Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW, AND THEN SOME!
What does the Troop do?
Who are the leaders?
How do I find out what is happening?
When does the Troop meet?
Why does the church let us meet here?
What do I get when I join?
How much does it cost to be a Boy Scout?
Who are my buddies and what is a patrol?
Am I supposed to wear a uniform?
What rules do I have to follow?
How do I get to be an Eagle Scout?
Who do I talk to about Merit Badges?
What else is there in scouting?
Who decides what we do?
When do we do the outdoor stuff?
What kind of stuff do I need?
What should I pack?
What if my son gets hurt while scouting?
What are patrol meetings and Patrol Leader Council (PLC)?
Do I need any books besides the Boy Scout Handbook?
Do we have to participate in fundraisers?
Can we make a donation to the Troop?
Can I bring a friend with me?
Can the family of the Scout get involved?
Yes, of course we need you!
What is the Troop Committee?
Troop 127 is entering its 16th year as an active, outdoor-oriented program. The Troop has hiked and camped out in; the San Jacinto Mountains, Randsburg, Panamint Range, Anza Borego, Joshua Tree, San Gorgonio Mountains, Death Valley, Sierra Nevada Range, along with a family campouts at variety of places. The Troop has seen several Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle, and many others reach the ranks of Star and Life. We are a member of Temescal District, one of many districts that make up the California Inland Empire Council, which covers Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Troop 127, like all Scout units, is run by the Scouts through the boy leaders they elect.
Most importantly, we are a Christian Troop that loves the Lord and wants to serve him in everything thing that we do. Please read the additional information about what we believe and some history about our Troop at our website: www.troop127.org
Troop 127 is fortunate to have many adults who have volunteered their time to serve the Troop. Each of the Assistant Scoutmasters has a specific job in addition to helping the Scoutmaster in running the Troop. You can turn to any Scoutmaster, Patrol Advisors or Committee Members at any time for help and advice.
Bill Getty Scoutmaster (951) 943-5886
Responsible for the overall Troop program, activities and its members.
| Kevin Hauser | Patrol Advisor/ASM |
Alan Smith Committee Chair
Responsible for the support functions of the Troop program.
| Marilyn Romeyn | Treasurer |
| William Corella | Secretary |
| Marla Getty | Advancement Chair & Ceremonies |
| Kevin Hauser | Outdoor Activities |
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Information is given out at the Troop meetings about upcoming outings, activities and events. This information is often verbal so boys are expected to bring a pen and paper to TAKE NOTES! If a meeting is missed, call your patrol leader.
A Troop activity calendar is available with all of the planned events and meetings scheduled.
The Troop meets every Monday night from 6:30 PM to 8:30PM at Olive Branch Community Church located at 7702 El Cerrito Rd Corona, CA 92881.
WHY DOES THE CHURCH LET US MEET HERE?
The Troop is a ministry of the church although many of our members come from different religious backgrounds. The church is what is called a Charter organization. They let us use their buildings for our regular Troop meetings and Courts of Honor. The reason they do this is because they know that scouting promotes Your duty to God (remember the Scout Oath?) and Good citizenship. They want you to grow up to be an honest and reverent man. No one pays them to let us meet here.
It is our duty to our Charter Organization to help them out by keeping the facilities neat and doing Good Turns for them. Doing this shows them that we appreciate their support. So be sure to Cheerfully help out when we do a Good Turn!
When you come to your first Troop meeting, you'll get application forms to join the Troop. As soon as you and your parents finish the application paperwork, the Scoutmaster will give you a Scout/Parent Information Packet and welcome you into Troop 127. Plus, we'll introduce you to your buddies in your patrol and your Patrol Advisor/Assistant Scoutmaster.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A BOY SCOUT?
The national organization has a registration fee that must be paid each year. It is approximately $10. It includes insurance coverage for Troop activities and outings. Troop 127 also has dues each week that the Troop meets of $1.00. The dues help pay for awards and badges. They do not cover the cost of the outings. You may wish to pay dues in advance and records will be kept. Dues need to be up to date in order for you to participate in activities.
WHO ARE MY BUDDIES AND WHAT IS MY PATROL?
You'll find your friends in your patrol. The patrol method is important in scouting. It is a group of Scouts who work together and elect their leaders. Nearly everything you learn in Scouting will be by the patrol method. It is YOUR team. There are two types of patrols in this Troop; New Scouts and Experienced Scouts. All new Scouts are put in the New Scout Patrol(s) and have their Assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Guide to help them learn. The Troop Guide is an older, experienced Scout from the Troop. The New Scout Patrol(s) sometimes stay together even after they have become First Class Scouts. When you become a First Class Scout you are considered to be an experienced Scout. Then, if you want to, you may join one of the experienced Scout patrols. These are boys with the rank of First Class or higher. Sometimes it is necessary to move boys to other patrols to make room for new boys joining our Troop.
AM I SUPPOSED TO WEAR A UNIFORM?
You bet! Here's a way to show that you belong to a terrific team. You must wear a uniform to most Scout activities. The Troop has two uniforms:
-- Class A or dress uniform. Wear this to all Troop meetings and most Scouting activities, unless you are told otherwise. Get the shirt with appropriate patches in place, visor cap, green pants (short or long--preferably both, but if this is not possible, get the short}, and green knee socks with red tops as soon as you can. Look on pages 566-567 in your Boy Scout Handbook for more information on Uniforms. The inside covers of the Handbook show where the patches go. On all outings, the Class A uniform is to be worn to get to the outing. Once there, it is the Scoutmaster's choice as to whether you can wear a Class A or B uniform.
-- Class B or activities uniform. You'll wear this at campouts and during rough and tough activities. The uniform is an official Troop 127 T-shirt and blue jeans or other dark colored pants. Scouts wear the T-shirt under their Class A uniform shirt. No other clothing is permitted on campouts other that warm clothes.
WHAT RULES DO I HAVE TO FOLLOW?
The Troop follows the Scout Oath and Law to keep discipline. Above this, though, we follow Scriptural teachings and obey the Two most important points of the Law--Love the Lord with all your heart and Love others as yourself. Boys who misbehave are counseled by their leaders and discipline is sometimes needed (Spare the rod and spoil the child) .See the Discipline Policy printed separately.
HOW DO I GET TO BE AN EAGLE SCOUT?
Chapters 1 and 2 in the Boy Scout Handbook will give you an overview about life as a scout and how to begin on your trail to the Eagle Badge. If you regularly come to the Troop meetings and campouts you'll be surprised how fast you will advance. The requirements for the rank of Tenderfoot begin on page 32, Second Class is on page 64, and First Class is on page 112. For the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle, see page 168. There are page numbers next to each requirement so you can look up the information you need. When you have done the requirement see the assistant scoutmaster for your patrol to have him initial and date your book.
When you have done all the requirements it is time for you to ask for a Scoutmaster Conference. Your Boy Scout Handbook on page 60 will tell you what to expect after completing each of these ranks.. When you have had your conference, you must call the Advancement Chairperson for a Board of Review. Friday is the deadline for calling to schedule a Board of Review for the following Monday. Look on pages 61 for information on this. You may find it useful to spend some time reviewing the requirements before your Board to refresh your memory.
WHO DO I TALK TO FOR MERIT BADGES?
Boy Scouts offers you the chance to learn and do new and interesting things in fun ways. Read your Boy Scout Handbook, page 185 for the steps you need to take to earn merit badges. The different badges are shown, along with short descriptions on pages 190-193. The Eagle required merit badges are on pages 188-189. Follow these steps:
1. Check with a buddy to see if he wants to work on a badge, too. It's more fun to work together, but you can do it on your own.
2. Get your merit badge application signed by your Scoutmaster.
3. Obtain a merit badge counselor by checking an approved list of merit badge counselors or by asking the Scoutmaster. We may have one right among us!
4. Consult with the counselor you have chosen BEFORE working on the merit badge. Bring all forms with you and keep any appointments needed with the counselor. Be sure to have fun!
5. Be sure to turn in the merit badge application after your counselor has signed it. You can't get the badge if you don't turn in the form!
WHAT ELSE IS THERE IN SCOUTING?
There are lots of special awards and opportunities in Scouting. Look in your Boy Scout Handbook on pages 409-417 for information on awards for hiking, water activities and religious programs. As you continue in scouting, you will want to try more challenging activities. There is information about Venture programs beginning on page 631. Check it out!
How would you like to become a terrific leader? The Boy Scouts of America is the only youth program that trains boys to become good leaders. Our council has many programs to help you become a good leader,
Checkout the list that follows:
SUMMER CAMPS - Week long camps at our council camp that helps you to advance, learn new skills and have fun with archery, canoeing, hiking, cooking, rifle shooting, obstacle courses, merit badges and more.
CEDAR BADGE - an entry level camp that begins to train you in the ways of scout leadership.
BUCKSKIN - an eight-day course for Scouts who are recommended by their Scoutmaster.
FOXFIRE - an eight-day course for boys who have completed Buckskin and are ready for more challenging activities.
STAFF - in which you may wish to be on staff at any of the above events after completing them yourself.
VENTURE PATROL - This is designed for older boys that want a more challenging set of optional adventures such as mountain climbing, extended backpacking, canoeing or other high adventure opportunities. (ages 13-21)
The Troop also has its own activities to train you to become a leader. Take advantage of them, because that's what they're there for.
You do! At our annual Troop Planning outing, your ideas are presented by your Patrol Leader as suggestions for future outings. The Patrol Leader Council and the Scoutmaster make the final decision and Troop committee helps to make sure they work.
WHEN DO WE DO THE OUTING STUFF?
The Troop is proud of its outdoor program. One campout is scheduled nearly every month, and several are backpacks, ranging from a weekend to several days. Most of the activities are open to any Scout in the Troop, but others have some requirements usually having to do with the experience or inexperience of the Scouts involved. Summer camp is a weeklong opportunity for FUN and LEARNING.
The Troop, on occasion, can equip a Scout for his first campout and we do have some Troop equipment available on a first come first served basis. For the majority of the outings you will need a frame backpack, sleeping bag, tent, rain gear, canteen, and a few pieces of essential cooking equipment. All of these can be found at discount department or sporting goods stores. Before buying, check with one of the Scout leaders for tips on what to buy or where to buy it. Scouts can be imaginative and use items around the house for camping equipment. An empty liter soft-drink bottle makes an excellent canteen. Old silverware stored in a ziploc bag can be used. Small plastic jars, well washed, make great storage containers.
The Troop has other equipment used by all the patrols on most campouts. Usually, Scouts can get the other items they need (like a backpack stove) as they become more experienced. The gear the Scouts require may make excellent Christmas and birthday gifts.
The following list may help you remember what to pack:
Backpack Bug Repellent Extra Clothing
Sleeping Bag First Aid Kit Wind Breaker
Foam Pad Plastic Trash Bags Extra Socks
Ground Cloth Pocket knife Hiking Shoes
Rain Gear Compass Hat
Tent Flashlight Gloves
Cooking Pot Batteries Tooth Brush
Stove 20' of Cord/Rope Tooth Paste
Fuel for stove Sunscreen Paper
Matches Whistle Pencil
Cup Toilet Paper Bible
Spoon Plastic Trowel Emergency Coins
Water Storage Bottle Water Drinking Bottle Purification Tablets
NO RADIOS OR SHEATH KNIVES AND LEAVE GAMEBOYS, TINY TV'S, WALKMANS, ETC. AT HOME!
The above list is meant to be the essentials only and don't forget to get the smallest and lightest sizes available. Choose what you really need and leave the rest at home.
Remember, YOU will be carrying this pack.
WHAT IF MY SON GETS HURT DURING AN ACTIVITY?
On many camping trips, the worst medical problems the Troop has is a nasty mosquito bite, a cut finger or a blister on the foot. However, the Troop will assume the responsibility of providing emergency first aid during any activity. Parents are required to complete an emergency medical form that gives the Troop the legal authority to take the Scout to the hospital for medical services. These forms are usually signed when the boy first joins the Troop.
WHAT ARE PATROL MEETINGS AND PATROL LEADER COUNCIL MEETINGS
Troop meetings are only part of the Scout program. Patrols may want to meet sometimes at a Scout's house to do the things they may not have time to do at a Troop meeting. This may include planning a menu, preparing for an outing or working on a patrol flag.
The boy leaders of the Troop (PLC) meet once a month to plan the following month's activities, including Troop meetings. The time and place of the meeting is on the Calendar and is attended by the patrol leaders and other Troop leaders. The rest of the Troop work on advancement on these nights.
DO I NEED ANY BOOKS BESIDES THE BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK?
To start with you will only need your Boy Scout Handbook (BSH. Bring it with you to every Troop meeting and campout (be sure to put your name in or on it!). Later on you can buy the Boy Scout Fieldbook. For some Merit Badges, the Scout may wish to buy the pamphlet that explains it, but many of these can be checked out of the Troop library. There are many other kinds of books published by the Boy Scouts. See one of the adult leaders for more information.
DO WE HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN FUNDRAISERS?
The Troop tries to limit the number of fundraisers to avoid burnout, but sometimes the Troop requires new equipment and other times the boys need to earn money for their Scout accounts in order to help parents with their own budgets. All Scouts are required to participate in fundraisers that benefit the Troop. Those for individual Scout accounts are not mandatory.
CAN WE MAKE A DONATION TO THE TROOP?
Families can make donations to the Troop in two ways. One, they can donate cash to the Troop treasury. Two, they can donate equipment the Troop needs. Either way, your donation is tax-deductible. See an adult leader for more information.
Scouts are encouraged to bring their friends into the Troop. Scouting is a great place to make new friends, but it's even a better place if you bring in your other friends. Parents can also check with friends and neighbors to see if they know of a boy who would be interested in joining the Boy Scouts. Boy Scout rules do not allow the Troop to take your friend along on a Troop activity unless his parent(s) go too. In our Troop, the Scoutmaster would also have to give his permission.
CAN THE FAMILY OF THE SCOUT GET INVOLVED?
The Troop encourages the Scout's family to be involved in the program. All Troop meetings and Court of Honors are open to parents and family. However, siblings cannot attend any activity without a parent present to provide supervision. Troop leaders are only responsible for Scouts registered in the Troop.
We do have at least one family camping outing per year so that everyone can be involved in the fun of the outdoors.
Sometimes when you stop by a Troop meeting or go to the Committee meeting you may feel that there are plenty of people involved. Troop 127 is only as good as the parents who support it. The boys may run the show, but behind the scenes are the mechanics (adults). Your help may be the crucial difference between an good Troop and an excellent Troop. If you don't know what you can do to help, please ask. WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Some of the positions available at any time are:
-- Assistant Scoutmasters -- Fundraisers
-- Transportation -- Special Interest Instructors
-- Special Event Coordinators -- Committee Members
-- Merit Badge Counselors -- Dads, Dads, Dads
-- Helpers of all sorts
The Troop is actually run under the guidance of the Troop committee, which is made up of parents. The Troop Committee runs the administration of the Troop, while the Scoutmaster runs the Troop program. The secret behind a successful Troop is a supportive and active Troop Committee. Some of the jobs of the committee are:
Committee Chair - oversee the Committee projects and ensures that the Troop has what it needs to carry out its objectives.
Secretary - administrative functions that include recharter, meeting notes, and communications to the Troop.
Treasurer - Handles all of the Troops funds and reports status to the Committee.
Advancements - Maintains all of the Troops advancement records and encourages all of the scouts to move up the trail to eagle.
Outdoor/Activities - Coordinates the monthly outings.
Ceremonies - Facilitates the quarterly Courts of Honor for advancement.
Other parents are asked to assist these individuals so they can do the best possible job. The Committee usually meets once a month on the Thursday after the PLC.