WELCOME TO TROOP 88
NEW SCOUT & PARENT
ORIENTATION
HANDBOOK
Last updated May 20, 2004
(Click for Word format document)
Dear New Scouts and Parents:
Welcome to Troop 88! We are looking forward to a
productive and enjoyable time with you and your son(s). The scouting program has three specific objectives,
commonly referred to as the “Aims of scouting” – They are character
development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
This handbook is designed to provide some basic information we think will be helpful to you. If you have questions about any of this information or anything pertaining to Troop 88, please feel free to contact any of the Scoutmasters or members of the Troop Committee.
Policy for all Troop 88 Activities
To follow the aims of scouting – building character, citizenship and fitness of the young men of our troop. Every activity in Boy Scouts is fun – with a purpose! Hiking, swimming, boating, bicycling and camping are the ways we teach values. The techniques we use are called the Methods of Scouting. Simply put, every Activity MUST have a purpose. That purpose is to teach boys to follow the principles of the Scout Oath, Scout Law and to practice the Scout Slogan & Motto.
All troop activities will be attended and supervised by a minimum of 2 adults, at least one who has completed the Basic Adult Leader Training Program. Our outdoor activities will conform to the Outdoor Code following the principles of “Leave No Trace” Camping.
1. SCOUT INFO
A.
The
Patrol Method
Who’s in charge? …
The boys are! The
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) employs the "patrol method" in organizing
and functioning as a troop. Troop 88 follows these guidelines and uses the
patrol method whenever possible. Lord Baden-Powell made it very plain in Aids to Scoutmastership when
he wrote,
“The
best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really
put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders.”
The Troop is divided into
approximately 4 patrols. Each patrol
has approximately 6-8 boys in it. Patrol Leaders are elected every six months.
The Patrol Leader chooses an Assistant Patrol Leader to assist him. There are
also other positions of leadership that Scouts may hold–-these are generally
positions appointed by the Scoutmaster or elected by the Scouts and are also
held for six month terms. All positions of leadership require the Scout to have
the rank of First Class.
B.
New
Scout Patrol
New Scouts are placed with other
new Scouts in a New Scout Patrol of 6 to 10 boys. They will have ample
opportunity to interact with the boys in the other patrols. The Scoutmaster and
Senior Patrol Leader assign a Troop Guide to act as Patrol Leader for the first
half of the year. The patrol will elect
their own PL later in the year. A Troop
Guide functions as a special guide for new Scouts, to teach them about the
patrol method and to encourage them.
The Troop Guide is especially chosen because he has previously
demonstrated an ability to work well with younger Scouts. An adult Assistant
Scout Masters (ASM) will be assigned to coach the patrol. The ASM is a
registered adult Scouter in the Troop. The Troop Guide helps in their
transition into Boy Scouting and encourages the new Scouts as they pursue their
ranks on the Trail to First Class.
C.
Conflict
Resolution
All new Scouts will bring any
issues, problems, or questions to the attention of the Patrol Leader, Troop Guide
or Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), who is the boy leader elected to head the entire
Troop. If the outcome is
unsatisfactory, the new Scout may ask the Scoutmaster or any of the adults
present for assistance. Similarly, all other boys in their patrols will follow
this same protocol. They contact their Patrol Leader first, then the Senior
Patrol Leader (SPL) and then the Scoutmaster or any of the adults present. Parents,
if you are attending a campout, please remember this protocol and encourage
your son to follow this method to solve the problem! We invite you to
participate in activities as an adult leader and not as a parent. The new Scouts will stay in these patrols
their first six months. Thereafter, they will be integrated into regular
patrols. (See note above)
D.
Troop
Meetings
Troop 88 meets every Wednesday evening during the school year from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Forest Hill Homeowners’ Association clubhouse. From 7:00-7:30 Scouts meet to work on advancement and merit badges, then gather together for troop opening and patrol activities at 7:30. The troop’s closing ceremony usually begins at 8:20.
At troop meetings, Scouts are
expected to arrive on time, in uniform, with their Scout
handbooks, as they work on advancement. We are all expected to conduct
ourselves as guests of the Homeowners Association.
At the meetings, Scouts:
7:00 Work on rank advancements, including merit badges, either in class or individually with older scouts or merit badge counselor.
7:30 The boys gather for the opening ceremony, hear announcements of upcoming events, make plans by patrol for upcoming activities, and sometimes, there is a special program planned with a guest speaker or visitors.
8:20 The boys gather for the closing ceremony
It is our hope that meetings will be fun and productive. Some of this is dependent on the boy-led nature of the meeting as well as the Scouts' level of participation and behavior during a meeting.
E.
Schedule
Conflicts
From time to time, scheduling
conflicts will arise. The Troop has always held schoolwork and family
responsibilities of a higher priority than Scouting. Be reassured, there is no penalty for missing a meeting. If a Scout is unable to attend a troop
meeting, or make some other troop function due to such a conflict, it is expected
that the Scout will call his Patrol Leader and let him know. This is a responsibility of the Scout and
not of his parent.
The web site is an excellent way
to keep up-to-date. Please check it often at T88SF.org.
We also use a Yahoo group as a way to communicate easily via email. Go to groups.yahoo.com/group/T88/ and
click “Join” to send a request to the Webmaster to join this list. He will respond promptly.
F.
Scout
Uniform
What you need to Purchase:
The boys will need the Scout pants, the khaki short-sleeved shirt, with a San Francisco Bay Area Council patch and purple World Crest. They will also need to purchase the red shoulder applets and the 88 numeral strips. A Troop T-shirt will be provided, which serves as a Class B uniform in more casual situations. If you cannot afford to purchase a new uniform, the troop can help with recycled uniforms.
Things T88 provides:
Scouts are given their patrol patch. The red neckerchief will be provided when the Scout earns his Tenderfoot. A Scout handbook will be provided by the troop. You may want to purchase a notebook to hold important papers, handouts, this booklet, etc
A Scout will be expected to wear his uniform with his shirt tucked in to all Troop meetings, to and from select camping trips (which will be announced), to all Boards of Review, to all Scoutmaster Conferences, and to all other Troop, district, council or national functions, unless otherwise specified.
G.
Advancement
(From Scout to Eagle)
Scout Rank
As soon as a boy is registered
with the Troop, he begins to work on Scout rank following requirements listed in
his Scout Handbook. He then demonstrates his knowledge of any requirement(s) to
an Assistant Scoutmaster, his Patrol Leader, or one of the older boys who may
approve and sign that acknowledgement in his Scout handbook. When he has completed all of the requirements,
he will participate in a Scoutmaster conference with the Scoutmaster or ASM,
followed by a Board of Review. He will
receive his rank at the next Court of Honor, which he sews on the left pocket
of his uniform.
Overview: Boy Scout Levels Of Rank
There are six levels of
scouting your son can attain:
|
Rank |
Typical Time Period |
Skill Emphasis |
|
Tenderfoot |
1st 3-4 Months |
Camping Skills |
|
2nd Class |
6-12 Months |
Camping Skills |
|
1st Class |
1st Year |
Camping Skills |
|
Star Scout |
12-24 Months |
Merit Badge Work |
|
Life Scout |
24-36 Months |
Merit Badge Work |
|
Eagle Scout |
15 to 17 Years of Age |
Merit Badge Work |
Trail To First Class (TFC)
Each boy begins to learn more about
being a Scout. At this stage, he will learn more about camping, first aid,
knots, cooking, community service and working together with his fellow Scouts
in the patrol method. He will work with his Patrol Leader, Troop Guide,
Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters and Patrol Advisors on the
requirements; parents do not sign off on these requirements. While some
requirements may be met at Troop meetings, most will be met by attending hikes
and campouts. We encourage all Scouts
to attend campouts and as many Troop functions as possible; parents are invited
too!
Rank advancement requirements
are not all earned in sequential order (i.e., a Scout can complete requirements
in First Class while still working on Tenderfoot). There are numerous
opportunities to complete these requirements–however, regular attendance at
meetings and outdoor activities make this goal more achievable. The boys work
at an individual pace, and a Scout can complete the first three ranks in
approximately one year. Note: he Scout
needs to monitor his own advancement! It is not meant to be a competition and
the emphasis is not on speed or who gets there first. The emphasis is on
"process", not simply earning a patch to sew on his Scout shirt.
Rank Advancement And Merit Badges
As each new Scout achieves his
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks, he will be anxious to begin
working on merit badges with the older boys, either in classes or individually.
After a Scout earns his First Class rank, he is eligible for many new things.
He is able to run for positions of leadership (a requirement to earn the
subsequent ranks of Star, Life and Eagle). He is also able to devote his
attention primarily to earning merit badges to advance in rank. The process for
this is simple but compliance is necessary to earn a merit badge.
1. Choose a merit
badge.
2. Fill out a
blue merit badge card (obtained from the Merit Badge Advisor) and have it
signed by the Scoutmaster signaling intent to work on the badge.
3. Ask the Merit Badge Advisor for the name of a merit badge counselor.
4. Notify the
merit badge counselor of intent to work on the badge and have the counselor
complete his portion of the blue card.
5. Work on the
badge, have the counselor sign the blue card as requirements are completed.
6. When
completed, retain the applicant's portion and give the counselor his portion as
back-up proof the badge is completed. Turn in the remaining portion to the
Advancement Chairman. Congratulations! The badge will be presented at a Troop
meeting shortly thereafter, or at the next Court of Honor.
Note: Not only will your son achieve skills and advancement, but also each level is designed to develop a sense of belonging and build an interest in learning and developing camping and life skills. The program also builds closer association with adults.
Board of Review
A Scout who is ready to complete his requirements for advancement meets with a few adult leaders, not Scoutmasters, to discuss what they have learned. The Board of Review is not just a question and answer period, and not a re-test. In coming before a Board of Review for advancement, the Scout should be thoroughly familiar with what was done for the rank applied for, including merit badge work completed for the rank. He must be in proper and complete Official Scout Uniform (with merit badge sash). Boards of Review are announced in advance and are normally held a couple times prior to each Court of Honor (see below). Scouts who are ready to advance and want to schedule a Board of Review should do the following:
1. Insure that all requirements have been completed.
2. Ask one of the scoutmasters for a "Scoutmaster Conference"-- give at least a week notice
3. Ask the Advancement Chair to schedule a Board of Review, at least a week's notice.
Requirements for a Scout appearing before a Board of Review are as follows:
1. Be in proper and complete Official Scout Uniform with merit badge sash.
2. Bring Boy Scout Handbook with completed addendum.
3. Bring merit badge "blue cards" for merit badges earned and required for the rank being applied for.
4. Bring any merit badge books and/or written work or project documentation that are applicable.
Rank advancements, merit badges, and most other awards will be presented as soon as practicable after being earned, approved, certified, and registered. They also will be recognized at the next Family Night Dinner/Court of Honor.
Court of honor
A Court of Honor is the Boy Scout event to formally recognize rank achievements, merit badge, and other awards. The Court of Honor is on a Wednesday night in lieu of the regular Troop meeting. The date of the Court of Honor is announced at the Troop meetings. This is the Scouts' night; the Court of Honor is planned and executed by the boys. For the Court of Honor, we always need a number of families to bring refreshments and help serve and our Court of Honor Hospitality Coordinators arranges this. All parents should attend the Court of Honor to encourage and support all the Scouts in the Troop and to recognize their accomplishments.
Leadership Training Opportunities
In addition to teaching outdoor skills, Boy scouting has a strong commitment to leadership training. Troop Junior Leader Training provides an excellent introduction to leadership skills. Our District and Council courses provide additional detail in some areas, and more intense development in the weeklong courses.
If you or your scout has questions go to www.sfbac.org/training/trn_youth_training.cfm. For further information check first with our troop Training Chair. District web sites may also have more information about individual courses.
Winter Awareness Training
A one-day training on cold-weather camping sponsored by the Order of the Arrow. Taught by older Scouts. Younger boys will learn the essentials of staying warm and dry while camping in snow and cold weather. It is usually offered in December, and is a required training before attending any cold-weather camping trip in snow country.
Troop Junior Leader Training
A part-day course with videos and activities, usually offered within the troop to new patrol and troop leaders. Check with one of the scoutmasters.
H.
Activities
Campouts
The Troop goes camping about
once a month. The Troop regularly attends Summer Camp, the winter Klondike
Derby and the District Camporee, as well as a regular ski trip in January,
leaving about six or so campouts. The campout calendar is posted on the web site
and emailed to the T88 distribution list.
Campouts are the backbone of the
scouting program. It is here that the patrol method is most operational. It is
here that bonding, friendship, and patrol spirit are nurtured. It is on the
campouts where new skills are learned, old skills are practiced and leadership
skills are developed. The patrols work together for the good of the Troop and
strengthen it. There is much opportunity to interact with the other patrols.
Parents are welcome on all
camping trips, which range from car camping at drive-in campgrounds to
multi-day strenuous backpacking. This is a great way to get to know other
parents in the Troop and to contribute to the good of the program. Adults,
unlike Scouts, bring their own tents and need to bring plates and utensils.
They do not bring stoves, coffeepots or cooking pans– only personal gear, as
the Scouts are obliged to cook for all adults present.
For every Scout and adult in
attendance, there are 2 payments associated with each campout: one for food paid the day of departure and
one for transportation. The payment for food usually runs $6 along with a
transportation fee, which varies by mileage, usually $2-$4. The Troop needs to know in advance of a
Scout's and a Scouter's commitment to plan: (1) how many patrols will attend,
(2) how many drivers are available to and from the site, (3) how many adults
will need food, (4) how many tents we will need, (5) whether any special
arrangements are required in terms of the space needed, and (6) how many
participants will need equipment. We are required to fill out a trip permit
listing drivers and the number of participants. COMMITMENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR
PLANNING PURPOSES AND PLANNING IS NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMPOUT!
The Scouts plan their campout
menus by patrol no later than the Wednesday night prior to the campout. One
member of the patrol is designated as the food buyer, and he will buy the
patrol's food his entire patrol. Scouts do this on a volunteer and rotating
basis. Also during the Wednesday night menu planning, the boys will decide who
will cook which meals and how they want to handle clean up. Each Patrol Leader
is ultimately responsible for making sure everyone is included in the food
count, that the food buyer has his patrol box on menu-planning night, and that
the food buyer is notified of any changes prior to shopping for food. Scouts
and committed adults will still be responsible for paying the food buyer for
their portion of the food bill unless they contact the food buyer before the
food has been purchased.
Commitment for the campouts generally takes place two weeks prior to the campout at the Wednesday night meeting. Your son will typically bring home a sheet with all of the details. It is important to know in advance who is going, including parents, for menu and equipment planning. We need adequate adult supervision, and sufficient drivers to get the boys to and from the campouts. It is the responsibility of each Scout to take care of Troop Equipment and to return it in good, clean condition.
Cancellations
If a Scout becomes ill, or some
other event precludes attendance at the campout, He must call his Patrol
Leader, the food buyers and the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster in charge
of the activity. Your and your son’s commitment
to go camping with the Troop affects everyone. If a Scout or adult does not
attend a campout after his patrol's food buyer has purchased the food, the
Scout or adult is still responsible for paying for his share of the food costs.
Other Activities
Hikes
The troop also has an active hiking schedule to help Scouts attain the hiking merit badge, as well as to spend time together discovering the diversity and richness of outdoor wonders. Included in this is the opportunity for each Scout to earn the “Rim of the Bay Progressive Hike Award.” There are six Mountain peaks that surround the Bay Area that must be submitted to earn this award. When a Scout finishes each mountain he gets a patch with the name of the mountain. Patches are awarded for each additional hike completed. Each trip can be accomplished in a single day, although occasionally one of these peaks will be included in an overnight backpacking trip. For most Scouts this activity can contribute to the Tenderfoot Rank, the Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Merit Badges; and Forester, Geologist, and Outdoorsman.
Service Projects
Integral to scouting and to T88’s commitment to the Scout oath is service to others. Service to others is a fundamental value that leads right to the heart of scouting; the twin aims of Citizenship and Character. As Lord Baden-Powell, in Aids to Scoutmastership says,
"The teaching of service is not merely a matter of teaching in theory, but the development of two distinct phases-the inculcation of the spirit of goodwill; and the provision of opportunity for its expression in practice."
The discovery that volunteer service can be rewarding is an important milestone along the road that leads from Scout to Eagle. The ideal service project will meet several criteria.
- The recipient of the service truly values the effort.
- The Scout sees the work as being a valuable contribution in which he can take pride.
- The work should be appealing and be something the Scout wants to do.
- The project should stretch the Scout's abilities but not be so difficult that he will be unable to do the work.
- And of course, the project should be done with no thought of reward.
I.
Summer
Camp
This is a weeklong activity that the Troop attends, usually in late July or early August. The Troop will know the exact location and date by November, and the dates will be posted on the Troop web site. Commitment for Summer Camp takes place in May. By then, everyone who has returned the proper health forms and has paid dues is eligible to attend. Adults who choose to attend part of the week are welcome. We usually camp in the Sierras, but have traveled north at times to attend camp. Camp costs approximately $200 for the week and includes meals. Summer Camp is one of the highlights of the year, is universally loved by all Scouts, and provides significant opportunities to advance in scouting and achieve the required merit badges.
J.
Equipment
The Troop owns its own tents,
cooking equipment, lanterns, etc.
Each Scout will need to obtain
the following for camping trips: