Boy Scouts of America Troop 505 Overview Golden Arrow District Sam Houston Area Council

The Goals of Scouting The Aims of Boy Scouting Character development Citizenship training Physical, mental, and emotional fitness Aims are Delivered by these Methods Ideals Patrols Outdoor Programs Advancement Personal Growth Leadership Development Uniform AIMS AND METHODS OF THE SCOUTING PROGRAM The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citzenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each. Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes. Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources. Advancement. Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Personal Growth. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims. Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

History of Scouting The Beginnings of Scouting Movement The 20th-century scouting movement was started by Robert Baden-Powell during the Boer War as a series of games and exercises to help men learn to live in the open under difficult conditions Powell developed a book called “Aids to Scouting” as a way of training recruits. This book became an instant hit among boys He conducted his first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907, and his book “Scouting for Boys” was published in 1908 In England, Boy Scouts formally started on Jan. 24, 1908 History of Scouting in the USA In the United States the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) had been running camps for boys since 1884. In 1902 Ernest Thompson Seton founded the Tribe of Woodcraft Indians as a boy's organization. Three years later Daniel Carter Beard started a similar society called the Sons of Daniel Boone. February 8th, 1910 William Boyce, inspired by unknown Scout in London, incorporated BSA working with YMCA and Seton In 1910, Seton combined B-P “Scouting for Boys” and Woodcraft Manual to publish first BSA Handbook The word scout comes from the French verb ecouter, which means "to listen." Armies have long used scouts to gather information about the enemy. On the American frontier a scout was someone always on the lookout for danger. He also used outdoor skills and knowledge of nature to help him in his work. The 20th-century scouting movement began as a series of games and exercises to help men--primarily soldiers--learn to live in the open under difficult conditions. The program was started during the Boer War in South Africa by Robert Baden-Powell. Then a colonel in the British Army, he developed a military textbook called 'Aids to Scouting' as a way of training recruits. This book became an instant hit among boys. Baden-Powell was a little dismayed that boys were using a military manual. He was convinced that he should take time from the military to create a non-military version for the boys to focused on observing nature and tracking animals rather than spying on enemy soldiers and tracking troop movements. When Baden-Powell returned to England in 1903, he began to adapt his program to the training of boys. He conducted his first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907, and his book 'Scouting for Boys' was published in 1908. Ernest Thompson Seton helped Baden-Powell with his handbook. In England Boy Scouts formally started on Jan. 24, 1908. In the United States the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) had been running camps for boys since 1884. In 1902 Ernest Thompson Seton founded the Tribe of Woodcraft Indians as a boy's organization. Three years later Daniel Carter Beard started a similar society called the Sons of Daniel Boone. These two groups, along with the YMCA camps, laid the foundation on which the Boy Scout movement developed in the United States in conjunction with Baden-Powell's work in England. Seton combined his Woodcraft manual with Baden-Powells Scouting for Boys to create the BSA's first hand book in 1910. The BSA was started using a very deliberate well executed process. First the founders of the USA Scouting movement formed a coalition of the prominent youth groups in the USA at the time and used the YMCA as the lead orgainzation to lead this coalition. Second it incorporated, which made the organization a legal entity. The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910. Then, it lobbied the U. S. Congress to get a Charter granting it exclusive rights to the name Boy Scout, Scout, etc. On June 15, 1916, Congress did this by granting a charter to the organization.

BSA Organizational Overview The Scout Organization National Council of Boy Scouts Region Local Council Sam Houston Area Council District Golden Arrow Chartered Organization St. Vincent dePaul Church Chartered Organization Rep.: Gary Clark Troop Committee 2004-05 Committee Chair: Joseph “Tad” Halbach Troop 2004-05 Scoutmaster: Rudy Dismuke Complete with your specific details…

History of Troop 505 First chartered in 1940s Recent Eagle Scouts: Rechartered in 1986 At least 68 Eagle Scouts in Troop’s history Recent Eagle Scouts: 2002: Josef McLean Spencer White 2003: James McLean Brandon Clem Andrew Duffy Christopher Clark Nicholas Rohr 2004: True Merrill Andrew Foy Andrew Long John Pavlick Put the history of your troop into this slide. Reinforce their importance to the legacy of scouting in the organization.

The Scouts Organization Patrols Grouping of six or more boys who work together. Each patrol elects its own boy leader, called a patrol leader. Troop Youth Leaders The troop is actually run by its boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. Senior patrol leader - top junior leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed. Assistant senior patrol leader - fills in for senior patrol leader in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors. Troop Historian - collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members.

The Scouts Organization Troop Youth Leaders (continued) Troop Historian - collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members. Librarian - keeps troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor list available for use by troop members. Instructor - teaches one or more advancement skills to troop members. Chaplain Aide - assists in troop religious services and promotes religious emblems program. Junior assistant Scoutmaster - Scout at least sixteen (16) years old who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned. Patrol leader - gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the Green Bar (a/k/a patrol leaders’ council). Assistant patrol leader - fills in for the patrol leader in his absence. Troop guide - advisor and guide to new Scout patrols. Den chief - works with a Cub Scout den as a guide. Quartermaster - responsible for troop supplies and equipment. Scribe - the troop secretary.

Boy Scout Rank Advancement Scoutmaster oversees Scout advancement Advancement Coordinator maintains records and arranges Boards of Review and Courts of Honor There are four steps in the Boy Scout Advancement Process: Learning Testing Reviewing Recognition

Boy Scout Advancements Process by which Boy Scout Progresses Advancement is a means to an end, not an end in itself Designed to help Scout have exciting and meaningful experience Education and fun are key to advancement principles Growth the Scout achieves overcoming obtainable goals Scout through First Class Ranks focus on Scouting’s basic skills Goal of BSA and Troop 505: every Scout achieves First Class Rank Advancements Scout Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle

Advancement - Merit Badges Over 100 Boy Scout Merit Badges Teach Scouts about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers Required for rank advancement beyond First Class Scout 21 Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout (12 specific badges required) Must meet the requirements as stated – no more, no less…

Scout Leadership and Training Scouts elect their own major leadership Senior Patrol leader (entire troop) Patrol leader (each Patrol) Other positions appointed by Scout and adult leaders Troop elections held twice a year Fall & spring Scout Training Sam Houston Area Council Junior Leader Training Scouts nominated by Scoutmaster (typically after 2nd year) Three times per year

Leadership Training Philosophy Boy Scouts of America Provide Adult Leaders fundamental information about Aims & Purposes of Scouting Movement Specifics about their particular Roles in Scouting

Uniforms Class A Uniform (Field Uniform) Tan Boy Scout shirt, Scout pants or shorts, Scout belt Must wear Scout socks if wearing shorts Required for travel, Courts of Honor, Troop meetings, meals on some campouts, and other more formal events Class B Uniform (Activity Uniform) Troop or other Scout t-shirt or sweatshirt Khaki/olive green shorts or jeans can be substituted for Scout pants/shorts Worn during camping trips, service projects and other “activity” events Troop 505 t-shirts available for purchase from Troop Other Information Scout Shop (closest) is at 2225 North Loop West Put any specific dress requirements in here for your troop…

Recommended Equipment Uniform (Required) Sleeping Bag Appropriate for Texas weather Sleeping Pad Inflatable pad recommended Tent Tents can be often shared or borrowed Need to be able to pitch at night Other Equipment Eating utensils Optional Backpacking, Climbing, etc. Change to your basic equipment needed… usually a very early question from parents and letting them know early can help them use first Christmas to maybe get started on some of the equipment.

Q & A