Parent Guide
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BSA Troop 180
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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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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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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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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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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The necessary equipment for a day hike is:
Clothing:
Boots:
Socks:
Knife:
Trail Snacks:
Trail Mix:
Meals:
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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