1. Boy Scout New Parent Orientation
Troop 555
Pocono District
Minsi Trails Council

2. The Goals of Scouting The Aims of Boy Scouting
Character development
Citizenship training
Physical, mental, and emotional fitness
Aims are Delivered by these Methods
Ideals
Patrols
Outdoor Programs
Adult Association
Advancement
Personal Growth
Leadership Development
Uniform
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, citzenship 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 self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance 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.

3. History of Scouting The Beginnings of Scouting Movement
The 20th-century scouting movement was started by Robert Baden-Powell during the Boer War as a series of games and exercises to help men learn to live in the open under difficult conditions
Powell developed a book called “Aids to Scouting” as a way of training recruits. This book became an instant hit among boys
He conducted his first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907, and his book “Scouting for Boys” was published in 1908
In England, Boy Scouts formally started on Jan. 24, 1908
History of Scouting in the USA
In the United States the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) had been running camps for boys since 1884.
In 1902 Ernest Thompson Seton founded the Tribe of Woodcraft Indians as a boy's organization. Three years later Daniel Carter Beard started a similar society called the Sons of Daniel Boone.
February 8th, 1910 William Boyce, inspired by unknown Scout in London, incorporated BSA working with YMCA and Seton
In 1910, Seton combined B-P “Scouting for Boys” and Woodcraft Manual to publish first BSA Handbook
The word scout comes from the French verb ecouter, which means "to listen." Armies have long used scouts to gather information about the enemy. On the American frontier a scout was someone always on the lookout for danger. He also used outdoor skills and knowledge of nature to help him in his work.
The 20th-century scouting movement began as a series of games and exercises to help men--primarily soldiers--learn to live in the open under difficult conditions. The program was started during the Boer War in South Africa by Robert Baden-Powell. Then a colonel in the British Army, he developed a military textbook called 'Aids to Scouting' as a way of training recruits. This book became an instant hit among boys. Baden-Powell was a little dismayed that boys were using a military manual. He was convinced that he should take time from the military to create a non-military version for the boys to focused on observing nature and tracking animals rather than spying on enemy soldiers and tracking troop movements.
When Baden-Powell returned to England in 1903, he began to adapt his program to the training of boys. He conducted his first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907, and his book 'Scouting for Boys' was published in Ernest Thompson Seton helped Baden-Powell with his handbook. In England Boy Scouts formally started on Jan. 24, 1908.
In the United States the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) had been running camps for boys since In 1902 Ernest Thompson Seton founded the Tribe of Woodcraft Indians as a boy's organization. Three years later Daniel Carter Beard started a similar society called the Sons of Daniel Boone. These two groups, along with the YMCA camps, laid the foundation on which the Boy Scout movement developed in the United States in conjunction with Baden-Powell's work in England. Seton combined his Woodcraft manual with Baden-Powells Scouting for Boys to create the BSA's first hand book in 1910.
The BSA was started using a very deliberate well executed process. First the founders of the USA Scouting movement formed a coalition of the prominent youth groups in the USA at the time and used the YMCA as the lead orgainzation to lead this coalition. Second it incorporated, which made the organization a legal entity. The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on Feb. 8, Then, it lobbied the U. S. Congress to get a Charter granting it exclusive rights to the name Boy Scout, Scout, etc. On June 15, 1916, Congress did this by granting a charter to the organization.

4. BSA Organizational Overview
The Scout Organization
National Council of Boy Scouts
Region
Local Council
Minsi Trails
District
pocono
Chartered Organization
Christ Lutheran Church
Chartered Organization Rep.:
Pastor John Hassler
Troop Committee
2017 Committee Chair:
Robert Renode
Troop
2005 Scoutmaster:
Daniel Ward
Complete with your specific details…

5. The Scouts Organization
Patrols
Grouping of boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader.
Troop 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.
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.

6. The Scouts Organization
Troop Youth Leaders (continued)
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 - Scout at least sixteen (16) years old who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned.
Patrol leader - gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the Green Bar (a/k/a patrol leaders’ council).
Assistant patrol leader - fills in for the patrol leader in his absence.
Troop guide - advisor and guide to new Scout patrols.
Den chief - works with a Cub Scout den as a guide.
Quartermaster - responsible for troop supplies and equipment.
Scribe - the troop secretary.

7. Scout Leadership and Training
Scouts elect their own major leadership
Senior Patrol leader (entire troop)
Patrol leader (each Patrol)
Other positions appointed by Scout and adult leaders
Troop elections held twice a year
Fall & spring
Scout Training
Introduction to Youth Leadership Training
Training directly after every election

8. Boy Scout Advancements
Process by which Boy Scout Progresses
Advancement is a means to an end, not an end in itself
Designed to help Scout have exciting and meaningful experience
Education and fun are key to advancement principles
Growth the Scout achieves overcoming obtainable goals
Scout through First Class Ranks focus on Scouting’s basic skills
Goal of BSA and Troop 555: every Scout achieves First Class
Rank Advancements
Scout
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class
Star
Life
Eagle

9. Advancement Principles
Personal growth is the prime consideration in the program
Learning by doing
Each youth progresses at his own rate
A badge is recognition of what a young person is able to do, not just a reward for what he has done
Advancement encourages Scouting Ideals

10. Boy Scout Rank Advancement
Scoutmaster oversees Scout advancement
Advancement Coordinator maintains records and arranges Boards of Review and Courts of Honor
There are four steps in the Boy Scout Advancement Process:
Learning
Testing
Reviewing
Recognition

11. Advancement - Merit Badges
Over 100 Boy Scout Merit Badges
Teach Scouts about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers
Required for rank advancement beyond First Class Scout
21 Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout (13 specific badges required)
Must meet the requirements as stated – no more, no less…

12. Merit Badges
All Merit Badges require approval from Scoutmaster before starting
Ensures approved Merit Badge counselor is identified
Qualified Merit Badge Counselors must approve
Merit badges are not troop meeting activities

13. Scoutmaster Conferences
Essential to individual Scout development and advancement
Getting to know scout
Setting individual goals
Mentoring
Building confidence
Encouragement
Problem Solving and discipline
Scouts responsible for scheduling an advancement Scoutmaster Conference after requirements for rank advancement completed

14. Board of Review
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting program within the troop
Review is not an examination
Make sure the Scout has completed the requirements
Determine how good an experience Scout is having within the Troop
Encourage Scout to advance further
Scout is responsible for scheduling a BOR after completing the Scoutmaster Conference

15. Recognition Each time a Scout advances in rank, he will be recognized
Rank advancement is effective after approval by Board of Review
Formal recognition occurs at the Court of Honor
Eagle Scout rank is usually recognized by a very special Eagle Court of Honor

16. First Class Emphasis Program
Troop 555 focuses on new Scout development and advancement to First Class within the first year
From the Scoutmaster Handbook:
“A boy who advances to First Class within his first year in Scouting has a better-than-average chance of eventually becoming an Eagle Scout.”
BSA statistics confirm the Scout is likely to stay in Scouting for a longer period of time.

17. Uniforms Class A Uniform (Field Uniform)
Tan Boy Scout shirt with neckerchief, Scout pants or shorts, Scout belt
Must wear Scout socks if wearing shorts
Required for travel, Courts of Honor, Troop meetings, meals on some campouts, and other more formal events
Class B Uniform (Activity Uniform)
Troop or other Scout t-shirt or sweatshirt
Worn during camping trips, service projects and other “activity” events
Troop 555 T-shirts available for purchase from Troop
Other Information
Scout Shop (closest) is on postal drive, Allentown Pa.
Put any specific dress requirements in here for your troop…

18. Recommended Equipment
Uniform ( Shirt Required)
Sleeping Bag
Appropriate for Northeast weather
Sleeping Pad
Inflatable pad recommended
Tent
Tents can be often shared or borrowed
Need to be able to pitch at night and in the rain.
Other Equipment
Eating utensils
Optional
Backpacking, Climbing, etc.
Change to your basic equipment needed… usually a very early question from parents and letting them know early can help them use first Christmas to maybe get started on some of the equipment.

19. Troop Outings Camps and campouts Regular campout procedures
Troop 555 camps all year long
Patrols usually plan, purchase, and cook their own meals
At least one large campout every summer
high-adventure opportunitys
Winter camp (cabin)
Regular campout procedures
Annual planning & scheduling meeting by the Scouts, approved by the Committee.
Approx. 2 weeks before campout, turn in permission slip and pay and fees
Transportation arranged & coordinated by patrols and reported to the Outdoor Coordinator
Detail your food and outings process on this slide. Who purchases food and how it is reimbursed. Detail how you communicate to parents details of upcoming outings and how you rsvp. Set the expectation of when/where/how this is done.

20. Other Stuff Record Keeping Meetings
Troop keeps Merit Badge & Advancement records in advancement database and Scoutbook, if you don’t have scoutbook access please see the scoutmaster
Critical that you also keep your own records in your handbook
Campouts attended
Camped days, miles hiked/backpacked/floated
Service hours and projects
Leadership positions and time
Meetings
Every
Patrol Leaders’ Council
Troop Committee (adults).

21. Other Stuff (continued)
Dues
Once annually, for recharter: $
Major fundraisers All fundraising profits will be split between the scout selling and the troop
Food Drives and Service Projects
Merit Badge Clinics

22. Health and Wellness Medicine Handling Physicals
All medicine (prescription and non-prescription) must be labeled and given to Scoutmaster or designated Assistant Scoutmaster with written directions on a labeled Ziploc
Prescription medicine must be in original containers
Physicals
Required for Scouts and Adult Leadership
Class 2 physical (best for young Scouts)
Good for 36 months
Class 3 physical for any high adventure activity (age 12+)
Good for 12 months
Required for all adults over 40

23. Troop & Scout Communications
Troop Website
Web Site Information
Calendar
Newsletters
Files Library
Scouter magazine (electronic only)
Scouts receive Boys’ Life Magazine
Lots of !
Next 3 slides should be updated with how your troop provides communications to adults… this is critical to keeping adults active…

24. Leadership Training Philosophy Boy Scouts of America
Provide Adult Leaders fundamental information about Aims & Purposes of Scouting Movement
Specifics about their particular Roles in Scouting

25. BSA Training Continuum All Programs
FOUR LEVELS of TRAINING:
FAST START
BASIC TRAINING
SUPPLEMENTAL
ADVANCED
Training slides pulled from Bill Carpenter’s presentation at roundtable and modified to flow into this presentation.

26. FAST START Training
To immediately orient Leaders before they meet with youth
To acquaint new Leaders with Scouting - give some specifics
Foundation for further training

27. BASIC Training
Developed to give new leaders the Knowledge, Skills, and to generate the Enthusiasm that they need to be Successful
Made up of Two Parts:
New Leader Essentials
Leader Specific Training

28. BASIC Training New Leader Essentials
Initial training for adult leaders serving youth in the BSA (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing, new District Committee Members, Professional Scouters, and new members of Council Executive Boards)
A 90 minute series of Lively Sessions covering core elements of Scouting & expectations of Leader
Scout Leaders attend New Leader Essentials only Once

29. BASIC Training Leader Specific Training
Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster
Getting Started: The Role of the SM in a Boy-Led Troop
Lighting the Fire: The Outdoor Program and Advancement
Keeping It Going: Program Planning & Administration
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Committee Member
Boy Scout Troop Committee Challenge

30. ADVANCED Training Wood Badge for the 21st Century
An intensive course designed to develop leadership skills and create a deeper, more dedicated involvement in Scouting; for all leaders in traditional programs
Leadership in Team Development
Living the Values
Bringing the Vision to Life
Models for Success
Tools of the Trade
Leading to Make a Difference

31. SUPPLEMENTAL Training
Designed to give additional training on specific areas of the different programs
Examples:
University of Scouting, Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow, Roundtables, Commissioner Conference, Webelos Leader Outdoor Training, BALOO, Youth Protection Training, Safety Begins with Leadership, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Philmont Training Conferences, Venturing Powder Horn

32. What’s the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts?
The difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts encompasses critical categories like unit structure, leadership, parental involvement, advancement and camping.
Both programs are built on Scouting’s time-tested values. And beginning in May 2015, both programs will use the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Beyond that, though, you’ll find more differences than similarities — for good reason. You wouldn’t teach a third-grader the same way you’d teach a ninth-grader. That same logic tells us your approach to Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting shouldn’t be the same.

33. Unit Structure
Cub Scouts: Boys are in dens, which are part of a pack. Their den is made up of other boys of the same Cub Scout rank. Dens usually meet weekly or biweekly; packs meet monthly.
Boy Scouts: Boys are in patrols, which are part of a troop. Some troops prefer mixed-age patrols (in which an 11-year-old and a 17-year-old could be in the same patrol), while others prefer to keep boys of similar ages together. Troops meet weekly. Patrol meetings are part of the weekly troop meeting, typically, though patrols are welcome to meet on their own.

34. Leadership
It’s pretty simple: Cub Scouting is led by adults; Boy Scouting is led by the boys.
Cub Scouts: Adults plan and conduct the meetings and promote advancement, teamwork, fun and character-building.
Boy Scouts: The boys plan and conduct meetings and outings. Adults step in when asked for help and model good behavior. “We’re striving for boy-led,” in Boy Scouting, says Illinois Scoutmaster Dale Machacek. It’s “not always as organized or successful as if adults were running things, but kids learn from their mistakes.”

35. Parental Involvement
Parents are a critical part of both Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting. 
Cub Scouts: The parents are expected to assist the pack with planning or helping with at least one activity or event annually. They may also take a leadership role in the pack or den. Parents are usually required to accompany their son on overnight campouts.

36. Parental Involvement
Boy Scouts: The parents are expected to continuously assist the troop by supporting the boys and participating in those tasks that the boys can not do. This may include: transportation to an activity, shopping for a trip or chaperoning a trip. It also may include assisting with fundraisers (finances and organization) and coordinating special events. It is expected that each family take an active role in the troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, parents aren’t required to camp with their sons. Parents are welcome to stay during regular meetings but are encouraged to not get involved with troop activities during regular meetings unless asked by the SM or ASM. Parents are asked to stay in the social hall and not to enter rooms where scout activities are conducted.

37. Advancement
Cub Scouts progress through the ranks to earn the Arrow of Light. Boy Scouts progress through the ranks to earn the Eagle Scout Award.
Cub Scouts: Cub Scouts rely on their den leaders, den chiefs and parents to plan and assist with all advancement activities. Achievements/books are signed by either the den leader or parent. Ranks are based only on age or grade. Even if a boy did not earn the rank for his age, he moves to the next one as his den moves. The levels are: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light.
Boy Scouts: Parents can guide, but advancement is planned and assisted by patrol leaders and adults. Unlike in Cub Scouts, advancement is individual, not by patrol. A Scout works at his own pace, meaning a 13-year-old in the Dragon Patrol might be a Life Scout while a 15-year-old in the Dragon Patrol is still a Star Scout. A Scout cannot advance to the next level until all activities are completed in the lower rank. The ranks are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. (Eagle Palms may also be earned after Eagle.)

38. Camping
Cub Scouts: Limited to Scout and parent weekend or day trips. May have some camping in tents or cabins. Summer camp is limited to two or three nights, usually. Campouts usually have a very structured schedule.
Boy Scouts: Monthly or bimonthly camping trips as well as additional outdoor day activities. Much of the program involves activities that can only be done in the outdoors (nature, ecology, pioneering, orienteering, conservation etc.) Also available to the Scout is at least a week of camping each summer. Not every minute of the campout is scheduled. Free time is important. Boys normally get a couple of hours of free time to hang with friends, walk in the woods, work on advancement, sleep, play sports, or do nothing at all. This is “one of the hardest concepts for Cub parents to grasp,” Machacek says.

39. Chain of Command Where do Scouts go with a problem or question?
Cub Scouts: They’ll ask their parent, den leader or Cubmaster.
Boy Scouts: They’ll follow the “chain of command.” Boy Scouts are taught to go to their patrol leader, then their senior patrol leader and finally the adults. Where safety or health is an issue, though, Boy Scouts may go straight to the adult.

40. Troop Meeting Framework
Opening
Skill Instruction
Patrol Meeting
Interpatrol Activity/Game
Closing

41. You need what? Troop 555 needs from you: Scouts: Adults:
BSA Boy Scout Application
Medical Form
Adults:
Adult Resource Survey
BSA Adult Leader Application
Youth Protection Training (for any activity with the Troop)
FBI and State Police clearance
Best to have all your forms ready on the night of orientation and give it to them w/ your checklist and your orientation file in a special folder.

42. Questions or Concerns
Contact the scoutmaster with any questions or concerns