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BSA Troop 180
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. This is a tremendously important and rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him. Troop 180 enjoys physical outdoor activities, emphasizing hiking, camping, and backpacking. The Troop is very proud of its tradition of helping boys attain the rank of Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting. As of 2004, our Troop has graduated 79 Eagle Scouts. We are pleased to welcome you into the family of Troop 180 and encourage you to continue the tradition of actively working with your son and the Troop. Troop History Troop 180 was chartered in 1943. Troop 180 is a participating member of the Quinsigamond District of the Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop meets on Tuesday nights at the First Congregational Church in Holden from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. Every Troop belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 180 is the First Congregational Church. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered Organization Representative acts as a liaison between us and the Church. The continued success of Troop 180 is attributed primarily to two factors: (1) our Scoutmasters and leaders have a wealth of experience and have traditionally been long term members of the Troop. And (2) the parents of Scouts have been active in the Troop Committee as well as Troop functions. Historically, a Scout with parents active in the troop progresses faster, further, and gains more from Scouting than one with disinterested parents. In New England we have a unique opportunity to hike, camp, and backpack during 4 distinct and extremely different seasons. Although winter camping sounds cold (and it usually is!), we find that many of the Scouts look forward to the challenge. Surviving overnight in a tent 0-20 degrees can be done comfortably with the correct equipment. This gives the Scouts a great deal of satisfaction and sense of personal accomplishment which is difficult to get elsewhere. The Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best
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3 Troop Goals In separate meetings the Scouts, parents, and leaders of Troop 180 developed the goals of the Troop. The lists that resulted from these independent discussions were remarkably similar. The goal of Troop 180 is to help Scouts grow and mature in accordance with the Scout Oath. To do this we provide challenges & opportunities for the Scouts to set personal goals and help and encourage them in attaining these goals. Examples are: An overriding goal is to HAVE FUN while meeting these challenges.
Troop Committee Troop 180 is ultimately governed by the Troop
Committee. The Committee encourages all families
to participate in supporting the Scout program by
volunteering to help with activities and attending
Troop Committee Meetings. Meetings are on the
first Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at the First
Congregational Church. All parents are invited.
Every parent (male and female) is an integral part of
Troop 180. The Troop Committee functions as the
administrative and support organization for the Troop.
The Troop Committee takes care of all the details that
go into making the Scouting experience happen.
They oversee the Troop funds, special events, outings,
leadership training and the procurement and
maintenance of Troop equipment. All Troop activities are discussed/controlled by this committee. We need your participation at these meetings. If you have ideas or comments relative to direction/trips the Troop should go on, this is the place to discuss it. In addition, it provides an opportunity to know better the leadership of the Troop. Please make every effort to attend these meetings.
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4 Tuesday Meetings Troop 180 meets Tuesday night from 6:45pm - 8:30pm. Generally the rule is that the Scouts will have a meeting on any Tuesday when there is school. Please have your Scout at the First Congregational Church at 6:45. The time from 6:45pm to 7:00pm is for getting things signed off in the Scout Book and to make sure we are ready to start the meeting promptly at 7:00pm. Your help in making sure your son arrives on time is appreciated. Please remember to have the Scouts bring their Scout books. Attendance: Attendance is taken and Scouts are expected to attend meetings unless there are conflicts. Today there are more demands than ever put on our children's (as well as our own) time. We recognize and appreciate that sports, church, school, and many other worthwhile activities are vying for his time. The challenge we face is to balance these demands. When there are conflicts, and Scouting comes in second place, please mention this to the Scoutmaster. It is important that we know your son is missing a meeting, campout, or fundraiser for a legitimate reason, as opposed to apathy or lack of interest in Scouting. A minimum of 60% of the meetings and all other activities must be attended to advance. Uniforms: The Boy Scout uniform is described in the Boy Scout Handbook. Troop 180 wears shorts rather than long pants. With growing boys, the shorts last much longer. Uniforms are worn at the Tuesday meetings and Council sponsored activities. They are not used on hikes or campouts. First year Scouts are not required to wear the uniform until after Christmas. By this time you should know if your son plans to remain in the Troop. Also, uniforms and equipment make great Christmas gifts. If your son is coming to the meeting from another event, sporting practice, or game, he does not need to change into his Scout uniform. Dues: Scouts are responsible for bringing $1 to the Tuesday night meetings for dues. This helps cover expenses such as insurance, Merit badges, camp fees, the Boy's Life magazine subscription and miscellaneous troop expenses. Parent's Attendance: Parents are encouraged to remain during meetings. This is a great opportunity to meet the leaders, participate in merit badge work ask advice from more experienced adults regarding campouts, equipment, etc.
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5 Advancement Advancement is the process by which youth members
progress through the ranks in the Scouting program by
the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. The Boy
Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills
that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires
these skills he moves up through a series of ranks,
for which he is awarded badges. The ranks are
Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and
Eagle. The higher he climbs the more challenging his
tasks -- and the more rewarding. Everything boys do to
advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join
until the day they leave the program, is designed to
help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience. The procedures to complete a merit badge are: A complete list of merit badges may be found in the back of the Boy Scout Handbook. Many people are needed to make the advancement program work. We often need merit badge counselors who can help work with the Scouts during advancement nights. Everyone has personal interests and skills. If you would be willing to help, please mention this to a member of the Advancement Committee. The merit badge book contains all the answers. You might even learn something. Remember, you don't have to be an expert to be a counselor - all you need is a good working knowledge on a particular subject and a willingness to work the boys of Troop 180. If a Scout spends 10 minutes a day working on his merit badges and write ups, he will advance very quickly and painlessly up the ranks.
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6 The necessary equipment for a day hike is: Clothing: Boots: Socks: Knife: Trail Snacks: Trail Mix: Meals:
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7 CAMPING Departure/Arrival: Equipment: Sleeping Bag: Sleeping Pad: Backpack: Meals: Clothing:
Wear to bed the underwear scheduled for the next day.
Fresh pajamas are
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8 EQUIPMENT The Troop provides the following equipment for all
campouts: In addition, the Troop also has some backpacks and a couple of adult sleeping bags available for the Dads. We do not want Scouts to
feel they have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the
Scouting experience. This is a list of the
initial equipment which is required to begin camping.
The cost is a rough estimate of what these items will
cost at stores like Spags, New England Backpacker, or
EMS. Canteens and Mess kits are optional. Our objective is to be lightweight, functional, and low cost. Before purchasing any equipment, talk to one of the Scoutmasters to get their opinion. Better yet - Parents, go on a campout yourself. There you will see 15-30 boys with all sorts of equipment. They would be happy (and proud) to explain their gear with its pros and cons. This is far better than visiting a sporting goods shop and seeing a half a dozen setups hanging from a display rack. As Scouts become more committed to Scouting and camping, may choose to get their own equipment for use beyond the Scouting program. Some examples of this equipment are: stove, tent, water filter/purifier.
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9 TREASURE VALLEY The Treasure Valley Scout Reservation (TVSR) is made up of 1,500 acres in Rutland, MA. Week long Scout camps are run throughout the summer months. Troop 180 attends every year at the same time - the 3rd week in July (so mark your calendar). Over the past several years we have averaged 12-20 Scouts with several adult leaders and fathers attending camp. First year Scouts are very much encouraged to attend. During this week, many friendships with other Scouts and the leaders are made. In addition, several merit badges may be earned. This develops a strong foundation for the boy to begin his Scouting career. Information regarding the upcoming Treasure Valley camp begins appearing around March. The cost for each Scout is about $230. The cost for Treasure Valley is set by the Council. Often this figure can be reduced by Troop fundraisers carried out during the year. Green Bar Leadership Training Each year the Mohegan Council conducts a leadership training program at Treasure Valley Scout Reservation. This is an overnight program lasting 5 days. It is typically held in late June or the beginning of July. Troop 180 sends Scouts that have demonstrated leadership qualities. Often these Scouts advance to senior positions of leadership with the Troop. Scouts from the entire council attend and give our boys a well rounded view of how their peers in other troops operate. This is given to a 2nd year or older Scout with at least the First Class rank. The cost of this training is governed by the council. Typically the Troop will co-share the expense. Selection is made by the Scoutmasters and approved by the Troop Committee.
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10 Advanced Adventure
Every year the more advanced Scouts select, develop, and plan for an "extra" one week camping trip. Over the last few years Troop 180 has hiked 50 miles on the Appalachian Trial in Maine, culminating at the peak of Maine’s highest mountain – Mt. Katahin. Another Advanced trip involved whitewater canoeing for 20 miles down the Matawampkeg River in Maine. In 1991 the Scouts canoed (portaged) for 50 miles in the wilderness lakes in Northern Ontario, Canada. In 1992 they hiked 30 miles of the Appalachian Trail and also went white water rafting in the west branch of the Penobscott River. Other recent trips included a 100 mile wilderness backpacking trip on the AT, Glacier National Park, Montana, and a 50 mile canoe trip on the West branch of the Penobscott River in Maine. This adventure is a challenge both mentally and physically. Only advanced, experienced Scouts are permitted to go. Typically, this means First Class Scouts with the first aid merit badge. Often there is a requirement to attend a minimum number or training sessions (hiking, canoeing, cycling…). Due to the seriousness of this adventure, the Scoutmasters) must approve each Scout who will attend. Safety Issues During all Scouting activities, the safety of the Scouts is of primary concern. Appropriate safety equipment is required for all physical activities. At a minimum, the following safety equipment is always considered mandatory: Hiking – Boots The final decision on safety equipment resides with the Scout leaders in charge of that activity. A Scout will not be allowed to participate if the necessary equipment is not available. The Troop follows all Council rules with regards to: Two deep leadership, safety swim, and safety afloat. Travel permits are submitted for all activities outside of Holden.
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11 Community Service Projects One of the ideals of Scouting is service to others. Troop 180 participates in several community service projects throughout the year. Service hours are also required for advancement. It is expected that all Scouts will participate in at least 60% of all service projects. Because of the nature of some of the projects, adults are encouraged to help out. Some of the projects Troop 180 supports are listed below. Church Clean Up The Congregational Church of Holden does not charge for the space, heat, storage of equipment, or support they lend Troop 180. Because of this, the Troop volunteers to rake leaves on the church grounds twice a year. The first clean up is in the fall when all the leaves have dropped. The second is in the spring before Easter. Adults can help with supplying vehicles for the removal of the leaves and by driving them to the designated drop off point. Crèche Set Up Setup of the crèche (manger) is done during one of the regular Troop meetings after Thanksgiving. The crèche needs to be assembled in the front of the church. Adults with minimal mechanical skills are welcome to help. The Troop is also responsible for the removal of the crèche. Rope Bridge This has become a major event for the Town. Troop 180 participates in the Annual Holden Days events by constructing a Rope Bridge. This event takes place in August before the students return to school. Adults are always needed to help with the construction of the bridge. Both Scouts and adults act as spotters and assist younger children across the bridge. Scouts volunteer and are scheduled throughout the day to ensure coverage during the entire event. White Oaks Winter Carnival This event takes place in February. It is always combined with the monthly campout. The Troop organizes demonstrations for the Cub Scouts and the public who take an interest in the camping techniques of the Troop and will ask questions. The Scouts are always proud to share their knowledge. Midstate Trial The Troop maintains a stretch of the Midstate Trial in the Barre dam area. Usually once a year the Troop goes out on a Saturday and removes any trees which have blown down during the winter. They also re-blaze the trail as needed. The Troop has done many other community projects and will continue to do so in the future, on an "on request basis". As the publics demand for use of the open spaces increases, The Troop will likely take an even greater role in future community service projects. Boys are also requested to help Eagle Candidates with their service projects. This is a good way for a younger Scout who requires service hours to earn credit for advancement.
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12
Outdoor Essentials: Don't leave home
without them!!! Do Not Bring Troop Owned Inventory for Scout Use Troop Owned Equipment for Patrol Use
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13 YOUTH PROTECTION PROGRAM The Boy Scouts of America has developed
materials for use in the Scouting program that
provides essential information to members and their
families to prevent child abuse. A detachable booklet
in the front of The Boy Scout Handbook, "How to
Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A
Parents Guide," provides information to help families
to increase self-protection skills. One of the
requirements for a boy to become a Scout is to go
through this booklet with his parents.
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