BSA TROOP 17

Denville, NJ

 

Parent/Scout Handbook

 

 

 

 

September 2001 Release

 

 

A Welcome from the Troop Committee

 

Dear Parents:

 

This Troop 17 Parent/Scout Handbook was created for both the Scouts and the Parents in mind.  We have included information in this guide as a tool to understand how we function as a troop and what some of the duties and responsibilities are of the Adult leaders and the Scouts in the troop.

 

This booklet covers a lot of different areas.  However there may be some things we may have forgotten or omitted.  If you feel some items should be included in future editions of this booklet, please feel free to contact one of the committee members with your ideas and suggestions.  We are open to any and all suggestions and ideas, not only towards this booklet but also towards any troop activities.

 

Scouting depends greatly on the involvement of both the boys and their parents.  Parent involvement with the program is very important to making sure your son has an enjoyable experience in Boy Scouts. 

 

We the committee, always invite the parents to our monthly committee meetings and encourage you to join us at outings with the boys.  Parent input to troop activities, committee decisions is critical in order that your SON has FUN!

 

When your Scout comes home he will have a Parent Resource Survey with him.  Please complete this form and return it to our Committee Secretary by the end of this month.

 

Once again we look forward to a positive Scouting experience for your Scout and yourself in Troop 17.

 

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

 

BSA Troop 17 Committee

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Troop 17 Program

 

BSA Troop 17-Denville is sponsored by Denville Community Church-United Methodist located at 190 Diamond Spring Road.

 

Troop meetings are held Wednesday Nights from 7:30 - 9PM at the church.  There are no meetings when schools in Denville are closed. 

 

Meeting activities are planned by the Scouts themselves including learning and practicing Scouting skills, planning trips and special activities, working on Merit Badges or other projects of interest to the Scouts, games and fun.

 

Boy Leadership

 

Troop 17 is a boy-run troop.  Boy leaders plan and execute their own program, with parent participation and support.  New Scouts begin with small jobs under the guidance of more experienced Scouts.  As their skills and knowledge improve, new responsibilities are given to them.

 

Learning leadership skills is one of the most important aspects of being a Boy Scout. Troop 17 will have a Junior Leader Training program for Boy Leaders.  Each Scout will learn the skills needed to carry out his job in the Troop and will learn to pass those skills on to other boys.  Some of the older Scouts have attended a Council Junior Leader training program. 

 

 

Family Values

 

BSA Troop 17 is strongly supportive of family values.  All family members are welcome at all troop activities, with the understanding that those members not registered with the BSA are not covered by BSA insurance.

 

Council Information

 

Troop 17 operates in the West Morris District of the Patriots’ Path Council, BSA.  The Council office is located at 12 Mt. Pleasant Turnpike in Denville.  The office has a trading post that stocks merit badge books, badges, insignia, forms, religious medal pamphlets, uniforms and other items.  The council phone number is (973) 361-1800. 

 

Uniforms Requirements

 

Class A Uniform:

¨       BSA Scout Shirt

¨       BSA Scout Pants or Shorts

¨       BSA Scout Belt

¨       BSA Scout Socks(short or long)

¨       Shoulder Loops(red)

¨       Hiking Boots or leather shoes

¨       BSA Rank Patch

¨       BSA Boy Scout Handbook

¨       BSA Scout Hat(optional)

¨       Merit Badge Sash (optional to be worn at Court of Honor.  Not required for Summer Camp/Camporee)

 

Uniforms (Required)

 

Uniform Basic Insignia:

¨       American Flag(comes with all uniforms)

¨       Council Shoulder Patch(Patriots’ Path Council)

¨       Troop Numerals(17)

¨       Patrol Emblem

 

Troop 17 members wear their Class A uniform at ALL scout meetings, special events, Courts of Honor and all Council and District BSA functions.

 

 

Class B Uniform:

 

A "Class B" uniform is a designated troop T-shirt.  This uniform is used when we represent the BSA at an activity where a full class A uniform is NOT required.

 

If there are any financial hardships in purchasing the required Class A uniform please see the Scoutmaster.

 

BOOKS

 

Boy Scout Handbook:

 

Each Scout must have his own copy of the Boy Scout Handbook and should have it al all meetings and 

campouts.  This book contains all the basic information that a scout needs to know.  The Boy Scout Handbook may be purchased at any Boy Scout store or through the BSA catalogue. In our area, Ramsey Outdoor Stores and the Boy Scout Center both carry many of the BSA items including books and uniforms.

 

Merit Badge books are individual subject books which include the requirements, general information and reference material necessary to help the scout in working on the merit badge.  The booklet is required for pre-badge briefings with counselors and for reference while working on the badge. The booklet should be read to assist in badge completion.  Merit badge books are available through the Council, the BSA catalogue, Ramsey Outdoor Stores, as well as our troop library. 

 

Other Materials (optional):

 

¨       BSA Fieldbook - contains details about high adventures in the outdoors(suggested reading prior to or after outdoor outings)

 

¨       BSA Requirements Book - contains requirements for rank advancement and the requirements for all merit badges.

 

¨       Den Chief Handbook - excellent material for those scouts who have chosen to persue a role as Den Chief to work with one of the Cub Packs.

Troop 17 Organization

 

 

Troop Committee (as of 9/1/01)

¨       Committee Chairman - Dave Ward                           

¨       Charter Representative -            

¨       Secretary -                                    

¨       Treasurer -                                    

¨       Advancement Chairman –                         

¨       Outdoors Activities Chairman –               

¨       Fund Raising Chairperson -

 

Adult Scouters

¨       Scoutmaster - Al Green                                              

¨       Assistant Scoutmasters - 

 

 

Youth Leadership

¨       Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster-

¨       Sr. Patrol Leader: 

¨       Assistant Sr. Patrol Leader: 

¨       Quartermaster: 

¨       Scribe: 

¨       Historian:

¨       Librarian Adam Burns

¨       Den Chiefs:

¨       Patrol Leaders:

¨       Troop Guides

¨       Assistant Patrol Leaders:

 

Troop Positions of Responsibility

Committee Chairman:

·         Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed.

·         Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster.

·         See that troop leaders and committee members have training opportunities.

·         Interpret national and local policies to the troop.

·         Work closely with the Scoutmaster in preparing the troop committee meeting agendas.

·         Call, preside over and promote attendance at monthly troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called.

·         Ensure troop representation at monthly roundtables.

·         Secure top-notch trained individuals for camp leadership.

·         Arrange for charter review and recharter annually.

·         Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.

 

 

Secretary:

·         Keep minutes of meetings and send out committee meeting notices.

·         Handle publicity.

·         Prepare a family newsletter of troop events and activities.

·         Conduct the troop resource survey.

·         Plan for family night programs and activities.

·         Plan a charter presentation program.

Treasurer:

·         Handle all troop funds.  Pay bills on recommendation of Scoutmaster and authorization of the troop committee.

·         Maintain checking and savings accounts.

·         Keep adequate records in the Troop record book.

·         Supervise money earning projects.

·         Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

·         Lead in preparation of the annual troop budget.

Outdoor Activities:

·         Supervise and help procure camp equipment

·         Work with quartermaster on inventory, storage, and proper maintenance of troop equipment.

·         Help in securing permission to use camping sites.

·         Serve as transportation coordinator.

·         Encourage monthly outdoor activities or special activities.

·         Promote National Camping Award.

·         Promote, through family meetings, attendance at troop campouts, camporees, and summer camp to reach the goal of an outing per month.

Advancement:

·         Encourage Scouts to advance in rank

·         Arrange and conduct troop boards of review.

·         Conduct courts of honor.

·         Provide a merit badge counselor list.

·         Maintain a prompt report on the correct form to the council service center when a troop board of review is held.  Secure badges and certificates.

·         A review with each scout will be made two times each year.

 

Scoutmaster:

·          Train and guide youth leaders

·         Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.

·         Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

·         Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council for training and coordination in planning troop activities.

·         Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary arrange for a qualified adult substitute.

·         Attend troop committee meetings.

·         Conduct periodic parent's sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.

·         Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

·         Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.

·         Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are properly registered.(This is the direct responsibility of the Assistant Scoutmasters for new Scouts.)

·         Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.

·         Make possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.

·         Participate in Council and District events.

·         Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.

·         Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

Assistant Scoutmaster:

·         Work with new Scout Patrols

·         Recruiting new members into the Troop.

·         Arrange Troop annual open houses

·         Participate in District and Council recruiting events.

Senior Patrol Leader:

·         Lead Patrol Leader Council meetings.

·         Consult with Scoutmaster regarding troop activities.

·         Appoint Junior Leaders to positions of responsibility as needed.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader:

·         Fill in for Senior Patrol Leader as needed in his absence.

·         Training and giving directions to quartermaster, scribe, troop historian and librarian.

Quartermaster:

·         Responsible for troop supplies and equipment.

Scribe:

·         The troop secretary

Troop Historian:

·         Collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members.

Librarian:

·         Keeps troops books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by troop members.

Den Chief:

·         Works with Cub Scout Den as guide.

Patrol Leader:

·         Gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders council.

Assistant Patrol Leader:

·         Fills in for the patrol leader in his absence.

 

 

Equipment

Joining Boy Scouts should not be a financial burden.  It is not necessary to purchase a lot of equipment or the best and most expensive equipment.  Time should be allowed to make sure your son likes scouting before making major investments.

 

Check and see if any of the troop members have equipment they want to sell.  Boys outgrow backpacks or upgrade some of their equipment and have older equipment to sell.

 

It is crucial that the backpack fits properly.  It should be able to load all equipment needed for overnight hikes.  The equipment loading ability and the arrangement of compartments should be appropriate for the boy’s size. A knowledgeable backpacker should fit the backpack.  Plastic bags should be used for changes of clothing, etc. within the pack to keep everything dry.  Separate outfits in ziplock bags work well.

 

Sleeping bags should be lightweight, suitable for the lowest temperature the troops activities will encounter, and remain warm when wet (no down).  Suggested bags are 20° rated. Blankets and the use of nesting bags will allow use in colder temperatures.  SEEK ADVICE BEFORE PURCHASING.  KEEP SALES SLIPS IN THE EVENT AN ITEM MUST BE RETURNED FOR A MORE APPROPRIATE ONE.

 

Camping and Backpacking Gear Recommendations:

 

 

Cold Weather Survival Guide

Cold weather camping represents on of the greatest challenges that your son will perhaps face in his Scouting career.  With the proper planning, this challenge can be easily met.  Without proper planning,

that challenge could prove to be a serious defeat.  The knowledge that your son holds regarding winter camping will be instrumental in his success.  However, it is equally important that you be educated as well on the crucial aspects of cold weather camping.  This guide is intended to provide your son with a refresher course of the skills of cold weather camping and to provide you with an important introduction to the skills that your son has learned. We hope that it will be a helpful guide not only for this upcoming activity, but also for future activities that your son will participate in as a Scout in Troop 17.  This guide is broken down into several key areas that include clothing, the layering system, special equipment, bedding down, nutrition, and cold weather first aid.  This knowledge paralleled with the important skills your son has been learning over the past several months will prove invaluable in providing a challenging weekend that will be easily overtaken.  We hope he will accept this challenge and most important, enjoy it. 

 

The clothing that your son brings on a winter camping trip will be the single most important element of maintaining warmth.  While the clothing will not directly provide warmth, it rather provides insulation to preserve body heart from activity.  Of course, this all sounds rather logical, however it is indeed extremely important.  If it is at all possible to single out on important feature of clothing, it would be that no Scout should have a pair of jeans or sweatsuit material in his pack.  The only exception to this rule is a hooded sweatshirt for sleeping at night.  We cannot over emphasize how important this is.  Jeans absorb moisture like a sponge and sweatpants hold no wind breaking capabilities.  PLEASE LEAVE THEM AT HOME.

Clothing material can primarily be broken down into wool, synthetics, cottons and blends.  Each type of material holds its own advantages and disadvantages.  Wool although itchy, provides warmth when wet.  Synthetics provide waterproof and windproof advantages. Cottons are primarily used in warm weather camping by providing lightweight, cool clothing.  Finally, blends represent a mix between cotton or wool or synthetics.  The Scout uniform represents an ideal example of blends.  Before running through the recommended list of clothing for the weekend, it is important to address several important issues.  First perspiration can prove to be a serious side effect of intense winter activity.  To avoid this it is

important that the first layer of clothing be able to wick moisture away.  Polypropylene long underwear is the solution.  Commonly referred to as "Wicker's", poly's wick moisture away from the body.  The second important issue concerns breathability.  Waterproof materials do a superb job in keeping us dry, however they hold one important drawback.  They lack breathability.  What this means is that they counteract the effects of Poly's by trapping the moisture that the thermal underwear attempts to wick away.  Ultimately, when this occurs it is important to change layers throughout the day to avoid excessive moisture build-up that brings down the body temperature.  The following list represents the recommended clothing for a two-day winter camping trip:

 

The Layering System

 

While clothing will provide insulation to maintaining a constant body temperature and steady warmth, it is useless if not worn properly.  Layering represents an individual's personal thermostat.  As you begin to feel cool, you can put on another layer.  As your body begins to sweat, you simply remove a layer.  More often than not, this body temperature regulation can be performed thorough the wool cap.  The body loses a lot of its heat through the head.  A wool cap helps maintain this heat within your body, warming you rather than your surroundings.  Obviously, the layers begin with the polypropylene long underwear and work their way up to the parka.  Again, the primary importance of the layer system lies in the body temperature regulation.

 

Special Winter Camping Equipment

This section is intended primarily to introduce equipment concerns that need to be addressed when camping in extreme cold weather.  The first, single most important piece of equipment is fortunately the cheapest.  Zip Lock Bags!  All underwear, socks and long underwear must be packed in zip-lock bags.  All other clothing should be stored in something waterproof.  This can range from a garbage bag to stuff sacks. All the wool and polypropylene in the world won't do any good if it is wet from the beginning.  Dryness is the key to success.  Foam pads are the second most important piece of special equipment.  The ground is cold! When you are sleeping it is important to have that added insulation under you to avoid losing body heat to warming the Earth.  Mummy sleeping bags provide a great degree of warmth due to the contour and snug fit of the bag to the body.  Unfortunately the degree of warmth represents a direct function of price.  These bags can range anywhere from price from $50 for a 35 degree bag to $300 plus for a zero degree or subzero degree bag. A bag rated to 20° will serve for most trips and warmth can be increased adding a wool blanket or nesting within another bag if very cold weather is expected.

 

Bedding Down

Sleeping in the winter is in reality no different than camping out in the summer.  However, needless to say

there are a few important things that require mentioning.  The first most important tip is to never wear wet clothes to sleep.  Not only will it decrease your body temperature, it will also cause moisture in your sleeping bag that will decrease the insulating properties of the bag.  Secondly if you get cold during the night, do not place your head inside the sleeping bag as this will cause moisture from your breath to have the same effect as mentioned above.  Wearing a hat while sleeping will produce the same results as sticking your head inside the bag.  Thirdly the insulated capabilities of the bag come from warmth being trapped in the dead air space of the synthetic fibers (or bag fill), be sure that the bag is fluffed out as possible to

increase the insulating characteristics Give the sleeping bag some time to fluff up after removing it from the stuff sack.

 

Nutrition

 

Menu planning and a properly balanced diet become crucial in cold weather camping.  Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to do.  Who wants to cook and clean a full course dinner or grand slam breakfast in zero degree weather?  Most important to realize is that you will require a greater calorie intake in cold weather.  In addition to increased activity, increasing your metabolism is a good way to increase your warmth.  A proper diet should be high in carbohydrates and protein.  Many of the menus have already been planned.  However, we would recommend sending some snacks along.  Rather than sending cookies and chips, replace them with cheese and crackers, granola bars, and trail mixes.  Ultimately it is important to have a high calorie diet that is high in protein and carbohydrates.

 

Cold Weather First Aid

 

This subject always becomes an important topic that we hope no Scout will ever have to use.   However up to date knowledge is of the utmost importance.  In addition to basic first-aid skills that many of the Scouts are educated on, cold weather first-aid concerns and safety issues often take precedence on an outing like this.

Scouts must learn about cold weather first aid for advancement, however it is important to review the main problems and their solutions associated with cold weather camping.  Dehydration-excessive loss of body water that impairs the ability to reason so the victim may not react properly.  Prevention-drink at least 2 quarts of water per day and avoid dehydrating foods (high protein) and fluids(coffee, caffeine)  Treatment includes increasing liquid intake and keeping warm.  Severe cases require immediate medical attention.

 

Hypothermia-lowering of the inner core body temperature.  Can and usually does happen above freezing.  The victim may not recognize the symptoms and may not be able to think clearly enough to react.  Injury or death may result.  Prevention includes staying dry, good nutrition, consumption of high-energy foods, proper clothing, and increased activity.  Treatment includes providing shelter and warmth for the victim from the elements, removal of wet clothing, hot drinks followed by candy or other high sugar foods and increasing body heat through huddling.  If hypothermia is suspected medical attention should be contacted as quickly as possible.  Frostbite-tissue injury involving the actual freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.  Recovery is slow.  Once exposed the victim will be predisposed toward frostbite in the future. Prevention includes proper clothing, good nutrition, drinking fluids, immediate treatment of minor symptoms and the use of buddy system to check face, nose, and ears of fellow Scouts.  Treatment includes warming area through exercise, heat, or warm water (Do Not Rub with Snow).  Snow Blindness-inflammation of the eye caused by exposure to reflected ultraviolet rays when the sun is shining brightly on an expanse of snow.  Prevention includes wearing sunglasses when any danger is present.  Treatment includes blindfolding the victim, rest, and avoided future exposure.  Snow Blindness heals in a few days without any permanent damage.

 

Conclusion

 

It is our hope that this cold weather survival guide has been helpful for not only you but also to your son.  Please do not throw it away.  It will provide a valuable resource for years to come.  Review the material, go over your son's pack with him.  Be sure that not only does he understand the information contained in this guide, but that you also understand.  We are confident that with this information, your son's training and your support and cooperation, this winter camping will prove to be equally enjoyable as any other outing your son has attended.  The information on cold weather camping is abundant.  If you have any specific questions or are interested in learning more about cold weather camping please do not hesitate to contact us.  The Troop is filled with extremely knowledgeable and experienced Scouters that would love to pass this information onto you and your son. 

 

More Cold Weather Tips

 

If you only have a rectangular sleeping bag, bring an extra wool blanket to pack around your shoulders to keep air from getting in.

 

Use a ground cloth (or poncho) to keep ground moisture from your bag.

 

Put a hand warmer (in a sock) in the bottom of your sleeping bag to warm it up before bedding down.

 

Use the buddy system to check each other for signs of cold weather health problems.  Notify the adult leadership if any symptoms occur.

 

Stay warm and dry.  Have Fun!

Troop Funding and Fundraising

 

Troop 17 charters in February.  At this time each Scout registering is asked to provide a general registration fee and a start up fee for the troop account that is used to cover the cost of badge purchases, camp equipment, and equipment maintenance as well as supplementing the campground fees.

 

Troop 17 organizes a fund raising activity each year.  Presently our major activity is the Lee Rue Nature Program held each year in April.  The proceeds from this event are placed in the general troop funds for troop equipment purchases.  We need your help in making this event a success and thereby reducing the cost of activities for the Scouts.

 

Summer Camp

 

Attendance at summer camp is a great way for scouts to earn advancement and Merit Badges that they would otherwise not be able to get throughout the rest of the year. It not only involves the advancement but also creates a fun and memorable event for your son to remember for the rest of his life.

 

Troop Mission Statement

Troop 17 plans a monthly camping trip and attendance at these trips is strongly urged and is necessary for advancement.  If your son registers for any events including camping, and for any reason does not show up for this event, he is still responsible for the food cost to the troop or his patrol.  If for any reason your son does not show up for a trip, please inform the Scoutmaster at least 24 hours prior to departure.  This way other boys who want to go will be able to take his place. If you wish to pick up your son early or drop him off late, please advise the Sr. Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster to this fact.