When do Webelos Scouts cross over into a troop?
After the list of troops has been narrowed down a bit, it might be useful to invite the Scoutmasters of those troops to one of your Webelos den meetings to meet the parents and to answer questions.
By the end of January, every Webelos Scout should have a good idea of what troop they want to join and they can begin attending weekly meetings with that troop at that time. Most Cub Scout packs have a crossover ceremony for the graduating Webelos during the Blue and Gold in February. It can be earlier if the Webelos Scouts have completed the requirements for the Arrow of Light. Representatives from the appropriate troops participate in the crossover ceremony to welcome the new members. Most troops present the new members with some welcoming gift.
What is the purpose of Boy Scouts? The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Boy Scouting, one of three membership divisions of the BSA (the others are Cub Scouting and Venturing), is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or who are 11 through 17 years old, and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. The program achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities.
What are the aims and methods of Boy Scouting?
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship 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.
Adult Association
Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man's development.
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.
What outdoor activities can my son participate in?
Camping
Summer camp represents the highlight of the year for most Scouts. At Boxwell Scout Reservation in Wilson County, scouts learn teamwork within their patrol and troop and seize this opportunity to pass advancement requirements and earn merit badges. Summer camp blends fun programs and advancement, competitive and noncompetitive events, and individual, patrol, and troop activities. Camp gives leaders an opportunity to reinforce what their Scouts have learned throughout the year.
The troop also participates in various weekend camps, hikes and bike hikes throughout the year.
High Adventure
From time to time Troops offer high-adventure programs that include backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and kayaking, sailing, mountaineering, and much more. As national high-adventure bases for older Scouts, the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base, Northern Tier National High Adventure Program (in northern Minnesota and Canada), and Philmont Scout Ranch (in northern New Mexico) present unique opportunities for many youths year after year. More on these later.
Conservation
Scouts have always taken pride in being good stewards of the outdoors. Leave No Trace guidelines allow them to camp, hike, and take part in outdoor-related activities that are environmentally sound, and teach them to be considerate of other users of the out-of-doors.
Jamborees
The BSA conducts a national Scout jamboree every four years and participates in world Scout jamborees (also held at four-year intervals). Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, has been the site for the National Scout Jamboree.
What community service projects are required?
Members of the Boy Scouts of America have always provided service to others. It begins with the Scout slogan "Do a good turn daily" and continues through individual Eagle Scout leadership service projects.
Who sponsors Boy Scout Troops?
All troops are "owned" by a chartered organization, which has goals compatible with those of the Boy Scouts of America. Each chartered organization chooses a chartered organization representative and troop committee, and selects a Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. Together, they implement the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. Chartered organizations can include schools, places of worship, parent groups, PTO/PTA groups and businesses. Regardless of who the chartering organization is, membership is open to boys of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.
How does my son join?
First, of course, is your son's interest and desire to become a Boy Scout. Hopefully, he has visited several Troops in the area, is interested in Scouting, and has decided on the Troop that offers the program that he is most interested in.
The logistics are fairly easy. Get a New Scout Application Form from the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, fill it out, and turn it in with the dues and other fees the Troop may require.
My son has a disability. Will he be able to join?
Yes. The basic premise of Scouting for youth with special needs is that every boy wants to participate fully and be respected like every other member of the Troop. While there are, by necessity, troops composed exclusively of Scouts with disabilities; experience has shown that Scouting usually succeeds best when every boy is part of a patrol in a regular Troop.
Scouts with physical or mental disabilities may advance through Scouting's ranks by meeting advancement guidelines or approved alternatives.
A council advancement committee may allow a Scout to complete alternative requirements tailored to his ability. Scouts with permanent mental disabilities may request extended membership beyond age 18.
How much are dues?
The dues amount will be determined annually by each Troop's Troop Committee. Dues cover the items listed:
In addition, dues and fundraisers defray other necessary Troop expenses such as:
How do Boy Scout meetings work?
Scouting is a boy-lead activity. That is probably the biggest difference you will see between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Senior Scout leadership is composed of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) plus at least one Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL). These Scouts are responsible for planning and running our meetings.
Typically, the ASPLs are responsible for managing the meeting plan for a month, with the support of the SPL, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters, and other supporting adults (by the way, troops would really like to get new Scout parents involved in this process - ask what you can do). The Scout leadership is also supported by the Patrol Leaders.
Parents are encouraged, but not required, to stay around for meetings. You should check with the troop to see what its policies are.
During a typical meeting, the following activities will occur:
What type of equipment should we get?
All of the Uniform and Book items are available at the Council Scout Shops. Some items will vary by troop - check with your troop before purchasing.
Uniform:
Books:
Camping Equipment (not needed immediately, but eventually. Check with your troop for details.):
How does the BSA prevent child abuse in Scouting?
The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within the Scouting program. These policies focus on leadership selection and on placing barriers to abuse within the program.
Leadership
The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right.
The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. The Council runs a background check on each leader. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child molester, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child molester by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position -- his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and what discipline techniques he or she would use.
Every troop is required to have leaders who have been trained in youth protection. More information is available at http://www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx .
Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting
The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.
How can parents help protect their children?
Parents participate in the protection of their children in a variety of ways. We have already mentioned the need for open lines of communication so that children are encouraged to bring any troubles to their parents for advice and counsel. In addition, parents need to be involved in their sons' Scouting activities. All parents receive important information concerning the Scouting program as part of their sons' membership applications. This information is provided so that parents can detect any deviations from the BSA's approved program. If any deviations are noted, parents should call these to the attention of the chartered organization or the unit committee. If the problems persist, parents should contact the local council for assistance.
Parents also need to review the booklet, How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent's Guide, inserted in every Boy Scout and Cub Scout handbook. The information in this booklet should be the subject of discussions between Scouts and their parents prior to joining a troop or receiving the Bobcat badge.
How does my son advance in rank?
Rank requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are signed off in the Scout Handbook. Most of the information needed to pass these rank requirements can be found in the handbook. Taking the time to read and study a subject thoroughly is important and expected. When a Scout satisfactorily demonstrates that he has a complete knowledge of a skill or requirement, the requirement may to be signed off in the handbook by a troop leader.
A Scout is expected to perform service work for advancement as well.
Scouts must appear before a Board of Review as a final step for rank advancement. Rank advancement is recognized at a formal ceremony called a Court of Honor. It is meant to be a solemn occasion focusing on each Scout's growth and achievements. All Scouts are expected to wear their full Class A uniforms, including merit badge sashes. Parents/guardians are expected to attend each Court of Honor and will be asked to join their son in front of the Troop when he receives his patch and recognition for rank advancement.
How does my son earn merit badges?
Merit badges are required for rank advancement from First Class to Eagle. There are more than 100 merit badges in the Scouting program and they offer Scouts an opportunity to explore areas in which they may not have engaged otherwise. A list of merit badges can be found in the Scout Handbook. There are merit badges for many areas of interest, such as sports, hobbies, careers and Scouting skills. Through merit badges a Scout learns to manage himself, his home, his health and others.
(This Guide was created by the Potawatomi Area Council. It was edited for the Trail of Tears District, Middle Tennessee Council.)
Glossary of Some Common Scout Terms As in any organization, acronyms and unfamiliar terms are often used that can be confusing. Does your son return from a scouting activity and seem to be speaking a foreign language? Do you note some strange words on a flyer or calendar? This glossary is an effort to help define some of the more frequently used terms. If someone uses a term you are not familiar with simply ask them to explain it (we too all had to learn it some where), or sneak a glance at this glossary if your bashful about asking.
Adult Patrol: When the troop goes camping, all of the adults form their own patrol for meal planning, shopping, cooking, eating, and sleeping. The adults try and set a good example of how a patrol should operate.
Annual Planning Meeting: The PLC (see below) meets to plan the next years activities with the guidance of the Scoutmaster. This plan is then present to the Troop Committee (see below) for approval to make sure the plan meets BSA guidelines and that necessary resources can be provided. This normally occurs in the spring to plan the next school years activities.
APL - Asst. Patrol Leader: See Patrol Leader below.
ASM - Asst. Scoutmaster: See Scoutmaster below.
ASPL - Asst. Senior Patrol Leader: See Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). Troops often have more than one ASPL
Baden-Powell: Lord Baden-Powell was the founder of the scouting movement.
Be Prepared: The motto of Boy Scouting.
Blue Card: In order to work with a Merit Badge Counselor the scout must first obtain a Blue Card from the Scoutmaster. Blue Cards are the record of Merit Badge progress and are turned in to receive the Merit Badge after all the requirements have been met and the counselor has signed off the card. The scout should keep his copy of the blue card until after he has reached the Rank of Eagle. The plastic baseball trading card holders work well for storing completed Blue Cards.
Board of Review - BOR : As a requirement for each rank advancement a scout must appear individually before a group of three to six adults (members of Troop Committee) to ensure that the scout has met the requirements for that rank. By policy the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters cannot sit on a BOR. A Board of Review takes place after a Scoutmaster Conference (see below) for Rank Advancement, or when a Scout requests it or if the Troop Committee feels the Scout needs it. Eagle boards are conducted at the district level.
Boy Scout Ranks (in order of increasing rank)
Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle Eagle Palms: Bronze, Gold, Silver
Bridging: A ceremony where Webelos Cub Scouts cross a ceremonial bridge to signify their transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. This is normally done at a Cub Scout Pack Meeting with Boy Scouts from the Webelos' new troop participating. This is NOT a graduation ceremony from Cub Scouts, it is rather an induction ceremony into Boy Scouts.
BSA Lifeguard: A 3-year certification awarded to scouts or scouters who meet prescribed requirements in aquatic skills.
Buddy System: When ever a scout needs to go somewhere at camp, hiking, Merit Badge Class, etc. it is always done in groups of at least two. A scout always takes a "buddy" scout with him. Also used as part of the "Safe Swim Defense" program.
Camporee: Campout attended by several troops within the district.. Usually there are various competitions between the patrols attending.
Chaplain: Adult member of the Troop Committee who provides guidance to scouts related to observance of the 12th point of the Scout Law - A Scout is Reverent. This adult works with the Chaplain Aide, a youth leader.
Charter Organization: The organization that is officially chartered by the Boy Scouts of America to carry out the scouting program. The main liaison between the charter organization and the troop is the Chartered Organization Representative (COR). Your COR could be a church, school, PTA/PTO, civic club or a business.
Class A or B Uniform: Different types of activities require different uniforms. Class A is a complete uniform; Class B is a scout polo shirt or T-shirt often worn for camp or for other activities.
Commissioner: Adult volunteers working at the district or council level. Unit commissioners are assigned to units and should be a friendly resource to the unit leaders.
Committee Chairperson: A registered adult appointed by the Chartered Organization to chair the Troop Committee. This person presides at Troop Committee meetings and works closely with the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) and Scoutmaster (SM) to ensure the scouting program meets BSA guidelines.
COPE: Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. (Boy Scout activity involving heights, trust and team building). COR: Chartered Organization Representative -A person assigned by the chartering organization to be the liaison between the troop and the charter organization.
Council: A group of Districts make up a Council.
Court of Honor - COH: An awards ceremony, usually held quarterly, at which scouts are recognized for their rank advancements, merit badges earned, and other awards.
Cracker Barrel: A scout term for a social gathering with refreshments after a meeting or activity. Often an evening activity at camp before taps.
Den Chief: A Boy Scout who helps a Den Leader direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
District: A subdivision of a council. The Longs Peak Council has six districts: Arapahoe, Centennial, Cheyenne, Great Plains, Snowy Range, and Thompson-Poudre.
Dutch Oven: A large cast iron covered pot used to bake and cook in over a wood or charcoal fire.
Fast Start Training: This online training is a quick orientation for new leaders. See www.scouting.org/boyscouts/faststart/
Firem'n Chit: A certification given to Scouts who know and understand fire safety rules.
Friends of Scouting (FOS): Friends of Scouting - annual fund raiser for the council. The council does not get any share of your registration fee and is grateful for your donation.
Good Turn: "Do a Good Turn Daily" is the scout slogan. A good turn is something you do without being asked or expected to do it and for which you expect no reward.
Guide to Safe Scouting: This booklet is the Bible when it comes to safety related issues in scouting. Those items in BOLD print are rules that MUST be followed. Everything else in the booklet are recommendations that should be followed. Troop leaders frequently consult this to see if planned activities are being done safely and within prescribed BSA policy.
Jamboree: Scout meeting or camp out on a grand scale. There are district, regional, national and international jamborees. Jamboree On The Air (JOTA): Scouting and ham radio join forces to make many international contacts through the "air" waves. Traditionally the 3rd weekend in October.
JASM - Junior Asst. Scoutmaster: A youth between 16 and 18 who has already held major leadership positions within the troop. Appointed by the Scoutmaster to help in guiding the troop and youth leaders.
Junior Leader Training (JLT): A training class taught by the senior youth leaders for newly elected and appointed youth leaders generally in the fall.
Klondike Derby: A winter/snow oriented camporee. Overnight camping experience in the snow with team building games and activities.
Leadership: To advance in the more senior ranks a scout must hold a leadership position for a set period of time. The rank requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook (as revised) lists the leadership positions that qualify.
Leave No Trace (LNT): A set of guidelines that set standards for outdoor activities that are environmentally sound and considerate to others using the same area.
Merit Badge Sash: As scouts earn Merit Badges they are sewn on a Merit Badge Sash (available at the Scout Shop). The Merit Badge Sash is normally worn only for formal occasions such as a Court-of-Honor.
NESA: National Eagle Scout Association. Open to membership to any youth or adult who attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
New Leader Essentials (NLE: An introductory training session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.
Northern Tier High Adventure Base: Northern Tier is a Boy Scout High Adventure Base which is focused on canoeing in the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota and Canada.
Order of the Arrow (OA): A national brotherhood of scout honor campers of the Boy Scouts of America. Members are elected by their peers after meeting basic requirements of camping knowledge and experience. Boys and adults leaders can be elected to the OA. The OA motto of "Cheerful Service" indicates their purpose. They are often found improving scout camps, running council events, and providing service to the scouting community.
OA Ordeal: The initiation ceremony experience for new OA members generally involving personal introspection, service to improve camp or trail and ceremonies based on Indian legend or lore.
Palms, Eagle: After a scout reaches the rank of Eagle, they can earn a Palm for every 5 additional Merit Badges they complete. You may wear only the proper combination of Palms for the number of merit badges you earned beyond the 21 required for the rank of Eagle. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges, the Gold Palm 10, and the Silver Palm 15. For example a scout with 20 additional Merit Badges would wear a Silver and a Bronze Palm. Patrol: The Patrol is the basic unit within a troop. Made up of 6-10 scouts who camp, cook and eat together. They work as a team at various activities and events. They elect their own leader.
Patrol Equipment: The Patrol Equipment consists of tents, stoves, lanterns, and cooking equipment. The Patrol is responsible for the storage and upkeep of this equipment. This equipment is stored and transported in Patrol Boxes which need to be cleaned after each outing.
Patrol Leader (PL): The elected leader for the patrol. An Assistant Patrol Leader can be elected or appointed by the PL to help in running the patrol.
Patrol Leaders Council (PLC): Made up of the youth leadership of the troop. They meet once a month to plan the following month's activities and annually to plan the upcoming year.
Permission Slip: In order to go on any outing the scout must have a Permission Slip signed by his parent. The Permission Slip also provides details about uniform, departure time, food, etc. Many troops post Permission Slips on their web sites. It is the Scout's responsibility to make sure they have the appropriate Permission Slip signed and turned in by the due date noted on the Permission Slip.
PFD: Personal Floatation Device (PFD) otherwise known as a life vest. Those used in scouting must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Philmont: A high adventure Boy Scout camp located in the northeast corner of New Mexico.
Pow Wow: Pow Wow is a one-day training program for Cub Scout leaders held each November. Pow Wow provides training beyond basics with a wide variety of topics including ceremonies, games, songs, crafts, advancement ideas, Scout skills and much more.
Re-charter: Annual process of re-registering the troop, scouts and scouters. Each unit designates leaders to collect the information and present updated paperwork to the council.
Roundtable: Monthly meeting for leaders to exchange ideas, fellowship, and, a few announcements that is run by the district.
Safe Swim Defense: A eight-step plan for conducting swimming activities in a safe manner.
Safety Afloat: Guidelines for safe troop activities utilizing water craft.
Safety Circle: A safety zone around someone using a pocket knife, hatchet, ax, or other sharp tool. Basically it is an arms length plus the length of the tool in all directions. No one should be in another person's Safety Circle when a sharp tool is in use. Be sure to check the Safety Circle when your knife is closed.
Scouter: Any registered adult leader.
Scoutmaster (SM): Adult leader who trains and guides the youth leaders in carrying out the scouting program. One or more Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) help the Scoutmaster and are often assigned specific roles and duties.
Scoutmaster Conference: A formal meeting that takes place at a Troop meeting or activity between a Scout and the Scoutmaster, or a person he designates, to review a scout's progress. A Scoutmaster Conference takes place at advancement time prior to a Board of Review, when a Scout requests it or if the Scoutmaster feels the Scout needs it.
Scoutmaster-Specific Training : The basic Adult Leader Training. Although this is sometimes called Scoutmaster Fundamentals, this is an excellent training program for any adult wanting to become more involved in the Boy Scout program, or who just wants to learn more about how the program works.
Scouting for Food: National Good Turn: Every year, Scouts collect food for the fight against hunger. The food is turned over to local food banks for distribution to needy families. Scouting for Food is a national "Good Turn" of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scout-O-Rama: Large scouting event. Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops display some of their favorite activities. The scouts help out their units and also get time to visit other units displays.
Scouts Own: Non-denominational religious observance of reflection usually conducted on camp outs. Allows each Scout the opportunity to obey the twelfth point of the Scout Law in his own way Let your troop leaders know if you do not want your son to participate in this activity, as we wish to respect every family's religious beliefs.
Scout Spirit: The way a scout tries to live up to the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and motto in his everyday life.
Seabase: A high adventure Scout camp located in the Florida Keys.
Service Star: A pin worn over the left shirt pocket of the uniform to denote the number of years of service.
Silver Beaver: A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth within the council.
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): The senior most elected youth leader of the troop. The SPL is in charge of the troop at all functions and activities. He appoints one or more assistants (ASPL) to help him in running the troop.
Totin' Chip: A certification that enables the bearer to use knives, axes, and saws. It must be earned by the Scout through educational and hands-on safety sessions led by an adult leader or older scout appointed by the scoutmaster. Any time a Scout is observed doing something unsafe with a sharp tool, a corner is cut off his Totin' Chip card. When all four corners are gone, the card is taken away and must be re-earned.
Tour Permit: A document that must be filed with the council office before any official scouting activity can take place. Special permits are required for travel out-of-state, over 500 miles, or for flying activities.
Troop Committee: Adult committee of registered adults that provide oversight, assistance, and guidance to the Scoutmaster in carrying out the scouting program within the troop. The Troop Committee is responsible to provide the necessary resources requested by the PLC and Scoutmaster that are required to carry out the scouting program. All registered adults are part of the Troop Committee, key members include the Committee Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Outdoor/Activities Coordinator, Advancement Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, Equipment Coordinator, and Fund Raising Coordinator.
Two Deep: Two Deep Leadership is a Boy Scout Policy. A minimum of two adults must always be present with any youth. One of these adults must be 21 years old. This is part of the BSA Youth Protection Guidelines.
Woodbadge: Advanced Training for Boy Scout adult leaders. Any adult who has taken Basic Leader Training can attend this advanced training course to expand their knowledge of the scouting program and be of more help to the troop.
Youth Protection Training: A 30-minute interactive video presentation and training program that is offered several times a year. Each unit should encourage all leaders to attend one of these sessions that provide valuable information on how to recognize child abuse, how to set up safe guards, and how to report suspected abuse. The training can also be done online through the link on this page: www.mtcbsa.org
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