Welcome to Troop 68! New parent orientation

Troop 68 welcomes you!

Troop resources Troop web site Troop handbook (The Book of 68) Troop list Monthly troop committee meeting (first Monday each month at 7 PM) Each other

Troop 68 adult leaders Eric Strobel, Scoutmaster Tom Neville, Committee Chair Mark Razidlo, Treasurer Scott Levin, Advancement Chair Jed Marquisee, Campout Cordinator Pam Morris, Merit Badge Chair and a host of others!

BSA organization Troop 68 Charter Organization: Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Mustang District Northern Star Council Central Division Boy Scouts of America

We stress 4 main areas Scout-run program Camping Advancement Strong parent participation

Our Scout-run program Program planned and run by Scouts under adult guidance As Scouts advance in rank, they assume more responsibility Boys are encouraged to learn from errors Adults support Scouts but don’t do it for them

Patrols Boys organized into Patrols of 6-8 Scouts New Scout Patrols each year Patrol Guide assigned to guide new Scouts Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to guide New Scout Patrol Scouts usually tent and eat by Patrol

Uniforms Scouts wear uniform (tan shirt) to all official events (Troop t-shirt worn at camps) Troop provides neckie and official Troop 68 t-shirt Uniform pieces available at Scout Shops

“Class A” uniform Official BSA khaki shirt with proper patches Troop 68 two-color neckerchief Jeans permitted if in good repair Required for meetings, Scoutmaster Conference, Board of Review, Court of Honor, special programs Required when driving to/from campouts

“Class B” uniform Gray Troop 68 t-shirt Worn for working or when in camp

Required equipment Sleeping bag Mess kit Use checklists for packing Take your time buying other equipment Borrow, shop sales, ask around Label EVERYTHING

Financial matters Scouts re-charter every year $54/year per Scout Financial assistance available Additional fees collected for activities, camping, food, and other expenses

Scrip Scouts earn money for themselves and for Troop Profit from fundraisers deposited into individual Scouts’ scrip accounts Scrip can be used for Scouting expenses (camping fees, etc.) Funds forfeited if Scout leaves Troop

Fundraisers Pancake Breakfast: spring Wreaths: early winter

Participation is important! Troop encourages active, involved boys Troop meetings usually not mandatory Involvement = Advancement! Well-rounded Scouts routinely participate in: School Sports (and other youth activities) Family activities Religious activities

Rank advancement Requires Scout initiative (with adult encouragement) Scout advances at his own pace Scout works on rank requirements Completed requirements signed off, often by older Scout Scout schedules a Scoutmaster Conference Scout participates in a Board of Review Ranks presented at next Court of Honor

Scout ranks Skill Ranks: Scout Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Leadership Ranks: Star Scout Life Scout Eagle Scout

Rank advancement process Do the work or demonstrate the skill Have the requirement signed off Scoutmaster Conference Board of Review

Merit Badges #1 Choose from 110+ merit badges (MBs) Get a “blue card” and have it signed by Scoutmaster before beginning requirements Contact registered MB counselor Secure MB book from Librarian (or buy one from Scout Shop) Read MB book

Merit Badges #2 Bring a buddy, parent, or someone else while meeting with MB counselor Complete requirements Have MB counselor “sign off” on blue card MB counselor gives completed blue card to Scoutmaster Scout receives MB at Court of Honor

Merit Badges #3 Parents CANNOT sign off on completed requirements unless they’re registered MB counselors for THAT badge At least 2 Scouts should work on a particular MB Must satisfy requirements exactly as written—no more, no less Can immediately begin earning MBs Can earn MBs until 18 th birthday

Merit Badges #4 12 required Eagle MBs (21 total required): Citizenship in the Community Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Communications Personal Management Personal Fitness First Aid Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving Environmental Science Camping Family Life

Troop meetings Weekly troop meetings on Mondays from 7-8:30 PM (except first Monday each month) Occasional service projects Monthly Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) for elected and appointed leaders (first Monday each month at 6:30-7 PM) 4 Courts of Honor each year

Adult meetings Monthly Troop Committee meeting (first Monday of each month, 7-8:30 PM) Monthly District Roundtable meeting (first Thursday at 7 PM, Christ Presbyterian Church, Hwy 100 & 70th Street in Edina)

Camping Troop 68 puts the “outing” in Scouting Troop 68 camps almost every month Annual High Adventure trip (for Scouts age 13+ and First Class rank) Includes “old favorites” and “new opportunities” such as…

Camping themes Monthly campouts: Ski Trip District Camporees Family Camp Rifle Camp Patrol Cookoff Other locations High Adventure: Sea Base (every 3 years) Philmont (every 3 years) Boundary Waters (every year) Other locations (every 3 years)

Summer camp Meet at Good Sam Stop for lunch Arrive at camp Set up camps by patrol Swim qualifications

Sleeping at summer camp Scouts sleep in tents Two Scouts to a tent Mosquito netting ESSENTIAL! Tents grouped into patrols Scouts eat by patrol Most meals in mess hall Adults sleep in tents in another area

Typical daily summer camp schedule 6:15 AMRevelry 6:15-8:15 AMPersonal prep, breakfast, cleanup 8:15-8:30 AMTroop assembly, flag ceremony, announcements 8:30-8:45 AMCamp assembly, announcements 8:45-11:20 AMMerit Badge classes 11:20-1 PMLunch, cleanup 1-4 PMTroop activities 4-5 PMMerit Badge classes or swimming 5-7 PMDinner and cleanup 7-9 PMFree time for activities