouts. The boys in a patrol elect their patrol leader who in turn appoints the assistant patrol leader.
The Senior Patrol Leader is an elected position. The Senior Patrol Leader selects his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders, and Assistant Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, make up the Patrol Leaders’ Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings.
Elections for Patrol Leaders are held in September of each year. Elections for Senior Patrol Leader are held in November of each year. Junior Leadership Training is held in December, so each scout has the opportunity to learn about their position. Each Patrol has boys of different ages and rank. New Boy Scouts are added to each existing patrol. They will have older scouts in their patrol to be mentors as well as an adult leader advisor for each Patrol.
One of the Assistant Scout Masters is assigned to help the new scouts progress throughout the first year. They may meet before or after Troop meetings to work on specific requirements as well as working on these during a troop camp out.
Troop Parents
The role of parents within Troop 55 is to be supportive of the Troop’s efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel.
Parents should try to:
- Read their Scout’s handbook and understand the purpose and methods of scouting. Parents should participate in the Fast start training provided on the Boy Scouts of America website http://olc.scouting.org/info/bsfs.html.
- Actively follow their Scouts progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when needed. Show support to both the individual Scout and the Troop by attending all Troop Courts of Honor. Assist, as able, in all Troop find-raisers and other such activities. All such assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the scouts and, therefore, lowers each family’s cash outlay for their Scout(s).
- Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.
- Volunteer for troop meetings, troop camping, troop committee, and or become a merit badge counselor. The benefits that the Scout receives are directly proportional to both the QUALITY and QUANTITY of parental support and participation.
Advancement
There are many definitions of advancement, but the Scouting definition might simply be, “the art of meeting a challenge.” For that is exactly what the Boy Scout advancement program asks the boys to do. The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these skills, he moves up through a series of ranks, for which he is awarded badges: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks, and the more rewarding.
All advancement items can be signed off by an adult leader or a scout of Star Rank or higher. They should NOT be signed off by their parents.
Achievements include:
- Learning skills that qualify for Scouting’s more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges.
- Developing body and mind, growing self-confidence, and helping younger scouts climb the advancement ladder.
- Discovering how it feels to go further—in so many ways—than he ever though 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:
- The Boy Scout Learns
- The Boy Scout is Tested
- The Boy Scout is Reviewed
- The Boy Scout is Recognized
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.
With those first steps the scout begins to build themselves physically, mentally, and morally. He will start to live with the Scout Oath and Law. Soon he will learn the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; he will learn that there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of the scout oath 1) Duty to God and country, 2) duty to other people, and 3) duty to yourself.
The goal of this Troop is for the Scout to achieve the rank of First Class within his first year in the Troop. This is a sign that the scout has mastered the fundamentals of scouting and can begin the long process of learning to lead others, refining the learned skills and learning additional skills. Many of the high adventure activities of the Troop require the Scout to have earned First Class.
With the restructuring of the Webelo program, Troop 55 has also made changes. As the Webleos now cross over in the fall, we have recreated a “Trail to Eagle” program to help the new scouts progress from Scout to 1st Class. Every new class of scouts is assigned an advisor who will help them progress through the initial ranks from Scout to 1st Class. This may involve meeting before or after Troop meetings or activities during Troop camp outs.
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 skills learned while achieving the rank of First Class. The next ranks he will earn are Star and Life. 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 toward Eagle. The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and their understanding of them is much greater. The final steps towards Eagle are filled with leadership experiences. Troop 55 has one Adult Leader assigned to help the scouts as they prepare for their Eagle project.
Details for advancement are contained in the Boy Scout Handbook, which every Scout should obtain as soon as possible after joining the Troop.
Merit Badges
The goal of the merit badge program is to expand a Scout’s areas of interest and encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject. Merit badges are earned by a Scout, working with a registered merit badge counselor. The Scout is required to contact the counselor to arrange for times and places to meet with the counselor. When the Scout completes the work on the merit badge, the counselor will inform the scoutmaster that the Scout has completed the requirements for that badge. Merit Badges earned will be presented to the Scout during the Troop’s quarterly Court of Honor.
All parents of Troop 55 Scouts are encouraged to become Merit Badge Counselors. Please fill out the form on the Troop 55 website and turn in to the Winnebago Scout office. A list of all registered merit badge counselors is also posted on the website.
Boards of Review
When a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, he appears before a board of review composed of members of the Troop committee. The purpose of the board of review is not an examination. Rather it is to determine the scout’s attitude and acceptance of Scouting’s ideals; to ensure that the requirements have been met for advancement, to discuss the Scout’s experiences in the Troop and the Troop’s program, and to encourage him to keep working toward advancement. A Board of Review may also be held to counsel a boy about his lack of progress toward advancement.
After completing all the requirements for a rank, and having their book reviewed by the advancement chair, the Scout needs to set up a Scout Master Conference. Once the Scoutmaster conference is complete, the scout must show the book, once again, to the advancement chair who will then set up a Board of Review.
Courts of Honor
Troop 55 will conduct a Court of Honor once a quarter. The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancement since the last Court of Honor. Adult recognition may be presented prior to the opening of the Troop Court of Honor. It is the responsibility of the Troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council to plan and conduct the Troop’s Court of Honor. The Troop Committee will support the Courts of Honor as requested.
The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements. Parents and all other interested individuals are encouraged to attend.
Administrative
Rechartering and Fees
The process of rechartering is the annual collection of registration fees for the Scouts and Leaders. The Troop also makes a formal visit to the chartering organization to renew their commitment for the coming year. The process of rechartering the Troop must be completed by the end of December of each calendar year.
Annual Registration Fees
How much does Boy Scouting cost? As little as possible, but nothing worthwhile is free. The annual fee for each Scout in Troop 55 is $30, which includes the optional Boys Life magazine ($11). This fee includes National BSA membership, Insurance, Boys Life magazine (optional, but really enjoyable, gives Scouts ideas for activities and outings, and informs the Scouts of national and world events in Scouting.), Troop membership expenses (badges, awards, and other expenses incurred by the Troop as a whole.) are covered by Troop Fund Raising activities (specifically our Ground Hog Dinner). Troop 55 does not have yearly dues.
Fees for Outings and Activities
Individual activities may have fees associated with them. If so, the parents will be notified. Weekend troop campouts usually cost $14 which pays for food, campground fees, and other materials (propane, charcoal, etc).
Fundraising
Additional funds are raised by the boys through various fundraising activities. The Troop plans two to three major fundraising projects a year (Ground Hog supper, Candy sales, and popcorn sales, wreath sales). The Ground Hog fundraiser is designed to meet the Troop’s budget. The additional fundraising activities allow your son to earn money (which is placed into his individual scout account) to defray scouting costs. More details of the fundraisers will be provided at future Troop meetings. We have been very fortunate to have excellent creative people involved with fund raising so most scouts have the opportunity to earn money to pay for all of their activities if they desire.
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 Camporees, as well as other Council activities, Local BSA administration and local advertising. Contributions are voluntary, but the Troop has a good record of support for this activity. As years go by, F.O.S. is becoming a critical source of BSA finding. Troop 55 is part of the Winnebago Council.
Troop Web Site :
The Troop maintains a web site at http://www.troop55cfia.org . This is a major award winning web site that contains an amazing amount of information about Boy Scouts, the Troop, forms and information that you will need. We also keep a list of Merit Badge Counselors, current advancement information for each scout, committee minutes, current activity planning, scout financial records, current scout and adult leadership, plus much more. Most information can be found on the web site. Please check it regularly. We regularly distribute information by e-mail so please make sure we have your email address and remember to check your e-mail.
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 it has been used to improve both the Scout and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each Scout is encouraged to obtain, and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform items:
Field Uniform (Class A):
This uniform is to be worn for Troop meetings, and Court of Honors, and when traveling to activities or camp outs. If you are not sure which uniform to wear, wear the Field uniform. Tan Scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches
- Winnebago Council strip
- Green Shoulder loops
- Patrol emblem
- Troop number 55
- Neckerchief with slide or bolo
- Olive Scout pants or shorts
- Boy Scout socks
- Boy Scout hat
- Scout belt and buckle
- Tennis shoes or Hiking boots
Activity Uniform (also known as Class B uniform):
The activity uniform is worn, as instructed by Troop leadership, when activities may cause damage to the field uniform.
Boy Scout (or Troop 55) T-shirt (or Troop 55 sweatshirt)
Tennis shoes or hiking boots
Scout pants or shorts
Boy Scout socks
Uniforms and Insignia
Uniforms and insignia are worn a certain way. The Troop Leaders and staff at the Scout Shops will be able to answer any questions you might have on where to put what badge. Inside the cover of the Boy Scout Handbook, there are guidelines for badge placement. There is also information about this on the Troop 55 website.
Book
Your Scout should have a Boy Scout Handbook and he should bring it to all Troop meetings, activities and camping trips, to use as a resource as well as to help keep track of his advancement.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
- Help with our program on Monday Night
- Help plan or assist on a weekend outing
- Attend Committee Meetings
- Get Trained in Safety Afloat, Leadership Essentials, Leader Specifics, Climb on Safely and Youth Protection
- Attend Summer Camp
- Help with the popcorn sales or fundraising
- Become a Merit Badge counselor
- Become an Assistant Scoutmaster
Glossery (full description of each position is available on the Troop web site):
SPL – Senior Patrol Leader
ASPL – Assistant Patrol Leader
QM - Quarter Master
SM – Scout Master
ASM -Assistant Scout Master
CC – Committee Chair
Troop Committee
PL- Patrol Leader
APL – Assistant Patrol Leader
PLC – Patrol Leaders Council
OA – Order of the Arrow
CoH - Court of Honor
Scout Shops
There are two Shops in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo metropolitan area where you can purchase scout uniforms and supplies:
Winnebago Scout Shop
2929 Airport Bvld
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 234-2867
www.winnebagobsa.org
Robin’s Surplus
110 East 4th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 234-7011
(Good source for winter gear)
Crawdaddy Outdoors
107 East Bremer Avenue
Waverly, IA 50677
319-352-9129
Many other online stores are listed on our web site. We have no financial ties to any of the stores listed.
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 that 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.
Above and beyond anything else said in this booklet, the boys and us “big kids” are in Scouts to have fun!
Resources
I hope this booklet has answered most of your questions about scouting, but I am sure you still have questions. Here are some resources where you can hopefully find answers to all of your questions.
Scoutmaster, Al Hemesath
Committee Chair, Kim Pierce
Troop 55 website
http://troop55cfia.org
Winnebago Council Scout office/website
http://www.winnebagobsa.org
*Handbook originally designed and written by Andy Iehl as part of his Woodbadge ticket 2005. Revised in 2009.