Introduction

The following pages are designed to help you understand the basics of the Scouting program here at Troop 701. Reading this will acquaint new Scouts and parents with information and rules on how our troop operates. Please contact Scoutmaster John Dorner at 883-9431 (h) or 697-4891 (w) with any questions or comments you might have.

A Few Words From Our Scoutmaster

Tighten your boot laces! Grab your paddle! Pack your backpack! Let the adventure begin! Our troop is dedicated to delivering the mission of the Boy Scouts of America through a strong outdoor program. With weekly meetings, once-a-month campouts, long-term summer camp, and the patrol method, scouts grow in leadership, character and citizenship. We welcome you to the adventure of Troop 701. -John Dorner, Scoutmaster

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What is Scouting All About?

1. are physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
2. have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
3. have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
4. have the desire and skills to help others.
5. are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
6. have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
7. are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
MISSION STATEMENT

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 during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Oath or Promise 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.

The Scout Law
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous,
Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent

Scout Motto
Be Prepared

Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

Joining Troop 701

We invite parents and boys to visit Troop meetings and ask questions prior to commiting to join the troop. To become a member of Troop 701, you need to turn in the following items to the Scoutmaster:

1. Completed BSA membership form with parent/guardian signature (remember to fill out health history on back of form.)
2. $20.00 registration fee (includes council fee, Boys' Life subscription, troop neckerchief upon achieving "Scout" rank).
3. Completed Personal Health and Medical Record with parent/guardian signature.
4. Completed Troop Resource Survey. Our troop requires the help of all parents so that it may provide a quality program. One of the things that makes our troop great is the quantity and quality of our adult volunteers!

Parents of new scouts should meet with a troop leader (normally the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol) for a parent orientation to Troop 701.

A boy may visit our troop meetings as many times as he wishes without joining.  However, he must join the troop to participate in special activities and camping trips.

Troop Parents

1. Read their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting. Parents can also borrow the Boy Scout Fast Start video tape from the troop library to familiarize themselves with the basics of Scouting.
2. Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a gentle "push" when needed.
3. Show support to both the individual Scout and the troop by attending all 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. Most troop activities are updated on the website (http://www.troop701.org) with regularity.

Uniform

Whenever a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed themselves principles of the Scout Oath and Law.  The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose.

By wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength and support.  It helps them to feel like part of the team.

Beyond accenting the common bond between Scouts, by wearing the uniform Scouts are declaring their faith and commitment to some important beliefs that bind them to all people. It is a way of making visible their belief in God, their loyalty to our country and their commitment to helping other people who need them.

How the uniform can help the troop:
1. When smartly worn, the uniform can help build good troop spirit.
2. By investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are really making a kind of a commitment to take Scouting seriously.
3. The uniform makes the troop visible as a force for good in the community.
4. Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, youth image in the neighborhood, thus helping to counteract the negative feeling some adults have about youth.

The troop uniform:
Our troop believes that a Scout does not have to buy a uniform immediately.  He should buy a uniform after he has been with the troop for a time and has decided to stick with it.  Diamond Brand Camping Center (along highway 25, 1/2 mile off I-26) carries all necessary items.  The Scout uniform must be worn on all troop activities and events unless otherwise specified. We also have a bank of "experienced" uniform items in our equipment storage room.  Parents can get free uniform items from this bank.  However, we ask that you donate your "experienced" uniform items to the bank whenever possible.  Let's help save each other some money!
The following is the official uniform of Troop 701 is:
 
 

Official placement of insignia may be found on the inside front and back cover of the Boy Scout Handbook. Merit badge placement on sashes is shown on page 186 of the Boy Scout Handbook (11th edition). Merit badges may be worn in any order that the Scout chooses, and not necessarily in alphabetical nor "required-non required" order. Begin the first row of three merit badges 4" from the top of the sash. Sewing the merit badges on will work better than using "badge bond" (silicon caulk).Most Scouts choose to wear merit badges in the order in which they have earned them. The merit badge sash is worn over the right shoulder. Note: Order of the Arrow (OA) sashes are only worn at OA functions, not at regular troop meetings except OA election night.

Uniforms are required at all meetings and trips except meetings immediately following a campout that ends on a Sunday. Neckerchiefs and merit badge sashes are required at formal occasions such as a Court of Honor or Scout Sunday (second Sunday in February). Scouts should bring their handbooks to all meetings.

How Our Troop Works

Troop Organization

The following is an outline of the duties of the key leaders within the troop:

Scoutmaster:
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:

Assistant Scoutmasters:
Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved by the troop committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He also provides the required two deep leadership (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity).

Senior Patrol Leader:
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top boy leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader:
The Assistant Senior Patrol Lleader (ASPL) fills in for the SPL in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian and instructors.

Patrol Leaders:
The Patrol Leaders (PL) are responsible for giving leadership to the members of their patrols. They are their representation on the patrol leaders' council. The PL is also responsible for holding monthly patrol meetings outside of the regular troop meetings.

Assistant Patrol Leaders:
Assistant Patrol Leaders help the PL run the patrol and fill in for him in his absence.

New Scout Patrol

New Scouts are given a strong foundation for growth and advancement as part of a "New Scout Patrol". This patrol works together in camping, having fun, and troop activities. An older scout works with the patrol to provide guidance during this initial 3-month to 9-month process.

In addition to lots of fun, the New Scout Patrol emphasizes the Scout Oath and Law; developing scout spirit; working together to achieve goals; learning the chain of command; basics for outdoor activities; and much more.

Venture Patrol

The Venture Patrol is a patrol in troop 701 consisting of older scouts that would like to participate in a rigorous outdoor program with the possibility of a number of high adventure activities. The patrol has the opportunity to participate in programs that may include any of the following:

Meeting Times

Committee meetings:

The troop committee is the troop's board of directors and supports the troop program. The committee consists of interested parents and adult volunteers from the community. The committee works closely with the Scoutmaster on all matters that deal with policy, chartering, finances, troop property, and special needs and/or assistance. The committee serves on boards of review and courts of honor. The committee also hosts several social gatherings throughout the year. The board meets regularly, usually once per month at St. Timothy United Methodist Church. Parents are always welcome to attend these meetings, but should confirm the meeting by phone before coming. Interested parents are also encouraged to join the committee to help support the troop activities.

Dues

Troop Calendar

The calendar also includes the dates for summer camp as well as high adventure.  Summer camp is a week long camp that has an incredible variety of activities as well as opportunities to work on advancement. 

Summer Camp

Troop 701 goes to a Scout Camp each summer for a week. Details are normally announced in December. Every Scout should plan to attend camp with the troop. Summer camp is the most important program experience of the entire Scouting year.

Advancement

Boy Scout advancement, a four step process:

1. The Boy Scout learns.
A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested.
A Scout may be tested on requirements by his Senior Patrol Leader, Instructor, Troop Guide, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or a troop committee member.  The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to test and pass candidates.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.
After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle board of review is conducted by members of the district advancement committee.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized.
When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his next rank will be presented to him at the next troop court of honor.

From the time the Scout enters the troop through the time he advances to First Class rank, 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.

Later ranks such as Star, Life, and Eagle are earned by serving in a leadership capacity, performing community service work, and earning merit badges (see Appendix A for complete information on how to earn a merit badge).  These ranks are harder to obtain, but are also more interesting for the older Scout.

The goal of the merit badge program is to provide an avenue for lifelong hobbies and possible job interests.  Although some of the merit badges are required, there are others that are electives.  Each Scout can earn merit badges in subjects that are of interest to him.  This should be the start of a very exciting trail of fun, achievement, adventure, and knowledge.

Advancement is the responsibility of the Scout. Parents and other adults are encouraged to help, but it is not the troop's or the parents' obligation to ensure progress.  For those new Scouts who are bridging Webelos, this will be quite a change for you.  For more information on Scout advancement, refer to the Boy Scout Handbook.

Our troop conducts a Court of Honor two or three times per year. The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor. 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 encouraged to attend.

A special Court of Honor takes place whenever a Scout earns the rank of Eagle.  We expect all Scouts and their parents to attend this very important ceremony.  Please see appendix B for more information.

Troop Advancement Goal- Every scout in Troop 701 advance one rank by the next court of honor (~6 months between each)

Responsibilities-

Outdoor Program

What to bring on a campout:
 

 The twelfth point of the Scout Law is a Scout is reverent.  Therefore, our troop holds non-denominational services on every Sunday that we are camping.  Each Scout is expected to help out with the service in some way.  Our troop's Chaplain Aide is responsible for overseeing this process.

Time of return from a campout will normally be communicated to parents at the beginning of the trip. Often it will be posted on the website. Scouts will bring some troop equipment home to clean or "air-out". These items need to be returned at the next troop meeting.

Camping fees are to be paid as arranged by the patrol. Major trips may include fees that are based on food costs, site fees, program costs, gasoline used, and other miscellaneous costs.

The troop normally carries a cellular phone on its trips. This enables adult leaders to get help quickly in the event of an emergency. Ask the trip leaders for the phone number at the beginning of the trip. Please note: most of our campsites are in areas that do not have cellular service, and we often will have the cell phone turned off to conserve the batteries. Call the trip only in emergency situations.

Youth Protection

Program Summary
Child abuse is a major problem affecting our society. Each year more than 2 million cases of suspected child abuse are reported. This means that 1 percent of American children are experiencing physical abuse, 1 percent are experiencing sexual abuse, and 2 to 5 percent are experiencing emotional maltreatment or some form of neglect. Because of the significance of this social problem, The Boy Scouts of America has declared child abuse as one of the "unacceptables" to receive special attention by those involved in the Scouting program.

The BSA has developed a five-point plan to combat child abuse and to improve the environment in which young people live. The key elements of this strategy include the following points:

Parents guide
The Boy Scouts of America has developed materials for use in the Scouting program that provide essential information to members and their families. A detachable booklet in the front of The Boy Scout Handbook, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parents Guide," provides information to help families to increase self-protection skills.

Troop 701 and the Youth Protection Program
Troop 701 is committed to following all guidelines of the Youth Protection program. Any suspected offenses of the Youth protection program must be reported to the Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster or the Council Executive. All incidents reported to the Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster will be reported to the Council Executive. All reports are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety of the youth.

Behavior

 1. pornographic materials
 2. open blade sheath knives
 3. any knife without possession of the "Totin' Chip" (Scouts only)
 4. striking or pushing another individual
 5. lying
 6. name calling or unfriendly behavior (saying "I was just kidding" does not justify such behavior).
 7. stealing (which includes "hiding" an item)
 8. damaging another person's belongings
 9. other areas which are not Scout-like

Scouts who are repeatedly involved in inappropriate behavior will generally undergo the following action:

 Incident #1: Verbal warning (and parent notification)
 Incident #2: Conference with the Scoutmaster (and parent notification)
 Incident #3: Scoutmaster conference with the Scout and the Scout's parents
 Incident #4: Troop committee will consider membership suspension or termination with the troop

If a Scout is on the receiving end of inappropriate behavior, he should report it to an adult leader at once.  A Scout who retaliates will not be exempt from disciplinary action.

The following items will result in immediate termination from the troop for Scouts and adults:

 1. alcoholic beverages
 2. tobacco products (Scouts only; adults may use with proper discretion, away from Scouts)
 3. illegal drugs

Fund Raisers

Troop Communication

1.  Review the list of badges, keeping in mind those required for Eagle.  Become familiar with the listed requirements. If you have any questions ask  other Scouts who have completed the badge, your parents or Scoutmaster.

2.  Once you and a buddy have selected a badge, let the Scoutmaster know. Remember, you must visit the Merit Badge Counselor with a buddy or parent.

3.  Your Scoutmaster will give you the name of a Merit Badge Counselor to contact. You will also receive a blue card authorizing you to proceed. Next, contact the Counselor and review the badge requirements. Your Counselor must approve your plan.

4.  It is the your responsibility to pursue the badge not the Counselor's. The Merit Badge Counselor will provide instruction, support materials, where possible, and advice regarding completion of the requirements.

5.  Keep your finished merit badge cards in a binder (baseball card sleeves work well). When you apply for your Eagle badge, you may be asked for records of your badges if there are any problems with the Council's records.  Be Prepared.

6.  A large part of the troop may work toward an Eagle badge during the year.  In some cases, meeting time will be devoted to these badges.  Typically however, troop meetings are not for the specific purpose of earning merit badges.

7.  Some badge requirements coincide with everyday school, scout or sporting activities.  You should take advantage of this.

8.  The Scout Shop has books for each of the badges. Books associated with the Eagle badges and many others are worthwhile reference books which you might find useful to own. Other badge books are less useful. Your Counselor may have an opinion regarding the books.  Also, make sure to check the troop library to see if it has a book you need.

9. Remember, some badges take time to finish the requirements.  Family Life and Personal Management merit badges take a minimum of three months to completed.

10. Some merit badges are listed in groups such as "personal fitness or swimming or sports".  This means only one of these badges can be used as a required merit badge towards the Eagle rank.  For example, if you earn swimming and sports then one counts as a required merit badge while the other counts as an optional merit badge.

 APPENDIX B
Importance of Attending an Eagle Court of Honor

As Scoutmaster of Troop 701 I would like to take a moment of your time and share with you what an Eagle Scout Court of Honor is all about.

First, let me point out that the Eagle rank is the highest award Boy Scouting has to offer.  A young man spends three to seven years working on the requirements for this rank.  He must earn at least 21 merit badges on topics such as Swimming, Lifesaving, Environmental Science and Citizenship in the Community.  He has to serve in various leadership capacities within the Troop, an example would be Senior Patrol Leader.  He must also participate in several service projects for the community.  Finally he must plan, organize, and complete a service project for the community that has been approved by BSA as an Eagle service project.  After completing all this the young man presents himself before a review board whose sole purpose is to ensure that he has completed all the requirements and is of good character as well as being a good citizen.

The Eagle rank is a prestigious award.  Only about one percent of all Boy Scouts world-wide ever complete all the requirements necessary to attain this high award.  It is usually the most important event he has experienced to this point in his life.  Once an Eagle Scout the young man will be considered an Eagle Scout for life.  The significance of attaining Eagle Scout is recognized by job interviewers and college scholarship boards as well as by military organizations, business communities, and political groups.

As you can see, an Eagle Court of Honor is a very important event.  I am soliciting your support and ask that your entire family attend, if possible.  Why?  The most important reason is it shows our support and recognition for this young man who has put forth such a great effort.  It also serves to strengthen the Troop through parent involvement.  Moreover, it emphasizes to your son how important you feel the Boy Scouting program is.  Through your involvement, your son may catch the enthusiasm and one day he too may become an Eagle Scout.

Make it a priority to attend and support this Eagle Scout, our Troop, and your son.