Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 557

Redmond, WA
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Purpose of The Boy Scouts Of America

It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts Of America to provide an effective program designed to instill within the youth desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to help develop their personal fitness, providing this country with citizens who:


   1. Are physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
   2. Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
   3. Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
   4. Have the desire and skills to help others.
   5. Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and government systems.
   6. Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
   7. Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
   8. Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society and in other forums of the world.

Boy Scouts of America - Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts Of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

 

Aims and Methods of the Boy Scout Program

Aims

Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as the what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.

A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy's relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives, to the government that presides over that society.

A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).

The methods are designed to accomplish these aims.


Methods

Advancement - Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to over come them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. More is discussed about Advancement later in this guide.

Adult Association - Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or. female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in a young man's development.

Personal Growth - As Scouts plan their activity, and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others.

Ideals- The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.

Patrols- The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected leaders.

Outdoors- Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive. More is discussed about the outdoor program later in this guide. Leadership Development- Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform - The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. More is discussed about the uniform later in this guide.


Troop Organization
Troop 557 is a boy run troop, guided by the adult leaders and parents. Leadership is one of the methods of Scouting and every boy has opportunity to participate. The meetings are planned and carried out by the Patrol Leaders' Council.

Scoutmaster:

The Scoutmaster (SM) is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and the assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts.

Assistant Scoutmasters:

Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved by the troop committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the troop.

Senior Patrol Leader:

The senior patrol leader (SPL) is the top boy leader in the troop. He leads the troop meetings and the patrol leaders' council meetings.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader:

The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) fills in for the SPL in his absence. He is responsible for the troop flags. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian and instructors.

Patrol Leaders:

The patrol leaders (PL) are elected by their patrol and are responsible for giving leadership to the members of their patrols. They are their representation on the patrol leaders' council. The PL is also responsible for holding monthly patrol meetings.

 

New scouts will be integrated with existing patrols with older scouts. There will be training and outdoors events opportunity for scouts to achieve first class within 12 months. Much of the advancement depends on the participation of scouts on outings and troop meetings. Scouts drive their advancement and there is no rush for this.

 

The Basics

 
  • The troop calendar of future events is always up to date and online at www.troop557.org/calendar.aspx  
  • Troop meetings – 7:00-8:15 PM, Wednesdays, generally at Norman Rockwell Elementary School. Wear Scout shirt, neckerchief, slide, bring your scout handbook, and please be prompt.
  • Parent Information/Committee Meeting – Once a month. Organizational meeting for parents and committee.
  • Troop Elections – Scout leaders including SPL, ASPL, PL, Quartermaster, and other positions are elected by the scouts every 6 months.
  • PLC (Patrol Leader Council) – Once a month. Planning session for upcoming troop meetings. Required attendance for SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leaders, and Scoutmaster. Assistant Scoutmasters are welcome. Troop Guides and other youth leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. Interested parents are welcome.
  • The basic operation of the troop is that the SPL and Patrol Leaders plan the next month's troop meetings activities at the PLC, and advance work on advance planning of future months activities. Each troop meeting generally contains a flag presentation, information / announcement time, instruction or scout demonstration of some kind, scout skills, group game, closing announcements, and flag closing.
  • The troop has a formal court of honor every 6 months where advancements, merit badges and special awards are presented to scouts and adults. Current and past adults and scouts are invited.

Scout Uniform
Scouts in uniform are conscious of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. The uniform provides a place for display of badges - important symbols of achievement.

 

The Troop Uniform

Following is the official uniform of Troop 557 as determined by the Patrol Leaders Council. Uniform parts can be purchased at the Scout Store in Seattle or a Sir Plus in Woodinville. Locations are on the troop web site http://troop557.org/Training.aspx Standard uniform badges and placement are noted in the Scout Handbook (inside cover) and also online http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34283.pdf

 

Provided by the boy:

  • BSA Class A Shirt - official Boy Scout tan shirt (short or long sleeves)
  • Green shoulder Epaulets
  • Flag comes on the shirt
  • Chief Seattle Council patch, World Scout Crest patch
  • Scout Pants (optional, Troop 557 does not require official pants but they are great hiking pants!)

 

Provided by the troop:

  • Scout Handbook
  • Neckerchief and Slide
  • Troop 557 Number Patches
  • Rank Patch and Leadership Patches (as earned)

 

Outdoor Equipment

We do not suggest rushing out and getting all kinds of camping equipment. Let the Scout learn, watch, observe, and buy equipment as they need it. Electronic gear (radios, CD players, games etc.) are not permitted at any Scout meeting or event. In addition, fixed blade knives and lighters are prohibited from all Scout functions.

 

Ten Essentials - For Every Outdoors Event

  • Compass and map of area                                            ● (BB) Personal first aid kit
  • Extra Clothes, adjust to weather conditions        ● (BB) Sun protection – glasses, lotion
  • (BB) Extra food for an emergency only                   ● Pocket knife – small folding type (requires toten chip)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries                       ● Rain gear – poncho, raincoat, or trash bag
  • (BB) Fire starter and matches                                     ● (BB) Water bottles – 2 quarts minimum

 

Personal Gear for an Overnight Camp or Hike

  • Pack or bag, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tarp, rope, and one troop tent between two scouts
  • Extra clothes if cold or wet, sweatshirt, crocks, hat, scarf, gloves, rain coat
  • Ten essentials, toten chip, hand warmers, hand sanitizer, toilet bag, headlamp, LED lantern
  • Scout pants and shirt, hat, windbreaker, mess kit with bowl, cup and spoon
  • Hiking boots (keeps feet dry and ankles safe but not required on the first outing) with two pairs of socks

 

Costs and fees for camps and special outings will generally be collected before the trip. We don't want to carry the burden of financially supporting Scouts because they don't get around to paying for it. On the other hand, camperships (financial support) are available if necessary, (you should contact the Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, or Treasurer.) 


How you can help the Troop

Come to some of the meetings. Get to know the leaders. If you have a truck or trailer to haul gear, or land somewhere to let us explore, or expertise in a field that would interest the boys and or ideas of fieldtrips or outings, or can play musical instrument, etc. The troop is always in need of interested adults who can serve as merit badges counselors so if you have skills or hobbies you can help with, please volunteer! Scouts are more apt to be involved in the program if their parents show an active interest.

 

TROOP 557 ADULT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTTIES

  • TWO DEEP SECOND ADULT LEADER ON EVENTS – We need parents who can commit to attending an outdoors event a month out
  • MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR – Be available to teach merit badges in an area you have experience with
  • ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS – Planning outdoors events
  • FUND RAISING COORDINATOR – Leading volunteers for our two annual fundraisers
  • COMMITTEE MEMBER – The committee approves troop leaders, finances and operations
  • EQUIPMENT AND CAMP BOX COORDINATOR (QUARTERMASTER)
  • FRIENDS OF SCOUTING COORDINATOR – This annual appeal helps fund Boy Scouts of America
  • HIGH ADVENTURE COORDINATOR – High adventure events need extra planning
  • RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR – The troop runs several recruitment events each year for Cub scouts and Boy scouts that need planning
  • SERVICE PROJECT COORDINATOR – Coordinating with organizations that the troop does service projects for
  • SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR – This large event needs significant planning
  • TOUR PERMIT MANAGER – Gathering details required for event approvals and completing paperwork
  • TRAINING ADULT LEADERS COORDINATOR – BSA offers many training opportunities, some required
  • ADVANCEMENT CHAIR – Planning our court of honor

Advancement

Advancement is the process by which youth members progress through the ranks in the Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.


Boy Scout advancement, a four step process:

1. The Boy Scout learns.

A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop

leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested.

A Scout may be tested on requirements by his assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster, or a troop committee member.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.

After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle board of review is conducted by members of the district advancement committee.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized.

When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his next rank will be presented to him at the next troop court of honor.

 

How to Start a Merit Badge

  1. Select a Merit Badge that you want to work on, either with a buddy or with your patrol or Troop.
  2. Get a Merit Badge blue card from the Scoutmaster or the Merit Badge blue card box.
  3. Fill out the blue card titled "Application for Merit Badge", including your name, your address, Troop 557, Sammamish Trails District, Chief Seattle Council, the name of the merit badge, the name of your merit badge counselor and your name. PRINT CLEARLY.
  4. Ask the Scoutmaster to sign the Application for Merit Badge.
  5. You are now ready to contact the Merit Badge Counselor. Your Assistant Scoutmaster can help with telephone numbers of the counselors.
  6. Work with your buddy or patrol/troop and the Merit Badge counselor to complete the requirements for the Merit Badge.
  7. When you have completed all of the requirements and the counselor has signed the blue card, ask your Scoutmaster to sign the blue card.
  8. Give one third of the blue card to the counselor, one third to the troop advancement chair (Paul Andrew) and keep the section titled "Applicant's Record for your records.
  9. Keep your section with all of your advancement records. You will need it for your Star, Life and Eagle advancement.

 

Many Merit Badge pamphlets are available through the Troop Librarian. The Troop Librarian brings the library to each regular Wednesday Scout meeting. You can check out any of the Merit Badge pamphlets. Merit Badge pamphlets are available for purchase at the Scout Shop in Seattle. Most county and city libraries also have copies available for check out, although in some cases they are outdated. You can check a copy of the Boy Scout Requirements (also in the Troop .library) for the most recent requirements.

 

Preparing for a Board of Review

In an ongoing effort to ensure that all Scouts get the most of their Scouting experience, we would like to address the Board of Review (BOR) procedure. The BOR is an opportunity for the Scout to provide valuable insight into their thoughts and ideas for the troop, is an opportunity for adult leaders to encourage the Scout in rank advancement and other endeavors, and gives the Scout a chance to “shine” as they talk about their experiences as a Scout, and what the Scout Oath, Scout Law and Scout Motto mean to them.

 

Expectations of Scouts prior to and during BOR Review:

Scouts are expected to request the BOR themselves.  The BOR is conducted by the Troop committee and scouts should request their BOR by contacting our Board of Review Chair – Linda Chaw (lindachaw@hotmail.com). Scouts are expected to present themselves for the BOR in full uniform, and with their Scout Handbook.  A review of the Scout Law, Oath and Motto prior to the BOR is strongly encouraged, as is prior thought about what the Scout has accomplished to advance in rank (merit badges, leadership activities, etc.).  In the event the BOR feels that the scout is not adequately prepared, the scout will be coached and the review will be rescheduled.

 

Further information on BOR’s can be found at this link: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Boards_of_Review.

 

Court of Honor

Troop 557 has formal Courts of Honor two times a year, March and September. All families are asked to attend and guests are certainly welcome. Every boy who advances deserves to be recognized in front of his family and peers'. The Court of Honor is the boy's special night. Even if your son isn't receiving anything at the Court of Honor, please encourage him to attend... it is very motivating! Bring your camera! Start the scrapbook. Attendance is required for all Eagle Courts of Honor.