Parents

How Troop 193 Parents Can Help Provide a Great Scouting Experience for our Scouts.

Troop 193 is an organization run by boys under the direction of their Scoutmaster. They are assisted by their assistant Scoutmasters, merit badge counselors and Patrol Dads in learning the skills necessary to advance through the ranks and earn merit badges.

The Troop Committee supports the Scoutmaster and the Troop leaders by organizing fund raising events and doing much of the behind the scenes work that makes the troop function. Our charter sponsor is All Soul's Episcopal Church. The Charter Organization Representative is the liaison between the Troop and the Church.

The concept of boy leadership is central to our mission in Troop 193. Unlike a cub scout troop where parents take leadership positions, our boy scout program requires the parents to step back from these roles and allow the boys to lead themselves. This transition can sometimes be difficult for new parents and kids, but the end results are worth the effort.

All youth members of the troop will gain experience in various leadership roles during the course of their membership. Even though there may be some reluctance to assume leadership positions by the younger scouts, parents should encourage and counsel their children on the benefits and responsibilities that leadership experience provides.

All of the adults assisting Troop 193 are volunteers; the only way the Troop can function is if everyone does their fair share. We believe all parents should be prepared to assist in any way that they can and thus will contributing to the continued success of our troop.

Additionally, we need help from time to time with equipment maintenance, and in helping to prepare for events such as Courts of Honor. If parents have a profession or hobby that may be interesting or educational, they may sign up as Merit Badge Counselor.

All parents are encouraged to join our Troop Committee, which meets on the first Monday of each month. Come and get acquainted, become a committee member, help make the decisions which affect your boy's scout troop. Our Troop Committee Officers along with the scoutmaster meet every month before the Troop Committee meeting (Parent's Meeting) every month to discuss the agenda for the month. Other parents are encouraged to attend as well, especially if you have something to discuss or if you just want to know what is going on in the troop.

Dues for adults are $10 per year and include insurance during Scout functions and activities.

Most of our Scoutmasters began as parents of children in the troop. We have a proud tradition of very long membership among adult leaders.

If you have an interest in becoming an assistant Scoutmaster and working closely with the boys on their skills and advancements, please let the Scoutmaster know and we will be happy to have your assistance and support.

The Boy Scout Program offers excellent workshops and instruction for adult leaders. Scoutmaster Fundamentals and Scoutmaster Training are offered at various times within the Baden Powell District or The Last Frontier Council. Many of our adult leaders have also attended Wood Badge, Youth Protection, Safety Afloat, University of Scouting and other valuable programs designed to provide the skills adults need to offer guidance to youth members.

Our troop encourages 100% attendance at all meetings, campouts and special events. We put a special emphasis on going camping every month. Of course, there are times when other commitments such as sports may conflict with scouting. We understand and try to find ways for the scout to continue scouting while not giving up the other activity.

Over the course of the past 40 years, we have learned that parents who get directly involved with their children in scouting get far better results. Dropping off your child week after week without participating can be a disadvantage to your child, yourself and the troop. Regular participation by parents can send the message to your child that your commitment to the scouting program is important.

One of the most valuable aspects of our scouting program is the opportunity to participate in community service projects. Since 1966, the scouts of Troop 193 have been ready, willing and able to lend a hand in their community when called upon in the support of worthy causes. This fosters a sense duty toward community service. We have over the years helped with the Red Bud Classic and other community events. We have been invited to provide color guard services at public functions, to help pass out flyers, and a variety of other services to the community.

Many schools require students to participate in community service opportunities as a condition of graduation. Your scouting program meets these requirements, and some scouts have received special recognition for their participation above and beyond the minimum requirements in the form of special awards from their school and scholarship opportunities.

Many scouts have pro-actively identified projects of a volunteer nature to which they can apply their skills of leadership, planning and management toward a positive outcome. Every Eagle Scout in the history of our troop has organized and executed a well developed community service project as one of his final requirements to earn that ultimate rank.

All scouts are encouraged to participate in the Eagle projects of their troop members. When project tasks require a team effort, all scouts should be prepared to lend a hand. With this spirit of companionship and cooperation, you can count on your fellow scouts to be there and help make your Eagle project a great success.

One basic aspect of advancement in Troop 193 is known as "Scout Spirit." During the advancement process, scouts meet with their scoutmaster for an assessment of their skills and to make sure they are prepared for their presentation to the advancement committee. At this time, the Scoutmaster will determine if the scout has exhibited "Scout Spirit" in terms of his attendance, uniform inspections, participation in troop events, and community service opportunities.

Scouts who are involved in community service projects as young men are more likely to be involved in community service later in life. The lessons of creating a balance between Service to Self and Service to Others and the habit of volunteering one's time to worthwhile efforts is a noble aspect of good citizenship in the community.

When a scout is an active participant in service projects, he brings honor to himself and his troop, and to Boy Scouts everywhere. Wearing the uniform of a scout is a declaration of your commitment to living your life according to the scout law. Community service is an outward and visible way to show your respect for these values while helping others in a selfless manner.

Adult Education

Having educated adult leaders and advisers is crucial to the continued strength of our troop. When leaders understand Boy Scouting, they are more effective in their roles. Our goal is to have a 100% educated troop. The following are links to adult education resources including online courses. The Last Frontier Council provides these training opportunities on a regular basis.

Youth Protection Online Course. This course is essential to have for all adult leaders who deal with scouts.

Fast Start Training Online. This course provides an orientation for all new leaders. It should be completed as soon as possible after a new leader registers with the council and ideally before he or she meets with any youth member.

Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. These courses are essential for adult leaders to have on any scouting activity involving water activities.

New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training. This training is available through the Last Frontier Council. New Leader Essentials is a 90 minute program that is the first part of basic leader training. All leaders take this course followed by Leader Specific Training for your particular position in the troop (e.g. Troop Committee Challenge, Merit Badge Counselor, Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Course). To be considered 'Trained', one must complete both New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training. If there is enough interest, we can arrange for someone from the council to conduct New Leader Essentials at the church. Position specific training is periodically offered by the Council or one of the nearby Districts.

Outdoor Leadership Skills. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will focus on these basic Scout craft Skills. Anyone interested in learning how to set up camp, cook, work with woods tools and ropes, as well as first aid. You will also learn information on planning campfire programs, map reading & compass skills, hiking & packing techniques, nature identification, and Leave No Trace Principles. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters need to have this course in addition to New Leader Essentials and SM/ASM specific courses to be considered fully trained.

Wood Badge for the 21st Century. This is the ultimate training course. It offers leadership training applicable to the troop, your family, and your job. It will also help you understand how to train youth leaders to be better leaders.