PARENT
HANDBOOK
Boy Scouts of America
Troop 2
Santa Monica, CA
April 14, 2008
PARENT HANDBOOK
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Troop 2. I'm delighted that your son has decided to join us. You will find that Troop 2 Scouts are active and enthusiastic campers, swimmers, canoeists, and hikers. These and other Scouting activities can involve you and other members of your family in many ways.
There are numerous questions you'll have as your son makes his way through his first year in the troop. We hope this booklet will answer your concerns and questions, but please feel free to call me or any parent in the troop as needed. We do have a mentor program to assist you. If you do not know your mentor or do not have one, please call or e-mail Sandy Andrews. I encourage you to become personally involved in the troop, not only because this will motivate your son, but because you'll have a lot of fun and get to know some truly wonderful people. The Troop's success over the years has been directly attributable to the quality of parental involvement in our sons' lives, and we certainly welcome you to the family.
Troop 2 was founded in 1947 and since then has had only two Scoutmasters. As a result, we have many great traditions and bonds that extend back over the years. We have grown to be one of the largest troops in America, and over 226 of our Scouts have achieved our highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout.
One Troop tradition is community service. Each year we engage in such service activities as cleaning up after the Franklin Halloween Carnival and caroling at convalescent hospitals during the holidays. There are specific service requirements for most of the Scout ranks, as well as ongoing Eagle projects that directly benefit our community. Of course, we are always prepared to help in the event of a disaster or other need, and our scouts have done so on many occasions.
Another of our traditions is an opportunity for travel and adventure. We camp one weekend a month as well as two weeks each summer. We enjoy a three-day ski trip each February. In recent years our summer trips have taken us backpacking in the Colorado Rockies, canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, trekking across the giant Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and backpacking across Haleakala Crater. We have seen nature's wonders.
A third tradition is preparedness. Our Scouts quickly become expert in first aid, swimming, and other emergency skills. These activities culminate in a citywide disaster drill dubbed "Bloody Monday", organized every other year. This is unique to Troop 2. In addition, the Scouts learn the skills needed for adventure in the outdoors. We encourage physical fitness so they can enjoy these adventures. Through work on merit badges, Scouts have an opportunity to pursue their own interests and become exposed to new skills. They learn to work with other Scouts both as a follower, a team member, and later in leadership roles. The depth of experience in the Troop arises from scouts participating in as many as six or seven years of scouting. The richness of this experience of young men mentoring and guiding younger boys is something that we have lost in much of our culture. Troop 2 sees this as one of its major strengths.
Through all these experiences, our guiding ethic is the Scout Oath and Scout Law. We actively promote a commitment to the values described in the Oath and Law. We expect our Scouts to treat one another with respect, to be honest, to be kind. In all these ways, we hope to prepare them for responsible citizenship in our community and the world. We believe that we are making a difference.
Steve Marcy, Scoutmaster
Troop 1 1/2 is a preparation period for the boys and gives them a chance to evaluate their reasons for joining Troop 2. When a boy wants to join Troop 2, he first becomes a member of Troop 11/2. This is a training group led by Assistant Scoutmaster, Bob Gunter. The boys learn basic scout and troop skills, including the history of the Troop, the scout laws, the purpose of scouting, the meaning of the scout ranks and awards, basic rope work, and common forms of courtesy to the U.S. flag. During the first and last half hours of each troop meeting they may join in activities with the rest of the Troop. No uniform is required, and the boys do not participate in campouts or other troop activities. In Troop 1 1/2, parent and scout support and information is provided by Sandy Andrews. When a boy has completed the requirements for 11/2, he makes an appointment for a Scoutmaster Conference with Dr. Marcy. A Scoutmaster Conference is a one-on-one meeting with the Scoutmaster. Upon satisfactory completion of the conference, he is an official member of Troop 2 and joins the Recruit Patrol. Depending on the scout's interest, this stage can be completed in a few weeks or as much time as the scout needs. At this time the scout can start wearing the Troop red and white neckerchief.
Recruit Patrol members wear the scout uniform and are invited to participate in all troop activities including special participation at campouts. Recruits work on earning the Tenderfoot rank with Assistant Scoutmaster Rodney Taylor, who will distribute a list of recommended supplies. When all his requirements are complete, the scout should schedule a scoutmaster conference. The Scoutmaster then assigns him to a patrol. Participating in a patrol will give the scout membership in a small team and is highly anticipated by new scouts. The scout must complete a Board of Review.
SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
Boy Scout Handbook: Purchase upon joining Troop 11/2.
Boy Scout Requirements (optional): Overview of merit badge requirements. Be sure to obtain the current volume or compare against a current volume. You can find more information about requirements for badges at www.meritbadge.com.
Merit Badge Booklets: Each merit badge has a BSA booklet which provides essentially all the information and direction for a scout to complete the badge. They can be purchased individually at scout shops (see Links page) or borrowed at no cost from the Troop Librarian (scout Matthew Putzulu.) It is always best to check the date of Merit Badge booklets to be sure you have the latest requirements.
Uniform: Purchase upon joining Recruit Patrol. Do not purchase the numeral "2" as it is awarded by the troop. The scarf should only be purchased upon completion of Troop 11/2.
Camping Gear: Various items of camping gear will be required. Lists are provided and often gear can be borrowed from other troop families. In Recruits, tents are provided for the Scouts. With advance arrangements, tents and other equipment can be shared. Futher information can be found on our Equipment page, Campout page, Links page, or Page 7 of this handbook. When in a Patrol, the Patrol Leader is helpful in arranging sharing of equipment.
TROOP ADVANCEMENT SEQUENCE
Troop 11/2: Learn about scouting and Troop 2 traditions.
Recruit Patrol: Continue to learn basic scouting skills while working towards the Tenderfoot rank, go on a campout, and earn a merit badge.
Patrol member: Attend all activities as a member of a patrol. While in a patrol, scouts will work individually, with a patrol, or with other scouts on 2nd Class, 1st Class, and Star ranks.
Patrol Leader: Scouts in 9th and 10th grades who are at least 1st Class are eligible to be elected as one of our patrol leaders. Patrol leaders organize patrol meetings, lead patrols at meetings and campouts, and arrange food for patrol members on a campout.
Staff in Training & Senior Staff (10th, 11th, 12th grades): Under guidance of Scoutmaster, plan and supervise troop meetings and campout activities.
Refer to BSA Rank Requirements in Troop 2 for advancement policies and requirements not listed in the Scout Handbook. Check with the appropriate Advancement Leader for the most current information, see the Advancement page of this website.
EARNING A MERIT BADGE
1. Obtain current merit badge pamphlet from scout shop or Troop Librarian, scout Stephen Deason.
2. Determine who the Merit Badge Counselor is and call for appointment before starting.
3. Complete all the requirements of the particular merit badge you are working on.
4. Have counselor sign blue card when all work is complete. Bring blue card to Board of Review.
5. Attend a Board of Review with all items/papers required as listed in merit badge book as well as the signed blue card. Scouts should save all "applicant record" portions of blue cards recording badges earned; these will be required to earn Eagle rank.
SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE
Scoutmaster Conferences are required for each rank advancement. They are scheduled with Dr. Marcy and are conducted in a one-on-one interview. The first conference for 11/2 will be in person, but the remaining conferences are generally conducted over the telephone. The scout should plan on making this appointment in advance. Boards of Review for the rank being earned cannot be conducted until this conference is completed.
BOARD OF REVIEW
After completing the requirements for a rank or merit badge, a Troop 2 scout is required to participate in a Board of Review in full scout uniform. Here, he is interviewed by two troop parents on the skills he has learned. Boards of Review are scheduled generally the week before each Court of Honor. If for any reason the scout cannot attend the Board in the scheduled week, the Advancement Counselor should be contacted in advance to schedule a review. Ranks, merit badges and special awards are presented at the Court. Note: Scoutmaster Conferences for rank advancement must be completed prior to the Board of Review. While scouts are expected to be prepared for all badges, Eagle badges are examined very carefully by an assistant scoutmaster to ensure that each requirement is fully completed. (There are 12 required Eagle badges.)
COURT OF HONOR
This is a ceremony where scouts are presented with earned ranks, badges and awards. Courts are held in October, January and June. If Eagle ranks are being presented, Courts include dinner. Family members and friends are always welcome and are encouraged to wear red, the Troop color, to show spirit and earn patrol points for their son or friend's patrol. Every patrol competes for Honor Patrol, and every activity is scored on a points basis. The winner is announced at each Court of Honor.
The official uniform requires a short-sleeved scout shirt, Western Los Angeles County Council patch, red shoulder loops, scout shorts or long pants, green scout belt, neckerchief slide (purchased or handmade) and the Troop red and white neckerchief. This neckerchief should be purchased and worn only after the scout has completed 11/2. Dress uniforms are required at every Court of Honor. The sash displaying earned badges and awards is to be worn with the dress uniform once the scout has attained Star rank.
Patch Placement -- Proper placement of Crescent Patch, Troop Numeral, Council Patch, etc. go to Shirt Front page Shoulder page, and Sash.
Full uniform consists of the scout shirt, scarf, belt and shorts (or jeans during colder weather.) The full uniform must also include 50 cents for emergency phone calls, some note paper, pencil or pen, and a band-aid. Full uniform is required for all Monday Night Troop meetings, Boards of Review and when traveling with the Troop. It is strongly suggested that all clothing items be marked with the scout's name. Please note that some Scout shops carry "irregular" items at a substantial savings. Just inquire at any Scout Shop (see Page7 of this handbook.) Also, the Uniform Exchange program provides used uniforms at no charge. Donations of outgrown or unneeded uniform items are gratefully accepted. Another place to look for uniforms is on E-Bay.
CAMPOUTS
Campouts are organized one weekend per month during the Troop year, with the exception of December and February. Scouts and all interested parents meet at 7:00 a.m. in front of Lincoln Middle School, 1501 California Avenue, and the scouts are returned to their homes on Sunday afternoon. Volunteer drivers are always needed. The patrol leader organizes food for the entire patrol, and the costs are shared equally. Scouts are responsible for bringing their own equipment or arranging to share equipment. Scouts not yet in patrols will be in the charge of the assistant scoutmaster for their rank. In December, patrol leaders are responsible for arranging a patrol campout with one overnight. Points are awarded for participation. A ski trip in February is scheduled in lieu of a monthly campout. (See Campout page of this website for more information.)
TROOP 2 SPECIAL AWARDS
(see examples here)
Camp Spirit - Scout completes requirements for service and participation at summer camp. The requirements are listed at camp and are earned the first week of summer camp. This award is required for Star Rank, an additional one for Life Rank and a total of three are required for Eagle rank.
Century Belt - Scout hikes 100 miles, camps 100 nights or combines hiking miles and nights for total points of 100. Each individual hike must be at least two miles, all camping and hiking must be done on Troop activities, and camping nights must be spent in the open or in a tent pitched by the Scout. Also counted are up to ten nights spent at summer camp. Scouts are responsible for maintaining a log of miles and nights. Once completed, the log should be presented to the Scoutmaster for review. A log form is attached to the back of this handbook.
Den Chief - Scout undertakes the responsibility of serving as a Den Chief to a Cub Scout den. This is considered a leadership position for advancement purposes.
Den Chief Cord - Scout completes a year of responsible leadership and service to a Cub Scout den.
Gold Paddle - Scout paddles at least halfway around Catalina Island as a member of a war canoe crew.
Honor Patrol - Scout is a member of the patrol that earns the most points in Troop competitions either at a summer camp or for a semester during the regular year. Patrol leaders keep the Honor Patrol banner until the next award.
Honor Scout Award - Scout below patrol leader who, by vote of the Troop, best exemplifies living by the Scout Oath and Law.
Icicle Camper - Scout camps in wet, freezing conditions, sufficient to produce an icicle. He must stay warm and dry himself, and have all equipment needed to cook and sleep comfortably despite these conditions.
Invisible Man - An award earned each day during the first week of summer camp by one older and one younger scout, for a clean, complete labeled uniform at dinner. The recognition allows the scout on the following day to cut in line, stand during line-up and receive other privileges.
Keith Monroe Leadership Award - Scout voted most valuable staff member by staff.
Keith Monroe Scholarship - Graduating senior who, by vote of the Parents Committee, has made the greatest contribution during his years in the Troop.
Mills Mile - Awarded for a one-mile swim. If the swim is a medley, the award has a blue star.
Perfect Attendance Medals - A scout attends all troop activities and events for a year.
Perfect Attendance pin - Scout attends every troop meeting for a full year without missing for illness, injury or any reason.
Recruiter Strip - Scout brings a friend into the Troop, with the friend completing 11/2 and earning a scout badge.
Scout Spirit Award - Scout below staff level who, by vote of the Troop, best demonstrates Scout spirit in word and deed.
Service Stars - Scout receives a star for each complete year of troop participation, beginning with the Court of Honor at which he received the Scout badge.
Silver Paddle - Scout paddles completely around Catalina Island as a member of a war canoe crew.
Silver Skull Award - Scout writes a paper for a school class on a subject related to scouting and must receive an "A" for the paper.
Steve Marcy High Adventure Award - Awarded to an alumnus scout to attend selected summer camp at no expense.
Storm Camper - Scout camps during a rainstorm, keeping all essential gear dry. He must stay warm and dry himself, and have all equipment needed to cook and sleep comfortably despite the storm.
Tobias Slide - Scout is voted most outstanding first year camper at summer camp.
100% Camper - Scout attends every camp for a year including summer camp and patrol camp.
Parent's Committee
All parents become members of this committee when a son joins the troop. Meetings are on the Wednesday before every campout 7:30 p.m. at RAND Corporation, 1700 Main Street, Santa Monica, in the North Lobby. The upcoming campout, finances, summer camp, Eagle projects, troop policies and other business are discussed. You are encouraged to attend and learn more about the troop. These formal meetings are often critical in disseminating information and assistance through the year, both to you as well as your son. (Parents' Committee)
Mothers Club
The Mother's Club provides support to the troop in the form of fund-raisers, food, and any other assistance needed. Meetings are held in September, January, April, and May. For mothers new to Troop 2, Mother's Club is an excellent introduction and orientation to the "culture" of the Troop. For mothers of continuing scouts, it is a good place to share information, practical tips and experiences. All mothers are warmly welcomed at these meetings and at craft workshops. (Mother's Club)
Uniform Exchange Program/Scarves
Used uniform items are available by contacting the parent in charge of the Program. Families are encouraged to donate outgrown or unneeded uniforms for other families, which are made available to any interested scout at no cost. Troop neckerchiefs are available for $5.00. (They can be purchased only after the scout has completed 11/2.) Names should be placed in all clothing items and obtaining extra scarves is suggested. The name of the parent currently in charge of Uniform Exchange can be found on the Parents Committee page.
Troop Librarian
One scout each year is selected as the Troop Librarian, which qualifies as a position of leadership for advancement purposes. This scout maintains a library of all merit badge booklets for loan to any interested scouts. Scouts are obligated to return the booklets upon completion of the badge. To determine who the current Librarian is check the Merit Badges Counselor page of the website.
FUNDRAISERS
Aluminum can recycling - Scouts turn in clean, crushed cans on the first Monday of each month. Scouts earn recycling money which is distributed at summer camp and also earns patrol points.
Holiday Luncheon/Bazaar - Lunch and handcrafted items are for sale at this traditional event the first Saturday in November. Sponsored by the Mothers Club.
Christmas Tree Lot - A major fund-raiser, our tree lot on Montana is run by the scouts under supervision of parent volunteers. Scouts must contribute a minimum of twenty hours to receive a discount on the ski trip or summer camp.
Parents Auction Dinner - A popular social evening in May in which donated items are auctioned.
Crafts Workshops - Workshops are scheduled in the fall at volunteer homes as needed to complete handmade crafts sold at the Holiday Luncheon/Bazaar. All mothers are welcome and no skills or expertise are required. Ideas for crafts are always being sought.
All funds earned are directed to subsidizing summer camp and the ski trip, weekend camping fees, cost of awards, rentals, supplies, equipment and other Troop expenses.
Troop 2 Uniform Exchange Chairperson, Joanne Hwang - Red & white troop neckerchief -- $5 or for recycled uniforms.
Troop 2 Clothing and Equipment Exchange, Paula Grifka - Equipment and clothing needed by Scouts and donated by other families who no longer need it. (non uniform). See the list here.
Scout Shop - West LA: behind the Dumas Building at 10131 National Boulevard, Los Angeles
310-839-7514. Tu-F 10-6. Sat 10-3. Uniforms, Handbooks, Scout supplies (items can be ordered).
Scout Shop - Van Nuys: 16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8, Around the back. Look for the American flag at Hayvenhurst. M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat 9-4. Handbooks, uniforms, scout supplies. 818-781-1296
Scout Shop - Downtown: Los Angeles near Alvarado and Temple at 2333 Scout Way, Los Angeles 90026. M-F 8:30-5, Sat 10-3. Handbooks, uniforms, scout supplies, merit badge booklets, camp equipment. 213-413-4400 or 0575
Sport Chalet - Marina del Rey: 13400 Maxella Avenue. Scout uniforms, some Merit Badge and Scout books, camping & ski gear. 310-821-9400
A16 - West L.A.: 11161 W. Pico Bl. Camping equipment rentals. Sales of camping, ski gear, and hiking boots.
310-473-4574
REI - Manhattan Beach: 1800 Rosecrans at Aviation. Camping & ski gear. Very large selection. 310-538-2429
Big 5 - Santa Monica: - 3121 Wilshire Bl. Santa Monica, Camping gear. 310-453-1747
Sport Mart - West L.A.: 1919 S. Sepulveda Bl. Limited selection of outdoor gear. 310-312-9600
Supply Seargent - Santa Monica: 1431 Lincoln Blvd. Camping supplies, tents, hiking boots. 310-458-4166
CALENDAR
Weekly
Monday Troop meetings. 7-9 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School.
Saturday canoe practice. To be announced but usually on Saturday mornings, Spring only, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey during even numbered years only.
Monthly
Patrol meetings. Time and place arranged by patrol leader.
Parents Committee meetings. Every Wednesday before the weekend campout, 7:30 p.m., RAND Corporation, 1700 Main Street, Santa Monica, North lobby. Bring your Drivers License for identification. Free parking is available.
Annually
Annual Family Camp. Memorial Day weekend. All family members, including siblings and friends, are invited to attend a family camp. Family Camp is an outstanding opportunity to socialize with other troop families, watch scouts participate in canoe regattas, races, campfires and other troop activities. It is a high point of the year and a great deal of fun.
Ski Trip. Every year on Presidents' Weekend for Scouts and any parents who wish to attend. Free lessons provided for non-skiers (Scouts only.)
Summer Camp. Always the first two week in August. Those not yet in a patrol are eligible to attend for one week. All others may attend for one or two weeks. Scouts may not attend the High Adventure week only.
Troop 2 encourages every Scout to advance through the ranks of Scouting. We insist, though, that the Scout truly master the skills for each rank, so that he is prepared for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead. For higher ranks, to satisfy the BSA "Scout spirit" requirement, we expect a strong record of leadership and service. To this end, the Troop has additional requirements for each rank. For example, Troop Boards of Review are unique to the Troop. Also, the Troop Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster must review selected merit badges. These badges are First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Swimming, Canoeing, Lifesaving, and Personal Fitness as well as the required Eagle badges. Information on Merit Badge requirements are available in the Boy Scout Handbook, merit badge requirements book, and at this website - Page 4 of the Parent Handbook and Merit Badge Counselors pages. The official website for the National Council is www.bsa.scouting.org.
TROOP 1 1/2
The Assistant Scoutmaster responsible for Troop 11/2 will provide a list of requirements for this rank. These requirements involve basic knots, the Scout Oath, Motto, and Slogan, the history and traditions of Troop 2, and other basic Scouting skills. Each skill must be demonstrated twice. When the boy has passed all the requirements, he will meet with the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. It is suggested that extra copies of the list of requirements be made to track progress. If the list is lost, requirements must be repeated. A Troop Board of Review is not required for this rank.
RECRUIT PATROL
The equivalent of the Tenderfoot Rank, Troop 2 requires the Scout to repeat from memory the definition of each law as it appears in the Scout Handbook. In addition to traditional BSA requirements for Tenderfoot, the scout must earn at least one merit badge. For this rank and all those following, the Scout must complete a Scoutmaster Conference and Troop Board of Review.
SECOND CLASS
To demonstrate mastery of the BSA requirements, the Scout must earn the Totin' Chip card and also complete a "Mystery Hike", a special Troop requirement. The Assistant Scoutmaster responsible for this rank will explain all Second Class requirements.
FIRST CLASS
To demonstrate mastery of the BSA requirements, the Scout must earn First Aid Merit Badge and also complete "Mystery Camp", a special Troop requirement. The Assistant Scoutmaster responsible for this rank will explain all First Class requirements. For requirement #6 ("Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your community"), the Scout is expected to bring labeled photographs of the plants to his Board of Review.
STAR
BSA requires 4 months' active service in a "position of responsibility" or leadership. Troop 2 accepts for Star rank any of the leadership positions listed in the BSA requirements such as Troop Librarian, Den Chief as well as Assistant Patrol Leader. The Scout must demonstrate positive, responsible leadership in one of these positions. In partial fulfillment of the BSA requirement to "show Scout spirit," the Scout must earn the camp Spirit Award at any summer camp he attends with the Troop.
LIFE
BSA requires 6 months' active service in a "position of responsibility" or leadership. For Life Scout, Troop 2 accepts only Patrol Leader or Leadership Corps (including Staff in Training). The Scout must demonstrate positive, responsible leadership in his position and must have earned a second Camp Spirit award. A more intensive interview will be conducted for this rank at the Court of Honor.
EAGLE
In partial fulfillment of the BSA requirements, the Troop requires at least two years' active leadership, either as a Patrol Leader or as a member of the Leadership Corps as well as the required merit badges to advance to Eagle Scout. Standard requirements include an accumulated total of 21 badges, which must include eleven specified badges, an Eagle Project as well as an Eagle presentation at the Court of Honor. It is expected that the Scout will have been elected to the Senior Staff. The Scoutmaster reviews the record of each Scout before the Scout is permitted to begin his Eagle project. An exceptional record of leadership and service is required before permission is granted. A total of three Camp Spirit awards must be earned to complete all requirements.
ADVANCEMENT RELATED NOTES:
PATROL LEADER
To be a Patrol Leader, a Scout must be in 9th grade or higher and have earned First Class rank.
LEADERSHIP CORPS
A scout is eligible to join the Leadership Corps, S.I.T. (as a member of our Staff in Training) upon completion of one year of satisfactory service as a Patrol Leader or reaching 11th grade. (A half year of satisfactory service as a Patrol Leader plus 10th grade standing is also sufficient.) The Scout must have attained First Class rank. Scoutmaster approval is required and may be denied if there is strong evidence that the Scout will not be a satisfactory member of the Leadership Corps. A Scout who reaches 11th grade without completing First Class rank will no longer be eligible for troop membership.
MERIT BADGES
Requirements for First Aid merit badge and all aquatics merit badges must be reviewed by the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 2. All other merit badges may be reviewed by any qualified merit badge counselor. In addition, all merit badges are reviewed by any qualified merit badge counselor. If the Scout has not fully satisfied all requirements of the badge, he will be asked to complete them and then appear before another Board of Review before receiving the badge.