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New Parents

Hints for Parents of Boy Scouts NEW to Troop 418
TROOP 418 is a “Scout-Run” troop!  Our scouts learn to take control of their scouting experience.
SCOUTS take the lead on knowing what activities are coming up, getting requirements signed off and cards turned in.  We ask for our parents to be advisors and help oversee our Scouts.  All registered adults in Troop 418 are required to participate in a minimum of 2 activities during the year.  To learn how you can get involved, please see Troop 418 Scout Parent Coordinators, Susanna Bell or Carrie Fuhr.
Click here for Troop 418 Introduction and Orientation.

Important Web Sites
Uniforms
  • Full Class A (Field):  Scout Shirt, Scout Belt, Neckerchief, Scout Pants, Boots ( no tennis shoes), Merit Badge Sash – Wear to formal Troop Events, Board of Review, & Court of Honor
  • Class A (Field): Scout Shirt, Scout Belt, Scout Pants, Boots – Wear to Troop meetings
  • Neckerchief not required for camping
  • Badges/patches:  Troop number, Council Patch, US Flag, Rank – See Scout handbook for placement and application of other badges/patches to Scout Shirt
  • Class B: Scout T-shirt from Troop or other Scouting activity – During camping, summer camp and other scouting activities
To find out more about Uniforms, check out Troop 418 website – About Troop 418 – FAQ
Merit Badges (MB)
  • Scout requests BLUE CARD and a Merit Badge Counselor to work with from the Scoutmaster.
  • Scout meets with MB Counselor and works on requirements.
  • Counselor signs off on completed requirements.
  • Scout obtains sign off from Scoutmaster.
  • Scout turns in signed card to the Advancement Chair.
  • Parent Hint:  make a photocopy of the blue cards. Originals store perfectly in baseball card vinyl sheets in a 3-ring binder.
To find out more about Merit Badges, check out Troop 418 website – Just for Scouts, advancements.
Rank Requirements
  • Scout completes requirements and obtains sign off from Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), his assistants (ASPL), Patrol Leaders (PL), Scoutmaster, or Assistant Scoutmasters.
  • Scout requests Scoutmaster Conference once all requirements are met and signed off.
  • Scout notifies the Troop that he is ready for his Board of Review (BoR).
  • Troop schedules the BoR, 
  • Parent Hint:  parents must volunteer for BoRs.    You will be provided questions to ask until you get the hang of it.
  • Scout presents his signed book and should be in Full uniform at his BoR.
  • Scout notifies Advancement Chair after successfully completing his BoR.
  • Parent Hint:  make a photocopy of the signed pages in the Scout Book and, when awarded, the Rank Advancement Card.  Keep copies with Blue Card copies and originals with Blue Cards originals.
To find out more about Rank Requirements, refer to Scout Handbook or check out Troop 418 website  – Just for Scouts – advancements.
 
Medical Forms and Permission Slips
  • Medical Forms:  A copy has to be turned in each year.  Keep original.  Medical conditions, vaccinations and insurance information are critical.  If the Scout is going in for a physical or health assessment, take along a BSA medical form to be filled out.  If any changes occur, please inform Scoutmaster.   Any medication to be taken by scout for any camp out or event needs to be in original bottle and provided to adult attending the event to administered to the scout.
  • Activity Consent Form:   Fill out completely.  Have Scout fill out and hand to you to verify and sign.
Medical Form and Permission Slip can be located on Troop 418 website – Just For Scouts – Forms
 
Outside Activity Hints
  • Put clothes in Ziploc-type bags to keep clean and dry.  Usually 1 day per bag.  (It’s nice when they come back, know what is clean and what is not). 
  • Regular tennis shoes don’t work for hiking, camping, and outdoor wet/cold weather activities.  Pack extra dry socks (not cotton). 
  • Select clothing that wicks away moisture.  Cotton holds moisture and loses ability to insulate.  Cotton t-shirts can work during the summer. 
  • Cold Weather Outdoor activities: No Jeans or Sweat Pants. No cotton clothing. No tennis shoes.
 
Camping Hints
  • Scouts will create a food budget based on the number of scouts signed up in their patrol and the schedule from the Event Leader.   General per scout guidelines are $3 for breakfast, $4 for lunch and $5 for dinner.
  • Scouts will create an appropriate menu and grocery shopping list (including quantities and other details).
  • Scouts should participate and lead the food shopping activity but parents should guide as such:
  • Stay within budget.
  • Know what your storage and transportation limitations will be (weight, food safety, waste).
  • Don’t overbuy, especially just to get a better price (including condiments).
  • Packets to mix in water for drinks are preferred over premixed drinks
 
More camping information can be located on Troop 418 website – Just for Scouts – Camping
 
Parent Fun and Participation – How you can support your son and the Troop
  • Attend and participate in the monthly Committee/Adult Meeting on the 1st Monday of the month.
  • Troop 418 requires that all registered adult leaders participate in a minimum of 2 activities per scout year.
  • Attend the Troop’s Court of Honor ceremonies for Recognition of our Scout’s Achievements.  It is important to the Scouts.
  • Come on camp outs and other activities but remember you are there only to guide, protect, and have fun. Let the boys learn new skills on their own.  Need minimum 2 adults (1 Trained Leader), prefer at least 3 adults.
  • Board of Reviews:  3 adults, other than Scoutmasters, are needed for review panel for rank advancements.  Easy and great way to meet your son’s friends and learn more about Scouting.
  • Become a Merit Badge Counselor.  There are many merit badges to choose from; you should be able to find one that you have the skills or knowledge about.  No cost to register.
All adults participating in scout events need to take on-line training – Youth Protection.  See Troop site (Resources, Training) for link.
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