Download entire hand book (pdf)
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
Parent and Adult Leader Training
Advanced Adult Leader Training (Woodbadge)
Attitudes that do not show Scout spirit.
*Note—any reference made to parent/parents also refers to guardians.
In order to register your Scout into Troop 44, the following are necessary:
The Scout Class 1 medical form (on back of application)
Welcome to Troop 44. As a Webelo’s Scout or a new or transferring Boy Scout, the following information will help you and your parents become acquainted with our program. In Troop 44, we believe that Scouting is both fun and educational. It builds character, develops citizenship and enables a boy to develop skills in a wide range of areas. In teaching Scouting, we also teach the boys a way to live. Scouting is a partnership with both family and leaders helping the boys to meet the challenge of Scouting and attain the goal of an Eagle Scout who lives in the spirit of the Oath and the Law.
To teach Scouting, we use the following tools:
These are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan, and Outdoor Code. These are found in the BSA Handbook.
Boys develop leadership skills because they help run the patrols and the Troop. The Senior Patrol Leader, who is a Scout of 1st class rank or greater, is voted on and elected by his peers. This Scout, along with an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, who must also be 1st class Scout or higher, will help plan and run Troop activities and meetings. Boys in leadership positions are expected to attend 90% of all Scout meetings and 50% of all campouts and activities.
Within the Troop, boys work in patrols of five to eight members. Patrols choose their own name and elect their own leadership. Patrols and leadership change periodically in order for every boy to get involved. Patrol leaders in turn help run the Troop.
Scouting provides recognition for achievement. Boys learn new skills, both those chosen by them, as well as some they would not have selected by themselves.
We will make every effort to go camping or have at least one outdoor activity per month. During the summer the Troop will spend one week at a resident summer camp. During the summer months other Troop/family activities may be scheduled.
A significant part of Boy Scouts is service to his community. There will be several opportunities each year for Troop 44 to be a visible part of our community through service in a variety of projects. The rank of Eagle Scout requires the Scout to assemble and execute a significant service project. Every Scout in Troop 44 is expected to take part in service projects, both Troop service and Eagle projects, with the same enthusiasm as he does for all other outings.
The influence of the Scout uniform on boys has been a factor since the earliest days of the Scouting program. It identifies a boy as a member of a great international organization. In Troop 44, the two uniforms we have adopted are as follows:
The Class A uniform consists of a Boy Scout shirt with red epaulets, council patch, Troop 44 emblem (provided by the Troop), World Scouter crest, and neckerchief or bolo tie and street trousers. Scout uniforms are available through the Scout office in Orono (see reference page). Class A uniform must be worn the first Monday of each month for Troop uniform inspections, Courts of Honor, Scoutmaster Reviews, Boards of Review, or other official Scouting activities.
The Class B uniform is a red shirt printed with the Troop 44 Boy Scout emblem. These red tee shirts are ordered through the Troop and available to Scouts for a fee. Other shirts periodically ordered as a group with the Troop 44 Boy Scout emblem are also considered Class B uniforms and may be worn to Troop meetings or activities where the Class A uniform is not required.
The Scout handbook is a necessary tool for learning and recording advancement, and must be available at ALL Scout activities. These books will be with the boys throughout their Scouting days, and are best stored in a Ziploc bag.
Each year in November a boy registers for the following calendar year and is asked to pay a registration fee of $35. All monies are due to the treasurer whose name can be found on the Troop roster, which is attached. (If a boy registers during the year, the full fee is still due). This fee covers Boy’s Life subscription, BSA membership, BSA insurance, camporee registrations, merit badges, awards and advancements.
There will be additional expenses for trips, food for trips, summer camp and personal gear. Individuals or patrols are responsible for lost or damaged Troop equipment.
Fundraisers will go on throughout the year which would include, but not be limited to Christmas Tree sales, Popcorn sales, Bottle drives, & Car washes. Some fundraisers will directly support the Troop, whereas others will be opportunities for boys who participate in them to earn money for their personal Scout accounts.
Scout accounts are set up and maintained by the Troop Treasurer for each boy in Scouting. Scouts can earn money for their accounts by participating in specified fundraisers. The money in their accounts can be used for any Scouting activities, including summer camp, Scout trips, camping gear, or Scout related merchandise. If you have a question as to if something is Scout related, please check with the Scoutmaster or any committee member.
Our Troop meetings are held weekly on Monday night at the East Orrington Congregational Church from 6:30-8:00 p.m., with the exception of when Center Drive School is closed due to a holiday, snow day, or if the meeting is scheduled to be at a different location. Summer meetings will be announced prior to the summer vacation.
A boy will get out of Scouting only what he puts into it. Each meeting and Troop activity is a learning opportunity. Missed events put a boy at a disadvantage: he does not obtain information that could be critical to his personal development and advancement.
If a Scout is unable to attend a scheduled meeting, it is their responsibility to contact their Patrol leader to let them know. They are also responsible for getting filled in on what they missed at that meeting.
There is, within our Scout Troop, a calling order for effectively communicating important information throughout the Troop. The order is as follows: The Scoutmaster will call his senior patrol leader with the information, who will call the assistant senior patrol leader; they in turn will contact the individual patrol leaders. The patrol leaders will contact their assistant patrol leader and their entire patrol. It is always good for the patrol leaders to delegate a portion of the calling to their assistants. Equally important is to make sure that the directions are clear so everyone gets their call.
We would ask all parents to arrive at 7:45 and join the Troop in the closing assembly. This is when information on upcoming activities will be announced, and an opportunity for parents to stay involved and up to date on their boys Scouting activities. We will pass out monthly calendars to Scouting parents to help highlight and organize upcoming activities, however, these calendars are made prior to the month beginning, and will not include activities planned after the fact.
If a Scout has agreed to go on a trip and has paid his money, there cannot be a refund in the event that he cannot go. Scouts should attend both Troop meetings immediately preceding a campout: the first meeting will generally involve planning for the trip (includes collecting money to buy the food) and the second meeting will generally involve the distribution of the food and equipment.
Fees for campouts reflect cost of transportation, the campsite, equipment surcharge, etc. Meal costs are decided by each patrol when the menus are prepared. Patrols are responsible for collecting money TWO weeks prior to the event and purchasing food and supplies before each trip.
Permission Slips for Troop outings must be provided to the Troop annually when paying yearly dues. These are necessary to allow the outing adult leaders to get medical aid for your Scout in the event he has been injured while away.
Summer camp deposits are due to the Treasurer on a predetermined date in March. Thereafter, the balance may be paid in installments, or in full to the Treasurer by May 1st in order to receive the early bird discount. Medical forms are due to the Troop a week prior to summer camp, and must be updated every 3 years. Departure and return times and locations will be announced prior to leaving for camp.
The Troop 44 Class 1 medical form must be updated annually for all participants upon paying yearly dues. No form, no go! New Scouts medical forms are found on the back of the BSA application.
Troop 44 requests that if your child needs to leave a Scouting activity for any reason, you would agree to take care of the transportation. The “I agree” form must be signed prior to your scout going on any Scouting activities, and can be found on the bottom of the Code of Conduct form.
1. The ‘Buddy” system (at least 2 Scouts together) must be observed at all times.
2. Everyone in bed between 10 PM and 6 AM.
3. Respect everyone’s personal property.
4. Take proper care of Troop equipment.
5. No playing with fire. What goes in the fire, stays in the fire.
6. We will sleep, cook, work and clean up by patrols
7. Each Scout will do the work asked of him by his patrol leader or by any adult leader.
8. There will be no foul language or inappropriate jokes.
9. Obey all wood tools safety rules (found in BSA handbook).
10. No smoking, drugs or alcohol (adults included).
11. No video or other electronic games, weapons of any sort, fireworks, aerosol cans, or laser lights. These rules are intended to make Scouting fun and safe for everyone. They reflect the principles found in the Scout Oath and Law. Flagrant violations of appropriate Scouting behavior could result in having the parents being called to pick up their boy.
12. No spitting in the campsite.
Your son will need your support to reach his personal goals in Scouting and the Troop will need your help in order to provide a superb program. You are encouraged to have your son work on material at home with you as experience has shown us that the Scouts who are most successful have strong family support and parental involvement. Every parent is asked to fill out a Troop Resource Survey. These forms are used to help us know you better and provide us with a possible resource for a particular skill or activity. We always need help with rank advancement activities as well as transportation for outings. In our Troop, we encourage all parents to assist with activities throughout the year. These activities may include, but not be limited to; campouts, summer camp, transportation, fund raising, service projects, etc. If you have a special talent, or area that you would like to help out in, please let any committee member know.
*Please note: if everyone does a little bit, then no one will be overburdened. Our Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Members are all volunteers.
*Parents – If you are not an active part of a regular Scout meeting, please respect the adults and Scouts who are participating by having quiet interaction around them.
A Parent meeting will be planned annually following the crossover of the New Scouts in late February, or early March. The purpose is for the committee and parents to share information. The committee will accept suggestions from the parents for consideration, and parents will be asked for assistance to carry out Troop activities.
The Troop committee has the overall responsibility for the proper management of the Troop. The committee is responsible to appropriately implement activities planned by the Scoutmaster and the Troop’s boy leaders. The committee will accept all suggestions and recommendations from the parents who are encouraged to attend. It is the committee’s responsibility to discuss these ideas, vote on them and respond back to the Troop’s parents. The committee typically meets the 2nd Sunday of the month at East Orrington Congregational Church at 7pm. Meeting times may vary from time to time, so for confirmation, please ask the committee chair. A full committee list can be found in the back of the handbook.
A New Scout needs to review with his parents or guardian the joining requirements listed on page 4 of the Scout Handbook. As soon as these requirements are signed off and the Scout has his first Scoutmaster Conference, he can receive his Scout badge. This is the first step on the road to the rank of Eagle Scout. There are five basic parts to Boy Scout advancement and they apply to all six ranks:
1. The Scout Learns: A new Scout starts learning as soon as he joins.
2. The Scout is Tested: Advancement is a natural outcome of a boy’s regular Scouting activities. When an adult leader or senior youth leader recognizes that a Scout has mastered a given skill, he will inform the Scout that the particular requirement has been satisfied and will record this fact in the appropriate section of the Scout Handbook.
3. Scoutmaster conference: When the Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairman or adult leaders see that all requirements for rank are completed, the Scoutmaster has a conference with the Scout. The purpose of the conference is to develop over a period of time an increasing level of understanding and trust between the Scoutmaster and each Scout. These conferences enable the Scoutmaster to emphasize that Scout spirit means living the Scout Oath and Law in the Scout’s everyday life.
4. The Scout is Reviewed: Upon completing all the requirements for a specific rank, the Scout appears before a “Board of Review” comprised of members of the Troop committee. However, a parent cannot attend his or her own Scouts board of review. The purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest the boy, but to make sure that he has met all requirements for the rank and to informally talk about his feelings regarding his Scouting experience.
5. The Scout is Recognized: Once a Scout has passed his Board of Review, he is recognized as soon as possible. Formal recognition for rank advancement and merit badges will take place at the Court of Honor.
*Note: rank advancement must be recorded in the Scout Handbook and then it is the boy’s responsibility to contact the Advancement Chairperson or Scoutmaster for proper recording in the Troop records & Troop advancement chart on the bulletin board.
*Note: The Scouting program is set up in a way that Scouts can progress individually. Not all Scouts will progress at the same rate. They will advance according to how dedicated to the program they are.
A Scout and his parents are expected to attend every Court of Honor, whether or not he will receive an award. They will be held three or four times a year and will be the occasion for recognizing our boys’ achievements. All requests for rank advancement and merit badges will be turned in to the Advancement Chairman or Scoutmaster at least two weeks prior to the Court of Honor – this allows adequate time for ordering the awards as well as time to prepare the program for the evening.
· Any Scout, regardless of rank, can earn merit badges.
· The Scout decides which merit badge he wants to earn.
· See if another Scout might want to work on the badge. (optional)
· Talk to the Scoutmaster to get approval on earning the badge.
· Get a merit badge card from the Advancement Chairman or Scoutmaster. Fill in the required information on the card and get it signed by the Scoutmaster .BEFORE the work on the merit badge is started.
· If the counselor is from outside Troop 44, get the telephone number of a counselor for the merit badge counselor from the Advancement Chairman or Scoutmaster.
· Call or meet with the counselor and ask for suggestions that could help in fulfilling the requirements for the badge. Get a merit badge book from the Troop library (these are older books, and may not have the current requirements, but may be used for reference tools) or purchase a new book at the Scout Service Center in Orono (see reference page in back of book for address/phone number). Updated requirements may be obtained online at http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/merit-badges.asp.
·Working on the badge. Do all the writing necessary and ask the counselor for help if needed.
· The Scout (Not a parent ) makes a call to the counselor to ask for an appointment.
· The Scout goes in uniform, with a signed merit badge card and all finished work.
· The Scout demonstrates all work.
· The counselor signs the merit badge card and keeps his copy of the card.
· The Scout gives the advancement portion of the blue card to the Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster, for Troop records, and keeps the part of the card that is for “Applicant.”
· The Scout has earned the badge!
· The Scout will be presented with the merit badge patch and will be recognized at the next Court of Honor.
· The Scout must keep the Scout portion of the merit badge card in a safe place. It may be needed to verify work done, as the Scout gets ready for Eagle Scout. It is recommended that the parent provided a small box for the Scout to keep all-important Scout records in.
The Boy Scout Requirements handbook has all the Merit Badge requirements printed in full. This book is extremely useful for the Scout to browse to see what badges they may be interested in. This book is available at the Scout Council office in Orono, or in the Troop library. Current requirements are available online at http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/merit-badges.asp. Keep in mind that merit badge requirements change periodically; so old books may not have the updated requirements, but can still be used as a reference tool.
Training in Leadership goes on all the time. It is good for the Scouts to plan their own agenda, and then critique themselves when something does not work as expected. Most times we learn best when things do not go as planned, then we revise our plan, and hopefully we stand back and glow in our success. This is what the regular PLC (Patrol Leader Conference) meetings are about. The boy
leaders with the Scoutmaster meet to plan their agenda and outings.
JLT is an official Boy Scout training program to equip the Scouts in or ready for a leadership position; how to lead a Troop. Troop 44 conducts an overnight JLT course each year to prepare candidates for the Council NYLT course. Council conducts a one-week course each summer at the Katahdin Scout Camp. It is primarily conducted by leader Scouts who have attended in the past under the guidance of adult leaders. The twofold purpose is to train the new leaders and reinforce and further train the current junior leaders.
We would like every parent to attend this training to familiarize them with the goals of the Boy Scout program. By doing this they will better understand the purpose of the program, training and activities that their son experiences in Troop 44. This training will be offered during the annual parent meeting in late February, or early March.
It is our intent to provide youth protection training to all our parents. Our goal is to have every parent trained to satisfy the BSA requirement for tour permits. This is because we hope that every parent will be involved sometime during the year in working with the boys in some capacity. This training is offered on line at http://www.katahdinareabsa.org/. If you do the online training, please provide us with a copy of your verification that it has been completed. If you are not able to do the training on line, please let us know, so we can make other arrangements for you.
The successful operation of a Boy Scout Troop requires a number of committed, trained adults. These people must be thoroughly trained in the principles and commitments of the Boy Scouts in order to provide your boy(s) with a safe, enjoyable, learning environment. For this reason, Troop 44 requires that every Adult Volunteer Leader agree to attend the Boy Scout Adult Leader Training. Adult Volunteer Leaders include the Scoutmaster, his assistants and the Troop Committee that support him. Katahdin Area Council provides this training in spring and fall. It is offered in three parts which include; one Saturday (all day), one evening, and one weekend at KSR.
Participation in this training is strongly encouraged by as many adults as possible. Woodbadge is an intensive course that involves role-playing and development of leadership skills in a Boy Scout patrol environment. This Katahdin Area Council training involves a full week at KSR or several weekends (alternating every other year). Our Scoutmaster is Woodbadge trained.
Our goal is that at least one parent/guardian of every registered Scout will volunteer to assist in activities throughout the year. Listed below are some of the volunteer jobs & activities we run throughout the year. As you can see, without your help, many of these activities will not happen! Keeping in mind that this is just a few of the many responsibilities of running a Troop, the committee is always glad to hear from parents with new and fresh ideas.
ü Assist in Fund Raising Activities
ü Assist in Christmas tree sales or provide hot food and drink for workers
ü Be the Popcorn Kernel or assist in Popcorn Sales
ü Assist in Car Washes
ü Assist on a Car Camping Weekend Outing
ü Assist on arranging Transportation for outings
ü Drive for an outing
ü Assist at a Service Project
ü Assist on arrangements necessary for Summer Camp
ü Assist in preparing advancement awards for Court of Honor
ü Assist in arranging Tour Permits and Permission Slips for Outings
ü Be a Patrol Advisor
ü Setup and/or Maintain a Troop WEB site
ü Assist on a Back Packing Weekend Outing
ü Assist on a Winter Skiing trip
ü Assist on a Day Hike
ü Serve refreshments for a Court of Honor
ü Help Scouts plan and script a Court of Honor
ü Assist on a Summer 50 mile-backpacking trip
ü Maintain a Troop Newsletter
ü Volunteer to be telephone caller
ü Volunteer to be the trip telephone contact person
ü Assist on a Winter Camping Trip
For many leaders, Scout Spirit is hard to define. However, try a few of the following ideas to see if it can be seen.
1. When a Scout arrives, he is in appropriate uniform.
2. Upon arrival, the Scout asks if he can be of some help, and if needed, helps.
3. The Scout helps put away anything out of place.
4. The Scout is ready to participate in activities, even though he may not have experienced the activity.
5. If the Scout has done the activity before, he offers to help someone who has not had the experience.
6. On outings, the Scout helps with dishes, helps someone set up a tent, and participates in all Troop/patrol projects.
7. A Scout may be asked to do an activity, and it would be expected that the leader would not have to ask a second time.
8. On hikes, the Scout tries his best. If he is a fine hiker, he walks with slower boys. He is seen to care about others rather than himself.
9. The Scout participates in service activities, not asking what he will get out of it.
10. If the Scout is helpful at home, the same attitude will show in the Troop.
11. The Scout will cheer on others who are trying to accomplish a task.
12. The Scout goes out of his way to help new members of the Troop.
13. If the Scout has had a disagreement with a fellow Scout, once he has calmed down, he seeks to apologize or get on better terms with the other Scout.
1. Lack of pride in wearing the uniform to meetings.
2. Making fun of other Scouts who are trying to participate.
3. Planning “tricks” that will disturb other Scouts.
4. Scouts whose choice in getting a point across is to bully or show that their size is bigger, thus intimidating younger or physically less capable Scouts.
5. Scouts who openly disregard leaders directions.
6. Scouts who create new ways to upset meetings and leaders.
7. Scouts whose foul language is insulting to others and unacceptable in public.
8. Scouts who openly defy adults.
If you wonder where to find a Scout is who shows Scout spirit, look to an Eagle Scout for example. If you wonder where your boy or boys stand in Scout spirit, use this as a test. If you are a Scout and wonder about Scout spirit, test yourself and be honest. If you find you are weak in an area, decide to change your ways.
The following is our Troop Code Of Conduct. All Scouts and parents need to read, agree to, and sign the Code of Conduct form included in this packet before attending any Troop activities.
1st. Scouts will be required to take a cool off period away from the group.
2nd. Scouts will need to discuss their behavior with an adult leader.
3rd. Leader will call Scout’s parents and they will be required to leave the activity early.
If you have any Question you may contact:
Scoutmaster or Committee Chair
Current Committee list is attached.
Scouting is a Special Place. The rules are ones we know well, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We create a safe haven in Scouting, a place where everyone should feel physically and emotionally secure. We do this in several ways:
· We set the example for others and us by always behaving, as Scouts should. We live the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day, to the best of our abilities.
· We refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate put-down, name-calling, or physical aggression.
· We communicate our acceptance of each participant and each other through expressions of concern and by showing our appreciation whenever possible.
· We create an environment based on learning and fun. We seek the best from each participant, and we do our best to help each person achieve it. As an adult, you help to create a safe haven by your personal example. Your attitudes, your behavior, and your expectations set the tone. Safe Haven also applies to the volunteer adults who are supervising your boys. They should not be subjected to physical or emotional abuse from Scouts or their parents. Differences should be negotiated in as calm an atmosphere as can be established to benefit all parties involved.
As a new Scout coming in to our Troop, we realize that your Scout may not have all the proper camping gear for a successful camping trip. We would ask that you do not buy any of the equipment listed below until you have had a meeting with the Scoutmaster or his assistants. We want you to have all the information regarding different styles and qualities before you start purchasing.
Tent
Pocket Knife with totin’ chip (earned as a Boy Scout)
First aid Kit
Rain Gear
Nalgene or Water Bottle
Flashlight
Trail Food
Matches and Fire Starter
Sun Protection
Bug Repellent
Map and Compass
Foam Sleeping Pad or (*) Air Mattress
Sleeping Bag (20 degrees or warmer)
Eating Kit to include Spoon, Bowl & Cup
Toothbrush
Tooth Paste
Personal Supply of toilet paper (in plastic bag)
*Boy Scout handbook
Plastic bag for storing wet or dirty clothes
Rain cover for backpack (large garbage bag will do)
*Backpacking trips require more planning to eliminate all unnecessary weight from the Scouts backpack. Items above marked with (*) are items not necessary for backpacking trips.
Long Sleeve Shirt
Sweater (Wool or Fleece)
Long Pants (Fleece w/ Wind pants or Wool)
Long underwear
Extra Socks (no Cotton or Athletic)
Wool or Fleece Winter Hat
Winter Gloves or Mittens
Towel
Handkerchief
Extras (optional)
Watch
Camera
Notebook & pen
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Bird, Plant or Tree Identification book
Musical instrument
Prayer book
Patrols will be responsible for packing their own cooking equipment and camping gear, based on the menu and activities they have planned for the campout. Most Troop/patrol gear will be found in the Troop trailer and will be pulled out prior to the camping trip.
NOTE: Try using different color stuff sacks or zip lock bags to pack small items (toiletries, first aid, small kitchen items, etc). The chemical residue in plastic film containers cannot be washed away and may leach into the contents of the container.
FOOD
Pack food in zip lock bags - one bag for each meal. Put small label on each bag. All food must be in waterproof bag suitable for hanging in a tree (this is to prevent attracting wildlife to our campsites). We would ask that any food brought on trips be of nutritional value. These trips are physically demanding and the boys need proper food energy.
For more detailed information, please refer to the BSA Hand Book, Field Book and the Backpacking, Camping and Hiking merit badge pamphlets.