New Scout Information
Troop 4015
New Scout Information
Troop Meetings on Wednesdays
7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
At
Trinity United Methodist Church
Activity Building
2796 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Troop Organization:
The leader of the Troop is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL along with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) and the Patrol Leaders form the Troop’s Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The PLC meets monthly to determine program for the Troop Meetings and activities.
The adult leaders of the Troop serve as advisors, teachers, coaches, and resources for the Scout Leaders of the Troop. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters directly interface with the Scouts in the Troop. Other adults serve the Troop in a logistical and resource capacity.
When problems arise, other than safety related, with the program or an activity, Scouts should first bring the issues to the attention of their Patrol Leader (PL) and then to the SPL or ASPL. Only after exhausting these resources should the Scout involve the adult leaders…..
Adult leaders are expected to ask Scouts if they have spoken to their PL, ASPL, and/or SPL before giving advice or answering questions or solving problems.
There are no “Moms” or “Dads” at Troop meetings, campouts, or other Troop activities.
There are only Boy Scout Adult Leaders.
Troop Communications:
Troop 15 has several means of communicating with Troop members. Announcements are routinely made at openings or closings of the Troop Meeting. Additionally, the Troop website is http://troop4015.org. The Troop website has a calendar of events, communications, and other information useful to Scouts. Note that you must register to see all the content on the troop website.
The Troop email list is troop4015@yahoogroups.com. If you would like to be on our email list please go to the Yahoo website and then group Troop4015 to join or email scoutmaster@troop4015.org. The Troop email list is used to distribute news and information to Scouts and their families.
A parents meeting is held every second Wednesday of the month to cover upcoming events and assure parental support of our youths activities. Please be sure to attend.
Project First Class:
Troop 15 conducts an active “Project First Class Program” (PFC) for all new Scouts under First Class Rank. The program meets during the normal scheduled Troop Meetings. The Troop’s Project First Class Coordinators, with the assistance of Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM), and the Troop Guide works with PFC youth to learn the Scout skills necessary to earn the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks.
Boy Scouting is a self-paced program where Scouts may advance as quickly or slowly as they want. Most Scouts should be able to earn their First Class Rank within nine months to a year of joining.
Scouts should bring their Boy Scout Handbook with them to all Troop meetings and activities. The Scout Handbook is the Scout’s personal record of his advancement. It is the Scout’s responsibility to ask a Scout that has obtained First Class rank or higher, one of the PFC Coordinators, or the JASM to sign off on completed items in his Scout Handbook. Please note that parents are not to sign off on their son’s requirements!
New Scouts entering the Troop are assigned to a “New Boy Patrol”. The idea is to keep this patrol together as a “unit” to develop deep friendships as they progress through their Scouting experience. Additionally, new scouts are assigned a mentor (an youth who has earned 1st Class) to meet with the youth and help them on the scouting trail.
Parents
Troop 15 exists to develop leadership in youth according to scouting values. As a parent you are expected to support your youth through attendance and participation.
Many parents ask, “How do I get involved?” or “What do I do?” This is best answered through just showing up. Being present during troop meetings, parent meetings, and on campouts you will make new friends, learn about the troop and scouting programs and have as much or more fun than your son (don’t tell him). So, we welcome you to Troop 15 and look forward to getting to know you and sharing in a lot of fun.
Troop Uniform Closet:
Troop 15 maintains a “Uniform Closet” of slightly used BSA Uniform pieces. Items in the uniform closet are free for the use of members of Troop 15. The only cost is that any outgrown uniform parts be returned to the Uniform Closet for the use of other Scouts. Contact Ed Needham for information on currently available uniform items. Ed also sells Troop t-shirts for wear as an activity uniform.
High Adventure
Troop 15 participates in one or two high adventure programs annually. Youth may not participate in these programs until age 13 or older. Generally, youth are encouraged to wait until they are 14 to assure they have mastered scout skills, are mentally prepared, and physically able to enjoy the adventure.
Camping Information:
Troop 15 owns tents, cooking equipment, and a troop trailer to transport camping gear to our campouts. Each Scout should bring the following personal gear to each campout:
• Extra clothing as appropriate for the season.
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A small pillow is optional.
• Eating utensils (cup, plate, bowl, spoon, fork, knife) disposable eating utensils are discouraged.
• Folding camp chair or stool is optional but encouraged.
• Scout Handbook
• Water bottle or canteen
• Personal toiletries, Sun block, Chap stick
• Flashlight
• Small bag to put personal gear in
Occasionally, additional or special gear may be needed for campouts. Usually this occurs for District and Council Events. When a campout requires special equipment, Scouts will be notified in advance.
Scouts are not allowed to bring certain items on any campout without Scoutmaster approval. Personal electronics (CD players, TV’s, Gameboy’s, radios, cellular phone, etc.) soft drinks, or any item deemed to be disruptive or dangerous by the adult leaders of the Troop. If these items are brought they can be confiscated by the adult leadership and returned to the parent at the next Troop meeting.
It is critical to a Scouts well being that they are appropriately dressed for a campout. Tennis shoes are discouraged and in bad weather a Scout maybe denied attendance if not properly dressed for the weather. See any adult leader if assistance is needed.
Scout Dues:
Dues are $1.00 per week regardless of attendance. Scout accounts are provided through our Treasurer. This account may only be used to pay for the Scout’s activities and equipment. This is not a bank account; thus, should the scout leave the Troop the money is forfeited to the Troop general fund.
