Parent's Guide

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. This is a tremendously important and rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him.

What is it all about? What will you be expected to do? What does it cost? We have prepared this booklet to answer these questions. The following pages describe the organization of a Troop and the advancement pattern that each boy will follow. Reading this will help you understand how your boy can progress through the ranks with your help. It will help you understand how you can help and what the various adult volunteers are doing to help the Troop.

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

There are three aims to scouting: ·

Aim I -- To build character ·

Aim II -- To foster citizenship ·

Aim III -- To develop fitness

These three aims are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement they represent the long term outcomes we want for every boy. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Law: A Scout is:

Trustworthy

Loyal

 Helpful

 Friendly

Courteous

Kind

Obedient

 Cheerful

Thrifty

 Brave

Clean

Reverent

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.

Since 1910, these principles have been taught in an atmosphere of recreation and fun which allows young people to develop self confidence, leadership and moral character. More and more men, trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today's world as responsible adult leaders. Men who earned badges as Scouts, sit on the Supreme Court and in the chambers of Congress. Others hold important offices in our government, business and industry. Most of the members of congress were Scouts, as well as most of the astronauts who have walked on the moon.

The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth oriented organization in the United States. More than 4 million boys and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-lead organization. The boys learn how to organize and lead the Troop. After training, and with supervision from the adult leaders, the boys run the show. The boys in the Troop will be working towards their 1st class and then Eagle ranks. As they travel on their trail to Eagle they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, but they will actually lead teams of scouts in a number of situations.

Many Eagle Scouts put their accomplishments on their résumés and find they are often considered in obtaining acceptance into college or the work force. Boy Scouting also provides for growth of moral strength and character, teaches citizenship, and enhances the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. This is all done in the spirit of fun and adventure. Please take a few minutes to read Chapter 1 of your son's Boy Scout Handbook.

ORGANIZATION

Troop 705 is a participating member of the Brunswick District of the Cape Fear Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's organization consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, the Troop, and the Troop's Parents. Chartered Organization (Sponsor) Every Troop belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 705 is the OneAnswer. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered Organization Representative acts a liaison between us and OneAnwer.

Troop Committee

 The Troop Committee Functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of the non-program issues surrounding the Troop. For example: newsletters, Troop funds, fund raising activities, membership drives and Pack coordination, activity permits and coordination, advancement records, procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment. The Committee meets reguarly. The meetings are open and attendance is encouraged by all parents and other interested adults.

Troop 705  Meetings

Troop 705 will hold meetings weekly. Meetings currently are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday’s of each month. Changes to the meeting schedule will be announced as early as possible to allow for proper planning. Adult Leadership Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a Scout parent, both of who must be at least 21 years of age, are required for all Troop 705 meetings, trips or outings. Patrols and Patrol Leaders The Troop is a group made up of several patrols. Each Patrol usually consists of a Patrol Leader and no less than four Scouts and no more than eight Scouts. The boys in a patrol elect their patrol leader who in turn appoints the assistant patrol leader. The Senior Patrol Leader is an elected position. The Senior Patrol Leader selects his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leaders’ Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings. Elections for Patrol Leader & Senior Patrol Leader are held up to twice a year. Troop Parents The role of parents within Troop 705 is to be supportive of the Troop's efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel.

Parents should try to:

 1. Read their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting. Parents should attend an informal Boy Scout Fast Start by the Troop Committee.

2. Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when needed.

3. Show support to both the individual Scout and the Troop by attending all Troop Courts of Honor.

4. Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. All such assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the Scouts and, therefore, lowers each family's cash outlay for their Scout(s).

5. Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.

Two-Deep Leadership

Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. When an adult leader or parent signs up to attend a camp out or activity and it becomes impossible for the adult to attend the activity it is his or her responsibility to find their own replacement! After they have found a replacement, the adult must notify the Activities Chairperson. This notification should be done as soon as possible, as the tour permit must be changed to reflect the change in adult leadership and transportation information

Use of drugs/alcohol

The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving the participation of youth members.

ADVANCEMENT

There are many definitions of advancement, but the Scouting definition might well be, simply, "the art of meeting a challenge." For that is exactly what the Boy Scout advancement program asks the boys to do. The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these skills he moves up through a series of ranks, for which he is awarded badges. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks -- and the more rewarding.

Achievements include: ·

Learning skills that qualify for Scouting’s more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges. · Developing body and mind, growing self-confidence, and helping younger Scouts climb the advancement ladder. · Discovering how it feels to go further -- in so many ways -- than he ever though he could.

We don’t look at advancement as a goal, but as a natural outcome of a planned, quality Troop program.

There are four steps of advancement: • The Boy Scout Learns. • The Boy Scout is Tested. • The Boy Scout is Reviewed. • The Boy Scout is Recognized.

Advancement Through First Class

First Class Rank Badge From the time the Scout enters the Troop through the time he earns advancement to First Class, he is learning basic scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team. With those first steps the scout begins to build themselves physically, mentally, and morally. He will start to live with the Scout Oath and Law. Soon he will learn the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; he will learn that there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to yourself. The goal of this Troop, is for the Scout to achieve the rank of First Class within his first year in the Troop. This is a sign that the scout has mastered the fundamentals of scouting and can begin to start the long process of learning to lead others, refining the learned skills and learning additional skills.

 Advancement from First Class to Eagle

Eagle Rank Badge From the achievement of First Class through Eagle, the Scout will be demonstrating leadership, performing service projects, earning merit badges and using the skills learned while achieving the rank of First Class. The next ranks he will earn are Star and Life. These ranks are harder to obtain than the earlier ranks, but are also more interesting for the older scouts. Upon completion of all the requirements for Star and Life the Scout will be eligible to work for Eagle. The original principals, the Scout Oath and Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and their understanding of them is much greater. The final steps towards Eagle are filled with leadership experiences. Details for advancement are contained in the Boy Scout Handbook, which every Scout should obtain as soon as possible after joining the Troop. Take a look at Chapter 1. This short chapter has an advancement summary through First Class.

Merit Badges

The goal of the merit badge program is to expand a Scout's areas of interest and to encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject. Merit badges are earned by a Scout working with a registered merit badge counselor. The Scout is required to contact the counselor to arrange for times and places to meet with the counselor. When the Scout completes the work on the merit badge the counselor will inform the Scoutmaster that the Scout has completed the requirements for that badge. Merit Badges earned will be presented to the Scout during the Troop's Court of Honor.

Boards of Review

When a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, he appears before a board of review composed of members of the Troop committee. The purpose of the review is not an examination. Rather it is to determine the Scout's attitude and acceptance of Scouting's ideals; to ensure that the requirements have been met for advancement, to discuss the Scout's experiences in the Troop and the Troop's program, and to encourage him to keep working towards advancement. A Board of Review may also be held to counsel a boy about his lack of progress toward advancement.

Courts of Honor

Troop 705 will conduct a Court of Honor as needed. The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor. Adult recognition may be presented prior to the opening of the Troop Court of Honor. It is the responsibility of the Troop's Patrol Leaders’ Council to plan and conduct the Troop Courts of Honor. The Troop Committee will support the Courts of Honor as requested. The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements. Parents and all other interested individuals are be encouraged to attend.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Rechartering and Fees

The process of rechartering is the annual collection of registration fees for the Scouts and Leaders (January). The Troop also makes a formal visit to the chartering organization to renew their commitment for the coming year. The process of rechartering the Troop must be completed by the end of January of each calendar year.  The cost to each boy is $25 (which includes Boy's Life).

Annual Registration Fees

How much does Boy Scouting cost? As little as possible, but nothing worthwhile is free. The annual fee for each Scout in Troop 705 is: · $13.00 for national BSA membership – once in January · $1.00 insurance – once in January ·Troop membership (Pays for badges, awards.) · $12 for Boys Life magazine (this is the annual recharter fee mentioned above)  Outings / Activities Individual activities may have fees associated with them. If so, the parents will be notified.   The Troop makes every effort to keep the costs as low as possible or free.  If a boy sells Popcorn each year during our annual fundraiser, then he can pay for his entire year of scouting if he sells enough.

Scholarships

A Campership fund (scholarship) has been established in the troop to financially assist Scouts. The money in the Campership fund is donated by the Troop. In the event an extended troop activity presents a financial hardship for a Scout, the Scout may choose to request a Campership. A Campership will be considered if the Scout's participation and attendance reflect the standards of a positive and active member of the troop. A Campership will be granted for a maximum of 50% the cost of the activity, unless the Troop Committee authorizes additional contributions. All Campership requests are considered on an individual basis and are subject to approval from the Troop Committee.

Fundraising

Additional funds are raised by the boys through various fundraising activities. The Troop plans to do two to three major fundraising projects a year. Our fund-raisers will be designed so that once the Troops budget is met, additional funds raised by your son will be put into his individual account to defray scouting costs. Details on this year's fund-raisers will be available at future Troop meetings.

Event Refunds

From time to time a Scout or Adult is unable to attend an event for which he or she has previously made a firm reservation. At times, payment for the event has already been made. Troop 705 encourages those persons to communicate. As soon as possible, if they cannot attend to minimize unneeded food or transportation expenses. If available, we will apply any reimbursment towards a future event.

Transportation

Transportation to and from meeting places (including camping and other special events) is solely the parent's responsibility. An adult leader or parent will ensure all Scouts have been picked up; however, it is expected the Scouts will arrive and leave on time. All parents must share the responsibility of transporting Scouts to and from activities and special events. A transportation survey sheet must be filled out when a boy joins the troop. We ask you notify the Scoutmaster of any changes in status in the future.

UNIFORM

The Scout uniform helps to achieve the objectives of Scouting. The uniform by itself can not make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its use has been proven to improve both the Scout and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each scout is required to have and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform items:

Field or “Class A” Uniform · Tan scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches (Cape Fear Council strip, red shoulder loops, and patrol emblem.) · Troop number · Troop 705 neckerchief (red with black lettering)· Neckerchief slide (can be purchased or made by Scout). · Olive Scout pants or shorts – they do not have to be BSA Pants/shorts · Boy Scout Socks, for wearing with shorts.  ·Activity or “Class B” Uniform (worn, as instructed by Troop leadership, when activities may cause damage to the field uniform). · Troop 705 T-Shirt (Any red t-shirt).

Uniforms and insignia are worn a certain way. The Troop Leaders and staff at the Scout Shops will be able to answer any questions you might have on where to put what badge. Inside the cover of the Handbook there are guides for badge placement.

SCOUT SHOPS

There is one Scout Shops in the Wilmington area where you can purchase scout uniforms and supplies: Cape Fear Scout Shop110 Long Street DriveWilmington NC 28412910-395-1100 .  BSA clothing may also be obtained from sites such as EBay at a discounted price.

AND FINALLY

 You are joining a great organization that includes tens of thousands of adult leaders, interested parents, and the BSA professional staff. Scouting is much more than enjoying the outdoors. The Troop teaches leadership skills and community skills. Scouting also shows the boys how they can keep themselves strong and healthy and make the most of school. With hard work and dedication, your son will be able to serve as a leader in the Troop and advance in rank along the trail to Eagle. Above and beyond anything else said in this package, the boys and us "big kids" are in Scouts to have fun!

For more information, contact: Elizabeth & Bryant Harllee, Scoutmasters 910-845-2290 Home 910-471-2871 Cell 910-471-2771 Cell

TROOP DISCIPLINE

The Scouts run The Scouting program. Adult leadership is present to counsel, guide and provide new learning experiences for the Scouts. The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is responsible for troop program function and disciplinary action. Physical "hazing or initiation," is not permitted. If a Scout refuses to follow the Senior Patrol Leaders direction at any time, the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or Committee Member will counsel the Scout on what is expected of him. If the Scout does not comply, the adult may request his parent be present at meetings or called to come pick up their son from the meeting or outing. Should counseling sessions not succeed in solving behavioral problems, the Scoutmaster may choose one or more of the following consequences: written warning, suspension from one or more Troop activities, suspension or removal from Troop Office (e.g., patrol leader or assistant patrol leader) or forward a written to the Troop Committee showing cause for the Troop Committee to consider having the boy removed from the troop.

 1) Scouts Adults consuming tobacco should not do so in the presence of Scouts.

2) No Cussing

3) No Alcohol

 4) No Fighting or rough physical behavior

5) No Name Calling

6) No sheath knives or folding knives 4” or over

7) No liquid stoves No lighting stoves or lanterns except under adult supervision.

 8) No personal radios, electronics, cards, cell-phones, PDAs, laptops, etc.

9) Class A Uniforms are worn by scouts at Boards of Review, PLC meetings, and Courts of Honor. SPL and adult leaders must wear Class A at all times. Full Class A uniform are worn at all Eagle Boards of Review.

10) 3 Non-excused absences could result in denial of next troop activity. Must call PL or Troop leader for excuse.

 11) 5 non-excused absences may result in dropping from roster.

12) Breaking any rule above may result in denial of next troop activity.

13) Discipline reworded to physical challenge such as push-ups, extra camp duties, etc.

 14) Scouts may be denied troop activity based on their behavior.

 15) Major disciplinary items will be discussed with parents at a troop committee meeting.

VIOLATIONS

If any of these rules are violated, the Scout’s immediate Patrol Leader may correct them. Should the Scout continue, the Patrol Leader brings it to the attention of the Senior Patrol Leader? If the Senior Patrol Leader has to bring it to the attention of an adult leader, it counts as an official violation of the Troop Rules.

Violations shall be addressed as follows:

1st Offense - A letter is sent to the parent's regarding the Scout's actions.

2nd Offense - The Scout's parents are called to pick up the Scout immediately. This includes from meetings or outings, wherever they may be.

3rd Offense - The Scout will not be able to return to the Troop until they address the Troop Committee with their parents explaining why they want to remain a Scout.