Troop 486 Durham, NC Parent Meeting October 25, 2010

2 Agenda Why are we here? BSA Organization Charter Organization Troop Organization Troop Guidebook Advancement Recognition Communication Service Projects Training Programs Meetings Upcoming Events High Adventure Fundraising / Accounts Summer Camp Update How can we do all this? Troop Needs Questions

3 Why Are We Here? For The Boys!

Boy Scouting 4 Troop 486 – Durham, NC

Scouting Mission The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. 5 Troop 486 – Durham, NC

Life Skills in a Values-Based Environment Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct and honesty. A boy who spends one year in a Scout troop will learn lifetime skills. He will learn basic outdoor skills, self-reliance, and how to get along with others. Scouting will prepare him to live a more productive and fulfilling life. 6 Troop 486 – Durham, NC

Organizing patrols Using duty rosters Planning menus and figuring food costs Encouraging advancement Guiding a patrol's involvement in problem solving Learning Leaderships Skills Scouting offers young people a rich and varied arena in which to learn and use leadership skills. Among the challenges encountered by a troop's youth leaders are: 7 Troop 486 – Durham, NC Teaching outdoor skills Helping to ensure patrol safety during outings Handling patrol finances Helping other Scouts make the most of their own leadership opportunities Troop 486 is a “boy-led” Troop

Boy-led Troop The BSA's definition is that “empowering boys to be leaders” is the core of Scouting. A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality. 8 Troop 486 – Durham, NC

9 BSA Organization Boys Troop Charter Org. District MAWAT Local Council OCCONEECHEE Regional / National Council Troop 486 – Durham, NC

10 Charter Organization Christus Victor Lutheran Church Holds our Charter – “owners” of the Troop Charter Organization responsibilities: Meeting space Approval of adult leaders Guidance for Troop policies and activities Troop responsibilities: Service Project (Clean-up Day) Playground upkeep Troop 486 – Durham, NC

11 Troop Organization Troop 486 – Durham, NC Example Structure

12 Troop Guidebook & Code of Conduct Given to every new Scout Family (TBP) Updated Yearly New Parent Conference session New parent material Scout and Parent must read and sign If Scout does not abide by Code of Conduct and has been given opportunities to correct, we will ask Scout not to participate in activities. Troop 486 – Durham, NC

13 Advancement Scouting Ranks Boy Scout Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle Tenderfoot2 nd Class Star1 st Class LifeEagle Troop 486 – Durham, NC

14 Advancement Ranks Advancement Typically Requires: Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class: Skills and Ability Demonstrations* (camping, first aid, etc.) Community Service Hours Demonstrate Scout Oath in Daily Life Star, Life and Eagle: Merit Badge Completion (required and optional) Leadership Positions (the boys run the Troop!) Community & Service Projects / Eagle Project Demonstrate Scout Oath in Daily Life Scoutmaster Conference Board of Review * Alternative requirements are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities Troop 486 – Durham, NC

15 Advancement Merit Badges Require Scoutmaster approval before starting. Require a counselor to lead and approve completion. Counselors should be knowledgeable in subject and must be approved by District. Troop maintains merit badge counselor list. District provides list of all merit badge counselors at least annually. Requirements can be completed at any time. Some merit badges classified as Eagle Required. Star, Life and Eagle ranks require a set number of Eagle Required merit badges as well as optional merit badges. Troop 486 – Durham, NC

16 Scout Leadership Positions Patrol Leaders can be of any rank ASPL, Quartermaster, Assistant Quartermaster, Historian, Librarian, Scribe and Chaplain Aide must be First Class rank or above Board of Review is held before each Court of Honor (or more often as required) Rank advancements and merit badges are presented at Courts of Honor. Advancement Troop 486 – Durham, NC

17 Recognition Courts of Honor Public recognition for Scout accomplishments – Rank Advancement, Merit Badges, Special Honors Typically 2 times per year Special presentations or guest appearance Eagle Courts of Honor Scout to organize own Eagle Court of Honor Highlight for each Scout All Scouts expected to attend Troop 486 – Durham, NC

18 Communication Web site – s – Troop Listserv Parent Meetings – All parents welcome! Troop Meetings and Courts of Honor Ask your scout! Let him update you on events! If scout commits to event, follow through. Call if they can’t. Ask your Patrol Leader or Sr. Patrol Leader Troop 486 – Durham, NC

19 Service Projects Must have hours for advancement Address Community needs Currently looking for a yearly event we can integrate into our calendar BSA / Troop Planned Activities Food drives, banquets, etc. Currently looking for a parent volunteer to help identify and coordinate Service Project opportunities Troop 486 – Durham, NC

20 Training Scouts Orientation campout in Spring for new Scouts Troop Junior Leader Training Council level Pine Tree Junior Leader Training Committee / Parents Youth Protection – every 2 years District Adult Leader training offered spring/fall Roundtable and District Meetings Wood Badge Philmont Troop Pays for Training!!! Troop 486 – Durham, NC

21 Training Parents / Scouts How to Protect You Children from Child Abuse First section in Scout Handbook Leaders Should be Trained Youth Protection Scouting Fundamentals BSA Policies & Procedures Creates linkages to immense reserve of resources 2-Deep Leadership Troop 486 – Durham, NC

22 Programs Troop Meetings Monthly Activities Camporees / District Events Summer Camp High Adventure Camps Troop 486 – Durham, NC

23 Meetings Every Monday, 7:00 – 8:30pm Except holidays, school breaks, or when Durham schools are closed (typically). Uniforms look good! Organized by PLC Meeting Activities can included Merit badge work Preparing for campouts, trips, activities, etc. Board of Reviews Fun activities Troop 486 – Durham, NC

Upcoming Events Capture the Flag – Nov 5-7 Lock-in – Dec 10 Cooking – Jan Check out the Calendar at Troop 486 – Durham, NC

25 High Adventure High Adventure * What does high adventure mean? * How does BSA ensure safety in High Adventure outings? (minimum age requirements, more detailed trip permits, more extensive training for leaders) * Our goals for the troop * Parent involvement July West Virginia Summer of 2012 – Sea Base Troop 486 – Durham, NC

26 Fundraising / Accounts 50% of all fundraising goes to Troop 50% goes to individual Scout Accounts Current ongoing fundraisers: Pinewood Derby Concessions Council Popcorn Sale in Fall Christmas Wreath Sales Fall and Spring Yard Sales / Car Wash Auto Bell Car Wash Vouchers Current one-time fundraisers Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast B&N Holiday Wrapping New Ideas Always looking for new ideas! Ideas presented to Committee for discussion and approval Troop 486 – Durham, NC

27 Summer Camp Troop 486 will be attending Camp Ottari in Virginia during the week of June 12-18, CAMP OTTARI Base Camp: [Base fee $270) Brown Sea Island for New Scouts Merit Badges NEW RIVER ADVENTURE: [Base fee $310] VOYAGEUR TREK: [Base fee $290] CLAYTOR LAKE: [Base fee $310] MOUNTAIN MAN OUTPOST: [Base fee $310] FISH CAMP: [Base fee $290] Here is a great opportunity to get involved! We have a great time! Troop 486 – Durham, NC

28 How Can We Do All Of This? It’s Easy!! Scout Involvement Make if Fun! Make it a learning experience Parent Involvement Volunteer - Troop Committee Encouragement to scouts Troop 486 – Durham, NC

29 Troop Needs Scout Involvement!! Parent Volunteers!! We need your help to make this work. Troop 486 – Durham, NC

30 Questions / Answers Troop 486 – Durham, NC

Thank You for Your Participation! Troop 486 – Durham, NC