WHAT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS DOES TROOP 6 HAVE?
Troop 6 requires scouts to attend meetings in Class A uniforms (less the neckerchief) from September through May. For the summer months we allow Class B uniforms. At Eagle ceremonies and Courts of Honor, we require the scouts to also wear the Troop 6 neckerchief and scout or khaki pants.
In scouting we have two uniforms, Class A and Class B. The Class A uniform consists of a scout shirt (tucked in) with proper patches and the Troop 6 neckerchief. Official scout shorts, pants, hats, socks, and other items are strictly optional. We do ask that reasonable pants and shoes be worn, meaning no bright or multi-colored materials.
Uniforms can be purchased at the Scout Shop. The Boy Scout Handbook describes where patches are to be sewn on the uniform shirt. Most boys and adult leaders prefer to wear the short sleeve shirts year-round.
The Class B is an informal uniform consisting of a Troop 6 t-shirt or other official scout t-shirts (Buck Toms, Jamboree, etc.) and reasonable shorts or pants, and shoes.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD FOR AN OUTING?
Most outings begin with us leaving on a Friday evening and each scout should have eaten before we assemble to leave. The scouts are assigned patrols and before an outing they prepare their own menus, buy the food, and prepare the meals on the outing. Returning on Sunday, we ask the scouts to bring $5 each for lunch as we usually stop on the way back for lunch. Cost is usually $10 for an outing but this may vary slightly. Boys need to consider the weight of their food when backpacking. Many scouts really enjoy freeze-dried food that can be purchased at sporting good and camping stores, but you do pay a higher price for it.
DOES TROOP 6 ATTEND SUMMER CAMP?
YES!! We go as a troop to Camp Buck Toms in June – usually the second week of June. This is extremely important for advancement, especially for first year scouts who are enrolled in the Dan Beard program and gets many of the requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class completed. Camp also gives the new scouts a chance to become well integrated into the troop. For the older scouts Summer Camp gives them an opportunity to complete most of the requirements for up to 5 merit badges in just one week.
HOW MANY OUTINGS DOES TROOP 6 GO ON?
We try to give all Scouts the opportunity to go on an outing a month. Sometimes we may plan two outings in a month, one outing for the older and more experienced scouts and one for the younger one too.
WHAT KIND OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS EXPECTED?
The Troop expects that at least one parent will attend the quarterly Parents’ Meeting. The Troop Committee chair does his best to keep this meeting to 30 minutes or less. This is the best way to keep up to date with the activities of the troop. There are a variety of positions on which anyone can serve.
HOW DO THE SCOUTS EARN MERIT BADGES?
The majority of merit badges will be earned at Summer Camp and in classes taught during troop meetings. We also encourage Scouts to attend local ‘Merit Badge Colleges” which are one day events and most of a badge can be completed in that one day. Scouts may also choose to work on badges on their own. Before beginning work on a merit badge, the scout should get approval from the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters and will be assigned a Merit Badge Councilor.
WHAT GEAR DOES A SCOUT NEED TO GET STARTED?
The most important piece of gear to start with is a sleeping bag and ground pad. We would recommend getting at least a 20 degree bag to start with. A ground pad may be purchased cheaply at Target or WalMart but many of the scouts like the ‘Thermorest” pads as they get older.
Owning a tent is not mandatory, though a lightweight backpacking tent is a nice gift down the road. The troop has purchased several tents for the boys to share. Any personal tent should be equipped with a rain fly. If you are interested in buying a tent, check with one of the adult leaders of the troop for suggestions.
The troop also has some extra packs which can be borrowed, but most boys who enjoy backpacking will prefer to have their own pack. Holidays and birthdays are a great time to buy such items. If you are interested in buying a backpack for your son, check with one of the adult leaders of the troop for suggestions.
Stoves and water filters are also optional and a great gift for “down the road”.
The best piece of equipment any scout can own is a pair of good fitting and comfortable hiking boots.
HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT TROOP 6 scOUTings?
In addition to announcements at regular meetings, we have a troop Newsletter, Troop Google Calendar and the events are posted on the Troop 6 website.
Sign-ups for outings are announced at the Tuesday evening meetings. If a scout is not present for a sign-up he should contact his patrol leader to get his name on the list.
DOES TROOP 6 CHARGE DUES? IF SO, HOW MUCH?
TROOP 6 has dues of $85/year which pays for the cost patches and merit badges earned and helps supplement the costs of outings (this way we can keep the costs down). We want any boy who wishes to be a scout to be a scout – if cost is an issue, just contact any scout master confidentially.
HOW CAN I HELP THE TROOP?
If you would like to become an Assistant Scout Master, just volunteer! Training for adult leaders is available through the district and council. Also, if you feel you would like to serve in other ways by teaching a Merit Badge or by serving on the Troop Committee, see any Assistant Scout Master for information. And as always, you are always welcome to attend meetings and outings with your son.
WHAT IS THE TROOP COMMITTEE?
This is the parent support group for the troop and its leaders and aids in all facets of troop operations. In Troop 6, every parent is a automatically a member. The Committee meets at Second Presbyterian Church quarterly – sometime monthly – during the scout meeting. We cannot run our program without the support and participation of all parents or guardians. You may only be available for short or one-time commitments like providing transportation or you may want to become involved on a regular basis. Whatever your skills, interests and available time — WE NEED YOU!