Boy Scout Troop 424

Welcome to Troop 424

Our Troop is 30 years old. Throughout those years there have been many of us “old-timers” who hang around, even after our Scouts have grown to have families of their own. For those of us who have experienced Scouts from Tiger to Eagle, the value of this program cannot be expressed in words.

We have come to recognize that when you first join an organization there is a lot of information you need to know as soon as you start. This pamphlet was created as a quick reference guide to information you want to know now. It addresses such issues as parent participation, uniform requirements, equipment, advancement, and dues.

As parents of current and past Scouts, we have come to see the importance of parent participation in your Scout’s journey through Scouting as well as other young boys. The journey is filled with adventure and learning. Shared with other adults in the Troop, it can be one of the most treasured experiences you will have.

The Difference Between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts:
Come in as a boy, leave as a boy.
Parent led.
Involves supervised activities.

Boy Scouts:
Come in as a boy, leave as a young man.
Scout led, parent advised.
Involves activities requiring greater degrees of self-supervision.

At Troop 424, the Scouts plan and decide on the program, run the meetings, manage the equipment, plan and execute the trips, and become self motivated to advance.

Your Role as a Scouting Parent: Stay Informed

We are a very active Troop. Most young Scouts cannot hope to keep track of all the events going on. We recommend that parents:

* Meet and converse with other parents and leaders
* Attend the beginning and end of Troop meetings when announcements are made.
* Scan / read the newsletters. They are posted on the Troop web site: http://www.nhtroop424.org
* Be aware of the roster – it is the Troop’s phonebook and is also on the web. You will need to ask for the current User Name and Password.
* Consider joining the Troop Committee, becoming a merit badge counselor, and attending events.

Your son will, at times, have specific responsibilities to the Troop and his patrol. He may be a Patrol Leader or hold some other leadership position. He may also have an assignment for a trip. As a parent, be aware and encourage.

What to Buy

* Boy Scout Handbook – These are available at the Scout Shop at Camp Carpenter. (also at Campers Inn)
* Boy Scout Uniform (see below) – Also available at the Scout Shop or the Troop’s uniform person who has good used shirts and pants. Official Boy Scout pants are required to achieve First Class rank.
* Class B Tee-shirt – Available from the Troop’s uniform person listed on the roster.

Uniform: A Sign of Belonging

First year Scouts should obtain a minimal Class A Uniform. This consists of the following items from the Scout Shop at Camp Carpenter:

* Scout shirt,
* Daniel Webster Council strip,
* Troop 424 numerals.

The Class A also requires the following items:

* Troop 424 neckerchief
* Troop 424 hat

The neckerchief is supplied when your Scout first joins the Troop and the hat after earning the Scout rank. Replacements are available at a minimal cost from the Troop’s uniform person.

The Troop’s Class B Tee-shirt can be purchased at a nominal cost from the uniform person.

Camping in Winter and Summer: Surviving Fun

There are three things required to have an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience:

* The correct equipment – Review the Boy Scout Handbook and ask for a list from your first year patrol advisor. Troop leadership checks equipment when safety is involved, such as for winter campouts, bicycle trips, etc.
* The right training – The Troop leadership may place training or advancement requirements as a prerequisite for deciding which Scouts may attend an activity. Getting the required training is usually part of advancing through the ranks.
* Scout Spirit – This becomes a very real issue when dealing with a large group of young boys. Showing good Scout Spirit will make an outdoor experience fun and exciting for everyone!

The Troop Quartermaster is also a source of equipment such as tents, ovens, tarps, and folding tables. Scouts are responsible for treating this equipment with respect, cleaning it before it is returned, and indicating any damage that may have occurred.

Meetings: What to Attend

First Year Scouts are encouraged to attend Patrol Meetings. These first year meetings are structured around activities to attain the early ranks up to First Class. The Patrol Leader and advisor determine the location and times for these meetings. Class B uniforms are the typical attire.

Troop meetings typically occur two or three times a month. The dates and locations are on the Troop calendar posted on the Troop’s web site and handed out at the start of the Scouting year. Class A uniforms are to be worn.

Courts of Honor are special meetings where the Scouts are recognized for their achievements. It is very important for Scouts and parents to attend these as a sign of respect for the Scouts’ hard work. For this reason, Class A uniforms are mandatory. Courts of Honor are held three times a year.

Advancement: Badges of Honor

The Troop patrol advisor plays an active role in helping your Scout earn the early ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. We plan activities on weekends and at summer camp that helps him attain these ranks, typically within the first year.

After the requirements for a rank are attained, the Scout asks the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. After a successful Scoutmaster Conference the Scout asks the Advancement Chairman (see roster) for a Board of Review. After a successful Board of Review, the Scout has earned the rank.

The approach changes after First Class. The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle require a Scout to be more self-motivated to earn merit badges, participate in service projects and show leadership skills. A Scout may elect to independently pursue merit badges, or to take advantage of opportunities announced for group classes. Be advised attendance is not sufficient to attain a merit badge. There is often individual work involved.

A list of counselors is available from the Scoutmaster or Advancement chairperson. The Scout will need a merit badge booklet to learn the requirements for the badge.

We also advise new parents to be very aware of what we call the “Blue Card”. It is the often-irreplaceable proof of accomplishment required for receiving the badge, and is to be obtained from and signed by the Scoutmaster before beginning work. A Scout may not work on a badge alone with a counselor, but must find a buddy. A parent cannot sign his/her son’s Blue Card unless part of a group.

Troop Dues: Money and Responsibility

The Troop collects dues once a year. The amount varies from year to year, so inquire at the first parent’s meeting.

Other monies collected from time to time include summer camp, food and other expenses for trips your Scout elects to attend.

Scouts and parents are required to participate in the Troop fundraiser (traditionally our Fall Yard Sale). Scouts are also given the option of participating in other fundraisers during the year to help them put money into their Scout Account for future Scout trips or Scout purchases (backpack, tent, etc.).

Conduct: Keeping Things Safe and Enjoyable

Troop leadership makes every effort to balance Scout-led activities and safety. Our Bylaws outline our policies in this regard.

Our leaders must be registered with the BSA with background checks and training for the protection of our youth.

Individual trips have permission slips that must be signed in advance. These will outline any additional requirements, and allow parents to indicate emergency phone numbers and authorize emergency procedures. In addition, a current health form is required for participation on all trips. These forms require medical disclosure and a doctor’s signature. We also require health insurance information.

Bylaws: 30 Years of Parental Experience

The Bylaws represent 30 years of experience here at Troop 424. They represent the manner in which we intend to ensure a safe and meaningful program. They augment National Boy Scouts of America rules. After the Scout and parent have read the Bylaws, they sign and pass in the attached sheet agreeing to abide by them. The Bylaws can be seen on the Troop’s web site.

If at any time you have a concern about the Bylaws, the conduct of the Troop leadership, parents, or Scouts, please bring them to the attention of the Troop’s Committee Chairman, listed on the roster.