Troop 74
Guide for Parents
This guide is intended to provide parents and guardians of Troop 74 Boy Scouts with an overview of the Scouting program and the activities of Troop 74, and to answer common questions. Since this guide cannot anticipate all topics, you are encouraged to contact the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, the Chairman of the Parent Committee and parents of other Scouts.
Ideals
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based upon those found in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto and the Scout slogan.
A Boy Scout measures himself against these standards and continually strives to reach those ideals. These goals are high, and as the Scout reaches for them he shapes his character for life.
Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country;
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Scout Motto Scout Slogan
Be Prepared Do a good turn daily.
Leadership Development
The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Troop 74 is “Scout-led” with the oversight of adult Scouters, and every Scout has the opportunity to participate in leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Patrols and Leadership
The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Boy Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
Troop 74 patrols include Cherokee, Cobra, Moose, Panther, Viking and Wildcat. Elected positions in each patrol include Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader and Quartermaster.
Staff is comprised of experienced Scouts, at least age 15, appointed by the Scoutmaster. Corps represents Scouts in senior positions including the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster and Troop Guide.
Elections are held each October and April for elected positions.
Meetings
Troop meetings are held each Monday at 7:30 p.m. until approximately 8:45 p.m. except for most Federal and USD 383 holidays. Merit badge classes are often conducted at 6:30 p.m. prior to Troop meetings.
Meetings open with presentation of the colors (United States and troop flags), the Pledge of Allegiance, and recitation of the Scout Oath, Scout Law and Outdoor Code. Meetings close with the singing of either Scout Vespers or Taps, followed by a traditional Scout closing.
Troop 74 commences meetings in August at the beginning of the school year, and ends meetings before Memorial Day.
Outdoor Programs
Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. In that setting Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose, and the outdoors is the ideal setting for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of our natural resources.
Troop 74 plans an outdoor activity for every month inclusive of September through May, and strives to offer both a summer camp and high adventure experience each summer.
Attendance
Troop 74 recognizes that Scouts and their families engage in a variety of activities and commitments, and does not require a Scout to participate in every activity. However, we encourage consistent participation and want every Scout to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by Troop 74 and the Scouting program.
At the Scoutmaster’s discretion, a Boy Scout with less than a fifty-percent participation record may not be eligible for advancement, leadership positions or appointment to Staff.
Uniform
The uniform creates a positive image in the community and a sense of pride and belonging to the Scout. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
Troop 74 is the only Scout Troop in Manhattan, KS in which Scouts and adult Scouters wear the complete “Class B” uniform which consists of a BSA-issue shirt, green long or short pants, belt (or scouting-related belt) and socks. For certain events, such as a Board of Review, Court of Honor, fundraising activity, public presentations or other functions as directed by the Scoutmaster, Scouts wear their “Class A” uniform by adding their Troop 74 scarf, merit badge sash, and black or brown dress shoes. For informal activities, Scouts and adult leaders may wear a “Class C” T-shirt (purchased through the Troop) with non-uniform pants. Appropriate footwear is required for all activities (boots for outdoor activities).
Troop 74 keeps a selection of previously worn uniforms and used equipment, donated by present and past families.
Advancement and Growth
Scouting provides a series of achievements and steps in meeting those achievements through rank advancement. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his pace as he meets each new challenge, and is rewarded for each achievement which helps him gain self-confidence. The advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in his ability to help others. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of a Boy Scout’s personal growth. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and perform Good Turns for others.
Progression
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, a Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks including Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges and include opportunities for leadership and service. The requirements are described in the Boy Scout Handbook.
Merit Badges
Merit badges signify the mastery of outdoor and other skills, and offer the Scout an opportunity to develop interests and skills that may remain with him for life.
Twenty-one merit badges must be earned for the rank of Eagle Scout, and twelve of those merit badges are required:
ü Camping
ü Citizenship in the Community
ü Citizenship in the Nation
ü Citizenship in the World
ü Communications
ü Environmental Science
ü Family Life
ü First Aid
ü Personal Fitness
ü Personal Management
ü Cycling or Hiking or Swimming
ü Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
Scoutmaster Conference
At each of his rank advancements, a Boy Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference. These conferences help the Scout to set goals for himself in line with his individual talents and abilities. At each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluate how well he has accomplished his present goals and then works with him in setting new goals.
Service and Responsibility
Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.
Steps in Advancement
Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are achieved, has four steps through each rank.
First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by his active participation in the troop program. His activities are directed toward the skills he needs. Every troop activity offers a potential learning experience. A Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a meal by having to prepare and eat it.
Second, the Scout is tested. The requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal testing is sufficient in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills by doing and teaching others.
Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all requirements for advancement have been achieved. This includes a check of the Scout's attitude and practice of the ideals of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding whether a Scout has met the required standards to qualify for rank advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle Scout rank, is approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National Council.
Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step in advancement involves public presentation of the rank award or merit badges at a Troop meeting, with subsequent recognition at a Court of Honor.
The Eagle Scout Rank
The achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as a young man enters adulthood and pursues higher education, business or industry, and community service. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment; being an Eagle Scout is a great responsibility. The Scout Oath and Law take on a new meaning; the motto and slogan have lifelong significance.
Every Scout may not strive to reach the rank of Eagle, and we recognize that boys must often choose among faith-based endeavors, music, sports, school-based activities, all-important family time and countless other opportunities. There may not be a way to do everything, and choices may be necessary.
The adult Scouters and parent volunteers of Troop 74 are equally committed to every Boy Scout and their family, and while we strongly encourage achivement of the rank of Eagle Scout, we desire that every Scout take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by Troop 74 and the Scouting program.
The first obligation of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. He values his reputation above all else. The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be loyal. As a follower, he promised to be loyal to those above him. Now, as a leader, he promises to be loyal to those who follow him, treating others as he would want to be treated, and to be loyal to his promises and ideals.
The Eagle Scout’s third obligation is to be courageous. As a leader he will face challenges and obstacles, and some of those obstacles will conflict with his ideals. He must have the courage to do what is right no matter the consequences.
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to serve others, for a leader is above all a servant. The practice of a Good Turn daily leads the Eagle Scout to a lifetime of service. Only in giving of himself does he give anything of value.
The final obligation of an Eagle Scout is to have vision. Just as a the eagle soaring high above the ground may look far in the distance, so must the Eagle Scout look toward the future and continue to blaze a trail worthy of his accomplishments and calling.
Your Contribution
You want your son to get the most out of his Scouting career. The most important thing you will do is encourage him as he progresses in the advancement program, and as you are able, help him master the skills of Scouting.
The Scouting program is only as strong as those who actively support it. Over more than three-quarters of a century, Troop 74 has enjoyed the active involvement of parents and other adult volunteers in a variety of roles. Parental involvement is very much encouraged, and the success and legacy of Troop 74 depends upon the full participation of Scout parents.
Opportunities to help are many: serving on the Parent Committee which guides our Troop; helping to organize and participate in camping trips, summer camp, high adventure and other activities; helping to maintain Troop equipment; serving as a merit badge counselor in a hobby or career field with which you are familiar. Activities are open to all parents and Scouters. Your participation will demonstrate to your son that you support him and want him to have the best possible experience.
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At a minimum, parents are expected to:
ü Read your Scout's Handbook to appreciate the purpose and methods of Scouting.
ü Actively follow your Scout's progress and provide encouragement when needed.
ü Demonstrate support by attending all Courts of Honor.
ü Assist in fundraisers and other activities.
ü Follow the Troop program and calendar found at troop74.kansas.net
ü See that your Scout attends each meeting in uniform and with his Handbook.
You keep Troop 74 strong with your time and talents. For more information on how you can be involved, contact the Scoutmaster:
Joe Gritton
(785) 341-6579
troop74.kansas.net