Information Sheet

Boy Scout Troop 72
Westminster Hall, The Presbyterian Church
Westfield , New Jersey

So you’ve joined or are considering joining Troop 72. Congratulations.  But what should a new (or prospective) scout know about the troop, and what should he do first? What is the role of parents in Boy Scouting and how is the troop run?  This brief sheet is intended to provide answers to these questions, quickly.  For additional information, check the troop web site www.westfieldnj.com/troop72 and the Troop Handbook there.

Background  Troop 72 has been in existence for more than 85 years in Westfield, dating back to virtually the beginning of Boy Scouting in the U.S.  It is based at the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, but has no specific religious affiliation. It is a relatively large troop resulting in a wide variety of activities for almost every scouting interest, and a substantial amount of adult support.  In addition to hikes, service projects, campouts, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snow-shoeing, and bicycle trips, the troop also spends one week each summer at Scout Island in Canada. Here is a link to a complete history of the troop.

Joining Any boy who has completed at least the 5^th grade or is at least 11 years old or has earned the Arrow of Light Award is eligible to join the Boy Scouts.  There is no need to have been in Cub Scouts, but all cubs are certainly encouraged to continue on into Boy Scouts. Simply fill out the YOUTH APPLICATION form from the Boy Scouts of America (available at any troop meeting, or on-line at www.ppbsa.org ).   Bring the completed, signed application form to a meeting, or send it to: Jim Marino, 170 Harrison Ave Westfield NJ 07090.

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What Should a Scout Do? Sign up, get a uniform and scout manual, read the scout requirements, and come to meetings at 7 in uniform with a manual.  Pick an overnight, or a bike trip, or a canoe trip and get your feet wet, so to speak.  Volunteer to help put up flags, or work on another service project. Consider going to Canada if some of your buddies are going and it’s alright with your folks.  Above all, enjoy.

What Should a Scout’s Parents Do?  Encourage your scout. Get a uniform, slide, belt and manual and sew on badges, as explained below.  Get your scout to meetings; perhaps stay but certainly come back at 8:20 for the 'circling up' and announcements and distribution of permission slips. Go on at least some outings and if at all possible, your son’s first overnight. As time and interest permit, attend troop committee meetings and get into the life of troop; Help your scout to sell poinsettias; Try to go to Canada with your scout. Encourage him to look at his scout manual to prepare for advancement.  Encourage but don’t do things for your son.

Structure The troop meets as a whole almost every Monday evening, 7:15-8:40.  As necessary for activities, projects and camping, scouts sometimes work in patrols of 4-7  scouts. A senior scout acts as a patrol leader and there are one or more patrols composed of only senior scouts.  The troop meetings and much of the administrative work is handled by the senior patrol leader (an older scout).   Scouts also serve as librarian, quartermaster, chaplain, and webmaster.  The troop is led by the Scoutmaster(s) and various other uniformed adult assistant scoutmasters. 

Organization The Troop Committee, composed of interested parents, meets monthly and is headed by the Committee Chairman. All parents are encouraged to attend and assist.  Scheduling, advancement, and financial matters are discussed.  The Scoutmaster(s) and other adult leaders meet with.the senior patrol leader and senior scouts (10^th grade and beyond) periodically to plan meetings and activities. Each Troop outing is coordinated by both an adult and a scout.

Advancement  Boy scouts work their way up towards Eagle rank (the highest) starting with Scout, and then on to Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.  The requirements for each rank involve completing tasks listed in the handbook or merit badge books.  Through First Class, all the requirements are in the handbook. Scouts do the required activities on their own, on a camp out, or at the beginning or end of meetings or during advancement meetings or outings.  They are signed off on by an adult leader. Merit Badges are directed by adults certified for that badge and scouts work with them on the requirements.  After completing the requirements for a rank, scouts meet with a uniformed adult (assistant scoutmaster or scoutmaster) for a Scoutmaster Conference, and then go before an adult Board of Review.  Ranks are presented at formal Court of Honor ceremonies scheduled 3-5 times a year. While encouraging your scout, try not to push them too much, or do too much for them. It is not a race.

Fund Raising. The major fund raising event for the troop is the annual poinsettia sale in November/early December in which scouts sell a minimum of $200 worth of poinsettias (25 small ones) or make a contribution to the troop of the net amount (which is currently $105).  Alternative sale items are available.  Financial assistance is available and the Chairman of the troop committee should be contacted confidentially if need be.  There is also an annual dues of $45.00 per scout ($65.00 for the scout’s first year) payable at charter renewal time (usually early March).

Service  Service to the community, to the troop, and to others is an important part of scouting. Scouts are expected to participate in such activities as putting up flags around town on holidays, helping other scouts with Eagle projects, and on clean up projects to thank the Presbyterian Church for use of their facility for more than half a century.  Service is required for promotion in most ranks and the key part of earning the Eagle rank.

Activities As noted, scouts can participate in a wide range of activities including day hikes, service projects, campouts, canoeing, skiing, snow-shoeing, and bicycle trips. Scouts (and their parents) choose which activities to participate in – no scout is expected to or even could participate in all.  Parental participation ranges from extensive to only occasional depending on the age, tastes, and other factors.

Canada.  Scouts and parents have the opportunity to spend a week in early summer at a camp on Scout Island in Canada.  This is a low-cost, fun way for scouts to advance rapidly while enjoying a week of rustic camping. It’s also a great way for a parent to share in their son’s experience.  Not all scouts go every year, and older scouts often go without a parent.

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