THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION… Last updated 10-28-2010. The Basics, Camping Gear, Camping Meals
I am in the process of answering all the questions, as they apply to Troop 483, that I posted in a blog titled Important Questions to arm visiting Webelos parents with a set of questions they should ask for answers to at each troop. As I go through the process, other questions come to mind so I’m adding them in as well.
Let me start with a disclaimer. This page is not intended to be my, or the troop’s, opinion of how every troop should function. It is how our troop operates. In fact, a lot of the answers to many of the questions in this FAQ can be found there, but in a different format. Following are the answers as they apply to us:
THE BASICS
Where and when does Troop 483 meet? We meet on Monday nights from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Christ United Church of Cypress, located at 14207 Telge Road (Telge and Huffmeister).
What age group is in Boy Scouts? 10.5 – 18th birthday
What age group is in Venture Crew? 14-21st birthday
What is Order of the Arrow?
What is high adventure?
CROSSING OVER
How many troops should cub scouts visit before making a choice? All troops are not the same and this is a great thing. Scouts are not the same either. What is a good fit for one boy in a den might be a horrible fit for another. A den should not aim to cross as a collected group unless it just works out that they all have identical interests; which is rare. Scouts should always visit at least 4 or 5 troops, making notes on each visit immediately after. Once they finish visiting, they can pick their favorites and visit a second (or third) time to make sure they are sure which one they want to join. If after they join, it turns out they aren’t happy there, go and revisit the other favorites. It’s more important that they stay in scouting than staying with their first choice for a troop.
What does the troop do for the Crossing Over Ceremony? It is considered an honor for us to be chosen as a troop. Once invited, we come with leaders and scouts, a book, neckerchief, and slide for the new boy scout(s) at the pack’s Crossing Over Ceremony. For any cub scouts crossing over into Troop 483, we ask that the family let us know as soon as possible so that we can schedule to be there. We always make it to the event, but we want to be sure that if there is more than one in an evening, we have adequate representation at each.
THE TROOP
Who runs it? Troop 483 is a boy run troop. The adult leaders are there, observing, and advising when needed. We allow the boys to make mistakes. It gives them the ability to try things out, reflect on the outcome, and problem solve for the future. This method builds their self confidence and encourages the respect for the SPL, ASPLs, and Patrol Leaders.
What if there is a problem? Depending on the level of the problem, we encourage the scouts to work it out using the patrol method. If there is a significant issue such as physical fights or an injury, the adults (two deep) will step in and address the situation as necessary.
What is the patrol method? There is a simple explanation in a blog that I posted as explained by Scoutmaster. It applies in several ways. As Scoutmaster mentioned, the patrol acts as a tiny troop in that it works as an individual unit to take on tasks, problem solve, and provide for the members within it for functions such as campouts, grub master duties, competitions, etc. However, in times of need, it can be functioning like this: A scout has an issue. He goes to his Asst Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader (if the APL isn’t available). The the APL or PL can’t solve the problem, he goes to the ASPL, who in turn would escalate an unsolved issue to the SPL. The SPL would then turn to an ASM or the Scout Master if he couldn’t fix the problem himself. If an adult leader takes issue with something they see within the troop, the reverse would happen, with two deep leadership; unless of course, there was an immediate need for adult intervention and then two leaders would act to handle the issue.
How do they get into a position? Twice a year, in September and March, repsectively, the troop uses a troop meeting to vote in scouts to a variety of positions. It is up to the individual scout to stand up with a prepared statement as to why he feels he would be the best choice for that position. The scouts are encouraged to have more than one option in mind in case they don’t win. Often times, newer scouts get their hearts set on a slot, and when they don’t win, they are crushed. If it happens two elections in a row, they can take it personally. This is why they should set a wider net of opportunity for themselves and take every opportunity to learn from their leaders so they will be better equipped when their time comes.
Who teaches the new scouts how to be a patrol leader? The scouts in our troop begin learning about the Patrol Method right away. In doing so, they learn about the duties of a patrol leader and are given opportunities to learn.
Is someone assigned to helping the new scouts through the first year? Our troop is blessed with a fantastic First Year Emphasis adult leader and another who is training with him this year. Their job is to guide the 1st year scouts and ensure that they have ample opportunities to develop their new boy scout skills so they progress within the troop.
FUNDRAISING:
What means of fund raising do you utilize? Troop 483 is blessed in that they have the support of the Cy-Fair Lions Club. The scouts have many opportunities during the baseball seasons to work at the concession stand that they run. In doing so, the club splits the earnings for the shift with the troop and the troop awards $25 to the scout account of each scout who works the shift. Most shifts allow for three scouts to work, but on a slow night, two will work.
Also, the troop has the opportunity to sell popcorn and scout fair tickets.
What percent goes to the scouts? Aside from the amount they can earn working the concession stand, the troop applies 100% of the fundraising monies earned from popcorn and / or scout fair tickets to the participating scout’s scout account.
What are Scout Accounts? Scout Accounts are a means to track funds that a scout has earned. Also, if a parent has purchased food for their son as grub master, or they have driven scouts to a scout event, they can elect to have reimbursements deposited to the account.
Do each of the scouts have their own scout account? Our troop maintains one actual bank account, however, the funds for each scout are maintained in a spreadsheet which is administered by an appointed Committee Member. Every deposit and deduction is noted for future review and a parent can check on the amount in the account with a simple email request.
What does that money go toward? The scout can use the money in his account for scouting functions, materials, or activities. They often use it to pay for campouts, long term camps, etc. However, if a scout buys an item, such as hiking shoes, a hiking backpack, or a new scout book, the receipt can be submitted for reimbursement from his account.
What is done with money that is still in the account if a scout transfers, ages out (turns 18), or becomes an Eagle? If a scout transfers out or ages out, the funds remain with the troop. If the scout becomes and Eagle, funds they have earned can be reimbursed for them. I do want to note that most of the Eagles in our troop have opted to leave the money in their account in case they camp as a Jr Assistant Scout Master, and in some cases, for their parents who still camp with the troop after they’ve gone to college to use.
CAMPING:
Do the scouts have to camp to meet rank requirements? The short answer is yes. The long answer is not every time. If a scout doesn’t enjoy a particular activity, they shouldn’t be forced to camp on that event. However, Troop 483 exercises challenge by choice and we make sure the scouts know that even if they don’t like something, like climbing as an example, they can still camp. In this instance, they could be in charge of managing crowd control or the ropes. In doing so, even though they don’t actually climb, they would develop self confidence, and eventually, might summon the courage to give it a try. Or not. Just know that if your scout is against attending a particular campout, there will be other opportunities to meet any requirements that are covered in his absence.
Do older scouts camp? Absolutely! Granted, we don’t always get as many as we would like, but the older the boys get, they have other obligations to juggle. Many are in sports, band, have jobs, school projects, etc…. and can’t make it as often as they did before high school. We actively work with the older scouts to be sure at least 2-4 of them are at each campout.
Can the whole family camp? The scout and parents can camp with the troop. However, due to age appropriateness of activities, and safety concerns, the BSA does not allow for siblings to camp with the troop.
Do you have a family campout? Troop 483 strives to have a family campout each year, but it doesn’t always happen.
Does a parent have to go? No, a parent doesn’t have to camp with the scouting program. In fact, in the early campouts of a boy scout’s career, it isn’t overly encouraged that a parent attends. Often, the new scouts aren’t sure of what they are doing, and are very attached to their parents. If the parent is present, the scout will be tempted to go to their mom or dad for help rather than relying on their fellow scouts and adult leadership. Refer back to the patrol method for further information on how the leadership works in the troop. If both parent and scout are secure in their troop positions and won’t hamper each other’s growth, then we are thrilled to have the parent along.
CAMPING GEAR:
What do they need? What do they REALLY need? What is too much? For this, I want to refer you to the Troop 483 Information Guide because it has been detailed there very clearly.
CAMPING MEALS:
What is a grub master? A Grub master’s job is not too hard; but it does require some planning on his part in order to make the trek a successful one for his Patrol. Planning the campout’s meals with his patrol and receiving the approval of an Asst. Scoutmaster will ensure all the meals are good, nutritious, and take dietary constraints into consideration. The grub master prepares a written food list which includes the amounts of each food item, and additional cooking equipment, to prepare the meals. Finally, he goes to the store, with his parent to purchase the items and repackage anything necessary to prevent contamination. The Patrol Grub master may not be the “cook” for all the meals, but he prepare some of the items ahead of time, such as browning ground beef, or chopping vegetables. This aides the patrol’s cook while on the campout and gets the patrol fed sooner.
Will a scout be allowed to go hungry? We always say, no scout has ever starved to death on a campout. Regardless of what goes wrong, scouts always manage to eat. It may be that they reap the benefits of other patrols’ generosity. In some cases, it turns out that the adults ‘just happen’ to have more than they need. In any case, the scouts may not have the dream meal they would want, but they won’t starve.
Who cooks for the scouts? The scouts do. The younger scouts cook under supervision, being guided in technique. The older scouts are more seasoned and handle the meals on their own. However, the adults are never far enough away that they don’t see the kitchen areas at all times.
My son would like to join scouts. When would be a good time for him to attend one of your meetings?
Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
We’d love to have him come visit us. Next Monday will be a PLC so it isn’t a normal meeting, but the Monday after would be a great time. You can email me directly at dualscoutmom@yahoo.com if you need more information before you bring your son to see us. We meet on Monday nights from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Christ United Church of Cypress, located at 14207 Telge Road (Telge and Huffmeister).
Cheers! Colleen
My son is a Webelos II for pack 1626. We are visiting troops that we might be interested in joining. Would it be okay for us to visit next Monday, November 2nd?
Beth White
the troop looks foreword to you and your son visiting