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New Scout and Parent Handbook Troop 217 Table of Contents: Welcome Letter from the Scoutmaster Welcome to Troop
217! We encourage new Scouts and their parents to read this handbook together. Discuss the various topics, and be assured that your questions are welcomed by the troop leadership. The more you learn about the Scouting program, the more impressed you will be with the rich history of the organization you have joined and commitment to the ideals it holds. While this booklet will give you many of these details, I invite you to become involved not only in our program, but in learning about the wonderful heritage of Scouting in this country. At Troop 217, we are proud to carry on this valuable tradition. So welcome not only to Troop 217, but also to the world of adventure Scouting has to offer. Have fun! Steve Thorne, Troop 217 has been continuously chartered to First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, for more than fifty years. Cub Pack 24, our companion unit for younger boys, has been chartered to Oak Hill School for a similar period. In 1985 the church provided Cannon Scout Center for the exclusive use of Scout-related activities. It is used regularly by all phases of Boy Scouting, as well as by the Girl Scouting program. The church and Oak Hill School use the Cannon Center for special purposes on a request basis. The Cannon Center telephone number is 298-9556. Troop 217 is a part of the James E. West District of the Middle Tennessee Scout Council. Our council is a part of the Southern Region of the Boy Scouts of America. The national headquarters for the BSA is in Irving, Texas. Troop 217 is strongly committed to boy leadership. While Scouting emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge necessary for the enjoyment and survival in nature, one of the main purposes is to develop leadership in the boys. Adults are there to assist in instruction, provide guidance, and maintain an infrastructure in which leadership on the part of the Scouts can flourish. Over the years, Troop 217 has developed a reputation for excellence in maintaining the high ideals of Scouting in all ways. This has not been easily gained. We strive to impress new Scouts with the past and present quality of the unit as a whole and with the importance of each boy doing his part in maintaining the troop's reputation. This aspect may require some further elaboration (for younger Scouts) on the part of parents. Each Scout must do his part in keeping our troop well-disciplined. It may seem strict at first, but most Scouts eventually realize this pays dividends in individual and troop accomplishments, such as in inter-troop competitions and completion of badges and ranks. We welcome boys, of Scouting age, who are vitally interested in the Scouting program. Eligibility rules are occasionally modified by the BSA, but generally boys can participate in Boy Scouting from age eleven until their eighteenth birthday. Currently, in order to join Boy Scouts, a boy must have completed the fifth grade OR be eleven years old OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award in Cub Scouting. All boys regularly participating in the activities of the troop must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. The current annual registration fee is $8.00, plus $1 for insurance. Furthermore, all boys in Troop 217 subscribe to Boy's Life magazine (one per household) at $7.80 per year. This 100% subscription rate for the troop provides free rank awards throughout the year -- a considerable savings for the Troop treasury. Reading Boy's Life also provides an excellent opportunity for boys to find out what others are doing in Scouting across the country. The troop re-registers each June. New Scouts registering for the first time during other months pay for both items on a pro-rata basis. The first item a new Scout needs in an official Boy Scout Handbook. Attached in the front of the handbook is the pamphlet, How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent's Guide, which you and your son are required to read and discuss. This exercise is one of the joining requirements for your son. A new Scout should also obtain a copy of Boy Scout Requirements, a booklet which lists requirements for all merit badges. He will use these two handbooks throughout his Scouting career. The Scout's advancement record will be recorded in the aforementioned Boy Scout Handbook. While individual Scout's advancement records are maintained by our troop, each Scout is expected to retain all rank and merit badge cards and emblems. The Handbook and Scout Requirements books can be purchased at the Boy Scout Shop at the Jet Potter Scout Center, corner of Hillsboro Road and Woodmont Blvd., or at any one of the authorized Boy Scout stores, such as Chad's Camping Center, across from Harding Mall. Be sure the Scout's name is well-displayed on the books. It is each Scout's responsibility to maintain all of his advancement records from Tenderfoot to Eagle. Scouts must NOT rely on someone else to do it for them. While the troop is boy-led, adult involvement is essential to the success of a troop. The Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters serve at the pleasure of the Troop Committee, a group of adult volunteers who serve to advise the troop in a number of areas of responsibility. Troop 217 has a strong cadre of adult leaders. This means that the adult leadership does not fall only on a few, and consequently, even those with only limited time can still be involved. Many of the adults wear the beads of Wood Badge. Wood Badge training is considered the Ph.D. of adult Scouting, and can take up to two years to complete. What is Expected of Scouts in Troop 217 Attendance at Troop Meetings. Regular troop meetings are held each Monday evening from 7:00-8:30 PM. While no boy can attend every meeting, we do expect active Scouts to attend a high percentage of meetings. It is at these troop meetings that information is given about troop activities, advancement classes are taught, Boards of Review are held, and advancement is recognized. A boy who is frequently absent from the meetings will soon feel lost and not a part of the troop. Uniforms. Uniforms are an important part of Scouting. When a boy wears the Scout uniform, he indicates his allegiance and dedication to the ideals of Scouting--duty to God, self, others, and country. Troop 217 considers Scouting an elite organization, and not every boy gets the honor and privilege to wear the Troop 217 and Scout uniform. To enhance the appearance and spirit of our Scouts, we have a special troop neckerchief and cap which has the troop's emblem embroidered on it. When a boy passes his joining requirements, he is awarded a troop neckerchief and his Scout card and emblem. (Caps must be purchased from the Troop Quartermaster). We encourage Scouts to be prepared the night they expect to receive their neckerchief by brining a neckerchief slide to the meeting with them. In future meetings or on an outing, one of our Assistant Scoutmasters can assist them in making a "woggle," or special knot used as a neckerchief slide. We insist on complete uniforms in good repair, worn appropriately with pride. Scouts are required to wear the uniform of the season, completely and in correct fashion, to all regular and special Scout functions, as well as on Sunday during weekend campouts. Our troop wears two different categories of uniforms, generally referred to as "Class A" and "Class B" uniforms. According to the Boy Scout Handbook, the "A" uniform is called the Field Uniform, and the "B" uniform is the Activities Uniform. A = Official BSA khaki short or long-sleeve shirt; BSA olive green pants (shorts or trousers), BSA belt, socks (long or short), troop cap, troop neckerchief, and approved neckerchief slide. In addition, boys typically wear hiking boots or other leather camping boots. Worn at special events, worship services, Scoutmaster conferences, Boards of Review, and at all meetings from Labor Day to Memorial Day. B = BSA pants (shorts or trousers) a scouting related T-Shirt, BSA belt, socks, and Troop 217 cap. Worn in more casual settings, where designated, and worn to weekly troop meetings during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Boys in Troop 217 wear special T-shirts as part of their "B" uniform. These can be purchased from the Troop Quartermaster. Extra or replacement troop shirts, caps, and neckerchiefs may be purchased from the troop. Uniforms and pieces of equipment are expensive. Please be sure all uniform pieces and equipment are labeled with the Scout's name and/or initials! Uniform Exchange. One of the nicest things for new Scouts is the uniform exchange which the troop maintains. You are encouraged to participate as your son outgrows any uniform part by delivering good, clean, serviceable uniform parts, labeled with the correct size, to the committee person in charge of the exchange. A copy of the Uniform Exchange procedure may be obtained at Scout Meetings. During his time in Scouting, a Scout receives many patches, badges, and insignia. Not all of these are to be won on the uniform, and most are to be worn only on specified places on the uniform, or only worn for specific periods of time or while the boy is at a particular rank. It is a good idea to get a special box or container for all the many different patches, ribbons, medals, etc., that the Scout earns, but cannot wear on the uniform. Participation in Troop Activities. Troop 217 is a camping troop. There will be some sort of outdoor experience every month, with the exception of December when we have our annual Christmas Tree sale. Few boys will be able to attend every campout, but those who miss most of them will probably feel on the fringes of the troop, and will miss out on many opportunities to learn and advance. They will soon be left behind by their rapidly advancing, more skilled and knowledgeable contemporaries who are more regular in their attendance. Furthermore, it is important that every boy function as part of a patrol. When a boy is consistently unavailable for the activities, his patrol cannot depend on him for his help and expertise. This puts a burden on the remainder of his patrol members, and does not show Scout spirit. We realize that the demands of family, church, school, and sports can be heavy. But Scouting is also a commitment, and there has never been an Eagle Scout from this troop who has not also had many other outside interests. Experience indicates that boys who have good parental guidance can learn to budget their time, and can find time to be active, to attend campout and meetings, and to advance within the Scouting program. One of the major aspects of Scouting which attracts and keeps bys interested is camping. A great deal of the fun of Scouting is in learning, polishing, and practicing outdoor skills. As stated earlier, Troop 217 camps at least one weekend every month except December. Unless instructed otherwise, for weekend campouts we assemble at the Cannon Scout Center promptly at 7:00 AM Saturday mornings, and usually return there by 2:00 Sunday afternoon. For these trips, Scouts typically bring a sack lunch for Saturday, and money for lunch on the return trip. Transportation to the campsite is provided by parents and adult leaders. Drivers of vehicles transporting boys must be at least 21 years of age. Usually, the meals for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast are cooked by each patrol. On occasion, the patrols may be asked to provide a meal for one adult guest. Often there is competition between patrols for the best meals. The meal costs are divided and shared among those Scouts who have indicated they will attend the campout. Payment is expected no later than the meeting following the camping trip. Patrols handle this differently, but typically patrol members are assigned the duty of shopping for the menu on a rotating basis. It is each Scout's duty to pay his share. Outfitting and equipment. Since this troop holds a campout almost every month of the year in all types of weather conditions, a Scout will need proper equipment, such as a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, hiking boots or shoes, etc. This equipment can be very expensive, and may come as a shock to those new to this activity, especially if they try to accumulate the needed items all at once. We strongly encourage parents not to immediately try to outfit a new Scout with every item he will eventually need. Boys grow, and gear that is purchased one year can be quickly outgrown. Also, there is a wide range of options to consumers today, and this can be very confusing. We attempt to educate Scouts in making appropriate equipment selections. However, each boy is different, and as boys become more experienced, they become more knowledgeable about equipment that fits their particular tastes, needs, and interests. If you do not feel familiar with this, we suggest talking to parents of more experienced Scouts, borrowing or renting equipment to try it out, or encourage the new Scout to talk to other Scouts about the necessary gear before making any major investment in equipment. Some find that boys who work to earn money to purchase their own clothing, gear, and equipment appreciate it more and treat is more responsibly. Also, there are many sources for these items. Used equipment is often available from Scouts who have outgrown or updated various items. The troop owns some equipment which can be checked out, and most outfitters in Nashville can be a great help in making appropriate and prudent selections. Currently, the trend is "less is more," and on most campouts that involve much hiking, each boy's gear is weighed to avoid overloads. If a boy's pack is too heavy, or his gear is so expensive that he is concerned about using it, some of the enjoyment is lost on these camping excursions. This troop emphasizes comfort, safety, and survival through training and smart thinking--not the latest gadgetry or what is fashionable in the marketplace. The troop has available an excellent printed resource for selecting equipment, as well as catalogs, names, addresses, phone numbers, and web sites of major discount outfitters across the country. Ask to see a copy of this. A Scout is Reverent. On campouts including a Sunday, our scouts conduct a short, non-sectarian worship service. All our Scouts are expected to participate dressed in full Class A uniform. Rank Advancement. Scouting is designed to be fun, but to get the full benefit of the program, boys must advance in rank. Much of Scouting is skill and experience based, and there are numerous ranks or levels of accomplishment, referred to as the "trail to Eagle." They are designed to broaden a boy's outdoor skills and his awareness of his duties as an American citizen and as a leader. In addition, he will be exposed to a wide variety of potential career ideas and mentors and role models who will help him achieve more of his potential. As you probably know, Eagle is the highest rank a boy can achieve in Scouting. The first level is that of Scout, followed by Tenderfoot, then Second Class, First Class, Star rank, Life rank, and finally Eagle. Each level is cumulative and progressive, in that boys are expected to accomplish even more at subsequent levels. In addition to skills and knowledge, most ranks require a certain period of active involvement in the troop to advance, or a minimum number of service hours, or a certain number of merit badges earned at the previous level. Each rank also involves a "Board of Review" and a Scoutmaster Conference. For Tenderfoot, Second, and First Cass ranks, each boy is examined by at least three of his more-advanced peers at the discretion and under the direction of a trained adult observer who is a member of the Troop Committee. During passage through the first three ranks a Scout learns and advances primarily by regularly attending patrol and troop meetings and by participating in the troop's outdoor activities. The acquisition of basic outdoor skills comprises the majority of the requirements of the Tenderfoot through First Class ranks. For Star and Life ranks, a Scout's Board will consist of at least three adult leaders from the Troop Committee. All of these Boards of Review typically take place during a regular Scout meeting. The Eagle Board of Review is unique and is held on a night other than a meeting night. It also has adult representation from the District/Council. Scouts must take Boards of Review seriously and must come dressed in full Class A uniform, prepared for a thorough review of their knowledge of Scout skills and their attitudes toward citizenship and personal goals at the level they are working. Conversely, Boards of Review are not inquisitions and every attempt is made to prepare the Scout for the Review, and to maintain consistent quality to them. Scouts soon appreciate that ranks are earned, not given. Troop 217 maintains high standards of advancement. It complies strictly with BSA standards, and Scouts in this Troop are expected to advance on a regular basis. Advancement requires a degree of personal motivation on the part of the boy. While advancement is monitored, no one will stand over a boy and force him to meet the requirements of advancement. On the other hand, boys are youth, and most do not have the focus and motivation to accomplish goals without some degree of external encouragement and support. When a Scout reaches the Life rank, he chooses an adult "Life to Eagle" mentor from the cadre of Assistant Scoutmasters who will serve as an adviser, pusher, prodder, confessor, or whatever the boy needs to help him attain the goal of Eagle Scout. Merit Badges. To advance in rank, boys must also earn merit badges--some of which are required and some of which are electives. Merit badges are a way for Scouts to expand their knowledge of many of the hobbies and careers available to them. There are currently 121 merit badges boys can earn (each pictured in the Boy Scout Handbook) indicating the variety of interests which Scouting addresses. To earn a merit badge, boys must acquire the merit badge booklet, either from the troop library or from any approved supplier of Scouting materials. The boy should identify the merit badge counselor within the troop and work with him to meet the requirements of the badge. If there is no counselor for a particular badge, the boy should make the desire to earn the badge known to the Scoutmaster. Either someone within the troop will become trained to register as a counselor, or arrangements can be made to help the boy find a registered counselor locally. Boys also earn merit badges at summer camp, and at "Merit Badge Universities" that are held at various locations and times throughout the year. Currently, among the requirements to achieve Eagle Scout, a boy must earn a minimum of twenty-one badges. Twelve of these are required. There are numerous other requirements as well which are outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. While the troop strives to provide class-type instruction and help for many of the Eagle-required merit badges, a Scout is expected to contact most approved merit badge counselors on his own. Older, advanced Scouts may participate in a special program of study and the acquiring of selection merit badges leading to their earning the INSTRUCTOR designation. Instructors have special prerogatives in teaching skills required for the first three ranks. Courts of Honor. Boys want to see the results of their advancements almost immediately, and recognition of achievement is a very important part of Scouting. That is why there are so many patches, awards, and opportunities for recognition. Awards are presented near the end of each weekly meeting when boys who have achieved advancement are recognized--typically at the meeting succeeding their completion. We also hold at least two formal Courts of Honor each year. These usually involve dinners in Courtenay Hall in the First Presbyterian Church building. Scouts and their families are expected to attend these special affairs. The Eagle rank is always presented at a formal Court of Honor, in a ceremony befitting the honor bestowed. The Eagle recipient usually invites special family members and friends, teachers, youth pastors, and others who have influenced him to witness this auspicious event. Service Projects. In addition to campouts and excursions, there are also a number of service projects each year. These include, among other things, such events as the food collection for the Second Harvest Food Bank, help with the Special Olympics program, and service to their fellow Scouts who are working on Eagle projects. All scouts are required to accumulate a certain number of service hours for advancement, but beyond that, service exemplifies the essence of Scouting. Boys in Troop 217 are expected to render service to their fellow Scouts, the troop, and their community. Summer camp. Troop 217 spends at least one full week in long-term camping under skilled leadership at a Scout Reservation. Boxwell Reservation, located approximately 40 miles from Nashville on Old Hickory Lake, has been the site of this camp for many years, but we may also use other Scout properties, including Camp Roy C. Manchester on Kentucky Lake, Grimes Canoe Base on the Buffalo River, and other properties. Every Scout is expected to participate in summer camp. This is an important experience where Scouts can learn much, advance greatly, and catch the esprit de corps of Troop 217. Every boy who comes back from a week at summer camp invariably feels more connected to the troop and proud of his affiliation with it. High adventure trips. Each year we strive to have a special high-adventure trip for the older, more experienced Scouts. In recent years these trips have included hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail, canoeing on the Ozark Scenic Waterway, and extensive backpacking at the Philmont Scout Rank in Cimmaron, New Mexico. Every four years, our Scouts have the opportunity to attend a National Scouting Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia. Over 40,000 Scouts from all over the world participate in these unforgettable week-long jamborees. Since these trips are more costly and reserved for older, more advanced Scouts, boys who have a goal of participating in one or more should plan well in advance and are usually required to pay reservation deposits. Appropriate Behavior. Because our Scouts are constantly reminded of the high ideals of Scouting set forth in the Scout Oath and Law, we operate with a minimum of stated regulations. However a few bear restating:
Special Awards and Opportunities Dolphin Society. Because many Scouts in Troop 217 are accomplished in water-oriented skills and recreational activities, and because it is felt boys should be thoroughly trained in water safety, we have devised our troop's own set of water-oriented standards. When a Scout has earned the Canoeing, Rowing, Swimming, Lifesaving, and either Motor boating or Small Boat Sailing merit badges, plus completed the Mile Swim, he becomes a member of the Dolphin Society. He is awarded a cast bronze belt buckle with the motto AQUA ALTERA DOMUS EST (Water is My Other Home) cast on the buckle. Membership as signified by these buckles is highly prized, and a plaque listing recipients is displayed in the Cannon Scout Center. Bench Mark Award. With Emphasis on Backpacking, more regarding this award will be coming soon. God and Country Award. Its name and requirements differ, depending on the particular religious faith, but all are directed toward extensive service to the church of the Scout's choice. We are available to help Scouts begin to earn this prestigious award within their particular religious organization. We have always had a troop displaying a diversity of religious backgrounds and orientations by our Scouts and their parents. Order of the Arrow. Order of the Arrow is a camping oriented service fraternity based on historical Native American lore. Troop 217 strongly supports and regularly participates in this organization. Scouts and Scouters are elected by their peers on the basis of their Scouting skills and their dedication to service to others. The rituals and other details of the Order are secret, and there are three levels of membership: Ordeal, Brotherhood, and the Vigil Honor. All are united by dedication to the same ideals. The legend of selfless service which is the basis of the Order affects the lives of all who are chosen to membership. Troop Knot. Several years ago, Troop 217 selected the "Tennessee Jug Knot" (the Hackmore) as a special emblem, awarded to any Scout who can tie the seven basic knots in a minute or less, plus the jug knot itself. The award is a small rawhide jug knot worn on the right shirt pocket of the Class A uniform. Leadership Instruction. The troop leadership conducts leadership training sessions periodically within the confines of our unit. Each fall when the new leadership is elected for the troop, these boys participate in an Junior Leader Training weekend. As Scouts mature physically, mentally, socially, and in their Scouting skills, they may be selected by the Scoutmaster to attend Brownsea, a week-long intensive training course held at a Scout Reservation each summer. If your son is selected to participate, encourage him to do so. Often, boys mature rather dramatically during this challenging experience. The troop underwrites a portion of the registration fees. As with most organizations, it can sometimes be intimidating to come into a group with established relationships, routines, and a particular group culture. In most cases, the first introduction to Troop 217 is through a visit to a regular Monday night troop meeting. You will notice first of all that it is a very busy time and place. It may look a bit chaotic, but much is going on. Approach an adult, introduce yourself, and most likely that is all you will need to do. Identify yourself as a parent of a new Scout, and you will be directed to the appropriate orientation procedure. That may even be how you came to find this website! Beyond that, the best way to get involved is to start attending the meetings and activities. Register as an Assistant Scoutmaster and participate in one of the many formal adult Scouter leader programs available at the District and Council level. Fast Start, Youth Protection Training, New Leader Essentials, Leader Position Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills, and finally Wood Badge are open to those who want to further their knowledge of the Scouting program, improve their Scout skills, and develop their leadership abilities. More information on these programs is available on request. Those who do not wish to participate on a regular basis can still participate by helping with the Christmas tree and greenery sale--our one and only fundraising effort--formal Courts of Honor, providing transportation for special events, and in many other ways. Those who wish to participate on a regular basis at troop meetings, campouts, etc., are urged to be present at meetings and indicate their particular interests. Each August, the troop leadership--adults and boy leaders--meets for a lengthy discussion to assess our efforts and establish the broad outline of the program for the upcoming year. This is one of these most important meetings of the year. You are encouraged to use it as a family planning calendar. Changes in the calendar are announced at meetings or noted in Smoke Signals, our troop newsletter. Boys who get support from home tend to advance farther and faster. Support can come in many different ways. Most of the boys in Scouting are not old enough to drive, and therefore have to have ways of getting to and from meetings and activities. As mentioned earlier, equipment and uniforms can get expensive, and boys will need some way of purchasing or acquiring these. Boys may need help learning to manage their time, energy, and money. Some merit badges even require that this be done in a family setting. And at some point, almost every boy has to be prodded and even pushed to reach the pinnacle. Discuss your son's progress and urge him on. It is not a race, however, and with planning, most boys can advance while fully enjoying the "trail to Eagle." Nonetheless, there is an age restriction. Once a boy reaches his 18th birthday, he is no longer eligible to participate in Scouting as a boy. Boys and parents should be aware of the time requirements for advancement and plan accordingly. Take an interest in your son's progress. Get to know his friends in Scouting. Come to weekly meetings and meet the adult leaders, or better yet, sign up to be one! Read your son's handbook. It contains a wealth of information, including the answers to many questions you may have regarding Scouting. Troop 217 re-registers all Scouts and adult Scouters each June. Notices are sent to all Scout families at the first of the month for the registration fee and subscription to Boy's Life. Checks should be made payable to BSA Troop 217, and should be delivered promptly to the troop treasurer. The treasurer re-registers only those who have paid prior to June 30. In addition to the regular registration of our Scouts and Scouters within the unit, those adults who are less involved in the Scouting program, such as merit badge counselors, are now required to re-register with the BSA. The policy is designed to protect both adults and boys and is a part of the "two-deep leadership" policy of the BSA. Insurance coverage for volunteers is provided to a degree by the Council. Registration details are available from the Troop Committee. Fund Raising and Operating Costs The troop receives support from the sponsoring organization, but receives money for only very special needs. The troop does not use a dues system. Our operating funds in the past several years have come primarily from our annual Christmas Tree and greenery sales held on the church property. This effort begins with the delivery of trees and set up operations on a Saturday late in November or early December. Sales by Scouts and parents continue daily thereafter until all trees are sold or until Christmas. On a Saturday soon after Christmas, we have a "take-down" party. We expect all Scouts and parents to participate in this once a year effort. We must have the help of all those involved in the troop, whether or not you are a registered Scouter. Please do not hesitate to ask them! Adult leaders are there to help not only the boys, but they also realize that one of the keys to the boy's success is the support and investment of the parents. We want you in Troop 217!
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