WELCOME!!!!

            At this time we would like to welcome you and your son to Troop 155.

     So, your son has made the cross from Weblos to Scouts.  What does this mean?  We’ll, we at the troop understand the importance of a smooth transition.  Scouts can appear scary to an 11 year old, and to the parents.  To say that there is no difference between Weblos and Scouting would be unfair.  Boy scouts is a very different program than Cubs or Weblos.  Boy scouting is based on camping, survival, and responsibility and not so much on basic life skills. A large portion of rank advancement can only be completed while camping, especially at Summer Camp.  For instance, fire building, knife and axe, and cooking are examples of skills that can only be obtained outdoors. That is why the first year in scouting is so important.  Most new scouts lose interest within the first year.  This is why the Scoutmaster and leaders would like to keep you as informed as possible about our program.  Basically, if the parent is not informed, than the scout isn’t either, and that is when you both lose interest. 

The First Year…

            Right from the start we ask the new scouts to attend Summer Camp.  We understand it can be very intimidating and scary for both the child and parent.  It’s kind of a “baptism by fire,” but if they can get through it, its smooth sailing from that point on.  The first year camper program will teach your son all the skills he needs to become a confident scout.  Your boy will also leave summer camp with requirements completed for Scout and Tenderfoot, and Second Class rank.  Thus, preparing him for First Class through Eagle.  That one week at summer camp is huge in the grand scheme of advancement.  Mainly because at that point he will be able to start earning merit badges for the trail to Eagle.

Parental Involvement…

            Parental involvement is very important.  A scout troop cannot function without a committee, and its parents.  Decisions need to be made and activities need to be planned.  The Scoutmasters and Leaders cannot do this by themselves; there is not enough time in the day.  Therefore, we feel that it is very important for parents to remain visible at meetings and troop functions.  Especially camping trips!  Many of our camping trips are within an hour drive from the city.  Although, parents are always welcome to attend trips, we understand you have other responsibilities and cannot always do so.  This is why we release a tentative camping schedule at the beginning of every scout year (September).  We ask parents to provide transportation on at least two trips per year.  So please plan accordingly.

 Information…

            Troop 155 has a website at: http://www.geocities.com/elcor155 .  We ask you to please use this site as a resource.  The site has information such as: camping and meeting schedules, Troop contact information, as well as advancement information for every boy, and council information.  Please use this site at your convenience, sign the guestbook, and leave your e-mail address.  Occasionally, dates change and activities get rescheduled.  So, we need to send e-mails to inform you of any changes.  Also, we ask that when you drop your boy off at meetings on Mondays, you come to see us in the kitchen both upon arrival and when picking up. 

 Meetings…

            Meetings are held Monday nights in the church kitchen from 7:00 pm to 8:30.  A bit longer than the Cub program.

Fees…

            We try to limit the number of fundraisers because we understand that the children get enough of that at their own schools.  So, we charge an annual fee of $100.  $50 in September and $50 in January.  These fees cover camping reservations, patches for advancement, and equipment repair and purchase.  Trips cost $25 per boy.  These fees are due two weeks before the trip and cover food, fuel, and activities on a trip.

     Once again, we would like to welcome you to Troop 155.  Feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions or concerns.  And please use the website: http://www.geocities.com/elcor155 .

Your in Scouting,

Donald Wallace

Scoutmaster

[email protected]

Thomas Rafter

Assistant Scoutmaster

[email protected]

[email protected]