Adult Leadership Training Troop 260/2260 �

April 20, 2024

Adult Leadership Training Agenda

1. Intro & Welcome (11-11:05)
2. Our mission & responsibilities (11:05-11:15)
3. Warm up (11:15-11:30)
4. Troop structure & roles (11:30-11:45)
5. Break/Lunch (11:45-11:55)
6. Standard Operating Procedures (11:55-12:30)
• Driving, canoeing, backpacking, leadership
7. The Calendar (12:30-12:40)
8. Troop Communications (Donald) (12:40-12:55)
9. Break (12:55-1:10)
10. Troop 260 Finance (Thuy) (1:10-1:25)
• Troop budget, how to contribute, how to get paid
11. Activity- Pin the Badge (1:25-1:45)
12. Ranks and how to earn them (1:45-2:00)
13. The Board of Review (2:00-2:10)
14. Merit badges and how to earn them (2:10-2:30)

2

• Goal of ALT: Inform, learn and identify areas where we may want to change policy
• Non-Goal: To debate topics with an intent to make changes today
• Goal: Identify areas where change is possible and refer to Troop Committee
• Non-goal: Change the scout program and scout procedures
• Goal: Highlight areas where the troop program can be improved and empower the uniformed adult and scout leaders to make those changes

“Outdoor adventure scouting for all”��

EVERYONE

• supports our mission

SCOUTS

• plan activities
• organize activities
• execute activities

ADULTS

• ensure safety and respect
• enable transportation
• provide guidance

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3

Troop Mission & Responsibilities (5)

�Troop 260 is devoted to teaching preparedness, leadership, and aiding in character development in our Scouts through a very active outdoor program consisting of backpacking, canoeing, service projects and fund raising.��We support our Scouts with active parent involvement, strong leadership development and leadership retention.�

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QUIZ!

15 min

4

Troop structure & Leadership roles

review / learn

15 min

5

BSA Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council

Quicksilver District

Chartering Organization

Christ the Good Shepherd

BSA / Troop Committee

Troop 260

Troop 2260

BSA Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council

Quicksilver District

Chartering Organization

Christ the Good Shepherd

BSA / Troop Committee

Assistant Patrol Leader

Marshall’s Army

Patrol Leader (E)

Pierce Rock

Senior Patrol Leader

Matthew Lewis

Assistant Patrol Leader

Serpent

Patrol Leader (E)

Gabby Lam

Asst Senior Patrol Leader(s)

Isabella DeMarco, Bryson Moffat

Assistant Patrol Leader

Dragon

Patrol Leader (E)

Joshua Archila

Cruz deSilva

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Troop 260/2260

Scoutmaster

Glenn Rock

BSA Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council

Quicksilver District

Asst Scoutmstr

Denver Lewis

Troop 260/2260 Committee Chair

Scott Calzia

Chartering Organization

Christ the Good Shepherd

Asst Scoutmstr

Donald Clark

Scoutmaster

Cheryl Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Marion Clark

Scout leaders

BSA / Troop Committee

Troop 260/2260 Committee

Parents

Asst Scoutmstr

Kevin Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Thuy Ngo

Assistant Patrol Leader

Marshall’s Army

Patrol Leader (E)

Pierce Rock

Senior Patrol Leader

Matthew Lewis

Assistant Patrol Leader

Serpent

Patrol Leader (E)

Gabby Lam

Asst Senior Patrol Leader(s)

Isabella DeMarco, Bryson Moffat

Assistant Patrol Leader

Dragon

Patrol Leader (E)

Joshua Archila

Cruz deSilva

Scouts

Asst Scoutmstr

Rafael Archila

Asst Scoutmstr

Stan Searing

Asst Scoutmstr

Chris Bollerud

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scoutmaster

Glenn Rock

BSA Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council

Quicksilver District

Troop 260/2260 Committee Chair

Scott Calzia

Chartering Organization

Christ the Good Shepherd

Scout leaders

BSA / Troop Committee

Troop 260/2260 Committee

Parents

Assistant Patrol Leader

Marshall’s Army

Patrol Leader (E)

Pierce Rock

Senior Patrol Leader

Matthew Lewis

Assistant Patrol Leader

Serpent

Patrol Leader (E)

Gabby Lam

Asst Senior Patrol Leader(s)

Isabella DeMarco, Bryson Moffat

Assistant Patrol Leader

Dragon

Patrol Leader (E)

Joshua Archila

Cruz deSilva

Patrol Leaders’ Council

Troop Guide (N)

Webmaster

Scribe

Den Chief

O/A rep

Librarian

Historian

Bugler

Instructor (A)

Q’master

Outdoor Ethics

Chaplain

Asst Scoutmstr

Denver Lewis

Asst Scoutmstr

Donald Clark

Scoutmaster

Cheryl Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Marion Clark

Asst Scoutmstr

Kevin Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Thuy Ngo

Asst Scoutmstr

Rafael Archila

Asst Scoutmstr

Stan Searing

Asst Scoutmstr

Chris Bollerud

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

Scouts

10

Troop 260 Leadership Process and Terms

Notes:

• Elections / Designations held in Sept/Oct and March/Apr.
• SPL/ASPL not changed in March.
• Must have >50% of troop scouts submitting a vote for valid SPL/ASPL election.
• Must have >50% of patrol scouts voting for valid PL election

BSA Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council

Quicksilver District

Membership Roster

TBD

Troop 260 Committee Chair

Scott Calzia

Chartering Organization

Christ the Good Shepherd

Advancement

David Moffatt

Recruiting

Amy DeHart

Transportation

Denver Lewis

Scout leaders

BSA / Troop Committee

Troop 260 Committee

Parents

Treasuruer

Thuy Ngo

Quartermaster

Son Lam

Kirti DeSousa

Health/Safety

Cheryl Lavery

Sarah Moffatt

Fundraising

Son Lam, Thuy Ngo, Cheryl Lavery

Webmaster

Donald Clark

Calendar/ Secretary

Sarah Moffatt

Training

John Latimer

Social

Amy DeHart

Recharter

David Moffatt

Chartered Org/ Community

John Latimer

Chartered Org Rep

Steve Weirauch

Unit Commissioner

TBD

Troop Committee

Scoutmaster

Glenn Rock

Asst Scoutmstr

Denver Lewis

Asst Scoutmstr

Donald Clark

Scoutmaster

Cheryl Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Marion Clark

Asst Scoutmstr

Kevin Lavery

Asst Scoutmstr

Thuy Ngo

Asst Scoutmstr

Rafael Archila

Asst Scoutmstr

Stan Searing

Asst Scoutmstr

Chris Bollerud

10 mins

Break

Grab lunch

Return to eat and listen

12

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

review / learn

35 min

13

Leadership

• Scouts BSA Policy: Two-Deep Leadership
• Always: Two-deep adult supervision by registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required for all Scouting activities and must meet the leadership requirements outlined in Scouting's Barriers to Abuse. This includes merit badge activities.
• Outings: Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings.
• Driving: An adult may not drive or be alone in the car with a Scout unless that Scout is their own child. An adult may drive two or more Scouts.
• A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.
• Troop 260/2260 Practice*:
• Outings: Three adult leaders, one a uniformed leader and two registered parents or adults, all of whom must be age 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings.
• The Scoutmaster, or designated uniformed adult trip leader, has the right and obligation to be the authority over all scouts and adults participating in a troop outing.
• Family events, such as Courts of Honor, fundraising events and service projects may be attended by non-registered adults if standard BSA policy is met. This does not apply to outings.

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14

* Source- unratified and unposted Troop 260 Parent Guide

Health and Safety

• Medical Forms- BSA Policy
• For events up to 72 hours: All participating scouts and adults must have a current, completed BSA Medical Form Part A and B (with medical card copy) on file (i.e. in the “Football”). Scouts or adults without proper completed medical form are not permitted to participate.
• For events 72 hours or greater: All participating scouts and adults must have a current, completed BSA Medical Form Part A and B (with medical card copy) and C (with physician signature) on file (i.e. in the “Football”). Scouts or adults without proper completed medical forms are not permitted to participate.
• Medical Forms- Troop 260/2260 Practice*:
• Permission slips: Scouts must have a completed and parent signed permission slip to attend outings. These are often due two weeks in advance of the trip.
• The Scoutmaster has the authority over deciding whether scouts and adults may participate in a troop outing.
• Prescription medication and allergies: Uniformed leaders must be aware of any prescription medication currently being taken by other scouts and/or adults and must be aware of any severe allergies (this is designated on the medical forms)

15

* Source- unratified and unposted Troop 260 Parent Guide

Other Training

• BSA Policy
• YPT: All registered adults must have completed Youth Protection Training.
• CPR: The BSA strongly recommends that all adult leaders and youth capable of performing CPR properly be trained through a nationally accredited organization.
• First Aid: No specific leader requirements
• Hazardous Weather: All uniformed leaders (Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters) are required to take BSA’s Hazardous Weather Training within the past two years to be considered fully trained in their position.
• Activities with swimming or wading: Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years.
• Any boating activity: Adult leaders supervising boating activities must have completed their Safety Afloat training within the previous two years.
• Troop 260/2260 Practice*:
• CPR: It is required that at least one, and preferably two adult leaders be trained in CPR (or Wilderness and Remote First Aid) for all scout outings.
• First Aid: It is required that at least one, and preferably two adult leaders be trained in Wilderness and Remote First Aid for all scout outings.

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16

* Source- unratified and unposted Troop 260 Parent Guide

Adult Training

Troop 260 Vehicle “Parking Lot Talk”

1. All drivers are Qualified Drivers and have completed the Risk Zone Training.
2. Driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. All cargo must be inspected and be secure. 
3. A communication plan must be in place.
1. The troop has short-distance radios
2. Drivers should exchange cell phone numbers
4. All drivers must be aware of the route and conditions.
• Maps should be distributed prior to the trip
• Do conditions require chains, low gear, deflating tires, etc? 
5. All drivers must be aware of rest and fuel stops.
• Ideally, distribute fuel and restroom breaks across multiple facilities in the same area
• Also discuss how to manage unplanned stops. 
6. There should be a plan to transport passengers and cargo in the event of a vehicle becoming disabled.
• It is good practice to ensure there are enough vehicles and drivers with extra capacity to support a breakdown of the “largest” vehicle (largest= most passengers, most cargo and/or towing capacity.
7. Publicly assign a lead vehicle and sweep vehicle. No one passes the lead vehicle, no one falls behind the sweep. The lead and sweep should maintain contact at all times.
• Maintain contact= radio, phone, visual
• Keep the vehicle in front of you in visual range
• Ideally, slow vehicles are in the front and heavily loaded vehicles in the middle
8.  All drivers should be briefed on vehicle safety, specifically speed and lane usage.
• It is recommended to stay within the speed limit
• The middle lane is ideal on multi-lane highways 
9. Discipline: Drivers must strive to follow the points described above.

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18

Troop 260 Canoe “Beach Talk”

1. Follow all guidelines and requirements of BSA Safety Afloat.
1. One canoe-experienced person per 10 scouts
2. One Safety Afloat trained leader per group
3. One CPR trained adult per group
4. Prepare and file a float plan with the Council Office (running water)
5. Operation of canoes limited to those passing BSA swimmer classification test
6. Each person must wear a USCG approved Type II or III PFD
7. Buddy canoes 
2. Each person must wear a USCG approved Type II or Type III PFD at all times while in the canoe  
3. Each canoe must have one extra paddle, as well as one throw bag or Type IV throw-able flotation device (flotation seat)
• Point and sweep should have throw ropes
4. Publicly assign a lead canoe and sweep canoe. The lead and sweep must each have a canoe-experienced adult. No one passes the lead canoe, no one falls behind the sweep. The lead and sweep should maintain contact at all times.
• Maintain contact= radio, phone, visual
• First canoe on the water is the point canoe, last to proceed is the sweep 
5. Assign buddy canoes. Buddy canoes must maintain contact at all times.
• The buddy canoe is expected to help the buddy in the event of an overturned canoe, lost paddle, gear, etc
6. Prior to launch, discuss how to identify water hazards and when to eddy out or land canoes. Discuss recovery plans.
• Water hazards include, but are not limited to: logs, strainers, snags, rocks, bridges, pilings, fish traps, animals, weather (thunder and lightning, wait 30min)
• When to stop and eddy out or land? Hazards, split in direction, head of rapids, others
• Recovery plans should discuss procedure for lost paddle, lost gear, flipped canoe, wrapped canoe, rescue, lost group, missed pull-out
7. Prior to launch, discuss paddling “rules of the road“
• Obey local waterway rules
• Stay close to shore
• When crossing body of water, do so directly
• Avoid powered water craft; do not cross in front of other watercraft
• Give fisherman a wide berth
8. Prior to launch, the SPL and adult leader are responsible for ensuring all canoes are properly loaded with gear secured to the canoe and the canoe in proper trim.

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19

Troop 260 Backpacking “Trailhead Talk”

Any volunteers?

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20

Troop 260 Calendar and Communications

review / learn

25 min

21

What “being active” means in Troop 260

Troop dues are up-to-date

Medical forms are completed and turned in (May)

Attend at least

• half of troop meetings
• 1/3 of weekend overnight activities (4, not including camp or 50)

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To attend the 50-miler:

• Must be on 4 previous outings
• Two in the same calendar year

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What if I cannot meet the guidelines?

• Due to other activities
• Reasonable and truthful explanations will be accepted

22

PLC Expectations

One Meeting Template per Meeting

Filled out by scribe

Scribe sends a copy to:

1. SPL
2. Scoutmaster
3. Webmaster → posts to cal/web
4. Summary to Discord

SPL sends reminder one week prior to meeting

SPL and ASPL are responsible to ensure preparations are made

SM checks with SPL to ensure everything is ready for meeting

​

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23

PLC Expectations

One Template each PLC

Filled out by ASPL

ASPL sends a copy to:

1. SPL / ASPLs
2. Scoutmaster

SPL and ASPLs are responsible to ensure leadership position commitments are kept

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24

NEW

Troop meeting expectations

Arrive on time

Wear appropriate uniform

Follow the PLC plan

• scouts are focused on the plan
• adult leaders assist when required
• phones in pockets (unless scouting use)

Adults meet outside or in kitchen

SM Conferences, BoR, other items should be requested IN ADVANCE

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25

15 mins

Break

26

Troop 260 Finance (15m)

1. Why a budget/ Financial snapshot
2. What you can do to contribute
3. Expenses and getting reimbursed

​

Troop 260 offers a free, self-funded program to members

For 2024, we collected $100/scout, $80/ adult which is barely enough to cover the required members’ national, local council insurance fee and unit recharter fee.

Current fee schedule by local council SVMBC

Troop 260 Financial snapshot

Our Current Net Balance: $28,000

What you can do to support

1. Take advantage of Corporate Matching Program at your company for your volunteer hours and cash donation.
2. Get involved in our annual Fundraising activities (They are FUN!) - There are many tasks that you can help so sign up for the events or approach the event lead to offer help.
3. Donate (quality) items for sale at the annual Troop Yard Sale
4. Use of your car for transporting scouts
5. Donating outgrown or upgraded gear and uniforms to the troop for use by new scouts and parents
6. Volunteer your time- merit badge counselor, driver, deep leadership

​

Expenses and how to get reimbursed

• Example of most common expenses that we reimburse: gas/ mileage, campsite & parking fee for monthly trips, supplies for Court of Honors, food / supplies purchased for events that our troop sponsor (pancake breakfast, Mt Umunhum dinner etc.) and pretty much any other cost incurred for the troop operation (with Committee’s or Scoutmaster’s approval)

​

• Email your receipt or photo of your receipt to treasurer@troop260.org with brief explanation of the expense. If you have zelle or paypal account you will receive your reimbursement within 1 day or 2.

Additional Information for Corporate Matching

→ Check with your HR department if your company provides this benefit. Usually run by a third party administrator, for example: Benevity. Some company require manually filled out form and signed by Scoutmaster/ Committee Chair.

→ If not found in the administrator’s system, you make a request to add Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Tax ID 941732027) as beneficiary. Inform us when you make this request as we might need to coordinate with the church representative to verify their non-profit status with your administrator

→ Give instructions to direct fund to Troop 260 on your matching request and let us know when you submit / expect the check to arrive so we can coordinate with the church office.

→ Contact treasurer@troop260.org if you have question and we will help you through the process.

QUIZ!

Pin the Badge

20 min

Pin the Badge

20 min

33

Right Sleeve

Left Sleeve

#7 Musician �Worn by members of bands, drill teams, or drum and bugle corps affiliated with a unit or a local council

#8 Patrol patch

U.S. flag emblem

#2 Badge of office

Unit number

Council shoulder emblem

#11 Trained leader strip emblem

Available for all leaders who have completed the Basic Leader Training program appropriate to their positions.

Right Pocket

Left Pocket

#3 and #4 Temporary patches (Totin and Firem’n chits common for early scouts)

#6 Order of the Arrow identification (nominated by troop and join OoA)

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#5 Interpreter strip (s) (signifies fluent in another language)

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#9 Recruiter strip award (earned for recruiting a new scout into BSA)

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#10 Scout rank

#12 Youth religious emblem (only knot worn by youth, adult leaders have many more)

World Crest scout emblem (taking part in an int’l scout event, ring additional)

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#1 Arrow of Light (only badge from Cub Scouts)

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Right Pocket

Left Pocket

#3 and #4 Temporary patches (experienced scouts like camp patches)

#6 Order of the Arrow identification (nominated by troop and join OoA)

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#5 Interpreter strip (s) (signifies fluent in another language)

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#9 Recruiter strip award (earned for recruiting a new scout into BSA)

​

#10 Scout rank

#12 Youth religious emblem (only knot worn by youth, adult leaders have many more)

World Crest scout emblem (taking part in an intn’l scout event, ring additional)

​

#1 Arrow of Light (only badge from Cub Scouts)

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Scout Sash- worn at formal scout events as “full uniform”

Front- merit badges, three across

Back- activity patches, mile swim

A Scout’s Guide to Rank Advancement (15 min)

RANK

ADVANCEMENT

From Troop 260’s

Scouting world

And how

to Complete the trail to eagle

So, You Want to Complete the Next Rank?

Follow these steps:

1. Read and understand the rank requirements
2. Learn and practice the requirement skill
3. Testing and sign-off of the requirements
4. Scoutmaster Conference
5. Board of Review

Step 1: Read and Understand the Requirements

• All requirements are in your Scout Handbook or on-line
• Google “bsa scout advancement” or go to https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/
• Read and understand the requirement
• You must complete and be tested on each requirement to be signed off
• Your book can help you understand the requirement
• There are many on-line resources
• Scout must be earned first
• Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class must be earned in order, but requirements for all may be worked on concurrently
• Star, Life and Eagle requirements must be fulfilled after successful completion of the prior rank

More on Step 1: Read and Understand the Requirements

• Some Requirements state “while on a campout…”
• Do I need to be on a campout to complete that requirement?
• In general, if the requirement states something specific, you must complete it
• Do I need service hours to advance?
• Yes, you must complete the service hour requirement to advance
• 1 hour for Tenderfoot (and relate to Scout slogan and motto)
• +2 hours for 2^nd Class (and relate to Scout Oath)
• +3 hours for 1^st Class (and relate to Scout Law)
• +6 hours for both Star and Life (conservation related, cannot be “banked”)
• Service hours may not be used for Scouts and other activities
• Check with your Scoutmaster PRIOR to conducting the service hours

Step 2: Learn and Practice the Requirements

• Many requirements are skills to learn and know
• You will be asked to demonstrate or show you have knowledge in a skill
• Scout rank is about learning basic information every scout needs to know
• Scout Oath, Law, motto, slogan, troop and personal safety, etc
• Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class are about learning and practicing skills
• Cooking, clean-up, camping skills, knots, etc
• Star, Life, Eagle are about leadership skills and specific skills (merit badges)
• There are “how to” examples in your Scout Handbook and on-line
• Scout meetings are a good place to learn a skill
• Ask your Patrol Leader if you need to learn a skill

Step 3: Testing and Sign Off of Requirements

• You must follow the requirement and be tested by members of your troop
• Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, Troop Instructors, Asst Senior Patrol Leaders, Senior Patrol Leader, Asst Scoutmasters and Scoutmaster may sign-off most rank requirements
• Asst Scoutmasters and Scoutmaster may sign-off the Scoutmaster Conference requirement
• The Advancement Chairperson (or delegate) may sign of the Board-of-Review requirement
• Parents may not sign-off requirements
• We set aside “Patrol Time” during meetings for you to demonstrate and have requirements signed-off
• Make sure you follow the tell/show/explain/demonstrate aspect of each requirement

More Step 3: Testing and Sign Off of Requirements

• Make sure to record all sign-offs in your Scout Handbook
• Or use the on-line Virtual Rank Requirement tracking sheets on the troop260.org web page, under Library and Virtual Scouting
• https://www.troop260.org/index.php/virtual-scouting/
• Only PL and adult leaders may edit

Step 4: Scoutmaster Conference

• Once you have completed ALL other requirements for your rank, contact your scoutmaster
• Email to scoutmaster@troop260.org
• Name, rank and “need Scoutmaster Conference”
• For virtual Scoutmaster Conferences, you must use a communication application such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype with audio and video
• The scoutmaster will help schedule and organize the Scoutmaster Conference virtual meeting
• ALL Scoutmaster Conferences MUST include two-deep leadership
• After successful completion of the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scoutmaster will initial and date your Scout Book

​

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Step 5: Board of Review

• Once you have completed your Scoutmaster Conference (except Scout)
• The Scoutmaster will notify the Advancement Chair to organize a Board of Review (BoR), Eagle BoR requires District Advancement Chair
• For virtual BoR, you must use a communication application such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype with audio and video
• ALL BoRs MUST include two-deep leadership
• 3-6 adults will conduct the BoR with the scout (Eagle varies)
• Rank is “earned” only on successful completion of the BoR
• After successful completion of the BoR, the Advancement Chair will initial and date your Scout Book, Log the information into Scoutbook and purchase/organize the rank recognition for the next Court of Honor
• Rank is “earned” at time of successfully completing the BoR

Questions?

Ask your Patrol Leader, ASPL or SPL on Discord. Or…

Ask your Scoutmaster at scoutmaster@troop260.org

​

The Board of Review

10 min

15 min

48

Scout Board of Review

• Required for scouts to complete a rank (except Scout)
• Is the last step before completion of the rank
• Rank is earned once the BoR is signed off, NOT at completion of the SM conference
• A periodic review of the progress of a Scout is vital in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting program in the unit
• Board consists of three to six members of the Troop Committee (T260/2260 usually allows any registered parent to sit on the BoR) and lasts 15-30 min
• Eagle BoR has different requirements
• Uniformed Adult Leaders may not participate in the BoR (but MAY observe)
• Parent may not participate in the BoR
• Organized by scout and Advancement Chairperson
• Scout should be in Class A uniform (although circumstances may adjust this requirement
• Scouts should be familiar with Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Scout Law, Scout Oath and Outdoor Code (usually for 1^st Class +) as these demonstrate a scout’s attitude and acceptance of the scouting principles
• Goals of the Board
1. Ensure the Scout has completed requirements for the rank
2. Evaluate the experience the Scout is having in the unit
3. Encourage the Scout to progress further
4. Celebrate the achievement
5. NOT an examination nor a time to test a scout’s knowledge

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49

Board of Review Sample Questions

Questions that require a narrative answer help Scouts to verbalize their feelings

You may refer to specific rank requirements to determine if the intent was achieved without retesting

• What are your goals in Scouting?
• Why is being a Scout important to you?
• How do you live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life?
• What does it mean to say, “A Scout is Courteous”?
• How will fulfilling requirement number ### help you?
• Why is it important to keep up-to-date on your first aid skills?
• Do you think the <specific> merit badge you just earned, will help you throughout your life?
• What new things did you do and learn on your latest campout, service project, or at your troop meetings?
• What do you like most at troop outdoor activities?
• What do you like least at troop outdoor activities?
• What would you like the troop to do differently to make outings more fun and engaging?
• What leadership positions have you held or would like to hold?
• What are you looking forward to doing at summer camp?
• Do you have a fun memory from a Scout outing?
• What do you like most and least at troop meetings?
• Is there anything you would like to see changed at troop meetings?
• What would you change to make meetings more fun and engaging?
• How do you define “Scout spirit”?
• What can we (the adults) do to make our troop more fun and engaging for you?
• Do you believe you are ready for the <specific> rank? Why?

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50

A Scout’s Guide to Completing Merit Badges (20min)

FANTASTIC

MERIT BADGES

And how

to earn them

From Troop 260’s

Scouting world

So You Want to Earn a Merit Badge?

Follow these steps:

1. Pick a merit badge
2. Get a signed Blue Card
3. Contact the merit badge counselor
4. Work on the requirements
5. Demonstrate completion of the requirements
6. Get your merit badge

Step 1: Pick a Merit Badge

• There are currently 138 merit badges (as of April 2024)
• Google “scout merit badges” or go to https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/
• Pick a merit badge in:
• A subject that interests you
• A personal or family hobby or business
• An Eagle requirement
• Twenty-one (21) merit badges are required for Eagle Scout
• First Aid, Cit in the Comm, Cit in the WOrld, Communication, Personal Fitness, Emergency Prep OR Lifesaving, Enviro Science, Personal Mgmt, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, Family Life + 9 others
• Check the requirements at https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/

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Step 2: Get a SIGNED Blue Card

• You must have a singed Application for Merit Badge, Form #34124 (called a Blue Card) to earn a merit badge
• Ask or email your Scoutmaster scoutmaster@troop260.org to request a Blue Card
• Tell the Scoutmaster your name, address and the merit badge(s) you would like to earn
• Please, no more than THREE merit badges at a time!
• It is the Scoutmaster’s discretion on whether to provide a Blue Card
• Your Scoutmaster will fill out the Blue Card for you

The Blue Card

Scoutmaster will fill in your name and address

Scoutmaster sign and date

Scoutmaster will fill in your name and merit badge

Scoutmaster will provide you counselor names and contact information

Your counselor will fill in other information as you complete the badge

Step 3: Contact the Merit Badge Counselor

• The Scoutmaster will have provided you with 1-3 names of Counselors for your merit badge
• Pick one counselor from the list
• CALL the counselor. Tell them who you are and explain that you want to work on merit badge <name of your merit badge>. Schedule a time with your counselor to review the requirements.
• Show your Blue Card to the Counselor
• Do you need a Merit Badge workbook? Yes!
• Some requirements are on-line
• Information on completing the badge is in the book
• Troop 260 has a library but you may have to buy a book or go on-line to help with requirements (donate your used book to the troop library)

Step 4: Work on the Requirements

• It is up to you and the merit badge counselor on how to work on the requirements.
• Many requirements you may do alone and then must demonstrate to your counselor later
• Other requirements must be worked on directly with your counselor
• It is up to you and your counselor to determine if work completed before receiving your Blue Card may be used to meet a requirement
• For virtual merit badge sessions with your counselor, you must use a communication application such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc.
• Talk to your counselor about the best method to hold a session
• ALL merit badge sessions MUST include two-deep leadership
• This means having your parent accompany you to all sessions, INCLUDING virtual sessions

Step 5: Demonstrate Completion of the Requirements

• Your counselor will sign off on requirements as you complete them
• It is up to you and your counselor to decide what is required for signing off a requirement
• Counselors can use any fillable PDF app to complete your Blue Card
• Acrobat Pro, PDF Filler, PDF Editor, FormSwift, etc (these all require a license=$)
• If your counselor does not have a fillable PDF, then they may use Acrobat DC or most browsers (free) to fill in, print as PDF and email back your Blue Card

Your counselor sign off requirements and record them here

Step 5 (More!): After You Have Completed ALL Requirements

• Counselors need to sign and date your Blue Card once all requirements are complete
• Counselors can use any fillable PDF app to complete your Blue Card
• Acrobat Pro, PDF Filler, PDF Editor, FormSwift, etc (these all require a license=$)
• If your counselor does not have a fillable PDF, then they may use Acrobat DC or most browsers (free) to fill in, print as PDF and email back your Blue Card
• Scoutmaster signature required after counselor has signed

Your counselor will sign and date your Blue Card

Scoutmaster must sign after completion of all requirements

Step 6: Get Your Merit Badge

• Scoutmaster will sign your Blue Card once it is complete and signed off by counselor
• Scoutmaster will give Blue Card back to you (Scout)
• Make sure to KEEP your Blue Card until you earn Eagle
• Scoutmaster will copy the Advancement Chair the Blue Card
• You will receive the merit badge and the next Court of Honor
• You have earned the badge once the counselor has signed

This section is for Troop 260 records

This section is for the scout to keep

This section is for counselor records

MERITO MERUIT!

Do we have time for one more QUIZ?

Are you wiser than a scout?

Who thinks they know the Scout Oath?

Who thinks think they know the Scout Law?

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YOU’RE FREE

we’re done

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