| Scoutmaster's
Message
On behalf of Troop 16 and the Boy Scouts of America
organization, I welcome you to the family of Scouting. This booklet was
designed to make the transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts as easy as possible.
As you are aware Boy Scouts is a boy run program which at first may seem very
overwhelming and intimidating. Don’t worry, you are not alone, I had the same
concerns when I started my Scouting life, but that was the beginning of some
of the best times I will ever remember. You have made a very good choice in
choosing Troop 16 and the Boy Scouts of America.
I am very proud of the program offered in Troop 16.
There are a few basic concepts in Scouting that I firmly believe in and
likewise instill in the Troop 16 program. To begin with, the first true
American camper was the American Indian. The Indian culture practiced a
pure conservation of nature, worship of the wildlife creatures that lived
in nature, and an honorable respect for one another. This Indian lore forms
the very basis of the Scouting program that Lord Baden-Powell established
in 1910.
Secondly, I also firmly believe in the Scout Law. Throughout
the year, the Scouts will hear my lectures on the importance of maintaining
the concepts within the 12 points of the Scout Law, since, as I have experienced
in my own life, living the Scout Law makes a man truly successful, respected,
and well-liked. Studies have shown that children throughout their adolescence
are striving for self-identity; and in that search, develop their own character.
The Scouting program provides excellent, positive guidance through developing
self-esteem, responsibility, leadership, self-reliance, an appreciation
of authority and the surrounding environment.
Finally, I just want to stress that Troop 16 is run
by the boys. Although the other parent-volunteer adults and I will offer
guidance, training, and administration, it is the Senior Patrol Leader
and his Council that actually plans and executes the program. This is in
accordance with BSA guidelines, and is very successful. I ask that the
parents keep this in mind when providing support to their sons.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you
in the days and months ahead.
Wayne Magro, Scoutmaster (860) 536-4093
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| New
Members
Welcome, Scout!
Whether you’ve already made the choice
to join our troop or have come to visit as you are considering it, we welcome
you! Let us assure you that you are indeed making the right choice in joining
the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America. You are in for a lot of
fun, a chance to make new friends, opportunities to go camping, the excitement
of being placed in leadership roles, and a lot of fun. Yes, fun is mentioned
twice for a reason. Above all else in scouting, we aim for having a good
time. You will learn many things, but don’t think this is more school.
Do you learn cooking over an open fire in school? How about fishing? Do
they let you carry a pocket knife there? Can you chop wood in your classroom?
Can you decide what you will be taught next year? Probably not on
all those questions. But you can in Scouting. And, along the way
you will learn responsibility and how to be a good citizen.
Many of you may be "bridging-up"
from Cub Scouts and are somewhat aware of what the program entails. Others
may be joining the scouting organization for the first time - and to those
we are very happy for. Either way, we are sure you may have many questions
about scouting and about what the Troop 16 scouting program has to offer.
This section will answer many of those questions. If you have more questions,
do not hesitate to call any of the troop leaders - they will be glad to
help you or will tell you who can help you.
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| Your
Patrol
As soon as you first join, you will
be placed in one of the Troop 16 Patrols. Each of the Patrols contains
several scouts of various ranks. The Patrols are named by the scouts. Assignment
to different Patrols is based primarily on friendships, but based on level
of experience of other Patrol members you may be assigned to another Patrol
to even out the overall experience level of the Patrol members. You will
likely stay in this Patrol for the duration of your membership in Troop
16. Each Patrol has a Patrol leader elected by the members of that Patrol
The Patrol will attend troop meetings, hold Patrol meetings, and attend
campouts and other outings as a unit.
This Patrol concept will quite certainly
be different than that you were accustomed to in Cub Scouts. The Patrol
Leader will be responsible for holding weekly uniform inspections during
the troop meetings, attending "Green Bar" meetings to determine
the troop's annual program and policies, and planning the patrol's participation
in the monthly campout. But don't worry, it is plenty of fun, and the Scoutmaster
will be there to guide you.
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| Uniforms
A "Class A" uniform is
requested for all troop meetings, and it will be inspected at every meeting.
A Class A uniform consists of:
* Scout shirt (long or short sleeve)
* Scout trousers (long or short). Scout socks shall be
worn w/ short pants.
* Scout neckerchief, BSA neckerchief (a Troop 16 neckerchief
is presented to new scouts at the bridging ceremony, or upon registration)
or bolo w/any slide.
* Scout hat is optional and individual patrols may select
a unique hat that identifies with the patrol during troop meetings. An
official BSA-style hat shall be worn at all formal ceremonies and events.
* Any closed-toe shoe or boot.
* Scout belt, and scout socks
A "Class B" uniform may
be prescribed for summer events/meetings or travel to/from scouting events.
It is comprised of the following:
* Scout T-shirt (some Scouting insignia, Scout camp, etc.)
* Scout trousers (long or short).
* Scout hat (individual patrols may select a unique hat
that identifies with the patrol during troop meetings). An official BSA style
hat shall be worn at all formal ceremonies and events.
* Any closed-toe shoe or boot, or sturdy sneakers.
* Scout belt, and scout socks.
Scouts should wear their uniform
for all scouting activities. Encourage your scout to comply. An entire
uniform will be required for courts of honor, and some district, council
and out-of-council events; e.g., summer camp. This includes a Scout
hat, shirt, and scarf as a minimum, and should include Scout-style
pants. The uniform items required, and their appropriate placement, are
indicated in the scout handbook.
The uniform may be purchased from local merchants, currently
Rose City Cycles on Rt 82 in Norwich and Johnson Hardware on Rt 1 in Groton.
There is also a BSA Catalog that sells uniform parts by mail order. If
you have any questions regarding uniforms, ask any adult leader in the
troop.
Troop Uniform Locker
The troop maintains a collection of "slightly experienced"
uniforms, particularly trousers and shorts that younger scouts may have
grown out of and donated to the troop. If you are interested in browsing
through our uniform locker, contact Mr. Poole. Note: If for any reason
a scout is unable to afford such a uniform the troop will help arrange
for one. A note, signed by the scout's parents or guardian, stating financial
circumstances should be presented privately to the Scoutmaster or troop
committee chairman. Personal details will of course remain confidential.
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| Troop
Background
Chartered Organization
The chartered organization is a community
organization that is granted a charter by the BSA to operate a troop for
1 year. At the end of the year, they can renew the charter.
The chartered organization for Troop
16 is the First Congregational Church of Ledyard. Troop 16 has enjoyed
an excellent and very supportive relationship with the Church for over
50 years. The Church is unmistakably located in the center of town on Route
117, a landmark for more than 150 years. Much of the troop's property,
including patrol and adult camping chuck boxes, flags, and library is stored
at the church.
The Chartered Organization Representative
for Troop 16 is Mr. Jim Seaton. Mr. Seaton's role is to provide liaison
between the troop and the church when appropriate.
The Rechartering Process
You will most likely only hear the
term "rechartering" once a year. The troop is required to recharter
with the Connecticut Rivers Council in January. At that time, the troop
will pay for your annual dues (if you were active and kept your weekly
dues current). This fee is normally paid for by the troop, and includes
a basic insurance policy for sponsored BSA activities, including transportation
to an from them. You will also receive a phone call from the troop committee
or your patrol advisor to verify your desires to receive the Boy's Life
magazine. That information is submitted to the Council during rechartering
by the Troop Committee Chairman.
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| Troop
Organization
|
| Troop
Leadership
The Troop's Youth Leaders
The troop is actually run by its
boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they
plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among
their peers.
Junior Leader Positions
l Senior Patrol Leader
- top junior leader in the troop. He leads the Patrol leaders' council
and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders
and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.
l Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader - fills in for the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence. He is
also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster,
scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors or troop guides.
l Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
- a Scout 16 years or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders
as assigned by the Scoutmaster.
l Troop Guide - advisor
and guide to all new scouts in their advancement.
l Patrol Leader -
gives leadership to members of his Patrol and represents them on the Patrol
Leaders' Council.
l Assistant Patrol Leader
- fills in for the Patrol Leader in his absence.
l Venture Crew Chief
- leader of a troop's Venture crew.
l Varsity Team Captain
- leader of a troop's Varsity team.
l Den Chief - works
with a Cub Scout den as a guide.
l Quartermaster -
responsible for troop supplies and equipment.
l Librarian - keeps
troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor
list available for use by troop members.
l Scribe - prepares
the newsletter.
l Historian – keeps
a history of troop activities and prepares newspaper releases.
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| The Patrol Leaders' Council
The Patrol Leaders' Council, also
known as the Green Bar, not the adult leaders, is responsible for
planning and conducting the troop's activities. The Patrol Leaders' Council
is composed of the following voting members: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and if assigned the Venture Crew
Chief, and Varsity Team Captain.
The troop's activities are selected
and planned at the annual program planning conference. Troop 16's annual
program planning conference typically takes place in June. The troop's
yearly plan is then submitted to the troop committee for approval. The
troop committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions
for the Patrol Leaders' Council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the
Patrol Leaders' Council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities
for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the Patrol
Leaders' Council through the Scoutmaster.
Again, the troop's primary form of
leadership is scout leadership. On a semi-annual basis, the troop membership
votes for its leader called the Senior Patrol Leader. This scout shoulders
the greatest amount of responsibility, and is vested the greatest authority
in carrying out those responsibilities.
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| The Troop's Adult
Leaders
The Troop Committee
The troop committee supports the
troop program. It performs all administrative tasks necessary to keep the
troop moving ahead within the guidelines of the BSA. The troop committee
is responsible for several functions, such as providing a meeting facility,
managing finances, caring for troop property, and ensuring an adequate
outdoor and camping program.
The troop committee meets on a monthly
basis, either at a committee member's house or at the Ledyard Congregational
Church. The meeting is scheduled at least one month ahead, and usually
follows a District Roundtable that is typically held the first Wednesday
of the month.
Several positions are staffed in
the committee. The Committee Chairman works with the chartered organization,
Scoutmaster, leaders and committee members to coordinate the entire program
and operation. The Secretary keeps meeting minutes, publicity and
other correspondence. The Treasurer handles all troop funds, including
checking and savings accounts record keeping and funds disbursements. The
Advancement Chairperson maintains records of Scout rank advancement
and merit badge counselors. The Fundraising Chairperson coordinates
fundraising efforts.
The committee is also responsible
for ensuring operations conform to the Troop 16 By-laws, and making any
necessary changes to them. Copies of the By-laws are available from the
Committee Chairman. All specific areas related to the individual scout
are covered in this booklet.
Committee meetings are normally held
on the second Tuesday of each month at the Ledyard Congregational Church,
and are always open to interested parents. The meetings are an outstanding
means to find out what is happening 'behind the scenes' in the troop, or
to raise any issue related to the operation or policies of the troop.
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| The Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader
responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and
his assistant scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance
of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his
guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.
The Scoutmaster can be male or female,
but must be at least 21 years old. The head of the chartered organization
appoints the Scoutmaster.
The Scoutmaster's duties include:
General
* Train and guide boy leaders.
* Work with other responsible adults to bring scouting
to boys.
* Use the methods of scouting to achieve the aims of scouting.
Meetings
* Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders' Council for
training and coordination in planning troop activities.
* Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange
for a qualified adult substitute.
* Attend troop committee meetings.
* Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program
and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
* Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform
inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.
Guidance
* Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.
* Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members
and see that they are promptly registered.
* Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants,
troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
* Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.
Activities
* Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least
10 days and nights of camping each year.
* Participate in council and district events.
* Build a strong program by using proven methods presented
in Scouting literature.
* Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe
conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy
Scouts of America.
As you see, the Scoutmaster has many responsibilities
- to help him there are Assistant Scoutmasters.
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Assistant Scoutmasters
To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster,
with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits Assistant Scoutmasters
to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific
program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required
Youth Protection and two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts
of America (there must be at least two adults present at any Boy Scout
activity). An Assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one
in each troop should be 21 or older, so he or she can serve in the Scoutmaster's
absence.
Types of Assistant Scoutmasters may
include Leadership Advisor, Patrol Advisor, Venture or Varsity Advisors.
The monthly coordinator is the Assistant
Scoutmaster or other committee member responsible for coordinating the
troop activities for a selected month. The monthly troop activities typically
include weekly meetings, an outing, and a troop committee meeting. The
level of planning and work involved in each month's activities varies considerably
so the monthly coordinator should make full use of the skills and experience
of the other adult leaders in the troop. The monthly coordinator is not
responsible for running the months activities, but rather for coordinating
their execution. The following are general guidelines for volunteer monthly
coordinators:
1. Meet with the SPL (and scoutmaster) or Green Bar far
enough in advance of the selected month to identify specific activities
requested or required by the troop.
2. Identify presentations or activities to be conducted
during the monthly meetings that correspond to the month's theme or campout
and coordinate their scheduling with the SPL. This may include recruiting
an expert on a topic -- the woodcarving demo is an example, or it may include
giving advice to the SPL at how the scouts should conduct a topic -- knots
and lashings, or last Oct cooking demo's for example.
3. Provide information on the month's outing to the troop
far enough in advance of the activity so that adequate planning time is
available. Typically, the first Monday of the month is reserved for this.
Ensure that activity planning forms (Tour permits signed and filed) and
permission slips are prepared and provided to the troop so that they can
be completed before the scheduled activity.
4. Provide a summary of the planned month's activities
at the Troop Committee meeting before the scheduled month. Provide a summary
of the results of the month's activities at the Troop Committee meeting
after the scheduled month. Host the Troop Committee meeting for the scheduled
month.
The success of Troop 16 is based
heavily upon the active involvement of its parents and other interested
adults. There is no such thing as "enough adult leadership".
If you are interested in being involved in the program with your son, please
do so! You don't need to have been a scout when you were younger, you just
need to have an open mind and be willing to help boys learn about the world,
themselves, and how to have fun.
See the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman for a
form to sign-up!
| Patrols
The scout troop is made up of Patrols.
A Patrol is typically a grouping of six to eight boys who work together.
Each Patrol elects its own boy leader, called a Patrol Leader.
It is the practice of Troop 16 to assign new scouts to
one of existing Patrols so that they can work with the experienced scouts
as soon as possible. The assignment of scouts to a Patrol is based primarily
on friendships - the troop tries to keep scouts that are close friends
together in the same Patrol. However, based on the level of experience
of the members in a Patrol the new scout patrol may be assigned to a Patrol
Leader to help the junior scouts get started with the scouting program.
Venture crews are made up of boys
who are age 13 and older who want more challenging high-adventure experiences.
Varsity teams are made up of boys
who are age 13 and older who want team sport activities.
Both Varsity and Venture Scouting
activities may include the participation of girls, but the young women
may not register as crew or team members. When girls participate in Venture
and Varsity activities, a woman 21 years of age or older must be present
along with the adult male leader.
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| Troop
16 Organization
The Troop 16 Patrols include:
The number of scouts in a Patrol
will vary but a target is to have no more than 8 scouts in a Patrol. There
are times when there are more than 8 scouts but experience indicates that
not all the scouts will be active. The goal is to have each Patrol composed
of a mixture of scouts with different levels of experience and with sufficient
active members that it can operate as an independent unit on campouts and
other outdoor activities. The senior scouts in the Patrol provide an example
to the younger scouts and have the benefit of experience. The senior scouts
help the younger scouts advance through the scout ranks as they grow in
maturity.
The Senior Patrol Leader and his
assistants may compete in activities as the Leadership, or may be assigned
to individual patrols to even sides. On campouts they will camp and cook
together.
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| Troop
Finances
Troop 16 maintains a financially
sound budget by income generated through three methods: dues, fundraising
events and corporate assistance programs.
Dues
Dues are $1.00 per week. Troop 16's
scouts can pay their dues weekly at the troop meetings. The meeting on
the first Monday of each month is usually designated an administrative
meeting, and it is at this meeting that notification of back dues is made.
The dues go towards a number of troop expenses that are budgeted for each
year, including the scouts' annual registration fees, rank and merit badges
and other awards and other operation costs. One important note is that
the scout cannot be advanced in rank without his dues being kept current.
If a scout does not attend weekly meetings, he is still expected to pay
dues. If a scout is going to become inactive for some period of time, for
whatever reason, he can be placed on the inactive list, by contacting the
Scoutmaster. In this status, the scout is still a member of the troop but
is not required to pay dues.
Fundraising Events / Corporate Assistance
Troop 16 usually conducts at least
one fundraising event each year, being the popular scout popcorn program
that takes place in November. The troop has conducted other successful
fundraising events through the years, such as Christmas wreaths. Additionally,
local corporations such as Pfizer have contributed to the troops operations
through grants. For more information on this effort, please contact the
Committee Chairman.
Scout Savings Program
On certain fundraising efforts, the
troop committee may approve a portion of the profits to be credited back
to the individual scout's savings account maintained by the troop Treasurer.
This has been found to motivate the scout to sell more products, while
directly helping him save for scout expenses such as the Summer Camp Program.
See the Committee Chairman or the troop Treasurer for more information
on this program.
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Meetings
Troop 16 holds its meetings every Monday night, except
those that fall on days that the Ledyard school system does not have classes,
such as holidays and breaks. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. sharp and are
concluded at 8:30 p.m. However, scouts are strongly encouraged to arrive
at 6:30 to take care of business, such as getting signatures for rank advancement
requirements from the troop guides. At this time also, work is done on
merit badges with the respective merit badge counselors. The Patrol assigned
to setting up the meeting should arrive no later than 6:30. In accordance
with BSA guidelines, the meetings consist of seven distinct segments. After
the pre-meeting activities described above, the Senior Patrol Leader calls
the meeting to order, and requests the scouts fall into their respective
ranks behind their Patrol leader. Once in order, an opening ceremony, usually
a flag ceremony is conducted. (Parents - be aware if your scout's Patrol
is assigned the opening ceremony for the month... the scouts must be in
Class A uniform!) Next, a uniform inspection is conducted. Following the
inspection, a program is presented that follows a monthly theme. The fourth
phase of the meeting is called "Patrol Corners," a time during
which the Patrol members discuss business, such as planning the meals for
the next camp out. The fifth meeting phase that frequently occurs is some
friendly form of competition, such as a scout game that can be conducted
indoors. The next part of the meeting, typically happens at about 8:20,
being announcements. This is an important time, an parents are encouraged
to come early to pick up the scouts in order to personally listen in on
the announcements. In closing, the Scoutmaster will talk to the scouts
during a time called the Scoutmaster's Minute. He will usually have a tale
to tell or take this time to reinforce to the boys the importance of being
a scout. Immediately following, the Senior Patrol Leader will lead a closing
ceremony, typically a living circle will be formed (joining hands, right
arm over left). Everyone in the room is encouraged to join in!
| Court
of Honor
On a quarterly basis, a "Court
of Honor" is held to recognize those scouts that have earned rank
advancement, merit badges, or other awards during the preceding period.
It is very important that parents make every effort to attend this ceremony,
as it is a special time that your son will be recognized for his hard work.
The parents will be called forward to stand with their son while he receives
the award - you wouldn't want him to be the only one standing there without
a proud parent behind him!
Depending on the number of awards
distributed, the Court of Honor is usually a shorter meeting. It is a great
time to hear the Scoutmaster's announcements, and an opportunity to speak
with other parents or adult leaders regarding any questions or concerns
you may have.
All scouts are asked to contribute
a small plate of desserts. A couple of Patrols will be asked by the Senior
Patrol Leader (SPL) to bring soft drinks, cups, or napkins to the meeting.
If your son does not mention any requirements as to what to bring, please
ask him.
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| Outings
 Most
boys join scouting solely to have fun in the outdoors. Troop 16 provides
for an outstanding outdoor program through organizing a monthly campout
or combination hike/campout at several possible area State Parks, troop
campsite, or other camping areas. If there is sufficient attendance, most
campouts are organized at the Patrol level. During the Patrol corners portion
of the weekly meeting, scouts arrange attendance, meals, and transportation
for the Patrol members and their chuck box (see below) to each campout.
A scout in the Patrol volunteers to purchase the agreed-upon meal courses,
and determine a cost-per-scout for the campout. It should be noted that
if a scout commits to attend the campout and fails to follow through, he
is still responsible to pay his share of the food eaten or uneaten.
Equipment Provided by the Scout
The equipment that the scout should
bring to each campout is laid out in full detail in the scout handbook.
As the troop does not provide tents, the scout should either obtain one
(rent, buy, borrow), or arrange to share a tent with a fellow patrol member.
If none of these options are possible, the scout or his parents should
discuss the situation with the Scoutmaster. Many solutions are possible.
One item not adequately addressed
in the scout handbook that will be emphasized here is that the scout
should bring clothing and sleeping gear appropriate for the expected weather
conditions. If rain is predicted, the scout should bring a raincoat
and extra footwear, as it will get soaked. If cold is predicted, the scout
should bring multiple layers of warm, dry clothes to adjust to the conditions.
Gloves, hat, boots, and thermal underwear should definitely be considered.
Troop 16 has been on many overnighters that temperatures have plunged well
below freezing, in fact well below zero, and that's not counting the wind
chill. No Scout will be ridiculed for overdressing, but he will
suffer if he is under dressed.
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Key items to remember
to bring are a mess kit (with utensils), cup, flashlight, dry tinder for
fire starter, and a comfortable sleeping bag. 
Equipment Provided by the Troop
On all campouts, Troop 16 adult leadership
will bring along everything necessary to clean patrol cooking equipment
- two large wash basins, soap, a metal pot scrubber, and a large propane
stove to heat the water. The troop will also provide saws, axes, shovels,
and any other tools not carried in the Patrol chuck boxes.
The Chuck Box
The troop supplies each Patrol with
a large box with a propane stove, a chef's kit, a grate, and a cook kit.
The Patrol is responsible to stock the consumable items
in the chuck box such as the following list:
o Strike
anywhere matches o
Dish Towels
o Foil
o Paper Bags o
Scotch Brite pads
o Fire
Starters o Ziplock
Bags o Pot holders/gloves
o Salt
& Pepper o
Paper Towels o
1 pair pliers
o Large
Bowl o Knife Sharpener
o Griddle
o Plastic
Utensils o Dish
Cloth o Garbage
Bags
In addition to these items, the Patrol is responsible
for maintaining and replenishing the necessary propane to operate the stove.
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| Advancements
Two of these ranks are out of order...
Can you tell which ones? Read on, and you'll find out.
The advancement program is the most
vital tool available in scouting to stimulate the scout's personal growth.
Parents must keep this concept firmly in mind as their boy progresses along
in his scouting career.
The first step in the advancement
path is achieving the Boy Scout rank. This is relatively simple, but it
lays the groundwork for what is to come. The boy must show an understanding
of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, handshake, and the unique characteristics
of his new Patrol. A very important part of earning this requirement is
that the parents review the Child and Drug Abuse pamphlet in the front
of the scout handbook with you son. Even if you 'kind of' remember reading
it when your son was a Cub Scout, read it again!
If your son stays active in the scouting
program, the requirements for the next three ranks, Tenderfoot (we call
it Third Class), Second and First Class will likely take him the next year
to achieve. A few important items about achieving these ranks: first, all
requirements for these ranks can be accomplished and signed off in any
order by a Troop Guide; however, the ranks must be awarded in order. Second,
the scout must take the initiative to thoroughly review the scout
handbook section referenced in the requirement. Third, the scout must approach
a troop guide before a meeting starts or at a campout to be reviewed or
instructed further on the requirement and signed off as complete. Finally,
to advance, the scout must have been active in the troop, meaning at least
50% attendance at both meetings and outings; and be paid up on dues prior
to the Scoutmaster’s Conference.
For the other ranks (Star, Life and
Eagle) an Assistant Scoutmaster should do sign offs. (By the way, the last
two badges, Life and Star are out of order.)
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Merit Badges
Merit badges are badges awarded to scouts for fulfilling
requirements in specific fields of interest. There are more than a hundred
merit badges scouts can earn, in subject areas that include careers, sports,
hobbies, and scouting skills. Merit badges can guide a scout toward a career,
enrich his leisure life, hone his fitness, enhance his ability to help
others, and stimulate his personal growth.
A scout earns a merit badge by working with an adult counselor,
an expert in the chosen subject, who is on a list maintained by the troop
or on the District Web Page. The scout should first get a "Blue Card"
application from the Scoutmaster. Then the scout, along with a buddy (one-on-one
counseling is prohibited by BSA), makes an appointment with the counselor
and works on the merit badge with him during one to many visits depending
on the badge requirements. Many merit badges are available from the adults
who regularly attend Troop 16 meetings.
Troop 16 maintains a comprehensive library of merit badge
requirement booklets. If a scout is interested, and he should be if he
wants to progress through the more senior ranks, he should check out one
or more of the requirement booklets from the Troop Librarian. If he wants
to then work towards that merit badge, he should look at the troop list
of merit badge counselors maintained on the bulletin board to find the
adult who volunteered to be assigned to the merit badge. It is important
to note here that in order to earn a merit badge, the scout must be self
motivated and diligently work towards completing the requirements of the
badge. The counselors will not chase a scout down to encourage him to complete
his work. Most counselors are very busy with other troop administrative
or leadership duties to keep up with the scout's progress in a badge at
all times. Parents should keep aware of this and help to remind their son
to keep working on the badge!
| Troop
Campsite
Troop 16's campsite is directly located off of Route 117,
about 3/4 of a mile north of Route 214 (entrance is about 100 feet south
of Church Hill Rd.) The campsite is actually on the grounds of the Ledyard
Congregational Church's parsonage property.
The troop was given access to this property starting in
1987. Since that time, the scouts have labored at clearing the drive up
to the site; however, it is still quite rugged. In 1995, a flat-roofed
pavilion was constructed with funds and materials donated by local companies
and organizations. This shelter serves as the adult headquarters. The scout
patrols each have their own patrol campsite where they pitch their tents,
cook their meals, and maintain patrol camp fires.
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| Ready,
Set, Go!
 Well,
that's about all you need to know about Troop 16's program. Again, we are
very proud of the program presented here in Ledyard. The troop's success
depends heavily on both boys looking for some adventure, education, and
fun; as well as the voluntary efforts of many parents and adults. We strive
to get down to business during meetings, and strive for a lot of exercise
and fun during our outings. If that sounds interesting to you or your son,
go ahead and join!
Finally, if you have any questions,
talk to any adult leader at the meetings, or call the Scoutmaster at home.
We sincerely look forward to working with your son(s), and helping them
to grow up understanding the importance of leadership, respect, and responsibility.
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