Troop 65:  Information for new families 

Dues: 

Dues are paid annually for the period from September to September.  The dues cover the National BSA dues, which are paid at the end of December.  National membership dues are good for the following calendar year.  Any Scout who has earned the Rank of Eagle can pay half of the annual amount. 

Welebos AOL Scouts transitioning into the troop will have prorated dues.  The national dues will be removed, and the balance will be divided by 12 months to determine the initial fees. 

Dues cover the cost of running the troop.  For example: copies, meeting supplies, equipment needed for outings or activities and rank advancements and other awards.  The troop committee approves expenses at the Parent/committee meetings. 

Camping:  

Campouts – The troop has some tradition campout and some council campouts that they participate in.  The following is a general guide.  The fastest and best way for a scout to earn and complete requirements for rank advancement is by going on as many campouts as possible. 

September – Fall Rendezvous (Fall Camporee – sponsored by Council) 

October – open to troop specific 

November – Pawnee Backpacking trip – easy trip for first time backpackers.  Troop Tradition  

December – we have been going to a cabin 

January – open to troop specific (winter camping, cross country ski, snowshoe) 

February – Klondike – Council competition – sponsored by Council 

March – open to troop specific (might be winter camping) 

April – Spring Camporee (council sponsored) 

May – open to Troop specific  

June/July – Summer Camp/High-Adventure  

Summer Camp – every year the Troop goes to a week-long summer camp.  The summer camp allows for scouts to learn basic scout skills and to earn merit badges is focused manner.  This is a great way for scouts to advance in the scouting journey.  Two adults are required to attend with our Scouts.   In the past we have parents split the week to cover the 2 slots.  We have also had more than 2 parents.  For the most part, if we have 10 scouts attending camp, then the troop can send 2 adults for free.  Any additional adults will have a cost.  Cost depends on the camp the troop picks for that year.   

High-Adventure – Scouts that are at least 14 and have earned at least First Class are eligible for high-adventure.  The high-adventure trips are designed to challenge the scouts and to build on team work and leadership.   Two adults are required to attend this trip.  

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) – this is a leadership training camp.  Scout interested in learning leadership skills should consider attending this camp.  The Scoutmaster must approve any scout that wishes to attend this camp. 

Meetings: 

Regular Troop Meetings – regular troop meetings are held every Monday night during the school year.  If St. John’s is not in session, the troop will not have access to a meeting room.  The SPL runs these meetings.  The following are typical agendas: 

6:45 PM – Setup 

7:00 PM – Start/Flags/Intros of guest 

           7:15 PM – Main event/Topic 

           8:00 PM – Game time/1:1 Advancement 

8:20 PM – Closing/Announcement 

8:30 PM – done/clean-up 

8:45 PM – Must be out of the meeting room 

Patrol Leader Council – these meetings are held once a month and are usually the first Monday of the month.  The meeting is run by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and overseen by the Scoutmasters.  The SPL should come prepared to the PLC with an agenda.  Most of the meetings is to plan for the semesters activities or to address Troop decisions.  All Patrol Leaders and leadership roles are required to attend. 

Committee/Parent meeting – these are held once a month and usually on the third Monday of the month.  The meeting is run by the committee chair and is an update meeting from the other major roles within the troop.  This is great means for parents to get the latest of the troop and to help influence the direction of the troop. 

Troop Code of Conduct.  We have established this Code of Conduct to help protect and provide additional guidance. Our goal is to have fun and know our limits. Each scout and parent has signed this as part of our Troop.  Here’s a link to the code.  https://sites.google.com/view/troop65-longmont-co/home/code-of-conduct 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Troop 65 is run by volunteers and usually parents of active Scouts.  It is expected that each parent contributes to the success of all Scouts and the Troop.  Ways for parents to contribute are through volunteering and/or donating significantly.  The parents who donate their time give up their vacation time to spend a week at summer camp. 

Parents can volunteer to help in many ways.  The following section will give a brief description of the roles that adults fulfill.   

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster – Adult volunteers who have gone through outdoor training and can lead an outing.  These roles are direct contact roles with the scouts and guide them through their scouting journey. 

Committee Positions ---  

• Committee Chair is the lead committee member and is responsible for the health of the Troop.  Committee chair works with the Church and other adults to make sure the Scoutmasters and Scouts have what they need for a successful year.   

• Secretary keeps track of meeting minutes and troop records.   

• Advancement Chair is responsible to make sure the troop has the appropriate paperwork for advancement.   Purchases awards and rank for the Court of Honors.   

• Treasure keeps track of the Troop checkbook and keeps track of Scout funds.  Collects funds for camps and make payments for camps.   

• Committee members are any parent of a scout.  Every committee member gets a vote as for the direction of the troop.  Scoutmaster do not get to vote but continue to make suggestions and make requests from the troop committee. 

Advancement Information: 

Rank Advancement – Scouts have 7 ranks to complete to get to Eagle.  Eagle Scouts are recognized through-out the world as high-achievers and excellent leaders.  The is a reason why there is a saying “Once and Eagle, Always an Eagle”.   The Eagle Scout accepts a specific code of conduct and lifestyle to live up to.   The boys are expected to earn their own way to Eagle.  Although, behind many Eagle Scouts are supportive parents who help keep the Scout focused on the Goal of achieving the Rank of Eagle. 

Merit Badge Counselors – There are over 100 merit badges available to the scouts.  22 Merit Badges are required to earn Eagle.  Adults are needed to help Scouts with merit badges.  An Adult application and the Merit Badge selection form is required for every MB Counselor.  The Adult application is separate from any previous applications for committee chair or scoutmaster position.  Every adult parent should consider 3 to 4 badges to counsel on. 

Boards of Review – every rank requires a Board of Review.  This consist of 3 to 4 adults.  The purpose of the review is check that the Scoutmasters have done their job with the scout prior to approving them with for the rank.  It is not a test of skill but a review of stories to make sure the scout can articulate experiences while working through the rank he is sitting for.  A parent cannot sit on his/her own scouts review and no Scoutmasters can be on a review board.   Members of the review board will need to sign the paperwork and the Scout’s book if they pass the review. 

Court of Honor – These are 3 times a year.  This is when parents and families come into to celebrate the achievements of the scouts.  Even if a parent’s scout is not earning an advancement, they should attend to show support for the other scouts.  It should be every scouts goal to earn something at every Court of Honor.   

Eagle Court of Honor – This is a special Court of Honor recognizing the highest rank of Scouting. The parents of the Eagle Scout are responsible for planning and executing the Court of Honor.  The Scoutmasters have a lot of experience planning and executing these ceremonies and can assist the parents with the plan.   This Court of Honor should be setup for one Eagle Scout.  Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and other people who have an influence in the Scout life should be invited and enough time for out of town guest to plan to be considered.  All Scouts are highly encouraged to attend and to assist with the ceremony. 

Additional Information: 

Two-deep leadership – Youth protection is important to Troop 65 and St. John’s.   When dropping a scout off for a meeting or a campout, the parents need to verify that there are two adults in attendance.  If there are not two adults, then the parent will need to stay until another 2 parents show-up.  We also follow 2-deep leadership on campouts and other events.  Not only does this protect the scouts it also protects the adults.   

Other Activities – The troop sprinkles other activities throughout the year.  These activities are service projects, courtroom visits, swim nights, fundraisers, hikes, and bike rides to name a few.  What makes a good troop is an active troop.  Like a sports team, we expect scouts to attend meetings like it’s a practice and outings like it’s a game.   We do recognize sports is an important part of a boy’s youth and so we do work with scouts with their scouting journey and sport interest. 

Order of the Arrow (OA) – the Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of camping.  To be eligible the Scouts must be First Class rank and have 15 nights of camping within the last 2 years and can only count one week-long camp.  The troop votes for the eligible candidates.  Any Scout being voted in will be called out during the Spring Camporee.  The eligible scout must attend an OA ordeal weekend within that same year, otherwise they will need to meet the requirements and be voted in again.  Adults are eligible for OA membership as well.  OA is a co-ed organization.  Voting dates are scheduled for either December or January.   OA members should attend OA meetings, which are once a month. 

Scout Sunday – This is one Sunday in February.  For the most part, it is the first Sunday or the closest Sunday to Feb 8th.   Scouts are highly encouraged to attend Mass and celebrate our religious requirements.  Scouts in Troop 65 are not required to be Catholic.  We respect all religions and will respect how each scout participates in his own religion.   However, since St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is our Charter owner and Sponsor, this event is one way to show appreciation for the support.   

Religious Awards – BSA priority is to do Duty to God and Country.  Scouts have an opportunity to earn religious awards in their respected religion.  If interested, please have the scout talk to the Scoutmasters or the Troop Chaplain (Adult level committee member).