Troop 67 FAQ

1. How do I add or change my email for the Troop 67 mailing list?

Please send an email to the Webmaster (njtroop67@gmail.com) and provide him/her with the email you would like to use to receive all Troop 67 emails.

2. What is the Troop 67 google group email address?

NJTroop67@googlegroups.com

Note that this is a restricted email list, you may only send email to the list if you are a member of it.

3. What uniform and scout items do I need to buy as a new scout?

BSA Shirt, pants (preferably zip off pants), shoulder loops, scarf, scarf slide, socks, cap, Monmouth County Patch, World Class Crest Emblem Patch, Troop Number Patches – 67, and a Boy Scout Handbook.

Optional but recommended

Badge Magic (double sided tape to glue the patches to the uniform)

4. What color scarf does Troop 67 wear?

Red

5. Do I need to buy a scarf since Troop 67 has a personalized one? When will I receive one?

Yes, you must purchase a scarf since it is a required part of the Class A Uniform. Troop 67 scouts receive a custom Troop 67 scarf at their first advancement court of honor.

6. Do I need to buy any books for a new scout?

Yes, all new scouts must purchase a Boy Scout Handbook.

7. Where can I buy the Boy Scout uniform and other BSA branded items?

You can purchase these items at Scout stores, uniform stores, and online. All items are available for purchase at the Monmouth Council Scout Store located at

Monmouth Council Scout Store

705 Ginesi Drive

Morganville, NJ 07751

8. What is a Class A uniform vs. a Class B uniform?

The official dress uniform is commonly referred to as the 'Class A' uniform and the activity uniform as 'Class B' even though these are not correct BSA terms. The BSA uses the terms ‘Field’ and ‘Activity’ uniforms. The Class A uniform is the official uniform including (shirt, pants, scarf w/slide, and sometimes cap). The Class B uniform is used for activities and a scout is allowed to use a scout t-shirt.

9. When are the weekly meetings?

Troop 67 scout meetings are held every Tuesday evening during the school year from 7:00 pm to 8:30 p.m.

10. What is the dress code for the weekly meetings?

Class A uniforms.
Specifications include:
Boy Scout Class-A uniform
Boy Scout Cargo Pants
Boy Scout Belt
BSA Neckerchief

11. How do I get added to the google drive to login to the website?

Please contact the troop Webmaster and provide him/her with your google email address (the one you use to login to your other google accounts).

12. How do I access the forms and documents on the website?

You must click on the “Scout and Parent Login” link located in the left sidebar on the homepage. Login using the google account that you provided to the Webmaster when you signed up for access. If you have not signed up for access please contact the Webmaster for access.

13. Do parents/guardians need to attend the weekly meetings?

No, it is not a requirement but we do welcome parents/guardians to come in and observe especially during the last 10 minutes of the meeting so that you can hear announcements and pick up permission slips.

14. What happens at the weekly meetings?

Activities, training, patrol meetings, and a ton of fun!

15. Is there a membership fee?

The BSA does charge a yearly membership fee. This fee is currently $148 total per scout (The break down is: $72 National membership renewal fee + $12 Insurance + $52 Monmouth Council Service Fee + $12 Scout Life Magazine). This annual fee is partially able to be subsidized by Troop 67 due to our fundraisers. This applies for all scouts after one year of membership and participation. For new scouts the fee is discounted. Any scout with financial need can make a special request to have the fee reduced.

16. What is Monmouth Council Service Fee?

A $52 per youth Council service fee supports the operations of the Monmouth Council, BSA. This Fee will replace the annual “Friends of Scouting” campaign at the unit level. The fee is capped at a maximum of two (2) youth per household. An assistance program has been established and any family unable to pay the Service Fee may apply for consideration.

17. What is the name of the BSA District that oversees Troop 67?

Twin Lights District

18. Are there fees for attending trips?

The cost of the trips is highly subsidized by the Troop but there is usually a small fee to cover a few expenses.

19. Can a parent coordinate a trip or a special outing?

Absolutely. The parent can contact the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair to make the arrangements and find a time in the schedule.

20. Is there special training offered to parents/guardians?

Yes. There are many training opportunities offered to parents/guardians. If a parent/guardian wants to volunteer and participate in troop activities such as overnight camping trips, there are required online courses, particularly one called Youth Protection Training (YPT), that a parent/guardian must complete prior to working with the scouts.

21. What are opportunities for parent/guardian involvement or volunteering?

There are many, many opportunities for parents/guardians to help out the troop including but not limited to:

*Serving on one of the many Adult Leader roles such as Assistant Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair, Secretary, Webmaster, Public Relations Coordinator, Friends of Scouting Campaign Chair, Treasurer, Scouting for Food Coordinator, Board of Review Coordinator, Eagle Scout Review Coordinator, Court of Honor Coordinator, Equipment Coordinator, Merit Badge Coordinator, Activities Coordinator, Volunteer/Service Coordinator.

*Sponsoring or attending one the troop’s weekend camping trips.

*Volunteering at one of the troop’s events.

*Donating food for the Court of Honor events.

*Making yourself available for a few minutes to sit in on a Board of Review at one of the weekly meetings.

22. Can parents/guardians attend the trips?

YES! We LOVE for parents/guardians to attend the trips with us.

23. What is the basic equipment that a scout must bring on an overnight camping trip?

Please see the gear guide under Forms/Downloads for in-depth information on equipment. The basic equipment you will need is a backpack, a sleeping bag, a mess kit, and a sleeping pad.

24. My scout says I can’t help pack for the overnight trip. Why?

It is the scout’s responsibility for packing his own equipment. There is a possibility that your scout will forget something but packing his/her own equipment will help your scout learn and become more self sufficient.

25. What’s the deal with the blue cards for the merit badges?

The blue card is a merit badge application. When a scout begins to work on a Merit Badge he/she must request a blank blue card from the Scoutmaster and have it signed by the Merit Badge counselor. If a scout only partially completes the requirements, the Merit Badge counselor will sign off on the finished portions and the card should be given back to the Scoutmaster for holding. Once all of the requirements are signed off, the Merit Badge Counselor will sign the card and the scout needs to deliver the completed card to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair. They will return 1/3 of the application for the scout to keep as his record of completing the merit badge requirements.

26. What are the fundraisers in which the troop participates?

An annual spaghetti dinner is held in the Spring. An annual car wash is held in the summer, usually in June. A wreath sale is held in the Fall (October) for holiday delivery.

27. What is the one thing you wish every parent/guardian knew?

Scouting is about your scout taking responsibility for him/herself. Although as a parent/guardian you are there to protect and care for your child, we ask that you allow your scout to mature by allowing him/her to make mistakes, take responsibility for being on time and being prepared, and learn to become a leader.

28. Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

Is your question something your son can answer for you? If not, can he ask and bring you the response? Of course, you may speak to any of the Adult Leaders including but not limited to the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, the Charter Organization Representative, and the Committee Chair. But if possible, allow your son to take some responsibility in the scout process and research the answer to any question for him/herself.

29. What are the job descriptions of the Adult Leader positions?

Examples of Adult Positions in the Troop

Committee Chair:

Specific duties: Recruits for and fills all Committee positions. Works with the Scoutmaster to establish Troop operational policies and future requirements and goals. Helps run Committee Meetings. Assists the Scoutmaster in resolving disciplinary problems or personal conflicts. Responsible (with the Chartered Organization Representative) for background checks on potential Adult Leaders. When required, institutes the search for a new Scoutmaster. Encourages committee members to get training. This individual is the Committee equivalent of the Scoutmaster – he/she is the glue that holds the rest of it together. Should have good organizational and “people” skills.

Secretary

Specific duties: Attends all Committee Meetings. Takes Minutes. Types up and forwards to the Scoutmaster (in a timely manner) for publishing. Gets a replacement if unable to attend a specific meeting.

Board of Review Coordinator

Specific duties: Become an expert on Scout Advancement Requirements. Know about Scout Uniforms. Recruit and help train 4 – 6 additional Adults and Senior Scouts (especially Eagle Scouts) for the bimonthly BoR. The Troop already has several Committee members and Senior Scouts with BoR experience. Run the Boards. Forward required (signed) paperwork to the Scoutmaster. Attend any District Round Table Meetings discussing BoRs and Scoutmaster’s Conferences (rare). Attend any Troop Committee Seminar training sessions on same (max: once/year). Interact with the Scoutmaster on (both positive and negative) feedback from the Scouts regarding Troop operations.

Troop Treasurer

Specific duties: Double checks Troop Accountant’s work. Final approves and cuts all checks. Makes all deposits. Maintains Troop Checking and Savings Accounts; keeps the Scoutmaster and Troop Accountant informed as to the current financial status of the Troop.

Chartered Organization Representative

Specific duties: The main communication link to the Charter Organization. Assists in resolving problems between the Troop and the Charter Organization (if any). Solicits the C.O. for potential service projects, including Eagle Scout Projects. Assists in background checks of new Adult Leaders. Should always be an individual with already existing strong ties with the Charter Organization.

Merit Badge Coordinator

Specific duties: Develops “Troop List” of Merit Badge Counselors from Troop Surveys. Actively recruits Parents and Assistant Scoutmasters, others, to be Merit Badge Counselors. Coordinates with the Scoutmaster to establish formal Merit Badge schedule for Scout Meetings. Helps coordinate “Summer Camp” Merit Badges, especially preliminary work to be done here. Should be an individual willing to spend a fair amount of time at Troop meetings. Good “people skills” helpful.

Eagle Scout Coordinator

Specific duties: Acts as the Guide for all Eagle Scout candidates. Learns the ins and outs of the entire process, particularly the paperwork. Acts as Troop coordinator for Life-to-Eagle Seminars (held once or twice a year.) Helps coordinate Eagle Scout projects and Eagle Boards of Review. Acts as liaison to the Council for Eagle Scout Applicants. Helps coordinate Eagle Courts of Honor with the Parents and Court of Honor Coordinators. We realistically expect to average 4 Eagle Scouts a year for the foreseeable future. This person needs to be flexible, an empathetic counselor, and a nit-picking perfectionist – a tough combination.

Activities Coordinator

Specific duties: Works with the Scoutmaster and PLC to plan all outings. Prepares, collects and organizes permission slips. Acquires Tour Permits and Park Permits. Makes all reservations, acquires and forwards deposits. Keeps track of long-term reservation requirements (summer camp, skiing trips, etc.) Arranges transportation to and from all outings. Collects all receipts, organizes, and forwards to the Accountant. Prepares detailed how-to guides after the event for future reference, and forwards to the Scoutmaster for archiving. Does not need to be an ASM or someone who goes camping; requires good organizational skills. Maintains contacts with the PLC to develop upcoming program. Needs to be able to look down the road one full year in advance.

Equipment Coordinator

Specific duties: Works with the Scout Quartermasters to keep gear and Equipment closet organized and clean. Recommends purchases of new/replacement equipment, and works with the Troop Committee to acquire same. Keeps existing gear in good repair; notes immediate and future problems. This is as much a training and oversight job as it is a “doing” job; the scouts are supposed to do the work.

Service/Volunteer Coordinator

Specific duties: Coordinates and approve all service/volunteer hours that are outside normal Troop projects (e.g., Marine Corps Marathon, Scouting for Food, Eagle Scout project, help, etc.) Works with Scouts and parents to clarify nature of service, ensures completion of work and logging of hours. Generates Certificates of completion.

Chaplain

Specific duties: Provides a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities. Give guidance to the chaplain aide. Promote regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of his/her choice. Visit homes of scouts in times of sickness or need. Give spiritual counseling and service when needed or requested. Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems. Supervise non denominational services for troop campouts. Coordinate troop participation in Scout Sunday. Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

Medical Records Coordinator

Specific duties: Coordinate annual collection troop medical forms during troop re-charter process. Works with the Outdoor/Activities Coordinator/Summer Camp Coordinators to see that all adults and scouts who will attend any troop activity including high adventure and summer camp have current and proper medical forms well in advance of the beginning of the activity. Maintain medical form notebooks and makes at least one available to the Scoutmaster or designated health/safety officer for all troop activities.

Troop Advancement Chair

Specific duties: Learns to use and maintain the new Troop Records Program. Performs Data entries on a regular basis. Generates Advancement Reports for Boards of Review and other advancement, relays same to Council Headquarters. Coordinates awards (patches, cards, etc.) for Scouts. Works with Scoutmaster and Troop Scribe to maintain Advancement Charts. Purchases and maintains inventories of merit badges, rank patches, cards, etc. Maintains files on all Scouts, including Troop copies of Merit Badge cards. Prepares advancement lists for Courts of Honor. Computer literacy, perseverance, and a streak of perfectionism all helpful.

Court of Honor Coordinator

Specific duties: Establish CoH dates with the Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman. Get permission to use the main hall in the Parish Center from the Rectory. Recruit families to provide snacks, drinks, etc. for the event. Establish a reminder telephone tree the day before. Invite members of the Rectory and Convent. If an Eagle Scout ceremony is to be included, coordinate with the family (or families) involved on additional setup. Assist in set up and take down.

Scouting for Food Coordinator

Specific duties: Attend any District SFF Meetings. Coordinate with the Scoutmaster on areas to be covered and required personnel (Scouts and Adults). Coordinates the acquisition of as many leftover campaign signs as possible from the November election for preparing SFF reminder signs. Recruit necessary Adult monitors/drivers and Scouts for both Saturdays of the campaign. Gets and copies the Informational Insert Flyer from the Scoutmaster. Acquire SFF bags. Prepare routes and maps. Coordinate disbursement activities (bags, flyers, routes, maps, etc.) on Saturday I. Coordinate preparation of reminder signs. Recruit 2 Adults/4 Scouts to install reminder signs mid-week. Follow up on signs and repair vandalism damage. Coordinate collection activities (routes, maps, Collection point, etc.) on Saturday II. Keep time records for all participating individuals.

30. Who designed and worked on this website?
Charles Griffiths (PLC member/Assistant Patrol leader) was the Webmaster who helped in the creation of the website. Including help from the Assistant Scout Masters.