Boy Scouts of America
Troop 150
(http://www.troop150.wildapricot.org/
The Federated Church
Chagrin Falls, OH
Guidebook for Parents
Contents
Welcome
What is Boy Scouting?
Troop Organization
Commitment and Attendance
Finances
Advancement
Camping and Outdoor Program
Equipment Vendors
Leadership Selection
Baden-Powell’s Last Message
Attachments
Revised – January 2009
Welcome to BSA Troop 150!
Our program is about the development of your son’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
Troop 150’s success is based on our ability to help you help your son see their full potential of
what they can become in their lives. Our program needs to be fun and challenging in order to
help each boy see himself as he is, while allowing him to learn from the experiences he will have
the opportunity to participate in. Our hope is that based on a fun and challenging program, the
boys will introduce themselves to their full potential, and through role models and activities, help
them to see the type of person they choose to become.
Our vision for our troop is to ensure the quality and survival of our troop and our program based
on the successful use of the Aims and Methods of the Boy Scouts of America.
How we achieve our vision is through the mission of our troop. Focus the greatest amount of
time, energy, and resources on the boys who buy in to the program. Buying in means the boys
must commit to the boy-led program and invest the time needed in their own development. As a
group we do not believe in doing for the boys, what we believe they are capable of learning to do
for themselves.
We can teach them and we can coach them but the full benefit of this program is realized when
the boy is committed to his own development. We will take care to help each boy understand the
benefits of this Scouting program and the expertise added through our adult volunteers, but in the
end the scout must choose, on his own, to make the level of this commitment for his own
development.
In order for us to achieve the success we are striving for, we need your help as parents to
understand our program. For this reason we have provided this guidebook as a resource. We
have included some basic information you will need to help your son achieve the benefits of
Scouting. There are numerous resources provided by BSA that guides our work and if you are
interested, we can make them available for your use.
If you were a Scout, please understand there have been numerous changes over the years to keep
the program current with the changing needs of our society. There have been major changes in
safety, laws, and camping procedures to name a few. So, you might be surprised to find we may
not do some of the things we did as Scouts.
Regardless of your experience with Scouting, we welcome you and hope that that you will take
the time explore with us, and understand what we do as an organization to support your work as
parents. Give scouting a chance the benefits are worth it!
Yours in Scouting,
Troop 150 Committee
Revised – January 2009
What Is Boy Scouting?
Purpose of the BSA
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations
that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and
emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative,
courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire
and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and
governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and
understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people;
and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
Boy Scout Program Membership
Boy Scouting is a year-round program for boys age 11 - 17. Boys who are 10 may join if they
have received the Arrow of Light Award or have finished the fifth grade. Boy Scouting is a
program of fun outdoor activities, peer group leadership opportunities, and a personal
exploration of career, hobby and special interests, all designed to achieve the BSA’s objectives
of strengthening character, personal fitness and good citizenship.
Boy Scout program membership, as of December 31, 2007, is
913,588
548,318
50,334
Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts
adult volunteers
troops/teams
Volunteer Scouters
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scouting
program. They serve in a variety of jobs — everything from unit leaders to chairmen of troop
committees, committee members, merit badge counselors, and chartered organization
representatives.
Like other phases of the program, Boy Scouting is made available to community organizations
having similar interests and goals. Chartered organizations include professional organizations;
governmental bodies; and religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and citizens'
groups. Each organization appoints one of its members as the chartered organization
representative. The organization is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and support for
troop activities.
Revised – January 2009
Who Pays for It?
Several groups are responsible for supporting Boy Scouting: the boy and his parents, the troop,
the chartered organization, and the community. Boys are encouraged to earn money whenever
possible to pay their own expenses, and they also contribute dues to their troop treasuries to pay
for budgeted items. Troops obtain additional income by working on approved money-earning
projects. The community, including parents, supports Scouting through the United Way, Friends
of Scouting campaigns, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This
income provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other
facilities, and professional service for units.
Aims and Methods of the Scouting Program
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of
Scouting.” They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The
methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal
importance of each.
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 Programs: Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in 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.
Associations with Adults: Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves.
Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a
Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them
can make a profound difference in their lives.
Revised – January 2009
Personal Growth: As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they
experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth
method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do
Good Turns for others. Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal
growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the
personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy
Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting’s aims.
Leadership Development: The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice
leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total
leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership
role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Uniform: The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a
positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the
uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of
Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who
believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a
way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
Outdoor Activities
Local councils operate and maintain Scout camps. The National Council operates highadventure areas at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the Northern Tier National High
Adventure Program in Minnesota and Canada, and the Florida National High Adventure Sea
Base in the Florida Keys. About 70 councils also operate high-adventure programs.
The BSA conducts a national Scout jamboree every four years and participates in world Scout
jamborees (also held at four-year intervals). Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, will be the site of the 2010
Centennial National Scout Jamboree.
The Beginning of Scouting
Scouting, as known to millions of youth and adults, evolved during the early 1900s through the
efforts of several men dedicated to bettering youth. These pioneers of the program conceived
outdoor activities that developed skills in young boys and gave them a sense of enjoyment,
fellowship, and a code of conduct for everyday living.
In this country and abroad at the turn of the century, it was thought that children needed certain
kinds of education that the schools couldn’t or didn’t provide. This led to the formation of a
variety of youth groups, many with the word “Scout” in their names. For example, Ernest
Thompson Seton, an American naturalist, artist, writer, and lecturer, originated a group called the
Woodcraft Indians and in 1902 wrote a guidebook for boys in his organization called the Birch
Bark Roll. Meanwhile in Britain, Robert Baden-Powell, after returning to his country a hero
following military service in Africa, found boys reading the manual he had written for his
regiment on stalking and survival in the wild. Gathering ideas from Seton, America’s Daniel
Carter Beard, and other Scoutcraft experts, Baden-Powell rewrote his manual as a nonmilitary
skill book, which he titled Scouting for Boys. The book rapidly gained a wide readership in
England and soon became popular in the United States. In 1907, when Baden-Powell held the
Revised – January 2009
first campout for Scouts on Brownsea Island off the coast of England, troops were spontaneously
springing up in America.
William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 after
meeting with Baden-Powell. (Boyce was inspired to meet with the British founder by an
unknown Scout who led him out of a dense London fog and refused to take a tip for doing a
Good Turn.) Immediately after its incorporation, the BSA was assisted by officers of the YMCA
in organizing a task force to help community organizations start and maintain a high-quality
Scouting program. Those efforts climaxed in the organization of the nation’s first Scout camp at
Lake George, New York, directed by Ernest Thompson Seton. Beard, who had established
another youth group, the Sons of Daniel Boone (which he later merged with the BSA), provided
assistance. Also on hand for this historic event was James E. West, a lawyer and an advocate of
children’s rights, who later would become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the
Boy Scouts of America. Seton became the first volunteer national Chief Scout, and Beard, the
first national Scout commissioner.
Publications
The BSA publishes the Boy Scout Handbook (more than 37.8 million copies of which have been
printed); the Patrol Leader Handbook, which offers information relevant to boy leadership; the
Scoutmaster Handbook; more than 100 merit badge pamphlets dealing with hobbies, vocations,
and advanced Scoutcraft; and program features and various kinds of training, administrative, and
organizational manuals for adult volunteer leaders and Boy Scouts. In addition, the BSA
publishes Boys' Life magazine, the national magazine for all boys (magazine circulation is more
than 1.3 million) and Scouting magazine for volunteers, which has a circulation of over 1.1
million.
Conservation
Conservation activities supplement the program of Boy Scout advancement, summer camp, and
outdoor activities and teach young people to better understand their interdependence with the
environment.
Revised – January 2009
Scout Law
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps
his promises. Honesty is part of
his code of conduct. People can
depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family,
Scout leaders, friends, school,
and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about
other people. He does things
willingly for others without pay
or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a
brother to other Scouts. He
seeks to understand others. He
respects those with ideas and
customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone
regardless of age or position. He
knows good manners make it
easier for people to get along
together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is
strength in being gentle. He
treats others as he wants to be
treated. He does not hurt or kill
harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his
family, school, and troop. He
obeys the laws of his community
and country. If he thinks these
rules and laws are unfair, he
tries to have them changed in an
orderly manner rather than
disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side
of things. He cheerfully does
tasks that come his way. He tries
to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way
and to help others. He saves for
unforeseen needs. He protects
and conserves natural resources.
He carefully uses time and
property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if
he is afraid. He has the courage
to stand for what he thinks is
right even if others laugh at or
threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and
mind fit and clean. He goes
around with those who believe
in living by these same ideals.
He helps keep his home and
community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God.
He is faithful in his religious
duties. He respects the beliefs of
others.
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.
Scout Motto
Scout Slogan
Be Prepared
Do a Good Turn Daily
Revised – January 2009
ADVANCEMENT RANKS
Tenderfoot
Star
Revised – January 2009
Second Class
Life
First Class
Eagle
Revised – January 2009
Commitment and Attendance
“It is the philosophy of the Scouting movement to welcome all boys and young people,
regardless of race or ethnic background, who are willing to accept Scouting’s values and meet
other requirements of membership.”
A young person’s commitment to scouting is significant. In order to be a scout a young person
must pledge his attendance, time, energy, enthusiasm, attention, efforts, and interest to the entire
program his troop offers. In order to receive the full benefits of Scouting, a person must agree to
be faithful to the Scouting philosophy and to the membership requirements of the troop.
Scouting is a group based organization and as such it requires an individual to make a
commitment to support his patrol, his troop, and the whole Boy Scout community.
Regular attendance is needed for advancement in the Scout program. Regular attendance is
defined as, “attend a majority of troop meetings, a majority of campouts, and a majority of other
troop functions such as service projects, courts of honor, summer camp, Troop Youth Leader
Training, Patrol Leaders Council, and boards of review.”
Troop 150 typically meets as follows:
Location:
Months:
Day/Time:
Revised – January 2009
The Federated Church
September – June
Tuesday Nights 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Finances
Dues:
The Troop dues are $50 per year per boy and are due March 1st. That amount may be
paid by check, payable to: BSA Troop 150, or by PayPal through the Troop website:
http://troop150.wildapricot.org/.
A Scout whose dues are delinquent will not be able to attend any outings, nor will he be
allowed to sign up on reservation lists for major outings until his dues are paid. If this
causes any hardship, please contact the Troop Committee Chairman.
These dues are used to pay for Council Recharter Fees. For Troop 150, this includes
registration fees, accident insurance, and Boy’s Life magazine. The rest of the dues
cover operational expenses for the troop including advancement and awards, court of
honor expenses, insignia, and publications.
Campouts:
Campouts and outings have a cost associated with them. That amount should be paid the
week before the campout payable to: BSA Troop 150 and turned into the Troop Scribe.
The Troop can also accept PayPal payments through the Troop website:
http://troop150.wildapricot.org/.
Adult drivers will be reimbursed by the Troop Treasurer for driving to and/or from
outings. Please turn in expenses associated with a campout to the Camping and Outdoor
Activities Chairperson or the Troop Treasurer. A check will be issued to you
immediately upon receiving the receipt.
Food for outings is purchased on a patrol basis. Save your grocery receipt, indicate your
name & the Outing name on the receipt and turn into the Treasurer when checking in for
the campout. A check will be issued to you immediately upon the receipt being presented
to the Treasurer.
Fundraising:
We have two major troop fundraisers each year. The first is the Greater Cleveland
Council Popcorn Sale in the fall raises money for council-wide activities and for
equipment for our troop. Profits from the Popcorn sale are shared between the Troop and
the Scouts. Money for the Scouts is kept in a Scout Bucks account for use to offset the
cost of scouting.
The Annual Troop 150 Pasta Dinner in March is the other major fundraiser for the troop.
Half of the funds raised go directly to the scouts Scout Buck Accounts; the rest of the
money raised is used to support the many programs that the troop offers.
Additional fundraising may be needed by smaller groups, such as a high adventure crew
raising money to attend Philmont Scout Ranch.
Revised – January 2009
Scout Bucks Account:
Scouts have the opportunity during Troop fundraisers to earn money for themselves
which is kept in a separate Scout Buck account for that scout. These funds may be used
to purchase scouting related items, such as uniforms, camping fees, and camping
equipment. Please email and/or mail your receipt to the Treasurer who will reimburse the
scout from his account.
Camperships are sometimes available on an as needed basis. It is the position of this
troop that no boy should be denied the experience of camping for financial reasons. If
needed, please contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman.
Revised – January 2009
Advancement
Advancement is the best place to be in a Boy Scout troop! We get to mark off the tiny steps the
new Tenderfoot learns as well at the gigantic leaps a Life Scout makes toward his Eagle
Leadership Service Project.
The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral
choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The
Advancement Program recognizes (read: congratulates and awards) development of Character,
Citizenship and Fitness.
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the
advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and, by participating in the troop
program, progresses as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each
achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.
The Scout learns by doing, progresses at his own rate, is tested, reviewed and recognized for his
personal achievements.
The troop provides each Scout with a Handbook that describes the requirements for advancement
and has pages for a permanent record of the Scout’s fulfillment of the requirements. In addition,
the troop maintains a library of Merit Badge books for many of the 120+ Merit Badges in the
program. There are also special awards for service, activities and religious studies.
Trail to First Class
The first three ranks in Boy Scouts are in recognition of learning and applying the basic scouting
skills that form the knowledge foundation for successful participation in scouting activities. The
scout is learning about taking care of himself and his environment.
Trail to Eagle
The next three ranks in Boy Scouts are in recognition of learning and applying basic leadership
skills that will give the Scout the tools for successfully leading and helping others in his troop,
community, nation and world. The rank of Eagle Scout is an internationally recognized symbol
of character, citizenship and fitness.
Boards of Review
Scout ranks are awarded after a process called the Board of Review (BOR). It is the function of
the BOR to verify that all of the requirements for that rank have been met and that the Scout is
progressing in his development of Character, Citizenship and Fitness. The BOR is NOT a retest;
it is a review of the Scout’s experiences in the troop.
As you can imagine, advancement is intertwined throughout all of scouting. It gives the Scout a
method and measure by which he can plan and evaluate his own progress. It gives us the
opportunity to tell him, “Job well done. You’re good to go”.
Revised – January 2009
Here are the words of one of our own Eagle candidates:
Throughout my scouting career, I have learned and established many values. These
values have become permanently incorporated in my life outside of Scouting, and have helped in
shaping my character. In the near future, I plan on running track again in the spring, and
continue playing piano in the jazz band. After graduating, I hope to study engineering at Ohio
State University, Purdue University or the University Dayton, and someday become an engineer.
I want to enter this major because I enjoy solving problems and I always enjoy a good challenge.
No matter what I end up having as a profession, I plan on keeping the values that I have learned
and adapted steadfast, and use them for the rest of my life. I also plan on using the outdoor
skills I have learned in the future. Backpacking and camping have become a great hobby of
mine, and I believe it will stay that way for quite some time. If it weren’t for Boy Scouts, I most
likely wouldn’t have been involved much in the outdoors.
I believe every one has a purpose in life to make the world better for others, an ideal that
the foundation of Scouting is built on. This is one of the most important things I have learned
during my scouting career. This can be achieved in many different ways and it is important to
learn this concept at an early age, which Scouting has done. I have enjoyed advancing through
the stages of learning scout skills, and later learning how to lead my fellow Scouts. These
leadership skills have played a role in many other extra curricular activities in my life. I have
participated in Cross Country for four years and in Track for three. As I progressed through
high school, I also became more of a leader with each season. I noticed younger kids looking up
to me, which is very similar to how it goes in Boy Scouts. In Cross Country, I earned the
Outstanding Freshman Award and C.L.A.W. Award (Commitment, Loyalty, Attitude, Work), and
2 varsity letters.
I have also earned 2 letters in Track. Recently, I received an award from the College
Board which is the AP Scholar Award. I am also active in Young Republican’s club at school,
and as a senior I took on more responsibility.
After looking back on my Scouting career, it becomes evident how much it has impacted
me. It has shaped every aspect of my life and has provided me with ideals that I will never
forget.
There is nothing we can add to this. We hope your sons have the same experience!
Revised – January 2009
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Camping
Our camping programs are essential elements of the program and the reason many boys join
scouting. Scouting in the outdoors helps to teach self-reliance by utilizing and developing skills
such as boating, tenting, hiking, cooking, and backpacking. Most of all, camping is fun! Boys
learn to accommodate to group needs as well as to eventually provide group leadership. Older
scouts and trained adults provide instruction and support as new experiences are encountered.
Troop 150 usually has at least one weekend outing per month during the school year in addition
to a weeklong summer camp. The troop also schedules a High Adventure expedition for older
scouts about once a year. Our outings fall into several classifications. There are outings where
the main theme may be about a single scout skill, such as a First Aid meet. Other outings will be
for fun or a test of skills, for example our annual Klondike competition at Beaumont Scout
Reservation, where scouts compete in various scout skill oriented winter games. Backpacking,
canoeing and rock climbing trips are always a wonderful physical challenge for the boys.
Outings may range from a twelve-day wilderness excursion, to a simple two-hour afternoon
activity. Service projects are also an important activity for the troop.
Safety
Troop 150 follows all the national Boy Scout safety rules regulations. At least two adults, one
Boy Scout trained, will be in attendance at all outings. All water, boating, first aid, and safety
regulations are closely adhered to. Unsafe or distractive items are prohibited. The use of
audiovisual or electrical equipment such as CD/mp3 players, TVs, radios, electronic games, and
cell phones are addressed in the Troop Bylaws.
Permission Slips
Boy Scout policy states that permissions slips are a requirement for all scouts and all outings,
including scouts with parents in attendance, whenever an activity occurs at a place and or time
outside of the regular meeting night. Parents are to complete permission slips and return them by
the required date. Please be sure to include telephone numbers where we may reach you in case
of an emergency, any medical conditions your son may have and information about medications
that he is taking.
Transportation
Our troop is very fortunate to have access to Federated Church’s vans. At times though, the vans
are reserved for other groups and we will have need of parents to share the driving of scouts to
and from outings. There are a few important points to note about scout transportation:
1. We cannot transport a scout without a signed permission slip, returned by the required
date, on hand.
2. It is Troop 150 policy for all Scouts to wear their “Class A” uniform while traveling.
3. Adult drivers must be lawfully licensed and insured. Only adults over the age of 21 may
drive scouts. Drivers must observe speed limits and other traffic laws.
Revised – January 2009
4. Scouts may not leave outings early without prior written parental approval communicated
to the Scoutmaster or leader in charge.
5. Scouts leaving outings early with a parent must notify the Scoutmaster or leader in
charge, prior to leaving the group.
6. As the safety of our boys is our first concern, loud or disorderly passengers cannot
distract drivers. Scouts must be on good behavior at all times, including any meal and
rest stops.
Medical Forms
An appropriate, current medical form is required for all scouting activity participants. There are
three different types of medical forms:
1. Class One: General-purpose medical form for all single day and weekend activities. For
all scouts and adults under the age of 40. May be completed by parent or self (if age 18
or older.) Must be reviewed and signed every year.
2. Class Two: Actually a continuation of the Class One form, but is completed by a
medical physician. Required for summer camp. Must be renewed every three years.
3. Class Three: A more detailed form, completed by a medical physician. Required for
High Adventure programs, summer camps and for all adults over the age of 40. Must be
renewed every year.
Note: It is a good idea to keep a copy of your son’s medical forms at home.
Camping Fees and Refunds
Camping fees are based on campsite charges, a given food allotment per scout, activity fees,
transportation costs, and leader expenses. To allow us to plan our activities, we need our scouts
to commit to them. Therefore, all scout reservations, paperwork and fees must be submitted by
the Tuesday before an outing, unless specified otherwise. Due to the planning, reserving of
campsites and purchasing of food required in advance, refunds cannot be made after this
deadline!
Equipment
Scouts are expected to understand equipment requirements for all outings. These requirements
are carefully reviewed at scout meetings. In addition, packing lists and equipment suggestions
are detailed in the Scout Handbook. Scouts needing additional information should contact their
patrol leader, Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, older scouts, or the Scoutmaster. A list of
local, Internet venders is included in the back of this manual.
Group equipment, such as tents, cooking equipment and other similar equipment are provided by
the troop. Scouts are expected to show care for patrol equipment and should return them clean,
complete and in a timely manner so that they are available for the next outing. Scouts are
expected to provide their own personal gear, which includes eating utensils, sleeping bag, etc.
Please refer to the Scout Handbook for a complete list of personal equipment.
Revised – January 2009
Shopping for Meals and Reimbursements
It is customary for scouts to rotate the task of purchasing food and supplies. Menus for an outing
will be prepared by the boys at a scout meeting prior to the event and approved by an adult
leader. The designated scout will purchase enough food for their own patrol members, plus one
adult leader. Typically, $15.00 will be allocated for every scout and leader eating with the
patrol.
It is important that the boys stay with the approved menu. Parental guidance in determining
quantities and good shopping skills is requested.
Please turn in your sales receipts, with name and amount due circled, to the Treasurer for
reimbursement. Reimbursements requests should be submitted in a timely manner so that our
Treasurer may keep our accounting up to date.
Summer Camp
Troop 150 offers a week long camping experience at a nationally recognized Boy Scout camp.
The extended programs provide our boys wonderful opportunities to experience scouting in an
outdoor environment. The problem solving, leadership and teamwork opportunities these camps
produce are simply outstanding and we recommend all of our scouts attend them.
Expenses generally run about $250.00, in addition to $20.00 - 50.00 fees for specific activities.
A down payment of $50.00 is usually required in March for summer camp.
High Adventure Scouting
Older and more experienced (First Class and above) scouts have the opportunity to participate in
our High Adventure programs. Some of the places that our scouts have attended include
Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Florida Sea Base, the White Mountains in New
Hampshire, Pamlico Sea Base in North Carolina, and Tinnerman Canoe Base in Canada.
These trips take a lot of energy, strength and preparation. A one-week trip may cover 50 miles in
the mountains or on a river. High Adventure outings are a chance to see and be part of the
wilderness, and represent one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences that a
participant may ever encounter. It is a tremendous boost to a young man’s self-confidence to
discover he can accomplish it and have fun. Scouts are carefully screened, trained and prepared
prior to a trip to assure that they will have a successful experience and proudly represent Troop
150 and our community.
Adult leaders and parents are absolutely crucial to these outings. The effort required to plan
transportation, food, equipment, shopping, permits, etc., calls for the involvement of parents as
well as the trek leaders.
Revised – January 2009
EQUIPMENT VENDORS
Local Stores:
Geiger’s Ski and Sport Haus*, 440-247-4900, 22 West Orange, Chagrin Falls
Appalachian Outfitters, 330-655-5444, 60 Kendall Park Rd., Peninsula
Dicks, 330-562-4200, 7305 Marketplace Drive, Aurora
Gander Mountain, 330-405-2999, 2695 Creekside Dr., Twinsburg
Greater Cleveland Council Scout Shop, 216-274-0814, 2241 Woodland Ave, Cleveland
Internet Stores:
Campmor, 1-800-226-7667, www.campmor.com
REI, 1-800-426-4840, www.rei.dom
LL Bean, 1-800-441-5713, www.llbean.com
Coleman, 1-800-8353278, www.coleman.com
Boy Scouts of America, 1-800-323-0736, http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/
Northern Mountain, 1-800-878-3583, www.northernmountain.com
Sierra Trading Post, 1-800-713-4534, www.sierratradingpost.com
Many vendors offer a Boy Scout discount, for which a Scout Membership card is
required.
* Ski and Sport Haus has supported our troop for many years by coming to meetings
and educating scouts on the purchase, use and maintenance of equipment. They offer
a standing 10% discount for Scouts. There are a few other stores that offer Scout
discounts. Be sure to ask.
Revised – January 2009
Selecting and Recruiting Adult Leaders
Scoutmaster
A key function of the Troop 150 Committee is assisting in the selection of the best possible
person to be the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will be a role model for the boys and will reflect
the character of the Federated Church. The Scoutmaster must be the kind of person you would
want your own sons to be influenced by and whose judgment will always be in their best interest.
To find the right person, the following steps will be followed:
Step 1
The chartered organization representative of the Federated Church (COR) and the Troop
Committee agree on a Selection Committee. Although current members of the Troop
Committee are a logical starting place, parents and others may be invited to participate in the
process.
Step 2
The Selection Committee will meet to develop a prospect list. The following steps will be
followed:
a. Review the details of the pamphlet, Selecting Quality Leaders. A video presentation
of this material is also available from the Greater Cleveland Council (GCC). If used,
Part 1 of that video should be viewed by the entire selection committee at this time.
b. Develop a list of prospects that closely fit the descriptions in the pamphlet or video.
Be prepared by obtaining lists of the Federated Church’s membership and the Troop
150 parent rosters. Prospects that live up to the values of the Scout Oath and Law in
their daily lives should be chosen. Assumptions about whether or not prospects will
accept or have the time to do the job are not to be made. Give them the opportunity
to make their own decision.
What are the personal characteristics of a successful Scoutmaster?
These are the common ten characteristics that have been found:
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o
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Commitment to the ideals of Scouting
High moral standards
Ability to relate to boys
Ability to keep a “cool head” under pressure
Good organizational skills
Ability to relate to and interact with adults
Flexibility and the ability to compromise
Good planning ability
High energy level
Good attention to detail
c. Rank the prospects. The committee will agree on and rank the top three prospects in
preferential order.
d. The list of prospects will then be cleared with the Troop 150 Committee Chair and
the COR before making any contact.
e. If used, the selection committee should now preview part two of the video Selecting
Quality Leaders. It explains the vision of Scouting to the prospective Scoutmaster.
The committee should become familiar with the points it makes.
Revised – January 2009
f. Select at least three people from the committee to call on the number one prospect.
These persons should know the prospect quite well and have influence in the
prospect’s decision.
Step 3
The person who knows the prospect best and has this person’s respect will make an
appointment with the number one prospect. It can usually be done on the phone. Explain
that there will be a few people involved. Set a date and time to meet, preferably at the
prospect’s home. This person’s spouse should also be involved since it will affect the
prospect’s time at home, especially if the prospect is relatively new to Troop 150. If the
prospect questions the purpose of the meeting, frankly state that it is to discuss a matter
important to the youth of the community. Confirm the date and time with the other members
who will be making the visit.
Step 4
Call on the prospect as a group. Gather beforehand at a convenient place and arrive at the
prospect’s home (or agreed location) as a group. Review the steps that have been taken,
explain how the qualifications were reviewed, and let the prospect know that he or she was
considered by all to be the number one prospect to do the job.
The prospect will be given a true and realistic picture of the job: time demands; training
requirements, adult leadership support; special problems facing Troop 150; and other
relevant information. After all the questions have been answered, a member of the
committee extends the invitation to serve Troop 150 as its new Scoutmaster (subject to
approval) and pledges the Troop Committee’s and the Federated Church’s full support.
If for some reason the prospect is unable to accept the position, the selection committee will
repeat the process with the number two prospect (who now becomes number one).
Step 5
Once the prospect has said, “Yes,” and has been approved by the Troop Committee and the
COR, an application to join the Boy Scouts of America must be completed. This includes an
agreement for the Boy Scouts of America to conduct a background check that will include
consumer reports and any possible criminal activity. It is the responsibility of the Troop 150
Committee to review and screen the application. Individuals who have lived in the
community for three or more years and are known to members of the committee well enough
for them to serve as a reference may require little additional screening.
Nevertheless, reference checks must be conducted. References will be checked in a discrete,
non-threatening manner and previous Scouting experience will be confirmed.
Upon approval, the application is signed by the Troop 150 Committee Chair and the COR. It
is then submitted to the Greater Cleveland Council for final approval. All leaders registered
with the Boy Scouts of America must meet its standards for leadership and successfully pass
its background check.
Step 6
Once the prospect has accepted the position and has been approved as a leader, the Federated
Church’s COR will personally welcome the new leader. An announcement may be placed in
the local newspaper and the Spire, if possible. A formal induction ceremony should take
place as soon as possible at a Federated Church meeting or at a Troop 150 meeting.
Revised – January 2009
Step 7
The new leader should begin taking training offered by the Boy Scouts through the online
training program as soon as possible. Youth Protection training, Fast Start training and New
Leader Essentials should all be completed within the first month of service as Scoutmaster.
Additional training will be available through Crooked Creek District or GCC sources.
Assistant Scoutmasters
The same standards used to determine the best prospect for Scoutmaster will also be used to
qualify assistant Scoutmasters. The majority of successful troops have three or more assistant
Scoutmasters. The Troop 150 Bylaws states that, at a minimum, there should be two or more
Assistant Scoutmasters with one serving as the new-Scout Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster. The
guide, Selecting Quality Leaders, can again be helpful in the selection process. The video
presentation Selecting Quality Leaders may also be considered.
Committee Members
Experience has shown that troops with committees of seven or more members work more
effectively and provide better troop program support. The Troop 150 Bylaws states that, in
addition to the COR and Troop Committee Chairman, the following positions shall also be
maintained:
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Treasurer
Advancement Chair
Outdoor Activities Chair
Training Chair
Fundraising Chair
As a well run and active committee, getting others to join should not be a problem. Each
member should have a meaningful responsibility and be kept actively involved.
As with securing a Scoutmaster, to get qualified adults involved in the Troop 150 Committee,
good people must first be identified. Then the top prospects will be selected and ranked.
Finally, all available influences will be used to recruit them.
Where will new committee members come from? The best source is parents of Troop 150
scouts. Parents have a natural interest in their sons having a successful Scouting experience.
They are also an excellent resource for troop program assistance. The Troop Resource Survey
should be completed by every new scout’s parents. This task can be the responsibility of the
assistant Scoutmaster of the new-Scout patrol or the Membership Chair.
The survey will inform the Troop 150 Committee what professions, special interests, skills, and
resources are available to the troop. For example, a parent who works at a printing shop could
help the troop produce a first-rate newsletter. Another parent might be a banker. Obviously, this
person would likely be considered for the position of the committee treasurer. But their hobbies
may be cycling and fishing. If asked, they may well be more than willing to work with the boys
in either of these activities.
The Troop 150 Committee Secretary should have a copy of every completed troop resource
survey. At the monthly committee meeting, the Scoutmaster should be consulted as to what
adult help and talents are needed for the coming month’s program. A careful review of the
collected resource surveys should begin the committee’s search.
Not every parent will be able to serve on the troop committee or make a similar long-term task,
but every parent should have the responsibility to perform a short-term task sometime during the
Revised – January 2009
year. Baking cookies for a bake sale, providing transportation to campouts, giving skill
demonstrations at troop meetings, and accompanying the troop on a hike are all examples of help
that is expected of Troop 150 parents. Parents should know that the troop will call on them
occasionally for help. Parents must be kept involved!
Revised – January 2009
Baden-Powell's Last Message
Towards the end of his life, although still in comparatively good health, he prepared a
farewell message to his Scouts for publication after his death. It read:
"Dear Scouts - if you have ever seen the play 'Peter Pan' you will remember how the
pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possible,
when the time came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is
much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be
doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.
Remember, it is the last time you will ever hear from me, so think it over. I have had a
most happy life and I want each one of you to have a happy life too.
I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does
not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by selfindulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while
you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man.
Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the
world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it.
Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.
But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and
leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you
can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done
your best. 'Be Prepared' i this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout
Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it.
Your friend, “
Revised – January 2009
Attachments:
Current versions of the following documents are located separately on the Troop 150 web site:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Troop 150 Code of Conduct
Troop 150 Bylaws
Troop 150 Roster of Youth members and Adult leaders
Troop 150 Activity Schedule
To locate these documents, go to http://www.troop150.wildapricot.org/. Log in and go to the
Members-only section.
Revised – January 2009