Volume 1 | Issue 3 | Sarah Lindegren
From the Scoutmaster
A SCOUT IS…..LOYAL
July is one of my favorite months in scouting. Yes, it seems like it’s a million degrees outside and our skin feels like it’s melting, but we get to celebrate our country and go to summer camp. WE GET TO GO TO SUMMER CAMP!
July gives us an opportunity to show our loyalty, not only to our country, but also to each other. One thing I love about Scouting – no matter where I am in the world and what I’m doing, I can always find someone who is passionate about scouting. We bond over the shared values, ideals, and experiences we’ve had in this program. We’re part of one big scouting family. Our boys may not realize it now, but as they venture out into life, they’ll find people along the way who recognize the value of a loyal scout and that could make all the difference!
How Does Troop 111 Track Advancement?
One of the common questions we get in Troop 111 is how we track advancement. The answer is somewhat complex and mulit-faceted, but once you get the hang of it, it really is quite a simple process. Because of some challenges we’ve faced through the years and the many questions we get from families, I thought it might help to break it down a bit.
First, Scouting America breaks advancement down into four steps: 1) a Scout learns, 2) a Scout is tested, 3) a Scout is reviewed, and 4) a Scout is recognized. They’ll learn a skill and will be tested by both their peers during activities and by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to get a requirement signed off. When we sign it off, we’ll sign it in their handbook, which is the Scout’s primary record book.
We use Scoutbook as a secondary resource. It helps us communicate with the Troop Committee so they have an accurate record for Boards of Review and Courts of Honor. It also is the “official” record for Scouting America, so we also try to update Scoutbook often. This doesn’t always happen real-time, but the Scoutmaster will always ensure a Scout’s record in Scoutbook is updated prior to their Board of Review.
Here are some things we need families to keep in mind:
Parents or family members should never sign off on a Scout’s requirements, either in their handbook or in Scoutbook. Adult…interaction is one of the methods we use in Scouting. We work with our youth to make them confident in advocating for themselves, both in scouting and in life. When a parent steps in, it can sometimes short-circuit that learning process.
Second, Scouts should be the ones communicating their needs to Troop adults. When the emails come from them, we know they’re involved and invested in the process. When they’re invested, they work hard and can be proud of their accomplishments.
Finally, advancement isn’t a race. We try to emphasize it’s not about achieving the skill, it’s what they learn in the process. Just because you’ve done first aid requirements doesn’t mean you shouldn’t participate, learn a new technique or teach a younger scout the same skill. Just like elite military units, continual training means when the going gets tough, their skills will be second-nature and their coolness under pressure will be a testament to their hard work and dedication to the program.
Safety Moment
Gaga Ball. It’s one of the highlights of the Scout’s summer camp experience. They play at our meeting place. It’s fast-paced, dirty, and it’s all the rage in Scouting. It can also get a little competitive, but it’s a great way to pass the time when the electronics are on holiday.
Before you jump in the octagonal pit, remember these few things:
- An adult “referee” must always be present before a game can begin.
- Hit the ball with an open hand, not a closed fist and no head shots!
- Play by the rules. A Scout is obedient!
Troop 111 Who’s Who?
The Troop organization can be kind of confusing, especially when we say things like “It’s boy-led!”. What does that mean and who is really in charge? Who do you contact when you need something? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!
The simple answer is in the diagram above. It’s simply laid out and gives you a large overview of the chain of command of the Troop.
This month, we’re focusing on the big picture – the organization as a whole and what roles are important to the Troop’s function and success. In the next several months, we’ll spotlight each role and give a little more insight into each one, from the Key 3 all the way down to the Bugler.
Here’s the bottom line: the more people we have in these positions, the better the organization functions. Each position – whether it’s an adult on the committee or a youth on the patrol leaders council – is unique and a learning experience for the person who serves. We learn that sometimes leading isn’t fun. Sometimes it’s hard work! But with the willing service and support of everyone in our unit, we can have a unit we can be really proud of.
Next month’s spotlight: the Committee Chair. Stay tuned!
Plan Ahead and Prepare…
If you’ve been in Scouting long enough, you probably have a closet full of pant legs that do not match any set of Scout convertible pants/shorts. I know we do, no matter how hard we’ve tried to keep things together.
Here’s what you can do to help the situation while your Scout is packing for summer camp. Label everything – books, pants, troop shirts that look exactly like everyone else’s shirts. Label them. Socks? Probably don’t label them. You won’t want them back anyway. Trust me on that!
July Events
- 30 June: Troop Patrol Leader’s Council
- 1 July: Troop Meeting & Summer Camp Shakedown
- 6-12 July: Summer Camp @ Camp Shenandoah
Looking for a Way to Get Involved?
The troop can’t function without the efforts of involved adults. If you’re looking to jump in, consider these areas as a starting place:
- Court of Honor coordinator
- Troop Committee Secretary
- Outdoor Activities Coordinator
- Fundraising
Contact the Troop Committee Chair for more information
A Final Word…
Google the word loyalty and you’ll get a million different stories. Every culture has one. One of my favorites is the story of the unknown scout. The story goes like this:
In 1909, American publisher William D. Boyce was wandering the street s of London on a typically fall, foggy evening in search of an office in the city center. Nearly at his wit’s end, he stopped and asked a young boy for directions . Not only did the boy give him directions, but he stayed with Boyce and led him to his destination himself. When Boyce tried to show his gratitude by giving the boy a tip, the boy declined. When asked why, the young man told Boyce he was a Boy Scout and taking a tip would negate the good deed he had done and violate his Scouting code.
That young man’s loyalty to a stranger and to the Scouting code impressed Boyce. The result was the beginning of the movement here in the United States. Bottom line : loyalty makes a difference!