Troop 483 Information Guide
Christ United Church
Scoutmaster Gary M. Young -buffaloeagle62@yahoo.com / www.lonestarscouter.com
Committee Chairman Barry Tungland
TROOP 483INFORMATION GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Guide For New Scouts
1 Chartered Organization
2 Troop Structure
3 Boy Scout Participation
4 Adult Participation
4 Uniforms
5 Personal Equipment
5 Troop Finances
7 Parent Survey
Appendix A Troop Calendar
Appendix B Boy Scout Application
Appendix C Adult Application
Appendix D
TROOP 483
INFORMATION GUIDE
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his guide was adopted by the Committee of Troop 483 to provide Boy Scouts and parents information on troop policies and procedures. The information in this guide will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the troop. We hope the information contained in this guide will help the scout and his parents decide if Troop 483 is the right troop for him to join.
Troop 483 offers each scout a wide range of outdoor experiences and skills training.The troop normally camps once a month and scouts are expected to make as many of these outings as possible. The only exceptions to monthly campouts are those months that long-term summer and winter camps are scheduled. Rappelling, canoeing, and backpacking outings are scheduled each year. Throughout the year, campouts are scheduled that feature orienteering, knot tying, aquatic skills, cooking, and wilderness survival techniques. Our goal is to present a well rounded scouting program.
GUIDE FOR NEW SCOUTS Welcome to Troop 483. Our troop has been in existence for more than 30 years. We own and maintain our own equipment and each patrol is issued their own camping gear including tents, patrol cook box, lanterns, stoves, and ice chests. Scouts provide their own sleeping bags, backpacks, flashlights, and other personal gear.
The troop has several fund raising opportunities each year where scouts can earn credit for their own account. Each scout is required to pay an annual $35 fee due each year at recharter.Scouts registering with the Troop after recharter will be charged a prorated share of the annual fee. Troop dues are $1.00 per scout per week payable at the beginning of each month. Scouts will also cover transportation costs, food costs, and any troop entry fees associated with campouts.
Troop 483’s scouting program is built around the following core beliefs: Troop 483 is a boy run troop. Adult leaders are available to provide guidance when needed, but the responsibility for daily activities and advancement rest with the boys.This builds leadership and self-confidence in the scouts. Training, encouraging, and creating good experiences for the boys should be the overall goal of the program.
The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee, and all other scouting resources are available to provide positive scouting experience. Strong parental participation is required for a successful scouting program. Adult leaders set an example for the scouts. Adult conduct must always be kept in line with this idea.
Two deep leadership is mandatory at all scout functions. This insures that leaders work in pairs at all times.
Below is some additional information concerning Troop 483: Troop meetings are held in the Meeting Center at Christ United Church on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Committee Meetings (parent’s meeting) are held at the first troop meeting of each month to discuss troop business and convey program information.
Several forms are needed to be completed for a scout to join the troop and participate in activities: — BOY SCOUT APPLICATION Form must be completed — ADULT APPLICATION Form must be submitted for at least one parent — Completed Medical Form
The following items will be needed immediately from one of the Scout Shops: Scout Handbook- read the section labeled “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.” Scout Uniform (see Uniform Section for full description).
Do not purchase a lot of camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. equipment. The “Personal Equipment” section of this guide lists the equipment needed for new scouts.
It’s very important for parents to support their son’s scouting activities by attending scout functions, providing transportation for troop activities, or becoming active as an adult leader or in the Troop Committee. Scouts get more out of the program when their parents are active in the troop.
CHARTERED ORGANIZATION Boy Scout troops are sponsored by an established community organization– typically a church or school. Christ United Christ sponsors Troop 483. Christ United Church is the “Chartered Organization,” and Troop 483 is the “Chartered Unit.” Each chartered organization is granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America to operate a troop for one year. At the end of each year, the charter must be renewed. Christ United Church agrees to furnish satisfactory troop meeting facilities, select a Scoutmaster, appoint a Troop Committee Chairman, and choose a Chartered Organization Representative to serve as a link between the organization and the troop.
The Boy Scouts of America agrees to provide training for the leaders, camping facilities, conduct district and council programs, maintain troop records, and provide service from commissioners and local council staff. Scouts of Troop 483 are not required to be a member of Christ United Church, but active participation in the church of their family’s choice is strongly urged.
TROOP STRUCTURE Boy Scout troops are allowed the flexibility to be structured as needed to make the best use of resources. All troops have a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s), patrols and a Troop Committee. The Scoutmaster trains and guides the scouts to run their troop and work with the assistant scoutmasters and adult leaders to plan and run the scout program. Assistant Scoutmaster(s) support the scoutmaster as required for troop activities or provide training opportunities for the troop.
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top junior scout leader in the troop. He runs troop meetings, is generally responsible for running troop activities, and participates in developing the troop program.The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) (ASPLs) support the senior patrol leader and assume the senior patrol leader’s responsibilities in his absence. Each scout is a member of a Patrol consisting of approximately 8-10 boys led by a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. Each patrol works together on projects and is responsible for their own food on camp outs.
The Troop Committee supports the scout program by insuring that proper resources are available and complete administrative duties. The committee is comprised of scout’s parents. The committee has the following positions: Committee ChairmanAdvancement Treasurer Quartermaster Secretary Additional committee duties include rechartering the troop, registering scouts, organizing fundraisers, arranging transportation for outings, and adult leadership for trips. The committee’s main objective is to support the scoutmaster, his assistants, and the senior patrol leader.
SCOUT PARTICIPATION It is a core belief that scouts must participate in the monthly camping program to learn scout skills, leadership, and self-confidence and rank advancement. Scouts must meet these minimum requirements to participate in a troop activity: · Each scout must have a valid health form on file with the Troop. Health forms will be updated annually at troop recharter.· A signed parent’s permission slip or long-term camp agreement for each scout must be turned at the appropriate time.· Required medication listed on health forms in the appropriate dosage must be given to the designated medical officer for each outing. If medication is not provided or not in correct dosage, the scout’s parent must attend the entire outing or long-term camp.· Scouts must prepay the patrol’s grubmaster for designated meals.· Each scout must wear a “Class A” shirt while driving to and from the outing at all stops along the way. Failure to wear a Class A shirt will result in the scout not being able to participate in the outing. With the exception of the troop’s annual family campout (which is not a BSA sponsored event), participation in Troop 483’s activities is limited to registered Boy Scouts and registered adult leaders. Scout siblings and non-registered adults cannot participate in planned activities. The only exception to this policy is allowing fifth grade Webelos and their registered Cub Scout leaders to participate in camping activities when these Cub Scouts are conducting their troop search.
ADULT PARTICIPATION The cornerstone of a quality-scouting program is parent participation. Parents of scouts represent a wealth of knowledge, experience, and talents. In order for the troop to continuously offer a quality program and develop new leadership, at least one parent from each family is required to register with the troop along with their son.
While this parental commitment does not obligate anyone to specific duties, we do ask that parents take an active interest in the troop and volunteer for opportunities that meet their interest, expertise, or family situation. Women are equally eligible as men for any of the various volunteer duties. Parents can perform many important duties for the troop without becoming leaders. Merit badge counselors, skills trainers, providing transportation, attending campouts, or performing any of the numerous jobs with in the committee are all viable options.
Adults are role models for scouts and as such should conform to the following:
· Alcohol and similar substances are strictly prohibited at any scout function.Tobacco use is forbidden for scouts. Adult use is limited to areas away from the scouts.
·BSA’s Two Deep Leadership must be followed at all times.· Adults will camp together and in a separate area from scouts.
· Adults will use separate restrooms and shower facilities if available. If separate facilities are not available, adults will shower at a different time.
·Adults must conduct themselves in a manner that always upholds and supports the scouting core values and believes. If there is any question concerning the appropriateness of an action, the action should be avoided.
UNIFORMS Scouts and adult leaders of the troop are expected to wear a uniform. The uniform identifies the individual as a scout and should always be worn properly. Scouts are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner when wearing the uniform. The uniform is an outward sign that the scout believes in and abides by scouting principles and values. In Troop 483, class “A” uniforms consist of: Official scout shirt Council patch and troop numbers Proper shoes (tennis shoes, hiking shoes, etc.) Scout belt Troop scarf Official scout pants (shorts or trousers) and hats are optional. Scout shocks are required be worn with scout shorts. Class “A” uniforms are to be wore to scout meetings, in route to campouts, scout activities, Courts of Honor, and as directed by the scoutmaster. A troop scarf is required to be worn at all Courts of Honor. Class “B” uniforms: Scout T-shirt (Troop 483 or scout theme) Scout belt Proper shoes Once again, pants and hats are optional. Class “B” uniforms are normally worn during campouts, troop workdays, or as directed by the scoutmaster. Uniforms should be clean, and class “A” shirts are to be tucked in pants at all times. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Personal equipment consists of items the boys use themselves, stores at home and brings along on campouts. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster can help make recommendations.
Each scout is expected to provide the following: Boy Scout Handbook
*Scout Uniform- A scout doesn’t travel without wearing a scout shirt- this is a strictly enforced BSA policy.Small flashlight
*Eating utensils- Knife, fork, spoon, bowl to eat out of, and cup to drink from.
*Sleeping bag- The majority of our camping is done in southeast Texas and our climate is usually hot. We suggest buying a light mummy bag with Holofil filing. During the hottest months, many scouts and leaders use a sheet or a light blanket. Camp pillows make for a better night’s sleep. Slumberjack makes a stuffable pillow that can be packed in a sleeping bag.
Sleeping pad- The best type of ground pads are self-inflating. High-density foam pads or regular air mattress work well. Cots are only appropriate during long-term camps.
*Water bottle/canteen - At least one quart.
Rain poncho/rain suit
*Toiletry items* - Tooth brush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, small towel, and toilet paper (flatten a half‑used roll and store in Ziplock bag).
*Flashlight
*Backpack- It’s important to buy the pack to fit the boy– buying pack for him to grow into could be a problem. Two youth packs are the Kelty Yukon and the Coleman Peak One. The Kelty is an aluminum external frame that top loads while the Coleman is a composite frame that back loads. When the scout outgrows this pack, there are usually plenty of younger scouts that are eager to purchase them.
*Hiking boots - Athletic shoes are simply not appropriate for outdoor functions. The troop recommends the HiTek brand, which is a low priced, and a very good boot. Waterproof them with silicon spray. Make sure to wear heavy rag wool socks with polypropylene liners. This keeps the foot warm in cool weather, cool and dry in hot weather and prevents blisters. Cotton socks are not suitable for hiking or backpacking.
*Personal first aid kit*- Band-Aids, aspirin, sunscreen, antiseptic ointment, etc.Insect repellent - Non-aerosol preferable.
Compass - Silva makes a very good orienteering compass available at most Academy stores.
Pocket knife- A small to medium Swiss army knife is appropriate.
*Hat or cap*
Waterproof matches & container
*Extra socks & clothes*
*Other*- Ziplock bag with folded piece of aluminum foil & large plastic garbage bag
* Most important items and should be purchased first. This is not a complete list by any means but represents the basic equipment needed throughout the year for the various troop outings. Your son’s personal gear will vary according to his interest and on how much of an investment you or he desires to make in equipment.
Troop FinancesTroop 483 maintains a bank account managed by the Treasurer. This account is made up of the general troop account and the boy’s individual scout accounts. Money earned by each boy from fundraisers goes into his individual scout account. A scout can use funds in his scout account to purchase camping equipment, make payments toward long term camps, or pay past due weekly dues. If a scout is very behind in his troop dues, the Scoutmaster may restrict his participation in troop campouts or outings until his account becomes current. The troop’s general funds are secured through annual troop fees, weekly dues, fund raisers, and donated grants from individuals and corporations. These funds are used to purchase or replace tents, lanterns, propane bottles, and any other equipment utilized by the troop.
PARENT AND FAMILY TALENT SURVEY SHEET Each parent or adult family member should fill out a separate sheet and turn in at a committee meeting. Welcome to Troop 483.
We have a fine group of families who have indicated a willingness to help, according to their abilities. We invite you to add your talents and interests so that we can offer the best possible program for your boy and his friends.
The troop offers many diverse activities in its scouting program. Our troop needs leaders, committee members, and talented individuals who can teach merit badge classes or other scout skills. While you may not be able to help out on a full time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated. Please take a few minutes and fill out the survey below so that we can better match your interests or experience with our areas of need:
1. My hobbies are:__________________________________________________________
2. My job, business, or profession would be of interest to Boy Scouts: _______
3. I am willing to help my son and the troop as: ___ troop committee member, _____ Scoutmaster or assistant, ___ merit badge councilor, ____ attend campouts, ___ provide transportation,___ other ________________________
4. My scouting experience: Cub Scout __________________ Boy Scout _____________________ Explorer ______________________________ Rank attained _________________________________ Adult leader __________________________________________________________
5. I can help in these areas: ___ Carpentry ___ Swimming ___ CPR or First Aid ___Nature/Camping skills ___ Mountain climbing, repelling equipment ___Bookkeeping___ Transportation ___Other_______________________________________________________________Special Assistance: ___ I have a station wagon, van, or truck ___ I have wood working shop/tools ___ I have family camping gear ___ I have access to camping or fishing property or a boat ___ I can, or know others who can help with our scouting Program Name: _______________________________________
Home Phone: ______________________
Street Address:____________________________________________
City:__________________________State: ______ Zip:____________
