Quick Startup Guide to Troop 119 for Parents 

Most of the information on this page is available on other pages on the website.  It is condensed here, in the hopes that we can answer your questions quickly.  If you want more information on a topic, please look through the website. 

Parent Participation

A fundamental principle of Scouting is that troops be Boy Led. However, this does not mean that parents cannot have fun too.  There are many different roles to fill and ways to contribute.  If you get involved you will quickly learn that adults in scouting share in the fellowship, participate in activities, have access to some of the best leadership training available anywhere and develop many wonderful new friends.  We need your help, supporting an activity, teaching a skill and helping with advancement.  Your involvement can be as expansive or as limited as your schedule allows but we encourage you to get involved.  Please take the time to speak with one of our leaders.

The Boy Led Troop

In Boy Scouts, leaders and parents provide support.  The Scouts plan the meetings and events.  We help with guidance, resources and support.  It is very tempting to jump in when your son or another boy is struggling.  Our leaders are trained in coaching and in providing enough support so the struggle turns into a learning experience. Our objective is to teach them teamwork and leadership.  The Senior Patrol Leader, his assistants and the individual Patrol Leaders lead the troop.  The troop operates the patrol method using the patrol of 3-8 boys as the core operational element.  If your son has questions, they are first directed to the Patrol Leader and then the Senior Patrol Leader.  If you are patient and just sit back and watch you will see an amazing transformation.

Youth Protection and Safety

The Boy Scouts of America have developed a series of programs and guidelines to help make Scouting as safe an experience as is possible.  Each year the adults in the troop and the scouts will be trained in the principles of Youth Protection, to prevent abuse.  It outlines guidelines for “Two-deep Leadership”, respect of privacy, and no one-on-one contact, among others.  All parents are welcome to participate in the training and if you are involved in Troop activities you will be requested to participate.  You will actually find it very helpful for other youth activities with which you are involved.  BSA Guide to Safe Scouting, a 60-page guide to safe conduct of a wide variety of Scouting activities is now available online at www.scouting.org

The Scout Handbook

The Scout Handbook is a wonderful source of information for your scout and you.  All the rank requirements are described as well as most of the information to achieve those ranks.  It also includes information to prepare a scout to participate in hikes and camping trips.  Encourage your son to read it.  When he has questions about scouting, refer him to the book to see if it provides an answer.  It is an exceptional resource and one he should get used to using.  It is also a helpful resource for you.  By reviewing pertinent sections you can guide your son when questions arise.

Advancement

Advancement is essential for giving a scout a sense of accomplishment and feeling like an integrated part of the troop.  Unlike Cub Scouts, parents do not sign off on requirements.  Scouts take responsibility for working on requirements, seeking out someone at the scout meeting to provide guidance and approve their work when it is completed.  Simply participating in meetings, hikes, camping trips and summer camp will ensure that a scout has the opportunity to achieve the first 4 of the 7 ranks of scouting, (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class) as the program plans incorporate specific rank requirements.  Parents should become familiar with the requirements and provide support and encouragement for the scout.  If you need guidance in how you can help your son, please do not hesitate to contact one of the troop leaders.

Uniforms and Equipment

Scouts will need a Class A and Class B uniform.  Class A is a complete uniform including scout shirt with appropriate badges and insignia (see the Handbook), neckerchief and slide, web belt, pants/shorts and socks.  We will supply each scout with a Troop tee shirt, which replaces the scout shirt and neckerchief in the Class B uniform.  Scout supplies can be purchased at the Scout Store;  the most convenient for most families is the store at 400 Washington St. Woburn, MA, at Cummings Park or on-line at scoutstuff.org or by phone at 1-800-323-0732.  Your son will need some equipment for hiking and camping, particularly a good, rugged pair of hiking boots, rain gear and a sleeping bag.  We will discuss what equipment is necessary during meetings prior to each outing.   You need not purchase official Boy Scout equipment.  See the section of this website on Equipment for more information on what your scout will need.  Renting backpacks, tents, or sleeping bags at camping supply stores such as REI or EMS is also an option.

Volunteers

There are many things to be done and many ways to participate.  We expect every family to help out in the troop.  It is because of the many volunteers the troop has that we offer some many opportunities for the Scouts. Included in this document is a brief survey of your skills and interests.  A few of the ways you can help are listed below:

• Driving for activities and events

• Helping out with food or setup at a Court of Honor

• Sitting on Boards of Review

• Coordinating a camping trip or other event

• Helping with Troop equipment

• Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor

• Running a Merit Badge Class

• Helping a Life or Star Scout plan his way to Eagle
  

• Camping with us at Summer Camp

• Designing, managing or contributing to our website

Please contact our Committee Chair if you would like to volunteer.  Please pitch in!

Driving/Insurance

All drivers must be registered with the troop and Boy Scout policy recommends liability limits of at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000.  As scouts register, we will ask for your pertinent information so we will have it on file.

Communications

As a boy-led troop relying on the patrol method, direct communication about events, activities, etc. will be passed on directly to your son.  Through e-mail, newsletters, Courts of Honor and a Web site, we will do our best to keep everyone informed.  E-mail is the most effective and fastest form of communication for most people.  Please keep us up to date on your e-mail address. We use the domain name Troop119.com which will allow for broad distribution of information. Distribution lists are listed below and must only be used for scouting purposes. While your e-mail address is on the list, if you are the originator of the email, you will not receive a copy of your message.

scouts119 "at" troop119 "dot" com	committee119 "at" troop119 "dot" com
adults119 "at" troop119 "dot" com	OA119 "at" troop119 "dot" com
scoutmaster119 "at" troop119 "dot" com	treasurer119 "at" troop119 "dot" com
advancement119 "at" gmail "dot" com	CommitteeChair119 "at" troop119 "dot" com
wreaths119 "at" troop119 "dot" com

 
Telephone numbers and e-mail address for all the Troop 119 leaders are listed in the Guidebook Addendum - please ask for a copy at a Troop meeting.  If you have questions, at any time, please do not hesitate to contact any of us.

Medications

Medications on camping trips are dispensed at the appropriate time by the Scoutmaster or his designee.  Scouts and parents should provide meds in an original prescription labeled bottle with the scouts name and directions for administration to the Scoutmaster prior to departing for the trip.  Please provide only the amount of medication required for the duration of the trip. At summer camp, medications are controlled and dispensed by the camp nurse. At no time may scouts retain and dispense their own medication, except for inhalers and epipens.

Knives and Matches

Knives and matches are very useful and often essential tools for scouts participating on camping trips.  Carrying a knife or matches is privilege and scouts must have earned their Totin Chip Card (Knives, Axes and Saws) and Fireman Chit Card (Matches and Fires) in order to take advantage of this privilege.  For a minor violation of usage guidelines, a corner is clipped from a scout’s card.  If all four corners are clipped, the card and privilege is revoked and the scout must meet with the Scoutmaster and earn their card once again.  Knives and matches may be removed by an adult leader at any time.  Major infractions will result in immediate revocation of the privilege and may also lead to disciplinary action under the Scout Law Policy.

For all scouting and camping purposes, one folding pocket knife is adequate as are standard book-type or wooden matches (in a water-proof container).  Boy Scouts of American bans all sheath knives greater than 4” in blade length.  Troop 119 believes there is no need for a sheath knife of any length.  Likewise, butane lighters are not necessary and discouraged.  Troop leaders or the Quartermaster generally supplies trigger-style butane lighters for safe lighting of stoves on camping trips.  Cigarette lighters are not appropriate.

Financial Aid

Our Troop Committee feels strongly that financial constraints should not prevent a boy from owning a uniform, from having the opportunity to participate in all scouting events and accessing the necessary equipment.  Several events during the year, particularly summer camp, require a financial commitment.  Troop 119 is prepared to find ways to assist any scout with a financial need.  If you have such a need or are aware of others who may, please refer to the section of this guide describing our Campership Program or contact Laura Sheedy, Campership Coordinator, for a confidential discussion.

Donations

If you wish to make a donation to help us purchase equipment, please make the check payable to Hancock Church – Boy Scout Troop 119 and give it to one of the leaders or send it to Hancock Church – Troop 119, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421.  Your donation is tax deductible.  A receipt suitable for filing with the IRS will be returned to you.  We appreciate your support.

Wreath Fundraiser

In order for the Troop to purchase, replace and repair tents, stoves and other camping equipment, to subsidize the cost of many events and to provide funds for our Campership Program, the Troop must generate funds beyond those provided by dues.  We hold one fundraiser each year. We expect that all scouts will participate in this fundraiser and do their best to support the Troop. We recognize that not all of our scouts celebrate Christmas, but have found that selling Christmas wreaths is an effective way to raise funds.  In fact, in the past few years the scouts who have been top-sellers do not celebrate Christmas.  If you have any questions regarding the wreath sale, please contact the Wreath Fundraiser coordinator.

Scout Glossary

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100 Degrees of Frost – An award given to scouts and adults who have accumulated 100 degrees F camping in below freezing temperatures.

APL – Assistant Patrol Leader.  Scout appointed by the Patrol Leader, who stands in for the Patrol Leader when needed.

ASM – Assistant Scoutmaster.  An adult leader, appointed by the Scoutmaster to assist at meetings and on camping trips.

ASPL – Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Scout appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.  In our Troop, the Senior Patrol Leader usually appoints two Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders – one in charge of programs, and one in charge of trips.

Bear Bag – Tarp rigged to hold food items overnight, generally tied to a tree and elevated where bears and minibears can’t get at it.

Blue Card – Card on which your merit badge counselor records progress on a merit badge.  There are three portions – when you are finished, the counselor gets one, the scout gets one and the Advancement Chair gets one. See the information about merit badges on the Advancement page.

BOR – Board of Review. All rank advancements, except for the Scout badge, require a Board of Review.  The members of a Board of Review are adult leaders in the troop except for the Scoutmaster or any of his Assistant Scoutmasters.  The main purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest the skills a Scout has learned, but to see what the Scout’s spirit is and how the troop is doing is helping the Scout along and meeting Boy Scout objectives.

Breakout – To dissolve into smaller groups for a meeting, i.e. patrols.

Buddy System – To have another Scout with you at all times.

Camporee – A District campout with many troops. Generally patrols compete in various events, testing Scouting skills and knowledge.

Class A’s – Tan BSA uniform shirt, troop neckerchief and slide.  At some events, we don’t wear the neckerchief.

Class B’s – Gray or green Troop 119 t-shirt.  Worn on service projects and other events that could lead to mud or other forms of dirt.

COH – Court of Honor. A formal ceremony, held three or four times a year, to recognize you and your fellow Scouts for rank advancement and other Scouting achievements.  This event is held with an audience of family, friends, chartered organization officials, and troop leaders.

Cracker Barrel – An informal meeting for leaders with snacks held during a campout.

Den Chief – A scout approved by the Scoutmaster and the Cubmaster to assist in a Cub Scout den.  The Scout is generally a First Class Scout or above.  The Den Chief Training given by the council is recommended for scouts interested in being a Den Chief.

Fall In – A call by the Senior Patrol Leader or one of his Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders to gather.  Scouts usually stand in patrols.

Firem’n Chit – A card showing that the Scout has earned the right to use matches and build cooking fires and campfires.  Usually, a Scout will earn this on his first camping trip.

FOS – Friends of Scouting.  An organization that supports Scouting at the council level. The Boston Minuteman Council does not collect membership fees and is supported by the efforts of Friends of Scouting fundraising and individual contributions.  Friends of Scouting also runs many council events.  Annually, Friends of Scouting is invited to conduct a fundraising appeal at one of the Troop’s Courts of Honor.

Greenlee – A bear-proof metal locker that is used at camp for storing food.

Grubmaster – The person responsible for buying food for a campout.  The grubmaster should know how many scouts he is buying food for, and the menu for the trip.  He should remember “A Scout is Thrifty” when he makes his choices at the supermarket.

Instructors – Scouts appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader who are responsible for teaching Scouting skills and knowledge to the other Scouts.

Klondike Derby – A district sponsored event during the winter.  Patrols compete in various Scouting activities, with the ultimate activity being a race to haul a patrol-built sled around a designated course.

Librarian – A Scout appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader to keep track of the Troop’s collection of merit badge pamphlets.

MBU – Merit Badge University.  A Council sponsored event at Harvard University, held on two Saturday mornings, one in March and one in April.  Merit badge counselors from the council volunteer to run classes for various merit badges.  Homework is generally assigned in between.

Merit Badge Counselor – An adult who helps a Scout earn a merit badge.  Interested adults should consult the information about merit badges on the Advancement page.

Minibears – Critters of the woodlands and plains who like to eat your meals and snack on your candy. (NO FOOD IN TENTS!)

OA – Order of the Arrow.  A national honor society for Scouts. 

PL – Patrol Leader.  A Scout elected by his patrol to lead them at troop meetings and on camping trips, and to represent them on the Patrol Leader’s Council.

PLC – Patrol Leader Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, the Patrol Leaders, and other youth leaders.  The PLC meets at least once a month to plan meetings and outings.

QM – Quartermaster. The person in charge of equipment – packing it for each camping trip and at the end of each trip, issuing equipment to scouts to be cleaned or dried at home.

SC – Scoutmaster Conference.  A meeting with the Scoutmaster.  At this meeting, the Scoutmaster will review the requirements for rank with the Scout to make sure that they have been learned correctly,  help the scout set up the goals for the next advancement, and ask the scout to share ideas about the troop (how it’s going from your viewpoint, what you would like the troop to do more of, problems you see occurring…)  A Scoutmaster may request a conference with Scouts at any time, but for the most part the conference is part of a rank advancement.

Scribe – the Scout who takes notes for meetings, appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.

Service Hours – Hours of community service.  Most rank advancements include a required number of service hours.  For service projects not sponsored by the Troop, Scouts should get a letter from the sponsor, specifying the organization, the date of the service and the number of hours.  Service projects sponsored by the Troop may also qualify for hours of community service at the High School.

Signoffs – Signatures on advancement requirements.  To sign off on a requirement, a Scout must be two ranks above that requirement.  For example, a Second Class Scout may sign off on Scout rank requirements, a First Class Scout may sign off on Tenderfoot requirements, etc.

SM – Scoutmaster. The main adult leader of your troop. He is responsible for training the Senior Patrol Leader, advising the Patrol Leaders' Council, meeting with each boy as they are ready for advancement (Scoutmaster Conference), and directing the activities of the various Assistant Scoutmasters.

SPL – Senior Patrol Leader. The top Scout leader of the troop, elected by all of the Scouts. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, the Senior Patrol Leader is in charge of Troop Meetings and the patrol leaders' council, and does all he can to see that the patrols succeed.

The Game – A variant of dodge ball, played at Troop Meetings.  Ask one of the Scouts to explain the rules.

Totin’ Chip – a card showing that the Scout has earned the right to use a knife, ax, and saw.  Usually a Scout earns this on his first camping trip.  If a scout is found handling wood tools incorrectly, a corner of the Totin’ Chip card is often cut off.  When all four corners are gone, so are the Scout’s totin’ rights.

Troop Guide – A Scout designated by the Senior Patrol Leader to help new Scouts with their advancement.

UOS – University of Scouting.  A council sponsored event held in November, where various training sessions are offered for adults.  Usually, Den Chief Training for Scouts is also offered.

Week of Rain – An Troop 119 award given to Scouts and Adults to recognize their achievement of camping for a cumulative week in the rain.

YLT – Youth Leader Training.  Training conducted by the Troop for the Scouts who hold a position of leadership.  Sometimes called the JLT, Junior Leader Training, this training is held twice a year, after SPL elections and the patrol reshuffle, to train Scouts in their new positions and to plan meetings and events for the term.  YLT is usually held overnight on a Friday at Hancock Church.

YPT – Youth Protection Training.  Also known as “A Time to Tell”.  Refers both to the guidelines given by BSA to insure youth protection (always have a buddy with you…), and Youth Protection night, where the Scouts view the BSA video, “A Time to Tell” and talk about how to deal with situations of abuse.  Parents are invited to attend Youth Protection night, and should be aware that their Scouts may or may not want to talk about it later.  It is held during an April Troop Meeting.

How can I help?

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We expect every family to help out in the troop.  It is because of the many volunteers the troop has that we offer some many opportunities for the Scouts.

Here are some ideas:

• Driving for activities and events
• Joining us for hikes and camping trips
  
• Helping out with food or setup at a Court of Honor.
• Sitting on Boards of Review.
  
• Coordinating a camping trip or other event
• Helping with Troop equipment
  
• Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor.
• Camping with us at Summer Camp.
• Designing, managing or contributing to our website.
  

Please contact our Committee Chair if you need more suggestions.  Please pitch in!

"My son is the Grubmaster...What should I do?"

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First of all, don't panic.  Grubmaster is a rotating position.  Each scout in a patrol takes turns purchasing the food for the entire patrol for a campout.  It is his responsibility to store it properly in a cooler and bring it to the departure site.  (If your family doesn't have a cooler, let one of the adult leaders know - one can be borrowed.)

Unless he is working on the First Class Requirements, your Grubmaster should have a menu that his patrol put together.  He should also know how many people he is buying food for.  If he doesn't have a menu or doesn't know how many people he is buying for, he should call his patrol leader. Most of the time, the Troop "brownbags" lunches, so the Grubmaster will not have to provide lunch.  There are exceptions, so if he doesn't know, he should ask his patrol leader.

We ask that parents take their Scout on a trip to the supermarket to fulfill their Grubmaster responsibilities.  The Scout should have a list to keep track of what needs to be purchased.  Parents, we ask that your assistance be minor, perhaps asking if your son has enough for everyone, or if there is anything else they might need for a meal.  If items are forgotten, such as milk for the cold cereal breakfast, it's okay!  The Scouts learn to compromise with the items that they do have.  They are very creative.  We have yet to have scouts starve on a camping trip, and usually, the next time, the items are not forgotten. (This is what is known as "a teachable moment.")

When Scouts are planning menus, they should try to make healthy choices.  When Grubmasters are purchasing the food, they too should make healthy choices.

Being the Grubmaster is also the perfect time to learn "A Scout is Thrifty.  Have your Grubmaster compare name brand and store brand prices.  Have him compare serving sizes on different brands. Just like in real life, the Grubmaster has a budget.

For each Scout in the patrol:

1. each breakfast is limited to $4,
2. each lunch limited to $5, and
3. each dinner limited to $6. 

So, for a patrol of six scouts, a Grubmaster providing dinner and breakfast should be able to manage on a budget of $60.

Scouts should submit the receipt, only with an explanation of the charges ("Sacred Monkey Patrol meals for Bike Trip, October 12-13") to the Treasurer.  Please let the Treasurer know who to make out the reimbursement check out to, and where he should send the check.

 

How to run a camping trip:

For each camping trip that we go on, we need an adult trip coordinator who will get involved in the planning of the trip at least 6 weeks in advance, which includes:

• Attending the PLC meeting the first Thursday of the month PRIOR to the month of the trip.  Help guide the boys through the thought process in planning the trip.

• Assuring that the permission slip is released ONE MONTH prior to the trip.  Permission slips should ideally be due 3 weeks before the trip to give the boys time to make their plans.  A second assistant can be responsible for this, if neccessary.

• Reporting attendees and drivers to the Camping coordinator at least two weeks in advance of the trip, so that he/she may apply for the tour permit.

• ATTEND THE CAMPING TRIP.  Having worked with the PLC in planning the trip, you are in the best position to advise the SPL and ASPL's if they need any counsel during the trip. 

For more information about planning a camping trip, see How to Plan a Camping Trip 101, a guide to the whole process, including creating a permission slip.

Adult leaders are recognized with awarding of knots.  You can find a list of all knots on the Boy Scout Trail website. You can print out a list of requirements for each knot to keep track of your progress.  When you have completed a knot, please turn in your progress record to the advancement chair, who will submit it to the District.

If you were an adult leader in a previous life, you can still receive the award.  Please submit the progress record with the approximate training dates, position of leadership, pack number and Council to the advancement chair.

If you have earned as a youth the Arrow of Light, the Eagle Scout award, or a Religious Emblem, you can purchase those knots at the Scout shop.  For other knots, please submit paperwork, so that you can be properly recognized. The District will award you the knot at a District Round Table or Troop Court of Honor.

Here are the most common knots and a link to their requirements:

• Scout Leader's Training Award
  
• Den Leader Award - Webelos
• Den Leader Award - Wolves, Bears
• Den Leader Award - Tigers
• Cub Scouter Award
• Cubmaster Award

Thoughts on Staying Warm....while Camping in New England in the Winter....

For parents of new scouts and parents of Webelos who will be camping with us in November...here are some thoughts on ways to keep warm:

Rain gear – If it supposed to rain, it definitely will needed.  If scouts have rain pants, that would help too.  If they don't have rain pants, consider sending their snow pants, if they are waterproof.

Clothes - NO JEANS. Kids in jeans and sneakers will get very cold! It is best to avoid cotton, especially jeans, since once cotton is wet, it stays wet and cold. They are better off with synthetics, which will wick moisture away from their skin - nylon "sweats" work well. A layered effect works well in regulating temperature. If they don't have long underwear, often sports clothing (baseball pants) and pajamas (as long as they are synthetic) can be used as an inner layer.Fleece or wool sweaters are good middle layers, with rain gear, or a windbreaker in dry weather, as the top layer. Kohl's in Burlington often has good prices on polypropylene shirts and fleeces. Scouts should also have gloves or mittens and a hat.

Complete change of clothes. When they get wet, they will need to change completely, including socks and gloves. We remind the scouts at bedtime to get into dry clothes. If it is raining a lot, they may need an additional change of clothes.

Socks. Socks should be made of synthetic material or wool. Cotton socks get wet with sweat, if not rain, and stay cold against their feet, so avoid cotton. At least 3-4 pairs of socks are needed. Athletic socks from sports teams might be okay, but only if they are thick and made of synthetic material. It is definitely worth buying a few pairs of smartwool socks (or similar) – available at most sports store and Michelson’s.

Boots/NOT sneakers. Sneakers generally get wet in the first hour and stay wet all day. Scouts should wear hiking boots, or if they don't have hiking boots, their snow boots. Dry feet are happy and warm.

Sleeping bag.  20-25 degree sleeping bag.  If you have been storing your sleeping bags compacted, they may have lost their insulating qualities. So a 25 degree sleeping bag from 5 years ago, may be a 35-40 degree sleeping bag now because it is no longer fluffy. Sleeping bag liners add about 10 degrees of warmth to any sleeping bag, if you want to supplement the sleeping bag. Or you can supplement one old sleeping bag with a second.  Temperatures at night in November dip below freezing,

Sleeping pad. Using a sleeping pad will insulate your scout from the cold ground, and keep them warmer at night. We recommend a foam pad or a Thermarest pad.

It is surprising, but these tips definitely help - especially the NO COTTON tip. We hear from many sources "cotton kills". This is because once cotton gets wet, it stays wet and no longer provides insulation from the cold. Getting kids out of cotton clothing and into synthetics in cold weather gives us less to worry about when they are camping.

Webelos Parents:  Your son should have his gear in his own bag. The troop sleeps in patrols - your son will be in a tent with his buddies rather than with you - that's probably one of the most exciting parts of the trip. He should pack his gear in a bag that he keeps with him. We want to give the boys independence and that won't happen as well if he has to keep asking you for each item as it is needed.

One last tip for Parents: This information is presented to you to help you supply your son with the gear that he needs to camp comfortably in cold weather.  Your son will be the one looking through his backpack or bag for the gear, so he has to know where it is.  Every Scout should pack his own bag!  That way he knows exactly which pocket his flashlight is in, or where to find his gloves, or if he even has a certain piece of gear.  The flashlight issue comes up a lot because newer scouts don't realize they need their flashlights out until it's already dark..

If you'd like to discuss cold weather camping, get some tips for packing, and figure out what should be on your scout's holiday wish list in terms of scouting, please come to our discussion on November 5, at 7:45pm at Hancock Church, during our regular troop meeting time. If you have any questions, please email Jan at jan "at" gunther "dot" com.

For further information, please see our handout on Winter Camping.  All the tips on keeping dry and warm can be used in the fall.  Obviously the weather is milder, but our concern with younger scouts is that they have less body fat to insulate themselves and are more likely to get cold.  And often children will not complain until they are very cold. 

Boards of Review

All rank advancements, except for the Scout badge, require a Board of Review.  The members of a Board of Review are adult leaders in the troop except for the Scoutmaster or any of his Assistant Scoutmasters.  The main purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest the skills a Scout has learned, but to see what the Scout’s spirit is and how the troop is doing is helping the Scout along and meeting Boy Scout objectives.

We need adults as Board of Review Members. Please contact the Advancement Chair if you would like to help out with this rewarding task.

Summer Camp Chaperone 

So, you've volunteered for summer camp, and now you have questions. This should help.

1. Be a registered Scouter - fill out an adult application if you haven't yet. This accomplishes a CORI check, done by the council, and offers some assurance to the Chartering organization that you are not a criminal .  All summer camp chaperones MUST be registered with the BSA.

2. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a physical.  Everyone - adults and scouts, needs a physical on file within the year preceding the last day of camp.
   

3. Fill out a BSA medical form to take to your doctor when you go.  Make sure you SIGN it, as this gives the other troop leaders the right to seek treatment for you if something happens while on a scout outing.  NO ONE WITHOUT A CURRENT BSA MEDICAL FORM ON FILE IS ALLOWED TO STAY AT CAMP.

4. Get in shape.  The Daniel Webster Council camps are quite hilly, and they are hiking camps - you could be walking several miles over the course of the day. No need to run wind-sprints, but you should be able to comfortably walk up a 30 degree incline.

5. Complete the online Youth Protection training.  This is REQUIRED!!!  Do it even if you've already done it before.  

6. Do the online Fast Start Training if you are not already trained as a Boy Scout Leader.  Cub Leader training doesn't count - the programs are quite different. 

Wreath Fundraiser

In order for the Troop to purchase, replace and repair tents, stoves and other camping equipment, to subsidize the cost of many events and to provide funds for our Campership Program, the Troop must generate funds beyond those provided by dues.  We hold one fundraiser each year. We expect that all scouts will participate in this fundraiser and do their best to support the Troop. We recognize that not all of our scouts celebrate Christmas, but have found that selling Christmas wreaths is an effective way to raise funds.  In fact, in the past few years the scouts who have been top-sellers do not celebrate Christmas.  If you have any questions regarding the wreath sale, please contact the Wreath Coordinator.

Camping and Equipment

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Summer Camp – Troop 119 goes to camp for two weeks in the summer.  The first week is at Camp Bell in N.H., where scouts will participate in patrol-based activities during the day.  The patrols cook for themselves as well.  The second week is at Camp Hidden Valley, where scouts focus on earning merit badges.  We recommend the First Year Program for new Scouts at Hidden Valley, which teaches basic camping skills, and helps new Scouts on their way to Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks.  Camping forms are due in March, so be sure to check out the forms section on this website for more information!

Equipment – There is a lot of equipment you need to go camping, but that does not mean that you have to go out and immediately buy a lot of expensive gear.  When looking for camping equipment keep in mind two things:  (1) new Scouts start off small and grow rapidly (a sleeping bag that fits today will be too small tomorrow) and (2) new Scouts will not be doing major hiking or extreme weather camping their first year.  More information about equipment is available on our Forms&Info web page.  You will find a Personal Equipment List there and Winter Camping Information.

Troop and Patrol Gear – Troop 119 owns tents and cooking gear that are supplied to the patrols.  Patrols generally have to supply their own food.  The patrol plans meals during regular troop meetings and appoint a Grubmaster to purchase the food and pack it into a cooler. The Troop also issues a lantern to each patrol to use when cooking.

Backpacks – DON'T BUY A BACKPACK RIGHT AWAY!!! Since the distance most first year Scouts have to travel is from the back of the car to the tent, a duffle bag or a daypack (like a backpack used for school) is usually sufficient and packs well in car.  

Sleeping bags – A 25° (F) sleeping bag is more than adequate for most of the trips a new Scout will do in the first year.  Even when the temperature goes down to zero the Scouts will be sleeping inside tents with other Scouts, dressed, and with a bag liner or blanket inside the bag.  Sleeping bags filled with down are to be avoided.  Although they are the “warmest and lightest” they lose almost all of their insulating ability when they get wet (a common occurrence for new Scouts) and cannot be dried out on a camping trip.  The new synthetics are almost as good as down, retain most of their insulating capability when wet, and can be dried on a camping trip.  Mummy bags are good because they heat up faster, are lighter and easier, and usually come with a hood to keep the head warm.  They can sometimes be uncomfortably for new Scouts, however, because they feel constrictive.  If you would like to try out gear before purchasing, visit REI in Reading – they rent out equipment.

Boots - Boots are an essential for camping.  Sneakers do not provide any ankle support and quickly get wet with a little rain.  Boots should go above the ankle and should have a gusseted tongue (the tongue has extra material to the sides that attach to the boot) so that water and dirt are kept out.  Look for a minimum number of sewn seams (because they all have to be waterproofed) and a cemented or sewn sole.  Get a good foot liner to help wick moisture out of the boot.  See pages 275-276 of the Scout Handbook for more information about boots and socks.

Socks – Always pack extra socks.  Socks should be made of polyester or wool.  Once cotton socks become wet (sweating), they stay wet, but polyester and wool socks wick the moisture away from the skin. Even in mild camping weather, feet can become extremely cold with cotton socks!  Scouts should have a fresh pair of socks to change into at night, and another pair for the morning.

Flashlights – Many scouts use headlamps, which allow you to use the lamp and still have both your hands free.  The headlamp is particularly convenient when Scouts are finishing cleaning up after dinner at dusk.

Mess kits – Don’t go out and buy those army style mess kits where everything fits inside everything else.  They are made of metal which lets the food get cold quickly and easily get bent out of shape.  You'll want a good study plastic plate and bowl that will not break when dropped or stuffed into a pack on the way home.  Utensils can be any old mismatched set of knife, fork, and spoon that you won’t worry about if it doesn’t come home.  For drinks use a good plastic mug.  Don’t get a collapsible cup.  Many of our Scouts have plates and bowls made of Lexan polycarbonate.

Raingear – Almost everyone goes through what we call an “evolution” in raingear. First year Scouts usually wear a poncho.  It’s easy to pack, quick to put on, and works for about five minutes in a downpour, unless you’re hiking.  By the second year they’ve switched to a plastic or rubber coated rainsuit.  While this offers more protection Scouts eventually realize that they are sweating inside as much as its raining outside.   Finally they end up in a nylon or Gore-tex rainsuit that lets the body breath and also serves as a jacket when it is cooler.  By this time, the Scout has grown significantly, and hopefully will be able to use this rainsuit well into young adulthood.

Water Bottle – A water bottle is essential for camping.  Most of our scouts carry Nalgene bottles and clip them to their belt loops with carabiners.

Who packs?? – Never let someone else pack for you, not even your parents!!! You are the one going camping and in the middle of the night when your flashlight dies and you need your spare batteries, you are the one who needs to know in what pocket of the backpack they are in.  Your troop guide or one of the other older scouts should be inspecting your pack for the first campout or two to show you how and to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. 

What not to bring – If  it has a battery in it and it is not your flashlight, leave it home.  Game boys, i-pods, etc. are not allowed at camp. Also, never bring anything camping that you’re afraid of losing.

How do I become a Merit Badge Counselor?

Adults with an appropriate interest or skill are encouraged to become registered as a merit badge counselor.  It is a wonderful way to share your expertise, have fun with a topic you enjoy and help the scouts and the Troop.  Periodically we will run counselor training and other counselors are always available to give you advice.

Application Forms

All the application forms are located here. To become a merit badge counselor, the following forms must be completed:

• First 2 sheets of adult application to join BSA – This is a multipart form, and we only need the top parts.These two pages a trigger a CORI investigation which is required of all merit badge counselors. By submitting the top sheet, the applicant is not joining the Boy Scouts of America – merit badge counselors do not need to be members. Adults that are joining BSA must fill out the application and submit the entire multipart form Sue Ellen Briggs or Susan Navia.

• A photocopy of a picture id – This is also part of the CORI requirement. An “official” ID is required.These typically would be a driver’s license or passport. A personal picture will not be accepted.

• Merit Badge Application – This is the sheet listing the merit badges for which the applicant feels comfortable supervising.

• Minuteman Council Agreement – This is a sheet created by the council. On it, among other items, the applicant specifies whether he or she prefers to work with their own troop, or whether it would be okay for scouts from other troops to contact the applicant to work on merit badges.

When the packet is complete, please either bring it to the weekly scout meeting and give it to either Jan Gunther or Sue Ellen Briggs, or send it to:

Stann Chonofsky
8 Dee Road
Lexington, MA
02420

Please do not send the completed packet to council. If the packet is sent directly to council, our troop records will be incorrect as there is not always timely communication between council and the troop.

If you have any questions, please call Stann at (781) 674-3120

Which Merit Badges?

Some people counsel merit badges in their line of work.  Others find it fun to share an avocation with the scouts. Check out the wide variety of merit badges at:  www.meritbadge.com.

Current Counselors - Some merit badge requirements have Changed this year

The requirements for the following merit badges have changed as of January 1, 2009.  If you are counseling one of these badge, please be sure to use the new requirements for anyone who is starting the merit badges.  Scouts who have already started a merit badge have the option of completing the old requirements, or starting with the new requirements.  Please work with any scouts moving to the new requirements to figure out what they have already completed.  If you have any questions, please contact Stann Chonofsky or Jan Gunther.

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