New Parent FAQ

The change from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting is notoriously overwhelming for parents (and for kids!). There is a lot of things to take in all at once - it's my hope that some of this confusion can be eliminated by answering the questions that I hear most often from new parents.

How is Boy Scouting different from Cub Scouting?

The focus of Cub Scouting is on the kids having fun by learning hobbies, developing themselves physically, and learning the basics of camping as taught by their parents. Our aims in Boy Scouting are similar, but we hope to develop leadership and a deep commitment to a child's family, community, country, and faith. In Boy Scouting, you as a parent are no longer in charge of a campout. Boy Scouting is run by the boys themselves - experienced older boys are elected into leadership positions and they will vote upon different activities for the Troop. Some of these activities will be intensive (hiking, backpacking, boating, climbing) and others will be closer to home and a bit easier (campouts at local church and public campgrounds).

Do you camp in the Wintertime, too?

Absolutely. We camp 12 months of the year, although we have a "Plan B" in the event of severe weather. We teach the boys how to dress and camp when the temperature drops, and even build shelters in the Wintertime and stay in them overnight (popularly called "Camp Alaska"). If we didn't camp in the Winter we wouldn't be able to build snowmen or go sledding! We do take extra precautions to check upon the new Scouts, and most of the leaders and older boys carry extra cold weather gear (hats, gloves, sleeping bags) in case the little guys are struggling with the weather. It's perfectly ok to select a warmer weather campout for your child's first trip, and it may be easier on him if you come along the first few times.

Can I sign off requirements my son has completed in Cub Scouts?

No. In fact, get yourself out of the habit of signing things off for your own child. All rank requirements in Boy Scouting are witnessed by a registered adult or a group of trusted older Scouts. Only registered Merit Badge counselors can sign off requirements for merit badges. All requirements are completed while taking a badge or while working on a rank - if Basketry merit badge asks your son to make a basket, it doesn't count if he made one in art class last year unless he was already officially working on the badge. If you become a registered leader or merit badge counselor (and we hope that you do), it would be appropriate to have any work you do with your son witnessed by another adult leader. This avoids even the appearance of nepotism and guarantees that only those who are experienced with the meaning and depth of requirements are signing them off.

What can Scouting give my child?

In the short term, he'll pick up some extra skills in cooking, first aid, camping, emergency situations, map reading, and environmental awareness. In time he'll develop better social skills, leadership abilities, conflict aversion, and reverence to his faith. Expect him to be able to help more with household chores and to be more personally reliant. In the very long term, he'll develop lasting friendships with boys from his community and grow into a better-rounded human being. He'll become more confident with public speaking and in managing and directing others. Should he attain the rank of Eagle, he'll forever have a leg up in scholarship competition, collegiate selection, business opportunities, and even military rank advancement. More importantly, he'll have obtained a wealth of skills and memories of activities that he'll NEVER approach by throwing a ball around a field.

Do I have to stay for meetings and do I need to stay on camp-outs?

No, the only time we insist upon a parent being present is if a child has a special need or discipline problem that requires extra attention. However, we would REALLY appreciate it if you could help us out by being an active parent. We often need drivers on camp-outs (or for community service like Ditch Cleanups and Scouting for Food), and we sometimes run a little short on leaders for campouts. History has shown us that those parents that are active and participate in activities tend to have children who end up as Eagles, and those that drop off their kids once a week tend to have children that drop out. If you're not excited about Scouting, why should your child be?

This sounds expensive. Is it?

We know that the job situation in Ohio is difficult and many of our families are not on financially stable ground. You'll be suprised to know that most of our weekend campouts are VERY cheap (usually we ask 10 or 15 dollars for your child for the weekend). This covers most of the cost of food and camping fees and our Troop picks up the rest. Summer Camp is in July and usually runs around 200 dollars. To help with the cost of this we do fundraisers throughout the year (the kids clean up litter in Shelby ditches, sell holiday wreaths, and sell popcorn). Some children make enough money to pay for Summer Camp without having to pay anything out of pocket. We occasionally do a high adventure trip (backpacking, rafting, rock climbing, etc.) that can be a bit more expensive than your average weekend, but these are designed for older boys capable of raising their own funds, NOT for 11 or 12 year olds fresh in the Troop. If you have an especially difficult financial situation please discuss it with the Scoutmaster (Jacob Robinson) - camperships and assistance are available through the Boy Scouts of America and the United Way.

What about uniforms and camping gear?

Many of the older boys have outgrown their old uniforms and have purchased new camping gear. They donate their old uniforms and gear to a back room of the Scout house. Your child is welcome to borrow these items for as long as they are a Scout. If your child decides to quit the Troop, PLEASE return these items so that others can benefit from past generosity. If you don't find what you're looking for in the back room, try checking at thrift stores or on e-Bay. You can always splurge on a brand new uniform once your child hits his growth spurt and you are certain this is an activity that they want to stick with. Similarly, your child probaby doesn't need a new backpack at 11 or 12 - wait to buy one until they have a few years in the troop and are closer to their teenage size. Gym bags work fine for the first few years. Glen's Surplus is a nice place to check for camping gear that is a little more cost effective. The most important piece of uniform for the boy is the Scout shirt - that's where all his patches and awards will go. Buy it a bit big if you purchase one, and fill in the other pieces (pants/shorts, socks, belt, sash, etc.) as your child grows.

Does Scouting interfere with sports?

No. Present and past Troop members have remained active in Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Wrestling, and pretty much any sport you can think of. We have even had a few Scouts who were team captains or who have participated in State tournaments. We are happy to work around your child's schedule and they can pick up on Merit Badges or requirements whenever they are able to return to the Troop.

Will my child be safe on campouts?

We never wildly charge into nature without substantial preparation for the weather, wildlife, and circumstances. Our leaders are trained in First Aid and CPR - we have an Automatic Electronic Defibrilator (AED) that travels with the Troop. In addition, we have a newly updated first aid kit that is very well stocked. The vast majorities of our injuries are minor cuts, scrapes, and burns (and don't forget about Poison Ivy!) - knowing how to deal with these problems actually makes your child much safer. We keep cell phones on all campouts and all youths go everywhere with a buddy to prevent boys wandering off.

What does Scouting do to prevent child predators?

All of our leaders are fully background checked to ensure that your children are never exposed to potential predators. We never stay anywhere without having at least two leaders present at all times (we usually have 5-10 adults present). Youths and adults have separate changing and bathroom facilities so that boys have privacy while changing clothes, using the restroom, or showering. The buddy system is followed so that boys are never left alone with one adult. All boys are taught about various forms of abuse (Mental, Physical, and Sexual) and how to recognize potential predators and report problems.

What is the OA?

OA is short for Order of the Arrow, it is an honor organization of Scouts. The Order of the Arrow is dedicated to three principles - Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. It accomplishes these goals through quietly performing service projects and encouraging Scouting's values within their communities. They use a Native American theme to their ceremonies and ranks. In order to be brought into the Order of the Arrow scouts must be voted in as "worthy" by their fellow scouts - present members of the OA may not vote upon membership. Members of the OA often where white sashes with red arrows as part of their dress uniform. Our troop is an extremely active part of the Lou Ott Chapter of Portage Lodge.

What if I have more questions?

You can talk to our Scoutmaster (Jacob Robinson (robinson.1239@buckeyemail.osu.edu) if you have further questions.