Troop FAQ

What is the Scouting program about?

It is essentially defined by what we are trying to accomplish (aims) and how we plan to accomplish it (methods). There are 3 aims:

1. To build character

2. To foster citizenship

3. To develop fitness

These aims are considered to be the "bedrock" of the American Scouting movement and represent the long-term outcome that we want for every boy. The 8 methods are the "how" of the program. They are:

1. Ideals

2. Patrols

3. Outdoors

4. Advancement

5. Personal Growth

6. Adult Association

7. Leadership development

8. Uniform

Where the aims might be thought of as the foundation of the house of Scouting, the methods are the building blocks. To learn more about the Aims and Methods of Scouting, visit the official BSA web page, www.bsa.scouting.org.

How is the troop organized and who runs the troop?

Troop 79 recognizes and promotes the Patrol Method of operation. One of the things that Scouting teaches is leadership. The boys cannot learn leadership if the adults do all of the leading! It is the job of the Adult Leaders to train Junior Leaders to run the Troop, not to run it themselves.

The leadership of Troop 79 starts with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The boys of the Troop in an election held every six months select this Scout. He is a young man of at least Star rank, preferably Life rank, who has been with the Boy Scout program for at least 2 years and knows very well how to run all of the Troop activities.

Under the Senior Patrol Leader are various Troop jobs that are appointed by the SPL with the Scoutmasters approval. These boys are to serve in their positions for a six-month period, just like the SPL.

The Scoutmaster leads a Junior Leader Training course (JLT) every six months, right after the Troop elections. In this training the boys receive information on the Troop job for which they have volunteered, and they go through a program on how to lead other boys their own age.

When and where does the troop meet?

Troop 79 meets at Southern Hills Christian Church on Tuesday night's year around. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Be sure to pick up your Scout promptly after all meetings. Please encourage your son to attend every troop meeting he possible can. The Aims of Scouting can only be realized through regular attendance at all of the troop's functions, whether they are meetings, camp outs, service projects or fund raisers. Regular attendance will also make possible regular rank advancement. Allow your son to experience the complete Scouting program.

Are uniforms required?

The Scout uniform is an important part of the program. It should be worn properly and proudly. Scouts are expected to attend most Troop functions in full, Class "A" uniform. Uniforms consist of either long or short official scout pants, scout socks, belt, and shirt. Badge sashes and neckerchiefs are optional except for special dress meetings. An official scout hat is the only hat that is allowed while in uniform. All badges from the Webelos shirt should be removed except the Arrow of Light. Only one Quality Unit badge may be worn at a time. Troop 79 provides Quality unit patches, Troop neckerchief, 25-year patches, all earned rank and merit badges, and some leadership position patches. (Sr. Patrol Leader, Assistant Sr. Patrol Leader, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, Chaplain, and Scribe)

You will need to purchase the following for the uniform: troop numbers 7 & 9, the Last Frontier Council patch, world crest patch, red epaulets, and the patrol patch for your son's Patrol. New members receive one Troop 79 T-shirt. Additional Troop 79 T-shirts are available at cost from the troop. They are worn only on camp outs and special Troop functions as announced. Troop 79 neckerchiefs are presented to Scouts upon achieving Tenderfoot rank.

What are patrols?

Every Boy Scout Troop is made up of patrols, groupings of six to eight boys who work together as a team. Each patrol elects its own leader, with elections every six months. The patrol leaders, with an elected Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leaders' Council, or PLC. It is the PLC's job to plan and run the troop program. Each Patrol Leader represents his patrol on the PLC, and interprets to his patrol the plans and decisions the PLC makes. Patrols also have their own patrol activities.

Will my son be required to go on campouts?

Camping is the heart of our Scouting program. Most new Scouts in our troop will camp out 10 to II weekends per year, plus a week at summer camp. Our goal is to teach the boys skills necessary for a safe and comfortable outdoor experience. Please encourage your son to camp as often as possible. He will build experiences he will remember his entire life.

How often does the troop go camping?

The troop has a campout each month except for the month the troop attends summer camp.

Troop 79 normally assembles no later than 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening for a weekend outing. Scouts should have already had dinner before arrival, or bring a sack dinner. We normally return around 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The exact arrival time will be announced in advance. Scouts are allowed to call parents on arrival. Normally we stop for fast food on the way home Sunday. Scouts should bring a few dollars for Sunday lunch. Lunch money should be secured in a pocket, not in a duffel bag!

What equipment is required?

It is not necessary for most new boys to go out and buy a lot of expensive camping gear. Currently the troop provides tents, ground cloths, rain flies, cooking stoves, water containers, lanterns, patrol tables, patrol cooking equipment, and a trailer for equipment transportation. This gear is purchased and maintained with funds from several fund-raisers and a portion of each boy's annual dues.

Each boy will need a sleeping bag, foam ground pad, simple eating utensils, appropriate clothing, and a duffel bag or pack for his gear. In the beginning most of the gear used as a Webelos Scout is appropriate. Good lists of necessary personal gear for the camp outs are found in the Boy. Scout Handbook pages 224Â-225.

Advanced Scouts preparing for High Adventure trips will want and need more advanced gear. The Last Frontier Council Scout Shop and local stores like Backwoods, Academy, etc. are good sources as well as mail order companies like Campmor, L.L. Bean, etc. Scouting equipment and camping gear make excellent birthday and Christmas gifts.

What and where is summer camp?

Summer Camp is a very important part of a Boy Scout's advancement. Summer camp provides an opportunity for Boy Scouts to earn merit badges and rank advancement in a long- term camp environment. Troop 79 goes to camp every other year at the Last Frontier Council's Slippery Falls Scout Camp. In the intervening years, the Troop goes to an out-of-council camp. We evaluate the needs of the boys and the opportunities each year to develop our summer camp program.

Is there an outdoor program for older boys?

Troop 79 has a successful High Adventure program geared to older Boy Scout's needs. We have in past years gone to Northern Tier for a boundary water trip, backpacking in Colorado, canoeing the Buffalo River in Arkansas, fishing and canoeing in Wyoming and to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for extended backpacking and horseback-riding treks. These programs require extensive training and adult involvement. High Adventure activities are normally for boys who are at least First Class rank and above and 14 years old by January 1 of the year they go on the trip. Ideas for future trips are always welcome along with volunteers to help make them successful.

Are there opportunities for adults to become involved with the troop?

Troop 79 needs lots of active adult participation to provide the boys with a quality program. There is much more to adult leadership than camping and teaching Scout skills (although these are two very important areas where you can help). The many opportunities to serve can utilize a wide range of talents, interests, and time commitments. Scouting can be as much fun and rewarding for the adults as it is for the boys. While being a part of one of the finest youth programs in the world, you will meet and work with some of the best adults and boys that our community has to offer. The fellowship and experiences you will have can forge friendships and memories lasting a lifetime. The jobs can be broken into three broad categories: Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, and "one-shot" jobs. Following is a brief description of these jobs. Please look them over and ask yourself where you can best help out. It is vital that everyone be willing to "pitch in".

The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the boys to provide the Scouting program. They teach skills, go on camp outs, assist with advancement, and provide supervision at Scout activities. It is important to remember that this is not a parent-son program. The Adult leaders are there for the benefit of all of the boys. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are registered volunteers.

The members of the Troop Committee provide support to the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters by handling the various administrative functions necessary to run the Troop. These functions include finances, activities, membership, advancement, fund raising, the newsletter, and troop equipment. The committee is also responsible for interpreting and setting policies for the Troop. The Troop Committee members are registered volunteers.

There are many "one-shot" jobs to be done that do not require an on-going commitment. Just a few examples of these jobs are: going on camp outs, providing transportation, assisting with fund raising activities, or providing refreshments for a Court of Honor. It is not a requirement that the adults doing these jobs be registered, but it is recommended.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ADULT LEADER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL REGISTERED ADULTS. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION FOR ANY POSITION BASED ON GENDER.

The leaders in the Troop are always eager to answer questions to help newcomers.

What is the Baden-Powell Patrol?

For the patrol that is determined to go an "extra mile," there is the Baden-Powell Patrol Award. The Award is made to patrols that complete the following seven requirements:

1. Spirit - Have a patrol flag & rally around it. Put your patrol design on equipment. Use your yell or cheer & patrol call. Keep patrol records up to date for three months.

2. Patrol meetings - Hold two patrol meetings each month for three months.

3. Hikes, outdoor activities, & other events - Take part in one of these within three months.

4. Good turns or service projects - Do two patrol leaders' council-approved Good turns or service projects within three months.

5. Advancement - Help two patrol members advance one rank during three months.

6. Uniform - Wear the uniform correctly (at least six Scouts).

7. Patrol Leaders' Council- represent the patrol during three Patrol Leaders' Council meetings within three months.

The Baden-Powell Award is an embroidered star worn beneath the patrol medallion, and identifies a patrol as a uniquely high quality group.

How does a boy advance in scouting?

ADVANCEMENT (Handbook pages 31-183)

Advancement in Boy Scouts requires interaction with adults and troop leaders other than the Scout's parents.

Individual rank advancement requirements are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook.

A list and picture of all merit badges is in the Boy Scout Handbook along with all requirements for the REQUIRED FOR EAGLE merit badges.

Troop 79 provides and presents merit badges and rank badges at each meeting, when applicable. Merit badge cards, rank cards, and other awards are presented only at Courts of Honor.

Scouts are encouraged and supported by the troop to reach the rank of First Class near the end of their first year in Boy Scouting. However, each Scout is different, and his motivations are different. There is no requirement that this goal be met, and it is more important that each Scout have fun and learn how the troop operates during his first year. Continuous progress is the key to success in advancement. Each Scout should set his own goals and pace.

What is rank in scouting and how is rank advancement achieved?

When all specific requirements for rank advancement have been met and "signed off', the Scout should go to the Scoutmaster to initiate a Scoutmaster's conference. This request should be at least one week prior to the requested conference. For this conference the Scout must be in complete "CLASS A" uniform, have his Scout book and be prepared to discuss the elements included in the requirements. Parents may not sign off requirements for their own sons.

After completion of the Scoutmaster's conference, the Scout should request a Board of Review to be set up by the Advancement Chairman. The Board of Review consists of minimum of three Committee members who will assess the Scout's progress and troop procedures. (It is not a test or grilling of knowledge).

At the Board of Review, the Scout should be in full, Class "A" uniform. After the Board of Review approves the advancement, the Scout must report to the Advancement Chairman for proper recording to the Scout office and for troop records.

For rank advancements of First Class and above, the Scout must bring his EAGLE NOTEBOOK to the Board of Review. It is up to the individual to arrange and plan his notebook. We encourage creativity in cover, arrangement, and contents. (In the Eagle Notebook, Scouts keep merit badge cards, awards, photographs, and any documentation for badges or advancement. Some even include information from Cub Scouts).

What are merit badges and how does a scout earn merit badges?

To work on a merit badge, the Scout begins by getting a merit badge card from the Advancement Chairman or the Merit Badge Counselor. Troop 79 has a list of "In House" Merit Badge Counselors. All boys will receive updated lists of these counselors. A parent may not serve as a counselor for his/her own son.

As requirements are completed, the Scout should obtain the necessary signatures and dates. Each Scout will need to "keep up with" his partial merit badge cards.

Once the merit badge card has all parts signed and completed, the Scout should take it to the Advancement Chairman for final approval and recording. He should be prepared to answer questions about the badge or show work if requested.

At Merit Badge College and Summer Camp, merit badge cards may not be issued; however, the Advancement Chairman will have a list of all completed requirements and partial requirements. In this case, a merit badge card will be filled out upon return from merit Badge College or Summer Camp.

Scouts may work on several merit badges concurrently.

Merit badge councilors are instructed to meet with Scouts on Tuesday nights after 8:45 p.m. This restriction ensures that all Scouts participate as fully as possible in the night's program.

Tuesday nights should be used primarily for the planned program, not for merit badges.

Scouts are strongly encouraged to schedule meetings with their merit badge counselors outside of troop meetings. BSA Youth Protection regulations require another Scout or parent to be present at all meetings between the Scout and his counselor.)

What is Scout Spirit?

Every rank from Tenderfoot through Eagle requires the demonstration of "Scout Spirit". What is Scout Spirit? Scout Spirit is demonstrated by a boy's attitude and his actions. A boy with Scout Spirit is proud to be a Scout, has fun doing Scout activities, and participates actively in the Scouting program.

The questions the Scoutmaster must consider before passing a boy on his Scout Spirit requirement are: Does the boy conduct himself according to the Scout Oath and Law? Does he regularly attend and actively participate in meetings, camp outs, service projects, and other activities? Does he wear his uniform properly and proudly? Does he do his share of fund raising?

Demonstration of Scout Spirit is required for every rank, especially including the rank of Eagle. You can contribute to your son's Scout Spirit by showing Scout Spirit yourself. Here's how: Find out about the Scouting program. Take an active interest in your son's Scouting career. Buy him a uniform and encourage him to wear it. Know what is going on in the Troop. Make sure your son has a record of regular attendance at Troop activities. Actively participate in the Troop yourself.

What is a Court of Honor and when do they occur?

Courts of Honor are held three times per year. The main purpose of the Court of Honor is to furnish formal recognition for achievement and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance. All Scouts who have advanced since the previous Court of Honor are recognized.

Scouts conduct the Court of Honor. They are responsible for planning, setting up, and conducting the event. Parents are also an integral part of the Court of Honor. It is important for the Scouts to be formally recognized in front of their peers and parents.

How can I find current information on Troop 79?

Your Scout will receive a monthly Newsletter with information concerning current events within the Troop. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep abreast of current and upcoming events of the Troop through the Newsletter. The Troop Bulletin Board is located in the hallway, outside of Fellowship Hall, where Troop meetings take place. This, too, is a good source of information and a source of pride for our Scouts. Troop 79 also has a web site on which parents and Scouts can find information on the schedule and program for the troop. The site is under continuous development. The URL is http://www.Troop79Edmond.org/

How can I become involved in the troop?

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ADULT LEADER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL REGISTERED ADULTS. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION FOR ANY POSITION BASED ON GENDER.

The leaders in the Troop are always eager to answer questions to help newcomers.

Am I required to complete any special training to be an adult volunteer?

Adult participation is encouraged within Troop 79. It is recommended that any parent or interested adult take Scout Leader Basic Training. It provides a working knowledge of troop operations and procedures. To gain Scout skills, adult leaders should take advantage of Outdoor Skills training, which provides instruction in a wide range of Scouting skills for adults. The highest level of training for adults is Wood Badge. Wood Badge is recommended for all adults dedicated to providing the highest quality program for our Scouts. Training is offered by the Last Frontier Council and is offered at various times throughout the year. Troop 79 pays training fees for all adults. A trained Leader provides the structure and guidance needed for our Scouts to have the best possible program.

How is the troop financed and how much does it cost to be a member of the troop?

FINANCES

Dues for Troop 79 are currently $75 for the first boy, $65 for each additional boy in the family and $30 for each registered adult. There is an additional $10 per person dues for members of the Order of the Arrow. Troop 79 re-charters in February. Dues are prorated for Scouts who join Troop 79 later in the year.

Most weekend campouts are $15 for Scouts, $20 for adults, payable the Tuesday preceding the campout. If there is money left over after the campout, the excess money is deposited into the general Troop fund and is used for repair of equipment, purchasing new equipment, etc. Scouts may also use the extra money to replenish expendables (paper towels, trash bags etc.) for the patrol chuck box. If a campout has additional costs, the Scouts will be notified at a prior meeting.

FUND RAISING

Troop 79 has several fund raising efforts throughout the year. The Fall Popcorn Sale is a national BSA event occurring each fall. A percentage of the proceeds of this fundraiser go to the District and National level and about 35% goes to our own Troop. As a Unit our Troop tries to have at least two other fund raising projects throughout the year. In these projects the total proceeds go to our Troop. In the past, these projects have been car washes and possibly another sales event, such as Christmas wreaths. The proceeds of our fundraisers help to purchase and repair camping equipment; to buy advancement badges and merit badge books and to buy special activity fees.

TROOP 79 SAFE CAMPING GUIDELINES

One of the monthly activities of our Troop is camping. To make our camp outs safe and enjoyable a few guidelines must be followed.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

Leadership requirements for trips and outings include:

At least two adults will be present on all trips and outings.

No fewer than four individuals (with a minimum of two adults) will go on any back country expedition or camp out. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help.

Male and female leaders sleep separately. Married couples may share the same quarters, if appropriate facilities are available.

When staying in tents, no youth will stay in a tent of an adult other than his parent or guardian. Transportation will comply with BSA guidelines including:

a) Use of seat belts for all occupants

b) Drivers must be licensed and at least 18 years of age

c) An adult leader of at least 21 years of age must be in charge.

d) Adequate property damage and public liability insurance must be carried.

MEDICAL RECORDS

Medical records and emergency permission forms are required before camping with the Troop. These are carried on every camp out. Physical examinations are required before summer camps and high adventure outings. Parents are to keep medical records up-to-date and inform the Scoutmaster of current medications before leaving on camp outs. The Scoutmaster will maintain and distribute prescribed medications, if necessary. It is the parent's responsibility not to send sick Scouts on camp outs. Parents may be requested to pick up ill Scouts. In case of severe accidental injury or illness, the Scout may be taken to a local hospital for treatment.

DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO USE

No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco products are permitted. Adults will not to use tobacco products at activities involving youth participants.

FIREARMS

No firearms, ammunition, fireworks, rockets, or other explosive devices are permitted outside of planned activities. Shooting activities will have certified adult supervision and fol1ow BSA policies. All ammunition and firearms will be stored and transported separate from personal gear.

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Aquatic activities will be conducted under the supervision of trained adults and must have someone with the BSA Lifeguard training. We follow BSA procedures such as Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. Swimmers will be tested to demonstrate their swimming ability. Personal flotation devices must be worn on the open water.

HAZARDOUS SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

We will comply with current policies and safety procedures of the Boy Scouts of America regarding certain activities such as rock climbing, rappelling and cave exploring. Some activities, such as martial arts, motorized races, flight training, and "War Games" are prohibited.

FIRES AND FLAMMABLE FUELS

Fires are an important part of our camping experience as they cook our food, provide warmth, enrich the atmosphere for socializing and can be critical for survival in an emergency. However, uncontrolled fires can destroy valuable property and cause severe bodily injury or even death. Our goal is to teach the Scouts how to build and use fires safely.

Scouts should not pack or carry butane lighters, liquid fuels, charcoal lighter, lighter fuel, spray cans, or other flammable materials; except for backpacking trips in which the campers must carry their own fuel containers. We will follow the BSA policy on the use of chemical fuels. Flammable fuels will be stored in a locked cabinet in the Troop trailer. All fires started with flammable fuels, e.g., stoves and lanterns, will be under the supervision of an adult.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FIRES PERMITTED IN THE TENTS.

WOODS TOOLS

We provide training in the safe use of woods tools, including axes, hatchets, and saws. Use of axes and hatches is restricted to controlled areas; otherwise, they will be stored in the Troop trailer. No sheath knives or machetes are permitted. A pocketknife may be carried, if the Scout has earned his Totin' Chip (see Scout Handbook). Blades should be no more than 5" in length and fold into the handle. Unsafe handling of woods tools or defacing of property, such as carving initials into tables, will result in disciplinary actions.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

No radios, tape players, compact disc players, TV's, electronic games, etc., are allowed on camp outs. The adults will provide equipment to monitor the weather and for emergency communication. Electronic devices may be confiscated and returned at the end of the camp out.

NUTRITION

Scouts should not come to a camp out with candy and soda pop, except for their Friday evening dinner. These items will be taken away and returned at the end of the camp out. Soda pop is allowed on some summer camp outs to assist fluid intake and may be provided by the Troop for special occasions.

How does the troop handle disciplinary issues?

Scouts violating the rules may be disciplined by one or more of the following:

Confiscation of property

Suspension of participation in an activity

Assigned service activities

Restitution of damages to personal and/or Troop equipment

Parents notified (immediate pickup may be required)

Consultation among the Scout, his parents, and the Scoutmaster

Suspension of camping privileges

The primary consideration is for the safety of the Scout and for others participating in an activity. The secondary purpose of any disciplinary action is to teach the Scout appropriate safety procedures and/or ensure his compliance.

Are my scouting expenses tax deductible?

The tax deductions authorized by the Internal Revenue Service are often a question from new Scout parents. The following is a general "rule of thumb" for deductions for Scout purchases and activities. As always you should consult your tax advisor for any questions or final ruling on deductions.

Contributions:

Item Amount of Deduction

1. Cash --------------------- Face Amount

2. In Kind Gifts ------------ Fair Market Value

3. Capital Gain Property ---- Fair Market Value at date of contribution

4. Equipment purchased for the Troop ------ Cost of Equipment

5. Rent Free Use of Property ------ No Deduction

6. Bargain Sale ------- Fair Market Value less sale price

(Sale at less than fair market value)

If fair market value of non-cash gift is over $250.00, it must be acknowledged in writing by the organization. If over $500.00, you must complete Part A of Form 8283.

Other deductible Items:

1. Volunteer's uniform

2. Volunteers out of pocket travel, food, and lodging while away from home in connection with the organization's affairs. (Note: there is only a deduction if there is no "significant element of pleasure, recreation, or vacation." i.e., weekend outing expenses are probably not deductible. However, mileage to transport Scouts is deductible.)

3. Standard Mileage - In lieu of out of pocket expenses, a deduction of $.14/mile, plus parking and tolls for use of a vehicle for organization purposes.

4. Volunteer Dues