Meetings - Every Monday night @ 7:00. Done @ 8:00. The boys are responsible to get here and get home. Uniforms are strongly encouraged. Scouts are rewarded for being in uniform. Parents are always welcome. There is NO meeting if there is NO school that day.

Campouts -See schedule on reverse side and on Troop website. www.troop5bsa.org

Campout Equipment Needs - (things they may not already have)

Sleeping Bag - two season or summer bag w/ xtra blanket (wait until they grow to get a good bag).

Sleeping Pad - closed cell foam pad - they will sleep better & warmer, get a cheap one to start with.

Mess Kit - military surplus kits are good, official Scout kits are good also - includes utensils - they will get an insulated "gas-station-style" cup from the Troop. I just have a bowl & utensils.

Back Pack - not needed for now, a decent duffle bag is better at this stage (wait until they grow to get a good backpack).

Flashlight - Mini Mag Light w/ xtra batteries.

Hiking Boots - not needed for now - good, sturdy sneakers will suffice except for cold weather, when good winter boots are a necessity. Take TWO pair of shoes to all campouts.

Knife - an official Scout knife is good, a "lockback" knife is better. NO SHEATH KNIVES. NO HATCHETS, SAWS OR AXES.

Cot - optional but great for a good night sleep. Get the kind without "stick" legs (military surplus type). The folding kind work great for kids at this stage and size.

Rain Gear - a military surplus poncho is great - a dry camper is a happy camper.

Matches or lighters - not needed or wanted - the Troop has plenty.

Water bottle- each Scout should have a water bottle with a screw-on cap. They bring this to every campout to avoid using a million paper cups. Check out Nalgene brands, they are supposed to be unbreakable and come in a variety of colors which helps avoid confusion on which bottle belongs to which Scout. But it doesn't have to be a fancy water bottle, Scouts have been known to recycle plastic pop bottles or Gatorade bottles.

PUT YOUR SON’S LAST NAME PERMANENTLY ON EVERYTHING

Advancement - Except those requirements that specifically ask for parent’s signature, all rank requirements are signed off by registered leaders, merit badge counselors or other Scouts. Your son will be lead through the initial ranks; Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class. This will take about one year. It is up to him to advance beyond to Star, Life and Eagle. The leaders create the environment for upper advancement, the Scout has to take advantage of that environment. The initial ranks involve basic skills (first aid, knots, fires, cooking, camping, etc.) The higher ranks involve advanced Scouting skills and occupational skills through the completion of Merit Badges. There are over 100 available Merit Badges.

Rank, Merit Badges and other awards will be presented in a Court of Honor; they are held quarterly or as needed. Be there - it is a big deal for your son.

Books - Boy Scout Handbook (given by Troop), Boy Scout Requirements Book (buy). We have Merit Badge Pamphlets for loan.

Safety - The safety of your son in all instances is our primary concern. We make extensive use of the "Safe Scouting Handbook." We adhere strictly to the "Two Deep" leadership principle at all times. No hazing of any kind is allowed. If an accident happens, you will be notified ASAP in accordance with BSA policy.

Discipline - We will discipline your son as necessary for the safety of everyone. We expect nothing less than adherence to the Scout Oath and Law at all times. If we cannot control your son, you will be asked to come and get him, no matter where we are.

Parental Involvement - Parents are welcome at all functions, including campouts and summer camp. You will be asked at times to provide transportation to events - it is a good opportunity to attend and enjoy. You may be asked to serve as the coordinator or assistant for an event such as wreath sales, pancake breakfast, etc. Additionally, there is always a need for more committee members and uniformed leaders.

Finances - Most campouts are less than $20 for the weekend. This covers the cost of the facility, food and mileage for the drivers and trailer-pullers. Some are slightly more or less depending on the facility & activity. Send a couple of bucks with your son to campouts for treats on the road.

We have two major fund-raisers - wreath sales and the pancake breakfast. A significant portion of the proceeds of the sales go to the individual Scouts for their "camp account." We keep track of who earns what and they can use it to pay for campouts or summer camp. Some Scouts have earned enough for nearly all their campout expenses.

If you cannot pay for campouts or summer camp, contact Dennis Zingmark and he will arrange for a partial scholarship through the Council and Order of the Arrow (OA).