TROOP 92 HANDBOOK
Welcome to SCOUTING and to Troop 92 of North Parkersburg Baptist Church. We have compiled this handbook to help you learn more about the scouting program and to clearly communicate the troop’s policies and procedures. It is each scouts responsibility to become familiar with these policies.
PARENTAL HELP
Parents! Scouting is
an organization run by volunteers. In
MOST CASES - these volunteers are the parents of the boys in the Troop. Without parents willing to provide the
resources to make the troop a success - there would be no troop. If
your son wishes to participate in Troop 92 - you as a parent are expected to
contribute to our success as well.
Your contribution can take many forms:
· Serving on the troop committee
· Attending outings
· Becoming a merit badge counselor
· Becoming an assistant scoutmaster
· Organizing banquets
· Fund Raisers
· Financial support and donations.
· Regardless of how you contribute, scouting is more than a place to “Drop Off” your son - plan to get involved.
· A new boy’s success in scouting depends on your active participation and continual encouragement.
· Mark your calendars for events.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ATTACHED TROOP RESOURCE SURVEY TO THE
SCOUTMASTER.
Note: Many parents become discouraged when their
son seems to lose interest in advancement or the scouting program. While it is up to the troop committee to
ensure the program is exciting and well organized, parent participation and
active encouragement is essential to the process. We know of no boy that has made Eagle Scout without strong,
continual parental support throughout the years.
THE JARGON
OF SCOUTING
This overview is intended to give the parent, new to scouting, a brief look at the various events during the year and their meaning to your son.
COURT OF HONOR
Generally held twice per year in September and February. This is the formal presentation of various awards, rank and merit badges that the boys have earned. Attendance by family members is strongly encouraged since it will continue to demonstrate to your son that what he is doing is important to you.
EAGLE COURT OF
HONOR
A special court of honor will be held during which a Scout is presented with the rank of Eagle Scout. The presentation of the Eagle Rank is the only award given during this court of honor and all members of the Troop are expected to attend, wearing Class “A” uniforms.
BOARD OF REVIEW
A group of parents will review the scouts record of advancement toward a particular rank. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters do not participate on the boards of review. It is not a time of testing, but a time for assuring that what has been accomplished has been done correctly and completely. It is also a time of encouragement, as the board helps the boy look at possible next steps for advancement.
SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE
A time set aside for the scoutmaster to individually review a scout’s progress toward rank as well as to discuss the scouts position, scout spirit and service to the troop. This is also an opportunity for the boys to discuss things they would like to see change in the troop.
WHAT IS “SCOUT SPIRIT”
“Scout Spirit” can be shown in many ways. One of the most important is being active and involved in the scouting program at both the troop and council level. Another way to demonstrate scout spirit is to regularly wear your uniform to scout meetings. Scout spirit is also demonstrated by helping younger scouts and going the “extra mile” when it is not required. Living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in everyday life is also part of showing scout spirit. For advancement, the scout spirit examples do not necessarily have to be from the time period since the last rank was earned.
ORDER OF THE ARROW
- OA
OA is a national brotherhood of Scout honor campers selected by their peers to provide aid to the scouting program through high ideals. It is based on brotherhood and cheerful service to fellowmen. Inspirational ceremonies are based on legend and Indian lore that strengthens understanding of the Scout Oath and Law.
TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING
A troop committee meeting occurring generally on the fourth Thursday of the month to review:
· Prior Months Activities
· Coming Months Plans
· Expenditures
· Input on how the program can be improved.
Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend all committee meetings!
SUMMER CAMP
This is a weeklong period devoted to improving your scout’s skills in many areas. It is a time of recreation balanced with skill learning for rank advancement and for concentrated merit badge work. For newer scouts, the first year camper program offers an excellent opportunity to meet advancement requirements. For the older scouts, summer camp is an excellent opportunity to complete merit badges toward Star, Life and Eagle. Summer camp is also a great opportunity for the older scouts to help out with the newer scouts.