Troop 728

We had 9 Scouts attend summer camp at Camp Keowa (TMR) the first week and we left 4 scouts for a second week. The Scouts had a great time. They earned an average of 2 merit badges each. Looking forward to bring 15 Scouts to camp next year..

The Role of the Scoutmaster Conference

According to the Boy Scouts of America charter, the purpose of Boy Scouting is to develop in a young man the ability to do things for himself and for others, to train him in outdoor skills, and to teach him patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues. We use the methods of Scouting—including advancement, the outdoors, and adult association—to accomplish these goals. The Scoutmaster conference allows the Scoutmaster to review

• -The Scout’s growth in his understanding of Scouting’s ideals
• -How the Scout applies these ideals in his daily life and in the troop
• -The requirements of the Scout’s next rank so that he can be properly encouraged

Why does the Scoutmaster engage in this one-on-one review? The relationship between a Scout and his Scoutmaster is important for the troop’s health and for the Scout’s success. The Scoutmaster must watch the troop’s dynamics to see who is showing leadership, who is holding back, who is shy, who is working with the younger boys, who is skilled in outdoor activities, etc. Further, the Scoutmaster must watch the individual Scout to determine whether he is advancing, whether he is having fun, and whether he seems eager or uneasy.

These functions are not easily performed if a Scoutmaster delegates a Scoutmaster conference to assistants. In a boy-lead troop, the Scoutmaster does not assert his authority, but guides and counsels every Scout so that the troop can function well and serve the purposes of Boy Scouting. The Scoutmaster conference is one of the primary ways the Scoutmaster does this.

In large troops, delegating this function may be necessary, especially when large numbers of Webelos Scouts are joining the troop. In these cases, an experienced assistant Scoutmaster can fill in to conduct the Scoutmaster conference. Remember however, that this first Scoutmaster conference is vital to the new Scout’s development.

Even in a large troop, a Scoutmaster should not delegate a conference with any candidate for Star, Life, and Eagle.

Summer Camp is one of the most exciting and one of the most beneficial parts of your scouting career. The troop is scheduled to go week 1 which is July 11 – July 17 at Camp Keowa at Ten Mile River Camp. TMR is located in the Sullivan County Catskills in New York State, near Monticello and Narrowsburg.

Camp Keowa offers the typical Scout program areas, such as Archery, Rifle Shooting, Field Sports, Swimming, Flatwater Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing, Kayaking, Nature Center/trail, Scout Skills/Pioneering and more. For information on the camp..  www.tenmileriver.org/ke/

Key info:
- Cost $300 per scout (Note real cost is $340 and if pay full by May 31 and we get $10 for recharter on time)
- Deposit $25 due April 30 (Need to get a count)
- Camperships are reductions in the total cost of camp, offered to Greater New York Councils Scouts. Several diffferent types of camperships exist. Each borough sponsors and administers its own campership program, and there are several other camperships sponsored by various groups that promote Scouting in NYC. Attached is the form for the request.
- We will work with families if the scout wants to go to camp in figuring out the cost.
- If a scout wants to go more than one week or can’t go the same week as the troop, we can make arrangement to stay with another troop.

PLEASE NOTE ALL PAPER MUST BE TURNED IN TO ONE OF THE ADULTS AT THE MEETING. If you sent it to the scout office it will be lost if not filled in properly.

Boy Scout Uniform Method

Scout uniforms are an important part of the Boy Scouts of America program and one of the methods of scouting. Each boy gets to be part of a group demonstrated by their uniform and each group has a personal sense of identity. The scout uniform is also a display case for a scout’s individual accomplishments and recognitions. We wear the uniform to associate ourselves with the principles to which we are committed – character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality, but it is a way we give each other strength and support.

The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform in cub scouts and boy scouts, we stand together and encourage each other to live by those principles. Scouts and adults alike should take pride in belonging to this program and wear the uniform correctly.

The official scout uniform consists of shirt, pants, belt, and socks. A neckerchief and hat are optional. In reality, each unit may have different uniform expectations, with some expecting socks to hat while others expect just the shirt. Having all scouts consistently uniformed for meetings and outings makes for a much better adventure. It is also important to remember that the scout uniform is not a mandatory part of scouting and a scout should not be prohibited from participating just because he does not have a uniform, or a complete uniform.

Communication is an important leadership skill. Without clear communication, tasks cannot be accomplished and misunderstandings can occur. The complaint that I get most often from Scouts and parents is that they were not notified about the meeting or the details of the meeting or activity. This happens often.

How are you going to improve your communication skill?

You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 100 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn any merit badge at any time. You don’t need to have had rank advancement to be eligible.    for more information http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx

Your son is registered, is learning how to survive in the outdoors, he has his full uniform and scout handbook…so what’s next? Parents and guardians should think about purchasing some personal camping equipment for their Scout.  First place to start is at the backpack.

BEST BUY!
Jansport

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60307

$49.97
RETAIL: $110.00
SAVINGS: $60.03 (55%)

Dragonfly

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90387

$44.99
RETAIL: $50.00
SAVINGS: $5.01 (11%)

Winter Camping Top 10 List

After a swimming safety presentation, the Scouts were anxious to get into the activity/games session of the Scout meeting. Many of them screaming for opportunity to compete and lead their patrols to victory. In all the loudness one Scout came to an adult leader and asked if he could spend his activity time this week working on Tenderfoot advancement. The best part about it was that his Scout book was plastered with post it notes that he used to study. I thought to myself about how many youths and adults go through their days satisfied with the way things are so I asked the boy, “Why are you so motivated to advance to the next rank?” He responded with, “I am excited about becoming Eagle scout!” It’s a rare instance in the urban inner city when you have a boy so excited about Scouting and I only hope that his enthusiasm inspires other boys in his group.

I’ll try to get a picture of his book and follow-up on this post.