Information for new scouts
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Notes for new Scout Parents
Meetings - Every Monday night @ 7:00. Done @ 8:00. The boys are responsible to get here and get home. Uniforms are strongly encouraged. Parents are always welcome. There is NO meeting if there is NO school that day.
Campouts –A full calendar is on the Troop website. www.troop5bsa.org/.
Planned Weekend Campouts
Other Scout Year Important Dates
Summer Camp 2020
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.
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 – a headlamp is great.
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 – pocket knife is not needed for about the first year. NO SHEATH KNIVES, HATCHETS, SAWS OR AXES.
Cot - optional but great for a good night sleep. The lightweight folding kind work great for kids at this stage and size.
Rain Gear – simple raincoat is all that is needed - 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. Bring this to every campout.
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.
Court of Honor - 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.
Paper Books - Boy Scout Handbook. We have Merit Badge Pamphlets for loan.
Website Interface - Scoutbook (an electronic database application) will be used to track merit badge and rank advancement. Scoutbook is available at https://www.scoutbook.com/. Shortly after your son registers with the Troop, an invitation will be sent to you to join Scoutbook. Throughout the scout year, you will want to check Scoutbook to see your scout’s progress with their merit badges and rank advancement. Parents will not be marking merit badge requirements or rank requirements as complete or entering camping nights and service hours. The Scoutmaster or Merit Badge Counselors will do this as appropriate.
Safety - The safety of your son in all instances is our primary concern. We make extensive use of the “Guide to Safe Scouting.” 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.
Electronic Devices – The use of any electronic devices on campouts or other outings is strongly discouraged. We understand that cell phones are considered necessary items by many parents and ask that use of phones by Scouts, Leaders and parents be limited to necessity during all Scouting activities.
Social Media – Posting of any photos of any Scout, Leader or parent, other than photos of immediate family by a parent, on any social media platform is expressly prohibited, regardless of any permission to do so by the subject of the photo.
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 almost all functions, including weekend campouts. To attend campouts, we ask that youth protection training be completed. Participation in Summer Camp or other long-duration events is limited to registered leaders. Participation in special events (like Colorado and Maui) is restricted to registered leaders that are active and trained. 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 range from $25-30 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 home. Scout accounts are used to track funds available for each scout. A minimum of $50 needs to be available in scout accounts to be eligible for campouts. Deposits to you son’s camp account can be made by bringing a check to a Troop meeting. The Troop does not accept electronic payments. Account balances can be viewed on the troop’s website at www.troop5bsa.org. The password to the secure area of the website is available at a Troop meeting.
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. It is possible for a scout to earn enough money to cover their entire year of scouting.
If you cannot pay for campouts or summer camp, contact Mr. Kenyon and he will arrange for a scholarship. Scholarships for half of the camp cost are typical.
Campouts –A full calendar is on the Troop website. www.troop5bsa.org/.
Planned Weekend Campouts
- October 25-27, 2019 – St. Thomas Rec Center, Madison, SD (tent camping)
- November 22-24, 2019 – Shetek – Currie, MN (indoor camping)
- January 3-5, 2020 – Lewis & Clark – Tabor, SD (indoor camping)
- January 31 – February 2, 2020 – Shetek – Currie, MN (indoor camping)
- February 8, 2020 – Klondike Derby – day event only
- March 6-8, 2020 – Lewis & Clark – Tabor, SD (indoor camping)
- April 3-5, 2020 – Spring Camporee
- May 1-3, 2020 – Newton Hills – Canton, SD (tent camping)
Other Scout Year Important Dates
- October 26, 2019 – Court of Honor at campout
- January 27, 2020 – Court of Honor, Friends of Scouting
- February 9, 2020 – Pancake Feed
- May 18, 2020 – Court of Honor
Summer Camp 2020
- June 21-27, 2020 – Lewis & Clark Camp – Tabor, SD
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.
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 – a headlamp is great.
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 – pocket knife is not needed for about the first year. NO SHEATH KNIVES, HATCHETS, SAWS OR AXES.
Cot - optional but great for a good night sleep. The lightweight folding kind work great for kids at this stage and size.
Rain Gear – simple raincoat is all that is needed - 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. Bring this to every campout.
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.
Court of Honor - 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.
Paper Books - Boy Scout Handbook. We have Merit Badge Pamphlets for loan.
Website Interface - Scoutbook (an electronic database application) will be used to track merit badge and rank advancement. Scoutbook is available at https://www.scoutbook.com/. Shortly after your son registers with the Troop, an invitation will be sent to you to join Scoutbook. Throughout the scout year, you will want to check Scoutbook to see your scout’s progress with their merit badges and rank advancement. Parents will not be marking merit badge requirements or rank requirements as complete or entering camping nights and service hours. The Scoutmaster or Merit Badge Counselors will do this as appropriate.
Safety - The safety of your son in all instances is our primary concern. We make extensive use of the “Guide to Safe Scouting.” 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.
Electronic Devices – The use of any electronic devices on campouts or other outings is strongly discouraged. We understand that cell phones are considered necessary items by many parents and ask that use of phones by Scouts, Leaders and parents be limited to necessity during all Scouting activities.
Social Media – Posting of any photos of any Scout, Leader or parent, other than photos of immediate family by a parent, on any social media platform is expressly prohibited, regardless of any permission to do so by the subject of the photo.
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 almost all functions, including weekend campouts. To attend campouts, we ask that youth protection training be completed. Participation in Summer Camp or other long-duration events is limited to registered leaders. Participation in special events (like Colorado and Maui) is restricted to registered leaders that are active and trained. 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 range from $25-30 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 home. Scout accounts are used to track funds available for each scout. A minimum of $50 needs to be available in scout accounts to be eligible for campouts. Deposits to you son’s camp account can be made by bringing a check to a Troop meeting. The Troop does not accept electronic payments. Account balances can be viewed on the troop’s website at www.troop5bsa.org. The password to the secure area of the website is available at a Troop meeting.
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. It is possible for a scout to earn enough money to cover their entire year of scouting.
If you cannot pay for campouts or summer camp, contact Mr. Kenyon and he will arrange for a scholarship. Scholarships for half of the camp cost are typical.