Troop 5749: Details for Families



Troop 5749: Details for FamiliesWhat Does a Scout Do in Troop 5749?There are several different types of activities the Troop participates in throughout the year. Meetings Troop MeetingsEach week the entire Troop gathers for a general Troop Meeting. The Troop Meeting is held every Monday at 7pm, with the Rough Scout/early advancement meetings beginning at 6:30pm. At the weekly Troop meetings, Scouts work on rank advancement, Scout skills, have inter-Patrol competitions, and prepare for outdoor activities. Weekly Troop meetings are not held when LWSD/ISD are out of session (including during the summer).Patrol Leaders CouncilEach month the Patrol Leaders Council meets with the Scoutmaster to plan the next two month’s Troop Meetings and events, and review leadership goal progress. Additional PLCs may be called at the discretion of the SPL. This group is composed of the SPL, her ASPL(s), Patrol Leaders, and any other Scouts who hold leadership positions such as Scribe, Historian, Librarian, Troop Guide, and Quartermaster. Patrol MeetingsPatrols are highly encouraged to have a meeting at least once a month to build teamwork, work on advancement, prepare for upcoming events, and have fun. Patrol meetings can be held at Patrol members houses – or anywhere else the Scouts would like to gather (provided it is Scout appropriate). Earn RanksAdvancement provides a ladder of skills which each Scout climbs at her own pace. As she acquires these skills she moves up through a series of ranks, for which she is awarded badges – Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The higher she climbs the more challenging her tasks – and more rewarding. Details are found in the Scout Handbook.Merit BadgesThe goal of the Merit Badge program is to expand a Scout's areas of interest and to encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject. A Scout working with a registered MB Counselor works toward clear objectives, proves what she has learned, and – if determined, earns her merit badges. Campouts and ActivitiesTroop 5749 conducts a year-round calendar of outings and activities, as established by the Scouts. The cadence is designed to have at minimum one campout and one hike per month. During the summer months, the camping opportunities occur much more frequently – between our annual summer camp, our national High Adventure outings (Northern Tier, Sea Base, Philmont) and our own High Adventure offerings (Tenderfoot Trail, Alpine Adventure, Cascade Challenge), our Scouts always have great opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Service ProjectsIn addition to weekly meetings and monthly activities, Troop 5749 Scouts develop a sense of citizenship and strengthen their community by participating in special Service Projects throughout the year.Courts of HonorTroop 5749 conducts a Court of Honor four times a year to recognize Scout advancements and awards. The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be recognized for their achievements. Families and all other interested individuals are strongly encouraged to attend.Membership ProcessGeneral membership requirements can be found on the BSA national website, as well as in the Scout Handbook. Fill out Application/sParents must fill out an application for their Scout (and themselves, if they are planning on being a Scouter). If a girl is new to Scouting, the application is filled out for a new Scout; if transferring from another Troop or joining from Cub Scouts, application is filed as a transfer Scout. New ScoutsA girl’s first goal is to achieve Scout rank (requirements found in the Scout Handbook). When Scouts have completed the parent review portion (the first section of the handbook) and they are ready to discuss the remaining requirements, they meet with an ASM or the Scoutmaster. This is usually done in the first one or two meetings after the Scout has joined – so they can begin their work towards 1st Class. Transferring Scouts:Scouts joining the Troop should introduce himself to the Scoutmaster – especially if that Scout has been part of another Troop and has earned rank. Transfer Scouts need to present their handbook to the Troop Committee so their record/s can be validated (families should provide contact information for the former Troop in order to ensure credit for any merit badges, offices held, and honors secured (including OA) can be verified). Submit FeesThe annual registration fee is a nominal fee paid each fall to officially enroll the Scout in the local Troop and the National BSA organization. Other costs through the course of Scouting include fees for individual outings and activities, as well as personal uniform purchases. Need based financial assistance is available.Registration Fee (Annual)Dues for Troop 5749 are listed on the troop website (though depending on what time of the year you join, this may be pro-rated). This covers both the BSA national fee, as well as the Troop 5749 activity fee. Dues are payable in November for the upcoming Scouting year, covering a January-January period. Scouts joining from other units where they are actively registered (e.g. Webelos who have recently registered with their Packs) have a reduced fee (this covers the Troop activity fee, as well as a membership transfer fee with BSA). Fees are applied by the Troop toward:National fees:Scouts BSA membershipInsuranceBoys Life magazine subscription Troop operating fees:BadgesAwardsTroop-supplied materialsEquipmentAdult leadership trainingRegistration Fee (Transfer)Scouts joining from units where they are actively registered (e.g. Webelos who have crossed over) have a reduced fee (this covers the Troop activity fee, as well as a membership transfer fee with BSA). Note about payments Checks should be written out to “BSA Troop 5749” unless otherwise noted by the Treasurer/Committee Chair. PayPal may also be used, with a small convenience fee added to the payment. Camps, certain outings, and other Troop or Patrol events may have additional fees associated with them. An attempt is made to keep these costs to a minimum, with each event operating on a “net zero” principle. Receive your “Welcome Kit”Upon turning in a completed application and check, Scouts receive: Troop number (5749 patch)Neckerchief and slide Scout Handbook Handbook coverIf these are lost at any time while the Scout is a member of the Troop, it is the responsibility of the family to provide replacements. Not ProvidedUniform pieces (shirt, pants, belt, sash, cap – and yes, the BSA sells socks, too), and non-rank badges (e.g. Council patch, World Scout rounder, etc.), are not provided by the Troop. Get Your Uniform Each Scout is required to wear their Field Uniform (unofficially called the "Class A") to Troop meetings. Items in bold on the list below are mandatory for any general meeting:Tan Scout shirt (plus all insignia and patches)Scout pants or shortsScout socks (required with Scout shorts)Scout beltNeckerchief slide Troop 5749 neckerchief (solid if under 1st Class, with Eagle if 1st Class and above)Optional: BSA Scout caps Families put all badges on your own uniforms – see filestore/pdf/34283.pdf for placement info. OrganizationTroop 5749 is part of the Alpine District of the Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America. The unit is granted by the BSA to our Chartered Organization, is run by the Troop Committee, and embodies the Troop and its Patrols. Who “Owns” Our Troop – the Chartered OrganizationUnits are sponsored by organizations which apply for a charter from the Boy Scouts of America allowing that organization to sponsor a Scouts BSA Troop. The Chartered Organization for Troop 5749 is Mary Queen of Peace. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered Organization Representative acts as the liaison between Troop 5749 and MQP.Who “Runs” Our Troop – The Troop Committee The Troop Committee (or “TCOM”) functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. TCOM takes care of non-program issues surrounding the Troop, and runs Board of Review sessions for Scouts. The Committee meets on the first Monday of the month. TCOM is led by the Committee Chair. What “Is” the TroopThe Troop is a group made up of several Scout Patrols. The Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leaders Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings.The PatrolEach Patrol usually consists to eight Scouts. Scouts in a patrol elect their Patrol Leader once every six months. Youth LeadershipThe Troop is based upon youth leadership and the patrol method of organization. Junior Leaders are responsible for a variety of roles within the Troop. Adult LeadershipThe Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are the direct contact leaders of the Troop. They actively participate directly with the Scouts in weekly Troop meetings and monthly outings. They are fully trained for their mentoring positions, and are there to provide guidance to the youth as the youth lead the Troop. The Program is led by the Scoutmaster.ExpectationsScoutsScout Oath and LawPersonal dedication, a commitment to excellence, a sense of duty, personal loyalty and responsibility produce a young adult who not only is a successful Scout, but an asset to society.Live by the Scout Oath and Law Support Scouting in word and deed Obey and respect Scout and adult leaders Arrive for activities on time and prepared Encourage other boys to join Scouting Treat all Scouts adult leaders with respect Continue to advance Be an active participant in the Troop Fulfill the requirements of any leadership position you accept Respect the uniform and wear it properly Provide service to the Troop and your communityAttendanceWhen a Scout joins, she is expected to participate in as many Troop events as possible, and to attend her Patrol’s meetings when they are called. Records are kept of attendance, and Scouts participation is tracked at meetings and events. The Scoutmaster uses this information in Scoutmaster Conferences and for when reviewing eligibility for certain Troop offices. That said, the more a Scout misses meetings and events, the less likely they are advance. Camping & Hiking Gear Scouts generally provide their own gear as needed to events and outings, as determined in their Patrol planning meetings. Some essential equipment is also available for checkout from the Troop quartermaster, such as backpacks, tents, and cooking gear. Available gear is prioritized to Rough Scouts, who have yet to purchase (and understand) much of their needed gear.ParentsAll parents should read through their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting – it is the one place from which to get the “full” story of the Program. Other expectations, such as tracking the calendar and attending Courts of Honor are mentioned elsewhere in this section. If You Need Something Done…Parents have two roles within the Troop: parent to their Scout, and a share of the responsibility for the success of the unit. Parents should be there to support (and sometimes nudge) their own daughter, but not to do the work for them. Make the journey alongside them, though; no Scout is expected to travel the “Trail to Eagle” by himself. If a Scout can do it, a Scout should do it – remember, this is their journey to complete.Be Aware – Be ConnectedInformation on Troop activities is available through three primary sources – email, the Troop website, and the Troop Facebook page. Please make sure the email address(s) for family members (parents and Scout) are accurate, and are for an account which is regularly checked. It’s particularly important to check emails daily when getting close to an activity, as updates on how many people are coming, who is providing transportation, who is buying the food, etc. can change. Note – given the area we are in and the age, electronic communication is mandatory – please make sure at least one recipient per family is net-connected. If this is a hardship due to cost or equipment issues, please contact the Scoutmaster directly.Attend Parent MeetingsParent meetings are held on a monthly basis to review where we are in the Scout year. Special topics are often discussed (e.g. bullying), and planning for larger Troop events (e.g. Iron Scout) are typically covered. Consider Becoming a ScouterAs with any volunteer youth organization, the Troop needs the active support of the Parents to be successful. When your daughter joins the Troop, we will ask each family to volunteer for at least one job with the Troop – unless we get 100% support of the Parents, we will be unable to provide the quality Scouting programs that our daughters deserve and may have to reduce the roster of active Scouts in the Troop.MeetingsThe Troop meets at MQP every Monday night. Scouts should be on time and in uniform, and be prepared for the meeting armed with their Handbook, a notebook (with any blue cards they may be working on at the time), and a pencil. Unless otherwise indicated, Scouts are expected to follow uniform requirements as determined by the SPL for all regular Troop meetings (current requirement is Scout shirt & long pants).Regular MeetingsAs noted above, regular meetings cover topics as determined by the PLC. The goals of meetings are to work on Scout skills and to prepare for the Troop outings. Advancement sessions, the Rough Scout meetings, preceed the regular meetings.Advancement Night Though determined by the PLC, the last Monday of each month is typically a Merit Badge Monday. Scouts are free to begin new MB classes that night, work with counselors to complete classwork they have in progress, or to meet with the Scoutmaster for a SMC.Courts of Honor Four times a year (September, December, March and June) the Troop holds a Court of Honor (COH) to recognize Scout advancement, awards, and Merit Badges. All family members are cordially invited to attend and show support for the Troop and Scouts. Certain COH’s may include a meal, or may be held outside – though this is a formal ceremony, we like to keep it “familiar.” AbsencesWhile there are many valid reasons that a Scout cannot attend meetings or activities, she should develop the responsible approach of letting her leaders (Patrol leader and/or Senior Patrol Leader) know when she is unable to attend a meeting or activity. If a Scout expects to have extended absences from Troop activities due to scheduling conflicts (e.g. sport season), she should personally notify the Scoutmaster. ClosuresThe Troop calendar takes into account school schedules from at least three different school systems (LWSD, Issaquah, and Eastside Catholic). In some cases, meetings are cancelled due to school vacations or MQP closures. In addition to the Troop calendar, you may wish to look at the Mary Queen of Peace site for potential weather-related closures at home.aspx. Scoutmaster Conference and Boards of ReviewWhen a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, she meets with an Assistant Scoutmaster or the Scoutmaster who reviews requirements with the Scout to ensure that all have been met. Thereafter, a Scout appears before a Board of Review composed of members of the Troop Committee and Scout parents. The purpose of the review is not an examination, but to determine the Scout's attitude and acceptance of Scouting's ideals. A Board of Review may also be held to counsel a girl about her lack of progress toward advancement.OutingsTroop 5749 conducts a full program of camping activities, year-round.Campouts Campouts are held approximately once a month. Cooking is usually conducted using the Patrol method, where each Patrol is responsible for their own menu and cooking. Campouts feature competitive events in Scout skills, campfires, camp-wide games, advancements, special activities and tours – and it’s where the real magic of Scouting happens. Outings are held, rain or shine, hot or cold. A Scout should be prepared to adequately protect himself from the elements. HikesWe like to run a minimum of one hike per month, both for fitness’ sake as well as training. Hikes may be short hikes (an afternoon with only the 10 Essentials), or may be a multi-day, 50-mile High Adventure outing. EventsThe Troop both participates in special events (e.g. Klondike, Camporee, Jamborees), but also runs our own signature event – the Iron Scout competition. These special events are held roughly once a quarter, and are all Scout-led. Troop Discipline PolicyEvery Scout is expected to understand and comply with the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, the Outdoor Code, and the policies of the Troop. Scouts having difficulty following these rules will be given an opportunity to correct their behavior. Counseling of Scouts will be based on the severity of the discipline violation. Additional occurrences will initiate another level of leadership to counsel the Scout about the problem.Every effort is made to have the Scouts, through the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader resolve any conflict between Scouts or eliminate any unruly behavior by a Scout by counseling the Scout. In appropriate cases, the matter may be brought before the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Troop Committee. Multiple infractions by a Scout may result in removal from an event, loss of leadership position for all or part of the term, or for serious infractions or continued unruly behavior, suspension or expulsion from the Troop.Further Reading:Web Resources: – Troop website. Has in-depth information and resources for all Scouts and their families.Troop5749 – the location for reviewing your Scout progress, family contact information, and all other official businessIronScouts – conversations for all approved members of the Troop 5749 familygroups.group/TROOP5749/ – contains a record of all Troop communicationshome.aspx – Home page of our chartering organization, Mary Queen of Peace.Troop Library Resources: ................
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