Table of Contents

Posted on September 4th, 2010

    Organization

  1. What is the overall leadership structure of the troop?
  2. What is PLC and who should attend meetings?
  3. What are the responsibilities of the program patrol and the service patrol?
  4. What does the Committee do and when does it meet?
  5. What is a Scout account and How does money get into it?
  6. What can a Scout account be used for?
  7. How can I add an email address to receive Troop 87 news?
  8. If my boy wasnt in Cub Scouts, can he still be a Boy Scout?
  9. Camping

  10. What is CDH and MKB - Camp Don Harrington and MK Brown?
  11. Who decides where the boys go on campouts?
  12. What do I need to take on a Campout?
  13. What camping gear do we need to purchase?
  14. What is a chuck box?
  15. Who buys food for the boys on their campouts?
  16. Can Scouts bring a cot on all campouts?
  17. If I drive for a campout, how and when do I get reimbursed for gas?
  18. Can parents attend campouts?
  19. Can siblings go on the campouts?
  20. Advancement

  21. Differences between the Boy Scout and Cub Scout advancement processes?
  22. How does a boy earn a merit badge?
  23. What merit badges should my son concentrate on?
  24. How can I find out what requirements are not completed on the merit badges that a Scout is working on?
  25. If a Scout has an interest in a merit badge, can he start it on our own?
  26. If a Scout completes a requirement for a merit badge, who should he discuss it with?
  27. Who signs off on Advancement?
  28. What is a Blue Card?
  29. What are the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout?
  30. Can I teach a merit badge?
  31. What is MBU - Merit Badge University?
  32. What are service hours and why are they important to my son?
  33. What is a COH - Court of Honor?
  34. What is appropriate attire for the Court of Honor?
  35. What is an Eagle project?
  36. How often does the troop hold elections?
  37. What does a Scout need to do if he wants to run for a leadership position?
  38. Why is it important to hold a leadership position?
  39. Do all leadership positions provide rank advancement credit?
  40. What does "bulletin duty" consist of?
  41. What Scout skills should new Scouts concentrate on?
  42. Uniforms

  43. What is a Field Uniform (Class A), what does it consist of, and when should it be worn?
  44. What is an Activity Uniform (Class B) and when should it be worn?
  45. Does Troop 87 have a uniform closet?
  46. What are acceptable T-shirts on campouts/outings?
  47. Fundraising/Costs

  48. How many fund raisers does Troop 87 do per year?
  49. What are the proceeds from the annual garage sale used for?
  50. For More Information
  51. For More Information
  52. Misc.

  53. What is OA - Order of the Arrow? What are the qualifications to be nominated?
  54. What is Venture Crew?
  55. For More Information contact:


    Organization

  1. What is the overall leadership structure of the troop?

    The BSA's definition is that “empowering boys to be leaders” is the core of Scouting. A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality. View Troop Organization Chart

  2. What is PLC and who should attend meetings?

    “The patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don't really have a Boy Scout troop.” —Robert S. S. Baden-Powell
    The Patrol Leader Council Chart shows the official members, but any Scout in an elected position should attend.

  3. What are the responsibilities of the program patrol and the service patrol?

    The Program and Service Patrol are responsible for developing and executing a planned program, for the month assigned by the Scoutmaster. As Service Patrol, you are responsible for setting up and putting away needed Tables, Chair and Flags for Troop Meetings.

  4. What does the Committee do and when does it meet?

    Each Scouting unit (pack, troop, team, or crew) is managed by a group of adults approved by the organization who serve as the unit committee. The committee's principal responsibility is to select the best-qualified leaders for the unit and see that they are supported in carrying out the unit program.
    The Committee has regularly scheduled meetings on the 2nd Thursday of mosts months and meets to conduct Troop Business. All Leaders and Parents are invited to attend and help the Troop through service on the Committee.

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  5. What is a Scout account and How does money get into it?

    A Scout account is a financial record of money the Scout has earned through fund-raising or from deposit funds. These funds are tracked by the Troop Treasurer and maintained by TroopMaster Software.

  6. What can a Scout account be used for?

    The account's funds can be used for scout trips, activities and supplies/equipment. You can be reimbursed expenses spent on Scout supplies or equipment by presenting receipts to the Troop Treasurer.

  7. How can I add an email address to receive Troop 87 news?

    Vist this link or contact Mrs. Reed.

  8. If my boy wasnt in Cub Scouts, can he still be a Boy Scout?

    Most definitely! Come to any Troop meeting and we will get you all the information you need.

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  9. Camping

  10. What is CDH and MKB - Camp Don Harrington and MK Brown?

    Camp Don Harrington and MK Brown are the two permanent camps owned and maintained by the Golden Spread Council

  11. Who decides where the boys go on campouts?

    The Scouts, at the Annual Planning meeting, discuss and elect which campouts and Summer camps the boys would like to attend.

  12. What do I need to take on a Campout?

    Look under the Library links on the Troop's Website. There are packing lists for various seasons.

  13. What camping gear do we need to purchase?

    Most camping gear is provided by the Troop. Each Scout will need to provide a bedding, typically a sleeping bag, uniforms and any other personal items that they need.

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  14. What is a chuck box?

    A Chuck box is maintained by each patrol is a large wooden container use to hold pots, pans, utensils and cooking gear, including stove.

  15. Who buys food for the boys on their campouts?

    Each patrol develops a menu typically a week prior to leaving and elects one or two Scouts to go shopping for the patrol. The Scouts who sign-up to go camping are responsible for their share of the food and are required to reimburse the elected Scouts for their portion of the food.

  16. Can Scouts bring a cot on all campouts?

    Bring a cot on a campout depends upon which tents are to be used and the size of the cots. Small lightweight cots are a great benefit to warmer months. Be mindful of the cot feet and make sure they do not pose a threat to the floor of the tent. Scouts may be asked not to bring cots on particular campouts due to the size and packing space for the trip.

  17. If I drive for a campout, how and when do I get reimbursed for gas?

    If you drive on a trip and carry more than just your son, you may keep your gas receipts and promptly turn them in for reimbursement from the Troop Treasurer. Number of vehicles needed are determined by the Outdoor Coordinator. Electing to drive your vehicle beyond the number needed may exempt you from getting reimbursed.

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  18. Can parents attend campouts?

    Yes. We would love to have you and at times may need you to attend to help provide necessary transportation. At all times, the Troop will maintain proper oversight and two deep leadership as prescribed by the Boy Scouts of America.

  19. Can siblings go on the campouts?

    Not usually, but the Troop does host a Family Campout, typically in May, and welcome your entire family attendance. Keep in mind that the Troop will follow and maintain all prescribed regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.

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  20. Advancement

  21. Differences between the Boy Scout and Cub Scout advancement processes?

    In Cub Scouts, parents are asked, as Akela, to work with their Scout to complete advancement requirements that the Scout is interested in. This is also true with Boy Scouts but requirements are more rigid and the Scout must work with a registered Merit Badge Counselor to complete the badge. If the parent is the MB Counselor, the Troop asks for them to have another Adult leader review and sign-off on their Scouts completed work.

  22. How does a boy earn a merit badge?

    The Boy Scouts of America estiblish requirements for each of the 120+ official Merit Badges used for advancement. The requirements are published by the BSA and are found of MeritBadge.org. Each Scout works with a registered Merit Badge Counselor in completing and reviewing work from the merit badge worksheet. Once a requirement is completed, the MB Counselor will record the items on a Blue Card.

  23. What merit badges should my son concentrate on?

    Each Scout, in working with a MB Counselor, may work on merit badges that interest them. Certain advancement levels require that a number of Eagle required merit badges be completed before obtaining the next rank advancement.

  24. How can I find out what requirements are not completed on the merit badges that a Scout is working on?

    Each Scout's progress is tracked in TroopMaster software and a report can be generated by the Advancement Coordinator. These reports detail rank advancement, merit badges completed, current requirements remaining on each and dates for all.

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  25. If a Scout has an interest in a merit badge, can he start it on our own?

    No. Each Scout must work with a Troop Counselor or registered Council Merit Badge Counselor. This way, progress may be tracked and recorded on official BSA Blue Cards. It is good to keep the Scoutmaster informed of which merit badges the Scout is working on so that he can guide the Scout and provided needed resources for completion.

  26. If a Scout completes a requirement for a merit badge, who should he discuss it with?

    As Merit Badge requirements are completed, the Scout should contact their MB Counselor or Troop Counselor to have the progress recorded on an official BSA Blue Card.

  27. Who signs off on Advancement?

    Only the Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor or Troop Counselor may sign off on advancement.

  28. What is a Blue Card?

    A Blue Card is the official documentation for merit badge completion. Each Blue Card records the Scouts name, date, merit badge and list specific requirements for completion of the badge. Blue Cards are the "proof" that the Scout has completed the requirements and has earned the badge.

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  29. What are the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout?

    Follow this link.

  30. Can I teach a merit badge?

    Yes. You may complete a Merit Badge Counselor form through the Golden Spread Council Office and register yourself as a qualified Counselor for each area of your expertise. This is a great way to provide leadership to the Troop, District Council and surrounding community in your Vocation or area of expertise.

  31. What is MBU - Merit Badge University?

    Merit Badge University is a day of training provided annually by the Council enabling Scouts to begin work on various merit badges. The Council secures a number of MB Counselors in various areas of expertise to provide the merit badges for a large number of Scouts. Merit Badge University is typically held around the first of the calendar year.

  32. What are service hours and why are they important to my son?

    Service hours are a great way for your Scout to give back to the local Community. Each rank advancement requires a number of hours for completion. The Troop hosts a monthly service project of cleaning up trash around the McDonald Lake Park area. Also, Scouts can complete service hours through working on Eagle Projects.

  33. What is a COH - Court of Honor?

    A Court of Honor is held 3 times a year to provide a celebration of Scouts rank and merit badge advancement.

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  34. What is appropriate attire for the Court of Honor?

    Court of Honor's are a formal ceremony and celebration of the Scout's work. Because of this, we ask Scouts to wear their official BSA Field uniform including Merit Badge sash and/or OA sash, if a member.

  35. What is an Eagle project?

    During the rank of Life Scout, Scouts must complete a project that gives back to the local Community. This project is not a chance for the Scout to perform the work, rather plan, organize and manage the project to completion and provides an opportunity for the Scout to display leadership skills they have learned.

  36. How often does the troop hold elections?

    Elections are held every 6 months followed by required training to equip each Scout for the position they have pursued.

  37. What does a Scout need to do if he wants to run for a leadership position?

    If a Scout desires to run for a particular leadership position, two weeks prior to election, the Scout should complete a leadership form and submit to the Scoutmaster.

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  38. Why is it important to hold a leadership position?

    Certain rank advancement positions require the Scout to hold and complete a term of 6 months in a leadership position.

  39. Do all leadership positions provide rank advancement credit?

    All official leadership positions provide the rank advancement credit necessary except the Asst. Patrol Leader position. This position is a great way for a Scout to prepare themselves for an upcoming position and provide support for the current elected Patrol Leader.

  40. What does "bulletin duty" consist of?

    Troop 87 provides St. Thomas the Apostle Church service through preparing the worship bulletins for each weeks service. Troop 87 provides this service out of great thanks for all that the church provides to the troop. Thank you St. Thomas!

  41. What Scout skills should new Scouts concentrate on?

    Each Scout should work to complete their 1st Class rank. The Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class ranks provide essential skills the Scout will use throughout their Scouting career and life.

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  42. Uniforms

  43. What is a Field Uniform (Class A), what does it consist of, and when should it be worn?

    The official uniform of the Boys Scouts of America is the Field Uniform. The Field Uniform consists of tan Boy Scout Shirt, with proper patch placement, green Boy Scouts pants or shorts (blue jeans may be worn as alternate pant selection,as long as there are no tears or holes), Boy Scout belt, green Scout socks, Troop 87 neckerchief (Bolo may be worn after reaching the Star rank.) and Troop 87 Scout hat, (Official BSA Scout hats may be worn as alternate to Troop 87 hat.)
    The Field Uniform is to be worn at all Troop 87 meetings, unless previous noted. Troop 87 also wears the Field Uniform while traveling to and from all camps or campouts.

  44. What is an Activity Uniform (Class B) and when should it be worn?

    The BSA Activity Uniform is identical to the Field Uniform with the exception of wearing a Troop 87 blue T-shirt.
    The Activity Uniform is typically worn during service projects and other predetermined times.

  45. Does Troop 87 have a uniform closet?

    Troop 87 collects uniforms from previous Scouts and Scouts who have outgrown their current pieces. These uniforms are held in the Troop Closet and are available to any register Scout for free. We only ask that as uniforms shirts, pants, shorts, belts, socks and boots no longer fit a Scout, bring them back to the Troop Closet for the next Scout who may need them.

  46. What are acceptable T-shirts on campouts/outings?

    Troop 87 outings are a great way to show the world what we have learned. In as much, we should look the part and ask that our Scouts look the part by wearing official blue Troop 87 T-shirts or another official BSA Scout T-shirt.

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  47. Fundraising/Costs

  48. How many fund raisers does Troop 87 do per year?

    Troop 87, under guidance of the Fund Raising Chairman, provide a number of fund-raising opportunites each year. Troop 87 requires each Scout to participate in a minimum of two fund-raisers. Annual fund raisers supported by the Troop are: Council popcorn sales and the Troop Garage Sale. Additional fund raisers conducted by the Troop have included but are not limited to the following: Holiday season greenry sales, Coke sales and Sonic cards. Other fund raisers are made available based upon opportunity and needs of the Scouts.

  49. What are the proceeds from the Council popcorn sales and annual garage sale used for?

    Proceeds from the Annual Troop fund raisers and used to offset the costs of Troop activities and provides a way to provide income for the Scouts accounts. Each year the Committee, in conjunction with the Fund Raising Chairman, vote to establish needed funds to complete its activities and works to provide the greatest benefit to the Scouts and Scout accounts.

  50. Misc.

  51. What is OA - Order of the Arrow? What are the qualifications to be nominated?

    Follow this link.

  52. What is Venture Crew?

    Follow this link.

  53. For More Information contact:
    • Scoutmaster - Mr. Rob Law,e-mail
    • Committee Chairman - Mr. Jeff Roller,e-mail