Boy Scouts
of
Troop 28
644
www.geocities.com/cfcbsatroop28
Welcome to Scouting!
An Introduction to Troop 28
Ft Gatlin District
(Parents! Please keep this for future reference.
Revised 03/23/05)
HISTORY: Troop 28 was once one
of to any Troop 28 solicits
the following schools as part of their annual recruitment
program:Schools; Most are from ,
but there are no restrictions on where a boy lives or goes to school.
OVERVIEW: Boy Scouting in Troop 28 essentially consists of half dozen or so different types of activities each year, which are determined and steered by the needs and desires of the boys and supported by the troop committee and leaders. A typical August - through - July year of Scouting consists of:
--Weekly troop meetings (except school's-legal holidays, Christmas week and New Year's week)
--Monthly weekend campouts or day activities
--Service projects for the church and the community (at least three or four during the year)
--Day trips (two or three during the year, more for the troop's Venture patrol of older Scouts)
--Fund-raisers (popcorn-Oct., mistletoe-Dec., carwash-fall & spring, Family Fest-May), at a minimum
--Summer camp (a weeklong camping trip in June or July-In State or out of State)
--"Big
Trip" (a weeklong camping trip in June or July)
In other words, a typical month of Scouting consists of three or four weeknight meetings, a weekend campout and usually one additional weekend activity. A Scout also has to do a certain amount of work on his own to help his patrol and to move up through the ranks, but one or two hours a week is all that should take. Not much of an investment in time, considering all of the fun to be had!
PARENTS! Ideally, a Boy Scout troop runs itself by the scouts -- that is, the boys develop the program based on their interests and goals, and then run it themselves. But, even the ideal troop can't exist without parents helping the boys to realize their goals.
Every parent is expected to help out in some way, shape or form -- whether it's several hours a week as an assistant scoutmaster, troop committee member, or chairman for a particular event. Please don't act surprised when you're called upon to help. If you think Scouting is worth your boy’s time, then it has to be worth a little of yours as well.
TROOP MEETING:
The troop meets every Tuesday from activitesactivities such as PLC, BoeardBoard of reviews etc.
Boys are expected to (1) wear their full field uniform and (2) bring their Boy Scout Handbook to each meeting. The uniform instills a sense of pride and team spirit; the handbook guarantees that a Scout gets the proper signatures, the moment he completes a requirement for a badge or rank.
Please be sure
your Scout arrives promptly by 7 and is picked up (or leaves the property) by three
times a year we have a Court of Honor, to recognize the scouts who receive
advancements and awards they have earned.
UNIFORMS:
The uniform is the most visible symbol of Scouting. Equip your son with a complete
uniform as soon as possible. You wouldn’t have your son play a sport
without a matching uniform as the rest of the team, and the coach and referees
wouldn’t allow him to play without it. Members
of Troop 28 must wear a complete Boy Scout field uniform to all troop
meetings, inspections are performed and patrols graded.
This
complete uniform is also required for service projects, and
fund-raisers, and while traveling to and from campouts, camporee’s, summer camp
and other troop activities -- unless specifically told beforehand to wear the
less-formal activity uniform (more on that later).
Scouts who fail
to wear the field uniform when required may be denied entry to that activity, and definitely
denied board of reviews.! The "field uniform"
consists of: official shirt with required insignia; official pants or shorts,
or pants or shorts APPROVED IN ADVANCE by the scoutmaster; official belt, which
must be worn even with unofficial shorts if those shorts have belt loops;
official green and red socks, or plain white socks (no stripes or logos);
shoes, hiking boots, sneakers or athletic shoes; troop cap (this is optional, but
non-Scout hats cannot be worn with the field uniform).
Scout shirts
and pants are expensive, so if you cannot afford to buy new ones, talk to the scoutmastertroop committee
or uniform-exchange coordinator about getting an "experienced"
uniform. (And be sure, as your boy outgrows his uniform; please donate them to
the troop's uniform exchange.)
The
"activities uniform" consists of a Troop 28 T-shirt or other Boy
Scout-related sports shirt/ T-shirt shirtor troop T-shirt,
pre-approved shorts or slacks (or uniform shorts or slacks) and scout uniform or other approved
solid color hiking or white socks.all-white
(or
uniform) socks. It is worn during campouts and
during some troop meetings, service projects and fund-raisers when it's
impractical to wear the field uniform (during a troop car wash, for instance).
It is strongly recommended that each Scout buy at least two Troop 28
T-shirts (every Scout must own at least one) for use as an activities uniform.
They cost $5.00
8.00 each and should be worn during
scouting activities only. With two shirts, a boy can wear one Saturday during a
campout and have a clean one to change into Sunday morning. For summer camp, it
is recommended that each scout have five troop T-shirts.
HANDBOOK:
This book is a Scout's training manual; it contains most of the information he
needs to know to advance from Scout to Tenderfoot to Second Class to First
Class to Star to Life and finally to Eagle. It's also a handy reference guide
to identifying wildlife, first aid, building and lashing log
structures and packing for summer camp or an overnight hike. Finally, it's a
record book -- it lists all of the requirements for the various ranks and has
designated pages where requirements are dated and initialed by older scouts,
assistant scoutmasters or the scoutmaster once they are completed.
A boy should have his handbook with him at all troop meetings, campouts and summer camps -- otherwise, he won't know what's required of him, and he won't be able to obtain proof of having completed anything. Scouts are expected to study portions of the handbook at home, too; a new Scout is not going to advance unless he studies and memorizes the Scout Oath and the scout Law, for instance, and he's not going to be able to do that during troop meetings.
In addition to
the scout handbook, each scout should put together two notebooks. 1) The firstThis
notebook should have blank paper and pocket folders that will be used withaccompany
the scout handbook. The scout will use this notebook to record information from
scout meetings as well as troop calendar, roster, and phone lists. In this
notebook could also be information on merit badges the scout may be working on.
2) The second notebook, called the “Trail to Eagle book”, will contain
advancement cards, merit badge cards, and other items, such as letters of
completed service. All of this information needs to be neatly organized. Generally kept at home in a safe location, yetand
readily available for review at each advancement Board of review.
CAMPOUTS:
Troop 28 camps out usually once a month. Most Some campouts
are two-night affairs, departing Friday at Summersummer
camp departure and return, depends on the location of the camp. Other campouts
may be one night starting early Saturday and ending around 1p.m
Sunday. See calendar and permission slips to verify.
Some campouts
will involve just the troop; others will be district-wide or council-wide
events with dozens or hundreds of other Scouts. Some campouts will be
simple-camp-type affair; others will involve backpacking and low-impact camping
techniques. Some will occur deep in the forest, others at unusual sites such camp La-No-Che, parks or as
military bases. Variety is the key; if you have a favorite spot that can
accommodate group camping, tell the scoutmaster, the committee chairman or an
assistant scoutmaster.
Additionally,
one or two campouts or activities per year will be
designated as “family activitiescampouts”, in which
the whole family is invited to come out and enjoy the activities of the weekend
and campout with the troop.
DAY TRIPS: These can range from a simple day hike to several hours of rock-climbing instruction. The troop's Venture Patrol may tackle extra-challenging tasks on such trips, such as the rock climbing. We are limited only by the boys' imagination and initiative, and by their parents' desire to help.
SERVICE PROJECTS:
Scouting is about service to others. The troop always participates in national
service projects, such as the Scouting for Food collection drive in November;
it also undertakes one or more projects on its own for its charter organization
(
RE_CHARTER: Each December
the troop is required to re-charter(charter
(reregister) the boys and adults of the troop. At
this time parents will be informed of the cost and asked to pay and
deadline for paymentthe troop if they wish to have there son
reregistered, as soon as possible.
FUND-RAISERS:
The troop needs several hundred dollars each year for normal operation
expenses: patches and awards, Boy's Life magazine subscriptions,
insurance, national
registration fees, supplies, postage, training materials, etc. To cover such
the troop charges each boy a fee every November of $50.
Fund-raisers
are also organized to generate money for two other needs: (1) 30% of all
fund-raisers' proceeds are used to replace or add to the troop's camping and
troop meeting equipment, along with the above needs.
(2) The remaining 70% of all money generated by fund-raisers goes into
individual "accounts" for each boy -- the amount varies for each boy,
depending on the number of hours he works -- to help them pay for summer camp, the "big
trip" or other Scout-related needs. An ambitious boy who puts
in a good number of hours at all of the troop's fund-raisers can earn enough to
pay 100% of his summer camp fee.
Though it
evolves a little each year -- and we're always open to suggestion -- the
troop's fund-raising schedule consists of: (1) a September car wash; (2) the
nationwide Boy Scout Popcorn sale in October, which is required for the Blue
Ribbon and Quality Unit awards; (3) five or six days of giving away holiday
mistletoe (And accepting donations) in December, usually in front of a
supermarket or discount department store; (4) a March car wash; and (5) the
Central Florida Council’s candy bar sale in April to benefit the annual Scout
Family Fest (also
required for the Blue Ribbon Unit award). The car washes and the
mistletoe donations are where we make the most money; the popcorn sales
primarily benefit the boys, based on their individual initiative, while our
participation in the Family Fest candy bar sale is largely symbolic (we ask
each boy to sell a minimum of 918 bars at $2 each).
SUMMER CAMP:
Troop 28 has in the past alternated between the local Boy Scout summer camp, and 2000 and 2006 the troop
went to La-No-Che. In 1995, 1997, and 1999 and 2002 the troop
drove to Woodruff Scout Reservation in north Since
then, theThe troop has also gone to Mountain( in Georgia.
We need at least two adults each year to accompany the boys to summer camp.
BIG TRIP: This can consist of
anything from a week-long backpacking trip; to week-long canoeing expeditions;
to a week-long tour of the countryside.
DISCIPLINE: Boys who choose to join Scouting are expected to behave as Scouts should at all Scout activities. Scouts are expected to live by the scout oath and law. Each scout and their parent will be asked to review and sign the troops discipline policy each time youth leadership changes in the troop. Before each campout, parents will sign a permission slip acknowledging this responsibility; a Scout will not be allowed on a campout unless a signed permission slip has been turned in beforehand. Scouting is about having fun, but not at other people's expense.
Please see the Policy of Conduct form for further information.
Scouting
Safely
Troop 28 follows the BSA guidelines for safe scouting. To ensure that our program is conducted in a safe manner, the following policies are adhered to.
Youth Protection and Adult Leadership
· Two-deep Leadership
· No one-on-one contact
· Respect of privacy
· Separate accommodations (youth/adults and male/female)
· Proper preparation for high-adventure activities
· No secret organizations
· Appropriate attire
· Constructive discipline
· Hazing is prohibited
· Junior leader training and supervision
All members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Law and Oath. Please see the Troop 28 Conduct Policy for more information.
Any allegation of abuse in the program should be reported to the committee chairman and will be in turn reported to the BSA Council office.
Aquatic Safety
Troop 28 follows the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat requirements of the eight swim defenses. At least one adult leader must be trained in these requirements at all aquatic activities. The Safe Swim Defense requirements include annual evidence of fitness for such activities and swim testing to ensure swimmers capabilities. It will be the parent’s responsibility to provide an annual health form. The troop will conduct an annual swim test or participate in an annual swim test at summer camp.
Camping
The following apply to all camp activities including troop or patrol overnight or resident campouts.
Family camping is considered when the campout includes two or more family members, including at least one parent/guardian. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their non-member children and all Youth Protection guidelines apply. Typical activities during a family campout will be planned that will include everyone.
Troop 28 follows the Trek Safely procedures. At least one adult leader will be required to be trained in the Trek Safely program.
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse
BSA prohibits
the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. Tobacco usage at BSA
activities involving youth may not be allowed and is in the best interest of both
adults and youth. Adults will be asked to use tobacco products in designated
smoking areas awayre from participants.
Emergency Preparedness
The troop will
have aan
emergency preparedness plan for all activities including troop meeting. The
Scoutmaster and Senior patrol leader will be responsible for that plan,
ensuring it is communicated and made available to all participates.
First Aid
It is important that at least one adult leader be trained in the principles of first aid through a recognized agency such as American Red Cross.
The troop will maintain a first aid kit at all activities. Each scout is encourages to prepare and bring their own personal first aid kit.
Fuels and Fire Prevention
Adult supervision must be provided when scouts are participating in activities involving fuels and fire. The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited. No flames will be allowed in tents; this includes liquid fuel stoves, heaters, candles, matches, and other flame sources. All local fire laws, ordinances, and regulations will be followed.
Guns and Firearms
Guns and Firearms will be prohibited except in planned scouting activities with a BSA certified firearms instructor.
Sports and Activities
Good judgment and common sense should be used in all activities. The following activities are restricted and unauthorized by BSA.
· All-terrain vehicles or other off-road motorized recreational vehicles.
· Boxing, karate, and related martial arts
· Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters
· Exploration of abandoned mines
· Varsity football, interscholastic, or club football competitions
· Fireworks (including selling for fundraising)
· Hang gliders, ultra lights, hot air balloons, parachuting, or experimental air craft
· Motorized go-carts and motorbikes (all motorized speed events)
· Rodeo events
· Pointing of any type of firearm at any individual
· Hunting
· Motorized personal watercraft (jet skis)
· Firearms (except for supervised target shooting)
· Parasailing
· Bungee cord jumping
Inspections
Periodic inspections of the troop meeting place will be made for health and safety hazards.
Medical Information
Medical
information must be provided prior to participate in activities. Class
1 or 2 areClass 1 or 2 is required every 3 years
and is for low level activities including summer “base” camp. Class 3 is
required every year and required for high adventure activities and those
leaders over the age of 40.
Transportation
Adequate, safe, and responsible transportation will be used for all transportation provided by the troop. This includes use of seat belts, valid licensed drivers. Scouts are not allowed to ride in the rear of vehicles such as trucks. All vehicles must be covered by insurance as required by law. Speed limits will be obeyed and driving time will be limited to 10 hours per day.
Additional information and further explanation can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
WELCOME TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF
As adult scouters we will try to fulfill the following Scout promises for your son.
SCOUTING promises you the great outdoors. As a Scout, you can learn how to camp and hike without leaving a trace and how to take care of the land. You'll study wildlife up close and learn about nature all around you. There are plenty of skills for you to master, and you can teach others what you have learned. Everyone helping everyone else - that's part of Scouting, too.
SCOUTING promises you friendship. Members of the troop you join might be boys you already know, and you will meet many other Scouts along the way. Some could become lifelong friends.
SCOUTING promises you opportunities to work toward the Eagle Scout rank. You will set positive goals for yourself and then follow clear routes to achieve them.
SCOUTING promises you tools to help you make the most of your family, your community, and your nation. The good deeds you perform every day will improve the lives of those around you. You will be prepared to help others in time of need.
SCOUTING promises you experiences and duties that will help you mature into a strong, wise adult. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law can guide you while you are a Scout and throughout your life.
adventureAdventure,
learning, challenge, responsibility
theThe
promise of Scouting is all this and more
Are you ready for the adventure to begin?