Troop 301 Mesa Arizona Boyscouts of America Love of Christ Lutheren BSA Grand Canyon Council

The Troop provides all rank and merit badge patches as part of his annual dues payments. When a boy advances in rank, he receives his new rank patch at a subsequent Troop meeting , but is formally acknowledged during the next Court of Honor. Traditionally we have two Court of Honor ceremonies per year. Merit Badge patches are handed out at Courts of Honor only, although the “blue card” that indicate his finishing a merit badge is handed out at a subsequent Troop meeting.

Who keeps track of the activities that my Son participates in?

All service hours, nights camping, miles hiked, advancement dates, and miscellaneous events are recorded by registered troop leaders the Troop Database.

When do service hours count?

Service hour participation predominates the higher ranks (First Class and above). However, Second Class requirement # 4 requires "Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project". Service projects are also counted as Troop “events,” which many newer scouts need for advancement . Excess service hours worked for a specific rank do not carry forward to the next rank.

One common question about whether service projects “count” or not is the question of “double dipping.” Sometimes schools, clubs, churches or other groups require a certain number of service hours. Our Troop’s rule is that if you’ve received credit for your service hours from a different institution, then you cannot count it again (“double-dipping”) for Scouts.

Whether it “counts” or not, participation in service projects is a large part of a boy’s demonstration of living the Scout Oath and Law, and is strongly encouraged.

Can my Son work on merit badges on his own, or just with our family?

Please refer to page 187 of the Boy Scout Handbook. It specifically instructs the Scout to "Obtain from your Scoutmaster a signed merit badge application (the famous "blue card") and the name of a qualified counselor for that merit badge." So, it's the Scoutmaster who decides what merit badge counselor the Scout will go to. Also, our Troop policy guide states that a Scout’s parent can only serve as a counselor for their own child if no other counselor is signed up for that particular merit badge, or if the Badge is being worked on in a group setting.

Who keeps track of my Son’s advancements?

He does! Although the Troop keeps advancement records once advancements are completed, a large part of the Scouting experience is for the boys to learn responsibility for their own advancement. The Scout Handbook should be taken on almost all Scouting events, and the Scout should be aware of what requirements are outstanding.

What can parents do to help with their son’s advancement?

One of the biggest things you can do for your son is to encourage him to keep working and to help him keep all of the Troop and Patrol activities on our calendar straight. Keep track of his advancement progress via his book. Remind him of items he still needs to complete. Talk to his Patrol leader and ask him to help your son review what he needs to get done.

You can also work with your son on rank advancements, although you cannot sign them off. You certainly can, however, help prepare him to demonstrate what he’s been working on and get those things signed off at a meeting by either an adult or youth leader.

What is a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review?

Anytime a boy is finished with the requirements for the next rank, these two items are required. They are the Boy Scout’s method of checks and balances. First, the boy meets one-on-one with either the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster, usually at a Troop meeting or a campout. He will go through and review to be sure that the Scout’s book is signed off properly and will review with the Scout many of the requirements he has gone through. The Scoutmaster (or Assistant) will also talk about the requirement which speaks to living the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. If the Scoutmaster feels that the boy is ready for this advancement, he will let the Committee know to schedule a Board of Review.

The Board of Review also usually takes place during a Troop meeting. The Board is made up of 3-5 Troop Committee members, who will spend 20-30 minutes with the Scout discussing the things he had to do to earn this advancement, as well as the Scout’s general feelings about the Troop, the program, his goals, etc. This check and balance system allows for the Scouts to be able to openly discuss issues with people they can trust, as well as to be sure that the boys are truly deserving of advancement and not watering down the program. It is fair game for the Committee to ask the Scout about not only this current advancement, but ALL ranks earned previously.

Both of these events should be carefully prepared for, and a complete Class A uniform must be worn or the Scout will be turned away.

How can parents help with the Troop?

Parents can help in many ways. We always have positions open for Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Members. Parents can also help by remembering that we are a “Boy Run Troop”, and letting their son fulfill his requirements on his own is an important part of the growing experience.

Should I call someone if my son can’t be at a meeting, and if so, who?

Well, yes and no. We would encourage your son to make that phone call. Everything is a learning experience, even this simple act. He should contact his Patrol Leader.

What is the chain of command if my son has an issue with another Scout, etc.?

Your boy’s first and most important leader is his Patrol Leader. If there is no satisfaction at the Patrol Leader level, then Senior Patrol Leader should be involved. If no satisfaction is found within the youth leadership, the issue should be escalated to either the Scoutmaster or one of his assistants. The final escalation point is the Troop Committee. This same escalation process also is in play when disciplinary action needs to be involved. We always try to have the youth leaders police their own issues, if possible.

If any issue ever involves conduct that endangers personal safety, the process skips directly to the adult leaders.

How do I know what events, and the respective dates, the Troop is planning?

A weekly communication flyer is e-mailed and a hard copy is sent home every week. Our Troop Web site (www.troop301online.com) has an up to date calendar and lists of upcoming Troop events. If you’re still not sure, call the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster.

What is the difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 health forms, and when is each required?

There are three types of medical records used in the Boy Scout program: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Confusion sometimes arises because the Class 1 and Class 2 medical records are recorded on the same form, however, they are quite different.

A Class 1 medical record is filled out annually by anyone participating in Boy Scout events (e.g. Day camp, overnight camping, and other programs not exceeding 72 hours in length). This form is filled out by a parent for his or her son, or an adult participating in the Boy Scout activity. A parent’s signature is required to complete this form (adults can sign for themselves). This form is extremely important as it authorizes medical treatment in an emergency situation. In accordance with BSA policy, every effort will be made to contact a parent or guardian in before emergency treatment begins, however, it is vital that we have a medical release on file should we be unable to make contact.

A Class 2 medical record is good for thirty-six months and is required for all participants in activities such as backpacking, tour camping, or recreational sports involving events lasting longer than 72 consecutive hours (e.g. regular Summer Camp). A Class 2 physical records the results of a medical evaluation by a licensed health care provider (a physician or other provider authorized by the state to give physical exams). Proper Class 2 documentation can consist either of the form used by the health care provider or the Boy Scout Class 2 form. Please note that if a non-BSA form is used, it should contain all of the information listed on the BSA form.

A Class 3 medical record is required annually for all Boy Scouts participating in high-adventure activities (such as Sea Base, Philmont, Fifty-Miler events, and Canyoneering), athletic competition, and world jamborees. Also, it is required for all adults over 40 participating in events lasting longer than 72 hours.

Does my son get Scout credit for nights spent camping with his family?

No.

Does my son need to have his own tent or cooking equipment to participate in Troop outings?

No, the Troop provides tents for all camping and backpacking events. For camping the Troop has a fully stocked trailer with all the cooking and cleaning equipment required.

For backpacking, the Troop provides the tents, but the cooking and eating gear is the responsibility of each Scout. The general rule in backpacking is “if you want it, you carry it”.

Is there an age requirement for Troop backpacking?

No, but a scout may only carry a maximum of ¼ of his body weight. If he can’t carry what he needs, he should not be going backpacking. A general rule of thumb is that the boy needs to be at least 100 pounds to go backpacking.

What is our Chartered Organization?

Love of Christ Lutheran Church

What is our BSA District and Council?

We are in the Mesa District of the Grand Canyon Council (GCC)

What are the Troop yearly dues?

The dues are $100.00 per boy, and cover GCC registration and a subscription to the BSA publication “Boys Life” magazine.

What is the “Patrol meeting?

This is a meeting for just the member of each Patrol. The Patrol Leader of you Son’s Patrol should contact him regarding meeting specifics. The Patrol meeting can be held where the Patrol Leader wants, and can be scheduled for any day during the week set aside for Patrol meetings. This is a mandatory meeting, and if your Son’s Patrol leader is not having the meetings you should notify the Scoutmaster.

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