Webelos Welcome Packet

Part of our role in a Webelos Scout Bridging ceremony is to help orient our newest members to the Troop. One way we can do this is to provide each Scout a packet of information to start the process. The following are suggested items to include in the packet:

In addition, the Troop has traditionally presented each Scout with a Troop neckerchief. These are placed on each Scout immediately after they leave Cub Scouting, cross the ceremonial bridge, and enter the world of Boy Scouting.

We’d like to welcome you to Troop 194 and the beginning of your journey through the world of Boy Scouting.

This package contains all the information you’ll need to get you started with Troop 194. Feel free to ask a Scout or uniformed Scout Leader if you have any additional questions. Remember a Scout is helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind and we love to talk Boy Scouts. You can also contact us through the emails and phone numbers listed in the “Contacts” section of this package.

Troop 194 meets every Tuesday night throughout the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas break weeks. The first Tuesday of each month is a Patrol Leaders Conference (PLC) meeting where Patrol Leaders plan out the details of the next few months’ activities. The PLC is held at the Scout Master’s or Senior Patrol Leader’s house. The remaining Tuesdays are regular Troop meetings for all Scouts. During the school year the Troop meets at Antelope Trails Elementary School. During the summer months we meet at the pavilions in Fox Run Regional Park. All meetings run from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Typically if school is cancelled or let out early due to weather, the Troop meeting will also be canceled.

There are two layers of Leadership within the Troop, the Scout’s Leadership and behind it the adult Leadership. A copy of the current Troop Org Chart is included in this packet.

The largest and most important difference between a Boy Scout Troop and a Cub Scout Pack is that the boys run the Troop. This takes a little getting use to for both boys and parents. This doesn’t mean that parents just sit back and watch the chaos. It does mean that we allow and encourage the boys to take responsibility for the functioning of the Troop and its activities. A Scout-led troop means that the Boy Scouts run the meetings, activities, and events with guidance and assistance from the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and other Troop advisors (also known as parents).

The Troop is lead by the Senior Patrol Leader, his Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, and the Patrol leaders. They are supported by the boys in Troop Staff positions (Scribe, Librarian, Quartermaster, etc). Troop leadership is elected in February and August each year.

The Troop is organized into patrols of approximately 8 boys (similar to Cub Scout Dens). Patrols are the working units of the Troop. Each patrol has a name, an emblem (see patrol emblem page at back of packet), and is led by a patrol elected Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader. Transferring Scouts will select or be assigned to an existing patrol. New Scouts (bridging Webelos) will be organized into new patrols during their first or second meeting with the Troop. New Scout patrols will choose a name and emblem. During the first year new patrols will rotate the leadership responsibilities to give everyone a chance to experience the roles. Troop Guides (senior Scouts assigned by the Scout Master) will be there to help and guide the new Scouts through their first year.

Boys run the Troop, but like Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts need adult leaders and parents to make it all possible. Uniformed Scout Leaders, Committee Members, and Scout parents perform important functions to keep our boys safe and to make the most of their Scouting experience. This guidance is critical to the success of our Troop’s programs.

Parents: Parents are expected to volunteer for various activities within the Troop. We expect parents of our Scouts to assume roles as Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Members, Merit Badge counselors, and/or event volunteers. “Many hands make the burden light”. Included in the information packet is an Adult Volunteer Leader application. Being a registered adult in the Troop allows you to be covered by the Scouting insurance policy.

Uniformed Leaders: The Troop Scoutmaster and Assistant Scout Masters are responsible for leading and teaching the boys. The role assumed by adult leaders in our Boy Scout Troop is different from that assumed by Cub Scout leaders. As leaders, we guide the Scouts to organize and run their meetings, to consider the things that need to be done to accomplish tasks or functions, and to assume their roles as leaders.

Committee Members: The committee members fulfill the administrative roles necessary to make the Troop to function. Committee positions include (but are not limited to) Committee Chair, Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Awards Chair. There are plenty of other activities, functions, and projects that need to be done to make the Troop succeed.

Troop Committee Meetings: Troop Committee meetings are typically held once on the third Wednesday of the month. Check with the Committee Chairperson or the web site for the next scheduled meeting date, time, and location. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend, not only to learn about the operations “behind” the Troop meetings but also to find out about your leadership and volunteer opportunities.

Merit Badge Counselors: We encourage all Scout parents to consider being a counselor for one or more merit badges. All it takes is an interest or knowledge of one of the many merit badges subject areas. We provide general Merit Badge Counselor training. It is a great way to share your skills and experience with our Scouts. An Adult Volunteer Leader application is required to be Merit Badge Councilor

Scout uniforms are a mandatory part of scouting events. Troop 194 has two uniforms that we use for our Scout activities. First is the Boy Scout Field uniform (occasionally called Class-A). This includes the tan Scout shirt (either long or short sleeve) with red epilates, forest green neckerchief, and a neckerchief slide. It is worn for all formal Scout events and Troop meetings from September to May. It is also required for Scout Master Conferences and Boards of Review. Scout field uniforms can be purchased at the Hibbard Scout Shop (currently on 2760 N. Academy Suite 120) or online at scoutstuff.org. If you have a tan Webelos shirt, you can convert that to your Scout uniform by replacing the Troop number with a “194” and removing the Webelos badge. Required patches: Pike Peak Council patch, troop number patch, Patrol patch, World Scouting patch, and rank patches as earned.

The official Troop neckerchief slide is the handmade green “woggle”. Each boy will be given a piece of green rope and an instruction sheet on how to make it into a neckerchief slide. It’s kind of fun to do, doesn’t take much time, and it’s another way of showing that you’re part of this great Troop 194.

The second Troop uniform is the Scout activity uniform. It is a forest green Troop tee-shirt or sweat-shirt with Troop logo. The activity uniform is typically worn on campouts and other outdoor activities that might damage your field uniform (the “field uniform” is required at a variety of Camporees and summer camp for various ceremonies - such as opening and closing ceremonies and daily flag ceremonies). It is also the uniform worn during our summer meetings at Fox Run Park. You can contact Christine Nestlerode (Troop Shirt coordinator) to order/buy shirts as desired. We recommend at least two shirts. Troop 194 does not require scout pants or scout hats. Pants worn with the scout field uniform should be presentable. No camouflage (official BSA policy) pants or jackets are allowed on scouting trips.

Troop 194 has a web site and an email system that we use to communicate to Scouts, Parents, and Scout Leaders. The Web Site URL is: http://www.csscouts.org and you’ll find lots of useful information about the Troop and Troop activities including a Troop calendar, forms, contact information, and specific event info. There is also a “Restricted Area” which contains Troop rosters, Merit Badge Councilors, and Scout Account information. When you join the Troop you will be given the User ID and the password for the restricted area. If you lose or forget this information, contact one of the Troop Leaders or our Web Master Ken Postma. (PLEASE protect the password and User ID so that we can protect our Scouts’ contact and other personal information.)

The Troop communicates just about everything through e-mail, so please let us know your e-mail address(es) is as soon as possible. We will add you to our email distribution list as soon as possible after you submit your application.

Troop 194 uses TroopMaster software to keep track of each Scout’s progress including personal information, rank advancement, and attendance at Troop events. Included in this package are 2 forms titled “Scout Personal Data” and “Adult Leader Personal Data”. We need to have you fill out both of these forms and return them to a Scout Leader as soon as possible so that we can get you and your son into the system. Transferring Scouts should provide a copy of their records from their previous Troop. This can be a paper copy or an emailed copy from your old Troop.

Rank Advancement: When a boy completes all of the requirements for his next rank he will request a Scout Master Conference and a Board of Review. Both of these meetings are intended to assess the Scout’s readiness to move to the next rank and provide guidance to achieve the next rank. They are also a chance for the boys to provide feedback to the adult leadership. Scout Master Conferences are scheduled through the Scout Master and Boards of Review are scheduled through Advancement Chair Mr. Sharp.

Merit badges: Merit badges are a major part of the Scouting program and Scout rank advancement. Merit badge progress is recorded on “Blue Cards”. Blue Cards need to be signed by the Scout Master and the merit badge councilor before work on the merit badge is started. Completed merit badge Blue Cards, are signed again by the Scout Master and the merit badge councilor. Completed cards go to the Awards Chair, Mrs. Begin, so that they can be processed and entered into your records. A list of merit badge counselors is available on the Web Site.

Troop 194 has developed an incentive program called “Scout-Cash” (this is not the same as the Scout Account). The program encourages the boys to be active Scouts. Every Troop activity has a Scout-Cash value associated with it. See Web Sit for the Scout-Cash values associated with different activities and events.

The Troop keeps track of each Scout’s participation and progress. At the end of each calendar year, we hold an auction as part of the Troop holiday party. Each Scout uses the Scout-Cash earned through the year to bid on special items that the Troop purchases specifically for this event.

It’s pretty simple, really. Those Scouts who participate in the most activities, earn Merit Badges, and advance in rank get the most Scout-Cash dollars to bid with, and usually wind up with the best “prizes”. You’ll start earning Scout-Cash at your first meeting!

Membership dues: Membership dues for the Troop are $50.00 a year, paid in January, for each Scout. For Scouts transferring in from a Pack or another Troop, dues are prorated depending on when you join. For new Scouts coming into the Troop in March the first year dues are $35.00, which should be paid to the Troop Treasurer, Laurel Mellott, at your first meeting. Annual dues go for registration for Boy Scouts, Boys Life magazine, and Troop expenses such as awards, adult registrations, and Troop equipment.

Other Expenses: One time cost (depending on how fast your son grows) is purchase of Scout uniforms. Typical cost of uniforms is listed in the tables below. Other costs include fees for events, campout food, and transportation. The Troop schedules at least one campout per month, and typically these outings cost from $10.00 - $25.00, depending on food and transportation costs. This year’s summer camp is about $150.

Shirt (short sleeve)	~$32.50	Dri-release t-shirts	$15.25
Shirt (long sleeve)	~$35.00	Polos	$16.25
Required Patches	~$10	Hoodies	$19.25
Pants (long)	~$45.00	Youth Sweatshirts	$13.25
Pants (shorts)	~$40.00	Adult Sweatshirts	$27.00
Scout Belt	~$6.50
Scout Hat	~$11.80

Scout Accounts: The Troop Treasurer sets up an account for each Scout. Costs of events such as for food on a campout or fees for an activity will be deducted from your account balance. Money earned from our annual Christmas Wreath sale will go into the Scout’s scout account. Scout account balances are sent out periodically by the Treasurer and are available on the Restricted Area of the web site, showing your account balance as of a certain date. Scouts are expected to keep a positive (“non-negative”) balance in order to participate in Scout events.

· You’ll want to read through the first part of your Scout Handbook, pages 1 through 15, for your first Troop meeting. Learn the requirements for the Scout badge, and work with a parent or guardian on the pamphlet “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide”, attached to the front of the Scout Handbook. Feel free to read further if you want!

· Fill out the Boy Scout application form and hand it to the Scoutmaster or the Awards Chairperson at the Troop meeting. You’ll need to arrange to pay your first year dues ($35.00 for Cross-Over Scouts/Amount pro-rated for Transfer Scouts) to the Troop Treasurer.

· Fill out the Scout Personal Data sheet, and hand that to the Scoutmaster at the Troop meeting. Have your parent or guardian fill out their Adult Leader Personal Data form and Boy Scout Volunteer Leader form if they’ve decided to be a registered adult leader (Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, or Merit Badge Counselor) within the troop.

· Make arrangements with your parent or guardian to obtain or update your Scout uniform at the Hibbard Scout Shop.

· Spend some time reviewing the Troop web site for information. It may generate some questions, and hopefully it will give some more information about upcoming events in the Troop. You may want to pay particular attention to the information on Troop campouts this year. You’re a member of the Troop now - you can camp with the rest of the Troop! Summer camp will be at our own Camp Alexander here in Colorado Jun 18-24. This year is Camp A’s 60^th anniversary and special activities are planned in recognition of this significant milestone. The camp and is located in the beautiful Eleven Mile Canyon near Lake George, CO just over a 1 hour drive from the Gleneagle area. (Some of the older Scouts may also be attending other summer camps such as Philmont, New Mexico, or Northern Tier along the US/Canada border. These camps involves more rigorous activity is widely known for their superior adventures. These camps are typically attended by more senior scouts (minimum age is 14).

1. Boy Scout Handbook is the key. Spend some time reviewing it yourself and with your scout.

3. Scout – requirements are listed on page 4 of the Scout Handbook. Each requirement lists what page in the Handbook further discusses the requirement. The requirements culminate in a short Scout Master Conference. Ideally the rank of Scout is completed within the first few weeks after crossing over to Boy Scouts.

4. Tenderfoot (pages 32-33), Second Class (pages 64-65), and First Class (pages 112-113) rank advancement requirements (which stress basic scout skills) are listed and again have the page numbers of the amplifying info for each requirement. Unlike Cub Scouts - there is no minimum time-in-rank requirement for these three ranks and the requirements for all three ranks can be accomplished simultaneously. Requirement sign offs can be conducted by any First Class Scout or above, or Adult Leader. Additionally, the troop has designated Troop Guides (more senior ranking Boy Scouts) whose job is to make themselves available to sign off requirements for the ranks of Scout through First Class. Each rank culminates in a Scout Master Conference (that tests the Scouts knowledge of the current and all previous rank requirements) and a Board of Review (3 adults from the troop who ask more over arching type questions for 10-12 minutes). Ideally, the rank of First Class is achieved within 12 months of crossing over.

5. Star (page 177), Life (page 178) and Eagle (pages 180-181) rank advancement requirements change significantly from the earlier ranks. Basic scout skills have already been demonstrated by achieving the rank of First Class. Now the scout will demonstrate more in depth scout knowledge by completing a specific number of merit badges (both Eagle required and non-Eagle required). These merit badges can be worked on individually, with the troop, or at summer camps or Camporees. The scout can begin working on merit badges at anytime (ie, he does not have to wait until achieving the rank of First Class). Additionally, leadership now becomes an emphasis, with each rank requiring the scout to be actively involved in an approved leadership position for 4 months for Star, 6 months for Life and 6 months for Eagle. Also, 6 service hours each are required for Star and Life. Eagle culminates in the scout completing an Eagle project and Eagle application to the Council (discussion of this is better served once your scout achieves the rank of Life). All three ranks will again culminate with a Scout Master Conference and Board of Review (20-25 minutes). The one hour Eagle Board of Review is conducted at the District level.