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| Over 25 Years of Scouting in The Colony, Texas! | |
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Come see us at:
First United Methodist Church 4901 Paige Rd. The Colony, TX 75056
Mondays at 7:30 p.m. |
GUIDEBOOK For Scouts and Parents
The Colony, Texas Celebrating 25+ years of Scouting in The Colony! 1977-2005
Troop 226 is sponsored by The First United Methodist Church (Paige Road, The Colony, TX 75056) and is open to all eligible boys regardless of race, religion, national origin, or where they attend school. FUMC provides us with a meeting place and storage room for our troop equipment. In return, each Scout is expected to assist in planned service projects that benefit the community as a whole and our sponsor in particular.
Selecting a Boy Scout troop to join is an individual
decision for each family. Every troop is different in the kinds of
activities they schedule and in their personalities. You should choose the
troop that you feel would best meet your needs. In selecting a troop, you
should consider the following factors. Are the troop activities the kind
that you would enjoy? How do the Scouts interact with each other? How do the
older Scouts interact with the younger Scouts? Are there older Scouts active
in the troop? (This indicates if the troop's program is exciting and
interesting for a variety of ages.) Is the troop "boy led" or do the adults
lead it? (The best answer is the troop is "boy led".) Are you comfortable
with the adult leaders in the troop? Are the adult leaders trained, do they
follow BSA policy, and do they welcome input and participation by all
parents? In practice, the decision of which troop to join usually comes down
to two factors: convenience of the weekly troop meetings (meeting night and
location) and which troop a boy's best friends are in.
A parent or guardian should accompany you to a troop meeting at the time you decide to join Troop 226. One of the adult leaders will visit with you and your parents to explain Troop 226's program and procedures. You should receive the following materials and forms: Boy Scout Application Adult Leader Application Personal Health and Medical Record form New Scout Personal Information form Adult Personal Information form Troop Resource Survey Permission Slip Leadership Roster Medication Authorization form Uniform Inspection form At the next meeting you should return the completed Boy Scout and Adult Leader application (for the parent to register with the Troop), Personal Health and Medical Record form (one for the Scout and another for any parent planning to camp with the Troop), New Scout and Adult Personal Information form, Troop Resource Survey, Medication Authorization form, a copy of your medical insurance card (front and back), and Permission Slip along with your joining fee to the Membership Chair. This fee covers your registration with the Boy Scouts of America, BSA insurance coverage, and a subscription to Boys' Life magazine. Please contact either the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman if the joining fee presents a financial burden.
BSA Policy requires us to submit a Tour Permit for each outing to ensure that we are covered by BSA Insurance. The forms request information on all drivers transporting Scouts. Every adult could be called upon at some time or another to assist with transportation; the information you give us on your Adult Personal Information form will provide us with the information we need for the Tour Permit.
If you are transferring from another troop, please include your existing membership card, and any other records from your previous troop (such as Health History form, Merit Badge Blue Cards); with your application. If you are a new Boy Scout, review the joining requirements found on page 4 of your Boy Scout Handbook. Before you return the above forms, you should complete joining requirement number 9: With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: a Parent's Guide which is found inside the front cover of your Boy Scout Handbook. Orientation for New Parents and Scouts An informational meeting (date to be announced) will be held for bridging Webelos and their parents. Key adult volunteers will be introduced, an overview of Boy Scouting and Troop 226 will be presented, there will be a "show and tell" of camping equipment that your son will need, and lots of time will be given to answering questions. This meeting will help you and your son make a smooth transition into Boy Scouts.During the meeting, the troop leaders hope to answer the following questions and to address any of your concerns not listed here. What are the troop's expectations for Scouts and for their parents? What will a Webelos Scout have to do differently once he is a Boy Scout? What will a Scout's parents have to do differently, once their son is a Boy Scout? What is the parents' role and involvement in their son's scouting career and his troop? What is the cost of Scouting and how is it financed? What books, uniforms, camping equipment, and camping clothing that is needed now and in the future? When and where will the troop go to summer camp? What preparations are needed for going to summer camp? What will it cost, and what fundraisers will be organized to help offset that cost? Mondays, 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.: Troop Trail to First Class program (TFC). Scouts who have not reached First Class rank are encouraged to attend the TFC program which focuses on the requirements needed for advancement. It is essential for Scouts to attend this program to accelerate their advancement to First Class in a timely manner.Mondays, 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.: Troop offered merit badge classes. Scouts who are not involved in a merit badge class may take care of Troop-related business at this time: update the Troop’s Advancement "Blue Book," sign up for a Board of Review, speak to adult leaders, or take care of financial business. Note: Occasionally merit badge classes will be held on alternate days. Scouts who have not achieved the rank of First Class and want to take a merit badge should visit with the TFC Scoutmaster prior to enrolling in the merit badge to see if it is in their best interest to take a merit badge class at this time. Mondays, 7:35 to 8:45 p.m.: Troop meetings. During Troop meetings before a campout, the Patrols will have a Patrol meeting to plan out their menus. Patrol members will give campout/activity food money ("grub money") to the Adult Treasurer during this time; the Treasurer will, in turn, issue patrol grub money to the person designated to buy patrol groceries (the Patrol Grubmaster) before the Troop meeting ends. The time slot from 8:45 – 9:00 will be used by Scouts and adults to catch up on other Troop business, which can include Scouts meeting with their Troop Instructor to pass off on rank requirements, ask for a Scoutmaster conference, visit with friends, etc. Parents should pick up Scouts at the church no later than 8:45 p.m. Monday after each Campout, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.: Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings. Thursday after each Campout, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.: Troop committee meetings: Parents are encouraged to attend/join the Troop Committee meetings any time. You do not have to be a registered adult leader to participate in the Committee meetings, but ONLY registered committee members are allowed to make motions and/or vote. Most meetings are held at the First United Methodist Church at Paige & South Colony. There are times when the church might not be available and we will announce an alternate location.Weekly troop meetings are held year round except during summer camp and during the Christmas season. Scouts in Troop 226 come from so many different schools that it is not practical to cancel meetings during each spring break or other school vacations. Committee meetings and PLC meetings may occasionally be held on different days depending on the schedule of activities for a particular month. Please check the monthly calendar on the Troop website http://www.troop226.com for all meetings. If a Scout misses a meeting, he should contact his Patrol Leader to find out what he missed. Whenever severe weather forces Lewisville Independent School District to close for the day due to weather, Scout meetings are also canceled.
Our official process for getting information, last minute
camping updates etc is via a message from the Scoutmaster to the Senior
Patrol Leader, who will in-turn contact each of the Patrol Leaders. Your
Patrol Leader should be the first point of contact for information. You are encouraged to give your email address on the "Adult Personal Information form." Your address will be added to the "Troop Email List" and you will receive information when updates or announcements are made. Email addresses are only made available to Troop members, with the understanding that they are confidential, and may only be used for Troop business. We also maintain a Troop Calendar on the Internet at: http://www.troop226.com. Email updating is the preferred method of communication from the adult leadership; this allows everyone to stay informed with the most current information. When a boy (Webelos II or transferring Scout or a boy new to Scouting) joins Troop 226, his minimum uniform requirement will consist of the following:
While the above items are minimum requirements, the Scouts should be encouraged to dress in complete BSA uniform to instill a sense of unity and brotherhood, to give them identity and state a belonging to an organization known for its service to the community and to ensure a neat homogeneous troop appearance. "The uniform makes for brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country" - Sir Robert Baden-Powell
These above uniform items, (A - G) will meet the minimum requirements until the Scout is ready for his Eagle Scoutmaster Conference. At this point in his Scouting career, he must appear before the Scoutmaster for his Eagle Scoutmaster Conference wearing the complete BSA Scout Uniform as indicated below:
It is the Scout's option at any time before his Eagle Scoutmaster Conference, to purchase these additional items of his complete BSA Field Uniform. Please Note: The complete BSA Field uniform is required for the Eagle Scoutmaster Conference, Eagle Board of Review, Eagle Ceremony and other possible obligations associated with the rank of Eagle Scout. Note: If a Scout is nominated for the Order of the Arrow (OA), he may be required to wear the complete BSA Field Uniform. Reminders for the Scout: When you attend a Troop meeting, you should be wearing your uniform, closed toed shoes or boots, and have your Scout Handbook with pen/pencil and paper. Additional program items you will need will be announced before the meeting. When you attend a Troop campout, you should be wearing your uniform, Scout cap, closed toed shoes or boots and have with you your Scout Handbook, knife and Totin’ Chip card, Firem’n Chit card, and compass. New Scouts will earn these cards in the TFC program. Additional program items you will need will be announced before the campout. When you attend a formal ceremony such as Court of Honor, you should be wearing your BSA Field uniform including but not limited to: Troop 226 neckerchief and slide of your choice, Merit Badge sash, and closed toed shoes or boots. NOTE: Although the Scout cap is part of the Official Scout Uniform, it will not be worn inside the Church. Scouts should help to pay for their own uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at the Boy Scout Service Center, Hwy 121 in Lewisville or online at the official BSA Supply division. Experienced uniforms can sometimes be obtained through a uniform exchange within the troop. The Troop Committee supervises the supply of experienced uniforms. You may contact the Uniform Bank Coordinator at any time to obtain a uniform from the exchange or to donate a uniform. You might also check CCA in The Colony.There are also other opportunities to acquire economical uniform pieces through internet uniform banks (some examples:http://www.globalserve.net/~codyak/CUBCodyAK.htm, http://www.geocities.com/o_sheffler/experien.html, http://www.saturdaybang.com/uniforms/) or auctions sites such as eBay. Important: Troop 226 does not have any affiliation nor does it endorse or denounce any of these internet sites; the purpose for providing this information is strictly to give you examples of uniform outlets available.As part of your Field uniform, the Troop 226 neckerchief is a red neckerchief with the Troop 226 logo. The Troop will supply a neckerchief for any Webelos Scout who is bridging over to us. A merit badge sash is worn only on formal occasions such as Courts of Honor. The short-sleeved shirt is more flexible, weather-wise. Long sleeve red turtlenecks and T-shirts may be worn under the Scout shirt for added warmth. For some events involving a lot of physical activity and during the summer months, the Patrol Leaders' Council may designate that a Troop T-shirt and Troop ball cap should be substituted for the Field uniform. This is known as an Activity uniform. We will take orders for our Troop Hats, T-shirts and Neckerchiefs in late March. A well-prepared Scout should also have a notebook and pen or pencil at all functions. These items are part of the uniform. Once the Troop arrives at a campsite, you may find it more practical to change out of your Field uniform and into clothing more suitable for outdoor activities. You should watch weather predictions and use your own judgment about what clothing is appropriate for the weather and conditions. Converting Your Webelos Uniform Shirt to a Boy Scout Uniform Shirt The Boy Scout uniform shirt is the tan shirt. Some Webelos Scouts may already be wearing this shirt. With just a few changes, you may continue to wear your tan shirt from Webelos as long as it still fits. If you are still wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt, you will need to replace it with a Boy Scout tan shirt.Some Scouts choose to keep their Webelos shirt intact as a keepsake item (these are great memories to show at an Eagle Ceremony). To convert your tan shirt from Webelos to Boy Scouts, be
sure to remove your den number and Webelos patrol patch. Your patrol will
vote on a name and select a patrol patch for everyone to wear. Remove the
Webelos colors where you display your Webelos activity pins and all of your
Cub Scout ranks (Bobcat through Webelos, including arrow points).
Your blue shoulder loops were replaced with red ones during your Bridging ceremony. Make sure you have the Longhorn Council shoulder patch and "226" on your left sleeve. The troop numbers should touch each other and the council shoulder patch. You may continue to wear your service stars, but only one per program. If you were in Tiger Cubs you may wear a "1-year" star with an orange background and you may wear a single star with a yellow background showing the number of years you were in Cub Scouts. Other pins such as Summertime Pack awards, sports pins, Webelos activity pins, popcorn and Scouting for Food pins should be removed. If you have a temporary patch sewn on your right shirt pocket or dangling from the pocket button, you may leave it on, take it off, or replace it with the next temporary patch you receive in Boy Scouts. If you have any questions about the uniform shirt or patch placement, refer to the inside of the Boy Scout Handbook and the Uniform Inspection Form (#34283) you received upon joining the troop.
The first book that you will want to obtain is the most recent edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. It contains most of the information you will need to advance in rank along with important information about how a Boy Scout troop functions, what you will need to be prepared to go camping and hiking. Bring your Handbook with you to every troop meeting and on every campout, so you can get requirements signed off and dated as soon as you complete them. Start reading your Handbook right away. You should become familiar with its contents and you should stay aware of what you need to do next to advance in rank. From
time to time you may need to purchase merit badge pamphlets. Each of the 100
plus merit badges has its own pamphlet that contains not only the
requirements for the badge, but also the information you will need to
complete the requirements. Any time you are working on a merit badge, you
should have the current merit badge pamphlet. These books are updated
often, so check the back cover of this year's Boy Scout Requirements Book
(another valuable book to own!) for a list of the latest revision dates
for each of the merit badge pamphlets. The troop library has a limited
number of merit badge pamphlets available for loan. See the Troop Librarian
to borrow something from the library. If you purchase your own copy of a
merit badge pamphlet, please consider donating it to the troop library when
you are finished with it.
"Outing" is a major part of Scouting. Camping, hiking, canoeing, and all kinds of outdoor activities are an important method for achieving the three aims of Scouting. Outdoor activities are the central part of the fun of Scouting and are a major source of advancement opportunities. Troop 226 schedules some sort of outing every month of the year. We have fun outdoors regardless of what the weather conditions may be. We certainly learn more and gain greater confidence when we are camping during "adverse" weather. You will advance faster and become more proficient in your Scout skills if you participate regularly in troop outings. You will also gain a greater appreciation and enjoyment in scouting the more outings you attend. A preliminary schedule of activities is published in the troop's annual calendar. Adjustments are made to some of the details, locations, and dates as the year progresses. The
activity fee could be for lodging, admissions, registration, camping, or
program costs. In the event that any fees exist, the troop will collect from
each participating Scout and adult. These fees may be paid in cash or by
check or you may have it deducted from your Scout Account if funds are
available. Participating in troop fundraising projects can help fund your
Scout Account. The Patrol food costs are separate from the activity fee. Each Patrol member pays a designated grub fee for a weekend campout (Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Breakfast). Patrol grub money may be paid by cash or check or taken from your Scout Account if funds are available. A Grub Fee is also collected from each camping adult to cover his/her food costs. The Scout also pays the cost of summer camp and high adventure trips in full. As a Scout, you are expected to earn and save for your Scouting expenses yourself and not simply ask your parents to pay for it. Fundraising opportunities will be available to help offset the costs. You are required to travel to and from outings in your Field uniform and to remain in uniform whenever we are in public. You are also required to wear your uniform during all Troop functions and Scout-sponsored activities. The Senior Patrol Leader will inform the Scouts when there is an exception to this policy.
Proper equipment and clothing are essential for safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. Some equipment is owned and maintained by the troop. This usually includes equipment that must be shared such as cooking equipment. Troop equipment is assigned to individual patrols. The patrols are responsible for the care of the equipment and requisitioning the appropriate equipment for each outing. The patrols work with the troop quartermaster when troop equipment needs servicing or replacing. Each individual Scout is expected to provide and bring his own personal tent, equipment and clothing. The list of suggested equipment and clothing is found in your Boy Scout Handbook. It is not necessary to purchase the best or most expensive camping equipment and clothing. However, the cheapest equipment may last for only one outing and will not be a bargain. Some manufacturers and sporting goods stores will cater to Scouts by offering products at discounted prices; you should ask when you make any purchase. One manufacturer that caters to scouts is ALPS Mountaineering www.alpsmountaineering.com, they offer products discounted on a special dedicated web site www.scoutdirect.com . Another good internet/mail order discount outdoor equipment and clothing supplier is Campmor at www.campmor.com . Backpacks.
It is not necessary for a new Scout in Troop 226 to own his own backpack. On
most monthly campouts a simple duffel bag or gym bag will suffice. When the
time comes for a Scout to go on his first backpacking trip, he should borrow
a backpack and see how he likes that particular style of pack. A backpack is
an expense that a new Scout can put off until later.
A Sporting Goods sales person can share the pro’s & con’s of internal vs. external frames, you can also see a good comparison at www.scoutdirect.com/value . Many manufactures offer adjustable "youth" models. Do not buy a large backpack to "grow into". An ill-fitting backpack can cause a lot of discomfort and result in a miserable hiking experience. A capacity of 2000 to 3000 cubic inches is sufficient for a beginning pack. Sleeping
system. In Texas, any type of sleeping bag will suffice for most weather
from March through November. If it becomes very cold during that time,
folding a blanket in thirds and inserting it into the sleeping bag can
supplement a sleeping bag. A stocking hat may also be needed for very cold
weather. Scouts will be given information on selecting the right sleeping
bag for winter camping. If you already have a sleeping bag, use it. You
should not need to replace it. Get a stuff sack when purchasing the bag; a
compression sack is optional.
Tents:
If your scout owns a 2-3-man tent, he may use it for campouts (the troop
can not be liable for any damage). Please do not run out and buy a tent
without discussing the pro’s and con’s of each type with a Scoutmaster.
No scout is to sleep in a tent alone (with the exception of the Venture
Patrol while training for Philmont). This is a Youth Protection issue.
Foot
Gear. Most boys wear athletic shoes everywhere: school, church, and
during play. In good weather you may get by wearing them on a campout.
However, a waterproof hiking boot will stand up better to the rain, mud, and
other conditions encountered on a campout and will protect your feet better
than an ordinary athletic shoe. Under some weather conditions, an ordinary
athletic shoe may be a serious health risk.
Don't compromise the comfort and health of your feet by wearing cotton socks. Use polypropylene or other wicking liner sock under a heavy wool sock whenever you are hiking or wearing boots. SmartWool b socks are a more expensive alternative that combines the best of polypropylene and wool into a single sock. Personal Clothing. For most boys, blue jeans are the all-purpose uniform for playing outdoors. However, because cotton looses its insulating value when wet, jeans and sweat pants and sweatshirts are generally unsuitable as camping clothes. Cotton is fine for wearing in your sleeping bag where you are fairly sure you will remain dry. Select clothes made of wool or synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene, polar fleece, and other modern materials that can insulate even when wet. To ensure your warmth and comfort, be sure to dress in layers of loose clothing. Watch weather reports and plan to dress accordingly ("Know before you go!").
A "Fanny Pack" is great for carrying water bottles, a first-aid kit and other small items. A water bottle is mandatory for each scout (it gets hot in Texas)! You will need a compass later and will want to carry your pocket knife once you have earned your Totem Chip. NO KNIFES are allowed until a scout has been trained and earned the Totem Chip. Sheath Knives and blades longer than 4" are NEVER ALLOWED! Advancement
is an important part of Scouting. It is a measure of your growth and
progress. Each Scout keeps his own personal advancement record in his Boy
Scout Handbook. You should also record your service hours, campouts,
troop activities, and leadership positions in your Handbook. The
troop also keeps advancement records on each Scout, which each Scout must
keep up-dated.
Your Boy Scout Handbook identifies all
rank advancement requirements. Information on
merit badge
requirements is found in the appropriate merit badge pamphlets,
available
at the Scout Shop and in the troop library. If you are
crossing over to Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts, you should note a significant
difference in the standards for rank advancement. In Cub Scouts the standard
was to "Do Your Best". In Boy Scouts you are expected to complete the stated
requirements and satisfy the standards of each rank and merit badge.
Sometimes you may find that you must work hard and
grow beyond your current capabilities to obtain your goals.
After you master a skill on your own or with your parents or in school, you must have that skill signed off. A scout with rank of First Class may sign off on items for ranks below First Class unless otherwise stated, i.e. Scouts in the TFC program must have TFC Instructors sign off their requirements. Be prepared to demonstrate the skill you have mastered to the person signing off for you. Parents cannot sign off for their own sons. After items are signed off, each Scout is responsible for updating his "Individual History" form in the Troop’s Advancement Book (normally found on a table in the back of the meeting room).There are a greater variety of experiences available to Scouts that are First Class in rank or higher. While you may work on any merit badge at any time after becoming a Boy Scout, you should concentrate on achieving the rank of First Class before devoting a lot of time working on merit badges. Each Scout should meet regularly with the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. This conference is used to discuss your goals and accomplishments and is required for each rank advancement. You do not have to wait until you have completed the requirements for another rank before asking for a Scoutmaster conference. You may talk with the Scoutmaster at any time. However, for a Scoutmaster conference to count towards rank advancement it must take place after all other requirements are complete and before the Board of Review. A Board of Review is a requirement for each rank advancement. Scouts must be current in their Passbook Accounts (no deficits) and Dues payments, to request a Board of Review for rank advancement. After a Scout has successfully completed a Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement, he requests a Board of Review by "signing up" on the Troop 226 Board of Review Log (in a binder, normally found on a table at the back of the meeting room). The Board consists of three to six registered members of the Troop Committee but may not include assistant Scoutmasters, the Scoutmaster, or your own parents. You need to have your Boy Scout Handbook and be in uniform to appear before a Board of Review. At the beginning of the review you will be invited into the room and introduced to the Board. After this introduction, you will be invited to be seated. During the review, the Board will discuss your progress along your trail to Eagle. This is not a quiz on skills that were required for your particular rank, rather a discussion about learning the skill and evaluating you in terms of troop activities, worthiness for the next rank, your overall experience in the Troop, and your acceptance of Scouting ideals. It is also a time for you to give feedback to the Troop Committee on activities and the Scouting experience in Troop 226. At the end of the review you will be asked to leave the room while the Board discusses your qualifications. The Board will then call you back into the room and inform you either that you qualify for the next rank or what additional actions you must take to qualify. Do not expect to pass every Board of Review the first time. Troop 226 wants you to realize that you must truly earn your ranks before they are awarded. Each Scout should be reviewed every year whether you are ready to advance in rank or not. This helps the adult leaders monitor Scouts that are advancing and those that are not and to offer appropriate encouragement and guidance.Formal recognition of advancements and merit badges are made in front of family and friends during a ceremony at a Court of Honor. Troop 226 schedules three or four Courts of Honor each year. Your parents and family should attend all Courts of Honor, as this is a family event. Friends are also welcome. You must keep track of any documentation (Merit Badge and Rank cards) issued to you, as documentation may be necessary as you advance to the Eagle rank. After attaining the rank of Life Scout, you will be given your Life to Eagle Pamphlet and schedule a meeting with the Scoutmaster. This meeting is to discuss ideas and suggestions for your Eagle Service Project. Special guidelines have been outlined by the Boy Scouts of America for this project and your Eagle Service Project must conform to these guidelines. Your Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, the organization benefiting from your project, and Tonkawa District Advancement Chairman must approve your project before your project begins. The
Boy Scout merit badge program is an excellent way for Scouts to learn
important Scout skills in more depth and to explore many different careers
and hobbies. With over 100 topics to choose from,
it's not uncommon for a Scout to select a career
or life long hobby from his experience with the merit badge program. The
program also gives the Scout the opportunity to learn an important life
skill: to make an appointment to work with someone they do not know.
Scouts complete the requirements for becoming a Boy Scout before he may work on merit badges. Merit badges are not required to advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Therefore, until a Scout has completed First Class, his time is better spent focusing on the requirements of the first three ranks rather than earning lots of merit badges. A certain number of merit badges must be earned for the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle. A portion of those merit badges must come from the list of "required" merit badges. Required merit badges have a silver border and the others have a green border. Many merit badges are earned at summer camp. When the
Troop receives the summer camp packet, all of the Scouts going to summer
camp will consult with the Scoutmaster and select which merit badges they
wish to work on during camp. First year Scouts should select no more than
two or three merit badges.
If a Scout does not complete a merit badge with the counselor that he starts with (such as completing only part of the requirements during summer camp), the Scout has until his 18th birthday to complete the merit badge with another counselor. The Scout must still ask the Scoutmaster for the name of another counselor. In all cases, the final counselor who signs the completed merit badge application has the obligation to ensure that the Scout has properly completed the merit badge. It is up to the counselor how much work with a prior counselor will be accepted . Troop 226 offers merit badge classes on a regular basis. They normally start at 7:00 pm on Monday nights, at the church. These classes are announced at troop meetings, Troop e-mails and the Troop web page. Scouts may also contact counselors to arrange classes for themselves and a "Buddy."All parents in the troop have hobbies, professions, or
interests that correspond to one or more of the merit badges. Parents are
encouraged to share their expertise and enthusiasm for a subject by being a
merit badge counselor. A merit badge counselor coaches and helps Scouts with
the requirements of a specific merit badge and helps the Scouts become aware
of the deeper aspects of the subject. Only registered merit badge counselors
may sign the merit badge application card. To become a merit badge
counselor, contact the troop Advancement Chairman for the appropriate
registration forms. To learn more about what a merit badge counselor does,
check out the booklet,
Introduction to Merit Badge Counseling.
The procedures for earning and receiving merit badges can be found in the Introduction to Merit Badges. Current requirements for all merit badges can be found on the Merit Badge Requirements pages. A listing of all current merit badge pamphlets, indicating the most recent edition for each pamphlet, can be found on the Merit Badge Pamphlets page. Everyone (including adults) who goes camping with Troop 226 must have a Personal Health and Medical Record on file so that proper treatment can be made in the case of accident or injury. There are three classes of medical records. Class 1 and Class 2 are printed on the same form (Form 34414). Class 1 is a Personal Health and Medical History. A parent or guardian must update this section annually. The Class 1 section covers the bottom front and top half of the back of Form 34414. Class 2 is a Medical Evaluation and requires a physical examination within the past 36 months and a doctor's signature. Individuals (under 40) going to summer camp must have a current Class 2. Form 34414 is only to be used by individuals under the age of 40. Class 3 is Personal Health and Medical Record (Form 33412) and requires a physical examination and a doctor's signature. This form must be updated annually for individuals over 40 and is used by all individuals on high adventure trips, regardless of age. Medical Exam, Class 1 and 2 Medical Exam, Class 3
Boy Scout Slogan:
Boy Scout Oath Every Scout is expected to perform acts of charity and kindness and to develop a life long habit of community service and helpfulness towards his neighbor. Many Scouting awards and most of the ranks in Boy Scouts have a requirement to perform a certain number of service hours. Service projects to fulfill rank requirements must be approved in advance by the Scoutmaster. An hour of service may be giving your time to our charter organization, your community, or for a neighbor. For the purpose of rank advancement, Scouts may count service hours performed to meet requirements from their school and church.Boy Scouts is a unique organization in that the Scouts are responsible for planning and running most of the activities. The adult volunteers are there to provide advice, leadership training, transportation and administrative support. When a Scout has a question or concern about the troop, he should first go to the junior leadership rather than to the adult volunteers. In addition to your Boy Scout Handbook, more information on leadership and various junior leaders in a troop can be found in the Boy Scout Junior Leader Handbook.Patrols As a member of Troop 226 you will be a member of a
patrol. Within each patrol, the Scouts elect a Patrol Leader who then
appoints the other positions within the patrol. Your patrol should have its
own flag. Each patrol flag
Senior Patrol Leader The person in charge of the troop is the Senior Patrol Leader or SPL. He is elected to this office by all of the Scouts in the troop during a secret ballot. Troop elections are held in early February and again in early August. After consulting with the Scoutmaster, the Senior Patrol Leader appoints one or more Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL), Order of the Arrow Troop Representative and Troop Instructors. Other troop leadership positions elected by the Troop include Quartermaster, Troop Historian, Librarian, and Chaplain Aide. A Scout must be active in the Troop and be at least Star in rank in order to be nominated for Senior Patrol Leader. SPL candidates will be interviewed by the Scoutmaster and selected Assistant Scoutmasters to make sure they are ready to lead the Troop if elected Patrol Leaders' Council All of the Patrol Leaders make up the governing body of the troop called the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC), which is headed by the Senior Patrol Leader. The PLC conducts a troop program planning conference in August to outline the troop activities for the coming year. The PLC meets each month to take this outline and plan the details of troop meetings and outings for the coming month. The monthly PLC meetings are usually scheduled the Monday evening after each Campout. Anyone in the Troop, who would like to "observe" how the PLC conducts business, is more than welcome to attend.
Adult volunteers have several roles to choose from, and we ask that every adult who spends time with the boys (in any capacity) have current Youth Protection Training. To serve as a uniformed leader who works with the Scouts on a regular basis during weekly meetings and monthly outings, adults must become registered with BSA, take Boy Scout leadership training, and have a current Youth Protection Training card. Adults may choose to provide support for the Troop by registering to become a Troop Committee member or a Merit Badge Counselor (again, we ask that they keep current in Youth Protection Training). Committee members and uniformed leaders can also be Counselors. Tonkawa District offers "position-specific" training for all leadership positions. Registered Leaders can take Youth Protection Training "on line." The adults who work directly with the Scouts are the Scoutmaster and the assistant Scoutmasters. One of the most important jobs of the Scoutmaster corps is to train and guide the junior leaders in running THEIR troop. As you assume the various adult leadership positions within Troop 226, you can expect both formal leadership training and informal coaching from your Scoutmaster, fellow assistant Scoutmasters, and troop committee members. The troop committee provides the support that makes the program planned by the Patrol Leaders' Council a reality. A Committee Chairman organizes and delegates the tasks within the committee. Other key members of the committee are the Secretary, Treasurer, Outdoor/Activities Chairman, Advancement Chairman, Equipment Coordinator, Chaplain and assistant, and Training Coordinator. Religious Emblems :"A Scout is reverent." All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God. You may go further and give a special service. This may qualify you for a religious emblem. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem. You should contact your religious leader for further information if you are interested in earning your religious award. Order of the Arrow: The
Order of the Arrow is a national brotherhood of Scout campers. The honor of
becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow is one that you cannot set out
to earn on your own. The members of your troop bestow this honor on you.
This is done when you have proven yourself worthy of receiving it through
active participation in troop activities. To achieve this, you must be an
outstanding and unselfish camper and be at least First Class in rank and a
minimum number of nights camping.
Venture Patrol: This
is a high adventure outdoor program for boys who are Star rank or higher and
14 years old. The Venture Patrol plans a few high adventure activities (in
addition to the Troop activities) during the year to keep up the interest of
the older, more experienced Scouts.
The Venture Patrol also plays a key role in the
Troop by serving in leadership and instructor positions.
Twin Arrows/National Youth Leadership Training Course (NYLT): ![]() This is a weeklong junior leadership-training course conducted by the Longhorn Council. A Scout must be 13-years old and at least First Class in rank to attend. The course teaches advanced leadership skills and has a heavy emphasis on outdoors skills and the patrol method.
BSA Lifeguard: This program is generally available at summer camp and will result, when successfully completed, in receiving a Lifeguard certificate. This is not an easy award to achieve. Your Boy Scout Handbook outlines many other special awards, which might be of interest to you. We encourage you to look them over. Summer camp is the highlight of the year for most Scouts. Every Scout should plan on attending summer camp. Troop 226 usually goes to summer camp in mid-June, shortly after school is out. More details on this year’s summer camp will be distributed in a separate packet – designed around this year’s adventure! Behavior, Conduct, Troop Rules All members of Troop 226, both youth and adults, are expected to live their daily lives in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Oath and Law embodies the expectations of everyone's behavior and conduct. When a Scout misbehaves, the Scoutmaster or an assistant
Scoutmaster will evaluate the situation, consider the circumstances, and
then use his or her best judgment to make a decision that is fair and just. One of the aims of the Boy Scouts of America is to help young men develop strong moral character. Being a good father, a good husband, and an effective leader requires critical thinking and the ability to make sound judgments and ethical decisions. The adults in Troop 226 strive to be effective role models, applying common sense, fairness, and justice. Troop 226, as all troops should, operates by the Scout Oath and Law. Because we function under this precept, each and every Scout should demonstrate Scout-like behavior of all troop members. The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) is responsible for Scout discipline and Scout’s Honor.There are two Groups of specific rules: Adults’ Area of Responsibility and Scouts’ Area of Responsibility. These rules are published so each Scout and Parent/Guardian may know what behavior is expected of them . The Adult Committee made the first group of rules to protect the health and safety of the boys. The second group of rules was made by the Scouts and is enforced by the Patrol Leaders’ Council.Group A ~ Adults’ Area of Responsibility - The Committee of Troop 226 has adopted these rules in the best interests of the Troop and the Scouts individually.
Adults must get permission from the Scoutmaster before cutting down or chopping on any tree (living or dead). Parent should drop off and pick up their Scout at the designated time. Parents are encouraged to attend/join the Troop Committee meetings any time. You do not have to be a registered adult leader to participate in the Committee meetings. Group B ~ Scouts’ Area of Responsibility
Dues, Fund-Raising, and the Cost of Scouting 9th point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Thrifty The Troop Committee recognizes that Scouting has become expensive and can be a strain on a household budget. No Scout should be prevented from participating for financial reasons. Financial assistance is available for any Scout who is unable to be fully involved in Scouts due to financial difficulty. Please contact either the Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster. Each Scout is expected to pay his Troop Dues. Dues are $52 / year (this equates to $1 per week or $13 per quarter). Dues can be paid yearly or quarterly (January, April, July and October) to the Troop Treasurer.We have "Troop" fund-raisers for the purpose of partially financing Troop expenses … purchasing "advancement" badges and supplies, and maintaining troop equipment. As a member of Troop 226, you are required to participate in Troop fund-raising projects. This is keeping with the philosophy that a Scout is thrifty and should earn his own way in all Scouting activities. The Troop also has "Scout" fund-raisers for the purpose of generating funds to help finance Scout-related expenses: selling Boy Scout Popcorn in October and November along with all other Scouts in Longhorn Council, and our Troop Spaghetti Dinner and Garage Sale in the spring. We will most likely have other money raising opportunities throughout the year. We welcome new fundraiser ideas! Scout/Adult "Accounts" The principle purpose of Scout/Adult Accounts is to provide a means for keeping track of funds generated through Unit fundraisers and designated for the use of a specific Scout or Adult. Personal cash or checks put into accounts must be designated for a specific purpose: summer camp or high adventure fee payments, etc. Accounts are kept confidential, but each Scout/Adult may view their own account at any time. Scouts/Adult will receive periodic emails of their account balance, but it is ultimately the Scout/Adult’s responsibility to keep up with their account. Troop budget and financial reports may be obtained by coming to committee meeting or requesting such through the treasurer. Money from "Scout" fundraisers is credited to each participating Scout’s individual Scout Account, and may only be used to pay for Scout-related expenses, including Dues, grub fees, activity/registration fees, summer camp, and high adventure trips (if there is an adequate balance). Scouts and adult leaders may also submit a "Reimbursement Request," along with the original receipt for the purchase of Scout-related equipment, Uniform, clothes, boots, etc., to the Committee Chair, and receive reimbursement for these purchases from their Scout/Adult Accounts (again, if there is an adequate balance). Refund Policy These Refund Policies are for Scouts and adult campers and would apply to activities such as: Summer Camp, Winter Camp, December’s "All Nighter," Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Spring and Fall Camp O Rees, Score-0, Canoe the Brazos, Scout Campouts (weekend), Special Activity fees, additional high-adventure activities, etc. 1. Activity and/or transportation fee deposits paid to the Troop. The Troop collects a "Program Supply Fee" for some events; this fee is deducted from the first payment and is NOT refundable. It is the individual’s responsibility to submit a written request for refund to the Committee Chair ASAP. If the Troop has not yet sent a non-refundable deposit to the Event Facilitator, 100% of that individual’s event deposit will be refunded (minus Program Supply Fee, if applicable). Please understand some deposits are due weeks, if not months, in advance. 2. All other money paid to the Troop toward an event fee, that the Troop has NOT YET paid to the event facilitator, will be refunded as follows:
Again, it is the individual’s responsibility to submit a written request for refund to the Committee Chair ASAP. If the Troop has already paid the full event fee to the Event Facilitator, the individual may (1) attempt to sell his "spot" to another Scout or adult, or (2) contact the Event Facilitator directly and ask for a refund. 3. "Grub Fees." If a Scout or adult pays a grub fee (campout/activity food money), he will receive a 100% refund of the grub fee IF he contacts the Grubmaster (person designated to buy the food) before the Grubmaster has done the shopping. Please understand, shopping is done at the Grubmaster’s convenience. Leaving the Troop Scouts/adults leaving or transferring from our troop must submit written notice to the Committee Chair, to deal with any account balances. Accounts will be refunded as follows:
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All Right Reserved a2005 Boy Scout Troop 226, The Colony, Texas