Introduction to Boy Scout Troop 1

Transcription

1 Introduction to Boy Scout Troop 1 In the Steps of Isaac Davis Introduction to Troop 1-1

2 Boy Scouting is Not Like Cub Scouting Cub Scouts Pack is divided into agespecific Dens Dens are lead by adults Adults do the planning, organizing, make the decisions Scouts are at the early stages of learning about leadership, with adults guiding their hand Meetings are monthly, and missing one means missing a lot Camping activities are a few times a year Advancement is done as a Den on a per-year basis Boy Scouts Troop is divided into heterogeneous Patrols Patrols are lead by scouts Scouts do the planning, organizing, make the decisions The boys are given leadership responsibility, with adults acting as safety net Meetings are weekly and are optional (given the realities of homework, etc.) Camping is done monthly, throughout the year Advancement is done individually, as the scout grows at his own pace Introduction to Troop 1-2

3 Who Are We? Started in 1916 in a barn in South Acton We're the oldest Troop in the area, Celebrating 100 Years in 3 short years. Started just a few years after Boy Scouting came to the US Chartering organization is Acton- Group of Citizens (nondenominational) The Group of Citizens are a group of adults who support the Scouting program. Many are Troop 1 alumni Meetings and events Regular Troop meetings are on Wednesday nights 7:00-8:30pm at St. Matthews (when school is in session), Patrol meetings take place monthly, established at the direction of the Patrol leader Camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, or other outdoor activities take place monthly Organizational/planning meetings for adults (Troop Committee) or Scouts ("Greenbar") take place monthly We are a medium-large Troop 49 boys High percentage of participation Introduction to Troop 1-3

4 Philosophy and Approach Objective: Provide boys ages 11 through 17 the opportunity to grow and develop competence and confidence We use outdoor events as a venue for the boys to challenge and test themselves, leadership skills Physical and mental challenges Follow the original Scouting tradition of being a boy-led Troop Scouts plan the calendar Scouts lead the outings Scouts lead monthly campouts Older scouts teach skills to younger scouts Adult leaders provide the support structure We are there to ensure safety We provide leadership guidance the boys need in order to learn outdoor and leadership skills and to run the troop themselves Introduction to Troop 1-4

5 Personality, What the Boys Say.. Achievement & Rank advancement Supportive environment Learning & Leadership Troop meetings are fun and educational Interact with adults Learn from mistakes Camping & Independence Scouts lead Variety of trip experiences Separate adult campsite Introduction to Troop 1-5

6 Boy Scout Ranks Tenderfoot Basic Scout knowledge: simple knots, simple first aid, safe hiking, basic fitness, identification of poisonous plants Second Class Basic compass & map skills, a camping experience, build a fire, identify some plants and animals, more first aid, safe swimming First Class Navigation without a compass, orienteering, more camping experience, outdoor cooking, understanding of Constitutional rights and obligations, advanced knots, rescue techniques, swimming Star Merit Badges, service projects, hold leadership position Life More of all: Merit Badges, service projects, hold leadership position Eagle Earn specific Merit Badges, hold leadership position Plan, organize, execute a significant service project Introduction to Troop 1-6

7 Rank Advancement in Troop 1 Troop 1 has a strong tradition of facilitating rank advancement Every opportunity is presented On average 1 advancement per scout in 2012 We graduate many Eagle Scouts Five in 2012 We participate in numerous advancement activities: Merit Badge College Summer camp at Camp Wanocksett Throughout the year, parent-led Merit Badge courses Patrol meetings oriented around skills development Monthly outings centered around skills 191 merit badges awarded in 12, average 4 per scout Introduction to Troop 1-7

8 Troop Meetings and Outings We have a mix of rugged, outdoor events, as well as intellectual events something for everybody Month: Troop Meeting Event Sep: Patrol Olympics Easy backpack trip Oct: Art & Music Advanced hike and overnight Nov: Cooking & Camping Backpacking trip AMC Hut (Thanksgiving feast) Dec: Culture & Politics Advanced hike and overnight Jan: Cold weather skill Ski Trip and lodge overnight Feb: Engineering & Science Snow Shelter Camping at Camp Wanocksett (NH) Mar: Sports and Aquatics Urban adventure, Philadelphia Apr: First Aid Isaac Davis Camporee & Minuteman March May: Hiking & Adventure Rafting or sailing adventure Jun: Games Family Camping Trip Nantucket Jul: None Camping Week - Camp Wanocksett Introduction to Troop 1-8

9 Troop Meeting Activities Project-oriented Activities, Organized Around the Monthly Theme Introduction to Troop 1-9

10 Learning and Camping Adventures Working on Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Mr. Ossmann Inspects Lashing Coping with Weather Campfires are an Important Part of the Campout: Relaxing, Reviewing, Telling Stories Setting Up Camp A Chair is Built Introduction to Troop 1-10 Rescue Litter Not All Wilderness is Wild

11 Backpacking and Wilderness Adventure Backpacking Trips are Typically in New Hampshire, Vermont, or Western Mass Introduction to Troop 1-11 Snow Cave Overnight weather permitting

12 Philmont High-Adventure (For Older Boys Only) Introduction to Troop 1-12

13 All Work and No Play? Not Us! Adults Dressed for our Annual Thanksgiving Backpacking Dinner Scouts vs. Dads in Soccer "I can't believe a bunch of overweight, middle-aged men beat us!" - Eric L. Some People Just Don't Know How to Dress for Dinner! Introduction to Troop 1-13

14 Camp Wanocksett Attend Camp Wanocksett as a Troop typically "Week 2" Tentative: July 7-13, 2013 Typically 3/4 of the boys attend during that time Last year, we had 38 in that week Well-equipped, well-supervised "sleep away camp" Attention to safety and the well-being of the scout Usually 4+ adults from the Troop attend Last year 3 all week + 8 half-week We have a great time too! Other weeks are also an option ("Provo camper") Several Scouts went an extra (or even 3rd) week Introduction to Troop 1-14

15 Governance Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Patrol Leaders Greenbar Introduction to Troop 1-15

16 Adult Involvement 34 Adults involved in named positions Lots more involved as: Trip Advisors Merit badge Counselors Summer camp Support Participate in trips Scoutmaster James Norton Committee Chair Tom Dunn Adults provide a foundation and safety net, but let the Scouts run the troop, meetings and events. Introduction to Troop 1-16

17 Communications Newsletter Monthly document, full of information lists One goes to all members of the Troop; parents, scouts (who have their own addresses), involved adults One goes to parents and involved adults One for the Troop committee One goes to all scouts who have leadership positions (those that have their own addresses), their parents, Scoutmaster, etc. And specialized lists for specific purposes Troop 1 Web site < Public site has reference material, etc. No personal information, I.e., last names, phone numbers, addresses, etc. Private site has rosters, newsletters, adult resource list, etc. In-meeting announcements and discussion Introduction to Troop 1-17

18 Fundraising It is voluntary There's no lesson in pitching in if it is compulsory Two events per year Popcorn in the fall Flowers/plants in the spring A portion of what the scout sells goes into a SIP (Scout Investment Program) account SIP funds can be used to purchase gear or pay for a trip Introduction to Troop 1-18

19 Costs Dues are typically ~$58/year Additional ~$20 for initial uniform parts Trips typically cost ~$20-40 each Philmont and other major trips excepted Scout is responsible for his own backpack, boots, sleeping bag, and personal camping gear Troop has tents, stoves, and cooksets Don Keyes Memorial Fund Endowed by Troop 1's first Eagle Scout available for any family needing financial assistance Introduction to Troop 1-19

20 When Your Son Joins Troop 1 Welcome the scout and parents, integrate the scout and parents, put the scout on the path toward advancement and ensure everyone is prepared March Webelos Crossover Attend first Troop meeting New Scouts assigned to patrol Parents gear meeting April First overnight - attend Isaac Davis Camporee, Attend patrol meetings, work on Tenderfoot rank May First Troop trip Attend patrol meetings, work on Tenderfoot rank June Family Camping Trip July Attend summer camp Work on Second Class Earn merit badges Assigned new patrol Introduction to Troop 1-20

21 Takeaways About Troop 1 Boy led with strong behind-the-scenes adult involvement Long-standing, well organized Troop Objective is learning and growth through enjoyable and challenging activities Younger boys learn from the older/more-experienced boys Cohesive group of boys and adults Varied menu of activities and we have a lot of fun! Introduction to Troop 1-21