Handbook

Welcome the world of Scouting, the "game with a purpose."

Whether you are a new scout parent or one of our “been-there-done-that” parents, you will occasionally have a question about the troop’s general guidelines. It is our hope that these materials will help provide you with the quick answers that you might need.

Happy Scouting!

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1.0 AIMS AND METHODS

1.1 AIMS AND METHODS

What is the purpose of scouting?

What are the aims of scouting?

What are the methods of scouting?

1.2 FUNDAMENTAL IDEALS OF SCOUTING
Scout Motto
Scout Slogan
Scout Oath

1.3 FOR ALL WEBELOS

When does the transition to scouting begin?

What is the best step to take?

How can you determine what is a successful troop?

Selecting a boy scout troop – what should you look for?

When will Webelos cross over into a troop?

2.0 ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP

2.1 UNIFORMED ADULT LEADERS

Who is the scoutmaster?

What does the scoutmaster do?

Who appoints the scoutmaster?

Does he have any help?

Who appoints the assistant scoutmasters?
How does the committee support the scoutmaster?

Why is this group called “uniformed leaders”?

Can other adults wear the scout uniform?

2.2 PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL
What is the patrol leader council?
What does the PLC do?
Who is the senior patrol leader?
What is the job of the SPL?
Who are the patrol leaders?
What is the job of the patrol leader?
Who are the other troop officers?

2.3 TROOP COMMITTEE

What is the troop committee?

Does the troop committee run the program?

Why have a committee?

What are some of the key functions of the committee?

Who can serve on the committee?

Who can vote on the committee?

2.4 CHARTERING ORGANIZATION

Who is the chartered organization or troop 228?

Is the troop only open to catholic youth?

Will my son be required to participate in parish activities?

3.0 GENERAL OPERATION

3.1 PARTICIPATION
Is participation important?
What if there are conflicting activities?
What if my son cannot attend an activity or a meeting?
What if my scout has not finished his homework?
What if my son is a patrol or troop leader?

3.2 PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Does BSA stand for “Babysitters of America”?
What about boy run? Does that mean you do not need my help?
What are my basic responsibilities to my son?
What are my minimum responsibilities to the troop?
What are some additional ways that I can help the troop?
I know that supporting the troop is “good” – but is it fun?

3.3 EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

Why are we concerned with character?

What is the basic “code of conduct” for the troop?

Is there a specific listing for all possible behavioral problems?

What happens when a scout misbehaves?

What if the scout continues to break the scout oath or law?

Does the troop use corporal punishment?

What if I have concerns on behavioral issues?

3.4 228 e-COMMUNICATION

What is a goal of troop communication?

How important is e-mail to the troop?

How many e-mail addresses can a family have?

How does the troop protect our privacy?

Is there a troop web page?

Is there a privacy policy for our webpage?

How can items be placed on the web page?

3.5 FEES AND FUNDRAISING

What is the budget year for the troop?

How much are the annual dues?

Is there a joining fee?

When are these fees due?

What other expenses are involved with scouting?

What if a family has some financial concerns?

Does the troop have fundraisers?

3.6 UNIFORMS

Why does scouting use uniforms?

What is the most important part of the uniform?

What is “class a” uniform?

When is the “class a” uniform worn?

What is a class “b” uniform, and when is it worn?

Where can I find scout uniform parts?

What uniform parts will the troop provide?

3.7 CONVERTING WEBELOS UNIFORMS

What patches will be removed?

What will be replaced on your uniform?

What will you keep on your new uniform?

3.8 PATCH PLACEMENT GUIDE

4.0 ACTIVITIES AND CAMPOUTS

4.1 TROOP MEETINGS
When does the troop meet?
What happens at the meetings?
Who plans the meetings?
What about the plc meeting?
When does the committee meet?

4.2 TROOP CAMPOUTS
Are outdoor activities an important part of the program?
Is there a published schedule of activities?
How often does the troop go camping?
What happens on campouts?
How can parents help?
How will I get information on the campouts?
How much will the campouts cost?
Are uniforms worn when camping?

4.3 PARENTS ON CAMPOUTS

Do I have to go camping?

I went camping with the pack – is it similar?

Can other family members camp with the troop?

I’m an expert on camping – can I tell the scouts what to do?

So – if the scouts are making decisions, what should I do?

Since he will be with his patrol, will I ever see my son?

How can I help the scouts become leaders on campouts?

If we use the patrol method, am I in a patrol?

Why do we have an adult patrol?

Is there anything else that I should know?

4.4 CAMPING EQUIPMENT

What camping equipment does the troop provide?

What equipment will the scouts need to provide?

Is camping gear expensive?

What should I look for in camping gear?

4.5 ELECTRONICS AND CAMPOUTS

What about personal electronic devices?

When can personal electronic devices be used?

Who can determine if electronic devices can be used in a car?

How can the devices be used when traveling?

Can my son bring a cell phone?

What if a scout misuses any electronic device?

Are there any other items that my scouts should not bring?

5.0 ADVANCEMENT AND MERIT BADGES

5.1 ADVANCEMENT PRINCIPLES
Is advancement the goal of scouting?
What is the purpose of advancement?
Are badges awarded for completing a task?
How fast should my scout advance?
Who establishes the advancement criteria?
What if my son has a mental or physical disability?
How can a parent help their son?
What are the steps of scout advancement?
What is a scoutmaster conference?
What is a board of review?
What is a court of honor?
What is an eagle court of honor

5.2 SCOUTING'S RANKS
SCOUT RANK
TENDERFOOT, SECOND CLASS, FIRST CLASS
STAR and LIFE
EAGLE

5.3 NOTES ON RANK ADVANCEMENT