Boy Scout Troop 283 - Who We Are (page2)

We look forward toward meeting you. Should you have any questions about our Troop, the program, or how you can become involved please contact our Scoutmaster or our Troop Committee Chair. Phone numbers for each are listed on the Troop Web Site.

Are you confused by some of the terms the Troop has been using? It can be overwhelming to try to translate new terms - especially when you've just gotten the terms used in Cub Scouting straight! Below are some of the terms and their definitions as used by Troop 283.

Advancement - Boy Scouts differs from Cub Scouts in many ways. Perhaps the biggest is that the older boys are responsible for helping the younger boys advance in rank. Under adult supervision, the boys who have reached the rank of First Class or higher are utilized as teachers and coaches for the boys working on their Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements. Advancement requirements, which are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook, are NOT signed off by parents of the Scout, as was done in Cub Scouts. Requirements are approved by either a First Class or higher Scout or by a registered adult leader.

Merit Badges - There are over 120 merit badges that a Scout can work on. Once a Scout has earned his First Class badge, advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle occurs after earning a minimum number of merit badges. Some merit badges are required for advancement and some are elective. Check the Boy Scout Handbook for the requirements. To receive a Merit Badge the Scout must first get permission from his Scoutmaster to work on the Badge. He will be given a blue Merit Badge Card. He must then contact a Merit Badge Counselor and arrange to earn the Badge with the Counselor. Only then can the Scout begin to work on the Merit Badge. The requirements for each Merit Badge are listed in the book published for the Badge by the Boy Scouts. These books are available at the Northern Star Council Office in Golden Valley for around $5 each. Prior to purchasing a book the Scout should look in the Troop library to see if the Troop has one for loan. The Merit Badge Counselor will work with the Scout and will determine when the work is complete. Once again, the parents of the Scout do not sign off on a Merit Badge. After successfully completing work on the Merit Badge, the Scout is responsible for getting his signed Merit Badge Card turned into the Troop Advancement Chair. The Merit Badge will be given to the Scout at the next Court of Honor.

Merit Badge Counselor - This is an adult leader who has an interest in, knowledge of, and skill in a specific Merit Badge. The Counselor is the person who works with the Scout to complete the requirements of the Badge as they are written. The requirements are not to be changed in any fashion. That is not the option of the Counselor. Typically, a Scout's parent is not to be the Counselor for his/her son unless the Counselor is working on the Badge with a group of two or more Scouts working on the same Badge at the same time. Even then, it is preferred if the Scout secures another Counselor for any final testing.

Advancement Goal - The Troop has a goal of having every Scout earn his First Class rank within one year of joining the Troop.

Scoutmaster Conference - Prior to earning any badge of rank, the Scout must meet with the Scoutmaster. Performance will be reviewed and goals will be set.

Board of Review - Prior to earning any badge of rank, the Scout must first meet with a Board of Review. The board is comprised of several adult leaders from the troop. Their job is to verify that the Scout has completed all the requirements for the badge and approve the awarding of the badge. For the Eagle Scout Award, the Board of Review includes a member from the Council who leads the examination.

God and Country Awards - Each religious denomination has a recognition program. Contact Northern Star Council for your church's requirements.

Chartering Organization - Wayzata Community Church is the chartering organization for Troop 283. It is responsible for providing meeting space for the Troop and is also responsible for the actions of the adult leaders. The Church is not currently responsible for any financial support for the Troop.

High Adventure Trip - Each summer the Troop tries to provide a special camping experience for the older boys in the Troop. The trip is open only to boys who are First Class rank or higher and are 13 years or older. There are no exceptions to this policy. These trips have included trips to the Boundary Waters, Philmont Scout Reservation, and camping trips to various spots in the Rocky Mountains.