Parents Guide to Scouting and Troop 71

Here is a summary of what we feel a family new to Scouting and Troop 71 should know. Feel free to contact any Troop Committee member or other leader if you have questions.

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.

Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
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. In 2007, the Boy Scout program membership totaled 851,572 Boy Scouts in 41,947 troops.

What are the aims and methods of the Scouting program?

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 rank through the advancement method. The ranks of Scouting are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. 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. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.

Spiritual Growth: Membership in Troop 71 is open to boys and leaders of all religions. Most religions recognize Scouting as a youth ministry and have created religious emblems programs specific to their faith. These programs encourage spiritual development by providing specific religious instruction and encourage both youths and adults to become more active in their own faith. The religious emblems programs offer awards (patches and medals) that are approved for wear on Boy Scout uniforms.

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 volunteers. Our Troop encourages all parents to be involved because association with adults of high character is important at this stage of a young man's development. Adult leadership positions include Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee Chair, Advancement Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Quartermaster.

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 Camp Long Lake (about an hour northeast of Brookfield) in Fond du Lac 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 Troop 71 offers 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).

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. Among other community service projects, members of Troop 71 help St. John Vianney annually with the church’s festival.
 

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 that Troop 71 offers the program that he is most interested in.

The logistics are fairly easy. First, get a New Scout Application Form from the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster - Advancement. You also will get a package that contains information on dues, charter fees, medical forms, and other information that helps us administer the Troop and communicate efficiently with you.
 
 
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 does it cost to join?
 
There is a one-time joining fee of $100. The annual dues payment of $100 is waived for boys who sell a minimum of $250 in wreaths during our annual wreath sale. Dues cover the items listed:
■Yearly Registration
■Boy’s Life Magazine
■Troop Insurance
■Advancement patches and awards

In addition, dues and fundraisers defray other necessary Troop expenses such as:
■Camping Equipment
■Special Ceremonies
■Training
■Printing
■Postage
■Special Awards

Dues are to be paid directly to the Troop Treasurer and checks made payable to BSA Troop 71. Failure to pay dues by the established date will place the Scout on inactive status, which will eliminate the Scout from consideration for advancement and participation in Troop outings until past due bills are paid.
 
Registration fees for active adult leaders will be paid by the Troop.
 
How do the meetings work?
 
Scouting is a boy-lead activity. That is probably the biggest difference you will see between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
 
We have a senior Scout leadership 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 SPL is responsible for managing the meeting plan for a month, with the support of the ASPLs, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters, and other supporting adults (by the way, we would really like to get new Scout parents involved in this process - ask us 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, which are held on most Mondays during the school year. The meetings usually start at 7:30 and end around 8:30. Please make sure you are on time to pick up your sons if you don’t stay for the meeting.

During a typical meeting, the following activities will occur:
• Opening flag ceremony
• Scout’s Own
• Meeting organizational announcements
• Merit badge and general advancement activities
• Campout planning (if necessary; it also may be held after the meeting).
• Recognition of any advancement earned that evening
• General announcements
• Closing flag ceremony

Three or four times a year we will have a special meeting, called a Court of Honor. During these meetings boys receive special recognition for rank advancements, merit badges and other awards. Parents are expected to attend these meetings, especially if their sons are receiving recognition. Parents are invited to come up to the front of the room to share in the recognition with their sons.

These meetings normally run until about 9 p.m. and end with a pizza party. Boys should wear their full uniform, including merit badge sashes and bolo ties. They should not wear jeans or athletic attire to courts of honor.

How do the campouts and other outdoor activities work?

We typically work out one outdoor activity per month. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. For each of these events, there will be a Scout coordinator and an Adult coordinator (sometimes parent and son, but not always). We very much would like our new Scout families to get involved in a "backup" role for these events as well.

Food: For most campouts, we eat by "Patrol Method." This means the patrols procure and cook food together (Scouts and attending adults). The food expense needs to be paid up front to whoever is buying the food and cannot be refunded if your son doesn’t go on the outing. Your son can pay using his "Scout Account" (more on this later). Typically, cost is $3 per breakfast, $4 per lunch and $5 per dinner. At Camp Long Lake the Troop eats in a dining hall. Adult leaders, the SPL and ASPLs are not required to pay for food.

Gear: The Troop has tents, propane, propane stoves, patrol boxes with cooking gear, lanterns, etc. The Troop does not provide sleeping bags and other personal gear.

What type of equipment should we get?
This is a set of questions we get every year. All of the uniform and book items are available at the Potawatomi Council Scout Shop at N12 W24498 Bluemound Rd. in Waukesha. Here goes:

Uniform:

 
■Khaki Scout shirt (we recommend the short-sleeve) - comes with U.S. Flag sewn on. Buy it large enough to last at least a couple of years. If your son is a Webelos Scout, the khaki shirt he may be wearing now can be used until he outgrows it.
■Green Troop numerals "7" and "1" (given to your son when he joins the Troop).
■Potawatomi Area Council shoulder patch
■World Scout Crest (small purple circular patch)
■Green epaulets will be given to your son when he joins the Troop.
■Troop 71 t-shirt (which will be given to your son when he joins the Troop).
■Although it is not required, it would be nice if Scouts bought and wore official Boy Scout hats, belts, pants/shorts and socks.

Books:

■A Boy Scout Handbook will be given to your son by the Troop when he joins. (It is a good idea to buy a cover, either plastic or cloth).
■Boy Scout Requirement book

Camping Equipment (not needed immediately, but eventually):
■Pocket knife (must pass Totin’ Chip before using this knife at a Scout function)
■Sleeping bag
■Ground pad (foam, Thermorest-type, cot, etc.)
■Flashlight
■Water bottle or canteen
■Personal mess kit (although the Scout Shop has BSA mess kits, other types found at sporting goods stores are adequate).
■Compass (get the type with a clear, rectangular plastic base)
■Rain gear
■Troop 71 t-shirts (at least two) for day wear at camp (this is known as a Class B uniform shirt). The Troop sells these in late spring each year. Two are included with your camp fees.

What are the funding sources for campouts and other activities?

Generally, the Troop subsidizes 50% of the costs associated with any Troop activity, including weekend camping trips. However the Scout is expected to pay for the weeklong summer program at Camp Long Lake. (Adult leaders are not expected to pay for activities.) Troop dues and income from the annual Christmas wreath sales are used to pay for activities and to maintain Troop equipment (stoves, lanterns, tents, etc.). We require the boys to sell at least $350 in wreaths per year. If they do not sell $350 in wreaths they are expected to pay $100 in dues.
Each Scout has an individual Scout Account established by the Troop Treasurer where funds may be credited and deducted. This money come from commissions the individual Scout earns for popcorn and wreath sales.

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 quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. We work closely with our chartered organizations to help recruit the best possible leaders for their units.

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. 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.

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.

■Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
■No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
■Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
■Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female will be scheduled and posted for showers.
■Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
■No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
■Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
■Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
■Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
■Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

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.

What is Order of the Arrow? Philmont? SeaBase?
Some of you may hear some of these names used, but not know what they are.
■Order of the Arrow: The National Honor Society of the BSA! Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and the Scout Law are elected by the youth members of the troop to the OA. The Order of the Arrow provides opportunities for service, brotherhood, and leadership beyond the troop level. Members of the OA are known as Arrowmen. There are three levels of membership, Ordeal members, Brotherhood members, and Vigil Members.
■Philmont: Philmont is the oldest Boy Scout high adventure base in the country, and is almost mystical and legendary in its appeal. Our Troop typically sends a crew to Philmont every two to three years for a 10-day, 60-80 mile backpacking experience. In addition, the Potawatomi Council sends contingents that members of Troop 71 are eligible to join.
■Florida SeaBase: SeaBase is also a Boy Scout high adventure base, and in this instance the attendees will spend nearly two weeks sailing or scuba diving in the Florida Keys.
■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.
■Scouts need to be at least 14 years old the year they attend any high adventure camp.

 
How does my son advance in the ranks?

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 any of the following:
Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide (who must be Star rank or above).

Rank advancements cannot be signed off by a family member. However, if the family member provides verifications that a requirement was satisfactorily completed, then one of the above may sign off the requirement.
Service work is defined as "work or activities by a Scout for someone other than his family or his Troop." .All service work to be performed by a Scout for advancement must be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster. The Scout is responsible for meeting with the Scoutmaster to discuss the service project. If the Scout fails to obtain pre-approval for his service work, the time spent will not count toward advancement. The pre-approval requirement is not necessary for Troop service projects such as putting out the flags, Church service projects and Eagle projects. Each Scout should keep a record of his service time with his advancement records
All ranks require a Scoutmaster’s Conference prior to the Board of Review. Conferences can be requested at any time with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster as long as it does not interfere with the running the weekly meeting. Scouts must be in full Class A uniform and have their Scout Handbook and merit badge blue cards or the conference will be postponed. The uniform requirement is waived for the Scout rank.

Scouts must appear before a Board of Review as a final step for rank advancement. Scouts must be in full Class A and have their Scout Handbook and merit badge blue cards - no uniform or no handbook - no advancement! No Board of Review is required for the rank of Scout.

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 over 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.

Procedure for obtaining merit badges:

1. Prior to working on a merit badge and before meeting with a merit badge Counselor, it is the Scout’s responsibility to obtain a Blue Card (Application for Merit Badge) from the Scoutmaster or the Assistant Scoutmaster - Advancement. The Blue Card is the permanent record of the Scout’s completion of the merit badge. It has three (3) sections: the Scout, the Merit Badge Counselor, and the Advancement Committee each keep a portion of the card.
2. The Scout should fill out the information on the front of the Blue Card (print in ink) and then have the Scoutmaster sign it.
3. Once the Blue card has properly filled out and signed by the Scoutmaster, the Scout should contact the appropriate merit badge Counselor to discuss the requirements and see if there are any special instructions. If the Troop does not have a Counselor for that badge desired, then the Scout should contact someone on the merit badge Counselor List for the Potawatomi Council’s Southern Trails District (the Advancement Chairperson should have the most recent copy).
4. Scouts must use the "buddy system" for working on merit badges and meeting with merit badge Counselors outside of Scout meetings. It is more fun to work with someone else and it is in the best interest of the Scout and the merit badge Counselor that a Scout and an adult not meet alone without the parent’s/guardian’s consent.
5. Once requirements and expectations are clear to the Scout, he may begin working on the merit badge. A BSA pamphlet is available for each merit badge. The Troop has many, but not all, merit badge pamphlets in its library, which may be checked out from the Librarian. If the Troop does not have a particular merit badge pamphlet it is the Scout’s responsibility to obtain one. They can be purchased from the Potawatomi Council’s Scout Shop or checked out from the Brookfield Library. \
6. Once a Scout thinks he has completed the requirements for a badge, he is to contact the merit badge Counselor and arrange a time to discuss how he has met each requirement. The Counselor will review the quality and thoroughness of the work of each applicant and the decision whether to approve completion of the merit badge rests completely with the merit badge Counselor.
7. The Counselor will sign the Blue Card when he/she is satisfied that the Scout has completed the merit badge. The merit badge Counselor will keep the appropriate portion of the Blue Card for his/her records.
8. The completed Blue Card should be presented by the Scout to the Advancement Chairperson and the merit badge will be presented at the next Court of Honor.
9. After receiving merit badges at a Court of Honor, save all blue cards and cards attached to the merit badges. They are important documentation of when merit badges were earned that will be needed to go with the application for Eagle Scout. Plastic sheets for baseball card collections are excellent for storing Blue Cards.
10. It is strongly recommended that a Scout have passed all the requirements for Second Class and First Class first aid prior to working on First Aid Merit Badge

Special note on earning merit badges: It is the Scout’s responsibility to follow the requirements of each merit badge exactly. If a merit badge requirement states that a Scout must "show or demonstrate" a skill, the Scout must actually exhibit the skill to the Counselor; talking about a skill is not sufficient. Scouts are advised to read each requirement carefully and follow it to the letter.