BSA Troop 174 Scout Troop Handbook

Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America

Table of Contents
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Page Troop 174 General Information Boy Scouts of America Aims and Methods of Scouting Troop Organization Adult Participation Boy Scout Ranks and Advancement Merit Badges Camping Scout Essentials Uniforms 3 3 4 7 10 10 11 12 13 16

Boy Scouts of America Troop 174 St. Gabriel Catholic Church

The Scoutmaster and Troop Committee of Troop 174 welcome you to the Boy Scouts of America and to Troop 174. We are very pleased that you have decided to enter the Boy Scouts of America and have chosen Troop 174. This handbook has been developed to assist you in learning more about Scouting and our Troop. Basic information about the aims and methods of the Scouting program are presented here. More detailed descriptions of the Scouting program can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook, which will be provided to every Scout in Troop 174.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 174

Boy Scouts of America organizes groups into troops. We are Troop 174. Within Troop 174, Scouts are further broken into patrols, which work together to learn, work and grow. Each Boy Scouts of America troop has a sponsoring organization. The sponsor, or Chartering Organization, for Troop 174 is St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Troop 174 is part of the Apache District of the Mecklenburg County Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Troop 174 meets regularly on Monday nights, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the St. Gabriel Parish Ministry Center. There is typically no meeting after a weekend of camping or on holidays. The troop collects an annual fee which includes the registration fee for the Scout, Boys Life Magazine and dues for the year.

Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth. Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and
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take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society. Boy Scouting, one of three membership divisions of the BSA (the others are Cub Scouting and Venturing), is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11 through 17 years old, and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. The program achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities. The national Boy Scout program membership* is 1,005,592 Boy Scouts in 52,579 troops.
As of December 31, 2001. Includes Varsity Scouting.

Aims and Methods of the Scouting Program

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each. Ideals The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes. Patrols The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. Outdoor Programs Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and

humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources. Advancement Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain selfconfidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in selfreliance and in the ability to help others. Personal Growth As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine 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 of others 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. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law
TRUSTWORTHY A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him. LOYAL A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. HELPFUL A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward. FRIENDLY A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own. COURTEOUS A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together. KIND A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason. OBEDIENT A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them. CHEERFUL A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. THRIFTY A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property. BRAVE A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean. REVERENT A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Scout Motto
Be Prepared

Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

Troop Organization
The Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop. The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered organization. The Scoutmaster's duties include: General

Train and guide boy leaders. Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys. Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

Meetings

Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders' Council for training and coordination in planning troop activities. Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute. Attend Troop Committee meetings.
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Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation. Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

Guidance

Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements. Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are promptly registered. Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations. Supervise Troop Elections for the Order of the Arrow.

Activities

Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year. Participate in Council and District events. Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.

Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

Assistant Scoutmasters
To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America (there must be at least two adults present at any Boy Scout activity). An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster's absence. A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. It has been found that many successful troops have three or more.

Patrols
The Scout troop is made up of patrols. A patrol is a grouping of six to eight boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader. The new Scout patrol is composed of new members who have not entered the seventh grade.

The experienced Scout patrol is typically for those boys who are age 12 and older.

The Troop's Youth Leaders

The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. The Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders are elected to their position every 6 months.

Junior Leader Positions

Senior Patrol Leader - top junior leader in the Troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - fills in for senior patrol leader in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, Troop historian, librarian, and instructors. Troop Historian - collects and maintains Troop memorabilia and information on former Troop members. Librarian - keeps Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by Troop members. Instructor - teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members. Chaplain Aide - assists in Troop religious services and promotes religious emblems program. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster - a Scout 16 or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned. Patrol Leader - gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders' council. Assistant Patrol Leader - fills in for the patrol leader in his absence. Troop Guide - advisor and guide to the new Scout patrol. Den Chief - works with a Cub Scout den as a guide. Quartermaster - responsible for Troop supplies and equipment. Scribe - the Troop secretary.

The Patrol Leaders' Council

The Patrol Leaders' Council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The Patrol Leaders' Council is composed of the following voting members: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Troop Guide. The troop's activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The troop's yearly plan is then submitted to the Troop Committee for approval. The Troop Committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the Patrol Leaders' Council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the Patrol Leaders' Council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly

troop meetings. The Troop Committee interacts with the Patrol Leaders' Council through the Scoutmaster.

Adult Participation
Adult participation is one of the most important aspects of Scouting we need adults to be involved to have a successful program and a good experience for your scout. Statistics show Scouts with active parents are more involved in the program themselves, and more likely to complete the trek to Eagle. There are many opportunities to support the Troop, as a uniformed member, as a committee person, even as a driver. Male and female adults are welcomed to be part of this adventure! Troop 174 follows the Boy-led Troop principles as presented by the Boy Scouts of America. We are committed to supporting this ideal, in which the scouts themselves make the decisions, lead and manage. This can often be difficult for adults, as we want to help and make things run smoother. But, we need to be strong and resist. Our job is to stand on the sidelines, to coach and support the boys (particularly the leaders) and to handle the business end by dealing with the Church and the Boy Scout office. While if may look chaotic, there are great lessons at work, and the scouts are learning them organization, organizational behavior, planning, leadership and many others.

Boy Scout Ranks and Advancement

There are seven Boy Scout Ranks that a Scout needs to achieve in order to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank. A new Scout enters the Boy Scout program as a Scout. The Scout works on various requirements outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook to achieve Tenderfoot, the first rank. The Scout continues working on scout skills to achieve the ranks of Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout and finally Eagle Scout. It is the Scouts responsibility to have advancement requirements checked off. This signoff should be done only by a senior Scout (above First Class) or the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. Parents must not sign off, unless in a Scouting leadership position. The steps involved in the advancement process: 1. 2. 3. The Scout attends troop functions. The Scout reads the Scout Handbook to understand the requirements. The Scout completes the requirement for the rank.

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4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

The Scout secures appropriate signatures in the back section of his Scout Handbook. The Scout reviews all the requirements with his parents. The Scout schedules and attends a Scout Master conference. The Scout requests a Board of Review. The Scout appears for the Board of Review in correct Class A uniform.

The Scout receives formal recognition of advancement at the next Court of Honor.

Scoutmaster Conference
The Scoutmaster Conference serves as a time during which the Scoutmaster determines if the Scout has learned all of the skills required for a specific rank. The Scout should be prepared to discuss skills learned on all earned ranks as well as the rank being earned as well as the basic Scouting skills. A scout should bring to his scoutmaster conference his Scout Handbook, Compass, Map, and a section of rope for demonstrating knot tying skills.

Board of Review
The Board of Review is conducted by members of the Troop Committee. The purpose of the Board of Review is not to test the Scout on skills or knowledge gained while working on the rank, but rather to encourage and challenge the Scout to further rank achievement, and to assess the Scouts growth and development as a member of his patrol and Troop. However, the Scout should be prepared to discuss basic Scouting skills as well as skills learned to earn the rank. As the Scout progresses in rank, the review will become more in-depth and the Scout will be expected to discuss his Scouting, educational and lifetime goals as well as basic Scouting skills. The Tenderfoot review may last 15 to 20 minutes while an Eagle Board of Review may last one to two hours.

Court of Honor
Two Court of Honor ceremonies are held each year, usually in August and February. This is a significant event, and the whole family is invited. It is at the Court of Honor that the Scout receives advancement and merit badge recognition.

Merit Badges
A Scout can work on achieving any merit badge at any time. There is no requirement for merit badges on ranks up to and including First Class (some troops discourage merit badge work until after First Class, Troop 174 supports merit badges at all levels). Steps to earning a merit badge:

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Pick a merit badge to earn. Obtain a signed blue card from an adult leader. Get the name of the Merit Badge Counselor from the Troop. Talk to the Merit Badge Counselor. Read the Merit Badge pamphlet and complete all the requirements. Meet with the Merit Badge Counselor and show the Counselor what you have done to complete the requirements. Ask the Merit Badge Counselor to sign off on the blue card for each requirement. Give the completed blue card to the Scoutmaster or the person he designates. Receive the merit badge at the next meeting. Receive the blue card at the next Court of Honor.

Camping
Camping is an integral part of the Boy Scouts. Troop 174 has a camping trip approximately once a month. Troop 174 does a mix of backpacking and car camping. Camping is needed to achieve advancement requirements. The Troop needs adults to volunteer to drive, and to camp out with the Troop. The Boy Scouts operate in a two-deep leadership mode. That means there must be two adults present with the scouts at all times. Depending on the trip, families are welcome to camp out with the Troop. As we are a church chartered organization, propriety must be maintained. Unmarried couples must bunk in separate tents. Medical forms are required for each Scout and must be kept up to date. Class 1 is required annually, and is an information sheet filled in by the parent. Class 2 is filled in by the Scouts doctor, and must be updated every 3 years. Class 3 is updated annually for adults and also required for some high-adventure or long term camping.

Summer Camp
Troop 174 traditionally goes to Camp Grimes Boy Scout Camp, usually around the last week of June. The week begins on Sunday, with the Scouts returning on Saturday.

Camping Gear
The troop has information and can make recommendations on gear if you are interested in purchasing. However, we recommend that you dont at first. The troop has a limited number of tents and backpacks that Scouts can use. We recommend that you give it some time; to be sure the Scout will like camping before investing in the gear. Many folks buy a piece at a time for birthdays, etc.

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However, there is one area in which to invest sleeping bag and pad. The enjoyment of camping is directly related to the quality of sleep. A 20 bag is sufficient for most of the trips in this region. When the troop makes a cold weather trip, 0 and lower bags can be rented at Jessie Browns. Get a good, quality sleeping bag that will last, can be compressed for storage in the backpack and is relatively light. It should have a waterproof stuff sack. In addition, the Scout needs a good ground pad. There are many types to choose from, closed cell is recommended, and many of the Scouts use the Therm-A-Rest products with satisfaction. Other than the sleeping gear, the Scout absolutely needs good hiking boots and the Scout Essentials (see Scout Essentials section). Ask folks in the troop for recommendations on stoves, tents, etc. The rule of thumb is small and light, overall. Must fit in the backpack and be as light as practical.

Items to Bring on a Campout

Boy Scout Handbook Food Note pad and pen or pencil Sierra cup or equivalent Vittle kit plate, fork, knife and spoon Sleeping bag Plastic garbage bags (3 heavy weight) Tent or tarp Duct tape (small roll) 10 X 10 piece of 4 mil plastic sheeting 50' braided nylon rope Needle and thread High intensity whistle and lanyard

Items NOT to Bring on a Campout

Radios Cell phones Electronic games Firearms Fireworks Sling Shots Tobacco products Alcohol Junk food Sheath knives or other fixed blade knife

Scout Essentials
Each Scout shall be responsible for having in their possession the required Scout Essentials at every camp-out or activity of the troop unless advised otherwise by their junior or adult leader.
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All of the items, except for extra clothing, should be kept in a daypack, or fanny pack or similar item that is easy to transport and access for use during hikes and other activities. This should fit in the Scouts backpack with their other gear. The following 10 items are referred to as the Scout Essentials:
1.

Pocketknife. Choose one that has a standard blade, scissors (need to cut moleskin, etc.), and tweezers (needed for first aid). Personal First Aid Kit. To be safe, bring Dr. Scholl's moleskin for blisters; a few Band-aids; something for headaches; Imodium D (very important on the trail); antibiotic ointment; Second Skin for blisters and burns, some gauze, medicine tape. For moleskin, bring one package for every four days. For Second Skin, bring one sheet for every two days. Extra Clothing. The rule in backpacking is, for one day or one month, one change of clothes from head to toes. That includes a change of shoes. The idea is to limit weight, by washing clothes as you change into another set, then they are clean and dry to change into when the current set is dirty. Let you conscience be your guide, but remember the weight factor is significant for backpacking. Rain Gear. Jacket with hood and pants is ideal. Poncho will work fine. Water Bottle. Most of the Scouts opt for Nalgene bottles. However, the least expensive and satisfactory easiest choice is a one-liter soda pop bottle. Keep in mind that soda pop bottles can spring leaks. Either way, a one liter bottle is better because it holds more water on a hot day and because the most readily available water treatment, Potable Aqua tablets, is designed for use with one liter quantities. Choose one with a wide mouth, as they are easier to fill, and a screw top, so they won't leak in your backpack. Don't bring a smaller pop bottle or water bottle. They are simply too small. On a hot day, you will easily drink a liter an hour and there may not be water sources as close as every half hour. Put it in a pocket where you can get it easily. Flashlight. Be sure to include an extra bulb and a change of batteries. Three advantages of the Mini-MagLites (AA or AAA models) and similar models are they do not weigh much, they include an extra bulb in the flashlight, and they are turned on by twisting--they do not accidentally turn on in your backpack easily. Another serious recommendation is a headlamp for the flashlight, as they free your hands, and point where you are looking. The type constructed with multiple LED lights will last a very long time on a set of batteries and have a built in redundancy.

2.

3.

4. 5.

6.

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7.

Trail Food. Choose granola bars, Power Bars and GORP(trail mix). You can make your own GORP with nuts, raisins, M&Ms, etc. Matches and Fire Starters. Choose "strike anywhere" matches. They can be dipped in paraffin or painted with finger nail polish to make them water proof. A good fire starter can be made by pouring melted paraffin into a paper egg carton filled with dryer lint. (Bring 2 fire starter pieces.) Sun Protection. Choose at least SPF 15. If you are going to be in an area where insect repellant is also necessary, you can choose a repellant that includes sun protection. Deep-Woods Off has both. Also, bring a Hat and Sunglasses. Map and Compass. Bring a compass with a base plate. Good compasses with base plates are made by Silva, Suunto, and Brunton. Look for a compass that adjusts for the declination.

8.

9.

10.

Uniforms
Uniforms are used to aid in the Scouts identification with the Brotherhood of Scouting, and should be worn with pride. The Scout is expected to wear the uniform to troop meetings, travel, troop functions, Scoutmaster Conferences, and Board of Reviews. There are two forms of the uniform: Class A and Class B. While the Scout should always wear the uniform correctly, the Scout must be in proper Class A uniform for the Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. When traveling to camping trips and for meetings during hot weather, we often wear Class B. Uniforms can be purchased at the Scout Store at 1410 East 7th Street. Item Troop 174 tee shirt (red) Scout uniform shirt Scout long pants Scout shorts Scout belt Scout socks Shoes Boy scout tee shirt Boy Scout hat Class A Optional Class B Optional Optional

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