1. Introduction to Our Troop
Boy Scout Troop 1018
Introduction to Our Troop
Version 1.4 Notes
Welcome
Purpose of the presentation:
To give parents a little background on the Boy Scouting program in general
To introduce you to Troop 1018
Version 2
May 2010
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

2. Introduction History of Scouting The Scouting Program – what and why
Organization
Differences between Cub & Boy Scouts
Meetings and campouts
Advancement and Merit Badges
Expectations
Costs
Other “odds and ends”
Wrap-Up & Questions
Introduction
History of Scouting
Important to know a bit of the historical background to better understand the program today
The Scouting Program (it is a program)
What Scouting is about, why I believe The Scouting program is important, and how it can prepare your sons for the future
Look at a Harris study that shows some of the positive influences of the program in other areas
Differences between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
Specifics about Troop 1018 and its program
What’s unique about us
What you can expect if you choose to join our troop
Expectations of Scouts and their parents in Troop 1018
Costs of Scouting
“Odds and Ends” – Frequently asked questions about Scouting and Troop 1018
Wrap-up – “leftovers”
Questions – but please ask as we go along
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

3. History of Scouting Founded by Lord Baden-Powell in the United Kingdom
(Brownsea Island – 1907)
Brought to America by William Boyce
Founded - 8 Feb 1910 (Feb is our “anniversary month”)
Centennial Year – special activities planned
Chartered by Congress in 1916
Worldwide movement, Scouting programs exist in over 200 countries and territories
Founded by Lord Baden-Powell in England in early 1900’s
BP was a retired Royal Army general – hero of the Boer war in South Africa
Very interesting history – well beyond this short presentation
In the army developed special training programs to teach “scouting” skills
Saw a void - boys, particularly in the city, had idle time and weren’t being taught about the outdoors
Set program up to teach outdoor skills and self reliance
Experimental camp in 1907 at Brownsea Island, (UK)
Published “Scouting for Boys” in 1908
An immediate best seller
The Scouting program exploded in popularity
Program brought to America in 1910 by William Boyce, an American businessman
Found out about Scouting during a trip to England
Met with B-P to get background on Scouting
Founded on Feb 8, 1910; February is the “anniversary month” of Scouting
Chartered by Congress in 1916
Now in over 200 countries and territories; millions of boys around the world have been Scouts
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

4. What is Scouting? B-P – “Fun with a purpose”
BSA Mission Statement: “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."
The Scout Oath
Duty to God and Country
Duty to Others
Duty to Self
Scout Law
12 Points of the Scout Law
Emphasize that Scouting is a program – not just a camping club
B-P called it “fun with a purpose”
Emphasized that, unless it was fun, boys would quickly lose interest
Develop life skills, service, leadership
Program objective: Develop character, self-reliance, citizenship, and leadership in a values based environment
We teach and abide by the Scout Law and Oath
Scout Law – 12 Points – A Scout is Trustworthy . . .
Scout Oath – 3 parts
Duty to God and Country
Duty to Others
Duty to Self
Note that the 3 parts also correlate to the Scout sign and symbol
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

5. The Scouting Program Preparation for the future The Outdoor Program
Life skills, citizenship through merit badges
Leadership through “on the job training”
Teamwork through the patrol method
Uniform: pride in organization, self-appearance
The Outdoor Program
The centerpiece of Scouting
Understand and appreciate our natural resources
Leave No Trace activities
Self reliance; working together toward goals; teamwork
Association with adults
Boards of Review; Merit Badge Counseling
Service to others
Outdoor program is a centerpiece of the overall Scouting experience
Obviously something that people always associate with Scouting
Key point – The program is much more
Teaching life skills
Giving leadership opportunities
Learning to work as a team
Building self confidence
Through Scouting, we are working hard to prepare our Scouts for the future
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

6. Getting Started with 1018 Troop Handbook Boy Scout Handbook
Good source of info for new Scout families
Boy Scout Handbook
Definitive guide on Scouting for the boys
New version for 2010
Troop website (troop1018.org)
Information
Updated troop calendar
Pictures of past activities
To get you started with the troop we’ve published the troop handbook
Covers lots of commonly asked questions
Boy Scout handbook has lots of info for the Scouts themselves
Has procedures for advancement as well as a “how to” for most camping activities
Troop website
Great source of info on all things 1018
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

7. BSA Organization
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

8. Troop Organization
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

9. The Troop Committee Mission Statement
The troop committee, which is the troops Board of Directors, supports the troops adult and youth leaders in delivering a quality program to the troop’s Scouts
What are we charged with doing in order to accomplish this broad mission?
The Training Syllabus uses the role playing cards for the next section. Since the group as a whole participates in this
exercise, you may omit the cards and display the roles from the following slides. The rest of the exercise is done following
the Training Syllabus, asking for specific ways to accomplish each of the roles listed.

10. The Troop Committee
Assure that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained and encourage adult leader training in the areas of program and support.

11. Ensure that the troop has an active, safe outdoor program each year
The Troop Committee
Ensure that the troop has an active, safe outdoor program each year

12. Assist with transportation
The Troop Committee
Assist with transportation

13. The Troop Committee
Carry out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America

14. The Troop Committee
Manage troop finances

15. Obtain and maintain troop equipment
The Troop Committee
Obtain and maintain troop equipment

16. Serve on Boards of Review
The Troop Committee
Serve on Boards of Review

17. Support Youth Recruitment
The Troop Committee
Support Youth Recruitment

18. The Troop Committee
As you can see, it takes a lot to run an effective troop, so your participation is important to the troop and any level!

19. Scout Information
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

20. Scout Organization
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

21. Carrying out the Program in 1018
Patrol Method
Patrol consists of 8-12 boys
Each patrol headed up by a “patrol leader” elected by the patrol
New Scout patrol
New Scout patrol will have a “Troop Guide” – an older Scout that will assist the younger Scouts
The patrol method – organizing into groups of 6-10 boys is the fundamental building block of Scouting
Planning and activities are carried out as a patrol – e.g. a patrol plans its own menu, sets up tents together
New boys will be grouped into a “New Scout Patrol” through the summer, then can decide to form a permanent patrol or go into an existing patrol (no hard rules)
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

22. The 1018 Program Weekly meetings during the school year
Skills instruction, activity planning
Guest speakers
Game nights
Advancement nights
Tours, special activities
Outdoor program
Monthly campouts – different themes – hikes
Camporees
Summer Camps – regular and high adventure
Weekly meetings during the school year – unless otherwise specified (rare) they run from 7:30 – 9:00. Programs include:
Skills instruction
Planning for upcoming campouts or events
Guest speakers
Game nights – board games, mini-golf
Advancement nights (usually first Monday of the month) – no specific program – geared toward advancement, boards of review, Scoutmaster conferences, etc.
Tours
Historic places, model RR show, airport
Outdoor program
Monthly campout
Winter camping
Hikes
Our district
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

23. Cub Scouts vs. Boy Scouts
The Scouts themselves lead
PLC plans agenda; SPL runs meetings
Scouts active in annual planning conference
Scouts plan their outings – menus, etc
Emphasis on leadership and teamwork
Boys are responsible for their own advancement
Advancement done at their own pace
Adult role: mentor, suggest, safety
Adult leaders, not parents, sign off advancement & merit badge requirements
Scout led
Senior Patrol Leader sets agenda, runs the troop meetings
Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) does the monthly planning
Scouts active in planning the annual schedule
Scouts plan their outings, meals, campsites, duties, etc
Emphasis on leadership and teamwork
Boys get the experience of working together as a team that depends on each other (for example, if the dishes don’t get washed, nobody eats)
Learning through experience – the good and the bad
Boys are expected to be self-motivated – responsible for their activities
Adult leaders mentor, suggest, ensure safety
We will not compromise on safety
“Rules of Safe Scouting” – taught in adult leader training and we adhere to these rules
Adult leaders sign off advancement and merit badge requirements – not the parents or other Scouts
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

24. Cub Scouts vs. Boy Scouts
The “Prime Directive” (with apologies to
Star Trek):
“Never do for a boy what he can do for himself.”
Scout led
Senior Patrol Leader sets agenda, runs the troop meetings
Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) does the monthly planning
Scouts active in planning the annual schedule
Scouts plan their outings, meals, campsites, duties, etc
Emphasis on leadership and teamwork
Boys get the experience of working together as a team that depends on each other (for example, if the dishes don’t get washed, nobody eats)
Learning through experience – the good and the bad
Boys are expected to be self-motivated – responsible for their activities
Adult leaders mentor, suggest, ensure safety
We will not compromise on safety
“Rules of Safe Scouting” – taught in adult leader training and we adhere to these rules
Adult leaders sign off advancement and merit badge requirements – not the parents or other Scouts
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

25. Advancement
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

26. Advancement
Boys advance in rank as they learn more skills and take on more responsibility
1st three ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class) emphasize “traditional” Scouting Skills (camping, first aid, nature)
Next ranks (Star, Life, Eagle) emphasize a variety of skills (merit badges), community service and leadership.
Requirements listed in the Scout Handbook
Scouts advance at their own pace (there is no “right” pace)
1st Class rank is the goal of a “successful Scout”
Boy Scouting has six ranks as listed here
Requirements for the first three are traditional Scouting skills – camping, hiking, nature, first aid, etc and can be worked on simultaneously – you advance in rank order, but you can work on a 1st Class requirement while a Tenderfoot, for example
Star, Life, and Eagle each require a certain number of merit badges, hours of community service, and months in a leadership position
Requirements are listed in the Scout handbook
When a Scout masters a skill, he demonstrates it to one of the adult leaders who will sign it off
When all requirements for a rank are complete the Scout (not the parent) makes an appointment for a SM Conf, spirit board, and board of review
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

27. Advancement (con’t)
Requirements for 1st three ranks can be worked on simultaneously
Upon completion of requirements a Scout schedules his:
Spirit Board (scheduled with the Senior Patrol Leader)
Scoutmaster Conference (scheduled with the Scoutmaster)
Board of Review (Scheduled with the Advancement Chair)
Goal: 1st Class at the end of second year
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

28. Merit Badges
Merit Badges enhance a Scout’s knowledge or skills or introduce him to an entirely new field. Examples:
Professions: Chemistry, Nuclear Science, Journalism
Hobbies: Stamp Collecting, Winter Sports, Genealogy
Nature, outdoors: Hiking, Swimming, Climbing, Backpacking
Life Skills: Personal Management, First Aid, Cooking, Lifesaving
Citizenship: Community, Nation, World
Basic procedure for Scouts:
Find a MB counselor; get Scoutmaster to sign “blue card”
Read the MB pamphlet (we have many in the troop library)
Meet with the counselor and go over the requirements, plan
Complete the requirements; the MB counselor signs, the Scout turns in the completed form to the troop.
In earning Merit Badges boys learn about new things. Some are geared toward:
Professions – idea is to exposed a Scout to what a profession entails and what’s involved in preparing for a career in that field
Hobbies – some can become lifelong passions
Nature & the outdoors – Learning to appreciate nature and the outdoors
Life skills
Personal Management – financial & time management
First Aid – how to deal with both routine and emergency situations
Cooking – What could be a better “life skill”
Lifesaving – preparing for emergencies
Communications – public speaking; organizing presentations
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

29. - Robert Gates, Eagle Scout, Secretary of Defense
Troop Leadership
One of the great benefits of the Scout program is the opportunity to learn leadership through “on the job training”
“I don't think there's any organization in the world, certainly not in the United States, that better prepares young men for leadership in this country than the Boy Scouts of America”
- Robert Gates, Eagle Scout, Secretary of Defense
Leadership training (learn leadership by being a leader)
People are not “born leaders” – they learn leadership skills
A Senior Patrol Leader “runs” the troop, conducts meetings, etc
Adults help, but the boys learn to lead
New experiences
A framework to try new things
The boys come up with ideas – e.g. – we spent the night on the USS New Jersey – direct result of an input from the Scouts themselves
Advancement
Boys learn to progress using a template of skills laid out for them – just like the “real world”
25 years from now, a boy will undoubtedly still be using the leadership skills of Scouting, and those that become Eagle Scouts will always be Eagles and doors will continue to open for them.
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

30. Troop Leadership Opportunities to learn
Boys learn leadership skills through hands on training
Senior Patrol Leader runs the troop
The SPL is elected by the troop and appoints other leadership positions
Scouts in leadership positions learn what they need to do; set and carry out goals (duties are listed on the website)
Actively serving as a troop leader is required for advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle
Opportunities to learn
Troop Leadership Training
District and national-level leadership instruction
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

31. Universally recognized as a sign of high achievement
Eagle Scout Rank
Universally recognized as a sign of high achievement
Proven leader – must have served in several troop leadership roles
Last of seven advancement levels in Scouting
21 merit badges, including “life skills” such as Personal Management, Citizenship, Family Life
Leading an Eagle service project
Only about 5% of Scouts achieve the Eagle Rank
Eagle Scout – the highest rank – has its own slide because, in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, a young man is so well positioned for the future
Recognized everywhere as a sign of achievement
Not easy – 21 merit badges, including some that are tough to get
e.g. – Personal management – learning about personal finances & keeping a budget for 3 months
Only about 4% of Scouts entering the program will become Eagle Scouts
Higher percentage in Troop 1018, particularly among those that stay with the program
In a nutshell – becoming an Eagle opens doors throughout a person’s life
Hundreds of Scholarships (including one that pays up to $48K over 4 years)
Various unique opportunities, such as Antarctic Scout program – National Science Foundations funds an Eagle Scout to spend a winter as a research scientist in Antarctica – one of the requirements for the position is that the individual must be an Eagle Scout
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

32. Eagle Scout Rank Why become an Eagle? A tremendous learning experience
Pride that comes from setting a high goal for yourself and achieving it
Leadership opportunities
“Being an Eagle Scout will definitely impress admission officers at top colleges” – College Confidential website
Hundreds of scholarships
Job networking (National Eagle Scout Association)
Unique opportunities: NSF “Antarctic Scout” program
Eagle Scout – the highest rank – has its own slide because, in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, a young man is so well positioned for the future
Recognized everywhere as a sign of achievement
Not easy – 21 merit badges, including some that are tough to get
e.g. – Personal management – learning about personal finances & keeping a budget for 3 months
Only about 4% of Scouts entering the program will become Eagle Scouts
Higher percentage in Troop 1018, particularly among those that stay with the program
In a nutshell – becoming an Eagle opens doors throughout a person’s life
Hundreds of Scholarships (including one that pays up to $48K over 4 years)
Various unique opportunities, such as Antarctic Scout program – National Science Foundations funds an Eagle Scout to spend a winter as a research scientist in Antarctica – one of the requirements for the position is that the individual must be an Eagle Scout
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

33. What We Do at Meetings Program is determined by the PLC Flag ceremony
Announcements
Program for the evening (sometimes includes patrol time)
Game
Scoutmaster Minute
Scout benediction
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

34. Campouts Typical campout runs from Friday evening to mid-day Sunday
Adult leaders generally make reservations, arrange transportation
SPL and Patrol Leaders:
Plan the menu, duty roster, and activities
Ensure troop and patrol gear is packed
Individual Scout:
Packs his own gear and clothing - checklist on the website
Purchases food, if designated
Parents
Facilitate Scout’s preparation, answer questions
Get your son to the drop off point on time
Pick him up promptly when the campout is over
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

35. What We Do on Campouts Scouts (and adults) camp as patrols
SPL and PLs lead the campsite set up
Patrols set their own general schedules
Patrols cook their own meals
Duty roster
Clean up afterwards
Usually have scheduled activities, such as hikes, skills training, sports, flag ceremony
Games
Campfire
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

36. Summer Camps Choice of camps is decided by the troop committee
1018 goes to two camps each summer
“Traditional”
Emphasis on advancement and merit badges
Live in tents; eat in a dining hall
Activities for all Scouts at all levels
This summer: Goshen Scout Reservation, VA
High Adventure
Advanced outdoor skills (such as backpacking, sailing)
Restricted to older Scouts
This summer: Northern Tier, Canada & Minnesota
Summer Camps – Two camps each summer
“Traditional Camp” – for all Scouts (Goshen, Resica Falls, Hawk Mountain, Treasure Island, Rock Enon)
Like to go to different camps to give the boys a range of experiences
Choose camps that have programs for both younger and older Scouts
Good first year program for new Scouts
Good merit badge opportunities for “middle” Scouts
Special program for older Scouts such as COPE or rock climbing
High Adventure – for Scouts 13 and over
Camps such as Kandersteg, Lenhok’sin, Northern Tier, Philmont, Sea Base
Special activity – 60 mile C&O Canal hike
Special Events - BSA National Jamboree
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

37. Scoutbuck Program
Troop 1018 returns a portion of fundraiser profits to participating Scouts in the form of “Scoutbucks”
Some Scouts have been able to fund most of their activities through Scoutbucks
Money held in escrow for use for Scouting related activities or purchases
Troop committee establishes rules
Treasurer monitors the balances
SM approves purchases
If a Scout leaves the troop his Scoutbucks revert to the troop
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

38. Expectations of Scouts
Live by the Scout Oath and Law
Support the Scouting program
Work toward advancement
Interface with leaders
Fully participate in the troop and patrol
Inform us when you can’t participate
Participate in troop fundraisers
Wear the uniform with pride
Carry out leadership responsibilities
Perform community service
Handout: “Troop Courtesy and Safety Guidelines”
Live by the Scout Oath and Law – these rules are simple and direct
Show respect to adults and fellow Scouts
Be polite
Support the Scouting program – positive attitude
Work toward advancement – a Scout is expected to keep advancing
Do their part to serve to troop and patrol – fully participate
Inform troop when they can’t participate for other reasons (sports, church commitments, school activities, etc)
Participate in troop fundraisers
Wear proper uniform at all times
Perform community service (Scouting for Food, Scout Sunday)
Troop and personal service opportunities
Fundraising is not community service
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

39. Expectations of parents
Help/encourage your son
Monitor his progress
Enable his participation, but don’t do his work for him
A “gentle push” from time to time
Press him to fulfill obligations
Help the troop
Actively participate as an adult leader
Committee member, Assistant SM, trainer, merit badge counselor
Participate in specific activities
Fund raising, driving, planning an activity
This is an important slide
For most boys, his success in Scouting is a direct function of the encouragement and help he gets from his family
Monitor his advancement – offer help
Enable his participation
Get him to meetings and activities
Every boy that has made Eagle in Troop 1018 has had strong parental support
Try to deconflict your schedules with Scouting activities
Be a part of his Scouting experience
Actively participate in the troop
As a small troop, we need strong parental support
Do NOT have to commit to being there every week (but that would be nice)
Fill in when you can
Lots of adult help (planning, merit badge counseling, trainer, etc) can be done on your schedule
As a volunteer organization, we’re only as strong as the time people are willing to put forth to make the program successful
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

40. Costs of Scouting $50 Annual Dues
Registration, patches, misc troop expenses
Activities – registration & food ($20)
Uniform ($50 - $75) – uniform exchange
Camping equipment
Do NOT need much to get started
Lots of troop gear available for checkout
Summer camp ($100 - $1400)
Nobody denied Scouting experience for financial reasons
Scoutbucks can defray most costs
Camperships
$50 annual dues payable in Sept ($25 for the remainder of the year for those that join in spring)
Includes a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine
Activity Fee (typical campout: $20 including food)
Uniforms ($50-$75)
Troop has a uniform exchange program
Camping equipment (can cost as little or as much as you like)
Most is available for checkout from the troop
Very good rundown on our website to get you started in this area
Summer camp ($100 - $1400)
Local camps tend to run $125-$150 for the week
High adventure tend to cost $ $1400, principally because of air fare
Nobody denied Scouting experience because of a lack of funding
Troop 1018 has a “Scoutbuck” program that allocates a portion of fundraising money to the individual Scout
Camperships are available
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

41. Do’s and Don’ts Do No Troop 1018 travels in Class A uniform
Be on time to meetings and activities
Sign up for activities early and follow through on commitments No
Firearms, ammunition, fireworks
Sheath knives or any knife with a blade longer than 6 inches
No electronics on campouts
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

42. Other Info Fundraisers – wreaths & mulch Medical Forms – required!
Training – lots available for adults and Scouts
Many courses now available online
Must have YPT to participate in ANY activity involving direct youth contact
“Two Deep Leadership”
Official troop records recorded in “Troopmaster” data base
Uniforms
We do two principle fundraisers a year
Wreath sales leading up to the holidays
Mulch in the springtime
Mulch requires a lot of effort and we need as much help as possible
Flexibility – mentioned before
People have busy schedules; we try hard to work around those
You and your son will get out of Scouting what you’re willing to put in; if other activities are always more important, Scouting will not deliver to its potential
The troop gives these items to new Scouts when they join
Scarf, slide, handbook, 1018 patch
You will still need a Council patch – we have them at cost if you want to get one from us – there are a number of different ones available
Uniform – new Scouts are expected to have complete uniforms right after joining with patches sewn on correctly
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

43. Other Info (con’t) Order of the Arrow
Keep your Scouting documents together
Communications via
Monthly newsletter mailed to each family
Website (
Summer camp – immediate sign up
Our primary means of getting info out is via and our website
If this is an issue, let us know, as we assume that the news gets out this way
Our website has lots of good info
As questions have come up over the years, I’ve added content
New Scout orientation
We have a Saturday morning program for new Scouts and adults that introduces the program and fulfills requirements for the “Scout” (first rank) badge
“Scoutcraft basics” campout in April
Emphasis is on basic outdoor skills for new Scouts
Parents invited and encourage to participate
Summer camp
End of June
This year we’re going to Camp Olmstead at Goshen Scout Reservation
Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC

44. Questions? Wrap - Up Thanks for Joining!!! Troop 1018, Dranesville UMC