"Important Stuff" to know about the Troop
Scouts and parents ... please take time to read the following about Troop 356
Troop 356
Below ... is a photo of where the patches go. Click the photo and see a bigger picture.
Becoming a Boy Scout
A graduating Webelo Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has completed the Boy Scout joining requirements. With the approval of his Scoutmaster, he will receive the Boy Scout badge upon joining the troop.
For the Webelos that did not earn the Arrow of Light Award and boys joining the Boy Scouts, on page 4 of the Boy Scout Handbook, the requirements are listed.
When the scout has completed these requirements, Scoutmaster Bob Edwards will give him a certificate of membership, and he can wear the badge and uniform that show that he is a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
Attendance Policy
A Scout must attend a minimun 75 percent of Troop meetings and 50 percent of campouts in order to advance in rank and hold position in the Troop. If a Scout has conflicts with Troop meetings and campouts due to school, church, or recreational events (ie, sports, band, clubs, or teams), he will need to submit these dates in writing to the Records Chair person, asking to be excused from attendance policy on these dates and stating the reason. This will need to be submitted prior to the dates in order to be excused. Also, if there is a problem meeting the attendance policy due to parental visitations, please discuss this with the Records Chair person, in order to make sure the dates are excused.
Troop Meetings
Troop meetings are held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church (PCUMC) on Mondays, from 7:00pm- 8:15pm.
Troop 356
Our troop is comprised of scouts, ages 11 to 18 years old. A Scoutmaster (Bob Edwards), Adult leaders, and Committee members.
Our troop is divided into three patrols. As a new scout joins, they are assigned to a Patrol.
Dues
A Scout must be current on his dues (4 dollars per month) in order to advance in rank and hold position in the Troop.
Uniform
A Scout must wear his Scout uniform as directed by his Scoutmaster (Class A to troop meetings and Court of Honor ..... Class B to Troop meetings in Summer only) a minimum 75 percent of all Troop meetings in order to advance in rank and hold a position in the Troop.
Patrol Leaders' Council
The activities of our troop are planned by a Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) made up of our Patrol Leaders, Senior Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, and other troop leaders. The PLC discusses future meetings and outings for the whole troop. Our Patrol Leader shares ideas that have come from the scouts in each patrol. The PLC considers the suggestions and needs of all the Scouts, then maps out activities for the troop.
Scoutmaster Conference
After a boy finishes the Boy Scout joining requirements, Scoutmaster Bob Edwards, will want to have a conference with him. Bob will also sit down with him after he finishes the requirements for each rank. These Scoutmaster Conferences are opportunities for him to review how he is doing and to look ahead with Scoutmaster Bob toward what happens next in his life as a Scout. He can ask questions, share what he likes about being a Scout, and together figure out ways it can be even better. These Scoutmaster Conferences are held at weekly meetings and Bob should be made aware the week before, if possible.
Board of Review
Once a Scout has accomplished all requirements for a Rank, (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, or Eagle Scout) and have completed a Scoutmaster Conference, a Board of Review will be arranged for him. The review board is made up of members of the Troop Committee. The purpose of the review is to give the Scout the opportunity to talk about how he is getting along in the troop. Also to review the requirements for the rank he is progressing to, (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, or Eagle Scout) to ensure that they have been met. Boards of Review are only offered on the 3rd weekly meeting of each month. The Scout must schedule an appointment with Mr. John Land (Board of Review, chairperson) one week in advance.
Court of Honor
A Court of Honor is an impressive formal ceremony to recognize you and your fellow Scouts for rank advancements. This event is held with an audience of family, friends, chartered organization officials, and troop leaders. We usually have ours at Hopwell United Methodist Church which is located at 1993 Lee Rd. 136 Opelika. Each Scout is in charge of bringing a dish(s) that will be enough to feed his invited guests. Each Patrol is in charge of a certain food grouping. Such as; Meats, Side Dishes, Bread, and Desserts. Older Scouts in the Patrols will be assigned; Soft-drinks, cups, plates, plastic ware, napkins, and ice.
NOTE: A map of where Hopewell United Methodist Church is located, can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
Scouts Driving
Upon acquiring a valid driver's license, a Scout may drive himself to Scouting events, such as campouts (with his parent's permission) He can only transport himself and not other Scouts. Transportation for other Scouts is made available through our Transportation Chair person.
Troop Camping and Activities
On all campouts, with the exception of *Torbert's Lake campouts, we will meet at PCUMC at 5:00pm. on Fridays and return to PCUMC, Sunday between 10:00am and Noon. All scouts going on campouts should bring clothes appropriate to the season.
What should you take with you?
A check list can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook which covers the essentials. If you are unsure on what to bring and what the troop supplies on these campouts.......please ask an Adult Leader at a weekly meeting.
* On Torbert's Lake campouts, all Scouts meet on Friday 5:00pm at the lake, and are to be picked-up at the lake, as soon as the troop is dismissed from the weekend outing.
Ranks of Scouting
Scouting provides many opportunities for a boy to learn skills and take part in adventures. The Boy Scouts of America will recognize his achievements by awarding badges of rank. The first three are Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Next come Star and Life. The highest is Eagle.
The requirements to earn each rank are more challenging than the one before it. Each prepares the Scout to be a better camper, hiker, Scout, and citizen. When he completes the requirements for a rank, he will find that he can use his new knowledge on patrol and troop outings. He will also have the background he needs for achieving even more as he begins the next rank.
Setting out to advance through the ranks is an ambitious goal. Learning all the skills and completing all the requirements will take dedication and hard work. But the journey will be worth it, as the ideals and adventures of Scouting become a part of his life.
He may pass any of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class at any time. For example, if he fulfills a First Class requirement before he is a Second Class Scout, you or he may check off the First Class requirement as completed.(Inform Mr. John Land at the next meeting.) Though a Scout can advance at their on pace, active Scouts will usually earn First Class within a year of joining the troop.
Earning merit badges can be very satisfying. However, merit badges are not the most important part of Scouting. Of great value is what the merit badges represent. The skills he will master, the wisdom he will gain, and the experiances he will enjoy are what really count. The merit badge program provides him the opportunity to meet and work with Adult Leaders in our community. It also introduces him to potential new hobbies and vocations.