Troop 73 New Parents Orientation

1. Troop 73New Parents Orientation March 10th 2008 Presenter Tim MartinChartered Organization Representative

2. Restrooms are in the back as well as goodies.

3. Agenda What is scouting about Methods of Scouting Elements of a Boy led Troop Cub/Boy Scout differences Boy Scout Advancement Parents Role Money/Fundraising Uniform Policy Adult Leadership Training Supporting the Troop Troop Policies Programs Troop Meetings

4. What Scouting is All About Aims of Scouting – three specific objectives: character development citizenship training personal fitness

5. Methods of Scouting Ideals.The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan define what it means to be a good scout and a good citizen. Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in interacting in small groups which provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork and competition. "The Patrol Method is notAway to operatea Boy Scout Troop, it is the ONLY way.”__BP Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors where their skills are put to the test and developed to become more self-reliant. Advancement. Boy Scouting program through rewarding achievement teaches important skills and builds self-reliance and self-confidence. 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.

6. Methods of Scouting (cont’d) Personal Growth. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster, service projects, camping and leadership opportunities help each Boy Scout in 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 personally 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. The uniform signifies Boy Scouting unity while allowing each boy to show his achievement. It is your son’s outward expression of inward attitudes and commitment to work personally and as a team towards the goals of scouting. A Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.

8. Troop Organization: Scouts Green Field indicates voting member of the Patrol Leaders Council

9. Organization: AdultstoScouts • St. Paul Lutheran Church • OWNS THE UNIT CHARTER • APPROVES ALL ADULT LEADERS • Represents the CharterOrganization • APPOINTED by ST. PAUL CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT • REPRESENTS ST. PAUL in the DISTRICT and COUNCIL • as well as the TROOP • The Troop’s board of directors • Comprised of PARENTS and OTHER INTERESTED ADULTS-YOU • SUPPORTS the SCOUTMASTER in DELIVERING QUALITY PROGRAM and HANDLING ADMINISTRATION • Presided by CHAIRPERSON ELECTED by the COMMITTEE • The ADULT LEADER RESPONSIBLE for the IMAGE and the PROGRAM • SELECTED by the TROOP COMMITTEE. • WORKS DIRECTLY WITH THE SCOUTS, PATICULARLY COACHING THE • SENIOR PATROL LEADER Scoutmaster AssistantScoutmasters Senior Patrol Leader • ASSIST THE SCOUTMASTER WITH THE DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAM • COACHES / MENTORS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE PATROL LEADERS Scouts (Patrol Leaders)

10. Elements of a Boy-run Troop Scouts choose their activities during their Annual Planning Conference Scouts run the Troop meeting Scouts always organize themselves during campouts and activities WARNING: Many activities will seem very disorganized and can possibly be made more efficient if an adult were doing it THE ADULT LEADERS’ ROLE IS TO PROVIDE COACHING FOR THE SCOUTS

11. Ask questions, guide, train but ….. DON’T DO IT FOR THEM!!!!!

12. Difference between Cub Scout and Boy Scout Advancement A Boy Scout Troop is not structured like a Cub Pack Boys have more responsibility Planning, packing, setting up camp, cooking, activities Scout is responsible for initiation of advancement Parents cannot sign off. Patrol Leader, SM, ASM, MBC are the only persons in the troop that that can sign off requirements for rank advancement. Scouts & parents MUST understand this: Do not baby the boys. They are BOY SCOUTS now. Learning to deal with failure is an important maturity skill. Failure sometimes can be the best teacher. Guide and Motivate but don’t do anything for a boy that he is capable of doing himself!

13. Boy Scout Advancement • Scouting Ranks • Tenderfoot • Second Class • First Class • Star • Life • Eagle Student Learning Ideals/Skills Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1st Class Teacher Being Doing Star Life Eagle Requirements are in the book. Scout Badge is not a rank. Each rank requires a Scoutmaster Conference and eventually a Board of Review (Committee).

14. Advancement The parent’s role is not to carry the scout The parent’s role is to monitor, motivate, and support the scout

15. Parent Responsibilities – Monitor Progress To monitor, you have to understand what is required. Your Assignment: Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the Boy Scout Handbook Track his progress

16. Parent Responsibilities – Be Encouraging but don’t do the work for him! For Tenderfoot, most items are taught by older scouts and adult leaders. But boys can get stuck. Your Assignment: Encourage working on the fitness requirement - especially pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups! Help him memorize Scout Oath, Scout Law and to really understand what they mean

17. Parent Responsibilities - Be Supportive - There are some things that your scout cannot do without help. Your Assignment: Help select camping gear. Use resources such as Backpacker gear guide Transportation: Help him get to troop meetings and other functions. Reinforce the ideals of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan in his everyday life. Prepare for Summer Camp. Become a Merit Badge Counselor. Become a Committee Member – or even better, invest in the time, training, uniform, etc… to become an Assistant Scoutmaster. When you son accepts a position of responsibility, encourage him to fulfill his obligations. Answer his questions with…”Did you ask your Patrol Leader?”

18. All About Money/Fundraising The troop is operated through a combination of dues and fundraising activities. Troop 73 has 2 types of Dues. One is the annual dues you paid when your scout joined. The other is the weekly troop dues of $1 that each scout earns on his own and pays. The primary fundraiser for the Troop is participation in the annual Boy Scout popcorn and bottle/can collections . Most campouts and troop activities are based on a “pay as you go” fashion Primary costs for most of the activities are: food, campground fee and vehicle fuel. Fundraising is encouraged not discouraged: a scout is responsible, thrifty and pays his own way.

19. BREAK TIME - SMILE

20. Uniform Policy All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to wear the full Scout uniform. Troop 73 has identified the minimum uniform elements for each Scout: Shirt (required) – All Scouts are expected to wear the official Boy Scout shirt during meetings and appropriate outings, including while traveling to/from all Scouting activities. Slide and Neckerchief (required) – Scouts may wear the official Scout slide or one that they have made themselves. A Troop 73 neckerchief will be presented to each Scout when they join the Troop. Belt (required) – Any official Scout belt (web, Philmont, Order of the Arrow, etc) may be worn.

21. Uniform Policy (cont’d) Insignia – All insignias that are worn will be worn in the correct position. (required) The troop number (73), council patch, patrol patch, patrol/troop position patch, and current rank patch. (optional) Year pins, activity patches. Troop 73 Activity ‘Class B’ T-shirt (required)– The Troop/Scout t-shirt will be worn in lieu of the official scout shirt for designated activities. When in doubt wear your Class A uniform with the T-shirt underneath or carried in your activities pack. A Scout is Prepared! Scout Pants – The official BSA pants are required as part of the Class A and B uniforms A Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.

22. Stuff Scouts need Boy Scout Handbook needed for troop meeting Activities Pack - Recommended to be carried at all activities except Courts of Honor or as otherwise instructed. Details on the website

23. Camping Equipment Recommended equipment: 20 deg sleeping bag, Pillow, pad water bottles bag for campstuff (backpack, duffel) mess kit Sunscreen Flashlight (headlamp) shoes (no open toes) extra blanket for cold scout book knives (only whentrained & approved!!!) pencil and paper Don’t forget : hat, warm clothes, extra change of clothes, toiletries(toothbrush paste, comb, be minimal here)meds (including extra glasses, contact stuff) The troop provides the following: tents, tarps, stoves, trailer, lanterns, kitchen tools,axes, saws,……..

24. Camping Policies What is not allowed in cars or in camp: electronics, cell phones, power drinks, guns, swords, drugs, etc in accordance with the Guide To Safe Scouting Pop/Soda or snacks are at the discretion of the driver but we recommend not having them until the scouts are in camp. Sick scouts on the road can ruin an outing. Food/Pop/Drinks of any kind are NOT allowed in tents – attracts animals and insects Cots are not allowed in TROOP tents – destroys the floor. There are specific protocol/permission procedure for using fires, knives, axes and saws. Scouts must be trained and/or supervised in their use. The Scout Oath and Law are the primary rules of the troop. These policies are for the protection of the boys and troop property. Failure to obey is grounds for removal from the outing, forfeiture of fees and payment for any damage that may have occurred. Continued willful disobedience is grounds for dismissal from the troop.

25. Adult leadership: Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster works directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop. The Scoutmaster is responsible for training boys to be Troop leaders, working with and through other responsible adults (Assistant Scoutmasters) to bring Scouting to the boys, helping the boys grow into good Scouts and responsible citizens, and interfacing with the Troop Committee to ensure that the necessary resources are available to ensure a quality Scout program is provided to the boys.

26. Adult Leadership: Assistant Scoutmasters • Recruited by the Scoutmaster with the assistance of the Troop Committee. • Assigned specific program duties. • Reports to the Scoutmaster. • Sets good example by properly wearing the (complete) uniform. • Completes Combined Training for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters at earliest opportunity to do so. • Readily volunteers to assist at Troop activities.

27. Troop Leader Intros Scoutmaster – Dave Bunce Assistant Scoutmaster: Craig Gaumer, John Hunzelman, Heath Streck Committee Chairman – Eric Kerger Secretary – Your name here Treasurer – Your name here Advancement Coordinator – Sheryl Martin Chaplain- John Hunzelman Outdoor Activities Coordinator –Your name here Equipment Coordinator– Link Geren Fundraising Coordinator– Your name here Membership Coordinator- Your name here Medical Records Coordinator– Your name here Charter Organization Representative – Tim Martin Many hands make light work…Please consider serving!

28. Adult LeadershipTroop Committee • Recruit and assure training of adult leadership • Support Scoutmaster in carrying out the program • Responsible for finances • Procures and maintains Troop property • Serves on boards of review • Solves problems of that effect overall program

29. Training Scouts Orientation campout in Spring for new Scouts Backbone State Park----April Troop Leader Training provided to troop leadership after every election Committee / Parents Parent Orientation (You are here!) Youth Protection – every 2 years District Adult Leader training offered spring/fall Boy Scout Roundtable Meetings Wood Badge Philmont

30. Training Parents / Scouts How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse First section in Scout Handbook Leaders Should be Trained Youth Protection Scouting Fundamentals BSA Policies & Procedures Creates linkages to immense reserve of resources 2-Deep Leadership

31. Supporting the Troop The boys have nothing to run if there is no parent support – they lack the life experience that we have. They need our help to coach them and guide them – NOT micro manage. If a scout is trained and capable let HIM do it. If not, train him & LET HIM DO IT. The troop needs help in many forms – driving to outings, summer camp planning & support, advancement, etc. Join the Committee or be a Merit Badge Counselor if you do not have the desire and/or time to be an ASM. Scouting is a family activity and ALL adults should be active in supporting the troop. Start with adult leader training – it helps you, your son, and the troop….Plus it’s FUN! Scouts are more likely to succeed and stay in the program long term if they have a parent involved!

33. Troop Policies Troop 73 policy is governed by Boy Scout of America policy Safety is top-most concern for all Boy Scout activity The Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan are the RULES of the Troop. We encourage all adults to learn them with your boys.

34. Programs Troop Meetings Monthly Activities, Camping, Canoeing, Back packing, etc… (The boys choose these activities) Camporees / Scout-o-Ramas/District Events Summer Camp High Adventure Camps Unit High Adventure

35. Troop Meetings Every Monday, 7:00 – 8:30pm At St. Paul Lutheran Church Except holidays, or some school breaks If in doubt check the calendar or have your boy call his Patrol Leader – Troop Guide Full Class A Uniforms look sharp! Organized by PLC Meeting Activities can include Merit badge work Preparing for campouts, trips, activities, etc. Board of Reviews, Scoutmaster Conferences Fun activities Skill development

36. QUESTIONS? Informationavailable at T73.org NEW SCOUTS TAB Also check out the Outdoor Dudes 36