Boy Troop 1 A Guide for Parents and Scouts

Menomonee Club Chicago, Illinois

February 27, 2018

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

W ELCOME TO C HICAGO T ROOP 1

I NTRODUCTION

The experience of can be one of the most important events in a Scout’s life. When he joins a troop, the scout begins a journey that will lead him to new places and discoveries. He shall learn valuable skills while enjoying all that scouting offers. Here at Troop 1, we are committed to the ideals and values that Scouting represents. Nearly everything you need to get started in scouting is in the Official . However, many common questions about the Troop cannot be answered by consulting the Scout Handbook. That is why we developed this document. It contains the most practical information about Scouting and about Troop 1 specifically. Our hope is that the following material will provide answers to the fundamental questions of parents and Scouts. We would like to continually update the information in this booklet. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Troop 1 has a goal that all new Scouts achieve at least First Class as it will leave them with valuable life lessons as advocated for by Lord Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting. That said, many Troop 1 Scouts shoot higher, oftentimes to achieve the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Each Scout must decide for himself, but Troop 1 looks to provide the support each Scout needs to achieve their personal ambition.

Behind every Eagle Scout are caring parents/guardians who supported and encouraged their son along the arduous journey.

Along the path of rank achievement, your son will also earn merit badges starting with the rank of Star with a minimum of six merit badges and ending with Eagle with twenty-one of which thirteen are required. These next years of Scouting, through age 18, will offer your son a lifetime of memories, skills and proud achievement.

We have learned from our fine troop leaders and by networking among ourselves that we, the parents, do play a critical role in navigational/coaching your son along the path to Eagle. We must be forward thinking about balancing school, activities, work and sports in addition to Troop meetings, campouts, service projects and a week at Boy Scout summer camp, Owasippe. We have learned to become more strategic with time and purpose on when – where – and how – your Scout can earn rank advancement plus the required merit badges.

Troop 1 is blessed with leaders who are focused on creating a positive experience for the Scouts and devote time and effort to advise and support the Scouts as much as possible. However, as parents, we need to be cognizant about venues and options for rank advancement plus ways to earn merit badges are beneficial in guiding your son to allocate time to work on the requisites. There are some time-in-rank requirements before the next advancement plus some merit

2018 Edition 2

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

badges involve tracking/monitoring activity spanning three months. Hence, collaborative planning sooner than later is recommended.

We look forward to working together to make Scouting an impactful experience on your Scout.

B RIEF H ISTORY OF T ROOP 1

Troop 1 was founded in December of 2006 with 5 boys and has grown consistently since. We are proud to have a number of Scouts who have achieved the rank of Eagle, including 11 in 2017, and Scouts who attend all of the BSA high adventure programs (Philmont, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier) as well as National and World . Scouts have earned the National Outdoor Award, Presidential Volunteer Service Award and many others and even all the merit badges available.

The Troop is focused on a combination of developing skills and Scout-based values through program activities that are fun! We try to run the program in a flexible way that meets the needs and schedules of the boys. Boys who are focused on advancement and awards have many opportunities and resources to achieve these goals. Scouts who want to simply join in the activities and outings are also welcome. Most Scouts who are interested in the program and who regularly attend activities will find that the advancement comes naturally.

There are many goals the troop has set forth for Scouts individually and for the entire Troop. First, we want the members of our Troop to take advantage of all that scouting has to offer. From patrol activities to merit badges to community service, the key to enjoying your time as a Scout is to participate. Second, we want Scouts to learn the importance of working with others. This is accomplished through each Patrol, as well as each patrol working as a unified team. Scouting is an individual and group experience.

T IME C OMMITMENT Troop Meetings: During the school year, Troop 1 meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Program room of the Menomonee Club, Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton Street. In December, we adjust our schedule, holding a holiday party at Dave & Busters during the time as the first meeting and we cancel the second meeting (4th Tuesday in December).

This schedule allows Scouts to remain active without a weekly meeting commitment. Boys are encouraged to attend all meetings, though we understand boys can be involved in many activities and can participate as much or as little as they can.

Generally, parents are free to drop off and pick up. Many parents stay outside the meeting rooms at Drucker and either work or enjoy each other’s company. Three times a year (late February; early June before summer starts and mid-September as the year kicks off), parents

2018 Edition 3

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

should plan to attend the Scout recognition ceremonies (“Court of Honor”) as Rank, Merit Badge and Special Awards are formally presented. Periodic parent meetings are typically scheduled on Court of Honor dates, as needed.

Outings: The Troop has one outing per month. Typically, Troop 1 will: Tent camp in September (Culver Academy, IN), October, April (Galena, IL) and May Cabin camp in December (Camp Betz, MI), February (Point Beach State Park, WI) Day Outings in November and March Lock-in at the Drucker Center in January

(Recent examples of day events include working on the engineering merit badge at the Harley- Davidson museum, attending a hockey game on Scout night, working on the Game Design merit badge at the Microsoft store, indoor rock climbing, visiting Fermi National Lab, visiting the private Warbird Museum of vintage airplanes, creating an entire Thanksgiving dinner by campfire, and even camping if the weather allows).

Summer Camp: Troop 1 attends one week at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan each summer, typically the week following July 4th. Scouts are highly encouraged to attend. They have incredible experiences, build their confidence and complete important rank advancement. Owasippe is the oldest Boy Scout camp in the U.S.

2018 F INANCIALS Troop 1 Membership - $145 for 1 Scout, $270 for 2 Scouts, $335 for 3 Scouts Fees are paid annually to the Menomonee Club on behalf of Troop 1 and consist of: $65 for Troop Membership Fee per Scout $80 for Menomonee Club membership for 1, $140 for a family (If you are already a member of the Menomonee Club, you only pay the $65/Scout.)

Each Boy Scout Troop/Unit must be affiliated with a 501c3 organization known as the Chartered Organization. Menomonee Club is Troop 1’s Chartered Organization with the of America. Therefore, each Scout must be a member of Menomonee before “registering” to participate in Troop 1. The finance committee is working on a process whereby a Scout/family can make one payment to cover both membership and registration fees.

The Menomonee Club offers financial aid. If the Menomonee Club waives the membership fee, Troop 1 will waive its annual dues accordingly.

The Troop 1’s current annual fee does not cover the direct costs outlined below among its operating expenses and has supplemental activities discussed below to bridge the gap. The finance committee is reviewing historic and forecast expenses and may offer an adjusted

2018 Edition 4

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

amount to cover these expenses starting with the 2018-2019 Scouting season in September. More information about this will be shared in June.

Some of this money goes to: The National Service Center to fund education, high adventure experiences, technology advances, fundraising support, new program development, membership recruiting strategies, registration, and other support-related materials

The Pathway to Adventure Council (PTAC) to help defray the rising costs of general liability insurance and council-provided accident and sickness insurance for each of our members.

Your Scout has benefitted, receiving Boy Scout Handbook ($17), Neckerchief ($10), Neckerchief slide ($6). Your Scout will also receive the Troop “1” number at the Court of Honor.

Campouts $40/campout - due no later than final meeting campout, ideally early, paid online via TroopTrack.

Day Outings – cost vary from free to a nominal fee to cover the event expense. In March and last November, this was $10 each.

Summer Camp - $50 deposit due in late winter, $445 balance due no later than May 15. In 2018, this amount covers the PTAC camp fee, a Troop 1 T-shirt, a Troop photo, lunch on the way to camp, Silversides submarine fee, dinner on the submarine, midweek pizza, program fees, (merit badge supplies plus activity fees, e.g. crate stacking, tubing, basketry, leatherwork, …), van rental and fuel to transport gear and camp service project materials.

These costs do not cover all of Troop 1’s expenses. We incur expenses to store our camping equipment, rent a van to bring our equipment on campouts, equipment and award costs, etc. Therefore, Troop 1 has two activities to offset these expenses and obtain a balanced budget.

One activity is chocolate sales in the Fall. Each Scout is asked to participate by selling $360 of World Finest Chocolate bars at $2 per bar. Payment can be made by credit card or check and due before the chocolate is picked up in September. There is an option to “opt-out” of selling by donating a designated amount. We encourage each scout to sell chocolate (instead of opting-out) for at least two years. While this requires effort, the salesmanship entailed while representing Boy Scouts and Troop 1, is one more beneficial development experience in Scouting. More information about this fundraiser, including how Scouts can use this to fund high adventure trips, is discussed later. Last year, we had Scouts sell enough chocolate to pay for their entire summer camp expenses.

The other activity is a parent party, typically held in early February to commemorate the anniversary of Scouting. This is a great casual evening for the parents to enjoy while supporting Troop 1.

2018 Edition 5

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

Troops can receive private contribution / gifts to help the Troop, its programs, and support other Scouts.

Financial Support - Due to the generosity of Troop 1 supporters and the stewardship of the Finance Committee, Troop 1 has created a financial support fund to prevent cost from limiting a Scout’s participation in any Troop activity. If cost is a concern, please contact Scoutmaster, Tim Goodall. Please be assured any related conversations will be managed privately and kept highly confidential.

W HAT D OES THE T ROOP P ROVIDE? Troop 1 will provide each new Scout with a current Boy Scout Handbook, neckerchief and neckerchief slide. The Troop will further provide a patrol patch, position patch (as applicable) and all awards earned by the Scout. (The Scout should write their name in big letters along the side of the Scout Handbook since all Scouts have the same book. If the Handbook becomes lost or damages, the Scout is responsible for replacing it.)

W HAT D OES THE S COUT P ROVIDE? Scouts need to purchase a Boy Scout uniform from the Boy Scout store, located at 1218 W. Adams Street, Chicago, IL. We recommend a short sleeve shirt and zip-off pants in non-cotton material. The Scout store can assist with any necessary patches, such as the Council patch. This uniform should be worn to all Troop meetings.

The patches can be affixed three ways: 1) Pre-sewn – The Scout store sells uniforms with patches pre-sewn on. The uniform price includes the cost of the shirt, cost of the patches and ~$10 sewing fee. 2) “Badge Magic” – a product sold at the Scout store that adheres patches to the uniform 3) Sewing – you can sew the patches on yourself, or use your local cleaner/tailor. Badge placement specifics are located on the following uniform inspection chart.

2018 Edition 6

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

2018 Edition 7

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

G OAL S ETTING Ask your Scout what is his goal? Is it Eagle or simply the next rank as a more immediate objective? Then, support how best to achieve the goal(s) by discussing intermediate steps toward Eagle or earning another merit badge. It is also helpful to set target dates to work toward or a conversation prior to a campout on what he plans to achieve/work on over the weekend. Or, what requirement is he planning to discuss with a Troop Leader before a Troop meeting. Upon returning from a campout or Troop meeting, a quick debrief on what he accomplished would be timely. That would also be the time to check his Scout Handbook to insure the activity was noted and signed off by a Troop Leader. Keeping an eye on the three Court of Honor ceremony dates is also a trimester benchmark to set timelines for completing requirements. The reward for goal setting is experienced by your son when he is presented with a Rank patch or a merit badge during a Court of Honor ceremony - attended by parents and family. This practice is also a good life skill to develop.

For example, one starting goal could be to achieve the Scout rank by the June Court of Honor. The Scout rank has 18 requirements (the Handbook shows 7, but is 18 with sub-parts). There are 2 meetings a month in March, April and May and campouts in April and May. So, a goal would be to complete 2 requirements a meeting.

Some requirements are easier than others, such as 1f, say the Pledge of Allegiance and explain what it means. For all the requirements, the content/answers are in the Scout Handbook. We’ll discuss this further during the parent meeting.

S COUT H ANDBOOK The Scout Book is a very important reference to maintain and keep in a safe place. Your son should make it a SOP - standard operating practice - to bring the Handbook to every Troop meeting and every campout and of course, to Owasippe. Best to make inquiry of your son when picking him up from a campout or Troop meeting – “do you have your Scout Book?”

First thing to do is take a sharpie and have your son write his last name on the side of the pages so the book can be readily identifiable – all three sides. Consider a Scout Book cover (with a zipper) to help protect the book from heavy use and the elements during campouts. A large Ziploc bag works as well. Some carry a pen/pencil in the cover along with documents such as blue cards needed for a Troop meeting or a campout.

Have your son complete the information pages at the beginning of the Handbook. The Council name is Pathway to Adventure Council – PTAC – and the District is … Founders.

In the back portion of the Handbook you will find each Rank has its own Requirement page plus a log for Campout Nights and another page for Service Projects. There is also a merit badge tracking page as well. It is IMPERATIVE to frequently reference these requirements. The requirement page is helpful in guiding your son on planning for advancement and posting progress. As noted earlier, every entry should be accompanied by a notation of date and

2018 Edition 8

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

initialed by a Troop Leader. These Rank Requirement pages should also be preserved and frequently photographed or copied to keep in a safe place. These requirement pages plus the campout log and service project page are valuable proof of your son’s accomplishments and must be saved in a safe place in case an unfortunate circumstance of a lost Handbook.

Tip – Use the second page of the Leadership and Training Log to track Troop Activities beyond meetings. 10 are required for First Class rank. These include campouts, day activities, attending an Eagle Court of Honor, participating in an Eagle Service Project and any other specific activities beyond attending meetings.

B OY S COUT A DVANCEMENT Advancement through the ranks is an important part of Scouting. The extent to which a boy participates in the advancement program largely governs the benefit he gains from membership and the length of time he stays in Scouting. Boys join the troop and then advance through the ranks in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and then Eagle. The requirements to earn these ranks increase in difficulty and are detailed in the Scout Handbook. Most of the information to complete these requirements is also in the Scout Handbook.

The first four ranks consist of a variety of skills and activities. The latter three ranks require earning certain merit badges, holding a leadership position and completing service to others. The final rank, among other requirements, includes conceiving and leading a service project.

For the initial 4 ranks, most of the requirements will be covered in various meetings and campouts. For those that have some experience or study the material, they can complete their specific requirements.

Once a Scout has completed all of the rank requirements, they will request to meet with for a Scoutmaster Conference. There is a link available in TroopTrack, under Advancement Requests, to request this. The Scoutmaster Conferences are held periodically and are a 10-15-minute discussion between the Scout and Scoutmaster. Once complete, the Scout will meet with 3-6 adults for a Board of Review, which is an encouraging dialog about the Scout’s progress and plans.

Scouting research has shown that if a boy reaches the First Class rank within the first 18 months after he has joined the Troop, he is likely to stay in Scouting longer. Troop 1 provides the opportunities to support this research.

2018 Edition 9

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

A DVANCEMENT T RACKING Your son’s advancement is tracked two ways. 1) Boy Scout Handbook – This is the “official” record of his advancement. Each requirement that is completed is individually initialed and dated. Campouts and services hours are also logged in this book. It is up to the Scout to log his campouts and service hours and to request approval of attending these activities. A best practice is to take a picture of each rank as it is finished. This photograph can “prove” that the requirements have been fulfilled, should the book become lost or damaged. 2) TroopTrack – We seek to track Scout’s advancement periodically using software called TroopTrack to track ranks and merit badges achieved. When you join Troop 1, an account will be created for the Scout and the family. You can also view this information online or their smart phone application.

P RACTICAL G UIDE TO A DVANCEMENT First, we recommend that you read through the requirements together. You will find that you will complete several during everyday life. By being intentional, your Scout can complete requirements without additional effort.

Scouts can work on the first four ranks concurrently. They are not limited to exclusively finishing one rank before moving on to the next one. This is important as there are common categories in each rank, such as knots, first aid, cooking, etc.

To complete a requirement, a Scout needs to demonstrate proficiency of that skill to an approved leader, which may be a Scout, such as the Troop Guide, or an adult, such as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Once the skill is demonstrated, the leader will initial and date that it has been successfully completed. IMPORTANT – It is up to a Scout to initiate this request. For some Scouts, this will come naturally. For others, it will take some time. Scouts need to advocate for themselves, an important life skill.

Advocacy/Parent role: As a parent, you cannot do this for your child, but you should feel free to regularly check with him or her to make sure they are seeking out the right conversations. If you are still unsure, you may seek a one-on-one conversation with the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters to gain additional perspective.

Also, new requirements that are presented in a meeting are not typically “signed off” in the same meeting. This is like a teacher not assigning a grade on the day a new concept is presented. The key is each Scout will need to demonstrate proficiency.

Assistant Scoutmasters are generally available before the regular Troop meetings from 6:30-7 p.m. to meet with Scouts to review and approve Scout requirements for which the Scouts have prepared. This activity is driven solely by the Scout. A good practice for Scouts is to plan on coming to each meeting early and working on 1-2 requirements. Additionally, there is often free time on campouts that can be used for this purpose. It is up to the Scout to take the

2018 Edition 10

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

initiative for this, not a parent or leader. The Scout is responsible for his learning and advancement.

Summer camp provides a wealth of opportunities for Scouts to complete advancement requirements. We highly recommend that Scouts, especially new ones, prioritize attending summer camp. Our troop typically attends the week after July 4th, departing early Sunday morning and returning midday the following Saturday.

M ERIT B ADGES O VERVIEW A scout interested in working on a merit badge must first request a “blue card” using an online link in TroopTrack, under Share / Advancement Requests. You will receive the blue card from the Scoutmaster or advancement chair at an upcoming Troop meeting. You will receive the name of a merit badge counselor with the blue card. The scout is to contact the counselor. Your son should make inquiry if the counselor is available to work with him on XYZ merit badge. A time to review the requirements or a place to meet to review requisite work will be scheduled.

A basic rule – your son is never to be 1:1 with a counselor without you or another adult in the immediate vicinity. Please plan to accompany your Scout and/or have him find a buddy to accompany him when meeting with a counselor. Additionally, it is standard practice for a Scout and counselor to copy the Scout’s parent or guardian on communications..

Troop 1 has a complete library of merit badge books that can be checked out. Alternatively, you can either purchase the merit badge book at the BSA Store on West Adams.

Some Scouts have found that completing the merit badge workbook (PDF found on line) helps them organize their thoughts and prepare for their meeting with their counselor.

Upon completion of the merit badge requirements, a counselor will fill-out the three sections of the blue card. The counselor will keep one third of the card (Counselor’s Record) and your son turns-in the remaining two sections of the blue card to the Scoutmaster. Before your son turns- in the two-section blue card – take a photo of the front and back – make a couple of copies and keep in a safe place for verification purposes in the future, if ever needed. Your Scout will receive the “applicant” part of the blue card at the Court of Honor, when the merit badge is awarded.

M ERIT B ADGES R EQUIRED TO O BTAIN THE R ANK OF E AGLE First Aid – great first year at summer camp badge Citizenship in the Community Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Communication – requires being emcee of Court of Honor, Campfire, worship service Personal Fitness – requires 12-week fitness routine with bi-monthly assessments

2018 Edition 11

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving – both great summer camp merit badges Environmental Science or Sustainability – both great summer camp merit badges Personal Management – requires tracking income, savings and expenses for 13 weeks Swimming or Hiking or Cycling – swimming is great first year at summer camp badge Camping – need 20 nights in tents on BSA campouts, limited to 1 long term campout Cooking – probably hardest one but best life skills; requires planning and preparing several meals both on campouts and at home Family Life – requires doing home duties / chores for 90 days

M ERIT B ADGE B LUE C ARDS The cards are blue in color but handle them as if they were gold. The small card has three sections that will be completed by your son and the counselor. The counselor should have initials and/or signature in three locations. The counselor will keep one for his/her records and the other two sections your son presents to the Scoutmaster – usually at a Troop meeting.

REMEMBER, take a photo of the front and back of the two sections before turning in the blue card. The Application section will have information on the front and a requirement scorecard on the reverse. The counselor will initial and indicate requirements completed.

IMPORTANT: Keep this Application section in a very safe place such as a safe deposit box. The actual merit badge blue card(s) may be required as proof of completion before the rank of Eagle is authorized. It would be good practice to conduct an inventory of merit badge blue cards when your son achieves the ranks of Star and Life. Your son may have the actual patch but without the blue card – may not be valid. Troop 1 leadership keeps a watchful eye on accurate posting of ranks and merit badges but always a good idea to review when your son is preparing for his rank board of review/Scoutmaster Conference. Taking time to do so at the junctures of rank advancement will eliminate frustration/disappointment later.

S PECIAL A DVANCEMENT O PPORTUNITIES There are numerous opportunities for Scouts to work on advancement outside of Troop meetings, campouts and summer camp. One popular option is Merit Badge University held at York High School in Elmhurst in February. They offer 5 classes for skills needed through First Class rank, called the First Class Trail. Better known, they offer an extremely large number of merit badges. This event regularly attracts 1,500 Scouts to this one-day event. The event is a drop-off activity and carpooling is encouraged. Due to its popularity, the “best” merit badges fill up immediately. If a parent volunteers to assist at the event, they are granted access to early registration. It is important to read the merit badge requirements carefully. Many have prerequisites that must be completed before the class. If these are not done, the merit badge will not be completed. You can learn more about this at https://www.facebook.com/meritbadgeuniversity/ The Pathway to Adventure Council website advertises additional opportunities for merit badge classes. These events have occurred at locations ranging from the Field Museum to the Microsoft store.

2018 Edition 12

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

O WASIPPE S COUT R ESERVATION It is highly recommended your son attend Camp Owasippe. Troop 1 typically attends the week after July 4th, departing early Sunday morning and returning midday the following Saturday.

The Camp offers a target rich environment to earn rank advancement and complete a couple of the required merit badges. For new Scouts, they have a program called Pathfinder, which focuses on completing requirements need for ranks through First Class. Some of the more challenging “required” merit badges are best earned at camp vs the protracted process involving a local counselor. It is not uncommon for a scout to earn five or six merit badges at camp in addition to rank advancement. Younger scouts not only achieve rank advancement but earn their first couple of merit badges – a most rewarding experience with a proud sense of accomplishment. One week at Owasippe is strongly recommended and if your son can attend a second summer – he would be well positioned to achieve Eagle.

P ARENT / G UARDIAN I NVOLVEMENT Troop 1 is a volunteer organization. Parents/guardians(men and women) do not need to be a former Scout to support the Troop. In fact, there are many opportunities for your participation that will enhance your Scout’s experience. Drivers are needed to transport Scouts to/from campouts. If you are averse to camping in a tent, there are campouts where shelters/cabins are used. There is always a need for merit badge counselors for those in a profession or have a hobby that directly relate to one of the more than 130 merit badges. Attending Court of Honor ceremonies and service projects supports not only your Scout but an audience to show support for fellow Scouts. Additionally, consider attending Camp Owasippe as an adult leader. It is rewarding and very helpful in assisting scouts achieve their goals over the week-long experience. [You will need to complete the Youth Protection Training course.]

Be alert to Troop communication and respond in a timely manner to register your Scout for campouts and other activities such as service projects. You can stay update by subscribing to the Council’s Newsletter or by visiting www.pathwaytoadventure.org

Merit Badge Counselors - We encourage all parents to consider becoming a Merit Badge Counselor. It is one of the most important and most fulfilling ways to help serve the Troop and can be done with a very reasonable time commitment. For some Merit Badges, you may be bringing a professional expertise that can very much enrich a Scout’s journey and perspective. (Examples within our Troop currently include Law, Aviation, Architecture and more.) For others, general knowledge, subject matter interest, and a willingness to understand what a Scout needs to learn or do to complete the merit badge will be sufficient. (Examples include many of the Merit Badges required for Eagle including Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Personal Fitness, Personal Management and Communication to name a few.) Your willingness to sign up to being a Merit Badge Counselor and to make yourself available and responsive when Scouts do reach out is highly valuable to maintaining the quality of our Scouts growth experience in Troop 1.

2018 Edition 13

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

S COUT S HOP & O FFICE The area scout store and office are located at 1218 West Adams (West Loop). The store features an inventory of official scout attire, merit badge pamphlets, handbooks, and other items of interest such as scout knives, belts and neckerchief slides.

A SSURANCES: The have strict rules and policies for Troops’ adult leaders … Youth Protection Training and Certification (YPT). One basic rule is that no Scout is to be 1:1 with an adult leader without another adult near. This practice is strictly adhered to when your son meets with a merit badge counselor.

This practice is strictly adhered to for all Troop activities, including campouts, Summer Camp, merit badge meetings, etc. Note: This is one reason, if you are available to attend campouts as a parent, it can sometimes be quite helpful for getting more activities accomplished. Feel free to let the Scoutmaster know whenever there are events you would be able to attend and he can let you know whether there is a need. Please also note when your child plans to meet with a merit badge counselor, a parent may need to make oneself available to the MBC counselor to meet this rule or, alternatively, the meeting can take place in a public location (i.e. a Starbucks or similar).

B OY S COUT O RGANIZATION Troop 1 is part of the Founder’s District, which is part of the Pathway to Adventure Council (PTAC), which is part of the Central Region of the Boy Scouts of America. The Pathway to Adventure Council was recently created from the former Calumet, Chicago Area, Des Plaines Valley and Northwest Suburban councils and is comprised of more than 26,000 youth members, 9,000 adult leaders and four service centers. The closest service center to Troop 1 is Steve Fossett Service Center, located at 1218 W. Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607. 312-421-8800. www.PathwayToAdventure.org

Troop 1 is a youth-led organization. The SPL, ASPL, PLs and APLs comprise the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) that meets monthly to review past activities and plan future ones. The key positions are: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – top youth leader, responsible for planning and running activities Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) – assists the senior patrol leader Patrol Leader (PL) – Scout this is responsible for a group of Scouts of different ages. Scouts currently belong to the Crazy Moose, Time Bomb, new Scout or Venture patrols. Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) – assists the patrol leader Troop Guide(s) – helps new Scouts learn the “Boy Scout way”

When your Scout has a question, they should ask their Troop Guide or Patrol Leader first, not an adult.

In practice, Scouts address the adults as Mr/s. Last Name.

2018 Edition 14

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

As your child gains experience in the Troop, he or she will begin to better understand the different roles and, as they advance, hopefully aspire to take on leadership roles. For the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle, holding a leadership role is a requirement. Again, Scouts must advocate for themselves, but should you wish to encourage your child to actively pursue roles, feel free to seek out the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster to better understand what each role entails. Elections are held in the Fall of each year. For key elected leadership positions, Scouts are given an opportunity to present their case to their fellow Scouts before the voting process. Obviously, if the Scout is available to attend this meeting, odds of being elected are much more favorable. Note: For Scouts that do not seek elected positions or fail to garner the voting to get elected, there are many other roles available and Scouts can also advocate for themselves with the Scoutmaster before those annual determinations are established.

Troop 1 participates in a high adventure program, called . Participants generally need to be at least 14. The unit is called a Crew. Many of these Scouts are assigned to the “Venture patrol.” This group meets at the same time as the Troop, and provides a great way to challenge these older Scouts and keep them engaged.

Beyond the Scouts, Scoutmaster and assistants, The Troop Committee is responsible for conducting the business of the troop, setting policy, and helping the Scoutmaster and Scouts with the outdoor program and other planned activities. The committee also has the responsibility to provide adults for boards of review. The committee consists of parent volunteers who fulfill various roles on the committee. Please consider volunteering.

C AMPOUT I NFORMATION Campout invitations are posted in TroopTrack and you will receive an email as well. It is important that you RSVP, meaning coming, not coming, or not sure in a timely manner. We need this information to plan for cooking assignments and transportation.

Campouts typically depart at 7 p.m. on Friday night from the Home Depot parking lot on North Avenue. It is important to be on-time as we arrive, check in and go. Personal gear, stored in a backpack or duffle bag, will go into a van the Troop rents to transport gear for each campout. Scouts will then get into individual cars to ride to the campsite. Scouts should have something to get them occupied for the ride, a water bottle and a flashlight. A headlamp is preferred so they can have light and be able to use their hands while setting up camp at night.

After setting up camp, the Scouts have a “cracker barrel” – snacks and fellowship, organized by the cooks.

Scouts should not bring extra food / snacks beyond what is provided by the cooks. Food, especially candy, attracts wildlife that Scouts tend not to want to share their tents and sleeping bags with. They also cause a mess in tents.

2018 Edition 15

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

The troop provides tents on each campout along with all the common gear – stoves, cooking utensils, pots, etc. A Scout needs to bring a sleeping bag, appropriate clothing and toiletries for the conditions and a “mess kit” – plate, bowl, silverware. The specific list is detailed in the Scout Handbook. One of the requirements is to come to a Troop meeting prepared to camp, which we will do before our April campout. Two Scouts will be assigned to each tent by their Patrol Leader.

On Saturday night, after dinner, all the Troop gear is packed up and loaded into the van. On Sunday morning, the Scouts awake and pack their personal gear and their tent. We depart the campsite early Sunday morning, after a no-cook breakfast. This allows us to get everyone home early and have most of Sunday for homework, family time and other activities. You will receive an email when we depart with the forecasted ETA at Home Depot. It is important to be on-time to pick-up your Scout. We all meet and then disperse at that time.

If the tents are wet from dew or rain, Scouts will be asked to take them home, set them up that day to dry and return them at the next Troop meeting. We all live in the city and must figure out how to do this. After a campout, all of gear goes into a storage locker until the next campout, which could be months away. It is vital to have the equipment clean and dry so your Scout does not get a mildew-laden tent on the next campout.

Adults are welcome to attend. Unlike Cub Scout campouts, the Scouts sleep in patrols together. Adults sleep in separate area, nearby but away from the Scouts. It is important as adults that we give space to the Scouts to lead. Likewise, if your Scout, or others, have questions, they should ask their Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader first. If they don’t know, they should ask the Senior Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. If they don’t know, they will ask an adult.

It is imperative that if your Scout has any food sensitivities, medical issues or limitations, that you share this with the campout leader explicitly ahead of the campout (and not in the Home Depot parking lot).

We need drivers to get the Scouts to and from the campout. Please consider volunteering, whether driving and staying or just one way. For the trip to the campsite, we ask that you keep the Scouts awake. There are challenges when we arrive late at night to a campsite with fully rested Scouts.

S UMMER C AMP P REPARATION Uniform - Your son will need to wear his uniform to breakfast and dinner every day. They should plan to have alternative clothes to wear during the day. Summer temperatures can be variable from hot to cold and you should monitor the weather forecast and pack accordingly. It will rain while we are there.

2018 Edition 16

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

Plastic Bin - We recommend packing your son's personal item in a covered plastic bin, less than 14.5" tall x 28" wide x 31.5" long (this is the dimensions of the underside of the cot). The bin slides under their cot and helps keep their items in one place and rain and critters out. Scouts sleep on cots on top of wooden floor board in camp provided tents. Scouts should write their name on the slide of the tub.

Swimming - On Sunday, boys will be required to take a BSA swim test, which requires jumping into a lake feet first, and swimming 75 yards on their front or side, 25 yards on their back and then floating on their back for a minute. The test is conducted without swimming googles since your son may fall in the water without googles and the test is intended to see if they can swim. This is not a timed test and your son should not rush. If your son has not swum for a while, you may wish to go to the lake or pool before summer camp to practice. (If you really enjoy swimming, there is an opportunity for the Mile Swim, which boys in the Troop have traditionally done.) If they don’t swim, that’s OK as well.

Pathfinder Program - For newer Scouts, they should review what rank requirements they need to complete in the Pathfinder area. As a Boy Scout, your son needs to know what he needs to work on and be willing to work on it. Opportunities will be given to complete important requirements, though your son needs to choose to do so.

Suggestions - Packing - Some recommend placing all clothes needed for a day (shorts, shirt, underwear, socks) in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and mark the bag Monday, Tuesday, ... This may help Scouts who forget to change their clothes or only certain items.

Permethrin – This substance protects clothing from insects. It is good practice to spray all exterior clothes (pants, shorts, T-shirts, socks) with this, and allow it to dry, before camp.

Electronics – We recommend leaving electronics at home. Scouts may retreat to their tents to immerse themselves into an electronic device only find they feel lonely. Camp is great for personal interaction.

Spending Money - The Troop will buy the Scout's lunch at Culver’s restaurant on our way to camp and provide their merit badge supplies as part of the camp fee. That said, there is a Trading Post which sells beverages, candy, ice cream, patches, T-shirts, ... While nothing is needed, it is a good practice to send them with some money should they wish to make any purchases. If your son has a well-known sweet tooth, they may wish to bring additional money.

2018 Edition 17

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

R ESOURCES Pathway to Adventure Council Website – http://pathwaytoadventure.org/ Scout Online Store - http://www.scoutstuff.org/ Scouting Magazine - https://scoutingmagazine.org/ Bryan on Scouting Blog - https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/ Boy Scouts of America - https://www.scouting.org/

W HAT IS A B OY S COUT?

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

• A fun and safe environment to learn and grow while developing interests and skills

• Character building and development centered around good morals and values

• The chance to learn life skills that help Scouts be successful adults and contributing members of society

• Exciting outdoor experiences boys love like hiking, camping, mountain biking, and more For more than a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. Boy Scouts is the experience for young men in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement, and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. There are currently 855,000 Boy Scouts and 485,000 adult volunteers in the United States. While there is guidance from experienced leaders, Boy Scouts take their own lead, exploring places they've never been as they dive into the rugged world of outdoor adventure. With a spirit of teamwork, they pack up their Scout gear and their sense of adventure, and dive into the learning and excitement that comes from being in the brotherhood of the Boy Scouts. Boy Scouts has a lot to offer, but don't let the 130+ merit badges scare you away. With the exposure to a uniquely hands-on learning experience through earning merit badges that reflect each boy's budding interests, they unlock a world of discovery around them, and forge their path for the future. By culminating the Boy Scouting experience by earning the rank of Eagle and accomplishing a service project imagined and executed by the Scout himself, he can prove his leadership skills and gain the confidence he needs to excel in life and in the world at large.

2018 Edition 18

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Troop 1 is a “youth-led” organization. The Senior Patrol Leader and his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader actively lead the Troop meetings and outings. These youth leaders are elected by the boys in the Troop in September of each year. The patrol leaders are also elected by the Troop 1 Scouts. Other leadership positions such as Quartermaster, Librarian, Scribe, Troop Guide, and Webmaster are filled by Scouts who wish to fill these positions. This leadership team comprises the Patrol Leader Council, or PLC. The PLC meets once a month for a detailed planning meeting, choosing the camping trips and the monthly themes for the troop meetings.

TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Patrol Leader As senior patrol leader, I will manage my troop: • Assign duties and responsibilities to ASPL and PLs and make sure they are completed • Plan ahead for and lead troop in all meetings, events, and outings • Plan and run Leader Training and Troop Planning workshop • Plan and run 6 PLC meetings and 12 troop meetings • Manage the planning of 6 troop outings by individual patrols • Ensure the troop is a safe place for everyone • Discuss progress of all scouts reporting to me at 2, 4, and 6 month points of term • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader As assistant senior patrol leader, I will support the senior patrol leader: • Assign duties and responsibilities to troop leaders and make sure they are completed • Support and assist the SPL in all PLC meetings, troop meetings, and troop outings • Lead troop in all activities when the SPL is unavailable

2018 Edition 19

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

• Participate in Leader Training and Troop Planning workshop • Discuss progress of all scouts reporting to me at 2, 4, and 6 month points of term • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Patrol Leader As patrol leader, I will do my best to build patrol spirit and lead my patrol: • Plan and lead at least 6 patrol meetings or activities • Keep all patrol members informed of troop plans • Track activities, attendance, and advancement of my patrol on web site • Volunteer myself and my patrol as needed to make the troop run well • Assign jobs to patrol members and help them succeed in those jobs • Attend all PLC meetings and training sessions • Prepare my patrol to successfully participate in all troop activities • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law

Quartermaster As quartermaster, I will manage my troop’s equipment: • keep the troop equipment inventory list up to date • keep troop equipment in good condition • participate in at least 3 PLC meetings to report any equipment needs and status • receive and record a patrol equipment inventory from each patrol at least once • supply patrol quartermasters with needed equipment • wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Scribe As scribe, I will keep my troop informed about activities: • Record an account of every PLC and troop meeting

2018 Edition 20

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

• Collect attendance at every troop meeting and give to treasurer • Arrange a replacement scribe for activities as needed • Publish 6 newsletters about the troop’s activities • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Historian As historian, I will document the activities of my troop: • Maintain and add to the troop history record on the web site • Publish photographs from troop activities on the web site • Submit at least one article about a troop event to local newspapers, when feasible • Write about troop awards and recognitions in the troop record • Update troop record information, such as new eagle scouts, troop leaders, troop roster • Keep historic items safe such as ribbons, awards, and memorabilia • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Librarian As librarian, I will keep troop library and materials organized and accessible: • Maintain and organize all troop books, pamphlets, and related materials • Make troop resources available on the web site for scouts to check out • Maintain a record of which scouts have checked out materials • Report at least 2 times to the PLC on materials needing replacement or updating • Retrieve all checked out materials before the end of my term • Purchase merit badge pamphlets and other materials as needed • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Bugler

2018 Edition 21

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

As bugler, I will support the Senior Patrol Leader: • Practice bugling so I am prepared when called on • Sound Taps, Revelry, and Assembly at troop campouts • Sound appropriate calls at Courts of Honor and other assemblies as directed by SPL • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Chaplain Aide As chaplain aide, I will promote the concept of Reverence in the troop: • Attend every troop campout or arrange a replacement beforehand • Lead a religious service at every campout which I attend that includes a Sunday morning • Prepare a grace and lead the troop before every meal • Maintain the Chaplain’s area of the web site with graces, prayers, and resources • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Order of the Arrow Representative As troop OA Rep, I will promote OA, service, and camping in the troop: • Attend 75% of OA meetings • Ensure troop is informed of OA events and news • Assist OA members in gaining their Brotherhood membership • Promote and teach Leave No Trace in the troop • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Webmaster As troop webmaster, I will improve communication in the troop: • Maintain a usable information site for use by scouts, parents, and interested boys • Publish calendar, permission forms, news, and other information

2018 Edition 22

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

• Publish documents, forms, and information requested by troop leaders • Keep troop information up to date and published in a timely manner • Train and assist other scouts in troop positions with maintaining their areas • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Den Chief As den chief, I will promote Boy Scouting to Cub Scouts: • Attend 75% of den meetings of the assigned den • Help the den leader in teaching skills and managing the den • Assist Cub Scouts in earning their Webelos badge and Arrow of Light • Encourage Cub Scouts to continue on to Boy Scouts • Submit a report to ASPL or Scoutmaster from the den leader about my accomplishments • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Instructor As instructor, I will increase the skill level of my troop: • Instruct at least 6 different Scouting skills to the troop; track my accomplishments • Prepare my presentations well in advance to ensure success • Assist scouts in completing their 1 st Class scouting skills requirements • Be available for assignments from the SPL/ASPL as needed • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months.

Troop Guide As troop guide, I will support the new scouts in my troop: • Lead new scout patrol and provide direction, coaching, and support to new scouts to strengthen their patrol and my troop

2018 Edition 23

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

• Help all scouts in my charge advance at least one rank • Organize a patrol meeting every month – 6+ meetings • Participate in at least 4 PLC meetings with new scout patrol leaders • Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law • Fulfill the requirements of this position for 12 months

THE PATROL METHOD Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of boys who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for the patrol's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All patrol members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the patrol and of each of its members.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOY SCOUTS

In addition to Rank Requirements and Merit Badges, Boy Scouts may earn a number of other Badges and Awards:

Hiking Awards 50 Miler Award

Conservation Awards Leave No Trace Awareness Award Outdoor Ethics Award William T. Hornaday Awards World Conservation Award

Aquatic Emblems Boardsailing, BSA BSA Lifeguard Kayaking BSA Mile Swim BSA Scuba BSA Snorkeling, BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding

Other Awards and Emblems BSA Awards Central

2018 Edition 24

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

Cyber Chip Crime Prevention Award Den Chief Service Award Donor Awareness Emergency Preparedness Award Firem'n Chip International Spirit Award Interpreter Strips Keep America Beautiful Inc. Hometown U.S.A. Award Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards National Medal for Outdoor Achievement National Outdoor Awards National Youth Leadership Society Nova Awards Paul Bunyan Woodsman Recruiter Strip Religious Emblems Spirit of the Eagle Award Totin' Chip Winter Camper Patch Application World Conservation Award

While not Scouting Awards, below are award opportunities that align well with Boy Scouts.

Presidential Volunteer Service Award The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. We encourage you to take a look around, be inspired and take positive action that changes the world. The Menomonee Club is a sponsor of this award for Scouts that have meet the criteria. You can learn more information about this program at https://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/

Congressional Award

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non- partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14 to 23 year-olds. Young people may register when they turn 13 1/2 years old and must complete their activities before their 24th birthday. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Earning The Congressional Award is a fun and interesting way to get more involved in something you already enjoy or something you’d like to try for the first time.

2018 Edition 25

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

You move at your own pace – on your own or with your friends. This is not an award for past accomplishments. Instead, you are honored for achieving your own challenging goals after registering for the program. You can learn more information about this program at http://congressionalaward.org/

History of Boys Scouts

Boy Scouting began as a training program for young soldiers under the command of British Army officer Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, who was always dissatisfied with the ability of soldiers to carry out reconnaissance and to care for themselves under primitive conditions.

In India in 1897, with his first regimental command, Baden-Powell had full freedom to use his training ideas. He had men train in small groups, made their training hard but enjoyable, and gave them increasing responsibilities. Soldiers who became efficient were called scouts. To record his methods, Baden-Powell wrote a small volume, Aids to Scouting, for military use.

In 1899, the talented but obscure officer found himself in charge of a regiment in Mafeking, South Africa, under siege by a force of 9,000 Boers, descendants of the Dutch settlers who had first colonized South Africa. British forces were badly outnumbered, but Baden-Powell kept the Boers from overrunning the city by a combination of bluff and boldness. As news of relief of the 217-day siege reached England, Baden-Powell became a hero.

Boy Scouting evolved in Baden-Powell’s mind as a result of two unrelated developments.

The first was his review, in 1903 and 1904, of the Boy’s Brigade, an uniformed, quasi-military organization for English boys. As the hero of Mafeking, the boys accorded Baden-Powell a worshipful reception. Their enthusiasm and interest impressed him, but he was sorely troubled by the militarism shown in their drilling, uniforms, and toy rifles.

The second development was his review of his manual; Aids to Scouting. It had enjoyed an astounding sale to English boys. Baden-Powell realized that it would never do as a book for boys. It was written to prepare men for war. What he wanted was a book to prepare boys for peace.

So began Baden-Powell’s quest for all the literature of the world about training boys for manhood. He searched everywhere.

By 1907, Baden-Powell’s thinking had crystallized enough to get reactions from men whose opinions he respected. Replies were encouraging, and in the summer of that year he sought the answer to the ultimate question: How would boys take to this idea?

2018 Edition 26

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

To find out, he organized the world’s first Boy Scout camp. Twenty-two boys, from farm and city, went to off England’s southern coast, to camp as Scouts.

The heart of Baden-Powell’s idea was the patrol method, and almost the first thing done at the camp was to divide the boys into four patrols.

This first Boy Scout camp was not greatly different from Boy Scout camps today. There was plenty of practice, games, competition, campfires, and patrol overnight camps away from the Troop.

The camp was a rousing success in the eyes of both Baden-Powell and the boys. The secret was the patrol method in which he said, “Each patrol leader was given full responsibility for the behavior of his patrol at all times, in camp and in the field…. Responsibility, discipline, and competitive rivalry were thus at once established and a good standard of development was ensured throughout the troop.”

Baden-Powell followed a three-stage procedure. Each night at the campfire Baden-Powell told a story about one of his adventures where some Scoutcraft skill helped him. The next morning, he showed the Scouts how to acquire the skill. In the afternoon, he created a situation in which the patrols had to use that skill.

After that camp, the next big step for Baden-Powell was the writing of a handbook for boys and a booklet for Scoutmasters. The handbook, called Scouting for Boys, was published in five parts early in 1908, and later that year in book form. It was an instant success.

Within a few months there were tens of thousands of Boys Scouts in Great Britain. They were guided by Scouting for Boys and a new weekly magazine, The Scout. Baden-Powell formed what was to become the British Boy Scouts Association.

Scouting had come to America even earlier than 1910. With the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, troops began forming at several locations in the United States, many in YMCA’s, but there was no formal structure or organization for them.

The official birth date for the Boys Scouts of America is February 8, 1910. William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher, who had happened upon Scouting in 1909 while passing through London on a trip to Africa, incorporated it on that date. Lost in a thick fog, he was approached by a boy who offered to help him. To Boyce’s astonishment, the boy would not accept a tip because he said it was a Good Turn, and a Scout could not accept pay for such an act. Boyce went to British Scout Headquarters to find out what kind of program would have such an effect upon a city boy. When he sailed for home, he had a trunk full of Scouting literature, insignia, and uniforms.

Boyce willingly joined the common effort when he found others also trying to start a Scouting movement. Among them were two men whose influence on Scouting is felt to this day.

2018 Edition 27

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

Ernest Thompson Seton, world famous as naturalist, author, illustrator, and lecturer on wildlife and the wilderness, was also head of the Tribe of the , a loose organization of boys who wrote to him after reading his nature books.

Seton was chairman of the committee on organization and the first Chief Scout of the BSA. He was also the primary author of the first Handbook for Boys published in 1911.

Daniel Carter Beard, another leader of an existing boy’s organization, was a writer and illustrator of hundreds of magazine articles on outdoor life. His boys’ organization was called the Society of the Sons of Daniel Boone. It stressed the lore and pioneering spirit of such great American scouts and outdoorsman as Boone, Kit Carson, Davy Crockett, and Audobon.

With Seton, Beard merged his own boys’ organization into the young Boy Scout movement. He became one of three national Scout commissioners, a member of the national Executive Board, and chairman of the National Court of Honor. Until his death at 91, Beard was a familiar figure at any big Boy Scout event, unmistakable in the frontier garb he wore.

Late in 1910, as a small group of national leaders was struggling with the problems of a new organization, they brought into Scouting a man whose impact upon the movement was to be no less than that of Seton and Beard.

He was James E. West – a man as opposite to Beard and Seton as could be imagined. An attorney, he was then making a name for himself in youth work. From having spent his childhood in an orphanage, West had come to know first-hand some of the problems of the young. He was crippled throughout his life by a tubercular hip. Yet these handicaps had not prevented him from working his way through high school, college, and law school.

The founders talked West into taking the job of “executive secretary” of the BSA for 6 months, beginning January 1911. The 6 months lasted 32 years; West finally retired as Chief Scout Executive in 1943.

Seton and Beard had brought to Scouting the magic of the campfire and love of the outdoors. West brought limitless vision and administrative talent.

With the national organization beginning to take shape in 1911, national leaders turned their attention to local and regional organization, and to such vital matters as the Scout Oath and Law, rank requirements, and badges.

In the Scout Oath, the British version was closely followed, but the phrase “to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight” was added.

Baden-Powell’s contained nine points. They were adopted by the BSA with minor

2018 Edition 28

CHICAGO TROOP 1 GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND SCOUTS

variations, and three were added: Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

As in England, Scouting swept the country as soon as boys heard about it. Even in 1911 there were 5,000 troops in the United States. There were 14 merit badge subjects then, and 30 Scouts managed to earn a total of 83 among them that year.

To keep leaders and boys informed two magazines began. Scouting, for adults, was first published in 1913, and Boy’s Life in 1911.

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Boy Scouts of America were well known but not a household name. Scouting’s work on the home front made it so. Fewer than 300,000 Scouts sold $3.5 million in Liberty Bonds after others had canvassed the field, raised over $43 million by selling war stamps, collected over 100 carloads of fruit pits for use in gas mask filters, operated 12,000 war farms and gardens, distributed 30 million pieces of government literature, and cooperated in numerous ways with many organizations. The value of Scout training came home to the American people, and Scouting became part of the American scene.

The services of Scouts in the years since 1910 make an incredible bank of statistics; more than 64 million Americans have been involved in the movement in these decades. The vigor and extent of the movement and its influence have long since grown far beyond the most extravagant dreams of its founders.

Yet Scouting is not just an American phenomenon. Every free country in the world uses the program. Although the United States leads the world in numbers of members, there are millions of Scouts around the world. It is said that one can raise his hand in the Scout sign anywhere in the free world and find a friend. World jamborees and other international visits and correspondence help to maintain and expand the brotherhood of Scouting.

2018 Edition 29