Troop 8 FAQ - Boy Scout Troop 8

A.: Your parents will fill out a joining form for you and pay your initial troop dues. Once that has happened you should receive a Troop 8 tee shirt and hat. You will be entered into our Troopmaster database and assigned to the Quail Patrol. Your parents will also receive a new member packet that contains more information about our troop and some forms that should be filled out and returned to the troop.

Q: What is the Quail Patrol?

A.: The Quail Patrol is where Troop 8 starts all new Scouts. While you are in the Quail Patrol you will learn some basic scout skills, eat with the adult leaders, and work your way up to the rank of Tenderfoot.

Q.: How long will I be in the Quail Patrol?

A.: You will be a member of the Quail Patrol until you do two things, achieve the rank of Tenderfoot and attend at least two troop campouts.

Q.: What patrol will I join when I leave the Quail Patrol?

A.: That is up to the scout. Pick a patrol to join and talk to the patrol leader. Then consult with the Scoutmaster about your patrol choice. Patrols will no longer be able to accept new members when they get to about 15 scouts. But we have several patrols and it is highly unlikely that all patrols will be closed at once. If that is the case then the troop will look at creating a new patrol.

Rank Advancement

Q.: How do I advance in rank?

A.: Work in troop meetings and campouts on first three rank requirements, they can be worked on together. Avoid merit badge classes until most or all requirements for the first three ranks are done. You can't work on any Star requirements until you make First Class and can't work on any Life requirements until you make Star. (Except, of course you can earn Merit Badges at any time.)

Turn in your book to the Advancement Committee whenever a requirement gets signed off. Don't let your parents sign off anything in your book! Only unrelated registered leaders can sign off requirements in your book. When all but the last two requirements are done for a rank put your name on the Scoutmaster Conference/Board of Review sign up sheet. If you have signed up for a Board of Review, wear a Class A uniform or you can't have your Board of Review.

When you do a requirement be sure it gets signed off as soon as possible. A leader must see the requirement get done in order to be able to sign off on it. Try to go to at least one Summer Camp. It's a great way to advance fast. Star, Life and Eagle require 50% participation for the previous 6 months (goes to Scout Spirit).

Q.: How do I know what requirements to work on and when do I work on them?

A.: Troop 8 has just started a new advancement system. Each troop meeting will have Troop Guides and Instructors teaching various scout skills needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. You can tell what is being taught each week by looking at the schedule posted on the bulletin board outside our meeting room. Some skills can only be taught on a campout. Those will also be shown on the schedule so you can tell what will be taught on each campout.

Listen to the announcements during the troop meeting. Before the troop breaks out into groups, it will be announced which Scouts are helping with each rank. If you are working on some Tenderfoot requirements then go to the Tenderfoot group, if First Class then listen for who is doing First Class, etc. Remember, you are not a Webelos scout anymore. Advancement is your responsibility. Decide what you need to work on and do it.

Q.: Can I work on requirements pertaining to a rank higher than a rank that I have not yet achieved? (i.e. Can a Tenderfoot work on First Class requirements and get them signed off?)

A.: The requirements for the first three ranks, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class can be worked on in any order. You can only earn the ranks in order, but the requirements can be done in any order. For example, you can learn all of the knots (two half hitches, taut line, clove hitch, timber hitch, and bowline) and get those requirements signed off even though the first two are for Tenderfoot and the others are for First Class.

However, if you complete all the requirements for First Class before completing all the requirements for Tenderfoot, you will have to wait to get First Class until after you complete Tenderfoot and Second Class.

Once you reach First Class you can only work one rank at a time. If you are working on Star and you perform 18 hours of service, the first 6 hours will go toward Star requirements and the other 12 hours will simply go to living the Scout Oath. They will not count toward Life. The only exception to this is merit badges. You can work on a merit badge at any time and it will count toward Star, Life and Eagle advancement.

Q.: Who can sign my book for advancements?

A.: The only people who can sign off in your book are registered leaders. They can only sign off the requirement if they can verify that the requirement was met. In other words, if they witnessed it, observed it, or supervised it. Parents are not allowed to sign off any requirement for their own son. (The only exception is the joining requirement where the boy and his parents must read the booklet on abuse.) Even if the parent is a registered leader, they cannot sign off their own son. They must get another leader, who witnessed the requirement, to sign it off.

Q.: Does the troop provide advancement patches or do parents need to purchase them?

A.: The troop will provide one rank and merit badge patch for each achievement. If the boy loses them, then they must be purchased from the Scout Shop. You may have to show proof of rank in order to purchase a replacement, so save those rank and merit badge cards.

Q.: What are Service Hours? Why do I need to earn them?

A.: Service hours are time spent doing service for others. It is part of the Scout Oath and is required for advancement. Second Class requires one service hour and it can be service to Scouting as well as community, church, and others. Service Hours for Star cannot be earned prior to becoming a First Class Scout, likewise Life service hours cannot be earned prior to becoming a Star Scout. Star and Life service hours must be for service outside of Scouting. You must get Scoutmaster approval prior to working on your service hours. Not doing so could result in your service hours not counting. Working on an Eagle project for another Scout will count toward Star and Life service hours. The Advancement Committee prefers to have a verification note from someone where the service was done, preferably on letterhead, showing name, date, how long and a signature.

Merit Badges

Q.: What are merit badges and how does the process work, and how do I find a merit badge counselor?

A.: Merit badges are required for advancement for Star, Life and Eagle scouts. They cover a vocation, hobby, or civic duty. When you get ready to start a merit badge get a copy of the merit badge book. It really helps. Check to see if the Troop Library has a copy you can borrow, that way you don't have to buy every merit badge book. Get approval of Scoutmaster or Advancement Committee first. (In other words get a blue card.) You cannot start on a merit badge until you have a blue card for that merit badge.

Make arrangements with the merit badge counselor for meetings. You can do this at a troop meeting, if the counselor is there, or over the phone. The Advancement Committee has a list of counselors and phone numbers. Don't lose the blue card. It is your only record of what you have done.

Sometimes Troop 8 offers a merit badge class. In this case you will meet your merit badge counselor at the troop meeting. Sometimes Eagle district has a merit badge camporee where you can work on merit badges. You can also work on merit badges at summer camp. One thing to remember in all these cases. Just because you attend each meeting or go to all the sessions, does not mean you have completed the merit badge. Each merit badge has a specific set of requirements that must be met. Sometimes those requirements cannot be done in a class setting. This means that you will have to complete those requirements outside of the merit badge class, then have your counselor mark them completed, if you have done them to his/her satisfaction.

If you haven't reached the rank of First Class yet, be sure there are no rank requirements you could be working on instead of a merit badge. It is more important that you learn the Scout Skills required to get to First Class than it is to take a merit badge class.

Q.: Are merit badge books required for camp or troop-led merit badge classes?

A.: Yes. There is a wealth of information in those merit badge books. Just about everything you need to know about the merit badge is in the book. Check the Troop Library or go to the Scout Shop the cost for each book is about $3.00.

Q.: Where is the Troop Library? What is in it? Who is the librarian?

A.: The Troop Library is kept in the main meeting room. It currently contains about 30+ merit badge books covering several merit badges. The Senior Patrol Leader selects the Troop Librarian each six months. If you don't know who the current Troop Librarian is then ask at the advancement table and they can tell you.

You can help the Troop Library grow by donating your used Merit Badge books. When you complete a merit badge, turn in your book to the Troop Librarian and they'll add it to the library.

Youth Leadership

Q.: What is youth leadership?

A.: Troop 8 is basically a boy lead troop. This means that the troop meetings are run by the youth leaders, the advancement sessions are lead by youth leaders and the youth leadership does much of the troop planning. When you volunteer for a leadership position, both you and your parent will sign a job application. Your parent's part is to support you in your leadership position and get you to the meetings you need to be at on time. If you are going to be very busy with outside activities you might want to wait to be a youth leader until you have more time. You will be expected to come to PLC meetings to help plan troop activities and at troop meetings to help run the meeting.

Q.: Just who are the troop youth leaders?

A.: The youth leaders in the troop are structured in a top down organization. At the top is the Senior Patrol Leader. He and the Scoutmaster then select his "cabinet" from the pool of boys who have turned in Junior Leader Job Applications. The first member of the cabinet is the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. All other cabinet positions report to the ASPL. The remaining cabinet positions are: Scribe, Librarian, Historian, OA Troop Representative, Troop Guides, Instructors, and the Quartermaster. The other troop youth leaders are the Patrol Leaders. The Patrol Leaders report to the SPL. Each patrol has a Patrol Leader. The Quail patrol will have a Troop Guide assigned to them to function as their Patrol Leader.

The SPL is elected at large by the troop. The Patrol Leaders are elected by their patrol. All other positions are appointed. The Patrol Leaders can select boys to help them. The positions you might hear about are: Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Grubmaster, Treasurer, and Scribe.

Troop Meetings and Uniforms

Q.: What do I need to do for Troop meetings?

A.: Wear Class A uniform shirt and nice pants. (Not cutoffs.) When troop assembly is called, line up in patrol lines. Raise your hand to ask questions. Be quiet so you can hear the announcements. Stay out of the halls after break out. Take notes so you can tell your parents about the announcements. Always bring your book, that way if you complete a requirement you can get it signed off. If you have completed requirements, then turn your book in at the Advancement table so it can get recorded. Bring your patrol flag to all troop meetings. Patrol Leaders are responsible for the patrol flags.

Q.: What do I need to do for a Court of Honor?

A.: Try to get there early. We want to start the CoH at 7:00pm. Wear full Class A uniform including scout pants. Try to wear the same kind of pants as the other members of your patrol. Wear the merit badge sash only if you have at least three merit badges. If you are a member of OA, wear the OA sash instead and fold the merit badge sash and wear it over your belt. Be sure your patrol flag is at the Court of Honor. Be sure you know your patrol yell. Don't leave until the Court of Honor is over.

Q: What is a Class A uniform as opposed to a Class B uniform?

Troop 8 defines two types of Class A uniform. There is a full Class A, which is required for a Court of Honor. This consists of the khaki shirt, neckerchief, scout pants (shorts or long pants), scout belt, and the red top scout socks (knee high socks if you are wearing shorts).

A modified Class A, which is appropriate for troop meetings and campouts, is the khaki shirt, neckerchief, nice pants (no cutoffs).

Class B uniform is what is normally worn at a campout after we arrive at the campsite. It consists of a Troop 8 tee shirt and nice pants (no cutoffs).

During the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day we allow the boys to wear Class B to troop meetings. (Never at a Court of Honor.) However, the only approved Troop 8 tee shirt for this time period is the green eight ball tee shirt. No other tee shirt is allowed. And if they choose to wear the Class B shirt they must wear scout shorts with scout socks.

Campouts

Q.: What do I need to know about campouts?

A.: Monday nights prior to campout are reserved for patrol planning. You should plan your menu for the campout and develop a shopping list. Select one member of your patrol to collect money from the other patrol members for food purchases. $10.00 is suggested, your patrol may change that amount within reason. Choose the scout(s) who will be buying the food (it is best if the scout who collects the money is the one who buys the food). Determine if you need a patrol box, ice chest, dry box, patrol fly, number of tents, and tarps. Check out the items you will need from the Troop Quartermaster on Monday night.

Each scout will need to take his own personal gear. This should consist of a sleeping bag with pad. A day pack to keep his gear in. You will need a mess kit, eating utensils, a drinking cup, a change of clothes (at least an extra shirt), a flashlight, a poncho is a good idea, your book, and your personal toiletries (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant (please), and any other items you feel are needed).

It is important that all scouts have a cup and mess kit on every campout (even the Quail patrol). The troop keeps a limited supply of plates and cups, but these are for our guests, not scouts or leaders. We should practice conservation and use a mess kit which we can wash after every meal.

You need to arrange transportation for your patrol members and equipment on Monday night. This means that you need to determine how many are going and which parents from your patrol are driving. If you don't have enough transportation for your patrol members and your patrol equipment then you need to check with other patrols or leaders to see if they have extra room.

If tents are wet when we break camp, divide the tents and tarps among the patrol members so they can be dried out. Check them back in at the next Monday night meeting. It is very important, if you are responsible for a wet tent that you get it dried out quickly. Otherwise it can mildew which can cause the tent to leak and smell bad.

Always bring your book on campouts so requirements can be signed off as they are done. Bring your patrol flag to all campouts. Don’t forget, you need to wear your Class A shirt when traveling to and from the campout.

Q.: How does a Scout arrange for transportation to campouts, etc?

A.: The patrol leader should know who has what type of vehicle and who can drive. Then the boys themselves can work out who will be riding with whom. If it appears there is not enough transportation available within the patrol to get the boys and their equipment to the campout, then the patrol leader should talk to other patrols and leaders to see if they have extra room.

Q.: What if only two or three boys from my patrol want to go on a campout?

A.: If you have a small number of boys going on the campout, then you will need to combine with another patrol and form a temporary camp patrol. You need to decide on the planning Monday who will be patrol leader for the campout. Then make all your plans as outlined above for the new combined patrol.

Q.: Can parents come on campouts? What do they need to know?

A.: Parents are welcome to come on campouts with the troop. Be sure to pay the fee to the troop. All meals will be provided by the troop. The troop will have some tents, but it is best if parents have their own or make arrangements to share. In order to transport Scouts other than their own boy, their vehicle insurance must meet BSA minimums of 50/100/50.

If a parent is a troop leader then we expect them to have a mess kit and cup (we have to set the example for the boys). If you are not a leader, then you are considered a guest and can use the troop's limited supply of disposable plates and cups.

Moms are just as welcome to come on campouts as dads are. We really do have some mom's who come on campouts.

Q.: What does a parent need to do to begin camping with the troop? Should they talk with a particular person regarding troop protocol regarding food, equipment needs, etc?

A.: You should probably have a tent or share a tent with another parent. You will need to indicate on the permission slip if you will be camping with us and pay the usual food fee to the troop. You will also need to turn in a health form for yourself unless we already have one on file for you.

We recommend that you bring the same type items that we tell your boy to bring. Please leave all electronics at home if possible (Cell phones and pagers are acceptable and understood). Set the example for the boys. If you are sitting around listening to the radio (which shouldn't be there in the first place) what do you expect the boys to think when the rest of the troop is trying to teach scout skills.

Q: If a parent smokes, are they allowed to come on the campout?

A.: Yes, but if they need to smoke, they must do it well away from camp and totally out of sight of any Scout. Butts should never be left on the ground, but instead should be snuffed out and put in the trash.

Q.: Who should parents call when their scout is on a campout, summer camp, etc. if a scout needs to be notified for a family emergency, etc?

A.: Contact the tour leader in case of an emergency. Campout communications are severely limited. Parents can also call the Scout Service Center, where the Tour Permits are kept. The Scout Service Center can then contact the camp ranger who can find us. Or the parent can come out and get their boy themselves.

Q.: When meal stops are made on trips to or from campouts is this included in the money scouts pay the troop for the campout or do scouts need extra pocket money for these meals?

A.: When a lunch/dinner stop is made on a campout trip, it is expected that the Scout will have his own pocket money. This is usually not included in the camp fee. (There are exceptions and those will be noted.)

Q.: What particulars are required of parents and their vehicles when transporting scouts to camp, etc?

A.: If the parent is a registered leader then they should wear a Class A shirt just like the boys. If a leader is carrying any boys and the driver is the only adult in the vehicle, then the driver's son must ride with him and any other scouts. The vehicle must meet the BSA insurance minimums of 50/100/50.

Q.: What health forms do I need to fill out in order to camp?

A.: A Class 1 health form is required for all troop activities less than three days long. We need them updated annually. All boys and adults (leaders or not) need forms on file with us if you will be coming on the activity. A Class 2 health form is required for all activities over three days long (i.e., Summer Camp). A Class 2 requires a doctor visit and is good for three years. A Class 3 health form is required for all youth and adults for high adventure, world jamboree, and Wood Badge. It is good for one year. This form is also required for all adults over 40 regardless of the length or type of activity. It requires a doctor visit.

Summer Camp

Q.: What do we need to know about Summer Camp?

A.: Transportation to summer camp should be arranged on a patrol basis, just like is done for campouts. If your are unable to do so on a patrol basis, contact the tour leader. Family night this year is Thursday night, however you are welcome to visit Thursday evening at campfire or Friday during OA call-down. Be sure to check the recommended equipment list for summer camp. Send the boys with some money for the Trading Post. Send mail starting a day or two before we get to camp, but no later than Wednesday of the week we are in camp.

Q.: Will there be transportation provided to summer camp or should parents plan to transport their own scout?

A.: Summer camp transportation should be arranged just like any other campout. The patrol leader should check with the boys in his patrol to see who is going and who can drive and how many they can take.

Q.: Is there a family night planned during the week of summer camp? Where can parents plan to stay if they would like to attend? Is this limited to parents only or can siblings attend?

A.: Family night is currently planned for Thursday of summer camp week. This is the night of the campfire program. Parents can stay in Talahina, though choices are limited. If there are empty tents available parents could stay in a camp tent. Siblings are invited to attend along with parents, though they must be supervised. If the family intends on having dinner with the troop, they should let the tour leader know and pay ahead of time so that the camp can properly prepare.

Q.: For first time summer campers, will there be an adult leader in charge of coordinating daily activities and schedules?

A.: When the troop first arrives at summer camp, they will be given a quick tour of the facility so they can get a feel for where the various class and activities will take place relative to where our campsite is. The troop will get everyone's schedule upon arrival. The adult leaders at summer camp will help first timers get to their classes. Usually after the first couple of days the boys get it figured out. Usually the boys are pretty good at getting were they need to go. However if the boys have any questions they should ask one of the troop leaders. Parents may wish to council their boys before camp so they know what to expect of themselves and the leaders.

Fundraising

Q.: Why do we have fundraisers and do I have to participate?

A.: Troop 8 has one main fundraiser, popcorn. All boys are expected to participate. This money helps the troop run for the next year. It buys, merit badges, upkeep on the troop equipment, pays for BSLT training for troop leaders, and more. Other fundraisers may occur during the year. All proceeds are shared with the boys. We are currently looking for a Fundraising Chair to coordinate fundraisers.

Q.: What is a Scout Account?

A.: Each boy has an account with the troop. Fundraiser proceeds are shared with the boys. A boy's share of the fundraiser goes into his Scout Account. It can only be used for Scouting related activities or equipment. If a boy transfers to another troop the money in the Scout Account will be sent to the new troop, not the boy. If a boy quits Scouting, all money remaining in the account reverts to the troop.

If the boy wants to use his scout account money, say to buy a backpack, then he needs to go and purchase the backpack and then bring in the receipt to Mr. Campbell (Troop Treasurer) who will then use they boys Scout Account to reimburse they boy.

Another good use of the Scout Account is to save up for big trips, like Jamboree or Philmont. Just let Mr. Campbell know that you will be using your Scout Account to pay for the activity.

Adult Leaders

Q.: What are Registered Leaders and what do they do?

A.: Troop 8 needs additional leaders to maintain our excellent boy/leader ratio. We encourage all parents to register as leaders with Troop 8. Sign up to be a member of committee (allows you to be on Boards of Review). We do have training for Boards of Review. If you know a few Scout Skills then consider being an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM). (It allows you to do Scoutmaster Conferences.) It costs you nothing to be a leader, Troop 8 pays the registration fee. Troop 8 highly recommends going to Basic Scout Leader Training (BSLT). It is excellent training and is fun. (One evening, one Saturday and one weekend)

When we refer to uniformed leader we mean any adult leader in uniform. A Committee Member is a leader that is a member of the Troop Committee (most leaders). They can sit on Boards of Review. An Assistant Scoutmaster is a leader who works with the Scoutmaster to aid the boys (although all leaders can do this as well). They can give a scout a Scoutmaster Conference.

We prefer that all registered troop leaders come to all troop activities (except committee meetings) in class A uniform. For Court of Honor this is a must.

The Advancement Committee has a list of adult leaders and phone numbers. We will keep an updated list on the bulletin board.

Q.: Where can parents get a list of troop adult leaders with position and phone number?

A.: Check the bulletin board outside the meeting room. If there isn't one there check with the Advancement Committee and they should have a list.

Q.: If an adult wants to become a troop leader, Asst. Scoutmaster, etc., who should be their first contact?

A.: If you want to be a troop leader, you should see someone on the Advancement Committee or the Committee Chair, or just ask a uniformed leader and they can get you started.

Q.: How do you become a trained leader?

A.: First sign up to be a leader. Then take the BSLT course offered by the district or council. It is an interesting and fun course and requires only a small amount of your time. It is time well spent.

Q.: What’s the difference between a committee member, assistant scoutmaster, and a uniformed leader?

A.: A committee member is a registered leader who has a vote on the Troop Committee and helps at troop meetings and campouts. They also can sit on a Board of Review.

An Assistant Scoutmaster is a registered leader who helps at troop meetings and campouts to teach the boys Scout Skills. They also can perform Scoutmaster Conferences as part of a boy's advancement. On occasion they may sit on a Board of Review but BSA policy discourages that.

Uniformed leader refers to any registered leader in uniform.

Q.: When is it appropriate for a parent to wear a Class A uniform? Is there a troop protocol for this? Any specifics regarding adult uniforms?

A.: A parent can wear a Class A uniform when they become a registered leader. You should have all the same patches on your uniform as the boys, with the exception of a rank badge. Adults do not wear a badge of rank. Ranks are only for the boys. You should wear a bald eagle patrol patch. The 8 on the uniform should be worn sideways. You should wear the position patch of either Troop Committee, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Quartermaster, Chaplain, or Troop Committee Chair, depending on which position you hold.

Q.: What are Patrol Advisors?

A.: We try to assign one or two adults to be patrol advisors for each patrol. When your boy moves out of the Quail patrol and into another patrol consider being a patrol advisor. You will work with the patrol leader of that patrol. They review campout menus and shopping lists (keeps boys from having pop tarts for every meal). They also help give advice on equipment requirements and arranging transportation. They can work with the boys during patrol meetings to plan patrol activities.

Q.: What do Merit Badge Counselors do?

A.: If you have knowledge of any merit badge area, then sign up to be a merit badge counselor. We have a list of MB we don't have counselors for. Costs nothing but a bit of time. Just fill out a couple of forms and that's it. You will work with the boys to guide them in completing the merit badge. It could be in a classroom setting during troop meetings or it could be outside of troop meetings. If it is done outside of troop meetings then be sure that the boy comes with a buddy or parent.

Other Questions

Q.: Who should parents call if they need general information regarding troop activities?

A.: General information regarding troop activities can be obtained by calling the Activities Chair. Other leaders may have info, or can find out. Just ask. Check the bulletin board, the troop calendar, the newsletter, the e-mail group, and the website for other information.

Q.: Where can adults get Troop 8 hats, shirts, and other such garb?

A.: Troop hats and tee-shirts are available from the troop quartermaster after paying the troop treasurer. The receipt is required to get the item. When a boy first joins the troop he will get one Troop 8 shirt and one hat. After that a boy or an adult can purchase a Troop 8 hat for $10.00 and a Troop 8 tee shirt for $15.00.

Q.: Is there anything else I should know?

A.: Final word for the Troop rests with John Rutter (Scoutmaster), Damon Baker (Committee Chair) and Tim Hoss (Chartered Organization Representative).

We hope that this Q&A has helped answer your questions about how Troop 8 runs and how you can help. If you have questions ask any uniformed leader. If they don't know the answer they probably know whom to ask.

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