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BSA Troop 121 - Frequently Asked Questions
How does my son join? He joins by submitting a Boy Scout Application, (enclosed).
Fill in all of the blanks on the front side of the application. Be mindful that it is
carbonless paper and do not write on top of the application. Remember to sign and
date the application. Ignore the back of the application, as you will supply a separate
medical form. Do not enclose any money. Troop 121 pays for all youth Registration
Fees and Boys’ Life subscriptions. When the Application is completed, return it to the
Scoutmaster. A youth and adult organization chart is included with this packet.
When and Where Does Troop 121 Meet? The troop meets every Monday evening,
year round, from 7:30 to 9:00 in the Fellowship Hall of the Clinton Presbyterian
Church. We ask that your son arrive no later than 7:20. We will attempt to end
meetings promptly at 9:00. Occasionally meeting schedules are different or meetings
are held in different locations. A calendar for our program year is attached to this
letter. On those occasions when changes must be made at the last minute, you will be
notified by your son’s Patrol Leader or Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster.
How is the troop organized? TBD
What other activities does the troop participate in? Generally, the troop tries to
go camping or participate in some other weekend activity once a month. We also hold
fund raising activities and participate in service projects. Individual patrols may also
schedule occasional independent activities. All of these events are shown on the
attached calendar for our program year.
What about summer camp? The July “campout” is always a full week at a summer
camp run by the Boy Scouts of America. All Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend
to develop their scoutcraft skills and to develop strong relationships with their fellow
scouts and adult leaders. Every few years, we travel to a summer camp that is several
hours’ travel from Clinton. On those occasions, we usually spend a few days touring
the region around the camp. These trips tend to be among the highlights of each
Scouts career. Detailed information about the camp we are attending this summer is
attached to this letter.
What should my son do if he can’t attend a troop activity, has to arrive late or
needs to leave early? Our activities are planned for 100% attendance. Therefore,
we do not function properly when some of our members are not present. However, we
realize that occasionally, everyone has conflicts that prevent him from attending. On
those occasions, it is the Scout’s responsibility to contact his Patrol Leader and explain
the situation to him, in advance. We consider the failure to notify his Patrol Leader of
anticipated absences to be irresponsible and unacceptable behavior. Participation on
camping trips is of particular importance. Parents are encouraged to take note of
camping weekends as soon as the annual schedule is distributed and make every
effort to avoid conflicts. All Scouts miss trips due to family and educational
commitments, but should attend as many trips as possible. Scouts are discouraged
from picking and choosing the trips they attend. This practice detracts from the
individual Scout’s experience, has a “snowball effect” on the other members of his
patrol, and is detrimental to the troop as a whole.
Are there dues? Yes, dues are $2.00 per weekly meeting. Each Scout is
responsible for paying dues regardless of whether he is present at the meeting or not
and is expected to make up all back dues. One of the primary goals of scouting is to
teach the concept of responsibility. That is why we take such a hard line on
unexplained absences. It is also why we collect dues weekly from the Scouts rather
than having their parents send a check once a year. We encourage scouts to pay
dues each week with their own money. Parents can best help by assisting the scout to
“budget” this expense and reminding him to bring it to the meeting each week.
What about fundraising? Regrettably, the costs of program and equipment for the
troop are greater than can be raised from dues. Each year the youth leadership
makes a budget, determines how to go about raising the necessary funds, and submits
their plans to the adult Troop Committee for approval. Once these plans have been
approved, the Scouts and their parents are expected to participate in our fundraisers.
Our fundraising dates for this year are included on the attached calendar.
Are there any other financial policies that we need to be aware of? Yes, scouts
that owe the troop more than $20 are not allowed to participate in camping trips or
special activities until their dues are paid. If dues, summer camp fees, or other
financial considerations place a hardship on the family please talk confidentially with
the Scoutmaster and alternative arrangements can be made. The Troop Treasurer will
notify the parents of any Scout who is $20 behind in his dues.
Is there anything else that should be brought to meetings? Yes, the Scout
Handbook, a pen or pencil, note paper and a three-ring notebook for handouts and
records. If anything else is needed, the Scout’s Patrol Leader will notify him in
advance. Please be sure that the Scout’s Name is prominently displayed on his
Handbook and notebook.
Are uniforms required? Yes, uniforms are required. This helps promote unity and
pride. Troop 121 recognizes 4 classes of uniforms and Scouts should be prepared to
appear in all of them. The Patrol Leaders Council (P.L.C.) determines what uniform is
to be worn on each occasion. You son’s Patrol Leader is responsible for transmitting
that information to him.
The standard and most commonly worn is the “Class A” Uniform. Members of
Troop 121 are required to appear in “Class A” Uniform unless they have been
specifically instructed to wear something else. Commonly, we wear a more relaxed
uniform during the summer months, but Troop 121 always travels to and from activities
in “Class A” Uniforms, regardless of the standard in effect at the time. A “Class A”
Uniform consists of the following items:
1. Scout Trousers or Scout Shorts, (When Scout Shorts are worn, they MUST be
accompanied by Scout Socks.
2. Scout “Class A” Shirt with red shoulder loops – No patches are required, but
those that are worn must be worn correctly. See the Scout Handbook for placement of
insignia and ask an adult leader if you have any questions. Troop 121 encourages
Scouts to wear the following patches:
a. United States Flag.
b. Central New Jersey council strip.
c. 65-Year Veteran Bar.
d. 121 numerals.
e. Temporary patches.
f. Earned awards, if applicable:
i. Arrow of Light patch, if earned as a Cub Scout.
ii. Progress Award, (Rank).
iii. Position Patch, (for troop officers).
iv. Square Knots, (Usually only Youth Religious Award & Lifesaving Award).
v. Quality Unit patch.
vi. Jamboree patch.
3. Neck ware, (Scouts enjoy collecting bolo ties and neckerchiefs. They may wear
the ones they collect to troop meetings, but MUST wear the Troop 121 Neckerchief on
all special occasions, whenever we travel, and whenever we appear in public.)
4. Scout Belt, (There are several varieties, any is acceptable).
5. Scout Socks, (Any socks may be worn with uniform trousers, but Scout Socks
are required when wearing uniform shorts).
6. Troop hat, (Hats are optional at troop meetings, but must be worn on all special
occasions, whenever we travel, and whenever we appear in public.) Troop 121 hats
are the only acceptable hats. Generic hats and hats recognizing sports teams, or
other organizations are not permitted. Wool Scout hats that cover the ears may be
purchased wherever Boy Scout Supplies are sold. These should be included in your
son’s standard camping equipment and will always be acceptable if he is cold.
The second most commonly worn is the “Class B” Uniform. This is what we
usually wear during the summer months. The “Class B” Uniform is identical to the
“Class A” Uniform except that the Scout “Class A” shirt and Neck wear are replaced
with a Scout T-Shirt. Any scouting shirt is acceptable on most occasions. They may
be purchased at most scout camps and anywhere scouting supplies are sold. Each
scout should also own one or two Troop 121 T-shirts for use on those occasions when
we wish to have all members of the troop dressed alike.
A “Class C” Uniform consists of a Scout T-shirt along with whatever other clothing
the Scout wishes to wear. “Class C” Uniforms are only worn to activities like car
washes, canoe trips, or “clean” service projects when it would not make sense to wear
regular uniforms but we still desire to be recognized as Scouts.
A “Class D” Uniform consists of old clothing you would not be too upset to discard
after use. On rare occasions, such as extremely dirty activities or service projects like
painting where we don’t care how we look, we will ask Scouts to wear “Class D”
Uniforms.
Where can we get uniform parts? You may “window shop”, but not order, on the
Boy Scouts of America National Supply Division Web site http://www.scoutstuff.org/.
Locally, new uniforms may be purchased from Hi Tech Hobbies in Clinton. In addition,
the troop runs a uniform exchange where Scouts can often find slightly used uniforms
at a reasonable price. Richard Glahn (908-236-2771) is an adult volunteer with Troop
121 who manages the uniform exchange as well as the sale of Troop 121 specific
items.
What about the Medical Forms? The Boy Scouts of America requires that a “Class
2 Medical Record” signed by a physician be completed for every scout attending one
of its summer camps. Troop 121 requires that this form be completed as soon as
possible after a scout joins. The Scoutmaster or supervising adult will have a copy of
this form in their possession at all troop activities. Then, the leader will be able to
provide a doctor with basic medical history in the event that your son becomes ill or is
injured.
Does this mean that I must schedule a medical examination before my son
may join the troop? No, he may begin attending troop meetings as soon as you
have completed the “Class 1” part of the Medical Form and turned it in. But, before he
may participate in any other activities, you must provide us with the information needed
to satisfy the “Class 2” section of the form. There are two ways in which you can do
this:
A. Have a doctor examine your son, fill out and sign the “Class 2” section of the
form then turn in the completed form.
B. Attach a copy of any medical examination that provides the same information
and is signed by a doctor within the previous three years to the “Class 2” section of the
form before turning it in.
Regardless of how you go about fulfilling the requirements of the “Class 2” section of
the form, the doctor’s signature is valid for 3 years. But, your signature is only valid for
1 year. At the end of that time, you must sign again to confirm that the information is
still applicable.
Who should my son go to if he has any questions? The first person a scout
should go to for information is his Patrol Leader. If he cannot contact his Patrol
Leader, then he should contact the Senior Patrol Leader. If, and only if these youth
leaders are unavailable or unable to satisfy his needs, then he should go to his Patrol
Assistant Scoutmaster or the Scoutmaster. The names, addresses, and contact
information for these leaders appear on the attached troop roster.
Who should I go to if I have any questions? The policy of Troop 121 is that the
troop be “youth led”. Therefore, it is encouraged that questions and communications
be handled, as much as possible, by the Scouts and their youth leaders. But, we
understand that some additional information may be needed.
A. Program related questions that cannot, or have not, been adequately answered
through the youth leadership should be directed to your son’s Patrol Assistant
Scoutmaster. If the Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster is unavailable contact the
Scoutmaster. The names, addresses, and contact information for these leaders
appear on the attached troop roster.
B. Questions concerning tactical health & safety, youth leader training, or
supervision of the adult leaders should be directed to the Scoutmaster. Contact
information for this leader appears on the attached troop roster.
C. Questions concerning strategic health & safety, troop organization or adult
responsibilities should be directed to the Troop Committee Chairperson. Contact
information for this leader appears on the attached troop roster.
What are the adult responsibilities? Since the program of the Boy Scouts of
America is designed to be planned and implemented by the scouts themselves, the
adult role is supportive rather than active. Those adults who are directly involved with
the boys (the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters) do not run the troop. They
advise and supervise the elected Junior Leaders who actually plan and direct all troop
activities. This does not mean that adults do not have any responsibilities in this
troop.
How can I encourage my son to be an active member of the troop? Shortly
after joining the troop each Scout will participate in a Scoutmaster Conference. This is
a meeting with the Scoutmaster, or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters, where the Scout
will develop a set of goals and a plan of action for achieving those goals. These goals
may cover a wide variety of subjects, from scouting to school – any topic that the Scout
is comfortable talking about. This process will be repeated each time a Scout
advances a rank or assumes a Junior Leadership position. Parents can help by asking
their son to share his plans with them so that they can encourage him to succeed. Of
course, no two member of the troop will have the same objectives. Some Scouts will be
very advancement oriented; others will choose to concentrate on school, troop
leadership, or family responsibility. What is important is that the Scout learns to make
commitments to himself that he has every intention of keeping and that he does his
best to fulfill those commitments.
What is rank advancement? There are seven ranks in Boy Scouts that are earned
in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and
Eagle. In general the first four ranks train boys to be safe and skilled in the outdoors
and the last three ranks develop troop and community leadership skills. The
requirements for attaining these ranks are detailed in the Boy Scout Handbook.
Provided that you and your son have completed the exercises in the pamphlet "How to
Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide", (which is found in the front
of your son’s Boy Scout Handbook), and initialed his handbook to signify that you are
satisfied with the discussion, your son should earn the rank of Scout during his first
Scoutmaster Conference. The Boy Scouts of America recommends that Scouts strive
to earn the rank of First Class within 1 year after becoming a Scout. Fulfilling such a
goal is possible, but requires a Scout to be extremely mature and dedicated. We have
found that overemphasis on such rapid advancement can actually be
counterproductive. Any Scout who strives to achieve the goals set during his
Scoutmaster Conferences will advance in a natural and healthy progression. Scouts
desiring to become senior leaders in the troop attend a Junior Leader Training
Conference, High Adventure Base, or Jamboree or who wish to become members of
the Order of the Arrow or Venture Patrol must earn the rank of First Class. Such
incentives will usually encourage Scouts to achieve this important milestone before
entering high school. This is usually sufficient time to allow those who wish to continue
advancing to become Eagle Scouts.
What about merit badges? Merit badges are not required for advancement through
First Class. Therefore, until a boy attains the First Class rank his focus should be on
rank advancement rather than on merit badges. But, Scouts attending summer camp
will have the opportunity to work on merit badges regardless of their rank. We
recommend that boys work on the swimming and first aid merit badges first. Many of
the requirements in these two badges are identical to rank requirements for water and
personal safety. The swimming merit badge will also insure that a boy meets the
requirements for most of our troop water related activities. Just before summer camp,
each Scout who is attending camp will have a Scoutmaster Conference to work out his
personal camp schedule. During this conference he and one of our adult leaders will
consider the program available at the camp we are attending, the Scout’s current
characteristics and needs and agree upon a program that best fits his current growth
potential.
What if my son still wants to work on a merit badge? Sometimes a boy’s school
curriculum may coincide well with a merit badge, for example Middle School students
study the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, etc which is all part of the
Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. At other times they may have a personal interest
that matches well. If this is the case and they want to work on a merit badge they
should meet with their Scoutmaster before beginning work on any merit badge
requirements. New scouts have often done unnecessary work or did not get credit for
work already done because they did not get the necessary guidance before beginning.
Fill in all of the blanks on the front side of the application. Be mindful that it is
carbonless paper and do not write on top of the application. Remember to sign and
date the application. Ignore the back of the application, as you will supply a separate
medical form. Do not enclose any money. Troop 121 pays for all youth Registration
Fees and Boys’ Life subscriptions. When the Application is completed, return it to the
Scoutmaster. A youth and adult organization chart is included with this packet.
When and Where Does Troop 121 Meet? The troop meets every Monday evening,
year round, from 7:30 to 9:00 in the Fellowship Hall of the Clinton Presbyterian
Church. We ask that your son arrive no later than 7:20. We will attempt to end
meetings promptly at 9:00. Occasionally meeting schedules are different or meetings
are held in different locations. A calendar for our program year is attached to this
letter. On those occasions when changes must be made at the last minute, you will be
notified by your son’s Patrol Leader or Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster.
How is the troop organized? TBD
What other activities does the troop participate in? Generally, the troop tries to
go camping or participate in some other weekend activity once a month. We also hold
fund raising activities and participate in service projects. Individual patrols may also
schedule occasional independent activities. All of these events are shown on the
attached calendar for our program year.
What about summer camp? The July “campout” is always a full week at a summer
camp run by the Boy Scouts of America. All Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend
to develop their scoutcraft skills and to develop strong relationships with their fellow
scouts and adult leaders. Every few years, we travel to a summer camp that is several
hours’ travel from Clinton. On those occasions, we usually spend a few days touring
the region around the camp. These trips tend to be among the highlights of each
Scouts career. Detailed information about the camp we are attending this summer is
attached to this letter.
What should my son do if he can’t attend a troop activity, has to arrive late or
needs to leave early? Our activities are planned for 100% attendance. Therefore,
we do not function properly when some of our members are not present. However, we
realize that occasionally, everyone has conflicts that prevent him from attending. On
those occasions, it is the Scout’s responsibility to contact his Patrol Leader and explain
the situation to him, in advance. We consider the failure to notify his Patrol Leader of
anticipated absences to be irresponsible and unacceptable behavior. Participation on
camping trips is of particular importance. Parents are encouraged to take note of
camping weekends as soon as the annual schedule is distributed and make every
effort to avoid conflicts. All Scouts miss trips due to family and educational
commitments, but should attend as many trips as possible. Scouts are discouraged
from picking and choosing the trips they attend. This practice detracts from the
individual Scout’s experience, has a “snowball effect” on the other members of his
patrol, and is detrimental to the troop as a whole.
Are there dues? Yes, dues are $2.00 per weekly meeting. Each Scout is
responsible for paying dues regardless of whether he is present at the meeting or not
and is expected to make up all back dues. One of the primary goals of scouting is to
teach the concept of responsibility. That is why we take such a hard line on
unexplained absences. It is also why we collect dues weekly from the Scouts rather
than having their parents send a check once a year. We encourage scouts to pay
dues each week with their own money. Parents can best help by assisting the scout to
“budget” this expense and reminding him to bring it to the meeting each week.
What about fundraising? Regrettably, the costs of program and equipment for the
troop are greater than can be raised from dues. Each year the youth leadership
makes a budget, determines how to go about raising the necessary funds, and submits
their plans to the adult Troop Committee for approval. Once these plans have been
approved, the Scouts and their parents are expected to participate in our fundraisers.
Our fundraising dates for this year are included on the attached calendar.
Are there any other financial policies that we need to be aware of? Yes, scouts
that owe the troop more than $20 are not allowed to participate in camping trips or
special activities until their dues are paid. If dues, summer camp fees, or other
financial considerations place a hardship on the family please talk confidentially with
the Scoutmaster and alternative arrangements can be made. The Troop Treasurer will
notify the parents of any Scout who is $20 behind in his dues.
Is there anything else that should be brought to meetings? Yes, the Scout
Handbook, a pen or pencil, note paper and a three-ring notebook for handouts and
records. If anything else is needed, the Scout’s Patrol Leader will notify him in
advance. Please be sure that the Scout’s Name is prominently displayed on his
Handbook and notebook.
Are uniforms required? Yes, uniforms are required. This helps promote unity and
pride. Troop 121 recognizes 4 classes of uniforms and Scouts should be prepared to
appear in all of them. The Patrol Leaders Council (P.L.C.) determines what uniform is
to be worn on each occasion. You son’s Patrol Leader is responsible for transmitting
that information to him.
The standard and most commonly worn is the “Class A” Uniform. Members of
Troop 121 are required to appear in “Class A” Uniform unless they have been
specifically instructed to wear something else. Commonly, we wear a more relaxed
uniform during the summer months, but Troop 121 always travels to and from activities
in “Class A” Uniforms, regardless of the standard in effect at the time. A “Class A”
Uniform consists of the following items:
1. Scout Trousers or Scout Shorts, (When Scout Shorts are worn, they MUST be
accompanied by Scout Socks.
2. Scout “Class A” Shirt with red shoulder loops – No patches are required, but
those that are worn must be worn correctly. See the Scout Handbook for placement of
insignia and ask an adult leader if you have any questions. Troop 121 encourages
Scouts to wear the following patches:
a. United States Flag.
b. Central New Jersey council strip.
c. 65-Year Veteran Bar.
d. 121 numerals.
e. Temporary patches.
f. Earned awards, if applicable:
i. Arrow of Light patch, if earned as a Cub Scout.
ii. Progress Award, (Rank).
iii. Position Patch, (for troop officers).
iv. Square Knots, (Usually only Youth Religious Award & Lifesaving Award).
v. Quality Unit patch.
vi. Jamboree patch.
3. Neck ware, (Scouts enjoy collecting bolo ties and neckerchiefs. They may wear
the ones they collect to troop meetings, but MUST wear the Troop 121 Neckerchief on
all special occasions, whenever we travel, and whenever we appear in public.)
4. Scout Belt, (There are several varieties, any is acceptable).
5. Scout Socks, (Any socks may be worn with uniform trousers, but Scout Socks
are required when wearing uniform shorts).
6. Troop hat, (Hats are optional at troop meetings, but must be worn on all special
occasions, whenever we travel, and whenever we appear in public.) Troop 121 hats
are the only acceptable hats. Generic hats and hats recognizing sports teams, or
other organizations are not permitted. Wool Scout hats that cover the ears may be
purchased wherever Boy Scout Supplies are sold. These should be included in your
son’s standard camping equipment and will always be acceptable if he is cold.
The second most commonly worn is the “Class B” Uniform. This is what we
usually wear during the summer months. The “Class B” Uniform is identical to the
“Class A” Uniform except that the Scout “Class A” shirt and Neck wear are replaced
with a Scout T-Shirt. Any scouting shirt is acceptable on most occasions. They may
be purchased at most scout camps and anywhere scouting supplies are sold. Each
scout should also own one or two Troop 121 T-shirts for use on those occasions when
we wish to have all members of the troop dressed alike.
A “Class C” Uniform consists of a Scout T-shirt along with whatever other clothing
the Scout wishes to wear. “Class C” Uniforms are only worn to activities like car
washes, canoe trips, or “clean” service projects when it would not make sense to wear
regular uniforms but we still desire to be recognized as Scouts.
A “Class D” Uniform consists of old clothing you would not be too upset to discard
after use. On rare occasions, such as extremely dirty activities or service projects like
painting where we don’t care how we look, we will ask Scouts to wear “Class D”
Uniforms.
Where can we get uniform parts? You may “window shop”, but not order, on the
Boy Scouts of America National Supply Division Web site http://www.scoutstuff.org/.
Locally, new uniforms may be purchased from Hi Tech Hobbies in Clinton. In addition,
the troop runs a uniform exchange where Scouts can often find slightly used uniforms
at a reasonable price. Richard Glahn (908-236-2771) is an adult volunteer with Troop
121 who manages the uniform exchange as well as the sale of Troop 121 specific
items.
What about the Medical Forms? The Boy Scouts of America requires that a “Class
2 Medical Record” signed by a physician be completed for every scout attending one
of its summer camps. Troop 121 requires that this form be completed as soon as
possible after a scout joins. The Scoutmaster or supervising adult will have a copy of
this form in their possession at all troop activities. Then, the leader will be able to
provide a doctor with basic medical history in the event that your son becomes ill or is
injured.
Does this mean that I must schedule a medical examination before my son
may join the troop? No, he may begin attending troop meetings as soon as you
have completed the “Class 1” part of the Medical Form and turned it in. But, before he
may participate in any other activities, you must provide us with the information needed
to satisfy the “Class 2” section of the form. There are two ways in which you can do
this:
A. Have a doctor examine your son, fill out and sign the “Class 2” section of the
form then turn in the completed form.
B. Attach a copy of any medical examination that provides the same information
and is signed by a doctor within the previous three years to the “Class 2” section of the
form before turning it in.
Regardless of how you go about fulfilling the requirements of the “Class 2” section of
the form, the doctor’s signature is valid for 3 years. But, your signature is only valid for
1 year. At the end of that time, you must sign again to confirm that the information is
still applicable.
Who should my son go to if he has any questions? The first person a scout
should go to for information is his Patrol Leader. If he cannot contact his Patrol
Leader, then he should contact the Senior Patrol Leader. If, and only if these youth
leaders are unavailable or unable to satisfy his needs, then he should go to his Patrol
Assistant Scoutmaster or the Scoutmaster. The names, addresses, and contact
information for these leaders appear on the attached troop roster.
Who should I go to if I have any questions? The policy of Troop 121 is that the
troop be “youth led”. Therefore, it is encouraged that questions and communications
be handled, as much as possible, by the Scouts and their youth leaders. But, we
understand that some additional information may be needed.
A. Program related questions that cannot, or have not, been adequately answered
through the youth leadership should be directed to your son’s Patrol Assistant
Scoutmaster. If the Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster is unavailable contact the
Scoutmaster. The names, addresses, and contact information for these leaders
appear on the attached troop roster.
B. Questions concerning tactical health & safety, youth leader training, or
supervision of the adult leaders should be directed to the Scoutmaster. Contact
information for this leader appears on the attached troop roster.
C. Questions concerning strategic health & safety, troop organization or adult
responsibilities should be directed to the Troop Committee Chairperson. Contact
information for this leader appears on the attached troop roster.
What are the adult responsibilities? Since the program of the Boy Scouts of
America is designed to be planned and implemented by the scouts themselves, the
adult role is supportive rather than active. Those adults who are directly involved with
the boys (the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters) do not run the troop. They
advise and supervise the elected Junior Leaders who actually plan and direct all troop
activities. This does not mean that adults do not have any responsibilities in this
troop.
How can I encourage my son to be an active member of the troop? Shortly
after joining the troop each Scout will participate in a Scoutmaster Conference. This is
a meeting with the Scoutmaster, or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters, where the Scout
will develop a set of goals and a plan of action for achieving those goals. These goals
may cover a wide variety of subjects, from scouting to school – any topic that the Scout
is comfortable talking about. This process will be repeated each time a Scout
advances a rank or assumes a Junior Leadership position. Parents can help by asking
their son to share his plans with them so that they can encourage him to succeed. Of
course, no two member of the troop will have the same objectives. Some Scouts will be
very advancement oriented; others will choose to concentrate on school, troop
leadership, or family responsibility. What is important is that the Scout learns to make
commitments to himself that he has every intention of keeping and that he does his
best to fulfill those commitments.
What is rank advancement? There are seven ranks in Boy Scouts that are earned
in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and
Eagle. In general the first four ranks train boys to be safe and skilled in the outdoors
and the last three ranks develop troop and community leadership skills. The
requirements for attaining these ranks are detailed in the Boy Scout Handbook.
Provided that you and your son have completed the exercises in the pamphlet "How to
Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide", (which is found in the front
of your son’s Boy Scout Handbook), and initialed his handbook to signify that you are
satisfied with the discussion, your son should earn the rank of Scout during his first
Scoutmaster Conference. The Boy Scouts of America recommends that Scouts strive
to earn the rank of First Class within 1 year after becoming a Scout. Fulfilling such a
goal is possible, but requires a Scout to be extremely mature and dedicated. We have
found that overemphasis on such rapid advancement can actually be
counterproductive. Any Scout who strives to achieve the goals set during his
Scoutmaster Conferences will advance in a natural and healthy progression. Scouts
desiring to become senior leaders in the troop attend a Junior Leader Training
Conference, High Adventure Base, or Jamboree or who wish to become members of
the Order of the Arrow or Venture Patrol must earn the rank of First Class. Such
incentives will usually encourage Scouts to achieve this important milestone before
entering high school. This is usually sufficient time to allow those who wish to continue
advancing to become Eagle Scouts.
What about merit badges? Merit badges are not required for advancement through
First Class. Therefore, until a boy attains the First Class rank his focus should be on
rank advancement rather than on merit badges. But, Scouts attending summer camp
will have the opportunity to work on merit badges regardless of their rank. We
recommend that boys work on the swimming and first aid merit badges first. Many of
the requirements in these two badges are identical to rank requirements for water and
personal safety. The swimming merit badge will also insure that a boy meets the
requirements for most of our troop water related activities. Just before summer camp,
each Scout who is attending camp will have a Scoutmaster Conference to work out his
personal camp schedule. During this conference he and one of our adult leaders will
consider the program available at the camp we are attending, the Scout’s current
characteristics and needs and agree upon a program that best fits his current growth
potential.
What if my son still wants to work on a merit badge? Sometimes a boy’s school
curriculum may coincide well with a merit badge, for example Middle School students
study the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, etc which is all part of the
Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. At other times they may have a personal interest
that matches well. If this is the case and they want to work on a merit badge they
should meet with their Scoutmaster before beginning work on any merit badge
requirements. New scouts have often done unnecessary work or did not get credit for
work already done because they did not get the necessary guidance before beginning.
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