Welcome to
TROOP 413
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Kings River District, Sequoia Council
First Christian Church
505 W. Cameron St
Hanford, California 93230
Meeting every Monday in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m.
SCOUTING
Boy Scouting is designed to meet the needs and stimulate the interests of boys. Troop 413 is focused on boys interested in challenging outdoor adventures.
A Scout with a year or so’s experience in our Troop will have experienced hiking, camping, navigation, cooking, first aid, rope work, knots, cold weather camping, boating, swimming and water safety, and dozens of other skills and activities that many youth (and adults) will never have the chance to learn.
The skills we are teaching are not only for those lost in the woods, but can also be applied right here at home, school, and work. There is a confidence that comes from knowing what to do, and from having done it before, that allows the Scout or former Scout to emerge as a leader in many situations.
The way we build this confidence is through challenge. Our outings are designed to stretch the boy’s experience to, and often beyond, what he thought he could do.
Our purpose is to teach young men to be better than they thought they could be in every aspect of their lives. The program is designed to foster self confidence, respect, leadership, responsibility, teaching ability, problem solving skills, and strong morals.
Each Scout Can Expect:
To grow physically, mentally, and spiritually,
To learn leadership and Scout craft skills, and
To learn to live in and enjoy the outdoors.
The Troop Expects From Each Scout:
Regular attendance at all meetings and events,
Proper Uniform at all meetings and events
Honest effort on the Eagle Trail,
Active participation in Troop projects, and
That he live by the Scout Oath and Law.
BECOMING A SCOUT AND JOINING REQUIREMENTS
In order to become a Boy Scout you must:
*Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade, or who has earned the Arrow of Light Award, or be 11 years of age but not yet 18.
*Find a Scout Troop.
*Complete the Boy Scout joining requirements.
At your first Troop meeting, the Scoutmaster/ Assistant Scoutmaster will explain the following joining requirements of the Boy Scouts of America.
*Submit a completed Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
*Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
*Demonstrate the Scout salute, sign, and handclasp.
*Show how to tie the square knot (also known as the joining knot).
*Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
*Describe the Scout badge.
*With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse.
*Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
TROOP MEETINGS
The patrols meet together as a Troop each Monday (7:00-8:30 PM) in the Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church.
Troop 413 is made up of patrols. A patrol is a grouping of four to eight boys who work, learn, and plan together. Each patrol has its own boy leader, called a patrol leader. The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.
The Troop meeting consists of opening ceremonies, skill-development sessions, patrol meetings, interpatrol competition using scouting skills, Scoutmaster’s minute, announcements, and closing ceremonies. These meetings are planned and executed by the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), which consists of the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leaders. The PLC meets on a regular basis. Patrol meetings are designed to provide patrols with time to prepare for trips and troop meetings, conduct general patrol business (flag, yell, meal planning, etc.).
Regular attendance at all Troop meetings is necessary to obtain the maximum benefit from the Scouting program. Attendance is recorded at all functions: Troop meetings, outings, Summer camp, and special events. Scout attendance at Troop meetings and activities is considered a measurable indication of Scout Spirit, which is an advancement criterion. If a Scout is irregular in his attendance, he misses out, and he, also, deprives his patrol of the resources, strengths, and skills that he can contribute to the patrol and to the Troop.
THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM
Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose.
Troop 413 tries to offer an outdoor experience once a month. These activities are designed to challenge the boys.
If a Scout is irregular in his attendance, he misses out on planned advancements, and he deprives his patrol of the resources, strengths, and skills that he can contribute to the patrol and to the Troop on these outings.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement is the process by which Scouts progress through ranks in the Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.
Education and fun are functions of Scouting, and they are the basis of the advancement program. In the Scouting program, recognition is gained through leadership in the troop; attending and participating in the activities; living the ideals of Scouting; and developing a proficiency in outdoor living and useful skills.
Boy Scout advancement is a four-step process:
1. The Boy Scout learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.
2. The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on requirements by a Scoutmaster, a Troop Committee member, or qualified member of his troop.
3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a Board of Review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life, and Eagle palms the review is conducted by members of the Troop Committee. The Eagle Board of Review is conducted in accordance with Sequoia Council procedures.
4. The Boy Scout is recognized. After the board of review has certified a boy’s advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This is done at a ceremony at a future troop meeting. The card for his new rank is later presented, with his parents present, at a formal Court of Honor held 3 times per year.
The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.
Troop 413 provides advancement opportunities during troop meetings, on outings, and at summer camp.
SCOUTING RANKS:
Boy Scout Rank
Tenderfoot Rank
Second Class Rank
First Class Rank
Star Rank
Life Rank
Eagle Scout Award
MERIT BADGES:
Merit badges are a part of Scouting for two reasons. First, they encourage the Scouts to increase their skill in things they like to do. Second, they challenge Scouts to try out new activities that may result in fresh interests or hobbies. One of these may even start him on the path to a career. Steven Spielberg, an Eagle Scout, got his career start with a Scouting merit badge.
There are approximately 120 merit badges to choose from - anything from Camping to Pets, to Orienteering, to Photography, to Sailing, to Law, etc.
To start a merit badge a Scout obtains a blank blue card from an adult leader and selects a merit badge counselor. Mr. Aldous, our Scoutmaster, has a listing of local people for each badge. Next, the Scout telephones the counselor to discuss requirements and set up a schedule for a meeting. Once all of the requirements for a badge are completed, the Counselor will sign it off. This card is given to the Advancement Chairman who obtains the actual badge and presents it at the next Court of Honor.
(Note: The obtaining of merit badges is an integral part of obtaining ranks. More specific information on exactly what is required for each rank and/or merit badge can be obtained from The Boy Scout Handbook or any of the Troop 413’s leadership.)
Individual Scout Budget
Monthly dues are $8.
We know that it is expensive to uniform and equip a Scout. Finances are a concern to most of our families. To this end we provide Scout fundraising opportunities as long as there is interest. All of these are voluntary and any profits go directly to an account earmarked for each individual Scout. These funds can be used to pay for campouts, pay dues, and go to summer camp.
Troop Class "A" Uniform
You can purchase a uniform at the Fresno or Visalia Scout Shops, Van Andels Men’s Wear in Hanford, or the JC Penney Catalogue. If you would like a used uniform, we have a Troop Clothes Closet (if items are available).
Scout tan uniform shirt (known as a "Class A")
Red Epaulets
Council Patch & "413" Numerals
Troop 413 neckerchief (provided)
Green & Red Scout Hat
Neckerchief Slide
Scout shorts or long pants (optional until First Class Rank)
Boy Scout Belt
Green Boy Scout socks (optional until First Class Rank)
And a Boy Scout Handbook
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Besides personal items such as clothing and toiletries, each Scout will need to provide a sleeping bag (low temp. stuff sack), sleeping pad, hiking boots/sturdy shoes, backpack, poncho or rain gear, personal eating utensils, water bottle(s), flashlight, and any other items called for by specific trips.
We request that before you go out and buy anything that you check with the troop leaders to help you select the most cost effective, boy durable equipment which is appropriate for planned camping conditions. The Troop provides tents, stoves, pots and pans, axes, lanterns, etc.
"THE PATROL METHOD":
If an individual scout has a question or problem, rather than ask an adult leader, the Scout should ask his Patrol Leader. If the Patrol Leader does not know the answer, the Scout can count on him to find out. This approach to disseminating Scouting information helps to build strong patrol ties and assists in training our young leaders.
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters:
The Troop Committee provides Troop 413 with a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters whose role it is to teach the Scouts to run the Troop. You will not find the Scoutmaster running the Troop meetings. Like coaches, they belong on the sidelines, leaving operations to the field leaders. The objective is to foster and develop leadership and responsibility within the Troop by having the Scouts plan, be responsible for, self regulate, and carry out their activities to the greatest extent possible, with the advice and guidance from the Scoutmaster and his Assistants.
THE TROOP COMMITTEE:
The Troop Committee is just as important as the Troop itself. Without a Troop Committee the Troop cannot function. The Troop Committee establishes the Troop Budget, recommends people for the positions of Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to the sponsoring organization.
ROLE OF THE PARENT(S):
1. Pay attention to what is happening in the Troop.
2. Read newsletters, handouts, web page calendar, etc.
3. Attend ALL Court of Honor ceremonies.
4. Ensure that the Scout gets to Troop meetings on time.
5. Ensure that the boy gets to Troop meetings in uniform. (It is as important as to a baseball or soccer team!)
6. Support, encourage, and in some cases promote involvement and advancement.
7. Get involved in the program (Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee (behind the scenes support and direction), or special projects.)
8. Participate in the fund raisers.
Troop 413 is NOT Baby Sitters of America!
Don’t expect this to be a no-effort proposition for the parents. This is a volunteer organization, and if your son has joined, then you have volunteered. We understand that different people have different skills, different demands on their time, and different priorities. There are a wide range of opportunities available for you to help. You may even think of some that we haven’t. In any case, having a Son in Scouting represents an investment of both time and money on your part. This Troop has less required parental participation than some others. We do not require parents to drive on all outings, as our program staff of volunteers drive for most of our outings and many of them have "Scouthauler" vehicles. When we do need additional assistance, however, with Summer Camp, and special trips we would like to have cheerful volunteers.
NOTE: In Boy Scouts the emphasis is on self-reliance and boy-to-boy instruction and teaching. This requires that the parents maintain a certain distance at Scout events. Parents (and Staff) at Scout events and outings should avoid direct involvement with their own son, except in a situation such as Courts of Honor or those specifically designed for family involvement, and especially where instruction, correction, problems, or discipline issues arise. While this is nearly impossible for most parents to accomplish, the reasoning is simple: if you solve all his problems for him, he will not learn, nor will the Scout whose job it is to assist, teach, or correct him. In addition, peer groups, including Scouts, at this age can be ruthless in the torment of a boy who is seen to be "bailed out" or is publicly corrected by "mommy" or "daddy." As hard as it may be, leave these issues to the boy leadership, or if required, one of the other adults on the trip. Likewise, a boy who comes to you for one thing or another repeatedly on a trip should be referred to his Patrol Leader for assistance.
Remember....
Scout skills build confidence
and confidence builds success!
