Dear Parents,

On behalf of the Troop Committee and the adult leaders, I extend a warm welcome to you from our Troop 1010 Scout family. I hope your son's journey into Scouting will be a rewarding and enjoyable one.

Troop 1010's purpose is to advance the three aims of Scouting. These aims are the Development of Character, Citizenship, and Fitness in the Scout. Our goal is to instill in each Scout personal values based on the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

The methods we use to accomplish this are varied. They include: the patrol system, our outdoor program, our advancement program, personal development, community service, the ideals of Scouting, association with adults, the uniform, and leadership development.

Scouting is a unique youth organization due to the fact that the Troop program is carried out by the Scouts themselves. The Scout Troop is divided into patrols of 6-8 Scouts each. Each patrol functions as an individual group. The patrols each elect a Patrol Leader, while the whole Troop elects a Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders form the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). This council, with the guidance of the adult leaders, plans and carries out the Troop program.

I hope you will encourage and support your son's Scouting experience. You are more the welcome to attend and Troop Committee meeting, Troop meeting, or outdoor activity that you care to. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at one of our meetings.

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1. Aims of Scouting.

The Troop's number one job is to help Scouts run a good troop, and thus to get what they joined to get: exciting outdoor action and fun.

Beyond this boy-level point of view are three adult-level aims that form the bedrock of the American Scouting movement. We call them simply the three aims of Scouting, for they represent the long term Scouting outcomes we want for every boy who joins. They will therefore underlie everything we do. They are:

In order to meet these aims the Troop will concentrate on eight methods of Scouting or building blocks. These methods are as follows:

a. IDEALS.
These are the personnel behavior guides and standards to which a boy commits himself when he becomes a Boy Scout - The motto - "Be Prepared" The slogan - "Do a Good Turn Daily"
The Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake
and morally straight.
The Scout Law A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly,
Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave,
Clean, and Reverent.

b.PATROLS.
Every Boy Scout troop is comprised of patrols, groupings of three to eight boys who work together as a team. Each Patrol has it's own name, it's own meetings, it's own identity.

Each Patrol has it's own leader "Patrol Leader" who is elected by his fellow patrol members. The patrol leader, with an elected senior patrol leader as their head, form the patrol leaders council. It is this council's job to plan and run the troop program.

c. OUTDOORS.
The place for almost any Scouting activity is in fact the outdoors. Scouting is designed to be carried out mainly in the open, in all four seasons. Practically anything Scouts do can be done outdoors, to include camping, hiking, sport, field trips, advancement, ceremonies and much more. Troop 1010 will have a minimum one campout each month of the year except December and encourages all Scouts to attend each activity.

d. ADVANCEMENT.
The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. The purpose of the advancement program is to spur a Scout to learn, to achieve and to mature. Advancement policies are further explained in this document.

e. PERSONAL GROWTH.
All of the Scouting methods help a boy grow as the result of his Scouting experience. All of the other methods of Scouting contribute, in one way or another, to a Scout's personal growth as an outcome of his experience. The quest for growth as an outcome has had the effect of making it a method as well.

f. ADULT ASSOCIATION.
Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of his character is critical at this stage of a young man's development.

g. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
Making sure boys get leadership experience is one of the most valuable things a Troop can do. Leadership development, is not only for the Scouts who are leaders, but for Scouts who aren't.

h. UNIFORM.
The Boy Scout uniform is a tool with many edges. Whenever the Scout wears it he is reminded that he is a Scout and that people will expect him to act like one. The uniform is an outward sign that he believes in certain values and is willing to stand up for them. Troop 1010 desires that Scouts have a complete uniform and wear it to the first meeting of the month. All other meetings the scouts are permitted to wear a Class A modified uniform (Scout shirt with alternative pants). A Class B uniform is a troop provided tee shirt. The Troop has the capability to help those who cannot afford a complete uniform. Please contact a troop leader if help is needed.

2. The Chartered Organization.
Troop 1010 is sponsored by St. Nicolas Catholic Church. This organizaion is granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America to operate a troop for 1 year. At the end of each year this organization renews their charter.

3. Troop 1010 Meetings.
Meetings are held at the Harrison Elementary School Auditorium. Troop 1010 meets weekly on Wednesday night from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. during the school year. When school closes for the summer, we meet behind the rectory at St. Nicolas Church. Scouts are to be present on time for the start of the meetings unless they are participating in another activity that causes them to be late to the meeting. Scouts are required to be in uniform at each meeting unless arriving late from another activity (for example sports).

4. Monthly Dues.
Scouts pay dues to the troop on a monthly basis. Dues are collected primarily on the first meeting of the month. Dues are $3.00 a month and are used to pay for camping, awards and numerous other Scouting activities. Parents are encouraged to support the boys paying these dues from either allowance or money earned by doing work at home. This promotes personal financial management and responsibility. Troop 1010 will conduct fund raising through out the year in which Scouts will retain a portion of the profits raised to help pay for such things as summer camp.

5. Troop 1010 Outings.
The troop will go on at least one outing each month of the year except December. All Scouts are encouraged to participate in all campouts. Equipment is available in the troop for those Scouts who may not have equipment necessary to go camping. All outings will be led by at least two adults. Any adult is welcome to come camping with the troop, regardless of experience. Funds for food will be collected prior to all campouts as will permission slips. Scouts are not to bring electronic radios or entertainment devices on any campout. Additionally, no Scout is to have any type of flammable item such as lighters except ordinary matches.

6. Adult Volunteers.
Scouting operates through volunteer leadership. Volunteer unit leaders are an example of Scouting's principle of service to others. Naturally, parents are a primary source of leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to serve Scouting, but also serve you son and his friends and to have a chance to be a positive influence in the youth in your community.

BSA's Youth Protection Program prohibits and one-on-one adult Scout situations and requires two (2) Adults for all Troop activities. This creates a high demand and workload for the Scoutmaster, which can only be alleviated by additional adult participation.

We encourage all parents to participate on the Troop Committee (click for details) or help out with transportation, camping, fundraising, merit badge or numerous other areas. Please see the Troop 1010 leadership or Committee Chairman to Volunteer.

7. Transportation.
A nominal transportation fee may be charged to Scouts who wish to go on outings but whose parents are not driving on that particular outing. This fee will be used to partially offset the gasoline expenses incurred by adults who are transporting Scouts or equipment.

8. Fundraising Activities.
These are held as necessary to sustain troop activities. Funds raised are used to offset troop operation expenses – assorted registration fees, patches, and awards cost approximately $50 per scout per year. A portion of the profits from the fundraisers is allocated to participating Scout's camp funds and may be used to offset registration or other camping fees. The troop has used BSA popcorn, doughnut sales at Saint Nicholas, and car washes to raise funds in the past but in 1995 we started selling citrus fruit in the late fall. This is a major success and has become an annual tradition.

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Elections are held twice a year on dates set by the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC).

Elected and appointed officers may be removed from office for not attending meetings or outings or failing to live up to his leadership responsibilities. Any leader removed from office will be replaced within two (2) weeks of his removal either by election or appointment, which ever is appropriate.

Any troop member who feels a leader is failing in his job should present his complaint to the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will follow up by scheduling a private conference with the leader as soon as possible.

Senior patrol Leader
· Must be at least First Class in rank.
· Candidates must be approved by the Scoutmaster.
· At least half of the registered troop members must be present to conduct an election.
· Election by plurality vote of troop members present at election meeting.
· No proxy or absentee votes will be excepted.
· In the case of a tie, the Scoutmaster will cast the deciding vote.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
· Must be at least First Class in rank.
· Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with approval of the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Leader
· Must be at least Second Class in rank.
· At least half of the Patrol members must be present to conduct an election.
· Must receive majority vote of the patrol members present.
· No proxy or absentee votes will be excepted.
· In the case of a tie, the Senior Patrol Leader will cast the deciding vote.

Assistant Patrol Leader
· Must be at least Tenderfoot in rank.
· Appointed by the Patrol Leader with the approval of the Senior Patrol Leader.

Scribe
· Non-voting member of the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC).
· Should be well organized and an active Scout.
· Should be at least First Class in rank.
· Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Quartermaster
· Should be at least First Class in rank.
· Should be well organized and have good working knowledge of the equipment.
· Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Librarian, Historian, Chaplain's Aide
· Should be at least Second Class in rank.
· Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Den Chief
· Must be at least 11 years old.
· Must be a Scout.
· Council's Den Chief Training Course is highly recommended.
· Appointed by the Scoutmaster after interviews with the den leader and Cubmaster.

Instructor
· Must be at least First Class in rank.
· Must demonstrate exceptional proficiency in an area and be able to teach it to others.
· Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Bugler
· Must demonstrate bugling proficiency.
· Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
· Must be Eagle or Life (showing progress towards Eagle) Scout.
· Must be at least 16 years old.
· Must have served successfully as Senior Patrol Leader for at least one term.
· Appointed by the Scoutmaster and assigned an area of responsibility.

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1. The purpose of the Troop Committee
The troop committee's primary purpose is to support the Scoutmaster with whatever assistance is needed to ensure that they properly operate the program. The other purpose is to take care of the day-to-day administrative functions of the troop.

The Troop Committee's responsibilities are:
· Provide adequate meeting facilities.
· Advise the Scoutmaster on policies relating to the Boy Scout program and the charter organization.
· Carry out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts.
· Encourage leaders in carrying out the Boy Scout program.
· Obtain, maintain, and care properly for troop property.
· Provide an adequate camping and outdoor program (minimum 10 days and nights per year).
· See that adult leadership is assigned in case the Scoutmaster is absent or is unable to serve.
· Operate the troop to ensure permanency.

2. When and Where the Committee Meets
The committee meets the first Wednesday of the month. We meet in the rear of the auditorium at Harrison Elementary School (the same location as the troop meeting). Committee meetings will start at 7:30 P.M. and end by 9:00 P.M.

3. Who Should Attend
We encourage all parents to attend the meeting. Minutes are available for those who are unable to attend but want to keep informed of the committee/troop's activities.

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1. Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class
Scouts may work on (and even be awarded) all three of these ranks simultaneously. What happens is that a Scout can fulfill the requirements but be ineligible for a higher rank, e.g. First Class, if he hasn't finished a lower rank, e.g. Tenderfoot. When the Scout completes the lower rank, his board of review and Scoutmaster conference will also consider the higher rank(s) (if he is eligible). Requirements for these three ranks can be signed off by any First Class or higher rank Scout or by any adult leader (including unregistered Parents).

2. Scoutmaster's Conferences
Scoutmaster's Conferences may be held by the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. The purpose of the conference is to test the Scouts qualifications before advancing him to the board of review. The Scoutmaster (or assistant) will talk with the Scout about his Scout spirit and what he has done to earn advancement. The Scoutmaster may also ask the Scout about his plans for the future, his desires from Scouting, problems he has noted in the Troop, or other questions related to Scouting.

3. Board of Review
This is the last step before the Scout advances in rank. Board of review can range from a rubber stamp of the Scoutmaster's conference, lasting only ten minutes, to a full examination of the Scout's qualifications. This depends on the philosophy of the Troop committee and particularly the Advancement Chair. The board is composed of at least three troop committee members (Scoutmasters and assistants may not sit on a board). Many boards opt for fully testing the Scout because they are certifying the Scouts readiness to assume the responsibilities of his new rank. Scouts also are normally tested on basic Scout skills that were required at lower ranks; a Life Scout should be able to teach new Scouts everything they need to make it to First Class without consulting the handbook (too often). A "non-pass" by board of review (or Scoutmaster's conference) should not be portrayed as a failure or rejection. Instead, the Scout simply has some areas that need work before certifying him at the higher rank.

4. Merit Badges
Scouts do not have to wait until they are First Class to work on Merit Badges, they do have to go through the following process.

A. Decide on a merit badge to pursue.

B. Talk to an adult leader to receive permission to pursue the badge. This is not automatic as some merit badges have prerequisites or are physically demanding. The leader indicates his/her permission by signing a "blue card". Scouts should have the blue card filled out in advance (name, address, merit badge being sought, troop number, etc.) in ink. The adult leader signifies his/her permission to pursue the badge by signing the first section of the card (where the Scout's address is located).

C. Look for a counselor for that badge. The counselor must be registered with BSA as an instructor for the badge in question. Talk with the counselor and arrange a schedule to meet and work on the badge.

D. When the merit badge has been completed, the counselor will sign the back of the blue card in two spots. Make sure the counselor fills out the middle portion with the requirements list (writing the word "Completed" and the date across the grid as acceptable). The counselor keeps the third section of the card which records the Scout's name, unit and badge he worked on. The Scout takes the other two sections back to the troop for filing.

E. Council will process the merit badge cards to check for errors and enter the information into their database. The troop can pick up the badges and cards immediately to award to the Scouts.

5. Merit Badge Philosophy
Different counselors have different philosophies. Some counselors will teach strictly what is in the merit badge book, others will require the Scout to learn their interpretation of the intent of the requirements. Scouts should talk with their counselor about their expectations before starting work.

Some counselors will accept work done prior to working on the merit badge, others won't. Working on the merit badge is supposed to be a learning experience, not simply a rubber stamp that work was done. Counselors, like an instructor, will sometimes want to ensure the Scout learned to do things the right (or what they perceive to be right) way because their signature certifies the Scout as having certain specified skills or knowledge. This extends to signed "partials" as well, although most counselors will be more lenient with previous work that at least earned a partial. A partial is a blue card that only certifies certain requirements for a merit badge were fulfilled. Partials earned at a Scout camp are only good for one year because the environment at camp less conductive to permanent learning of a skill.

The National Scout Office and most Councils don't like to see a Scout earn more then five merit badges from a single advisor. While earning all 21 merit badges required for Eagle is allowed, part of the learning process is exposure to different people and their points of view. The District Advancement Chair may also wish to participate in Eagle Boards of Review for a Scout who has earned all or most of his merit badges from one person to ensure the Scout is truly ready and hasn't simply been run through a merit badge mill.

6. Advancement Philosophy
Troops vary on their advancement philosophy. Some will hold a Scout's hand through advancement right up until he leaves the troop. Scouts in these troops are pushed and prodded through their advancement. Others will push and prod a Scout through First Class and slowly back off after that rank. Some others practice even more laissez faire approaches. Troop 1010 believes we owe the Scouts the opportunity for advancement and should push (but not prod) them up to First Class. Some portion of advancement must come from the Scout's own desires and drive or he will not truly learn the skills and spirit that the Eagle badge represents. Most Scouts will never attain Eagles. Some are ready to be Eagles at age 13 or 14 but most Scouts who eventually do attain Eagles aren't ready until later. Scouts should be allowed to enjoy their time as Scouts as well as advance through the ranks.

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The following items are arranged in order of priority. Don't hesitate to ask advice on choosing camping gear. A number of Scout families may occasionally have a problem affording some of the items listed. We may be able to help you with this. Don't overlook the possibilities of garage and yard sales, thrift stores, or equipment/uniforms your neighbors may have. Our troop has a uniform bank which accepts/loans Quality used uniform items and insignias. Remember the ninth point of the Scout Law is Thrifty!

1. Scout Handbook
Available at Sunny's Surplus in Laurel, the Scout Service Center on Wisconsin Avenue (less then one mile inside the Beltway on the west side of the road), or Peebles Department Store in Bowie. This is the one item Scouts cannot share or borrow and is difficult to reuse.

Scouts should also carry a notebook and ballpoint pen for writing down instructions, directions, observations, and great ideas.

2. Scout Uniform
The troop has designed and procured a troop T-shirt which may be used as a class "B" uniform. Until this is available, Scouts will be required to wear the class "A" uniform. Scouts have a tendency to mix up their clothing, especially at summer camp so marking their uniforms would be an excellent idea.

a. Shirt.
Buy the short-sleeved shirt first. Others are optional for our troop and may be purchased later or not at all.

b. Epaulet ribbons (red) and uniform insignia.
Shirts now come with the flag already sewn on but will still need troop numerals and a National Capitol Area Council shoulder patch. In addition, the Scout may wish to wear his Arrow of Light if he earned one in Webelos-this is the only Cub Scout insignia allowed on the Boy Scout uniform.

c. Trousers or Shorts.
The full-length trousers tend to be hot in the summer while shorts are cold in the winter. Since we camp all year round, Scouts should purchase both if they can but must have at least one for full-dress activities – check our uniform bank (mentioned above) if you are having financial difficulties.

d. Socks.
Uniform socks are olive green with red top band. These are needed for dress occasions if the Scout wears shorts. We do not recommend using these socks for routine hiking.

e. Uniform belt.
Either the webbed or the leather versions are acceptable.

f. Hat.
Our troop wears the normal BSA baseball cap. Scouts may wear other Scouting-related caps (e.g., ones from Goshen, Philmont, National Jamboree, etc.). Non-Scouting related hats are not part of the official uniform and should not be worn with the uniform.

g. Shoes.
Shoes should be suitable for the climate and weather. Shoes used for hiking must lend support to the arches and ankles (be at least ¾ height) and should have passed the "break-in" stage of wear. We recommend water-proof shoes or boots for cold-weather camping or hiking.

3. Hiking and Camping Gear.
Please mark all equipment – especially eating utensils – with the Scouts last name or initials. This will help us avoid confusion over who owns what after dishes are cleaned. Nail polish is very durable and an excellent means of marking messkits.

a. Sleeping bag.
An adequate sleeping bag will usually cost at least $65.00. Cotton sleeping bags are discouraged because they aren't adequate for cool weather camping and are bulky and heavy. Down bags have the best insulation for their bulk and weight but are expensive. Synthetic fills like Hollofil, Quallofil, or Polarguard in nylon, dacron, or Goretex shells are less expensive substitutes that work well and will last many years with proper treatment. Mummy or cocoon bags are generally warmer the rectangular bags. Don't hesitate to ask for advice before making a major investment.

b. Sleeping pad.
Sleeping pads can be the difference between a fun and a miserable campout. The most inexpensive but bulkiest option are closed cell foam pads. We recommend closed cell foam pads at least ¼-inch thick; usually, the thicker, the better. Air mattresses tend to be more compact but are heavier and less reliable the foam pads. The Cadillac of mattress pads is the Thermarest- it offers the comfort and compactness of a standard blow-up air mattress with the lightweight and reliability of a closed-cell foam pad. Closed cell or Thermarest pads offer the best insulation from the ground during winter camping. Compact folding cots are also an option for car camping but are too heavy for backpacking and bad winter camping.

c. Pack.
Currently, most of Troop 1010's campouts are car camps. For these campouts, the best backpacks will be a daypack for short day hikes and activities. Fill-fledged backpacks are bulky and difficult to load for transport. Scouts are encouraged to use daypacks of duffle bags for car camps.

d. Pocket knife.
The official BSA knife is a good buy although a quality-folding knife will do. Buck, case, and Stirred are popular brands for those who like "no-nonsense" knives and the Swiss Army style knives are very popular with those who like having multiple tools. The Gerber Multipliers is also very useful.Sheath knives and blades longer then 4 inches are forbidden!

e. Messkit.
Scouts will need a cup, bowl and/or plate, and full set of eating utensils (fork, spoon, knife). A carefully planned menu will allow Scouts to get away with a cup, plastic bowl and large spoon. The cup should be durable and have a handle for hot liquids – both Plastic and "Sierra" cups are quite popular.

f. Poncho.
Nylon ponchos are easy to find and are the lightest, most durable and compact. That can usually be found on sale for about $30.00. Plastic ones like those with NFL football team logos are too warm and tear easily in the woods. A large garbage bag may be used in an emergency by cutting out holes for the head and arms.

g. Personal kit.
Ditty bags can be purchased at an outdoor equipment shop or made from an old trouser leg. They should contain the following:

h. Flashlight.
Try to make is lightweight and water-resistant. Scouts typically will not need anything more powerful then a flashlight using 2 "AA" batteries. Be sure to pack extra batteries and a bulb.

i. Canteen.
Lightweight watertight containers holding at least 1 quart, preferably with a belt-mounted sack. Wide-mouth plastic "refrigerator bottles are very convenient.

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Last update March 02, 2000 ///pmg