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November 07
Welcome to Troop 27!
As a member of Troop 27, you are joining a group of great boys. Boys who
like to have fun, in the outdoors: camping, cooking, swimming, boating,
hiking, and learning about nature, science and hobbies. You can participate
in activities together or at your own pace. You will be recognized for what
you learn and achieve by your friends and parents. Along the way, you will
also learn leadership and organizational skills that you can't learn
anywhere else. It won't be all fun: there will be some work too, but in
years to come you can look back and be proud of your accomplishments.
Scouting is an international organization: boys ages 11-17, all around the
world are doing the same things you are going to do. And you may have
opportunities to meet many of those scouts as you participate in the many
different Scouting activities you are eligible for over the next few years.
As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, you are also a member of the
World Organization of the Scouting Movement and therefore are entitled to
participate in International Scouting events as well.
Troop 27 is part of the Black Otter District of the Montana Council, Boy
Scouts of America. The local Service
Center phone # is
259-4513 and is located at 2528
Grand Ave. (west of 24th street west). Our troop web site is: http://www.bsatroop27.net/index.html
Troop Background
Boy Scout Troop 27 was formed in Montana
around 1933 as Scout Post 4. Each
Scout Troop has one or more sponsoring organizations. Our Chartered
Organization is the King of Glory church. Currently, the troop is made up
of boys from the Billings West end area, but membership is open to anyone
who is interested and meets the BSA specified joining requirements.
Troop Structure
The troop is a Scout-run organization. Each boy is a member of a patrol,
usually 5-8 boys who want to camp and participate in various activities
together. Each Scout will be assigned to a patrol by the Scoutmaster. Each
patrol has a leader (Patrol Leader) who represents the remaining scouts in
the patrol at meetings (Patrol Leaders Council). Each Patrol will be
assigned one or more Assistant Scoutmasters to help provide guidance to the
Patrol. In addition, the boys elect a leader for the troop (Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader who will eventually become the Senior Patrol Leader)
The SPL appoints several other boys as his assistants (Scribe, Historian,
Quartermaster and Librarian). Each Patrol Leader also appoints an assistant
(Assistant Patrol Leader) to help and take his place when he is
unavailable. All of these positions are known as Junior Leaders, and the
troop has a special Junior Leader Training session shortly after the
election. The various appointed positions each have their own job
descriptions and responsibilities. In addition, there are other positions
the boys can hold such as a Den Chief (a Cub Scout Den helper).
Scout Patrols:
The membership of the troop will be changing. The structure of the patrols
will include an older scout in each patrol to provide leadership for the
first year. A Scout Leader should be active, and Takachsin (Youth Leader
Training) trained is preferred. The new scouts will be assigned into
existing patrols by the Scoutmaster.
Adult leaders:
Adult leaders are also important to the troop but the intention is for them
to be advisors, not directors. One leader is the Scoutmaster and the others
are Assistant Scoutmasters or Troop Committee members. BSA rules require
that at least two registered leaders, or one leader and one or more
parents, must be present at all troop activities.
Troop Meetings
The troop usually has three types of activities each month. The first is
the PLC (Patrol Leaders Council), where all of the elected and appointed
leaders meet to plan activities for the coming months. While these meetings
are open for anyone to attend, only members of the council are eligible to
vote or participate.
The second activity is the Troop Meeting. The troop meets every Monday from
7:00pm to 8:30pm EXCEPT the Monday following a Campout or other special
activity. The Monday following a campout is for the PLC and equipment
repair, restocking and cleaning. Parents are always welcome, and are encouraged
to attend.
The third activity is an Outdoor Activity, Campout or other special outdoor
event. These are usually planned several months in advance and published in
the Troop Newsletter. Parents (Moms too) are always welcome to join us and
sometimes we need additional help to drive to and from the activity.
Campouts are usually on BSA property, at state or national parks, or
national forest lands.
New Scout Program
The program for the new scouts will be designed towards working on
advancement up to First Class. This will be programmed by the Scoutmaster
and carried out by the PLC and the Leadership Corps. The program focus is
on basic Scouting Skills, and introduces them to the Boy Scout program
while having fun at the same time. Merit badges can be worked on during
this time but should be secondary to the trail to First Class. The boys
will be introduced to leadership rolls in a limited amount. As they gain
confidence they will be given an opportunity to take more responsibility in
the troop.
First Class to Life Program
The program for the First Class Scouts will focus on the Trail to Eagle
which is comprised mostly of Merit badges, Leadership, and service
projects. This program is more intense and will require the boys in this
category to be more active in Troop leadership rolls and the over all Troop
Program. This includes teaching basic Scout skills to the first year boys,
and taking responsibility in the normal function of the Troop. These Boys
are the heart of the Troop.
Life to Eagle Program
The Scouts in this program are Life Scouts working toward their Eagle rank.
They should have a goal for reaching Eagle rank and working toward
completing a substantial service project. The Troop will have an Eagle
Scout Committee that will help these scouts find the resources to plan and
carry out an Eagle service project. The Eagle committee will also review
and make recommendations to the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman for
approval of each Life Scouts eagle project.
Leadership Corps
The Leadership corps is a group of individuals that are older and have
advanced leadership abilities. The Scoutmaster will appoint members to the
Leadership corps. The Leadership corps is to be directed by a Junior
Assistant Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. The Corps will provide
Leadership when needed by the Scoutmaster. Those Scouts that do not hold
Senior leadership positions in the Troop will be Instructors and Guides.
The purpose of the corps is to assist the Scoutmaster in delivering the
Troop program. And to provide guidance and leadership to the Patrols.
Venture Program
The Venture program is an opportunity for the older scouts to participate
in high adventure and more advanced areas of study that would not be
available to the younger Scouts. The Ventures are not a separate group from
the Troop. The Ventures are older Scouts that are active in the troop and
patrols. The Ventures are not a patrol unless participating in a Venture
activity. This program is not a Venture Crew. The joining requirements for
the Ventures are as follows. The Scout should be: Active in the Troop (at
least 50%), 13 years old (min.) and a Life Scout with an Eagle project Idea
and Goal, a Star Scout and at least 14 years old (min.), or 15 years old (min.) and participating in the
regular troop program. If this program is not suitable to the Scout, he has
the option of joining a Venture Crew or Post outside of our Troop Charter.
It is common for a Scout to be registered with a Boy Scout Troop and a
Venture crew at the same time. There are several of these Crews or posts
available in the Billings
area.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Any Scout that reaches the Rank of Eagle and or is 16 years old may become
a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. JASM will be responsible for the outdoor
program. This will include the planning and implementation of Campouts and
other outdoor activities. Along with the Scoutmaster these boys will part
of the Outdoor Committee. The JASM will also help coordinate the
“Leadership Corps” (Guides).
Camp
Food
When we attend long term camps, our food will be supplied, and in some
cases, prepared for us. You can be assured (despite reports to the
contrary), that the supplied food is generally healthy and sufficient. When
we are camping on our own, however, we will be required to supply our own
food. In these cases, each patrol will plan their own menus and duty
rosters so that each patrol member is involved in the preparation and
cleanup. The menus must be approved by an adult leader and a budget will be
given to each patrol. Each patrol will then purchase their food and bring
it to the Campout. Those patrols that turn in their receipts will be
reimbursed for their food expenses up to their budget amount. Items such as
cracker barrel and etc. that would be used by everyone will be purchased by
the troop leaders. Each campout will cost each boy $20.00 and is free for
each Leader or parent that attends. This will cover food and camp permits
etc. On long trips, there will be additional fees to help with
transportation costs.
Behavior
All boys are expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner at
meetings and outings, respecting the rights and opinions of each other as
well as following the direction of Junior Leaders and Adult Leaders. All
Boy Scouts are expected to follow the Scout Oath and Law. Boys who feel
they are exempt from these simple rules will be asked to call their parents
for a ride home.
Weekly Phone Calls
The troop uses a “Calling Tree” to share information. The SPL will call the Patrol Leaders, who
in turn, call their Patrols. The
troop also uses a Web site and email to share calendars and updates about
events. Email is the preferred
method due to low cost.
Troop Elections
There are two Troop Elections each year to select the Assistant Senior Patrol
Leaders and Patrol Leaders (all troop positions are six month terms). At
this time, the new SPL and each PL will also appoint his assistants with
the approval of the Scoutmaster. The SPL and the scoutmaster will review
the election results for the ASPL and they will approve the elected ASPL.
In addition to the elected ASPL, the SPL with the approval of the Scoutmaster
will appoint a second ASPL. Once the SPL and Scoutmaster have made their
choice, the new leaders are to be approved by at least 3 committee members
before it is announced to the Troop. In 6 months, the ASPL that has shown
the best leadership in the opinion of the acting SPL and Scoutmaster will
be moved up to the position of Senior Patrol Leader. If neither ASPL has
met the requirements of SPL then an election will be held for the next SPL.
Anyone wishing to hold the offices of SPL or ASPL must be First Class or
above. All candidates for any office must have been an active member of the
troop for the preceding six months and had good attendance.
Court of Honor
At various times each year, the troop will hold a special meeting called
the Court of Honor. At this ceremony, boys will be recognized for the
advancements and achievements they have earned. This is a family activity
and all are welcome.
Boys Life Magazine
Each family with a boy registered in Troop 27 can receive Boys Life
Magazine each month. The cost for this magazine is $11:00 per year. This is
an excellent magazine, with topics for Boys and adults of all ages.
Troop Calendar
The troop publishes a calendar of events for each month listing the
upcoming activities. Major events each year are Summer Camp (July) and the
Spring and Fall Camporees (May and September) and Arrow of Light Weekend as
well as the Scout Show in the spring. Dates for these events are usually
known a year in advance since they are so important. The troop calendar is available on the
Troop 27 web site: http://www.bsatroop27.net/index.html
Troop Uniforms
The Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization. This means that the
members are expected to wear proper uniforms at all Scouting activities
unless specified otherwise. There are two types of uniforms: The Class A
uniform and the Class B uniform.
Our troop has decided that our Class A Uniform will consist of the Boy
Scout Shirt (with appropriate patches and insignia). These may be purchased at the Boy Scout
Service Center. In addition, our maroon embroidered troop neckerchief is
part of the Class A uniforms and may be purchased through the Troop
Committee. The maroon beret with BSA rank pin or troop ball cap is also
worn. Berets can be purchased at the Army Navy store on Grand Avenue. The ball cap can be
purchased through the Troop Store. The berets are to be worn as part of the
class A dress uniform.
Class A’s are to be worn at all troop meetings, when traveling (i.e.
to/from camps and activities), and at Courts of Honor. Optional parts of
the field uniform include a sash for displaying merit badges, olive colored
pants or shorts, and various BSA jackets, coats and sweaters. The sash may
be worn with the Class A uniform (only) at any time but is suggested to be
worn at special events like the Court of Honor. The troop ball cap can be
worn at informal functions.
The Class B Uniform, to be worn when directed, but usually at Summer Camp,
Camporees, and informal Scouting events. In general, any BSA casual shirt
(there are several) is acceptable as an activity uniform. This Tee Shirt
can be ordered through the Troop committee. Maroon is the troop color.
Orders are only done twice a year.
Boys who elect not to wear official Scout pants or shorts are expected to
wear clean dark colored jeans, pants or shorts. Sweat pants of any color,
or brightly colored pants or non BSA shorts are not acceptable for the
class A uniforms.
Patches
The troop will supply, as part of the funds raised from dues and other
activities, all patches earned as the result of advancement, from earning
merit badges, and election or appointment to troop/patrol positions. Quite
often, the fees for Camporees, summer camps, and other special events will
include a patch. All other patches will be the responsibility of the Scout
to purchase if desired or required to complete his uniform, such as council
strips, unit numbers, etc. Any duplicate patches needed because they were
lost or for additional uniforms will also be the responsibility of the
Scout.
Scout Handbook
Each Scout is required to have a Boy Scout Handbook. This book, aside from
being very informative, is used to track the boys’ advancements. As
advancements and merit badges are earned, the Patrol Leaders or an
Assistant Scoutmaster will write them in the Scout's Handbook.
Advancement
A boy joins the troop as a Scout. By completing various requirements, the
Scout advances in rank to Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Further
advancement requires the scout to earn several Merit Badges, perform
approved service projects and achieve tenure since his last advancement. These
rank advancements are the Star Scout, Life Scout and Eagle Scout. Each
scout has a badge on his uniform that shows the highest rank he has earned
so far. The first requirement for
each Rank is that a Scout be active in his troop and patrol for the required
time period between rank advancements.
In Troop 27, this means that the Scout must be present at a
minimum of 50% of the troop meetings and other activities. As in other activities, success depends
on attendance.
In order to gauge how a scout is progressing, a new
scout should be able to achieve his First Class rank by the end of his
first year in Scouting. Since the higher ranks have tenure requirements and
some difficult merit badges, a specific time guideline is harder to set.
Most important is that the scout is progressing by earning merit badges and
participating in service projects and other troop activities.
Advancement within the ranks between Scout and Life Scout is monitored and
certified by the troop adult leaders. When advancing a rank, the Scout must
participate in a Troop Committee Board of Review. These Boards of Review
will be held at the first regular Troop meeting each month. The rank of
Eagle requires certification by the Black Otter Council, specific merit
badges need to have been earned, and a significant service project defined
and managed by the Eagle Candidate while he is a Life Scout. The rank of
Eagle is an achievement that a person can be proud of his whole life and is
presented at a special Eagle Court of Honor.
Fund Raising
The Council and troop will each sponsor fund raising activities at various
times of the year. While part of the money earned goes towards troop
finances, the majority will usually be put into a fund so the boys can pay
for the various activities we will participate in. All fund raising
activities must be approved by the Troop Committee. Boys may not wear their
uniform when fund raising except for Council sponsored activities such as
the annual popcorn sale, or Scout-Show ticket sale.
Popcorn and Wreath Sales program
The Troop will give incentives based on the net income to the Troop. These
incentives could include registration, campout fees, Summer Camp, dues, Boy’s
Life, etc.
Summer Camp
Each year (usually in July) we will attend a BSA long-term summer camp.
This camp is one week in duration, and will provide a large variety of
outdoor activities such as camping, cooking, archery, swimming, boating,
target shooting, crafts, and more. Boys will have the opportunity to earn
many different merit badges and have a great deal of fun. Camp costs vary
but you can estimate it will cost about $250, which includes camping fees,
food, supplies and transportation. The boys will need funds of their own to
pay for merit badge supplies and the camp commissary. The Troop has funds
for scholarships to help pay the camp fee for those who can’t afford the
fee. Contact the Scoutmaster and your request will be kept confidential.
Every Scout will have the opportunity to attend summer camp.
Order of the Arrow
OA is a special group of older boys who are experienced campers and are
elected by their fellow scouts each year. OA members can participate in
exclusive campouts and activities each month with other members from
different troops. Election and membership in OA are considered an honor.
Elections results are kept a secret and announced at the Spring Camporee
each year. The program for Order of the Arrow will be guided and run
through the district OA leadership and District Advisor. The Scouts in this
troop are encouraged to become members of this honor group and are expected
to take an active part in its program. Arrow men are given special
consideration in the Troops camp scholarship program. The OA members will
take special positions of honor during ceremonies and courts of honor. OA
members will support the outdoor program and committee.
Merit Badges
Merit Badges fall into two categories: those that are required for the rank
of Eagle Scout and those that are not. Boys can earn merit badges at any
time once they are members of the troop. Topics range from Basketry to
Atomic Energy. Some are fairly easy, and some are hard but all are
educational and will teach skills that can be used later in the Scouts
life. The requirements for Eagle merit badges are listed in the Scout
Handbook. A list of all the available merit badges is listed in each Merit
Badge pamphlet.
In order to earn a merit badge, the scout will work with a merit badge
counselor. The counselor, a person with in-depth knowledge of the subject,
will help teach the subject and ensure that the scout has completed the
requirements for the badge.
As a troop, we will sometimes be working on a merit badge: we select the
badge to work on at the Patrol Leaders Council meetings, so be sure your
Patrol Leader knows which merit badges you want to earn. You cannot,
however, earn enough badges to advance far by limiting yourself to those
earned as a troop. Most of the badges we work on will not be Eagle
requirements. Even those we work on as a troop may have requirements that
you must complete on your own initiative. You can also earn badges as a
patrol activity. Again, you should discuss the badges you are interested in
with your Patrol Leader. If you want to work on a badge, you need to do the
following:
1. Decide which badge you want to earn.
2. Obtain the merit badge pamphlet from the Troop Librarian or BSA Service Center
and read it so that you know what the requirements are.
3. Ask a Scoutmaster for an Application for Merit Badge card. You must have
a signed Blue Card before you start work on the MB.
4. Find out who a Counselor is for the merit badge and contact him/her.
5. Complete the requirements and earn the badge.
6. Have the Merit
Badge Counselor sign your blue card and turn it in to the Scoutmaster or Advancement
Chair.
7. Return the merit badge pamphlet to the troop librarian when you are
finished.
BSA rules require that you attend any meetings with the Counselor with a
"Buddy". If you cannot find a scout in our troop that is
interested, contact the counselor anyway and perhaps he knows of another
boy who is working on the same merit badge. In addition, a Buddy can be a
parent, a friend, a brother, sister or other relative.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for any scout that has financial need or would
otherwise not be able to participate in Troop activities. There are
scholarships for summer camp, Takachsin, and other troop costs. Contact the
Troop Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman and your request will be kept
confidential. It is the Troop policy that no Scout will be turned away due
to the lack of funds.
Troop Library
The Troop will be working on building a library of materials that will help
our scouts with the Scouting program. Some of these items will include
Merit Badge books. A bookcase will be in the storage room and these
materials will be available to the scouts. If a scout would like to borrow
something from the library, contact the Troop Librarian and check out the
material. If you have the item for longer than 2 weeks you will be asked to
return the item. If the item is lost or not returned, then the item will be
replaced and the cost taken from the Scouts savings account. Donations to
the Library are needed. The Troop will work on purchasing the most needed
items. Also we will be working on a file cabinet that will have forms and
troop paperwork needed in the normal activities of the Troop.
Troop Committee
The Troop Committee is made up of adult leaders and parents of registered
scouts in Troop 27. The Committee has a Chairman, Finance chairperson,
Secretary / Treasurer, Advancement chairperson, and many other positions.
The Committee has what is called the executive committee which is made up
from the four positions listed above. These positions are to be elected by
the committee each year prior to the annual charter in December. The
members of the committee and all parents of registered scouts can vote in
these elections.
Troop Tents
Troop 27 has tents that can be assigned to each Scout. The Scouts are
encouraged to use their own tents. This helps the Scout develop pride in
their personal equipment. If the tents are dirty or wet the scout will be
required to take the tent home and clean and dry the tent and return it in
the proper way. Troop tents must be returned the first Monday following
each campout. This meeting will be for the inspection of equipment and
restocking of patrol boxes, and any other work needed on troop equipment.
Troop tents will be reassigned prior to each campout. The troop tents will
be assigned as follows; For Scouts that are First Class and below -one tent
per two boys. Then, based on availability, Life Scouts and above will have
one tent per scout. This will be based on the number of available tents and
the number of scouts attending each campout. All tents will be checked back
in by the quartermaster after each campout. Scouts are responsible for any
damage to the tent that is checked out to them. Summer Camp and any long
term camp we will have one tent per Scout.
Camping Information
We will have a Campout almost every month. In order to have fun on
campouts, you need to be prepared! Following is a list of suggested things
to bring (and not bring) on campouts: Review your Scout book for a complete
list.
Bring:
Sleeping bag
Flashlight/batteries (if desired)
Any medications (notify leaders)
Clothing as appropriate
Scout Handbook
Swim Suit (when appropriate)
Uniform (Wear when traveling)
Hat or cap (required)
Rain coat or poncho
Wind breaker or light jacket
Additional pair of shoes
Air mattress or pad (optional)
Towels (swimming and bathing)
Soap, tooth brush, comb, etc.
Insect repellent (lotion only)
Don't Bring:
Lighters
Fireworks
Electronic games
Sheath knives
Boys are required to travel wearing the BSA Uniform, including to
and from camps and campouts. Boys not in proper uniform will not be
permitted to attend. Hats are required for all outdoor activities. For
safety reasons, open toed shoes are not allowed at Scout activities.
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