Troop 97Handbook1. WelcomeWelcome to Boy Scout Troop 97. The troop is sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Men’s Club. Our aims in scouting are to foster citizenship, to build character, and to help scouts to develop physically, mentally, and morally. We strive to accomplish these goals through the outdoor program that operates according to the patrol method. The patrol is a fundamental unit in which each Scout’s vote counts in making decisions necessary to function in a living and working environment. Its patrol members lead the troop and each patrol. The basic role of the adults is to assist and advise the Scouts as they develop in and progress through the Scouting program. This handbook is designed to help you, as a new Scout, to become familiar with the Scouting program. It does not, of course, contain all their is to know about Troop 97. Thus, as you seek more information about the troop, don’t hesitate to ask your Troop Guide, your Patrol Leader, your Senior Patrol Leader, an Assistant Scoutmaster, or your Scoutmaster. We are all here to help. 2. How To JoinTo become a registered Boy Scout with Troop 97, just take the following steps:
Note - As various fees change, the amount for registration varies from year to year. Thus, you will be given a current fee schedule on a yearly basis. After you have registered, you should purchase the following:
3. Uniforms3.1. Class A UniformThe official uniform for the Boy Scouts is worn at Scout meetings and ceremonies, whenever traveling with the Troop, and for other designated occasions (there are occasional exceptions to these rules). Class A uniforms may not be worn for Troop fundraisers. The uniform consists of:
Scout Uniforms may be purchased from either one of the J.C. Penney stores or the Boy Scout Office at 7540 Ed Bluestein Blvd. 3.2. Class B UniformThis uniform is worn during camp outs (but never to and from camp outs), certain designated scout events, and fund raising activities. The Class B uniform consists of:
3.3. Class C UniformThis is not really a uniform, but the appropriate dress when participating in scout activities when a uniform is not required. The following is appropriate Class C dress:
4. Troop MeetingsBoy Scout Troop 97 meets at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Class A uniforms are required at all troop meetings unless prior notice has been provided that a Class B uniform is appropriate. You should always bring your Scout Handbook, spiral notebook and a pencil to all meetings and outings. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is located at 9500 Neenah Avenue in Austin. 5. Troop Leadership DutiesThe boy leaders run the troop. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and its Assistants the scouts plan the program, conduct the troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. Troop 97 holds elections for the Senior Patrol Leader every six months. The following is a brief description of the Boy Troop Leadership: 5.1. Senior Patrol Leader
5.2. Asst Senior Patrol Leader
5.3. Troop Scribe
5.4. Troop Quartermaster
5.5. Troop Historian
5.6. Troop Librarian
5.7. Chaplain Aide
5.8. Troop Guide
5.9. Troop Instructor
6. Patrol Leaders’ CouncilThe patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop’s activities. The Patrol Leaders’ Council is composed of the following voting members:
If the Patrol Leader cannot attend, the Assistant Patrol Leader takes his place. The troop’s activities are selected and planned at the annual planning conference. The troop’s yearly plan is then submitted to the Troop Committee for approval. The Troop Committee either approves the plan or makes alterations or suggestions for the PLC to consider. At its meetings, the Patrol Leaders’ Council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The Troop Committee interacts with the Patrol Leaders’ Council through the Scoutmaster. 7. Patrol MethodThe Troop is made up of patrols, five to eight boys who work together as a team. This allows you to be in a group your friends are in. It also means you get involved because you are really needed. Everyone has a job and a chance to learn and practice leadership and responsibility. It also provides experience in the democratic process. Patrols have their own meetings, elect their own officers and plan and carry out their own patrol activities. Here’s how a typical patrol meeting might run. The scribe takes attendance, reads the patrol log, collects fees and reports on patrol funds. The assistant patrol leader reports on advancement. The patrol leader reports on a recent Patrol Leaders’ council (PLC) session. He also chairs the patrol meeting. At the same time during the patrol meeting, there may be instruction and practice in a scout skill, especially one related to what went on in the main troop meeting that evening. Then comes planning - planning for the next patrol meeting, the program for the next troop meeting, the next outing, or the next service project. 8. Patrol Leadership DutiesThe following is a brief description of the patrol leadership: 8.1. Patrol Leader
8.2. Asst Patrol Leader
8.3. Patrol Scribe
8.4. Patrol Quartermaster
8.5. Patrol Cheermaster
9. Travel & Medical ReleasesMedical releases must be completed and on file before you can attend any event away from the church. The Authorization allows us to authorize emergency medical treatment for you in the event that your parent is not present and con not be reached by phone. All Scouts traveling away from the church are required to wear seat belts. Class A uniforms are required during traveling. Any Scout showing up without his Class A uniform will be sent home to get it and return before the scheduled departure time. 10. Camping ProgramMost months the troop plans a weekend campout. Everyone, including adults, camps by the patrol method. There is to be a duty roster and a menu posted at all times. The menu and roster will follow troop requirements. The menu is to be followed without exception. As a general rule you can count on spending about $2 per meal on food for each campout plus any campground fees. Fire will be allowed in designated areas only. They will be attended until they are cold out. Cutting of live trees is not allowed at any time. A food and grease pit and latrine will be dug where public facilities are not available. All latrines and pits are to be dug outside the camping triangle. No liquid gas, propane or flammable of any kind are allowed in the tents. This means no lanterns are allowed in tents. The troop provides chuck boxes, cook kits, stoves, lanterns, and dining flies. All equipment in need of repair will be reported to the Troop Quartermaster prior to storage of the equipment at the conclusion of the campout. It is recommended that candy and other sweets be left at home as these draw insects and wild animals into the campsite. 11. EquipmentConsult the Boy Scout Handbook for complete information on appropriate equipment for most types of hiking and camping. Here are some guidelines developed by Troop 97 based on our experience:
Suggested Camping Gear:
12. AdvancementThe Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that you climb at your own pace. As you acquire these skills you move up through the series of ranks, for which you are awarded badges: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. The higher you climb, the more challenging your task, and the more rewarding, with loads of fun as you’re learning and growing. Four steps to Advancement:Step 1 – You learn.You learn Scouting skills by taking an active hand on part in troop and patrol meetings and outdoor programs. This learning is the natural outcome of your regular Scouting activities - your “on the job” training. The requirements are designed progressively so that when you reach First Class Rank, you will be a good outdoorsman, physically fit, active in your patrol and troop, informed and active as a citizen, and make the Scout Oath and law a part of your daily life. Step 2 – You are tested.When you think you have mastered a given skill or satisfied a given requirement, you may ask to be tested by the Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Troop Instructor, or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Step 3 – You are reviewed.When you complete all but the last requirement for a rank, you will be ready to telephone the Scoutmaster and ask for an appointment to meet with him for a “Scoutmaster Conference”. After that, you will ask to appear before a “Board of Review” composed of adult members of the Troop Committee. The Purpose is not to re-test you, but to make sure you have met all the requirements, to chat with you about how you feel you are getting along with the troop and its program, and to encourage you to keep advancing. Step 4 – You are recognized.When certified by the Board of Review, you are awarded your new badge as soon as possible. This normally occurs in a ceremony at the next troop meeting. Then you are recognized again at the troop’s next Court of Honor. 13. DisciplineScouts should strive to live by the Scout Oath and to obey the Scout Law. However, our boys are not perfect, nor are they expected to be. In the event that the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or other registered adult finds the actions of a Scout to endanger anyone, including himself, or to be so disruptive of others that an objective cannot be achieved, or to be disrespectful, or disobedient, then disciplinary actions will be necessary. Please refer to a separate document, the Behavior and Discipline Policy for details. You should have received a copy of the policy when joining troop 97 but if you need a copy contact any adult leader. |