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Contacts & InformationScoutmaster Voiles welcomes your questions by email, phone, or text- tim@timvoiles.com
Bob Townsend- Assistant Scoutmaster bcitylimits63@gmail.com John Huber- Activities Coordinator wylie@wi.rr.com Bill Eckert- Recruiter bteckertkfm@gmail.com Website: www.troop49summit.com |
Welcome to Troop 49
Congratulations on joining Troop 49. If you have just earned your Arrow of Light and reflect on your years in Cubscouting, you will recognize how you have grown, learned new skills, and had a lot of fun. All of this has set the foundation for years of fun in Boyscouting. If you are new to Scouting, get ready for several years of growth, learning, and fun!
What next? Come to our next Troop meeting. They are usually held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of each month, from 7:00 to 8:30. Wear your uniform. Remember, you should sew your Arrow of Light Badge below your left pocket. Bring your application, or fill one out there. Your parent can work on the paperwork with one of the Troop adults. You will sit with the other scouts and participate in the meeting. You are now a member of Troop 49! At your first meeting you will receive your Scout Book. After the opening flag ceremony, the meeting will start with announcements. We also post this information on our website. We are a busy troop and there will be a lot of information on upcoming activities. Do your best to listen and make note of activities in which you are interested in participating. Follow the instructions to sign up for the fun.
You will notice that the meeting is run by the Troop Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Patrol Leaders (ASPLs). These scouts have been elected to their positions and they run the troop. They have experience in scouting but, just like everyone else, are learning and practicing their leadership skills. If you have a question, they should be able to answer it.
Patrol Corners. After the announcements, the Troop will split into Patrol Corners. A Patrol is a smaller group of scouts. You will start out in the New Scout Patrol, and several new scouts will be joining you over the next few months. (After a year you will become part of one of the other Patrols.) Your New Scout Leader and Troop Guides will explain how to use your Scout Book and how to work through the ranks in your book. Write you name in your book and on the edge too. Take care of your Scout Book. This is your record of achievement. Record camping trips and service projects in it. When you demonstrate completion of a rank achievement, a scout leader or older scout will sign off in your book. Actually doing the steps in your rank, as well as working on merit badges, is the scout's task and responsibility. You set the pace for how you will progress in scouting. Troop leadership, other scouts, and your parents will encourage you along the way. But this is your journey. Scouts usually earn First Class rank within a year or so of starting scouting. For some it takes longer. No matter how long it takes, it is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience.
Games and Instruction. After Patrol Corners, the Troop will gather together to play a game and to watch a scout's instruction on a scouting skill. This part of the meeting is another way you can have fun and get to know the scouts in your Troop. Plus you will likely learn something!
Closing. Soon it will be time to sit down, hear some final announcements and listen to the Scoutmaster Minute. We take this time seriously. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Spirit of Scouting, and can set your course for the next week. Scouting is fun, but also helps you develop personal strength and focus. A scout lives the Scout Oath and the Scout Law daily.
A few days after your application is processed, you will receive an email and password to use when entering the private section of our website. Here you will find the other members of the troop and contact information. Take a look at our website www.troop49summit.com . Our Troop Policies can be found there as well as Committee contacts and other information about scouting.
Every scout here was once new to Boyscouting; every adult here was once new to scouting- please do not hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help. You are part of the family.
What next? Come to our next Troop meeting. They are usually held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of each month, from 7:00 to 8:30. Wear your uniform. Remember, you should sew your Arrow of Light Badge below your left pocket. Bring your application, or fill one out there. Your parent can work on the paperwork with one of the Troop adults. You will sit with the other scouts and participate in the meeting. You are now a member of Troop 49! At your first meeting you will receive your Scout Book. After the opening flag ceremony, the meeting will start with announcements. We also post this information on our website. We are a busy troop and there will be a lot of information on upcoming activities. Do your best to listen and make note of activities in which you are interested in participating. Follow the instructions to sign up for the fun.
You will notice that the meeting is run by the Troop Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Patrol Leaders (ASPLs). These scouts have been elected to their positions and they run the troop. They have experience in scouting but, just like everyone else, are learning and practicing their leadership skills. If you have a question, they should be able to answer it.
Patrol Corners. After the announcements, the Troop will split into Patrol Corners. A Patrol is a smaller group of scouts. You will start out in the New Scout Patrol, and several new scouts will be joining you over the next few months. (After a year you will become part of one of the other Patrols.) Your New Scout Leader and Troop Guides will explain how to use your Scout Book and how to work through the ranks in your book. Write you name in your book and on the edge too. Take care of your Scout Book. This is your record of achievement. Record camping trips and service projects in it. When you demonstrate completion of a rank achievement, a scout leader or older scout will sign off in your book. Actually doing the steps in your rank, as well as working on merit badges, is the scout's task and responsibility. You set the pace for how you will progress in scouting. Troop leadership, other scouts, and your parents will encourage you along the way. But this is your journey. Scouts usually earn First Class rank within a year or so of starting scouting. For some it takes longer. No matter how long it takes, it is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience.
Games and Instruction. After Patrol Corners, the Troop will gather together to play a game and to watch a scout's instruction on a scouting skill. This part of the meeting is another way you can have fun and get to know the scouts in your Troop. Plus you will likely learn something!
Closing. Soon it will be time to sit down, hear some final announcements and listen to the Scoutmaster Minute. We take this time seriously. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Spirit of Scouting, and can set your course for the next week. Scouting is fun, but also helps you develop personal strength and focus. A scout lives the Scout Oath and the Scout Law daily.
A few days after your application is processed, you will receive an email and password to use when entering the private section of our website. Here you will find the other members of the troop and contact information. Take a look at our website www.troop49summit.com . Our Troop Policies can be found there as well as Committee contacts and other information about scouting.
Every scout here was once new to Boyscouting; every adult here was once new to scouting- please do not hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help. You are part of the family.
Fundraising & Scout Accounts-
Troop 49 does not charge yearly registration fees. Instead, it raises funds through product sales. For each product sale fundraiser, a portion of the sales is put in the scouts’ individual scout account and another portion goes to the Troop expense account.
The Troop Sales Policy requires that each scout participate in the product sales and, over the year, bring in at least $125 in profit to the Troop. If a scout is short of this goal at the end of the year he is billed the difference.
The amount of money that goes into an individual’s scout account is dependent on his sales during the fundraisers. This money can be used by the scout to pay for scout activities such as campouts and merit badge clinics. Due to new IRS rules, it can not be used to buy personal camping equipment.
The Troop funds are used to pay for expenses such as yearly membership fees for all adults and scouts, trailer insurance and storage, rank badges and merit badges, equipment, necessary adult camp fees, and other troop expenses.
Troop 49 participates in the following fundraisers: Fall Wreath and Popcorn sale, Parking and Concessions for a local RC Club, Brats and Burger sale, Spring Kringle sale. We are always looking for new ideas and opportunities.
The Troop Sales Policy requires that each scout participate in the product sales and, over the year, bring in at least $125 in profit to the Troop. If a scout is short of this goal at the end of the year he is billed the difference.
The amount of money that goes into an individual’s scout account is dependent on his sales during the fundraisers. This money can be used by the scout to pay for scout activities such as campouts and merit badge clinics. Due to new IRS rules, it can not be used to buy personal camping equipment.
The Troop funds are used to pay for expenses such as yearly membership fees for all adults and scouts, trailer insurance and storage, rank badges and merit badges, equipment, necessary adult camp fees, and other troop expenses.
Troop 49 participates in the following fundraisers: Fall Wreath and Popcorn sale, Parking and Concessions for a local RC Club, Brats and Burger sale, Spring Kringle sale. We are always looking for new ideas and opportunities.
Scout Uniform
Scouts wear their Class A uniform (Tan shirt) to Troop Meetings, Courts of Honor, while driving to and from camp, and at all outings. The number 49 should be sewn on the left sleeve under the Council patch. Position patches go on the left sleeve under the Troop number. The Patrol Patch is sewn under the American Flag in the right sleeve.
The 'Class B' (Troop T-shirt) is worn for Service Projects and Eagle Project work days when appropriate.
Neckerchiefs and Merit Badge Sashes are worn at Court of Honors, Flag Ceremonies, Webelos Crossovers, and other formal events. Merit Badges are sewn on the front of the sash and participation badges may be sewn on the back.
Most of the Troop 49 scouts wear the green with red trim Neckerchief.
Troop 49 has a supply of these neckerchiefs at a cost of $10.00 each.
Green epaulets are also available from the Troop for $4.00 a set. They are also available at the Scout Shop.
We have a collection of donated tan shirts, if needed.
The 'Class B' (Troop T-shirt) is worn for Service Projects and Eagle Project work days when appropriate.
Neckerchiefs and Merit Badge Sashes are worn at Court of Honors, Flag Ceremonies, Webelos Crossovers, and other formal events. Merit Badges are sewn on the front of the sash and participation badges may be sewn on the back.
Most of the Troop 49 scouts wear the green with red trim Neckerchief.
Troop 49 has a supply of these neckerchiefs at a cost of $10.00 each.
Green epaulets are also available from the Troop for $4.00 a set. They are also available at the Scout Shop.
We have a collection of donated tan shirts, if needed.
Camping with the Troop-
Going to camp. There are several camps available to the scouts throughout the year. The Troop schedules two week-long summer camps, as well as a weekend campout just about every month. Registration is done through the Troop adult who is coordinating the campout or event. Payment is due before camp. Fees, registration, food, and transportation costs are paid through the scout's 'Individual Scout Account'. Sometimes an estimated fee is proposed during registration for the event, and you will be notified of the final cost about a week after the event.
Getting to camp. The Troop will arrange for transportation to camp. Scouts will meet at the Village Hall at a scheduled time, and one of the adults who volunteered to drive will transport the scouts to camp. Scouts must wear their Class A uniform while traveling to any Troop activity, including camp. This is a BSA requirement for insurance purposes. The volunteer drivers will return scouts to the Village Hall after the conclusion of camp. It is important that scouts stay until the end of camp to help with clean up, check out, etc. The Troop's Event Coordinator must be notified well in advance if special arrangements are needed.
Merit Badges at Camp. Usually camps will offer a variety of Merit Badges that the scout can earn while at camp. They are earned in a clinic or group setting and run by a Merit Badge Counselor. The registration materials will show the Merit Badges offered. The scout will choose from the list of available badges, making note of the times the Merit Badge sessions are held, and give this information to the Event Coordinator with his registration. Most Merit Badges offered at camp will note the recommended years in scouting or rank needed to earn the merit Badge. Also, most Merit Badges will have prerequisites that must be completed before camp. It is best for a scout to read the Merit Badge book before camp starts, become familiar with the subject and fulfill any prereqs. If a scout does not fulfill all Merit Badge requirements during camp, he will receive a 'partial'. This is not a problem. Many scouts will go home with their requirements only partially completed. They can work on the rest of the requirements at a later date or another camp. Worksheets for Merit Badges may be found on www.meritbadge.org.
The Blue Card. After the scout is registered for the merit badges, he needs to obtain a 'Blue Card'. The Blue Card is the official Merit Badge record and shows what requirements were completed; it is an important document. Usually, during each phase of earring the Merit Badge, the Merit Badge Counselor will initial the Blue Card. Once a merit badge is completed, the Merit Badge Counselor will sign the Blue Card. Sometimes the Troop’s Event Coordinator holds onto the Blue Cards. Otherwise, the scout will be given it and should hold onto the entire Blue Card until he can give it to the Troop's Awards Coordinator. Once documented, the scout will be given one portion of the Blue Card to keep as a record of earning the merit badge. The actual Merit Badge will be awarded at the next Court of Honor. Keep your Blue Card safe, it is an important record of your Merit Badge work.
Gear for Camp. Scouts will camp in the Troop’s three-man tents. Scouts need to bring a sleeping bag, camp pillow, and either a sleeping mat or cot. If a scout brings a cot, he must also bring a 4” round disc of carpet for each leg of the cot to protect the tent floor. Scouts should bring a camp chair, flashlight, towel and toiletries. Scouts will also need a mess kit- plate, cup, and utensils. A water bottle for walking around camp is also needed. Scouts should pack items in a backpack. Garbage bags are not appropriate camping gear. Please label all personal items.
Paying for Camp. Each scout will have an 'Individual Scout Account' set up for him when he joins the Troop. It will hold money earned through product fundraisers and fundraising events, plus any money the scout or family puts in to the account. Funds should be given to the Troop Treasurer; checks should be made out to Troop 49. These funds are held by the Troop for the individual scout's use. Due to IRS rules, funds in the Individual Scout Account may only be used for camp fees and not for personal camping gear. Camp is an important part of scouting. Scholarships and camperships are available to help scouts pay for camp. Talk to a Committee member for more information.
Lone Scout. There are many camps available through our Council or other Councils. Scouts may attend these as a Lone Scout or find another scout who wants to go, but often an adult will need to attend with the scouts. The registration for these camps is not done through Troop 49. If you find a camp that you think will be of interest to the Troop, a scout can gather the details together and talk to our Activities Director. If feasible, the scouts will talk about making the camp a Troop event.
Getting to camp. The Troop will arrange for transportation to camp. Scouts will meet at the Village Hall at a scheduled time, and one of the adults who volunteered to drive will transport the scouts to camp. Scouts must wear their Class A uniform while traveling to any Troop activity, including camp. This is a BSA requirement for insurance purposes. The volunteer drivers will return scouts to the Village Hall after the conclusion of camp. It is important that scouts stay until the end of camp to help with clean up, check out, etc. The Troop's Event Coordinator must be notified well in advance if special arrangements are needed.
Merit Badges at Camp. Usually camps will offer a variety of Merit Badges that the scout can earn while at camp. They are earned in a clinic or group setting and run by a Merit Badge Counselor. The registration materials will show the Merit Badges offered. The scout will choose from the list of available badges, making note of the times the Merit Badge sessions are held, and give this information to the Event Coordinator with his registration. Most Merit Badges offered at camp will note the recommended years in scouting or rank needed to earn the merit Badge. Also, most Merit Badges will have prerequisites that must be completed before camp. It is best for a scout to read the Merit Badge book before camp starts, become familiar with the subject and fulfill any prereqs. If a scout does not fulfill all Merit Badge requirements during camp, he will receive a 'partial'. This is not a problem. Many scouts will go home with their requirements only partially completed. They can work on the rest of the requirements at a later date or another camp. Worksheets for Merit Badges may be found on www.meritbadge.org.
The Blue Card. After the scout is registered for the merit badges, he needs to obtain a 'Blue Card'. The Blue Card is the official Merit Badge record and shows what requirements were completed; it is an important document. Usually, during each phase of earring the Merit Badge, the Merit Badge Counselor will initial the Blue Card. Once a merit badge is completed, the Merit Badge Counselor will sign the Blue Card. Sometimes the Troop’s Event Coordinator holds onto the Blue Cards. Otherwise, the scout will be given it and should hold onto the entire Blue Card until he can give it to the Troop's Awards Coordinator. Once documented, the scout will be given one portion of the Blue Card to keep as a record of earning the merit badge. The actual Merit Badge will be awarded at the next Court of Honor. Keep your Blue Card safe, it is an important record of your Merit Badge work.
Gear for Camp. Scouts will camp in the Troop’s three-man tents. Scouts need to bring a sleeping bag, camp pillow, and either a sleeping mat or cot. If a scout brings a cot, he must also bring a 4” round disc of carpet for each leg of the cot to protect the tent floor. Scouts should bring a camp chair, flashlight, towel and toiletries. Scouts will also need a mess kit- plate, cup, and utensils. A water bottle for walking around camp is also needed. Scouts should pack items in a backpack. Garbage bags are not appropriate camping gear. Please label all personal items.
Paying for Camp. Each scout will have an 'Individual Scout Account' set up for him when he joins the Troop. It will hold money earned through product fundraisers and fundraising events, plus any money the scout or family puts in to the account. Funds should be given to the Troop Treasurer; checks should be made out to Troop 49. These funds are held by the Troop for the individual scout's use. Due to IRS rules, funds in the Individual Scout Account may only be used for camp fees and not for personal camping gear. Camp is an important part of scouting. Scholarships and camperships are available to help scouts pay for camp. Talk to a Committee member for more information.
Lone Scout. There are many camps available through our Council or other Councils. Scouts may attend these as a Lone Scout or find another scout who wants to go, but often an adult will need to attend with the scouts. The registration for these camps is not done through Troop 49. If you find a camp that you think will be of interest to the Troop, a scout can gather the details together and talk to our Activities Director. If feasible, the scouts will talk about making the camp a Troop event.
Supporting the Scout-
The parents play an important role in helping the scout be successful. Keeping up with the paperwork of scouting can be almost as challenging as learning the many new skills of scouting. Below are some comments and suggestions to help the scout be organized and productive. Scout parents are a valuable resource. Special thanks to Kristen Moorehouse, Faith Winiecke, and Dana Kluz for helping compile the suggestions.
Scout Book Cover- The Scout Book is an important record of the many requirements the scout will achieve over his years in scouting. It goes to camp and every meeting so it can suffer some hard times. The book cover protects it to an extent, and has a zipper pocket for a pen and important notes. Sending it to camp in a ziplock bag may also help the book last the years. Make frequent scans or copies of your scout's book and make sure he knows to give it to the Advancement Coordinator periodically and especially when a rank is earned.
Three-ring Notebook and Clear Baseball Card Protectors- The card protectors are used to store the scout's Blue Cards, Merit Badge award cards, and Rank Advancement cards. The three-ring notebook is a good place to keep Merit Badge Workbooks, as well as a log sheet for service hours, camping days and nights, hiking miles, biking miles, and canoe miles. A log sheet can be found in the Forms section of our website.
Notebook- many scouts use a small notebook to take notes at meetings. It is a good idea to bring one to camps also.
Boy Scout Requirements- this spiral book lists all of the available Merit Badges and their requirements. While this information is also available on line and in the Merit Badge booklets, the book provides a handy and quick reference to the many merit badges and other awards available to the scout.
The above items are available at the Scout Store, 804 Bluemound Road in Waukesha. Sherpers in Oconomowoc is another great place for scouting gear.
Work at home-
It's a good idea to encourage the scout to set aside time each week to work on scouting. Setting a goal to accomplish a few rank requirements each week will keep the scout active and interested. After earning Scout Rank, scouts may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class in any order. The rank must be earned in order though. Current information on Merit Badges are available on line at http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx. Scouts should also work on Merit Badges at home. Motivated scouts are working on several Merit Badges at a time. Using the Merit Badge Worksheets and keeping the paperwork organized will help the scout be successful.
Troop Meetings-
Before a troop meeting, sit down with your scout and go over his book with him. Help him figure out what rank requirements he can work on at the meeting. During patrol corners, scouts are asked if they have anything they want to work on with an older scout, or have anything that needs to be signed off. Rank achievements may be signed off by scouts two ranks higher than the scout, or by an Assistant Scout Master (ASM). Also, talk to your scout about any new Merit Badges he wants to work on. He will need to ask the Scoutmaster or ASM for a signed Blue Card. This is the first step to earning a merit badge and must be done by the scout, not the parent. The scout should write notes so he remembers what he wants to accomplish at the troop meeting.
Troop meetings should be fun and productive-
Help him set goals for rank advancement. A great goal is to be earning his First Class rank by the end of his first year. As he gets older and more comfortable he will require less parent input. But scouts are more successful when the parent takes an active interest in what he is working on, helping him review his goals and his time line. Many ranks require at least six months of holding a leadership position in the troop. Others require service hours and the earning of merit badges. While it is certainly your son's journey, he will benefit from being encouraged along the way.
Rank Advancements-
The Scout Book holds the record of the requirements for rank advancement. They are found in the back pages of the scout book. The Scout Book should be read cover to cover. It holds answers to most of the rank advancement questions, as well as directions for important scouting skills. The first rank, the Scout Rank, is found on page 17. After the requirements for a rank are completed, the scout must ask the Scoutmaster for a conference. It is best to let the Scoutmaster know before the Troop Meeting so he can schedule the time. After the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout will need to find three adults to sit on his Board of Review. Here his accomplishments and goals will be discussed. After successfully earning his rank, he needs to let the Scoutmaster know and also give his book to the Advancement Coordinator so she can record all of the signatures into the computer. If there is not time for this last step at the meeting, he needs to email both the Scoutmaster and the Advancement Coordinator right away so his badge can be prepared and awarded at the next troop meeting.
Your scout can work on rank advancements and merit badges simultaneously. Many merit badge requirements are also rank advancement skills, so the scout can get both signed off.
Earning Merit Badges-
Merit Badges are part of the core of scouting. They are more than a collection of colorful badges; they signify hard work, application of knowledge, skill development, and discipline. Once the scout decides to earn a Merit Badge, he will need to ask the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a Blue Card, which will be given to him filled out and signed. The Blue Card is a small tri-fold card that logs the name of the scout, the Merit Badge name, Merit Badge Counselor name, and has places to sign off on Merit Badge requirements as they are accomplished. The scout should check a Merit Badge Book out of our Troop Library, borrow one form the Public Library, or purchase one from the Scout Store. The Troop Library is always looking for donations of used Merit Badge Books. The scout may also want to print a Merit Badge Worksheet off the website http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx. The scout will need to contact a Merit Badge Counselor with whom to consult on the Merit Badge. Contacting the Counselor should be done before the Scout actually starts working on the requirements as the Counselor usually likes to go over a few details first. Merit Badge Counselors have training in working with scouts and have knowledge, passion, and experience related to the specific Merit Badge for which the Counsel. Some Troop adults are Merit Badge Counselors. These are listed by the Library. Ask your Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a list of Merit Badge Counselors. After contacting the Merit Badge Counselor, the scout can start working through the requirements of the Merit Badge. The Counselor may have the scout check back over time. Any interaction with the Merit Badge Counselor will require an adult or another scout to be present. Once the Merit Badge is completed, the Counselor will sign the Blue Card. One portion will be kept by the Counselor and the other portions should be given to the Troop’s Advancement Coordinator as soon as possible. The Coordinator will give one portion back to the Scout. This portion is an important document and the the Scout will need to keep it as proof of completing the Merit Badge. Merit Badges are presented to the scout at the next Court of Honor.
Medical Forms-
BSA requires that their Medical Form Part A and B be completed and signed by the parent for all camps that are less than 72 hours. Medical Forms signed by the parent are only good for one activity and must be completed, signed, and submitted for each activity and camp. For camps longer than 72 hours, a physical is required and BSA Medical Form Part C must be completed and signed by a physician. Forms signed by a physician are current for one year unless there has been a change in health history. It may be used for multiple camps and activities. As a convenience to our members, our Medical Coordinator will keep Scout and Adult medical forms on file, maintain a log of when the forms expire, and give the forms to the Troop Event Coordinator when needed. These forms will not be held at the Troop meeting room. It is important for the family to also keep a copy of the medical forms for their own records.
Permission Forms and Sign Ups-
A Troop Permission Form is needed for every camp, event, and troop activity. The permission form will be emailed with information about the event and can also be found in the Forms section of the troop website. It should be returned to the Event Coordinator. When payment is due, it can be made by withdrawal from the Individual Scout Account, or by payment to the Troop Treasurer.
Sign up for camps, activities, and events takes place at Troop meetings. An announcement will be made and a sign-up sheet will be put on the front table. Usually an email is sent out also. Once the deadline has passed, the Event Coordinator will contact all scouts who signed up and confirm registration. At this time, Permission Forms will be due, as well as payment. To fund an ISA, please write a check to Troop 49 and give it to the Troop Treasurer.
Court of Honor-
The Court of Honor is a special meeting the Troop holds three times a year to award Merit Badges, Camp participation badges, and other awards. Scouts wear their full uniform, including neckerchief and Merit Badge Sash. It is important for the scout and his family to attend the Court of Honor to learn more about the Troop and support the efforts of the scouts. The Patrols will be asked to bring snacks and drinks. Scouts should bring utensils, plates, and cups for himself and the members of his family. The Winter and Spring Courts of Honor are usually held on a Thursday night and start at 6:30. The Summer Court of Honor is held at Okauchee Lions Park on the Sunday afternoon before Labor Day Weekend.
Eagle Court of Honor-
Achieving the rank of Eagle is an occasion celebrated with a special Eagle Court of Honor. The Eagle Scout family and Troop leaders plan a special ceremony, usually followed by a meal. Scouts come in full uniform and participate in the precession. Scouts and their families can learn about the Eagle Scout's journey through scouting, the camps and adventures he had, and the Eagle Project he organized. This is truly a celebration and should be attended whenever possible.
Boyscouting is an Adventure. It is Leadership Development. It is Character Building. Successful scouts learn about themselves by working, struggling, gaining confidence through challenges - even challenges that may seem simple like asking an older scout or adult for help, staying organized, failing, trying again. It should not always be a smooth journey, and it should be one that progressively becomes one’s own journey. Parents play an important role, part of which is setting a foundation and eventually stepping back, allowing the scout to struggle and flourish, but keeping a watchful eye and continual engagement in your son's life.
Scout Book Cover- The Scout Book is an important record of the many requirements the scout will achieve over his years in scouting. It goes to camp and every meeting so it can suffer some hard times. The book cover protects it to an extent, and has a zipper pocket for a pen and important notes. Sending it to camp in a ziplock bag may also help the book last the years. Make frequent scans or copies of your scout's book and make sure he knows to give it to the Advancement Coordinator periodically and especially when a rank is earned.
Three-ring Notebook and Clear Baseball Card Protectors- The card protectors are used to store the scout's Blue Cards, Merit Badge award cards, and Rank Advancement cards. The three-ring notebook is a good place to keep Merit Badge Workbooks, as well as a log sheet for service hours, camping days and nights, hiking miles, biking miles, and canoe miles. A log sheet can be found in the Forms section of our website.
Notebook- many scouts use a small notebook to take notes at meetings. It is a good idea to bring one to camps also.
Boy Scout Requirements- this spiral book lists all of the available Merit Badges and their requirements. While this information is also available on line and in the Merit Badge booklets, the book provides a handy and quick reference to the many merit badges and other awards available to the scout.
The above items are available at the Scout Store, 804 Bluemound Road in Waukesha. Sherpers in Oconomowoc is another great place for scouting gear.
Work at home-
It's a good idea to encourage the scout to set aside time each week to work on scouting. Setting a goal to accomplish a few rank requirements each week will keep the scout active and interested. After earning Scout Rank, scouts may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class in any order. The rank must be earned in order though. Current information on Merit Badges are available on line at http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx. Scouts should also work on Merit Badges at home. Motivated scouts are working on several Merit Badges at a time. Using the Merit Badge Worksheets and keeping the paperwork organized will help the scout be successful.
Troop Meetings-
Before a troop meeting, sit down with your scout and go over his book with him. Help him figure out what rank requirements he can work on at the meeting. During patrol corners, scouts are asked if they have anything they want to work on with an older scout, or have anything that needs to be signed off. Rank achievements may be signed off by scouts two ranks higher than the scout, or by an Assistant Scout Master (ASM). Also, talk to your scout about any new Merit Badges he wants to work on. He will need to ask the Scoutmaster or ASM for a signed Blue Card. This is the first step to earning a merit badge and must be done by the scout, not the parent. The scout should write notes so he remembers what he wants to accomplish at the troop meeting.
Troop meetings should be fun and productive-
Help him set goals for rank advancement. A great goal is to be earning his First Class rank by the end of his first year. As he gets older and more comfortable he will require less parent input. But scouts are more successful when the parent takes an active interest in what he is working on, helping him review his goals and his time line. Many ranks require at least six months of holding a leadership position in the troop. Others require service hours and the earning of merit badges. While it is certainly your son's journey, he will benefit from being encouraged along the way.
Rank Advancements-
The Scout Book holds the record of the requirements for rank advancement. They are found in the back pages of the scout book. The Scout Book should be read cover to cover. It holds answers to most of the rank advancement questions, as well as directions for important scouting skills. The first rank, the Scout Rank, is found on page 17. After the requirements for a rank are completed, the scout must ask the Scoutmaster for a conference. It is best to let the Scoutmaster know before the Troop Meeting so he can schedule the time. After the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout will need to find three adults to sit on his Board of Review. Here his accomplishments and goals will be discussed. After successfully earning his rank, he needs to let the Scoutmaster know and also give his book to the Advancement Coordinator so she can record all of the signatures into the computer. If there is not time for this last step at the meeting, he needs to email both the Scoutmaster and the Advancement Coordinator right away so his badge can be prepared and awarded at the next troop meeting.
Your scout can work on rank advancements and merit badges simultaneously. Many merit badge requirements are also rank advancement skills, so the scout can get both signed off.
Earning Merit Badges-
Merit Badges are part of the core of scouting. They are more than a collection of colorful badges; they signify hard work, application of knowledge, skill development, and discipline. Once the scout decides to earn a Merit Badge, he will need to ask the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a Blue Card, which will be given to him filled out and signed. The Blue Card is a small tri-fold card that logs the name of the scout, the Merit Badge name, Merit Badge Counselor name, and has places to sign off on Merit Badge requirements as they are accomplished. The scout should check a Merit Badge Book out of our Troop Library, borrow one form the Public Library, or purchase one from the Scout Store. The Troop Library is always looking for donations of used Merit Badge Books. The scout may also want to print a Merit Badge Worksheet off the website http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx. The scout will need to contact a Merit Badge Counselor with whom to consult on the Merit Badge. Contacting the Counselor should be done before the Scout actually starts working on the requirements as the Counselor usually likes to go over a few details first. Merit Badge Counselors have training in working with scouts and have knowledge, passion, and experience related to the specific Merit Badge for which the Counsel. Some Troop adults are Merit Badge Counselors. These are listed by the Library. Ask your Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a list of Merit Badge Counselors. After contacting the Merit Badge Counselor, the scout can start working through the requirements of the Merit Badge. The Counselor may have the scout check back over time. Any interaction with the Merit Badge Counselor will require an adult or another scout to be present. Once the Merit Badge is completed, the Counselor will sign the Blue Card. One portion will be kept by the Counselor and the other portions should be given to the Troop’s Advancement Coordinator as soon as possible. The Coordinator will give one portion back to the Scout. This portion is an important document and the the Scout will need to keep it as proof of completing the Merit Badge. Merit Badges are presented to the scout at the next Court of Honor.
Medical Forms-
BSA requires that their Medical Form Part A and B be completed and signed by the parent for all camps that are less than 72 hours. Medical Forms signed by the parent are only good for one activity and must be completed, signed, and submitted for each activity and camp. For camps longer than 72 hours, a physical is required and BSA Medical Form Part C must be completed and signed by a physician. Forms signed by a physician are current for one year unless there has been a change in health history. It may be used for multiple camps and activities. As a convenience to our members, our Medical Coordinator will keep Scout and Adult medical forms on file, maintain a log of when the forms expire, and give the forms to the Troop Event Coordinator when needed. These forms will not be held at the Troop meeting room. It is important for the family to also keep a copy of the medical forms for their own records.
Permission Forms and Sign Ups-
A Troop Permission Form is needed for every camp, event, and troop activity. The permission form will be emailed with information about the event and can also be found in the Forms section of the troop website. It should be returned to the Event Coordinator. When payment is due, it can be made by withdrawal from the Individual Scout Account, or by payment to the Troop Treasurer.
Sign up for camps, activities, and events takes place at Troop meetings. An announcement will be made and a sign-up sheet will be put on the front table. Usually an email is sent out also. Once the deadline has passed, the Event Coordinator will contact all scouts who signed up and confirm registration. At this time, Permission Forms will be due, as well as payment. To fund an ISA, please write a check to Troop 49 and give it to the Troop Treasurer.
Court of Honor-
The Court of Honor is a special meeting the Troop holds three times a year to award Merit Badges, Camp participation badges, and other awards. Scouts wear their full uniform, including neckerchief and Merit Badge Sash. It is important for the scout and his family to attend the Court of Honor to learn more about the Troop and support the efforts of the scouts. The Patrols will be asked to bring snacks and drinks. Scouts should bring utensils, plates, and cups for himself and the members of his family. The Winter and Spring Courts of Honor are usually held on a Thursday night and start at 6:30. The Summer Court of Honor is held at Okauchee Lions Park on the Sunday afternoon before Labor Day Weekend.
Eagle Court of Honor-
Achieving the rank of Eagle is an occasion celebrated with a special Eagle Court of Honor. The Eagle Scout family and Troop leaders plan a special ceremony, usually followed by a meal. Scouts come in full uniform and participate in the precession. Scouts and their families can learn about the Eagle Scout's journey through scouting, the camps and adventures he had, and the Eagle Project he organized. This is truly a celebration and should be attended whenever possible.
Boyscouting is an Adventure. It is Leadership Development. It is Character Building. Successful scouts learn about themselves by working, struggling, gaining confidence through challenges - even challenges that may seem simple like asking an older scout or adult for help, staying organized, failing, trying again. It should not always be a smooth journey, and it should be one that progressively becomes one’s own journey. Parents play an important role, part of which is setting a foundation and eventually stepping back, allowing the scout to struggle and flourish, but keeping a watchful eye and continual engagement in your son's life.
A Note to Parents of Scouts-
Parents, we appreciate that you have entrusted your son to Troop 49. We hope you will enjoy this journey as much as your son does. Below are just a few notes for you to consider.
Boy-led. Troop 49 is a “Boy-Led” and “Boy-Run” Troop that utilizes the Patrol Method to empower the Scouts to realize their individual potential, while embracing the outdoors in many different activities and programs, following the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. With the Scoutmaster’s direction, the scouts themselves develop the Troop’s program and take responsibility for figuring out how to achieve their goals. In order for the Troop’s youth leaders to be able to make everything happen, the Troop relies upon Scouts serving in positions of responsibility. One of the Scoutmaster's most important responsibilities is to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers the boy with the skills he will need to lead his troop.
Parent’s Role. While we consider Boyscouting to be the boy's journey you play an important role in your son's journey in scouting. He will need the encouragement of his parents. He will need help, at first, navigating rank advancements, contacting merit badge counselors, choosing camps and activities, and communicating with the Troop. We recommend he take time each week to read his Scout Book, complete a step or two in his rank, and work on a portion of a merit badge. Successful scouts always have something in the hopper on which to work. There may be times that family commitments, school or extracurricular activities, or sports or clubs, take precedent over coming to Troop meetings. A scout can still be active in scouting by continuing to work on scouting while absent, and show his progress when he returns.
Communication. Most of the Troop's communication is by email. This communication will usually be directed to the scout and sent to both scout and parent emails. Activities are announced at Troop meetings and then announced by email. Patrol leaders are expected to contact the scouts in their patrol and this is often done by email or phone. Successful scouts take charge of their own communication - reading or listening to messages and then replying on their own, after consulting with parents. This is a very important part of the Boyscouting program. All parties benefit from this communication and the scout takes ownership of his participation. It is helpful when parents support this process. It is best then that the email you give us is one that the scout has access to and can be used for troop communication.
Fun. Please keep in mind that, to adults some of what goes on at the troop meetings, particularly during game time, looks less structured than one might expect. Scouting needs to be fun too, and the games the troop plays together are intended to develop trust and friendships.
Parent Participation. For adults, scouting can be fun too. It is fun, and amazing, to watch your young son build on the values already in his life, and develop leadership, character, and the life-long skills available through scouting. Adults can participate in the troop through a variety of ways. Help is always needed at camps, organizing events, driving scouts, or pulling the trailer. Adults who receive advanced training can work with the scouts as a Merit Badge Counselor or an Assistant Scoutmaster. And the Committee is always looking for adults willing to commit their time to fundraising or the business end of the troop. All adult members of the troop have current Youth Protection Training and actively participate when needed. We encourage you to consider where you will help the troop. Check the Help Wanted section of the website or talk to one of the adult leaders for more information. We expect atleast one adult from each family to help out during the year. Check the Adult Training tab for information on upcoming classes or training opportunities.
Adult Leadership. The most important advice to remember is to trust the adult leadership of the Troop. The adult leaders have received training in working with scouts, and in helping them develop the leadership and character traits that reflect the core values of the Boyscout program. The safety and well-being of the scouts is always a priority. We mandate and strictly follow BSA Youth Protection guidelines. If you have questions, please talk to one of the adults in the troop. If your son has questions, please encourage him to ask one of the adults or older scouts. Communication is key. It is part of our leadership development program.
Boy-led. Troop 49 is a “Boy-Led” and “Boy-Run” Troop that utilizes the Patrol Method to empower the Scouts to realize their individual potential, while embracing the outdoors in many different activities and programs, following the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. With the Scoutmaster’s direction, the scouts themselves develop the Troop’s program and take responsibility for figuring out how to achieve their goals. In order for the Troop’s youth leaders to be able to make everything happen, the Troop relies upon Scouts serving in positions of responsibility. One of the Scoutmaster's most important responsibilities is to provide the direction, coaching, and training that empowers the boy with the skills he will need to lead his troop.
Parent’s Role. While we consider Boyscouting to be the boy's journey you play an important role in your son's journey in scouting. He will need the encouragement of his parents. He will need help, at first, navigating rank advancements, contacting merit badge counselors, choosing camps and activities, and communicating with the Troop. We recommend he take time each week to read his Scout Book, complete a step or two in his rank, and work on a portion of a merit badge. Successful scouts always have something in the hopper on which to work. There may be times that family commitments, school or extracurricular activities, or sports or clubs, take precedent over coming to Troop meetings. A scout can still be active in scouting by continuing to work on scouting while absent, and show his progress when he returns.
Communication. Most of the Troop's communication is by email. This communication will usually be directed to the scout and sent to both scout and parent emails. Activities are announced at Troop meetings and then announced by email. Patrol leaders are expected to contact the scouts in their patrol and this is often done by email or phone. Successful scouts take charge of their own communication - reading or listening to messages and then replying on their own, after consulting with parents. This is a very important part of the Boyscouting program. All parties benefit from this communication and the scout takes ownership of his participation. It is helpful when parents support this process. It is best then that the email you give us is one that the scout has access to and can be used for troop communication.
Fun. Please keep in mind that, to adults some of what goes on at the troop meetings, particularly during game time, looks less structured than one might expect. Scouting needs to be fun too, and the games the troop plays together are intended to develop trust and friendships.
Parent Participation. For adults, scouting can be fun too. It is fun, and amazing, to watch your young son build on the values already in his life, and develop leadership, character, and the life-long skills available through scouting. Adults can participate in the troop through a variety of ways. Help is always needed at camps, organizing events, driving scouts, or pulling the trailer. Adults who receive advanced training can work with the scouts as a Merit Badge Counselor or an Assistant Scoutmaster. And the Committee is always looking for adults willing to commit their time to fundraising or the business end of the troop. All adult members of the troop have current Youth Protection Training and actively participate when needed. We encourage you to consider where you will help the troop. Check the Help Wanted section of the website or talk to one of the adult leaders for more information. We expect atleast one adult from each family to help out during the year. Check the Adult Training tab for information on upcoming classes or training opportunities.
Adult Leadership. The most important advice to remember is to trust the adult leadership of the Troop. The adult leaders have received training in working with scouts, and in helping them develop the leadership and character traits that reflect the core values of the Boyscout program. The safety and well-being of the scouts is always a priority. We mandate and strictly follow BSA Youth Protection guidelines. If you have questions, please talk to one of the adults in the troop. If your son has questions, please encourage him to ask one of the adults or older scouts. Communication is key. It is part of our leadership development program.
The Journey through Scouting-
The beginning. Checking out the different troops in the area is fun, and a good way to learn more about scouting. Once your family chooses a troop, the real adventure begins. The scout's journey begins with the Scout Book. The Scout Book holds most of the information the scout needs to achieve his rank advancements. The first rank your scout earns will be the Scout rank. The scout earns this rank by learning and reciting the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code. He also will have a meeting with the Scoutmaster- his first Scoutmaster Conference. Most scouts approach this meeting with some trepidation, but they will see the Scoutmaster is friendly and trained to encourage the scout and help him achieve his goals.
Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster Conference is a way for the scout and the scoutmaster to learn more about each other. Here the scout can bring up any questions he may have. The Scoutmaster will commend the scout for what he has accomplished and challenge the scout to reach certain goals during the next part of his journey. While the scoutmaster conference is one on one meeting, it and any other meetings with an adult are in accordance with the Troop's and BSA requirement of two-deep leadership, and always in open view.
The Scout Book. The requirements for the different ranks are listed in the back pages of the Scout Book. It is important to note that the scout will always get his achievements signed off by an adult other than his parent, or by a scout two ranks higher than him. The scout will need to demonstrate full knowledge and ability in the skill in order to get signed off. The Scout Book also has a place to document Camping nights and Service Project participation.
Merit Badges. While a scout travels through the ranks, he should also work on merit badges. Merit badges are earned during merit badge clinics, at camps, or on one's own. If done at a clinic or camp, there are usually several requirements that must be fulfilled before credit will be given. It is important for the scout to read through the merit badge booklet. There are workbooks available online to help in keeping all of the information organized. The scout will meet with a merit badge counselor, who will ask questions and have the scout demonstrate the requirements of the merit badge. Earning a merit badge means the scout has a understanding of the subject matter. It is regarded as a well earned achievement. We encourage scouts to work on a few merit badges at a time, to keep workbooks and records organized, read the materials, and be proud of their work.
Self-paced Journey. While scouting is not a race but a self paced journey, we find that most scouts will achieve the rank of First Class soon after their first year in boy scouting. The parent and scout should read over all of the early rank requirements together to learn more about what will be expected, and what can be accomplished at home. Successful scouts spend at least a half hour a week reading their scout book and working on rank requirements and merit badges.
Positions of Leadership. The higher ranks require a scout to hold positions of leadership. These ranks all require they be held for several months, and that the scout earns merit badges during that time. Some merit badges are geared for scouts intending to earn the rank of Eagle. This is a good time to look at the time a scout has left in scouting and plan what he wants to accomplish. Eagle Rank requires a good amount of time, planning, resources, and more planning. Discussing how the Scout’s goals can be accomplished with a Scout's family and Scout Leaders will help establish the pace of the next few years.
Achievement. Achieving the different ranks in scouting is just that - an achievement. The scout needs to spend time reading and working through requirements, learning about new subjects, meeting new people, having new experiences, building friendships, working through challenges and hardships and frustrations. The scout will need to fulfill the duties of his troop positions, meet with higher ranked scouts and adults, as well as work with and be a good example to younger scouts. The scout can go camping, be away for the weekend or a full week, sleep where it is hot, or cold, or raining or snowing, swim, hike, zipline, canoe, bike, and dance (really!). But mostly what your scout will do is be a Boyscout, and grow into a young man that upholds the Spirit of Scouting, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. A man we can all be proud of. And as with anything, the journey starts with one small step - into his first troop meeting, and the beginning of his journey through scouting.
Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster Conference is a way for the scout and the scoutmaster to learn more about each other. Here the scout can bring up any questions he may have. The Scoutmaster will commend the scout for what he has accomplished and challenge the scout to reach certain goals during the next part of his journey. While the scoutmaster conference is one on one meeting, it and any other meetings with an adult are in accordance with the Troop's and BSA requirement of two-deep leadership, and always in open view.
The Scout Book. The requirements for the different ranks are listed in the back pages of the Scout Book. It is important to note that the scout will always get his achievements signed off by an adult other than his parent, or by a scout two ranks higher than him. The scout will need to demonstrate full knowledge and ability in the skill in order to get signed off. The Scout Book also has a place to document Camping nights and Service Project participation.
Merit Badges. While a scout travels through the ranks, he should also work on merit badges. Merit badges are earned during merit badge clinics, at camps, or on one's own. If done at a clinic or camp, there are usually several requirements that must be fulfilled before credit will be given. It is important for the scout to read through the merit badge booklet. There are workbooks available online to help in keeping all of the information organized. The scout will meet with a merit badge counselor, who will ask questions and have the scout demonstrate the requirements of the merit badge. Earning a merit badge means the scout has a understanding of the subject matter. It is regarded as a well earned achievement. We encourage scouts to work on a few merit badges at a time, to keep workbooks and records organized, read the materials, and be proud of their work.
Self-paced Journey. While scouting is not a race but a self paced journey, we find that most scouts will achieve the rank of First Class soon after their first year in boy scouting. The parent and scout should read over all of the early rank requirements together to learn more about what will be expected, and what can be accomplished at home. Successful scouts spend at least a half hour a week reading their scout book and working on rank requirements and merit badges.
Positions of Leadership. The higher ranks require a scout to hold positions of leadership. These ranks all require they be held for several months, and that the scout earns merit badges during that time. Some merit badges are geared for scouts intending to earn the rank of Eagle. This is a good time to look at the time a scout has left in scouting and plan what he wants to accomplish. Eagle Rank requires a good amount of time, planning, resources, and more planning. Discussing how the Scout’s goals can be accomplished with a Scout's family and Scout Leaders will help establish the pace of the next few years.
Achievement. Achieving the different ranks in scouting is just that - an achievement. The scout needs to spend time reading and working through requirements, learning about new subjects, meeting new people, having new experiences, building friendships, working through challenges and hardships and frustrations. The scout will need to fulfill the duties of his troop positions, meet with higher ranked scouts and adults, as well as work with and be a good example to younger scouts. The scout can go camping, be away for the weekend or a full week, sleep where it is hot, or cold, or raining or snowing, swim, hike, zipline, canoe, bike, and dance (really!). But mostly what your scout will do is be a Boyscout, and grow into a young man that upholds the Spirit of Scouting, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. A man we can all be proud of. And as with anything, the journey starts with one small step - into his first troop meeting, and the beginning of his journey through scouting.
Alphabet Soup-
- APL - Assistant Patrol Leader
- ASM - Assistant Scoutmaster
- ASPL - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
- COH- Court of Honor
- COPE - Project COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience)
- FOS - Friends of Scouting
- JASM - Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
- LNT - Leave No Trace
- NESA - National Eagle Scout Association
- NYLT - National Youth Leadership Training
- OA - Order of the Arrow
- PL - Patrol Leader
- PLC - Patrol Leaders' Council
- SPL - Senior Patrol Leader