New Parent Orientation 1 st Year Scouts Troop 1011 Mt Bethel UMC March 17, 2014

Welcome to Troop 1011 Agenda Scouting Goals and Ranks – Big Picture Boy Scouts vs Cub Scouts Troop 1011 – Structure 1 st Year Program Keys to Success Parent Roles Next Steps

The Objective of Scouting known as the “Aims of Scouting” 1.Character Development 2.Citizenship Training 3.Physical and Mental Fitness Provided Through Fun and Challenging Activities

Our Overriding Objective Prepare young men to enter manhood with the confidence, skills and maturity to be successful This is not a race, it’s more like a long hike –Takes place over time –Don’t worry about sprinting

Path of Progress Scouting pushes boys through levels of rank, requiring skills, leadership and activities. –Eagle –Life –Star –1 st Class –2 nd Class –Tenderfoot –Scout

Timeline for Progression 1 st year2 nd year3 rd year4 th year5 th year6 th year7 th year Scout Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1 st Class Star Life Eagle Venture Scouting High Adventure Trips

Achieving Rank Each scout needs a handbook. The book outlines the requirements for each rank and contains the information for the requirements Each rank is done in succession. Most requirements for Tenderfoot, 2 nd Class, and 1 st Class are signed off whenever the Scout demonstrates proficiency. All requirements must be completed, approved, and signed off by a senior Scout Instructor, Scout Guide, or an Asst. Scoutmaster.

Achieving Rank Scout through 1 st Class ranks, focus on developing the patrol and a basic knowledge of Scout craft Each boy needs a parent to help them navigate achieving rank Patrol can achieve first few ranks together –They need adult support. –Help the Guide lead the Scouts After 1 st Class rank, scouts work more individually. They focus on demonstrating expertise, practicing leadership skills, troop service, and community service.

Requirements for Rank Familiarize yourself with the requirements –Read the scout handbook, ask for a copy of rank requirements Specific requirements –Can be learned/completed either individually or in a group setting (Patrol, classroom setting, etc) –Some are hard to reschedule, you and your Scout will make choices Merit Badges –Can be accomplished individually Identify counselor, develop and execute program –Can be accomplished in sponsored merit badge classes

Boy Scouts vs Cub Scouts Boys are to do many of the actions that adults did while in cub scouts Boy Led / Adult Guided Scout must take on responsibility / accountability Learn through mistakes More independence / Adult Guided Older boys lead younger boys

Understand the Process Troop 1011 –Is broken into patrols by age Each patrol has a elected leader ( six months, Mar & Sep) Each patrol will stay together throughout their tenure Each patrol needs an adult advisor –Is Scout led Each patrol leader and the overall scout leadership form a leadership committee (TLC) which meets at least monthly The TLC runs the troop meetings

Understand the Process Weekly troop meeting on Mondays, except school holidays (12 months) –Broken into troop needs and patrol needs –Patrols need to determine how best to use this time 1 st Wednesday is Troop Leadership Council (TLC) Last Wednesday is Rank Advancement night Other Wednesdays can be used for Skills Reviews A Court of Honor is held three times per year (Mondays in mid April, late August, and early December) –rank and merit badge ceremony –families highly encouraged to attend

Troop 1011 – Structure Committee Troop Committee Chair Laurie Champion Finance: Leslie Kahrs Advancement: Dave Forestner Outdoor Special Activities: Scott Reale Merit Badges: Bob Ott & Mark Weber Administration Sterling Spencer Equipment: Kevin Hatcher Training: John LaVoy

Troop 1011 – Structure Program / Scoutmaster Scoutmaster: Bob Ott Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) Senior Patrol Leader Guides ASPL Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) QuartermastersScribe Patrol Leaders Patrol Leader InstructorsLibrarian Chaplain Aide

Support within the Program Scoutmaster – Bob Ott Asst. Scout Masters (ASM) - Lisa Brattin- Dennis Bowman - Mike Caffrey- Suzi Pike - Alwyn Joseph 1 st Year Parent help is needed  carpool  safety observers  coordinate patrol activities  help other parents  Troop Committees

1 st Year Program Goals Ensure Safety Learn Patrol Method / Working Together Teach Core Scout Skills Advance Rank (First Class by First Yr) Have Fun!

1 st Year Program Process Guides serve as Patrol Leaders first 6 months Planned activities for Patrols to do together for skill advancement Can work independently as well if miss meetings April & May – Monday & Wed 7pm – 8:30pm Skills Campout April 26 th Summer Camps Patrol takes over in September (Guides support) Second 6 months more individualized advancement

Tracking Progress Line Items signed by Guide / Instructor as learned Make copy of page to enter into Troop computer All scout activities by boy are tracked –Signed off requirements for rank –Merit badges –Service hours –Tent nights –General attendance Please be aware that activities need to be recorded –Familiarize yourself and your scout in the process

Tips for Success Understand the process Troop 1011 uses an annual calendar – plan ahead Sign up for Troop s, supplemental First Year will come as well Online Training is available / Must have Youth Protection Training to Participate in any way More activities than any one scout can do: choose what works for your family to participate Make a plan for moving through the ranks Find an experienced parent to help you through the confusion

Tips for Success

Parent Role Stay Involved! Keep informed via s / asking questions Plan ahead for activities / trips – Calendar Help son take ownership – he should complete forms, ask questions, speak for himself Help son set goals for himself on what to achieve and help him stay on track / reminders Don’t get stressed – marathon not a sprint Let ASMs know of any issues or concerns Ask Questions

Parent Role Find a Place to Help: -Trained Scout Leader -Merit Badge Counselor -Organize an activity/trip on calendar -Camping trips- Camps-Excursions -Pinestraw-Popcorn -Everything we do needs a leader or helper -Provide transportation -Office assistance

Next 4 months (it’s fast paced) ! Determine summer camp schedule for your son (Primary in mid- June, Secondary in mid-July) Complete any needed forms remaining. (Medical Form) Get on the troop’s group list at Yahoo Groups. 1 st Year Skills campout on April 25 th (need medical form) Scouts get to know one another and build patrol spirit Complete their physical fitness requirements at skills campout. Can be individually, buddy system, patrol, etc Lots of 1 st Year meetings on Skills Review Nights. (Focus on learning Scout skills) Come each evening at 7 pm-8:30pm to troop meetings and Skills Review Nights. Earn Scout and Tenderfoot ranks (some complete 2 nd Class rank by end of summer) Get an adult advisor for your patrol