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Welcome to Troop 1154!
On behalf of the leaders and boys in Troop 1154, welcome to our troop. Troop 1154 was
formed in December 2000 and is chartered by the Ashburn Ruritan Club. Establishing a
Troop was the next logical step in continuing the scouting tradition established by Pack 1154.
The leaders of this troop are dedicated to making scouting a positive experience for each
Scout. The leaders of this troop are all volunteer Scouters and parents who are dedicated to
the program. However, parental help is a necessary element in making the program a
success.
The most successful Scouts are the ones whose families encourage, support, and nurture
them. This does not mean doing the work for them. Rather, the Scout must be the one to
learn and understand the materials. As parents, we have to encourage them to do their best
and to point them to information to succeed.
Ensuring an open line of communication between parents and the troop is important to us.
The troop leadership is available to discuss any concerns you may have in regard to the
Scouting program being offered by Troop 1154. Feel free to give us a call or email us.
Yours in Scouting,
Brian Laws
Troop 1154 - Committee Chair
(home) 703.723.6895
(mobile) 703.470.9027
(email) [email protected]
Tim Yehle
Troop 1154 - Scoutmaster
(home) 703.724.1730
(mobile) 703.362.3542
(email) [email protected]
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Philosophy and Mission:
The normal method of Boy Scouting is boys leading boys under the guidance of
adults. Much of the encouragement and skill development to get the new Scouts on
the road to Eagle comes from the older Scouts in a patrol. The troop has a good
mix of Scout experience; from those who have just crossed over to Eagle Scouts
and every Rank in-between. As such, we look to these Scouts to provide much of the
leadership. Adults will, of course, always be involved.
As part of the regular troop meetings, Scouts will be provided an opportunity to learn new skills.
Our intent is to focus on the basic skills and requirements necessary for First Class rank
supplemented with various merit badges, especially those required for Eagle Scout.
While it is estimated that only about 3% of the boys who start in Scouting attain the
rank of Eagle Scout, we commit ourselves to providing every Scout in the Troop
the opportunity to progress to and reach this highest award of the Boy Scouts of
America.
As part of our philosophy, advancement is not to be forced on Scouts. Instead, the Scouts will be
encouraged to gradually accept more and more responsibility and personal initiative towards
taking control of their own advancement as they become more knowledgeable about the Scouting
program.
In terms of advancement philosophy, ranks should be viewed as recognition of
accomplishment in skills, knowledge, and leadership. It is these values that we
want the boys to develop - the rank or badge is just a visible sign and recognition of
this, not an end in itself. Scouting is therefore much more than rank advancement - it
is the Scout developing the skills that they need for life, and not just to serve their own selves, but
also to better serve God, family, community, country, and others. We do not want to become an
advancement "factory", but rather to help equip the boys for life and service, with advancement
coming as a natural result of this. And we want them to have FUN doing it!
Boy Scout Application:
In order to register Scouts with the troop and to obtain insurance coverage, we must have a
completed Boy Scout application. Boys cannot participate in camping events until this form has
been completed and the application turned in to the National Capital Area Council office (NCAC).
Therefore, it is important that this be completed and turned in right away.
Youth Protection and the Scout Pamphlet Exercises:
In order for the Scout to earn his Scout badge, he must learn several items about the Boy Scouts
including the Scout Promise, Scout Law, and handshake (many of these are done as part of the Cub
Scout Arrow of Light). Also, the Scout, along with his parent(s) or Guardian(s) must complete the
front section of the Scout book entitled "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A
Parent's Guide". We ask that you complete this section within a week of receiving your copy of
the Scout Handbook. This is important information that should be shared between a parent and the
Scout, and should not be taken lightly.
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Also, our troop in accordance with BSA direction conducts a training program with the Scouts to
educate them on the signs of abuse. During this session, the Scouts will watch a film and parents
are asked to discuss this film with their sons. Further information will be provided at a later date.
How Is Boy Scouts Different From Cub Scouts?
For those boys who are moving up from Cub Scouts, the biggest change for those entering the Boy
Scouting Program is the increased level of responsibility the boys have for themselves. Adult
Scout Leaders provide instruction, guidance and ensure safety. They DO NOT do things for the
boys. The boys are responsible for their advancement and for getting those items they have
accomplished signed off in their Scout Handbook, by a leader or senior ranking scout. They work
in patrols (like dens in Cub Scouts) but these patrols have boy leaders with an adult advisor. The
advisor tries to stay in the background as much as practical so the boys can build self-reliance and
confidence.
Troop Meetings:
Troop meetings are typically held every Thursday except on the first Thursday of the month. On
the first Thursday, only the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meets. The PLC is made up of the
Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, Instructors
and the Scribe. The PLC uses this meeting time to develop their meeting plan for the next calendar
month. From time to time “Leadership Meetings” may also be scheduled during this time so that
appointed leaders may work with their assigned mentors to complete their leadership requirements.
During the school year the troop meets at Sanders Corner Elementary School. Scouts should wear
their full Class A uniform (BSA shirt, pants/shorts, belt, socks, hat and the Troop neckerchief)
unless otherwise specified. The First Class program, which is designed for the new scouts who
have just joined the troop, starts at 7:00pm and runs until 8:30pm. The school is located on
Ashburn Farm Parkway between Claiborne Parkway and Belmont Ridge Road. The Troop
meeting location during the summer has been Crossroads United Methodist Church during the past
few years. The troop meets year round, contrary to the schedule usually experienced in Cub
Scouting. It is not required that a Scout attends every single meeting, but regular attendance is
necessary to get the most out of the program. Portions of the meeting will be focused on preparing
for upcoming activities. Therefore, if a meeting is missed, the Scout should check with their Patrol
Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader or Troop Guide to determine what was missed.
Uniform:
Troop 1154 is a FULL UNIFORM troop. As Scouts earn their rank advancement, they are
expected to display it on their uniform in its proper location. The following is the list of uniform
pieces that a Scout will need. Attached to this packet are the Troop 1154 uniform standards.
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BSA Tan Shirt (Recommended Short Sleeve)
BSA Cap
BSA Green Socks
BSA Green Pants (Recommended Convertible)
Sturdy Hiking boots
Troop 1154 Neckerchief & Slide (Supplied)
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Troop 1154 T-shirt (Supplied)
BSA Web Belt & Buckle
Certain Uniform Shirt Emblems (Supplied)
BSA ID Card (When issued)
BSA Handbook
Communication:
We cannot stress enough the importance of email communications for both Scouts and parents. It
is essential we have all the current email addresses and that everyone regularly checks for
Troop1154 emails for activity information, schedule changes, permission slips, and
announcements. It is not unusual that we have 5 email addresses for each Scout. (Mom at home,
Mom at work, Dad at home, Dad at work, and the Scout himself) Scouts who have leadership
positions will be required to call and email other members of their patrol and troop. Also, we are
migrating more items to the troop web site. The plan is to make it much more of a resource for
you. The address is http://www.ashburntroop1154.org/wordpress.
Parent Involvement:
The success of our troop depends upon parent participation. While Boy Scouting is a Scout led
organization, it does require a certain amount of parent support to run smoothly. As you can
imagine some adult leader positions require a considerable commitment of time and energy; what
you might not be aware is that the vast majority of adult positions do not – but are critical in the
efficient operation and the success of the Troop. Most of these positions do not require you to
attend Troop meeting or wear a Scout uniform and can be accomplished at times of your choosing.
I encourage you to get involved and share your experiences and talents and help provide a quality
experience to the Scouts. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about how you can get involved –
no level of support is too small and it is greatly appreciated!
Troop Outings:
Our program involves getting the Scouts outdoors to experience nature and develop skills that can
be used throughout life. Our intent is to have some sort of outing every month.
Examples of outings include camping trips, hikes, and ski trips. Most events will
be a camping trip combined with other elements such as hiking, orienteering, or
canoeing. Each Scout is responsible for paying his share of funds associated with
the event. Every effort will be taken to minimize cost while ensuring the safety of
each Scout. An Activity Consent Form must be completed for each Troop Outing.
Meals at Campout:
At every campout, scouts will have the opportunity to prepare their own meals. Following the
directions from their scout handbooks, each patrol will develop a menu. A patrol “Grubmaster”
will then purchase the food ingredients with the collected “grub money” and will bring them to the
campout. The meal plans are based on a balanced diet using the five basic food groups. The only
rule that we have is that you don't eat anything different than you would have at home. We assume
that most Scouts are fed balanced meals at home so they should eat them on a campout.
We monitor the meal planning process closely, as new scouts have a tendency to load up on junk
foods and to try to avoid cooking some meals. We like meals that require some
form of cooking. Pop Tarts are not considered food and are not a substitute for
breakfast. It’s okay to have a snack planned, but the menu should not be
substantially junk food. Whatever is planned is eaten as a patrol. Lastly,
EVERYONE should have a mess kit (even adults). Mess kits consist of a plate,
fork, spoon, and cup (nothing fancy. No paper plates, cups, etc).
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Summer Camp:
Each year, our troop attends a week-long summer camp sponsored by the Boys
Scouts of America. Generally, we attend Camp Ottari, which is part of the Blue
Ridge Mountains Scout Reservation (BRMSR). If there is enough interest we may
offer a second Summer camp later in the Summer. Summer camp offers the best
opportunity for Scouts to advance, learn new skills and have fun! Participation in
summer camp is strongly encouraged. Additional information on BRMSR can be
found:
http://bsabrmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=297&Itemid=366/camp-Ottari_3.htm
Financials:
Annual troop dues are $100.00, and will be become due every year in the November timeframe
(which coincides with our recharter effort). First year scouts who crossover around the March
timeframe will be charged $83.50.
Annual dues cover the cost of Scout registration and insurance, maintaining the troop and patrol
equipment (see equipment section below for additional details), advancement, awards, class B
uniforms (tee shirts) and operation of the basic program. This does not cover the cost for outings
such as summer camp, ski trips, or other programs that require funds. Additionally, the cost of
food and consumable patrol supplies is the responsibility of the Scouts in a patrol to divide evenly
and pay their own way. Individual funds earned through fundraising can be used to pay for trips
and dues as necessary (see fundraising below).
Scout and Parent Information:
Attached to this packet is an information sheet for your Scout. It is very important that we get this
sheet back quickly so that we can record this information in our troop database system. This
includes information on both the Scout and his parents. Feel free to attach additional sheets with
information for step-parents.
Travel and Insurance Information:
Travel to activities will ordinarily be done in a group effort with everyone meeting at the school or
some other central location and departing for the activity. We will need volunteers that can help
drive Scouts to the activity and help get them home after the activity.
In order for the Boy Scout council to approve our activities, we have to submit an application that
includes information on travel to the activity including driver's names, license numbers, and
insurance coverage information. There is an area on the Scout information form for parent's
driver's license and insurance information. This information will be loaded into our tracking
software allowing us to generate applications as necessary and have them reviewed by council.
We ask that all parents complete this information for their vehicles to allow us to submit
information for as many drivers as possible.
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Fundraising:
When Baden-Powell established the Scouting program in the early 1900s, part of the philosophy
was that a Scout was thrifty and earned their way. To continue in this tradition, the troop will
participate in multiple fundraising activities. The exact fundraising method varies with the goals
that year. The troop typically allots a percentage of the profits earned by a Scout through
fundraising to his "Scout Account" that can be used to help pay for his annual dues and outings
such as summer camp, ski trips, etc. However, any unused moneys left in an individual escrow
account when a Scout resigns (does not Recharter) from the troop will be credited to the General
Fund. If an active Scouts “ages out” of the Troop will receive the balance of their Scout Account
upon their 18th birthday. This year the troop will be doing a mulch sale in the spring, car washes in
the summer, and in the past we’ve also sold popcorn (which supports both the district and council).
Equipment:
Equipment is classified into 3 groups: troop, patrol, and individual.
Troop equipment is that gear which is shared by all patrols. This includes things such as the troop
trailer, the troop flags, shovels, axes, ropes, and storage containers. This equipment is maintained
through the annual dues paid for each boy and troop fundraising profits.
Patrol equipment is the gear used by each patrol. There are two types of patrol gear: nonconsumables and consumables. Non-consumables include things such as tents, stoves, lanterns,
dining flies, and cookware. This gear is maintained through the annual dues and troop fundraising
for items damaged as a result of normal wear and tear. However, a Scout or Patrol will be
responsible for the repair/replacement of equipment due to misuse, breakage, or anything outside
of normal wear and tear. Consumables primarily include food. Responsibility for the purchase of
these items is at the patrol level and is accomplished by the Scouts each contributing their share to
purchase these items. These items are the responsibility of the Troop and Patrol Quartermasters
and Grubmaster.
Individual equipment consists of gear each Scout is responsible for. This includes items such as a
sleeping bag, camping pad, individual mess kit, water bottle, clothing, and personal care items.
Please be aware that the most expensive items are not necessarily the best for camping. Our
experienced leaders will help you to understand what is necessary based on their experience.
Below is a list of essential items that your scout will need to camp.
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Gear Bag
Raincoat Or Poncho
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Flashlight
Compass
Pocket Knife
Personal First Aid Kit
Water Bottle
Camp Chair
Utensils
Plate, Bowl & Cup
Clothes
Knit Hat & Gloves
Things your Scout NEVER needs to bring on his own: Tent, Axe, Saw, or Electronic Gadgets – if
discovered, the item will be taken and returned to Scout upon return to Sanders Corner.
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Camp Clothing:
The main way for your Scout to stay comfortable while camping is by layering. Layering refers to the
layering of clothing; instead of wearing one bulky massive coat, wear several layers of fleece, wool,
polypropylene etc. This allows you to adjust how warm you are by adding or subtracting layers of
clothing. It is important to stay warm in the winter - but just as important to stay cool. You don't want
to get so hot that you sweat - this will cause you to rapidly lose heat - especially if you are wearing
cotton (don't do it – see below).
Layering really comes in handy while moving around. When Scouts are active (hiking, running
around, etc.) they will generate a lot of heat, most of which will be reflected back by your clothing.
Instead of taking off a single bulky coat, you can take off a thinner single layer to stay cool. After you
stop moving around you will begin to cool down and you can put another layer on.
One of the worst fibers for outdoor activities is cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and traps it; a better
choice is a moisture wicking synthetic fiber. T-shirts, long underwear, and jackets made with these
performance fibers can be purchased from a variety of retailers (Wal-Mart – Neiman Marcus).
Always, but ALWAYS send along a poncho or other raingear!
Where to buy Scout Stuff:
A limited selection of official BSA items is available from Leesburg Hobby and Collectibles located
at 9 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176 (703-779-8600). A larger variety is available at the
Scout Shop located at 5234 Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA 22151-2102 (703-321-4836). Or you visit
the Scout Shop on-line at http://www.scoutstuff.org
National retailers including: Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority all
have a good selection of basic gear. Specialty stores such as Eastern Mountain Sports, REI and
Casual Adventure have a good selection of camping gear and may offer discounts to Scouts as well.
Even Costco may have select items.
Lost and Found:
There is not a formal lost and found system in place for the troop. It is expected that each Scout takes
responsibility of his own personal belongings. We highly recommend that each item of individual
equipment and clothing be labeled with the Scouts name. In this way when an item is left behind,
it can be returned to its rightful owner without delay.
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Rank Advancement:
Unlike Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts earn their ranks by learning from each other. The Scout must then
seek out an approved leader (adult or youth) to sign off they understand the requirement. It is also the
responsibility of your Scout to seek out the Scoutmaster for the “Scoutmaster Conference” and to
then schedule a “Board of Review”. Requests from parents will not be accepted.
Basically, the routine for rank advancement is this:
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The Scout Completes the requirements
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The Scout Schedules a Scoutmaster Conference with the Scoutmaster
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The Scout Schedules a Board of Review with the Troop Advancement Chair
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The rank is awarded at the next Troop Meeting
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The Scout is formally presented at the next Court of Honor (conducted 3 to 4 times per year)
One of the nifty little secrets about rank advancement is that the Scout does not have to earn a “lower
rank” before he starts to work on the next advanced rank. So, if while on your Scout’s first camp out
he completes a requirement for Second Class (like safe saw handling), that’s great!
Parents are encouraged to help the Scout earn the ranks by helping him practice his knots, reviewing
items from the BSA Handbook and such, but parents cannot sign off on completed requirements. The
only requirement a parent can sign off is the completion of the youth protection information for rank
of Scout.
Merit Badges:
Merit badges are individual awards used to recognize a Scout’s skill and knowledge in a particular
area. These awards range from outdoor activities such as Camping, Hiking, and Swimming to skills
such as First Aid, Life-Saving, and Personal Management. Other skill areas also have merit badges
such as Photography and Communications. There are over 120 total merit badges available.
In order for a Scout to earn a merit badge, he must first request a "blue card" from the Scoutmaster or
an Assistant Scoutmaster. The blue card is used by the Scout to work with a Merit Badge Counselor
and record completion of requirements. The steps below explain the process that the Scout must use
in working on Merit Badge requirements.
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Pick A Subject. Talk to your Scoutmaster about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit
badges you think might interest you. Pick one to earn. Your Scoutmaster or the Merit Badge
Coordinator will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These counselors have
special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.
Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit
badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a
relative or a friend.
Scouts should contact the Troop Librarian to get the Merit Badge book – scouts need to have the
book as they do badges.
Call The Counselor. Get a signed merit badge application ("blue card") from your Scoutmaster.
Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell him or her that you want to earn the merit
badge. The counselor may ask you to come and see him so her can explain what he/she expects
and start helping you meet the requirements.
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When you know what is expected, start to learn and do the things required. Ask your counselor to
help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on
the subject. Many school or public libraries have them, and they are available for purchase from
the Scout Shop.
Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment to meet
the requirements. When you go take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If
they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done. The
counselor will ask you to do each requirement to make sure that you know your stuff and have
done or can do the things required.
Get The Badge. When the counselor is satisfied that you have met each requirement, he or she
will sign your application. Give the signed application to your Scoutmaster so that your merit
badge emblem can be awarded to you at a Court of Honor.
Requirements. You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated --- no more and no
less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or
demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds
true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect," "identify," and "label."
Our Scouting district, Goose Creek, maintains a list of qualified merit badge counselors for various
merit badges. We look to the parents of Scouts for participation as Merit Badge counselors since the
number of Scouts in Goose Creek district continues to grow each year. Each adult will probably be
able to find one or more merit badges where they have significant expertise or interest and can serve
as a counselor. As an example, a teacher could probably do a very good job at Citizenship in the
Community and Citizenship in the Nation. An electrician could support either the Electricity or
Electronics merit badge. A volunteer EMT could do an excellent job at First Aid and perhaps
Lifesaving. For a current list of all merit badges you can go to:
http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges
We ask that each parent look through this list and determine what merit badges you would be
interested in being a counselor for or if you have contacts with individuals who may want to serve as
a counselor. If you are able to serve as a counselor please let the Merit Badge Coordinator know and
they will work with you or have someone work with you to become registered and get started.
In Closing:
We’ve tried to include as much basic knowledge on you here as we could. Some of us have been to
Troops where the only guidance the family got was “Read the Handbook.” It’s a nice start, but some
words from the folks who have been there is always helpful.
How did we do? Additions to Parent’s Guide are welcome. We want to make the path easier for
those who follow you.
Useful Links
BSA Youth Application
BSA Adult Application
BSA Health & Medical Form
BSA Merit Badge Counselor Application
BSA Activity Consent Form
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2013 Annual Plan
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Troop 1154
Boy Scout Uniform Standards
Right Arm Sleeve
Left Arm Sleeve
U.S. flag. Only the most recently
earned Quality Unit Award may
be worn below patrol emblem or
below National Honor Patrol
star. Musician badge, if in band
or drum corps, is worn 1/2 inch
below patrol emblem. Up to six
merit badges may be worn on the
long-sleeve shirt in two columns
of three starting 3 inches above
the bottom edge of the cuff.
Council patches, unit numeral, and badge
of office are worn as shown snug up, and
touching each other. Badge of office is
centered below and touches unit numeral.
The veteran unit bar (25, 50, 55, 60, 65,
70, 75, or 80 years) is positioned above
and touching troop numeral and in turn
touching council patch. Den chief cord is
worn over the left shoulder and under
epaulet.
Right Pocket
Left Pocket
Jamboree insignia (only one)
worn above BSA or interpreter
strip. Order of the Arrow lodge
insignia worn on pocket flap.
Temporary insignia worn
centered on the pocket. Flap
buttoned. Nameplate, if worn, is
centered above the BSA strip and
interpreter strip.
General
Appearance
Headgear
Shoes
-Good Posture
-Clean Face And Hands
-Hair Combed
-Neatly Dressed
-Clean Fingernails
-Visored Cap
-Leather or canvas, neat and clean
Service stars above the pocket. If a medal
or embroidered knot for youth members is
worn, service stars are raised. Embroidered
square knots are worn centered above the
pocket in rows of three. Not more than five
medals may be worn, pinned centered
immediately above the pocket (extending
over knots if both are worn). The wearing
sequence for knots or medals is at the
wearer’s discretion and lead color is to the
wearer’s right. Badges of rank are worn
centered on the pocket above the Arrow of
Light Award. Flap buttoned. The World
Crest is worn centered horizontally over
the left pocket and vertically between the
left shoulder seam and the top of the
pocket.
Belt
Pants/Shorts
Neckerchief
And Slide
-Insignia At Back Should Be Right Side
Up And Centered.
-Draw Neckerchief Slide Over Ends And
Adjust To Fit Snugly.
Shirt
-Official Long- Or Short-Sleeve Tan Shirt
With Green Shoulder Loops On Epaulets.
-The Collar Should Be Unbuttoned.
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Registration
Insignia
- Olive web with BSA insignia on brass buckle
or
- BSA Philmont belt and buckle
-Official, olive, pressed; no cuffs. Socks.
Official olive-colored mid-calf-length socks
with red tops worn with official shorts or
trousers.
-Current membership card or temporary
certificate on person
-Correct placement:
o
left pocket
o
right pocket
o
left sleeve
o
right sleeve
www.ashburntroop1154.org
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