This is
meant to answer some of the most common questions new scouts and
families have coming into a Scout Troop. Also, let us know if you'd like to add any questions
to this list!
What does ‘Boy Led Troop’ mean?
A
boy led troop is one in which the leadership is carried out by boys.
Boys do the planning for meetings and outings. Boys run the meetings and
are in charge of the outings. Adults are in the background providing
advice, supervision, training and transportation.
How much does it cost?
Annual
dues vary from Troop to Troop. Troop 136's annual dues are $35, each March and October. Incoming Webelos are able to
transfer their membership for only $1 their first year. Other new
scouts are charged on a pro-rated basis, depending on when they join. Most camps and activity costs are around $20 and are only charged when the scout signs up. Finances should never be a reason for boys not to be scouts, and
families who need assistance are encouraged to speak with our
Scoutmaster. We handle all such requests with utmost confidence. Our
most important priority is the full participation of the boy.
What do I have to buy?/ What does the troop provide?
As
a new scout, all that you need to obtain is a uniform shirt and a
few patches. Short-sleeves are common, but long-sleeves are totally
acceptable. The shirt should have the American flag (standard on all
new shirts), the council patch for Northern Star council, and the Troop
numbers "136". The Troop provides all new scouts with shoulder loops,
troop neckerchief and a Scout handbook.
The troop provides tents, tarps and cooking utensils for all campouts.
Once your son is ready to join us camping (hopefully right away!), he'll
want to have a sleeping bag, mess kit and water bottle at a minimum.
There can be additional recommendations for additional gear, depending
on the nature of the campout.
Can I just use my Webelos uniform?
If
you have the blue Cub Scout shirt- you'll have to switch to the tan
shirt for Boy Scouts. If you are wearing the tan Webelos shirt, then yes!
You'll just have to make a few changes:
-
Remove the den number, Webelos activity colors, and all of your Cub Scout ranks.
-
Your Arrow of Light is the only rank that transfers to Boy
Scouts. However, it moves to the bottom edge of your left shirt pocket.
-
If you have a purple religious knot, that transfers to the Boy Scouts.
-
The council patch and unit numbers can remain, so long as they are "Northern Star" and "136" respectively.
-
Any temporary patches (on the right pocket) can remain until they are replaced with a new one.
What kind of leadership is there in the troop?
The Scoutmaster (SM) (adult position) advises the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) (boy position). The SPL is in charge of the troop meetings and the Patrol Leaders Council.
There are many leadership positions within a troop for the boys. Other
positions include Quartermaster, Chaplain’s Aide, Bugler, Librarian and
Historian.
How much parent involvement is required at this level?
Keep
in mind that Boy Scout troops are supposed to be boy led. As such, the
demands for adults is lighter than with Cub Scouts, but also more
vital. Adults can attend committee meetings, serve as merit badge
counselors, and help transport boys and equipment on outings. Adults also provide a support system and cheerleading squad. BSA rules
require the Troop to provide at least 2 adults on any outing, so adult
participation can often define whether or not an event for the scouts
even occurs.
What is a Rank?
Rank
is a collection of skills earned by completion of set requirements, such as cooking, orienteering, knots and
first aid. The requirements for each rank are more difficult than the
prior rank. The ranks in Boy Scouting are Tenderfoot, Second Class,
First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. Doing the requirements for ‘rank’
prepares boys to become better campers, hikers, better Scouts and most
important of all; better citizens
What are Merit Badges?
Merit
Badges are “an invitation to explore an exciting subject. By earning
Merit Badges Scouts gain career skills, social skills, physical skills
and they may even begin new and healthful hobbies that are kept for a
lifetime.”
What does my son need to do to earn a Merit Badge?
After
deciding on a badge, your son needs to obtain a Merit Badge application
and the name of a qualified counselor. Required activities are outlined
in each merit badge pamphlet. Requirements are signed off by MB
counselors.
Should my son get started on merit badges right away?
Your son may begin working on activities for rank and Merit Badges (MBs) as soon as he is a registered Boy Scout. He can continue earning MBs
until his 18th birthday. Any Boy Scout can work on any badge without
regard to his current rank. Merit badges can very in terms of
challenge, though, and you or your son can feel free to ask the
Scoutmaster or Advancement Coordinator on the appropriateness of any
merit badge for your scout.
When should I expect my son to earn Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, etc.?
In Cub Scouts, ranks were earned every year. In Boy Scouts, boys set their own pace.
Active Scouts will earn 1st Class within a year of joining, some may
take 18 months or longer. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class
requirements may be worked on simultaneously, however each rank must be
earned in sequence.
Can I sign off my son’s requirements?
Generally
no, though there are certain requirements that require your
involvement. In Troop 136, any adult leader sign off on rank requirements
for scouts.