New Scout Orientation

1. Our Troop

• Troop (Unit) 71, Plandome, NY

• Theodore Roosevelt Council / Shelter Rock District

2. Leadership

    A.    Scout Leadership

• Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

• Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL)

• Patrol Leader: leads Patrol of Scouts

• Troop Guides: guide new Scouts with transition into Troop

• Other Positions of Responsibility

  • Practice Patrol Method

    B.    Adult Leadership

• Scoutmaster

• Assistant Scoutmasters

3. Advancement: Two main ways to advance

    A.    Rank: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle

• Each rank has requirements located in the Scout Handbook

• Read the materials for each requirement and "be prepared" to do as instructed with Scout or Adult Leaders

• Get requirements signed off: Star, Life and Eagle can only be signed off by Scoutmaster; all other rank requirements can be signed off by Senior Patrol, Troop Guides, Instructors, Patrol Leaders (First Class or above only), Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters

• Once requirements are done, ask Scoutmaster for Conference and Board of Review a week before Advancement Night

• Awarded at Court of Honor

• Family members cannot sign off

• Ask for assistance from leaders

• Keep track of camping, events and service

    B.    Merit Badges

• Over 130 covering variety of different topics

•  21 badges needed for Eagle Rank (including 13 required badges)

• Can be earned anytime; on own, at council or summer camp

• The Blue Card: ask Scoutmaster for blue card and Merit Badge Counselor contact info

• Awarded at Court of Honor

4. Troop Activities

    A.    Troop Meetings

• • Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:45 when public school open

  • Opportunity to work on ranks, practice skills, play games, compete, watch presentations, etc.

  • Check weekly agenda; Service Patrol duties

  • Bring Scout Handbook

  • Attendance taken

    B.    Camping

• • Weekend: usually Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

  • Summer Camp: one week

    C.    Community Service

• • Announced throughout year

  • Often Eagle Service Projects

    D.    Other Events

• • Annual Dinner, Day Hikes, Museums, High Adventure, etc.

5.    Miscellaneous

• • Scout Handbook: label inside and out; get cover; bring to meetings; read ahead

  • Scout Binder: keep track of Rank and Merit Badge cards in clear slots

• Uniform: Class A vs. Class B; wear neckerchief over collar; how not to lose slide

• Practice skills always

• Borrow gear if need be; label gear and clothes with permanent marker

• Do for yourself, but get help from Scouts

• Check website (www.plandometroop71.com)