Prepared by the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee
and the Patrol Leaders' Council
CONTENTS
Before a boy joins Troop 174 we would like to have him visit three Troop meetings in order to get to know the Scouts, learn about Scouting and the Troop, and to decide which Patrol he would like to join.
Candidates’ Name: _______________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Phone No. _____________________
Candidate Scoreboard
Have the Scoutmaster initial the blanks after you have completed each Scout requirement.
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It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in order to achieve their full potential.
The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan:
On my honor I will do my bestTo do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
"Be Prepared!"
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Every Scout in the Troop welcomes you and hopes that you will become a member of Troop 174. We think that Scouting is the greatest activity in the world for boys and we also feel that Troop 174 is one of the best troops in Albuquerque. If you are interested in joining our Troop, you must first visit three troop meetings. At these meetings we expect you to meet the other Scouts and decide which Patrol you wish to join. Providing that there is room in that Patrol, you should work with those Scouts to learn the Scout Requirements. Once you have passed these requirements and the other requirements below you will become a member of the Troop and given a troop neckerchief. There is no end to the fun and adventure in scouting. It's FUN to be a scout - and it's more fun if you are a good scout.
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What You Can Expect From Troop 174
We will do our best to make a real scout out of you. You will go on many hikes, camp out in the open, sleep in tents, learn how to cook a full meal, how to take care of yourself in the wilderness, and how to help other people.
Our troop meets every Monday night from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We start and end troop meetings on time. At least one outdoor activity is scheduled each month.
Our troop is a hiking troop. This means that we are prepared to pack into our camping areas with all our gear on our backs. You can expect rugged hikes because that's part of Scouting.
One of the most important things that you can expect is the good friends that you will make. The other Scouts in Troop 174 are boys like you that have joined because they like Scouting and the adventures connected with it. Don't be surprised if some of the Scouts in Troop 174 become your best buddies.
We can offer you all of these things and many more, but it is strictly up to you alone to take advantage of these opportunities. Our aim is to make you the kind of man you some day want to be.
However, just wearing the Scout Badge and Uniform won't make you a good Scout.
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What Troop 174 Expects From You
Troop 174 expects you to be a real Scout every day. This means living up to the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and Motto to the best of your ability in your daily life.
You can be a real scout by regular attendance at patrol and troop meetings, by participating in troop projects, keeping your annual dues paid, obeying your troop leaders, and following the troop rules. If you do this, you can get the most out of scouting and Troop 174 can really get things done.
To be a real scout every day, you must practice the scout oath and law at home, at school, in church, and everywhere. Be such a sharp scout that other boys will want to belong to Troop 174.
Our troop will expect you to have a scout uniform, and to wear it proudly at ALL scout activities. We also encourage you to read "Boys Life". Your annual registration fees will include the "Boys Life" magazine.
Troop 174 expects you to advance as far along the Scouting Trail as you can. After all, what better way can you learn the Scouting skills than by advancing!
Finally, we think that our Troop will be better if you become a member.
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Scouting is an educational program with the objectives of growth in moral strength and character; development of good participating citizenship; and development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. (See The Aims and Methods of Scouting) All scouting activities are designed with these objectives in mind. They are also designed to be FUN.
To become a Scout you must be 11 years old, have finished the 5th grade, or be 10 1/2 and have earned his Arrow of Light, and demonstrate the following before the Troop Scoutmaster or an adult appointed by him:
1. Submit a completed Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.2. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Demonstrate the Scout salute, sign, and handclasp.
4. Show how to tie the square knot (also known as the joining knot).
5. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, the Scout slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
6. Describe the Scout badge.
7. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse.
8. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
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We encourage all parents to encourage their sons to advance in the scouting program by showing an interest in their scouting activities, by getting involved with the troop, and by offering their help and encouragement whenever they can.
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When your son joins scouting you, too, must assume some responsibilities. Our troop expects the parent(s) to function in at least the following of the many adult capacities associated with the troop organization.
1. Encourage your son to attend and participate in troop and patrol meetings. Regular attendance is important if maximum benefit is to be obtained. We encourage parents not to withhold scout meetings and outdoor activities in an effort to improve grades or serve as a punishment. This almost never solves the problem, and may actually intensify it.
2. Encourage your son's participation in troop and patrol outdoor camping activities. The outing in scouting is important.
3. Let your son know that you are proud of his advancement in scouting. Make a sincere effort to attend every Court of Honor held by his troop, even if your son may not be receiving an award. Our troop presents mother's pins along with the boy's rank advancement. Wear yours proudly!
4. Promptly secure a Boy Scout Handbook for your son and provide him with a uniform, and necessary camping equipment.
5. Work with your son on scouting skills and knowledge when he asks for your help. Many parents learn the Scout Oath and Law before their sons, having listened to it numerous times while their son prepares for Tenderfoot rank.
6. Provide your fair share of transportation to meetings and outings. All parents are responsible for getting their son to meetings. In some instances, car pools are arranged among the parents. Transportation to and from outdoor activities is rotated among the parents. If your being able to provide transportation is totally out of the question, you should expect to help reimburse expenses of those who do provide the transportation. The Troop generally charges a small transportation fee for activities. This money is divided among the drivers to help offset their expenses.
7. Make a sincere effort to attend all parent meetings and troop committee meetings. However, adults are encouraged not to talk in the Troop meeting room during meetings. These conversations are very distracting to the leaders running the meeting. The Scoutmaster welcomes parents at all functions providing they participate as adults and let the boys function as a troop, do not "hover over" their son or otherwise remove him from his participation in troop activities. Many parents have found that a scout outing can be a highly enjoyable learning experience, and it also provides the parent an opportunity to observe that their son is not that much different from the other boys his age.
8. If you have a special skill, share it with the boys in the troop. There are over one hundred merit badges offered in the scouting program. If you have one of these skills, either by vocation or hobby, let the Scoutmaster know. Who better to teach the Law Merit Badge than an attorney? Who better to teach Stamp Collecting than a stamp collector?
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Advancement in rank is a must in Troop 174 if you are to remain in good standing. We believe that a good Scout is one who moves ahead, and that no boy can get the fun and knowledge that go with Scouting unless he is working on advancement.
In any endeavor, one must have a feeling of advancement to get full satisfaction from his activities. Our Troop feels that the Boy Scout Advancement plan is one of the best.
This plan has six ranks for advancement - Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. Requirements for each award are divided into three parts - Scout Teamwork, Scoutcraft, and Scout Spirit.
The Scoutcraft requirements deal with skills the Scout must know to be proficient in the outdoors and be prepared to help others in emergencies.
Scoutcraft requirements consist of Skills passed to boy or adult leaders of the Troop, and Merit Badges passed to adults in the community. A list of Merit Badge Counselors is kept by the Advancement Committee.
In our Troop, we have a rule that every Scout of Scout, Tenderfoot, or Second Class rank must pass at least one scoutcraft requirement each month to remain eligible to attend the monthly Troop outing. A candidate can pass Scout requirements only to the Scoutmaster or an adult assigned by him. However, in learning his Scout requirements he should work with the Patrol that he is planning to join. Scouts can pass scoutcraft skills with Patrol Leaders or other Troop officers if they have already earned that rank. With the approval of the Scoutmaster parents can also pass Scouts on some skills. You will be responsible for contacting scouts or leaders when you are ready to pass any requirement. After you have completed the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second or First Class, the Patrol Leaders Council (Patrol Leaders and Troop Officers) will pass you on the Scout Spirit requirements. Then you will meet with the Scoutmaster to review your goals in Scouting. Lastly, you will be asked to meet ;¿
Don't forget that advancement is up to YOU. We can give you the opportunity to advance, but you must study and learn the requirements before you can go ahead. Remember a Scout should "Be Prepared" to pass a requirement before he tries out for it.
Scoutmasters Conference - When a Scout completes the requirements for an award, he meets with the Scoutmaster to review Scout skills and spirit, and tells him the goals which he has set for himself.
Board of Review - A Board of Review is held monthly by at least three leaders of the Troop. At the Board of Review the Scouts knowledge of the Scout craft requirement is reviewed and it is assured that the high standards of the Troop are being maintained.
Court of Honor - A Court of Honor is held by the Troop advancement committee every four months. These Courts are for honoring Scouts who have earned awards or advanced. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend the Courts of Honor.
Basically Scout Teamwork and Scout Spirit have to do with a Scout participating in Troop and Patrol activities, joining in service projects for others, and living by the Scout Oath and Law.
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Scout Week - Every year in February a week is set aside to honor the birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. Troop 174 recognizes this week by attending church in uniform and holding a Court of Honor.
Scout Camp - This is a week long camp run by the local Scout Council. It is generally held in June or July. Facilities for passing Skill Awards and many Merit Badges are available at camp.
Monthly Activity - Each month the Troop has an outdoor activity. This may be either a hike or a weekend campout. Usually our campouts last from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. We try to let each boy have an opportunity for at least ten nights camping a year.
Spring Break Trip - each Spring Break the troop plans for some sort of Super Activity. It may be hiking into the Grand Canyon, Caving or some other activity planned and approved by the Patrol Leaders Council.
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The Troop Awards are Planned and awarded by the Patrol Leaders Council.
Honor Patrol - This award is made at each Court of Honor. It goes to the Patrol, which has made the best score since the last Court of Honor based on the following:
Honor Scout - This award is made at the annual Troop banquet during Scout Week. It is given to the Scout who has done the following:
Patrol of the Year - This award is made at the Court of Honor during Scout Week. It goes to the Patrol which has the best score over the past year based on the Honor Patrol point system.
The Golden AX Award - This is a traveling trophy given out at each Court of Honor to the best camping Patrol.
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Scouts are divided into "patrols" of six to eight boys. Almost all of the troop activities are organized and carried out by Patrol. The Patrol is under the boy leadership of the Patrol Leader. There are usually three to four Patrols in the troop. The Patrols are under the boy leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader. There may also be other boy leaders in the Troop depending on the size of the troop. It is our intention to give the boys as much responsibility in running the troop as they are capable of accepting.
The Scoutmaster and Assistants are there to oversee the program and to train the boy leaders in leadership skills. It is not our intention to do anything for the boys that they can do for themselves.
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If a Scout must be sent home from a meeting or activity, he will be given a Conduct Report and asked to sign it and have his parents sign it. That way everyone should know exactly where they stand. In general, any Scout committing one of the following infractions will be asked to call his parents to take him home from the meeting. A Scout sent home three times will be asked to meet with the Troop Committee and his parents, and may be asked to take a leave of absence from the Troop. Since the leaders of the Troop have no authority to discipline a Scout, our only alternative is to ask the boy to leave the meeting. The actions below were are considered reasons for sending a boy home.
CONDUCT REPORT
Today I broke one of our Troop rules:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Action Taken: __________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Date: _______ _____________________________
Scout Signature
____________________________________ Date: _______
Reporting Leader's Signature
____________________________________ Date: _______
Parent Signature
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The following Troop equipment can be checked out for any Troop or Patrol activity:
This equipment must be checked out from the Troop Quartermaster. It should be checked out at the Troop meeting before the activity and should be returned at the first meeting following the activity. Each Scout is responsible for returning the equipment dry and in good condition. The Scout must pay for damaged or lost equipment. Scouts turning in equipment late or in poor condition will not be allowed to check out Troop Equipment for one month.
The Troop also tries to keep an inventory of experienced Scout Uniforms which can be purchased ($5) or exchanged free by the Scouts.
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Camping equipment should be selected with great care in order to get the most use for the price. Most of the camping equipment used by the Troop can be made by the Scout. This includes sleeping bags, cook kits, etc. It is suggested that you discuss equipment with the Scoutmaster before buying any. Usually it is possible to borrow any equipment you might need for the first couple of campouts.
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THE ALERT SIGN
Whenever you see a Troop Leader give the Scout Sign stand at attention, be quiet, and return the Scout sign waiting for the instructions or announcement which will follow. This is one of the first things that a new Scout in Troop 174 learns to do and it indicates that he is an alert member of the Troop.
The Tot-n-Chip gives the Scout the privilege of carrying an ax, Scout knife, or Bow Saw on Troop activities.
Tot-n-Chip Requirements
Obtain approval that you have met the above requirements from the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster.
Approval ______________________________________
Date ______________
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SCOUTING -- THE RUGGED ROAD TO ADVENTURE
The first impulse a parent has toward his children is protecting them. Too often this is done without understanding just what children should be protected from and exposed to. As an example, if a child were raised in a germ free environment, when the child left the nest, his chance for survival would be slight indeed. A child's body must build it's own protection and immunities against such adversaries; only in this way does he grow strong and healthy in a normal environment.
Scouting, while not a cure-all, does offer the youth an opportunity for both mental and physical adventures away from the home. Probably Scouting's greatest asset is its ability to instill self confidence in youth.
A young person must build confidence in himself. This is life's antibiotic to destroy many of the mental and physical problems so common to today's society.
We live in a most enviable portion of the United States for enjoying the wonders of outdoor living, with our mountain wilderness, deserts, and open range land close by. By keeping equipment simple and pack light, one can travel to any part of the wilderness. The cost is low and it takes little time to get ready so these trips can be made often without a great deal of trouble.
Weather is often an excuse for not using the forest. If we are to enjoy this great outdoors, we must make adjustments in our demands, because any change we can make in the weather is still a long way off. Our Troop has a positive attitude; we will not deny ourselves the pleasure of an outing because of inclement weather. A bad day can be a good day because any kind of weather is a marvel to watch. Remember: "There's no such thing as Bad weather, just a poor choice of clothing."
Our Troop tries to turn each encounter with heavy weather into our most enjoyable outdoor experiences. The Troop motto is: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH WE GET TOUGHER.
Troop 174 operates on the Patrol Method. That is, most activities are carried out by the Patrol (a group of 6 to 8 boys). Each boy in the Patrol has specific responsibilities. Therefore, it is important that Scouts attend all Troop and Patrol meetings and activities. If a Scout cannot attend an activity he should notify his leader.
The Scoutmaster believes that Scouting is a good, positive and important influence in the development of a boy. Therefore, he discourages the curtailment of Scouting activities as a punishment for bad behavior not related to Scouting. He would be more than happy to work with any parent to encourage good behavior, work or study habits, etc. in their son.
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The Paradise Hills United Methodist Men's Fellowship sponsors Boy Scout Troop 174, and is responsible for seeing that the Troop has proper leadership and a proper place to meet. The Scouting Coordinator is a member of the Sponsoring Organization and acts as the contact between the Troop and the Sponsoring Organization.
This is a group of adults (no less than 3) who is responsible for providing guidance and support to the Troop. It is generally made up of parents and/or persons associated with the sponsoring institution. It has significant responsibilities:
All parents are expected to help on the Troop Committee in some way.
Committee Chairman - This is the individual in charge of presiding are regularly held troop committee meetings and calling special meetings as may be required. The Committee Chairman and the Scoutmaster must work closely together.
The Scoutmaster - The Scoutmaster is an unpaid volunteer. A good Scoutmaster will provide guidance and control to the troop, but should not be in "command". His major function is the guidance, training, and development of the boy leadership. The Scoutmaster is selected by the Troop Committee and his appointment must be approved by the sponsor's representative (Scouting Coordinator). The Scoutmaster should be trained as soon as possible after his appointment. Training is offered by the District to which the troop belongs. A Scoutmaster must enjoy working with boys, be patient and understanding. Most important, he must set an example for the boys to follow. In an active troop, the Scoutmaster will devote a minimum of two nights a week, one weekend a month, and one week a year working with your son. If he is doing a good job -- TELL HIM. If he is having problems -- HELP HIM.
Assistant Scoutmasters - These are individuals who assist the Scoutmaster in specific areas of delegated responsibility. They may function as Scoutmaster in his absence. Assistant Scoutmasters should likewise be trained.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster - These are young men 16 years of age or older, usually Life or Eagle Scouts, who; have proven their leadership abilities in various troop leadership positions and who are appointed by the Scoutmaster to fulfill responsible troop assignments.
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In a well-functioning troop, the true and viable leadership should be performed by the boys themselves. The Troop has elections every six months to elect Troop Officers.
Senior Patrol Leader - This individual is THE leader of the troop. He is generally one of the older boys who has been elected by the troop membership. He appoints and is assisted by the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader also appoints such positions as Scribe, Quartermaster, Librarian etc. from boys in the troop.
Patrol Leaders are elected by their Patrol and are responsible for leading the Patrol. The Patrol Leader appoints an assistant Patrol Leader and assigns job responsibilities in the patrol. The Patrol Leader has the most difficult position in the Troop and needs help from Scouts, leaders, and parents.
All Scouts are expected to hold some position of responsibility in either the Troop or Patrol. The Patrol Method only works when every Scout pulls his weight. This is a chance for Scouts to develop responsibility and leadership skills. It is helpful when parents help their son realize and fulfill his responsibilities, and to make sure that if he can't be there that his leader knows that he won't be there, and that someone else will fulfill his responsibilities.
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Fees and Expenses
Joining:
There is a $35 fee for initially joining the Troop. This money
goes to pay for a Scouts registration with the BSA national organization ($10),
Boys
Life magazine subscription ($8), Troop T-shirt ($7), Troop Neckerchief and
slide ($5), Troop Numerals and Epaulettes ($5)
Weekly Dues:
There are $1 weekly dues for all Scouts after joining the Troop. The dues are
owed for every Monday Troop meeting held whether the Scout attends or not.
If a Scout is going to be absent for an extended period (gone for the whole
summer or soccor season) then arrangements may be made with the Troop treasurer
to not charge him dues for that period. Dues are collected for 2 reasons:
1) to cover costs for advancement awards, activity supplies, and to cover
next years re-registration;
2) we prefer to collect the dues weekly to place some responsibility to pay
his own way on the boy.
Campout/Activity Fees:
Campout fees consist of three parts:
1) $2.50 per meal, per boy on the campout. This money is returned to the Patrol
the week before the outing so that they can purchase the food. (The Troop normally
plans, purchases, and prepares meals by Patrol.)
2) $5-10 Transportation fee per boy to cover the costs of gasoline for the drivers.
Necessary drivers (if they request) are reimbursed the cost of their gasoline
on
the
trip.
3) Campground fee: Sometimes the Troop is charged a fee for using the campground.
This fee usually is $4-6 per night per person. For most Troop campouts we are
not charged for camping, but it does happen from time to time.
The usual cost for a 3 day campout (Friday-Sunday) is in the range of $15-20.