Please note that the answers contained on this page pertain to Troop 947, Fort Hamilton District of the Dan Beard Council, Cincinnati, OH USA.  If you are a visitor, please verify with your Troop/District/Council since there may be different rules and interpretations.

 

Why do we pay dues and then asked to pay re-chartering fees?

For Troop 947 it was a decision by the Troop Committee to separate these two items.  The Troop dues of $5 per month covers the operating expenses of the Troop, maintenance of our gear and training opportunities for both boys and adults.   The re-chartering fee covers the Dan Beard Council's operating expense for each boy.  And part of the $12 annual re-chartering fee, is the cost of the Scout Insurance that covers the boys when they are on Scout outings.  So for the boys in Troop 947 this is an annual expense of $72.  Please remember that if any time finances are an issue, please contact either the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair and arrangements can be worked out.

Do I have to take the BSA Swimming test again?

For BSA summer camps you must complete the BSA swim test each year.  Even if you have your Swimming Merit Badge and/or BSA Lifeguard.  There are 3 levels, Beginner, Learner and Swimmer.  Beginner is as it's name implies.  Learner must be able to swim 25 yards.  Swimmer must be able to swim 100 yards (25 on back) and float.  We like to have all boys going to summer camp complete their swimming test before we go, this shortens the check in time at camp.  Adult leaders going to camp also need to complete their swimming tests.  We try to provide at least two opportunities to complete this test prior to camp.

What gear do I need for campouts?

Don't rush out and buy a bunch of gear.  The only things needed for our normal campouts are clothes, sundries (toothbrush/paste, combs, etc.), flashlight, sleeping bag (we have some that can be borrowed) and your Scout Handbook. 
The Troop provides tents, cooking equipment/utensils/plates/cups and other necessary gear.
The boys develop their own meal plans and bring food as patrol.
There may be additional personal gear needs for the High Adventure trips.  Those requirements will be communicated well before the adventure.  You must be 14 to participate in High Adventure trips.

Do I need to go to summer camp?

Summer camp is a great opportunity for fun.  It is also an important activity for first year Scouters. 
First year Scouts who attend summer camp are more likely to remain in Scouting.  For first year Scouts, there are sessions to help them earn their Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks as well as Merit Badges.  For our older Scouts there are Merit Badge, COPE, BSA Lifeguard and other opportunities.
Troop 947 provides the opportunity to attend 2 summer camps.  This allows flexibility for family schedules and different opportunities for the Scouts.

How do I earn service hours?

Service hours are for volunteer activities that benefit the community or other organization.  The PLC determines what activities the Troop will participate in, and these are communicated at Troop meetings and on the web-site.  The Scouts may perform service hours on an individual basis outside of these Troop provided opportunities, however, the participation must be approved by the Scoutmaster before the activity.

What does "boy led Troop" mean?

This term means that the Troop is led by the boys in the Troop.  Every boy has the opportunity to communicate ideas to the PLC (Patrol Leader's Council).  The PLC is comprised of the patrol leader of each patrol and the boys elected to senior Troop leadership positions such as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Guides, Scribe, Librarian, Quatermaster, Historian, Chaplain's Aide, and OA Representative.  The PLC meets monthly to determine what activities the Troop will participate in or organize.  They also determine how Troop meetings will be organized and ran.  The Scoutmaster is present at the PLC meetings to assure that the ideals and guidelines of the Scouting Program are being upheld. 
This same structure applies to campouts as well.  They boys organize and execute the activity.  The Scoutmaster and other adults are there to support the boys and provide the supervision required by the Boy Scout program.

My son is the only one in his patrol going on the campout.  We can't be their the first night.  Can he still go?

While we encourage all the boys to participate in our outings, that isn't always possible.  We look at the sign up sheet for the event and then break the boys out into patrols for that outing.  If an entire patrol is going they will go as a patrol.  Otherwise we will add boys to make sure each patrol has 6 to 8 boys in it so that all the jobs are covered.  This is also done prior to creating meal plans, so the boys know how many to buy for.

If you are unable to go the first night, or need to leave early, this can be accommodated provided it is worked out prior to the event.  If a boy is coming later that evening, or the next day even we will have a space ready in a tent for him.  If a boy is leaving early, he and the adult picking him up need to check out with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster.  This is for Troop run outings.  District events and Summer Camps have their own late arrival and early release policies that we must adhere to.  Again, please let us know prior so we can work out the details.

What do I need to pack for Summer Camp?

The following list is a checklist for your packing:

SCOUT

• Prescription medicine
• Complete Scout Uniform
• T-Shirts
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hat
• Swimsuit
• Shorts/jeans
• Shoes (tennis & hiking) NO OPEN TOED SHOES ALLOWED.
• Towels
• Toilet articles
• Scout Handbook
• Blankets & sheets or sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Merit badge pamphlets, material, pre-work
• Insect Repellant
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Canteen*
• Backpack*
• Long sleeve shirt/long pants**
• Money for program materials (baskets,
• leather)
• Money for trading post

* Needed for the Baden Powell Program, Trailblazer Program, Wilderness Survival and Camping Merit Badges
** Needed for Lifesaving Merit Badge, Swimming Merit Badge and Project COPE

OPTIONAL

• Paper/pencil/pen
• Watch
• Laundry bag
• Compass
• Bible or Prayer Book
• Camera & film
• Pocket Knife - Sheath, butterfly, and survival type knives, etc. are not allowed.

All your gear should be packed in a lockable storage container or foot-locker.  It should at least lock to keep wildlife our of your gear, a pad lock is optional.  We have not had issues with theft in the past.  Items of value can be locked in the Troop trailer.  Prescriptions will be turned in and administered in accordance with Camp policies.  Spending money will be collected and managed by a banker assigned by the Troop.  This way the boys aren't carrying all their money with them at one time.  They will be able to withdraw their money as needed for the day.

What are High Adventure outings?

High Adventure are outings for our older Scouts.  We try to do a High Adventure outing each year.  We have been to Philmont and Sea Base on multiple occasions.  We have also been to Double H and will be going to Boundary Waters this year.  Typically boys must be 13 or 14 to participate.  Each outing provides different opportunities for the boys (and adults) to learn more about themselves and experience nature.  We are in the preliminary planning for 2009.

What is the Dan Cerone Campership?

Dan Cerone was our High Adventure chair until his passing.  He was very supportive of the Boy Scout program and all the opportunities it provides.  The Cerone family graciously provided a gift that would allow us to help boys who may not have the financial means to participate in High Adventure activities.  If you need assistance for a High Adventure activity, please see the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair for information on this campership opportunity.