Boy
Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan
UNIFORMS, MERIT BADGES, ADVANCEMENT
Medical
Forms and Permission Slips
Community Program / Fundraising
Cooperative
Agreement - Boy Scout Troop 196
Your son is standing at the doorway to one of the most exciting adventures imaginable. Not only will he find himself hiking along wooded trails, canoeing across misty lakes and camping under the open sky, he will be involved in his family, his community, and his environment. As he steps into the world of Scouting, he will grow in his involvement with his family. He will learn communication skills, responsibility to family and friends, and his vital role in the family circle. He will also learn to become involved in his community and find ways to make a difference in his schools. He will learn the value of citizenship.
Scouting is an adventure, and as a Boy Scout, your son will learn new skills as he camps outdoors. He will prepare his own meals, identifying wildlife and learning about the natural environment. He will have the opportunity to see the beauty of nature, and learn to respect its authority. He will learn to prepare for the worse and enjoy the best of the outdoor experience.
Scouting is a doorway to new friendships and fun. He may know boys joining Troop 196, but he’ll meet lots of other Scouts along the Trail to Eagle as well. As he matures in Scouting, he will learn to lead as well as to work with others – everyone helping everyone else. Scouting is a worldwide brotherhood many millions strong. Almost anywhere he goes, he will find Scouts excited about the same things he is.
The Man who
started the Scouting movement, Robert Baden-Powell, came home to
One foggy day in 1909 in
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises.
Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders,
friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does
things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to
other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and
customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or
position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along
together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle.
He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless
things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school,
and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these
rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner
rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He
cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He
saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He
carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He
has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or
threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He
goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps
keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his
religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Be Prepared
Do a Good Turn Daily
Troop 196 was
chartered to serve the boys in the expanding residential neighborhoods of the
Troop
196 is committed to five basic principles.
They are:
1. Scouting is a boy-lead
activity. Parents are encouraged to
participate.
2. The Boy Scout experience
builds character. Group interaction,
community service and individual responsibility will focus young boys on important
life skills.
3. A wide range of outdoor
activity is important in building strong group bonds and will encourage boys to
become involved in constructive efforts.
Troop 196 will schedule many activities and campouts throughout the year.
Boys are expected to participate in all activities when possible.
4. Advancement and achievement
is the key to enthusiasm. We make every
effort to help these boys advance in rank and maturity.
5. The Boy Scout activities
must be fun and exciting if we expect boys to choose to be involved.
There is a little more to
joining a Boy Scout Troop than simply completing a membership application and
paying dues. A candidate for Boy Scouts
needs to meet other requirements, too.
The Scout will need to purchase the Boy
Scouts Handbook, the official guide through all years of scouting and
serves as a record for advancement.
Unlike the Webelos book, the Boy
Scout Handbook will be used during all the Scout’s years in scouting.
The Scout will need to meet
all the requirements on page 4 of the Boy
Scout Handbook in order to earn the first badge in Boy Scouting, the Scout
badge. The Scoutmaster will then talk
with the Scout to make sure he knows what it means to be a Scout. The Scout
will then be officially welcomed into Troop 196.
Scouts who transfer into
Troop 196 are required to fill out a Boy Scout Application, sign it, and
present it to the Scoutmaster. The troop
the Scout is transferring from will complete the BSA Transfer
Application/Notice. These two documents
are then presented to the Council Office.
Credit for Merit Badges, Office Held, and Honors Secured (including the
Order of the Arrow) are limited to those shown on the Transfer
Application/Notice, so it is important to verify correctness.
Scout Annual
Dues (due when joining) $50.00 includes
equipments fees, BSA dues, insurance and Boy’s
Life magazine
(at least one copy per household).
Scout
One-time Fees (due within 60 days of joining)
Troop 196 Red Class B Shirt $10.00
Troop 196 Tan Class B Shirt $10.00
Troop 196 Cap (optional) $15.00
Parent
Annual Dues (due when joining) $22.00 includes
equipments fees, BSA dues, insurance and Scouting magazine.
(At least one parent or guardian per family
must register with the BSA).
Campout Fees
One night outings are typically $15.00, per person. Two night outings are typically $20.00. These fees cover groceries, supplies related to the campout as well as any awards that may be earned. Some campouts may require a fee to cover gasoline costs, which will be determined by distance. Payment for activities must be provided in advance. Refunds will only be considered if cancellation is made prior to expenditure of funds. There will be a reduced charge (usually ½ price) for up to 2 younger siblings of a Scout if their attendance is allowed. Non-Boy Scout siblings are not allowed at many BSA-sponsored events. Siblings are welcome at patrol or troop campouts unless there are issues about safety for younger ones.
When a boy joins Troop 196, he
is expected to participate in as many troop events as possible, and to attend
his patrol’s meetings when they are called.
Records are kept of his attendance and will be considered during a board
of review for rank advancement. Troop
196 defines “active participant” as a scout who attends 50% of the troop
activities; meetings, campouts, service projects and courts of honor. A scout is encouraged to be active in school
activities (including athletics), and the troop feels that over the entire year
50% attendance is easily achieved.
The troop program is to be
run by the Scouts for the
Scouts. A high level of participation
results in a quality program.
Participation and contribution by each scout is essential for the troop
to succeed in its aims. It has been
observed many times, that “You only get out of scouting what you put into it.”
When a boy joins the troop,
he is making a commitment – to the troop, the scouting program, and to
himself. Scouting must have a high
priority in his life. Personal
dedication, a commitment to excellence, and sense of duty, personal loyalty and
responsibility produce a young man who not only is a successful scout, but an
asset to society.
A scout is expected
to be on his best behavior at all times. If a scout is being disruptive, rude,
or disrespectful to others, the environment or the property of others, the
behavior will be discussed with the scout. He will be given one warning. If the
bad behavior continues, the scout will be given a demerit. 10 demerits within a
12 month period, and the scout is on probation. Once on probation, his parent
must deal with the situation. This may include the parent either taking the
scout home or staying in camp with the scout.
If a scout is violent or dangerous to himself others, the parent will be called
immediately and the scout must go home. If a scout’s parents are called during
an event, that scout will be on probation for the next event of the same
duration. Example: If a scout gets put on probation during summer camp, a
parent must accompany that scout to the next summer or winter camp.
The troop meets on the 2nd
Sunday of each month at the Liberty Hill VFW in the downtown area of
Parents are encouraged to
occasionally attend troop meetings. If unable to attend parents should be
prompt in picking up their son after meetings.
Troop policy dictates that no scout will be left at the meeting without
two adults present. A late pickup means
that two adults are delayed in getting home to their families.
Guests are always welcome at
Troop 196 meetings. Scouts are
encouraged to bring prospective members from time to time.
Each patrol meets on the 4th
Sunday of each month at the Liberty Hill VFW in the downtown area of
Every troop is part of some
established community organization. The
Troop is granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America to operate as a troop
for one year at time. Troop 196 is
sponsored by the Liberty Hill VFW Post 8200.
Every troop has a group of registered
adults whose main job is to back up the Scoutmaster and help him run a good
troop. It is the Committee’s
responsibility to provide the resources needed to run the troop’s scout
program. This includes advancement and
outdoor programs, handling the troop finances, working with parents, overseeing
the safety procedures utilized and doing whatever they can to help the
Scoutmaster do his job. They assist the
boys in raising funds and keeping records.
They recruit other adult leaders, run the Board of Review, assist in
Court of Honor ceremonies and oversee troop communications. No Scoutmaster could do all this alone.
Committee Chair – Schedules and runs committee meetings. Gathers
annual dues and submits annual re-charter and insurance payments before the
unit charter expires each year on December 31.
Charter Organization Representative – Attends committee meeting and communicates any
issues, concerns or activities related to the charter organization.
Secretary – Keeps the committee meeting minutes. If secretary not present, committee chair may
do this or delegate to another committee member.
Treasurer – Maintains a financial record of the troop income
and expenses.
Advancement Chair – Maintains advancement records and medical forms.
Purchases awards for rank, merit badges, etc.
Fundraising Chair – Looks for fundraising opportunities. Maintains
records of fundraisers; who ordered what, who owes what, how much was spent
versus how much was taken in, etc.
Scoutmaster - The Scoutmaster’s main function is to coordinate
the activities of the Troop. This
includes training the Junior Staff leaders to plan and run the troop
activities, ensuring functions such as finance, activity programs and
individual scout advancement are staffed adequately. The Scoutmaster helps scouts to grow by
encouraging them to learn for themselves.
He conducts Scoutmaster Conferences and supports his Assistant
Scoutmasters in their roles.
Assistant Scoutmasters - Assistant Scoutmasters support the Scoutmaster. They are assigned specific program
responsibilities, such as advising patrols and assisting scouts in advancement.
The troop is to be run by
the Junior Leaders. With the guidance of
the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct the troop
meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. Troop 196 holds elections
for the senior patrol leader every year in January.
Senior Patrol Leader – The top junior leader in
the troop. He is elected by his peers to
serve in this position. 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 the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence. He also is responsible
for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian
and librarian.
Patrol Leader – Takes responsibility for the patrol
activities and represents the patrol as a member of the patrol leaders’
council.
Assistant Patrol Leader –Fills in for the patrol
leader in his absence.
Troop Guide – A Senior Scout who is responsible for assisting new members and
patrols in learning the Boy Scout methods and Troop policies.
Scribe – The troop’s secretary. He
attends meetings of the patrol leaders’
council and keeps a log book of their discussions, but is not a voting
member. During troop meetings, he records attendance and maintains advancement
records.
Quartermaster – Responsible for troop
supplies and equipment. He keeps a
current inventory of troop equipment and sees that it is in good condition.
Historian – Collects and maintains
troop photos, news stories, trophies and other memorabilia.
Librarian – Maintains troop books,
pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available
for use by troop members.
Order of the Arrow
Representative – Serves as a communication link between the troop and the local OA
lodge or chapter.
Chaplain Aid – Assists the troop
chaplain. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program
planning and promotes religious emblems program.
Den Chief – Works with Cub Scouts and
Den Leaders. He encourages the Cubs to advance and serves as a role model for
the younger boys.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster – A Scout at least 16 years
of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the
senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.
The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) is responsible for planning and
conducting the Troop’s activities. The PLC is composed of the following voting
members:
·
Scoutmaster
·
Senior Patrol Leader
·
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
·
Patrol Leaders
Every Boy Scout Troop is
made up of patrols – groupings of four to ten boys – that work together as a
team. This allows a scout to be in a
group his friends are in. It also means
each boy gets involved because he’s really needed; everyone gets a job and a
chance to learn and practice responsibility.
Patrols provide real experience in the democratic way of doing
things. Each patrol elects its own
leaders and officers.
The Patrol Leader has the patrol’s top job. He appoints each member to a patrol job, so
all can share in its’ leadership. He
takes the lead in planning and steering regular patrol meetings and
activities. He helps patrol members
advance, and may teach scouting skills.
He encourages members to recruit new boys to fill patrol vacancies. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders’
Council, and reports to the patrol the decisions of the council. He sets a good example by working on his own
advancement, taking junior leader training, and living up to the Scout Oath and
Law.
The Assistant Patrol Leader steps into serve when the patrol leader
cannot. He may also carry out special
tasks assigned to him, like overseeing members’ advancement.
The success of the program revolves around the effectiveness of the patrol, junior and adult leadership.
The Order of the Arrow is a
service organization of honor campers sponsored by the National BSA. It is unique, in that non-Order of the Arrow
members elect new candidates for the Order. To qualify, a scout must fulfill
three requirements. He must be deemed,
by his Scoutmaster, to have and show scout spirit, meet the required overnight
camping criteria, and must hold a rank of at least First Class Scout.
One registered adult, per
year, may also be elected into the OA by the troop committee.
As in most organizations,
communication forms the success of the troop.
It is important that everyone be informed of the news and events of the
troop.
The troop utilizes e-mails
as the major method to communicate Troop information. Once registered, you will
be placed on an email list and all correspondence will be sent to that
address. Parents who use their own email
address should make every effort to make the messages available to the Scout. Please inform the Scoutmaster of any changes
to your email address or phone number.
The Troop calendar and other
information can be found on the Internet at http://www.bsa196.org
Troop 196 participates
frequently in special events such as the District and Council Camporees, and
our own Troop 196 expeditions and tours.
As stated before, adult volunteers are greatly needed to help coordinate these activities. Should you desire to help, please notify the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.
Troop 196 has several different uniforms known as
Class A, Class B, and Class C. The
season of the year and the occasion are the major factors in determining which
uniform is correct to wear. Class A
uniforms may be purchased at the Boy Scout Council Office at the southwest
corner of Highway 183 and US 290.
Troop 196 has the following uniform policy:
BSA Class-A
Full Dress Uniform- the main uniform for Boy
Scouts. It should be worn at all Courts
of Honor, District or Council Activities, Color Guards Ceremonies, special
presentations, or anytime dealing with the general public and at any other
designated occasions. The uniform
consists of:
Standard
Class-A Boy Scout shirt (tan with all appropriate patches)
BSA
or Troop Head Gear (OPTIONAL)
BSA
Green pants (long or short), if wearing shorts, BSA socks are required.
BSA
web or leather belt
Merit
Badge sash Neckerchief w/slide (OPTIONAL)
Shoes
(closed toe, no sandals)
Troop 196
Class-B Uniform - worn to or from campouts, troop meetings, patrol meetings and on
designated scout activities. The uniform
consists of:
Boy
Scout Troop 196 T-shirt
Long pants or shorts (no
fades, holes, or baggies)
BSA web or leather belt
Shoes (closed toe, no
sandals)
Class-C
Uniform - not
really a uniform, but the appropriate dress when participating on scout
activities when a uniform is not expected. May be worn once a scout is in camp.
Scouting
related T-shirt (Lost Pines, Philmont, etc. or plain)
Long
pants or shorts (no fades, holes, or baggies)
Shoes
(closed toe, no sandals)
Unacceptable
wear includes any T-shirts or other clothing that does not align with the
principles and values of the Boy Scouts.
All Boy Scout shirts and T-shirts should be tucked in.
Sandals or open-toed shoes are not proper footwear
for any scout activity; the only exception is during water related activities.
Consult the Boy
Scout Handbook front and back cover for the Official Scout Insignia Guide for
instructions in the proper positioning of the insignia.
Although the initial investment in a full uniform
can seem expensive, they are very rugged and will usually last until the scout
outgrows them. Keep growth in mind when
you purchase uniform components.
Troop 196 encourages every boy to wear his full
uniform, proudly. This includes keeping
the shirt tucked in and having a neat, clean appearance. It is a symbol that marks him as belonging to
a select group of young men. The uniform
tells the world what a Scout believes in and lives by. It and the person who wears it are respected
in the community. Wearing the
appropriate uniform is a requirement for troop participation, including rank
advancement.
If a scout is unable to afford a uniform, his parent
or guardian should contact the scoutmaster for assistance. Any requests for assistance will be kept in
confidence.
The Merit Badge program is one of Boy Scouting’s
basic character developing tools.
Earning a merit badge gives a boy the kind of self-confidence that comes
only from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the Merit Badge Program, a boy also
learns career skills, develops social skills, and may develop physical skills and
hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.
Your son can earn a merit badge in one of four ways. First, summer and winter Boy Scout camps are wonderful opportunities for the boys to earn merit badges. Second, he can work on a badge by going to a district merit badge clinic or camp. Third, he can get the name of the adults who have volunteered to teach specific merit badges. He will need to work on a merit badge this way with a buddy to meet BSA youth protection requirements. Forth, he can work on one of the merit badges during Troop meetings or activities throughout the year.
The parents and friends of the troop should make
themselves available to counsel the scouts on particular merit badges.
Interested adults will receive instructions on how to counsel Boys in earning a
merit badge, particularly the procedures required to make sure the scout is
approved to work on the badge, and a process to measure his progress is
established. A parent cannot sign off on
his or her sons’ merit badge requirements.
The Merit Badge program is designed to encourage
boys to seek information from new people who are experts in their respective
fields. In most cases merit badges are
not earned in “one sitting”. They are
designed for the boys to explore the subject and many require “research” into
the topic.
BSA Youth Protection applies to meetings with Merit
Badge Counselor. A scout must have a
“buddy” with him at each meeting with a Merit Badge Counselor. A “buddy” can be a fellow scout, a parent,
brother or sister, or other relative or friend.
For both the protections of the scout and the adult, there MUST always be one other person
present at each meeting.
The steps in the Merit Badge procedure are:
1-
The Scout reviews the Merit Badge requirements and indicates his
interest in a merit badge to the Advancement Chairman. The scout will receive the name, address and
phone number of the Merit Badge Counselor.
2-
The scout reads the latest edition of the specific Merit Badge
pamphlet. This may be obtained from the Troop
Library or purchased by the scout himself.
(If you have any old merit badge books, which you no longer need, please
donate them to the Troop so that other boys may use them).
3-
The scout contacts the Merit Badge Counselor and makes an
appointment. The counselor will set up a
time to review the requirements for the badge.
The scout should bring the Merit Badge pamphlet and any projects the
scout may have started.
4-
The Scout and the merit badge counselor will agree on any projects and
short-term and long-term goals with dates of completion. The Counselor will assist the scout to meet
the requirements and certify when he has completed them.
5-
Upon successful completion of the Merit Badge requirements, the
Counselor completes the application and returns it to the scout. The scout will then return the application to
the Advancement Chairman. The badge will
then be recorded on the Scout’s Advancement Report.
6-
The badge will be presented at the next quarterly Court of Honor.
Boy Scouts are always tested individually. The scout is expected to meet the current
requirements, neither more or less.
Occasionally the question arises as to whether it is permissible to have
scouts earn merit badges in groups. Many
subjects may be presented to a group of scouts without defeating the purpose of
the Merit Badge plan. Although the
presentation of the material may be made to a group of scouts, a qualified
Counselor must perform the examination for the Merit Badge on an individual
basis.
The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder
of skills that the scout climbs through at his own pace. As they acquire these skills, they move up
through the series of ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class,
Star, Life, and Eagle. Each rank is rewarded with a badge (a
parents’ pin is available). The
requirements are designed progressively so that, when the Scout reaches First Class rank, he will be a good
outdoorsman, be physically fit, active in his patrol and troop, informed and
active as a citizen, and have made the Scout Oath and Law a part of his every
day life. The higher the scout climbs
the more challenging his tasks.
Remember: The more parental
participation, the faster a scout will advance.
Step 1 The scout learns. He learns scouting skills by taking an active
part in troop and patrol meetings and outdoor programs. This learning is the natural outcome of
active participation in the troop.
It is the scouts’
responsibility to, to learn the advancement program. This he can do by discussions with his patrol
leader, members of the junior staff or members of the adult staff. His Boy
Scout Handbook is his best source of information, when personal sources are
not available.
It is the parents’
responsibility to help him organize his advancement effort, and to guide
him (at least initially) in how to go about each step in working toward rank
and merit badges.
It is the adult leaders’
responsibility to provide a means for the scout to set and accomplish his goals.
Step 2 The scout presents himself for
testing. When the leader sees that
the scout has mastered a given skill and has satisfied a given requirement,
they will tell the scout so and record his achievement. The Scoutmaster or the assistant Scoutmasters
can sign-off an achievement; however a parent cannot sign-off on his or her own
sons’ work.
Step 3 The scouts’ record is completed. The scout should record all achievements (as
they are achieved) with the Assistant Scoutmaster. This permanent record of the scouts’
achievement is very important. In the
event that a scout looses his Boy Scout
Handbook there will be a record of his accomplishments, and he will not
have to start-over on his rank. It is
also recommended that a photocopy of each completed rank be kept at home. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster will
date and initial the appropriate page when all steps have been completed and
recorded.
Step 4 The scout is reviewed. There are two reviews a scout must have to
earn a new rank. When the scout has
completed all but the last requirement for a rank, he will be ready to schedule
an appointment with the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. After the scout has had his conference, he
will then schedule a Board of Review. A
minimum of three adults must be present to comprise a Board of Review.
The Scoutmaster Conference is a 20-30 minute conference in Class
A or Class B uniform. The purpose is to
develop over a period of time an increased level of understanding between the
scout and the Scoutmaster. Once this
relationship is established and begins to grow, the Scoutmaster can be
increasingly effective in helping the scout get the most from scouting. The Scoutmaster should be a good listener and
he/she or the scout may schedule a conference for any reason – rank
advancement, lack of advancement, behavior problems with other troop members,
home situations, whatever.
After the Scoutmaster
Conference, the scout will have the requirements completed for the new
rank. At this time, the scout will
appear in a Class A or Class B uniform before his scheduled Board of
Review. A Board of Review is composed of a minimum of three registered adult members
of the troop committee. The purpose is
not to retest, but to make sure the scout has met all the requirements
including attendance, leadership, and demonstration of the Scout Spirit, Oath
and Law in his everyday life. The Board members will chat with the scout about
how he feels he is getting along with the troop and its’ program, and to encourage
the scout to keep advancing. The board
will make the scout feel comfortable with them, and ask about his readiness for
rank advancement, his goals, his scout spirit, and personal growth. He’ll be congratulated on his progress and
urged to keep going. It should be a good
experience and add to his ability to communicate with adults. The scout will be told at the conclusion of
the session whether he qualifies for advancement or what his next step should
be. If, for any reason, the Board of
Review feels the scout is not ready for rank advancement, they should notify
the Scoutmaster and have him council the scout regarding his deficiency. Once the scout and the Scoutmaster are in
agreement that the deficiency is corrected, the scout will ask the Advancement
Chairman to re-convene the Board of Review.
Efforts should be made to use the same adult committee members involved
in the original review. IMPORTANT: ONLY
the deficient item(s) need to be covered during this session. There is NO NEED to repeat the
previous review. Board of Reviews’ can
be held on any troop meeting or campout as long as there are sufficient adult
leaders to comprise the minimum number of Board members.
Step 5 The scout is recognized. When the Board of Review certifies the scout,
he is awarded his new badge as soon as possible, at the next Court of Honor.
Note: Scouts must meet the 50%
participation requirement of the troop in order to advance in rank. Simply
paying your annual dues does not qualify as being active.
TRAVELING
WITH SCOUTS
Some scouts may have their driver’s licenses these
scouts are permitted to drive to troop meetings. However, no scout will be permitted to drive
or to take passengers to any troop sponsored activity away from the regular meeting
place. The scout must use the
prearranged troop transportation. There
are no exceptions.
Troop 196 must have a signed permission slip for
each campout unless the parent will be accompanying the Scout. The permission slips are due prior to
departure along with any fee charged for the outing.
All scouts must have a Class 2 Medical Form on file
(Part 1 renewed each year, Part 2 is valid for 3 years).
Registered adults, age 39 and younger, must have a
Class 2 Medical Form on file (Part 1 renewed each year, Part 2 is valid for 3
years).
Registered adults, age 40 and older, must have a
Class 3 Medical Form on file (renewed each year). All scouts and adults must
have a Class 3 for high adventure activities.
Troop Insurance
Troop 196 does carry insurance on all of its members
for troop activities. This insurance
acts as secondary insurance. Your insurance is first carrier, then BSA. Our policy is renewed each year when the
troop submits it charter renewal. It
automatically covers any boy who transfers into our troop or any new members
when they are properly registered with the Capitol Area Council office during
the course of the year. More information
on troop insurance is obtainable from the Scout office or the Scoutmaster.
The BSA Youth Protection Committee policy requires
that there are always two adults present at all meetings, and events. Troop 196 complies with the requirement at
all times. This is especially important
during summer camp sessions. At least
two adults from our troop will need to be present at camp 24 hours a day. All adults must be a registered with the BSA. There are other rules that apply to Youth
Protection. Each year the Troop will
provide Adult and Youth training.
Parents are encouraged to attend.
The overall goals of our first-year Scout program
are to ensure that your son:
Boy Scout of America studies indicate that when a
Scout earns his First Class rank within his first year in Scouting, the odds of
his continuing to advance and participate in the troop go up dramatically. That is the aim of our first year program. The Assistant Scoutmasters and their
assistants will be working intensively with your son during first year. They are your primary contact with the troop. Please get to know them and their assistants.
Patrols - First year Scouts will be assigned
to patrol with other Scouts that will work as a group. The primary difference
between first-year Scouts and older Scouts in Troop 196 is that meetings and
campout experiences are more structured for the new Scouts. This gives them more time to work on rank
advancement. First year Scouts are not
separated form the rest of the troop.
Much of what they learn during his first year will come from interaction
with older Scouts.
Adult Leaders
- Each
Scout patrol is assigned an Adult leader.
This leader is there to help the patrol with their first year in
scouting on the road to first class.
This Adult Leader is there to guide and keep the progress on track from
an advisory standpoint.
Patrol
meetings -
Patrol meetings are an integral part of growth in Scouting. Patrol meetings help form a bond between
patrol members that will serve them well.
The patrols will meet regularly at Troop meetings and at times
designated by the patrol leader.
Troop 196 participates in community service events. Troop 196 works a concession stand at the July 4th celebration in Liberty Hill. This is an event that not only helps foster Boy Scouting in the community, but also is a fund-raising event for Troop 196.
Each Scout, as he advances through the ranks, must
complete 6 six hours in a service project.
The service projects can vary greatly, as long as they give back to the
community. The Scoutmaster must approve any projects before they are done.
The outdoor program is a large part of Troop 196 activities. The Scout will experience the smell of fresh rain in the woods and will cook his own meals over a campfire. He will learn his way with a map and compass, how to stay warm and dry in stormy weather and give proper first aid. He will observe wildlife close up and study nature all around him.
Troop 196 conducts a full program of camping
activities, year round. We target a minimum of 10 campouts per year. Included in these campouts will be one or two
2-night campouts and a summer and a winter Boy Scout camp.
See http://www.bsa196.org
for the current calendar of events. A
permission slip is required for any
Scout that attends a campout without a parent.
It must be signed by a parent and returned to the Troop by the Troop
meeting PRIOR TO THE CAMPOUT.
Your son should attend troop campouts. If he can attend, make sure that the Troop
knows this, two weeks before the campout.
The patrol meetings prior to campouts are primarily to plan the campout;
who will bring food, who will cook, etc.
It is important to know who will attend the campout in order to plan
correctly.
Campouts are held, rain or shine. A scout
should be prepared to adequately protect himself from the elements. He receives instruction in these methods by
regularly attending scout meetings.
Campouts are only called off in the event of a
The Troop usually uses the
Each campout will have a special emphasis –
orienteering, canoeing, rappelling, pioneering, family campout etc. (Your son will have to have completed the
B.S.A. swimming merit badge in order to go on the canoe trip without a
parent.).
Lanterns and Coleman stoves may be moved or used
only by adults, Star, Life and Eagle Scouts with Fireman Chit. The Totin’ Chip is required to carry a
pocketknife or use a bow saw. The Fireman’s
Chit is required to carry matches or start a fire of any kind.
Campouts require the cooperation and positive
participation of every Scout and Scouter.
Disruptive behavior is incompatible with the Scout Law. The Scoutmaster and/or Troop Committee may
withdraw the privilege of camping with the troop from any Scout or Scouter that
disrupts a campout.
HAZING WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED DURING ANY
BOY SCOUTS OF
Alcoholic beverages are absolutely forbidden for
both Scouts and ADULTS at any troop event. (Campout contraband is listed on
page 5)
The use of tobacco products is prohibited for all
Scouts. Adults should be out of the
boy’s sight when using tobacco products.
There will be no use of tobacco products inside any patrol area.
Consult the Boy
Scout Handbook or Scout Fieldbook for complete
information on appropriate equipment for most types of camping. Here are some guidelines about special Troop
196 requirements and rules.
OPTIONAL:
Wild animals can be aggressive in seeking food. Food should not be stored in tents and all
food should be placed in a container that will prevent entry by hungry
wildlife.
BACKPACK
Pack with padded hip strap
Pack cover (waterproof or large plastic bags)
SLEEP GEAR
Sleeping bag (20o) in waterproof bag
lined with plastic
Small pillow (optional)
Closed cell foam sleeping pad
Tent (can share with your partner on high adventure
outings)
Waterproof ground cloth
Straps to hold sleeping bag, pad and tent on pack
CLOTHING (packed in plastic freezer bags)
Hiking boots (optional, but well broken in)
Lightweight tennis shoes
1 pr. Wool socks (optional, depending on weather)
per day
1 pr. Lighter inner socks per day
1 change underwear per day
1 pr. Long pants
1 pr. hiking shorts (optional, depending on weather)
1 long sleeve shirt (optional, depending on weather)
2 Class B (Troop or BSA) short sleeve shirts
1 sweatshirt (optional, depending on weather)
1 Class-A relaxed uniform (worn while traveling to
and from a campout)
1 jacket (weight appropriate for season)
1 poncho
1 small hand towel
EATING UTENSILS
Mess Kit (or bowl that can be used as a “plate”)
Cup
Silverware (fork, spoon, knife)
Water bottles
PERSONAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
Small pocketknife
Matches
50 ft. 1/8 inch nylon cord
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Compass
Star chart
2 bandannas or handkerchiefs
Whistle
Soap
Toothbrush/Toothpaste (travel size)
Comb
Adhesive bandages/personal first aid kit
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
Sunglasses (optional)
Watch (optional)
Insect repellant
Camera and film (optional)
Toilet paper (in zip-lock bag)
Additional items are not needed and not desired
unless necessary for a specific activity.
Summer
and Winter Camp is a weeklong experience at a B.S.A. Camp. It is an essential part of a Scout’s first
year in Scouting. He will get to know
the other boys in the troop, get to know the adult leaders and begin to learn
how to work together as a patrol with other first year Scouts. Above all summer camp is FUN
First Year Camper Program. First year Scouts, almost without exception,
experience some degree of apprehension toward their first summer camp
experience. (The same can be said for
the parents.) A positive means of easing
this apprehension is the camp program designed to accommodate the specific
needs of the first year Scout. The Troop
Committee selects the activities from the summer camp program that will provide
the best experience for the first year scouts.
The first year program is required for all new Scouts.
The
troop is looking forward to your son participation in the first year camper
program. Our goal is for all Scouts to
earn the rank of First Class in their first year of Scouting. This program and summer camp will give your
son an excellent start.
A
special troop meeting will be conducted prior to summer camp as an orientation
for scouts and parents.
Length of Camp - To participate in the
summer camp program your son must begin the week with us on Sunday, and stay
through the week. There are no
provisions for late arrivals.
Physical Exam - As soon as possible, turn
in your medical information form. No one
can attend camp without every line on the form filled out. Each form must be signed by a parent and a
physician.
Packing - Some Scouts have found it
more practical to bring their belongings in a Rubbermaid or similar box that
will accept a lock (use a combination lock keys will get lost). A sports bag or duffel bag will also work.
Scout
uniforms:
Class A shirt
Class B shirt (2 recommended)
Scout shorts
Scout belt
Socks
Extra
pair of shoes (closed toe only)
Hat
(keep sun away)
T-shirts
(B.S.A. only or plain)
Underwear
Shorts
Light
Jacket
Rain
Poncho
Swimsuit
Towels
Sunscreen
and sunglasses
Toothbrush,
toothpaste, shampoo
Comb
Soap
in a plastic case or liquid soap with lid that closes completely
Dirty
clothes bag
Merit
badge pamphlets (for those badges that will be pursued)
Small
piece of rope or cord
Boy
Scout Handbook
Pen
or pencil and small notepad
Flashlight
and spare batteries
Clothes
hanger and dry cleaner bag (to hang Class-A uniform when not in use)
Sleeping
bag or sheets, blanket and pillow
Cot
(recommended)
Small
folding chair (recommended)
Cup
(one that can hang off your belt)
Spending
Money (recommend keeping secure in lockbox)
Long-Sleeved
shirt and long pants for swimming merit badge
Canteen
(wide mouth bottles work best)
Insect
repellant
Same as summer camp, with the
following additions:
Long pants (two pair)
Warm coat
Warm gloves
Extra warm dry socks
Extra long sleeve shirts
Thermal underwear
Beanie or other head cover
Hand warmers
TRAINING
All adult leaders in the Troop must register with
the BSA and attend the Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection Training. This one-hour video seminar is offered on
several occasions by the Arrowhead District and once a year by the Troop. This
training is now offered on-line at: http://www.bsacac.org/Training/Index.asp
The
Youth
Protection video is shown to the troop once a year. Parents are
strongly encouraged to view this with the boys.
Junior
Leader Training is available for
boys age 13 or older and rank of at least First Class. This is where the boys will learn advanced
and structured leadership.
Many
other adult training courses are offered at various times and locations. See
the calendar of events at: http://www.bsacac.org
Always feel free to ask questions. If you feel as if you have grabbed hold of a speeding train, ask one of the conductors to explain what is going on. The Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, Advancement Chairman, Assistant Scoutmasters, etc. are all here to help. It helps when you can attend Troop Committee meetings and Troop campouts, it helps things make sense.
Can I go camping with the troop? Yes. Please plan on camping regularly. Wear your uniform. The Scouts will need you for boards of review and helping with campout activities and learning exercises.
How much do campouts cost? Typically $20 per person for a weekend campout. Some campouts my cost more if there are significant additional costs such as registration fees, special patches or campsite reservations.
Does a parent have to come on each campout? No. But there are BSA requirements that at least two registered adults be at any campout.
Can a non-registered adult attend campouts, even if just for part of the day? No. Any adult that comes to a campout, for more than 2 hours, must be regististered with the BSA.
Can I come to troop meetings? Yes. It is important that you attend as often as possible. Troop meetings are held at least once a month, on Sunday, at the VFW in Liberty Hill.
As a parent, can I help with the troop earn merit badges? Yes, if you are a registered adult.
What kinds of merit
badges are available? More than 119
merit badges are available ranging from Architecture, Coin Collecting,
What troop positions can I hold? If you are a registered Scouter, you are automatically a voting member of the Troop Committee. You can be a Merit Badge Counselor. The Troop Committee may ask you to serve on one of many subcommittees. After you complete Scout Leader Fundamentals training, you may be asked to serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster. YOU WONT BE WITHOUT A JOB FOR LONG!
What is a Totin’ Chip and the Fireman’s Chit? Your son must earn the Totin’ Chip before he can carry a pocketknife or use a bow saw at any Boy Scout activity. The Fireman’s Chit must be earned to use any stove or start any camping fire. Both of these are earned by demonstrating basic safety to be used when using knives or fire.
Should my son go to the district merit badge clinics and camps? Absolutely! They are a fun way to meet Scouts from other troops and earn merit badges. Some merit badges are difficult to earn any other way.
How does my son get a merit badge counselor? Talk with the Advancement Chairman; they will be able to help.
Is Summer Camp important? Yes, especially for the first-year Scouts. Attending summer camp will help your son meet the other Scouts in the Troop. He will begin to learn to work together with other Scouts as a patrol. He will complete many of the requirements for his first rank advancements and earn a merit badge or two. Please plan to attend.
Is Winter Camp any different from Summer Camp? Yes, winter camp is focused on merit badges that are required for Eagle Scout. It is less formal and colder (and you can earn your Polar Bear badge if it gets below freezing).
Is there a way for my son to earn credit to offset the cost of Summer Camp or Winter Camp? Yes, there are ways to help you afford the cost of camp. However, your scout must be willing to work toward that goal by helping with fundraisers and meeting the minimum attendance requirements. Contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee for details. Your request will be held in strict confidence.
What is all this
alphabet soup?
ALT – Adult Leader Training (formerly know as Scoutmaster Fundamentals)
ASM – Assistant Scoutmaster
ASPL – Assistant Senior patrol leader
SM - Scoutmaster
SPL – Senior Patrol Leader
OA – Order of the Arrow
YPT – Youth Protection Training
NLE – New Leader Essentials
What are the Ranks in
Boy Scouts?
· Scout
· Tenderfoot
· Second Class
· First Class
· Star
· Life
· Eagle
How do they get these ranks? By meeting requirements outlined in the Scout Handbook. This often includes some merit badge requirements. (There are a set of merit badges that must be earned to advance from First Class to Star, Star to Life and Life to Eagle. These badges are listed in the Scout Handbook. In addition elective merit badges are required for these rank advancements).
Troop Meetings Every 2nd Sunday, 4:00 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. at the VFW.
Patrol
Meetings Every 4th
Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the VFW or at a time and location selected by
the patrol.
Campouts An
agenda will be developed for each campout that will detail departure and return
time, meals and activities. Class A
relaxed uniform (see below) should be worn during travel and from formal Scout
activities. Please remember to bring personal
gear, sack dinner (if we leave on Friday), money for Sunday Lunch (just in
case). Camping gear is available to borrow for new Scouts.
Campout Contraband Please, do not bring anything on this list
to any Official Boy Scout Activity.
Fireworks
Firearms,
ammunition and archery equip.
Sheath knives,
long blade pocketknives, machetes
Lighters, lighter
fluid and other Flammable liquids
Tobacco
or illegal drugs
Alcoholic
beverages
Inappropriate
literature or magazines
Radios,
TV’s, tape/CD/DVD/MP3 players, electronic games
Laser
pointers
Aerosol
cans of any kind (aftershave, cologne, shaving cream)
Totin’ Chip card Required
whenever a Scout carries a pocketknife.
You will be asked to show this card on each campout or activity. Knives will be confiscated if you do not
posses your card and will be returned to your parent at the end of the
activity. The Totin’ Chip card can be earned at Scout Camps or during campouts.
Fireman Chit Card Required whenever a Scout carries matches or will
start a fire at an official Boy Scout Activity.
A Scout will be asked to show this card as necessary. The Fireman Chip
card can be earned at Scout Camps or during campouts.
SCOUT - As a scout member in good standing of Troop 196 I
will live by the Scout Oath and Law. I
will respect the authority of the Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and my
Patrol Leader. I will be an active,
participating member of my patrol and troop.
I have read and understand the guidelines stated in this manual.
___________________________ __________
Scout
signature Date
PARENT- As a parent of a scout in Troop 196 I will support
my son and encourage him to participate in troop activities. I will help with the troop program and merit
badge counseling when needed. I have
read and understand the guidelines stated in this manual.
___________________________ ___________
Parent
signature Date
TROOP- The committee and Scoutmaster of Troop 196 will
provide a fun, safe, and productive atmosphere for promoting scouting. We strive to follow all BSA guidelines
regarding 2-deep leadership and Youth Protection. Our goal is to prepare our scout membership
to take an active part in troop leadership and to prepare them to do the same
in their adult lives.
____________________________ ___________
Scoutmaster Date
____________________________ ___________
Troop
Committee Chairman Date