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SCOUT ORIENTATION

Scouts BSA Troop 742

North Charleston, South Carolina

Coastal Shores Baptist Church

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ABBREVIATIONS

People

CC: Committee Chair
SM: Scoutmaster
ASM: Assistant Scoutmaster
PLC: Patrol Leaders Council
SPL: Senior Patrol Leader
ASPL: Asst. Senior Patrol Leader
PL: Patrol Leader
MBC: Merit Badge Counselor

Not People

YPT: Youth Protection Training
SMC: Scoutmaster Conference
BOR: Board of Review
COH: Court of Honor
MB: Merit Badge

You will probably hear many abbreviations thrown about at a troop meeting, and I may use them during this orientation, so let us cover what they are before we start.

CC: The CC is the Committee Chair who appoints and supervises the unit committee and unit leaders. The Committee has multiple adult leaders who work behind the scenes to support the troop administratively. In general, you will have limited interaction with the Committee.

SM/ASM: The SM is the Scoutmaster who is the adult responsible for working directly with the Scouts to help them create the program for the troop. The Scoutmaster trains youth leaders to run the troop by providing direction, coaching, and support. An ASM is an Assistant Scoutmaster. They assist the Scoutmaster in delivering the troop program.

PLC: The PLC is the Patrol Leaders’ Council. It consists of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL), the Patrol Leader (PL) of each patrol, and the Troop Guides, who each have a vote on the council. They are responsible for planning and conducting the troop’s activities. The PLC normally meets once a month. The PLC also hosts an annual planning meeting with the support of the SM and ASMs.

We will get more in depth about these following items on the next slides:

SMC: A SMC is a Scoutmaster Conference. You may ask for a SMC at any time and the SM will try to make sure you are heard. A final Scoutmaster conference is required at every rank before a scout is eligible for a Board of Review. During this conference, the Scoutmaster (or assigned ASM) will go over your rank requirements and make sure the criterion are met.

BOR: A BOR is a Board of Review. This is the scout’s chance to meet with the troop committee before her rank is awarded. Questions may be asked about some of the requirements as a means of getting to know the scouts. In addition, she is asked what is going well with the troop and what he would like to be changed. The committee values these suggestions and will pass them along anonymously to the scoutmasters.

COH: COH is the abbreviation for a Court of Honor. It is held quarterly and is essentially the Scouts BSA equivalent of the Cub Scout pack meeting. Ranks are awarded during ceremony time and merit badges are passed out. This is a time for your scout to celebrate his achievements and so it is very important for his parents and family to attend.

MB/MBC: MB is the abbreviation for Merit Badge, and an MBC is a Merit Badge Counselor.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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MISSION AND GOALS

BSA Mission: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Troop 742 Mission: Troop 742's mission is to develop future leaders according to the principles and values learned and lived in the Scout Oath and Scout Law combined with outdoor activities, community service, and leadership training and opportunities.

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MISSION AND GOALS

Troop 742 Vision: Troop 742's goal is to be a Scout-Led Troop in which young women internalize and apply the Scout Oath and Scout Law while developing skills that lead to an ability to lead others with diplomacy and tact, a strong sense of self-reliance, and a respect for nature and the outdoors.

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SCOUT-LED TROOP

All meetings and campouts are run by the scouts for the benefit of the scouts.
A troop is organized in to patrols, each with a Patrol Leader.
The Senior Patrol Leader works with her leadership team, called the Patrol Leaders Council (or PLC).
The PLC is responsible for the planning and execution of all activities.
The SM team is responsible for guiding and mentoring scouts during the planning process.
All adults should refrain from intervening during meetings, camping trips, and outings except in the case of safety.
It might look chaotic, but that is part of the process.

What Does it Mean for a troop to be Scout Led?��Scout led means that at Scout meetings, on trips, and other Scouting events the scouts take the lead.��The troop is organized into patrols, each with a Patrol Leader. And a Senior Patrol Leader, with a leadership team, is responsible for setting the schedule for meetings, planning activities on camping trips, and even selecting the trips we go on.��Adults play a vital role in ensuring that scouts are always safe. But the troop gives the Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders and Scouts the chance to lead, make decisions, and – yes – make (and learn from) mistakes. Without adult volunteers (especially drivers), we could never enjoy the many adventures we have on regular trip and outings. But once we get to where we’re going, the scouts are in charge (giving adults the chance to have their own fun and adventures).

Scouts are the river, and adults are the riverbanks. We hold the water into place and make sure it does not flood the town. But we do not dam the river up, and prevent the flow. ��What if I see my own child (or some other Scout) struggling at a meeting or on a trip?��Scout meetings might sometimes seem chaotic, and there may be times that adults need to intervene. But, in general, adults try to keep a light touch and give Scouts the chance to be responsible for their own success in Scouting.��That said, if you know that a Scout needs some help, let the Scoutmaster or another adult leader know as soon as possible. We try to let the Scouts solve problems as they arise, but will always do everything we need to in order to make sure all children - including yours - are having a safe, fun and successful time with the troop.

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FOUR STAGES OF LEADERSHIP

Self-Leadership

Follow cooperatively

Complete duties as assigned

Manage others

Scouts BSA is leadership training.

We teach scouts that there are 4 stages of leadership. Just like you were not born knowing how to tie your shoes, you were not born knowing how to lead. We teach that here. We start at the very basics.

1) Self leadership - why we ask not to pack for them. Of course, your ability to let go will also be in stages. Start with going through the list with them to make sure it's all there. May next time give them the list and check it after. By the time they are 13, you shouldn't have to check at all and if they forget something you will laugh and say figure it out.��To help with self direction, BSA gives them wide berth to plan and execute their calendar. When we are camping, they set up, break down, cook, build fires, and lead adventures. ��Motto: Don't do anything for a scout that they can do for themselves.��They ask for sign offs. They ask for conferences. They do the work. ��You encourage them at home, but give them space to do it at their own pace. Some scouts are sprinters and some are marathon runners and that is okay. You help them study and practice and learn. You remind them of things before (but not during) a meeting or campout. You come to COH and clap for them.��2) Follow cooperatively.��It can be hard to take orders. We are set up in a somewhat hierarchal model where all scouts are expected to follow directives. Committee - SM - SPL - PLC - PL - scouts. ��3) Do duties as assigned.��Assistant cooks, cooks �Grubmaster�Tents and pumpkins, gear �Positions of responsibility��4) Manage others. ��We teach servant leadership. We teach that you lead not for power and special privileges, but to follow the Scout Oath and serve others�

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THREE TOOLS OF A LEADER

Planning

Communication

EDGE Method

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ADVANCEMENT

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SCOUT RANKS

Scout
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class
Star
Life
Eagle

There are seven Scouts BSA ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

Each rank has specific requirements.

You must learn skills from a wide variety of activities such as cooking, first aid, emergency preparedness, and personal safety in order to advance in rank.

There are no merit badges required to achieve any of the first four ranks. That does not mean that you cannot work and earn them, just that it is not required for the first four ranks. All of the requirements for each of the first four ranks are contained in the Scout Handbook.

Many of the requirements for the first four ranks may be worked on simultaneously, however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

The Handbook also contains instructions on “how to” complete each requirement. We recommend obtaining and reading the Scout Handbook as soon as possible.

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ADVANCEMENT PROCEDURES

Learn

Test

Review

Recognize

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LEARN

Ranks must be earned in order.
Many requirements from the first four ranks can be worked on simultaneously.
The Scout is primarily responsible for learning the material.
Use the Scout Handbook as a guide.
Skills can be taught during meetings and at campouts.
Do not expect to be tested the same day a skill is taught.
Standard: “No more and no less.”

Many of the requirements for the first four ranks may be worked on simultaneously, however these ranks must be earned in sequence. The Handbook also contains instructions on “how to” complete each requirement. We recommend obtaining and reading the Scout Handbook as soon as possible.

Advancement requirements will be worked on at most troop meetings, campouts and summer camp. If you start “falling behind,” due to schedule conflicts or absences - do not worry - you may work at home on the requirements - however an adult leader or designated senior scouts, must then meet with you at a Troop Meeting or campout, review the item and “sign off” the requirements.

Skills will be taught during meetings and campouts. Do not expect that you will be tested on skills the same time you are taught them. Practice the skills after you learn them to become proficient before testing them.

In order to know what all you need to know before being testing, it is important for you to understand what standard Scouts BSA uses to “sign off” on requirements.

The standard for signing off on requirements is “no more and no less.” Let us use an example. If the requirement states, “Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim,” then you will be expected to talk about swimming precautions. You do not have to go swimming to demonstrate the precautions. If the requirement states, “Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code,” then the Outdoor Code should be memorized word for word and not read, repeated, or otherwise stated. Basically, describe means to describe, demonstrate means to demonstrate, explain means to explain, and show means to show. These words are not used interchangeably.

Some requirements require documentation. You must present the documentation to have the requirement signed off.

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TEST

The SM, ASMs, and Senior Scouts to test these skills.
Senior Scouts complete most sign offs.
Senior Scouts must go through training with the SM prior to signing requirements.
The Scout Spirit rank requirement cannot be signed off by a Scout.
No parents/guardians can sign off on their own child’s requirements without advanced permission from the SM.

Unlike Cub Scouts, parents are not allowed to sign off on any requirements, only troop leaders.

Even troop leaders may not sign off on their own child's requirements! If you parent is a troop leader, please do not ask them to sign your book. They can help you learn and get ready to be tested on the material if you would like.

Only the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Senior Scouts (First Class and higher) are allowed to sign off on requirements in most instances. We allow scouts to sign off on requirements for scouts that are two ranks below them. Scouts must go through a training prior to signing off requirements.

Some notes:

Outings for rank cannot take place during regular meeting hours; therefore, Court of Honor, parties, trips to the grocery store during meeting time, etc. do not count as an outing. An outing must be additional to regular meeting times. Keep track of your outings that you plan to use for your rank requirements to discuss during the SMC.

The SM reserves the right to sign off on the Scout spirit rank requirement. This is often done as the final step of rank advancement. One exception: Her own daughter will have it signed off by an ASM.

The Scoutmaster may grant temporary sign off approval to other Scouts and Scouters if necessary.

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SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE

Scoutmaster Conferences (SMC) is a conversation with the Scoutmaster about your experience in the troop.
The SM requests that a final SMC occur after all the other rank requirements. During this time, you will discuss the Scout Spirit requirement as well.
During the final SMC, the SM will try to prepare you for a BOR and discuss your advancement and experience in the troop.
Try to schedule the final SMC a few days ahead of time so the SM knows to schedule appropriately.

Two rank requirements will be checked only during a Scoutmaster Conference: the SMC conference and the final “Scout Spirit” requirement.

Once all the other requirements are completed and you feel you have met the outing and spirit requirements, you can request a final Scoutmaster Conference.

The scout must request the SMC, not a parent, an adult leader, or another scout.

It is preferable that you are in full uniform with your shirt tucked in for Scoutmaster Conferences, in order to demonstrate that you take these conferences seriously. Prior the conference, you should review the requirements you completed for that rank and any preceding rank so that you are confident in the skills learned.

If the Scoutmaster determines that you is not properly prepared, the Scoutmaster will provide you with some guidance as to what you must study in order to successfully pass a Scoutmaster conference. That being said, please do not be nervous to request a Conference. You may request one at any time for any reason, and may ask for multiple Scoutmaster Conferences for a single rank if you would like.

Sometimes, because it is often very hectic at the meetings, the Scoutmaster may be too busy to conduct a conference on that day. In that event, you should contact the Scoutmaster by Band, email, text, or phone and schedule the conference. The Scoutmaster will try to make time available for conferences outside of meeting times and always at campouts. At certain times, the Scoutmaster can ask one of the Assistant Scoutmasters to conduct the conferences as well.�

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BOARD OF REVIEW

After a final SMC, the SM will inform the Committee that you are ready for a Board of Review.
The SMC and the BOR will not be held on the same day.
During a BOR, Scouts will be asked questions about their rank completion by a group of no less than three Committee members.
Upon successful completion, you will receive rank.

After the Scoutmaster Conference, you should inform the Committee Chair or the Advancement Chair that you are ready for a Board of Reviedw.

The Troop Committee will then schedule a Board of Review for the next meeting if possible.

You will not be able to have a Board of Review the same day as a Scoutmaster Conference. You will not be able to have a Board of Review the same day you make your request. You must wait until the next meeting or the next available time.

During the Board of Review, a Scout is asked questions pertaining to her completion of the rank requirements by a group of registered adults and or committee members. Again, this is an oral review and not a test. You should take it seriously and present yourself appropriately in full uniform if possible. Upon successful completion and approval of the Board of Review members, you will attain the rank.

However, if they find that there are areas in need of reinforcement or review, you may be required to study more and then participate in a follow up review.

Once a Scout attains the Rank of First Class, she is out of the “beginner” category and trained in the basic scouting skills that she will use for the rest of her life. She can now help the younger scouts learn their requirements and she is ready to assume more of a leadership position as she progresses toward the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle.

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RECOGNITION

A Court of Honor should be held quarterly.
Scouts are responsible for planning and executing the COH.
Parents are invited to attend the COH and celebrate the success of their children.
Scouts will be recognized and awarded rank advancement certificates, merit badges, and additional awards during the COH.

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SCOUT EXPECTATIONS

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SCOUT SPIRIT

Scout Spirit means that a Scout is expected to live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law to the best of her ability.
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

First and most importantly, a Scout should demonstrate Scout Spirit. Scout Spirit means that a Scout is expected to live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law to the best of her ability.

The Scout Oath and the Scout Law constitute the rules for the Scouts BSA program. The Scout Oath and Law are our troop rules.

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. A Scout should honor her God and her country. A Scout should help other people at all times. A scout should work on their physicality, mental awareness, and moral virtues.

At every level of rank and during every Scoutmaster Conference, we will talk about how you demonstrate Scout Spirit by during your Scouting adventures but also during your regular lives. You can be denied rank advancement if you are not demonstrating Scout Spirit. The Scoutmaster is not likely to sign off on your rank advancement if you are caught stealing or cutting class, for example.

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ATTENDANCE

Please try to attend meetings and campouts.
Let your PL know if you cannot attend.
Leadership needs to attend at least 75% of meetings and campouts.
Sign-up for campouts on the Google forms that are posted in Band.

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UNIFORM

Field uniform (aka Class A) is worn at formal activities, traveling to and from troop activities, and whenever visible to the public.
Activity uniform (aka Class B) is worn during physical activities and during campouts.
You should wear closed-toed shoes to meetings, campouts, and outings.
The PLC is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and inspecting uniform policies.

The field uniform (also called Class A) is worn at formal activities (such as Boards of Review and Courts of Honor), while traveling on troop outings, or whenever visible to the public or to other troops.

Activity uniforms (also called Class B) are generally worn once the troop has arrived at the campsite for a weekend trip. You should wear your uniform properly.

A uniform consists of scout pants, scout shirt, troop neckerchief, and belt. Your shirt should show the correct rank insignia, your troop position (Patrol Leader, SPL, ASPL, etc.), troop numerals, and Council patch.

You must wear closed toed shoes to meetings, campouts, and outings. There are a few instances where open-toe water shoes will be permitted, namely for long kayaking trips.

The PLC is responsible for writing, maintaining, and inspecting uniform policies.

Adult leaders are not responsible for uniform inspection.

Scouts in leadership positions are expected to follow the guidelines written and maintained by the PLC.

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GEAR

A recommended personal gear list is available.
A Scout should always pack her own gear.
The troop has some gear available for use.
Cotton is not recommended. Wool, fleece, and polyester are.
Scouts must have medical forms A, B, and C completed for extended campouts.
After campouts, scouts may get sent home with troop gear to clean or a tent to open and let dry.

A gear list will be provided to you. Scouts should always pack their own gear when we go on an outing.

The gear list will recommend that you pack poly shirts and wool socks. If you do not have all the recommended items yet, you can pack cotton ones.

The gear list will tell you to pack a rain suit. Other than a Scout Handbook, a rain suit is probably the single most important thing for you to go out and get.

Medical form Cs are required for camping trips longer than 72 hours. Some summer camps require immunization records. These must be updated yearly. We will keep a copy on file for each scout.

Your parents do not need to run out and buy a backpack or a tent. The troop has some tents available for use. We strongly recommend sharing tents to reduce our footprint at campsites and to encourage the buddy system while camping.

After campouts, you may be sent home with a tent or a cooler to wash or dry. The Quartermaster will assign tasks to you and ensure you complete them. Caring for the troop’s gear is everyone’s responsibility.

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OUTINGS

Most outings are planned by the Scouts during the annual planning event, the PLC, or during the meetings.
Patrol Leaders are responsible for their patrol’s menu plan and duty roster prior to the campout.
Scouts do all their own cooking and cleaning during campouts.
Cost for the camping trips will vary and will be due to the Committee Treasurer prior to the outing. We accept cash and Zelle.

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GRUBMASTER

Scouts will be responsible for planning and executing their own menus.
All meals should follow MyPlate guidelines.
Patrols should budget $10-$15 per scout for food.
Each patrol will need to decide who will be Grubmaster based on who needs the requirements for rank advancement and availability.
The Grubmaster will purchase and store the food prior to the campout.
The Grubmaster should save the receipt and give it to the Committee Treasurer, who will reimburse costs up to $15 per scout attending.

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SERVICE

All ranks require some number of service hours.
The troop will provide multiple opportunities for service hours each quarter.
Independent service hours must be pre-approved by the SM.
Service hours should always be completed in uniforms if possible.

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DOCUMENTATION

You BSA Handbook is the official record of your rank advancement.
The official record of merit badges is the Blue Card.
Electronic Blue Cards are available through Scoutbook.
Scouts are responsible for maintaining personal camping nights, hiking miles, and service hours in the back of their handbook.
The SMs use Scoutbook/Internet Advancement for recording activities that we complete as a troop.

The back of your BSA Handbook is the official record of your rank advancement. Information will be transposed and approved in Scoutbook by the Scoutmaster, ASMs, or the Advancement Chair. You may enter individual rank advancement requirements into Scoutbook for your own records if you would like. No rank advancement requirements should be marked approved in Scoutbook by anyone other than the SM, ASM, or Advancement Chair.

The official record of the merit badges is the blue card. There are some instances where camps will print off a list for leaders instead of providing blue cards.

You are responsible for keeping track of your camping, hiking, and service hours. Your Handbook has an area in the back for you to keep a tally of these requirements. You should enter both troop activities (for rank advancement) and activities you complete independently of the troop (for the merit badge requirements).

The Scoutmasters use Scoutbook for camping, hiking, and service projects that we complete as a troop for rank advancement purposes. Please do not enter, or have your parents enter, any information in these sections of Scoutbook. Please keep your own documentation for individual pursuits.

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MERIT BADGES

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MERIT BADGES

There are 138 merit badges.
To obtain Eagle rank, you must obtain a total of 21 badges and 14 of those are considered “required.”
Scouts can ask the SM or Advancement Chair to start a merit badge at any time.
The SM or Advancement Chair can provide you contact information for a Merit Badge Counselor.
You will be tested on all MB work by the MBC.
Parents are asked to work with at least one additional scout if they plan to counsel their own children.

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YOUTH PROTECTION

Refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for more information.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/

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YOUTH PROTECTION RULES

Minimum two-deep leadership.
One-on-one contact between adults and youth members prohibited.
Separate accommodations for adults and Scouts required.
Privacy of youth respected.
Inappropriate use of cameras, imaging, or digital devices prohibited.
No secret organizations.
No hazing
No bullying.

Minimum two-deep leadership on all outings required. Two registered adult leaders, 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.

One-on-one contact between adults and youth members prohibited. In any situation requiring a personal meeting, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.

The policy of two-deep leadership extends into cyberspace. Another adult leader should be copied on any electronic communication between adult and youth member.

Separate accommodations for adults and Scouts required. Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. When separate facilities are not available, separate male and female shower times should be scheduled and posted. Likewise, youth and adults must shower at different times.

Privacy of youth respected. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.

Inappropriate use of cameras, imaging, or digital devices prohibited. While most campers and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it has become very easy to invade the privacy of individuals. It is inappropriate to use any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.

No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.

No hazing. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.

No bullying. Verbal, physical, and cyber bullying are prohibited in Scouting.

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YOUTH PROTECTION RULES

Sexual activity is prohibited.
Youth leadership monitored by adult leaders.
Discipline must be constructive.
Appropriate attire for all activities.
Members are responsible to act according to Scout Oath and Law.
Units are responsible to enforce Youth Protection Policies.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse.

Sexual activity is prohibited. Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited for both scouts and adults.

Youth leadership monitored by adult leaders. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by youth leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

Discipline must be constructive. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

Appropriate attire for all activities. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping or revealing bathing suits are not appropriate in Scouting.

Members are responsible to act according to Scout Oath and Law. All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Physical violence, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership.

Units are responsible to enforce Youth Protection Policies. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit's adult leader. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. The parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance.

Mandatory reporting of child abuse. All involved in Scouting are personally responsible to immediately report to law enforcement any belief or good faith suspicion that any child is or has been abused or exploited or endangered in any way. No person may abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.

Violations of any BSA's Youth Protection policies must immediately be reported to the Scout executive.

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Intermission and Prelude: �A DISCUSSION OF SIGN-UPS

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TREASURY

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PAYMENT INFORMATION

Dues are $220 a year or four payments of $55 each quarter.
Dues can be paid quarterly: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st.
Notices will be sent 30 days before payment is due.
You may pay via Zelle to troop742sc@gmail.com or by check or cash.
The treasurer maintains individual records and will send reports periodically.
Negative balances are due within 30 days of notification.
Scouts have the option of fundraising to cover the costs of rechartering, dues, and camping trips.

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PARENTS CAMPING WITH THE TROOP

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ADULT SUPERVISION

There will always be a minimum of two adults on every campout, and we are required to have at least one female adult along on any campout.
All parents are welcome to join us in most cases.
In rare cases, space for camping may be limited. If this is the case, priority will go to Scoutmasters, then registered leaders such as Committee Members, and then parents.

Over the course of your scout’s experience with Troop 742 there will come several times where the Troop needs additional adults to participate in a weekend campout. There will always be a minimum of two adults on every campout, and we are required to have at least one female adult along on any campout. Depending on the activity, we may need a higher ratio of adults to youth, such as boating or swimming activities. In some cases, space for camping may be limited. If this is the case, priority will go to Scoutmasters, then registered leaders such as Committee Members, and then parents.

While parents are always welcome at any event, Troop 742 has come up with the following guidelines to help parents/guardians understand both what their role on a campout is, as well as what is expected of them on the campout.

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ADULTS' ROLE ON CAMPOUTS

Adults are responsible for all youth, not only their children.
Adults are there in a supervisory capacity, not a leadership capacity.
Adults provide transportation.
Adults make sure no one gets hurt.
In the event of a safety risk, adults should jump in immediately and mitigate the risk.
Adults camp and cook with other adults in the adult patrol.

An adult’s job on a campout is to ensure that the scouts have the opportunity to develop leadership. This is not always an easy thing to do, in fact at times it is downright difficult. It is a well known fact that some scouts take to leadership more readily than others. When a patrol of younger scouts is working at building a campfire in wet weather, and having a few difficulties doing it, it is tough not to just step in and do it for them... especially when the scouts are cold, wet, hungry and grumpy (and your scout is one of them). Doing this may solve an immediate problem, but does no help in the long run. It deprives the youth leaders of the troop an opportunity to both show and develop their leadership skills, as well as undermining their leadership status with the younger scouts. The best solution in a case like this would be to get one of the youth leaders and ask them to check in on that patrol and to help out if necessary. That youth leader will hopefully use her experience to teach the younger scouts how to build the fire in wet conditions.

Scouts BSA teaches leadership. And girls learn leadership by practicing it, not by watching adults lead.

Thus, the adult’s role on a campout is that of a supervisory role. Adults are there to provide the transportation to and from the event and to make sure that no one gets hurt. In the event of a safety risk, you are expected to jump in immediately and prevent further harm. When it comes to actual leadership during campouts, that should be handled by the youth.

You are responsible for all youth - Remember, while you are on a campout you are one of the staff and as such you are responsible for ALL of the Scouts, not just your scout. Just as you expect other adults to be responsible for your scout on a campout when you aren’t there, you must be responsible for their scout when you are there.

If an adult goes on a campout, you are an automatic member of our Cat Herder (adult) Patrol. This patrol has several purposes—good food and camaraderie, but more important is providing an example the scout patrols can follow without our telling them what to do (we teach by example). Since a patrol should camp as a group, we expect the adults to do so also; that way, adults don't tent in or right next to a girl patrol where your mere presence could disrupt the learning process.

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RULES FOR ADULTS

All parents/guardians who wish to attend a campout must be YPT trained.
Health forms must be completed.
Pre-trip requirements apply to adults and scouts.
Troop rules apply, not home rules.
Follow the campout plan.
Avoid speeding.
No firearms.
No alcohol or mind-altering substances.
Avoid smoking in front of Scouts.

Youth Protection Training - All parents who wish to attend a campout must be YPT trained. We also encourage you to be a registered leader in the troop, and reserve the right to limit registration to Scouters who are registered leaders. You can find out more information about YPT and Adult Training at https://myscouting.org.

Health forms are required for adults as well as youth - Please be honest and up front with the trip's leader and make sure that they are aware of any and all medical issues. 5 miles down the trail in the middle of nowhere is a bad time to find out about a medical condition in either a youth or an adult.

Pre-trip requirements apply to adults as well as youth - If we are doing a backpacking shakedown before trip, all adults going on that trip must attend the shakedown as well. While we'd love to take your word for it that you are experienced in backpacking, we'd still like you to come take a refresher on it.

Troop rules apply, not home rules - Just as you expect people to comply with your rules when they are in your house, your scout will be expected to comply with ours, even if they differ from yours, when on a campout with us. If your scout's bedtime is 8:30pm, on a campout she will likely stay up later than that. If your Scout's bedtime is normally 1am on a Saturday night, she will likely be asked to quiet down and go to sleep long before that on a campout. Please support the Troop's rules while you are camping with us.

Follow the campout plan - Many of our campouts and events require adults to drive or accompany the scouts. It is important not to change the agenda, meeting place or time. The Troop 742 Scoutmaster along with the Patrol Leader Council and Troop Committee have carefully planned the campout taking into account a myriad of “moving parts.” Taking a side trip or engaging in an unplanned activity must be avoided unless it is approved by the Scoutmaster.

Avoid speeding while driving – Remember, you are hauling other people’s kids around, drive like you want them to drive if your scout is with them.

No firearms – We don’t care if you have a permit for it, leave it at home.

No alcohol – Alcohol is completely forbidden at any and all BSA related events.

If you must, please smoke away from youth – Drivers may not smoke while scouts are in the car. Adults who must smoke or chew must do so discretely out of sight of the scouts.

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RULES FOR PARENTS

You are not your child’s buddy.
Assume your Scout will not be riding with you.
At no point do you take your Scout to go somewhere.
You may not sleep in a tent with your Scout.
In general, you will not eat with your Scout.
Avoid the youth camping area.
Do not help your Scout set up her tent or carry her gear.
Pack separately.
Do not clean for Scouts.
Avoid disciplining your own Scout.

At no point do you take your Scout to go somewhere else - Scouts only leave the group with the permission of the SPL and the Scoutmaster. You are not your scout's buddy.

Assume your scout will not be riding with you - While it MIGHT happen, don't assume it will, or be upset if it doesn't. The Senior Patrol Leader will divide up the Scouts at the start of a trip into different vehicles. She will focus on keeping a Patrol together, rather than keeping Scouts with their parents. We'd rather have Scouts ride with their buddies than with their parents.

You may not tent or eat with your scout – Scouts tent in a site separate from the adults. In general, adults do not eat or tent with a scout patrol. Our adult Grubmaster will plan our own menu, and adults will cook and eat together as a team.

Many times parents want to share the camping experience with their scout on a Troop event by sleeping together in a tent with her. The Guide for Safe Scouting forbids this practice. Camping is your daughter's chance to bond with other scouts and to build lifelong friendships. We would encourage families that want to camp together to definitely do so...outside of Troop camping trips.

Avoid your scout’s camping area – Often times if a Scout’s parent is in the immediate area a Scout will naturally defer to the parent. They will just expect the parent to do things for them like putting up tents, getting the fire going, getting the food cooked, wash the dishes, etc. One of the main goals of Scouting is for scouts to learn independence, and having the parent hovering in their campsite discourages that.

Avoid "helping" to carry gear - Never do anything for a scout that she can do herself. Your scout is responsible for packing, carrying, and setting up their gear. If they have to make several trips, then that was their choice when they were packing. We strongly discourage adults from going into the campsite during pick up if the scouts are not completely finished taking down and packing up their gear.

Pack separate bags - You have your bag; your scout has theirs. Scouts shouldn't be wandering into the adult's camping area saying "Mom, I need my mess kit from your bag" or "Can I get my rain jacket from the bag?" All of these items should be in the bag they are responsible for, not you.

Be aware that things may not be as clean as you would like them to be - Scouts will not be washing their hands or brushing their teeth as often as you would like, and things will just generally not being as clean or tidy as you would have them be at home. Do not single your child out especially while on the campouts because of this. Also expect that dishes will not be as clean as they are at home. You are not washing the dishes, the scouts are. Keep that in mind.

Avoid disciplining your own scout – This is often times a tough one for parents. Too often parents see their own scout doing something that other scouts are doing, and will only say something to her about it, neglecting to mention anything to the other scouts. This leads to the Scout wishing that his parent wouldn’t come on campouts. Parents sometimes are embarrassed that their scout is behaving in a way that they feel she shouldn’t be, even though the Scoutmasters are aware of it and don’t feel it is a problem. Please try to avoid singling your scout out for any special criticism while you are along.

Because the BSA is supposed to be youth run if you see something happening that shouldn’t be happening, please report it first to the youth leaders, such as the Troop SPL. If that fails then please report it to one of the Scoutmasters. They will work with the youth leaders to solve the problem. However if there is imminent danger of a Scout being injured, please put a stop to the activity at once, then inform a Scoutmaster.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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LINKS

Email: troop742sc@gmail.com

Website: https://www.troop742sc.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/troop742sc/

Band: Scouts BSA Troop 742 https://band.us/

Zelle: https://www.zellepay.com/

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POINTS OF CONTACT

Tara Jordan - Scoutmaster: This is where your Scout write to ask questions. They need to include you or an ASM in their chats on Band or in their emails for youth protection. In general, you will not contact the Scoutmaster on behalf of your Scout.

�Anne Lopez - Committee Chair: This will be adults' main point of contact.

�John Jordan - Treasurer: Handles money. He will send treasury reports semi-annually.

�Jamie Stefanko - Advancement: Handles Board of Reviews (BOR) and Court of Honor (COH).