Table
of Contents
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 members can easily relate to each other.
These small groups determine troop activities
through elected representatives.
Outdoor Program
Boy Scouting is designed
to take place outdoors. It is the outdoor
setting that Scouts share responsibilities and
learn to live with one another. In the
outdoors the skills and activities practiced
at troop meetings come alive with purpose.
Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an
appreciation for the beauty of the world
around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in
which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice
conservation of nature's resources.
Advancement
Boy Scouting provides a
series of surmountable obstacles and steps in
overcoming them through the advancement
method. 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.
Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
How
often has your Troop achieved Quality Unit
status in the last 5 years? Every Year.
2.
How
are new Scouts handled? Are they mixed in with
existing patrols or put into a new patrol?
We have done both and like to keep
friends together. We have an Assistant
Scoutmaster focused on advancement with the younger
scouts.
3.
How
many registered leaders are there?
30
What is their attendance history at
regular meetings and on outings? Pretty
high. Rough estimate last few years of 6 –
10 per campout probably more on the 10 side
than the 6 side.
4.
What
is the boy:leader ratio at meetings and on
outings? Rough guess: 5 boys to a
leader.
5.
Do
you have an active outdoor program? Yes.
How many days/year are spent camping? 35
– 40 days not including High Adventure. High
adventures tend to be 7 – 14 days in
duration. Where?
Midwest
generally. High Adventures vary:
Philmont
,
Alaska
,
Isle
Royale
,
etc…
What are the plans for summer camp? We
alternate. Recently visited Camp Greilick,
Cole Canoe Base and
Lost
Lake Scout
Reservation.
6.
What
is your philosophy on uniforms? Scouts
should be in Class A’s for all meetings and
on way / back from campouts. Monday after
campouts, class B is OK.
7.
How
are new Scouts going to learn what to do as
Boy Scouts (camping skills, patrol activities,
advancement, etc.)? The older scouts
work with the younger less experienced scouts
to teach the skills. Scouts 1st
Class and higher can sign off rank
requirements for 2nd Class scouts
and lower. 2nd Class scouts can
sign off for Tenderfoot. Will they
have an experienced adult leader working with
them? An Assistant Scoutmaster is
dedicated to working with the younger Scouts.
8.
What
is a typical Troop meeting like? Flag
ceremony, oath, motto, announcements, boy
planned and led sessions, usually play a game
near the end of the meeting. Do you
work on merit badges? There
are alternate merit badge sessions graciously
put on by some of the merit badge counselors.
These sessions are usually held prior to a
troop meeting or on an alternate night as not
to disrupt the troop meeting. This works
pretty well. Do you play a lot of
games? It is entirely up to the senior
scout leadership.
9.
What
is your philosophy regarding advancement (at
what pace are the ranks earned)? The
boys work at their own pace. We do not force
them to advance. If they wish to do High
Adventures or other special trips, it is a
general requirement that they achieve 1st
class status. We strongly support and
encourage advancement but do not “make”
them achieve it. The resources are available
to the boys if they wish to use them.
Generally, if the scout is on track, they
should be 1st class around the end
of their 1st year or so.
10.
What
kind of program do you have for the older
Scouts? Are there any High Adventure
activities? We have several older scouts
in the troop and have many special activities.
We have been going on High Adventures each
year. We have special activities like climbing
at Planet Rock, a Bowl-A-Thon, Skiing, etc….
There is also a “sister” Venture Crew –
2123 for those interested in additional high
adventure type campouts.
11.
What
kind of fundraising do you have? Christmas
Wreaths and Popcorn (fall), and sometimes can drives for High
Adventures or special trips
12.
What
are the financial obligations for each Scout?
a.
at
signup $75 per year if signed up by Dec
31. After $80. Includes Boys Life Magazine and
Scout registration.
b. per
campout Depends on campout. Usually $25.
If a longer trip, include an extra $5 or $10
for lunch on way back. Adult drivers are
free.
c.
summer
camp 2007 was: $250
d.
other
Each scout has a scout account. First
$200 of fund individual fund raising is split
with the troop 50/50 per year. After that it
is 90% scout /10% troop.
13.
Do
you pay for or subsidize training for the boys
(Junior Leader Training, Den Chief training,
etc.)? We do for JLT and bring up other
decisions to the committee.
14.
Does
your Troop have a limitation on size? No.
15.
Do
you have written policies? Yes.
Troop 123 Handbook
16.
Is
your Troop "boy-run" or
"adult-run?" Boy Run
17.
Are
Troop meetings and activities planned:
- by the boys? Yes
- for a full year? Themes are planned in
advance – meetings planned once
a month
- at a patrol leaders meeting? Yes
18.
What
kind of equipment do you have?
Eureka
Tetragon 9’s for most campouts.
Eureka Backcountry 4’s and 2’s for
backpacking. 5 Patrol Boxes, several stoves,
etc…
2 Trailers.
Is it in good shape? Yes Do you
have enough if Webelos were to join your
Troop? Yes. If we need more, we get
approval from the committee to purchase.
19.
Are
your Scouts able to balance Boy Scouts with
other activities such as sports, band, church,
etc.? Certain times of year, scouts may
be busy with other activities. Just make
scoutmaster aware if not going to attend
meetings for an extended period of time.
20.
How
active is your Troop at District and Council
events? Several adult leaders are on
Council and District Committees.
21.
How
many current leaders are trained in:
- Youth Protection? Almost all leaders.
We strongly encourage all leaders to attend.
- Scoutmaster Fundamentals? Several. We
strongly encourage all leaders to attend.
- Woodbadge? Some.
22.
What
are the expectations/requirements of new adults/parents
to this Troop - as assistant leaders,
committee members, special event chairpersons,
event workers, merit badge counselors? Pick
a passion and we will be happy to have your
help.
23.
Does
the Troop pay for any/all adult leader
registration and training? Registration
is covered and most adult leader training is
covered by troop.
24.
How
many leaders routinely attend Round Table? 2
– 5.
25.
How
do you feel about a Scout (and parent)
visiting a meeting unannounced? It’s
OK. Prefer notice so we can plan better.
