WELCOME TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 260
Chartered by St. Margaret Mary Parish
We welcome you to Boy Scout Troop 260. We hope this sheet will answer some of your questions about what to expect in Boy Scouts and in our Troop in particular. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman.
THE BOY SCOUT PROGRAM is geared primarily to outdoor activities, with the emphasis on having FUN and developing skills. The troop is run by the boys as much as possible. They decide what they would like to do and plan the meetings, outings, and events. There are well over 100 different merit badges, which means there are many, many different areas of interest to be explored and learned about. Many of these can lead to lifetime hobbies or careers! Many Boy Scouts participate in scouting and still play sports, etc at school. Boy Scouting is designed specifically to build character, foster citizenship, and develop mental, moral, and physical fitness.
MEETINGS
Purpose is to learn and practice skills, work on projects, play games, and prepare for campouts or events.
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 7:00 P.M.in the gym hall, using the SouthWest entrance.
All Thursdays, except the first Thursday of each month, are Scout meetings. The meetings last until about 8:45 P.M. Parents are not required to be there during the meetings, but are certainly welcome.
The second Thursday of every month is also the Parents' Troop Committee meeting, which sets policies, approves the Troop program, plans fundraisers, approves expenditures, etc. All parents are welcome.
There are three Courts of Honor during the year, at Thursday meetings in Fall, Winter, and Spring. All families are encouraged to attend these events and help congratulate our Scouts on their advancement.
OUTINGS, CAMPOUTS, SERVICE
Purpose is to provide opportunities for learning, advancement, fun, and citizenship.
Typical campout activities include cooking, hiking, sports, campfires, day games and nighttime games. Each campout will have a key activity such as hiking, compass, nature signs, skill competition, canoeing, biking, skiing, backpacking, climbing, etc.
On average, at least one weekend campout, outing, or event every month. (Boys don't have to go on every outing, or any for that matter, but of course that's where they'll have the most fun and have the most advancement opportunities.)
Week-long summer camp every year which includes a wide choice of activities like swimming, boating, archery, rifle shooting, campcrafts, volleyball, outdoor cooking, animal study, etc.
High adventure treks every year or two for the older boys with activities like wilderness canoeing, horseback riding, mountain climbing or biking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Yearly community service projects such as Scouting for Food drives, river shore clean-up projects, etc
UNIFORM
Official Scout Shirt with appropriate insignia, Troop Neckerchief and Slide, and Scout Handbook. Encouraged, but not mandatory are Scout pants or shorts, webbed belt, and Scout socks.
Worn at all meetings, to campouts or outings, and during BSA sponsored fundraisers and activities, unless otherwise stated. Not worn during troop sponsored fund raising activities.
FEES/DUES
Annual registration fee in February of approximately $25. It covers BSA registration and Boy's Life magazine. A small portion goes to other troop expenses.
No weekly or monthly dues.
Typical weekend campout fees are $15 for food, transportation, shelter, etc. Some weekend campout fees may be a bit higher if there are additional costs such as canoe rental, district fees, etc. The fees for other type outings are dependent on the activity, location, etc. We have about 10 to 12 campouts/outings a year.
Typical week-long summer camp fee is about $175. High Adventure fees for the older boys are dependent on the activity, location, etc. There is ample opportunity through our fundraisers for Scouts/parents to earn the money to help cover these activities.
FUNDRAISERS
Our troop runs two key fundraisers each year: Christmas wreath sale, and Geranium/Flower sale in the Spring. Occasionally we may have car washes or aluminum can drives.
Optional BSA Council sponsored fundraisers that a Scout and his family may participate in are the popcorn sale or bowl-a-thon.
Each scout is expected to earn his fees (described above) from these fundraisers. The more a Scout participates in fundraisers, the more money that goes into the Scout's personal escrow account (managed by the Troop) that he can tap for any Scouting expense.
NEWSLETTER
Periodically, a sheet entitled "Troop 260 News/Reminders" is handed out at a meeting. This contains information about what's going on in our Troop and a calendar of events. (It also contains phone numbers of Scouts, leaders, and the Committee.) Parents should be sure to ask their son for it and please read it.
SCOUT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend all meetings if possible. (We understand that there may be sports or other conflicts at times. Participation to whatever level capable is always encouraged.) Notify a leader if you must be absent, and take the initiative to find out what you missed or to pick up any handouts.
Wear uniform and bring Scout Handbook, pencil, and notebook to all meetings and campouts.
Catholic Scouts are to attend all possible monthly Scout Masses. This helps us be visible to St.M.M. parish, the organization that charters us.
Participate in Troop service activities and fundraisers, as well as many campouts and outings as possible.
Indicate on outing sign-up sheets, well in advance, if you plan to go or not go.
Get fees in at least one week ahead of time to confirm your sign-up. If you have escrow funds, indicate if they should be used.
Take responsibility for your own advancement. (The troop provides most of the opportunities.)
Experienced/older Scouts need to seek out and be active in junior leadership positions.
Show Scout Spirit at all times: Active participation, cooperation, and respect for others.
PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide transportation for your son to and from all meetings. Be sure to be on time.
Provide transportation to the school playground when we meet there for outings. Be sure your son is properly equipped and has his permission slip turned in before you leave. Be available to promptly pick him up from the playground when they return. If the return time is not specific, see that your son has money to call home when ready to be picked up.
Strongly encourage your son in his Scouting activities and be sure that he has the things he needs to fully participate in the program.
Stop in periodically to talk with leaders during a meeting, so that you know what's going on.
Volunteer to help with the program where you can. Even though the Boy Scout organization expects the boys to run their own program, adults are still needed for guidance, transportation, and administration.
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