Introduction

Welcome to Troop 179!  We are happy you selected our troop and look forward to getting to know you, your Scout and your family. Troop 179 has a long history of being one of the finest Scout Troops in Michigan. Some of the indicators in which we feel that we have exceeded as a troop are:

Participation: With our three programs, the New Scout Program, Traditional Scout Program, and Venturing Program, we have a wide range of activities that hold the interest of all the youth who are members. The national average shows that most Scouts will quit the Scout program by their 14th birthday with only 3% of boys staying in Scouts until their 18 years of age. In Troop 179 we maintain about 35% of the Scouts who join our troop until they are 18. This gives us an extra three years to work on the Scouts to develop leader-ship, work on advancement, and to achieve the Aims of Scouting.

Advancement: our program is developed to give each Scout every opportunity to advance to the Eagle Scout Rank. A Scout enters the troop into our New Scout Program that is designed to ensure that each Scout makes First Class in about one year from joining. Next, the Scouts are on their own to earn merit badges and pursue leadership experience to earn Star, Life, and Eagle at their own pace. The troop has assistant Scoutmasters dedicated to counseling Scouts to help them prepare for rank. Nationally 4% of all youth who join a Scout troop make it to the Eagle Scout Rank. Troop 179’s average is 19%.

we have two areas in which parents and adults from the community volunteer to help maintain Troop 179. (1) Our Troop Committee is a group whose purpose is to support the operations of the troop by helping to facilitate the program. (2) The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters are the backbone of our troop — they work with the Scouts directly, advise Scouts on their advancement, and work with the Scouts to develop leadership. In all there are over 65 adult members doing a wide variety of jobs to support the troop. We encourage you to get to know the adult members of our Troop. ;

Some of the key factors to maintaining our standards are:

• A high standard of performance is expected for all members
• Trained Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters
• 95% parental participation
• A high dedication to the eight methods of Scouting designed by the BSA
• A large resource of Troop owned equipment (tents, patrol kitchens, patrol dining tarps, propane stoves, lanterns, and trailers for hauling equipment to camp)
• The Aims of Scouting?

Scouting’s Aims & Method

Your goal in having your child join Scouting should be to help the youth to grow into a stronger person. The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America designs its program with three aims in mind:

1. To build character — The growth in moral strength and character defines what a youth to think of themselves, their personal qualities, their values, and their outlook.
2. To foster good citizenship — Used broadly, citizenship means the youths relationship to others. Scouts come to learn of their obligations to other people, to the society they live in, and to the government that presides over that society.
3. To develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness — Fitness includes the body (well tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).

Each of our meetings and activities have been planned to meet the aims of Scouting.  It is a year-long program and missing any part of it slows the progress of your child's development as a Scout. Leadership positions that your child will be assigned to are a large part of this development. Take an active interest in helping your child to meet the responsibilities of the positions to which they are assigned. For every position there is a written description of responsibilities that is published in our Youth Leadership handbook and on-line.

Undoubtedly many of you were Scouts when you were young, but many of our activities will not be the same as you remember. Keep in mind that your child is not living in the same world you lived in 20 years ago. Youth have different interests and likes. Scouting has changed to keep up with the interest of your child and youth of the same age. The aims of Scouting are the same, but what we do to meet those aims has evolved.

How Does Scouting Work, Our Methods

To accomplish the Aims of Scouting the National Council has developed a program that falls into eight methods:

1. Scouting Ideals
2. Patrol Method
3. Uniforms
4. Outdoor Programs
5. Advancement
6. Adult Association
7. Personal Growth
8. Leadership Development

Troop 179’s program incorporates all of these methods in delivering Scouting to its members.

Scouting Ideals

The ideals of Boy Scouting of America are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan and the Outdoor Code. The Scouts measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as the Scout reaches for them, they have some control over what and who they become.

Scout Oath (or Promise):

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Motto: Be Prepared

Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily

The Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to –
Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.

The Scout Law:

• Trustworthy — A Scout tells the truth. Scouts are honest, and keeps promises. People can depend on a Scout.
• Loyal — A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
• Helpful — A Scout cares about other people. Scouts willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payments or rewards.
• Friendly — A Scout is a friend to all. Scouts are brothers and sisters to other Scouts. Scouts offers friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from the Scout's own.
• Courteous — A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. Scouts knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
• Kind — A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. Scouts treat others as they want to be treated. Without good reason, Scouts do not harm or kill any living thing.
• Obedient — A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. Scouts obey the laws of his community and country. If the Scout thinks these rules and laws are unfair, the Scout tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
• Cheerful — A Scout looks for the bright side of life. Scouts cheerfully does tasks that come their way. The Scout tries to make others happy.
• Thrifty — A Scout works to pay their way and to help others. The Scout saves for the future, protects and conserves natural resources and carefully uses time and property.
• Brave — A Scout can face danger although they are afraid. Scouts have the courage to stand for what they think is right even if others laugh at them or threaten them.
• Clean — A Scout keeps body and mind fit. Scouts choose the company of those who live by high standards and helps keep their home and community clean.
• Reverent — A Scout is reverent toward God. Scouts are faithful in their religious duties. Scouts respect the beliefs of others.

??Back to Top

Scout Patrols

The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches youth how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other.

The three programs in Troop 179 operate like independent troops each with its own “program” leadership and each with its own patrols:

The New Scout Program is made up of Scouts in their first year with the troop. These Scouts receive guidance from a Troop Guide, appointed solely to their patrol from among the troop’s older Scouts. The Guide teaches them all the basic Scouting skills that can carry them through the ranks of Tenderfoot and Second Class until they become First Class Scouts. At the same time, their patrol elects a Patrol Leader who appoints other patrol officers to run the patrol. By spending time with other new Scouts at their same skill level and having a talented, dedicated Guide to help them along, new Scouts can have an enjoyable first year Scouting experience.

Scouts entering into their second year with the troop become a part of the Traditional Scout Program. In this program, they can reinforce their Scouting skills without the need for a Troop Guide. They elect a Patrol Leader each term to serve for approximately six months. The elected Patrol Leader, in turn, appoints an assistant Patrol Leader, a Patrol Quartermaster, and a Patrol Scribe. Traditional Scout Patrols work on Merit Badges to pass requirements for Star and Life ranks.

The Venture Crew is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are fourteen or have completed the eighth grade, through twenty years of age. The Venture Crew’s purpose is to provide positive outdoor and hobby experiences while helping young people mature and prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Our Venture Crew assists the troop in running activities, training, and provides our older Scouts with opportunities to bond with activities designed to meet their interests. Venture Scouts are appointed to positions of responsibility that help them obtain the Eagle Scout rank.

The Paul Bunyan Patrol The Paul Bunyan Patrol is our leadership patrol. Twice a year we hold Senior Patrol Leader elections, and all the Scouts and Venture Crew members can elect the one Scout who will run our troop’s program. The Senior Patrol Leader has the responsibility of overseeing all the activities and meetings of the troop as well as being the chair of the Patrol Leaders Council, a committee of youth representing each patrol. Following the election, the new Senior Patrol Leader appoints 15 to 20 Scouts to help with responsibilities. These Scouts along with the Senior Patrol Leader make up the Paul Bunyan Patrol.

Back to Top

Uniforms

The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouts BSA is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities, and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.

Full Scouts BSA Field Uniform

• Official Hat
  • Red Ball Cap for Boy Scouts
  • Black Ball Cap for Venture
• Scout Shirt (with patches)
  • Western Style Bolo Tie
  • Great Lakes Council Patch
  • “179” Numeral Patch
  • Badge of Office
  • Rank Badge
  • USA Flag Patch
  • Patrol Patch
  • Green Shoulder Loops
• Scout Pants or Shorts
• Scout Socks
• Scout Belt
• Court of Honor Wear
  • Merit Badge Sash
  • Medals &Pins

Troop 179 Activity Uniform — The Activity Uniform (Class B) is the same as the Field Uniform (Class A) with the exception is we wear our troop tee shirt (or a plain red tee shirt with no printing on it) instead of the Scout Shirt.

When to Wear What? — At most Troop functions; the Field Uniform is required and should be worn. The Senior Patrol Leader will always let the Scouts know if no uniforms are to be worn. The best rule is, “When in doubt, wear your uniform.”

• Regular Meetings: the Field Uniform as well as sharp folding knife, bolo tie, small first aid kit, and pen or pencil.
• Courts of Honor: the Field Uniform plus medals, pins, and a merit badge sash.
• Outdoor Activities: the Field Uniform is still worn, no bolo ties are required as this is an item that tends to be lost at campouts. During most camp activities the Scouts will be told by the Senior Patrol Leader to pack away their Official BSA Scout Shirt and change into our red Troop Tee Shirt.

Before You Run Out and Buy a Uniform — Troop 179 parents have uniform exchange program. It sells used Scout Uniform shirts, pants and shorts at great prices. Before you buy an all-new uniform for that growing Scout of yours, take a look at what we have in stock in the troop store. In addition, we stock some new uniform items such as red troop hats, belts, socks and almost all of the patches and numerals worn on the uniform shirt. We also sell items for the activity uniform: hooded sweatshirts, crew neck sweatshirts, and hats. Sales take place the Tuesdays before campouts and on Courts of Honor (parents) nights.

When your Scout outgrows his uniform, we ask that you consider donating it to Troop 179 for resale. Proceeds from the sale of these uniforms help to fund our scholarship programs for youth whose families are not able to afford Scouting.

Where to Find Boy Scout Supplies:

??Back to Top

Outdoor Program

Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources. Camp plans are emailed the week of the event.  Watch those emails for last minutes details of the event,

How to Register For Troop Activities — Troop 179 utilizes an on-line registration system called “Double Knot”, and it is an integral part of managing the task of organizing monthly activities. To sign-up to attend activities it is best to set-up your doubleknot account and then you are able to keep a history of activities your Scout has attended. See the section on How to Use Doubleknot later in this guide for more.

Transportation — Transporting your Scout to and from camp is your responsibility. While registering on-line, you will have the option to provide transportation to and from camp for other Scouts.  Typically, if a ride is arranged for your Scout one way, it is expected that you provide other Scouts a ride the other way. Communications with the transportation committee is very important prior to the activity, their contact is t179transportation@gmail.com. They create a master list for the activity leaders of how the Scouts will arrive to the activity and who will be picking them up (for your child’s protection).

If your child is arriving late or leaving early from an activity, you must notify the Transportation Committee ahead of time, there is a space for this type of information during the on-line registration. Before any Scout can physically leave the event, you must notify the leader in charge of the activity before leaving with your youth. This is no joke! The safety and well being of our youth are a serious matter to the Boy Scouts of America. Please cooperate with us so that we may all be safe and have a good time.

Paying For Troop Activities — Every Scout has an account with our troop treasury, this is basically a deposit account that you can keep funds in and his fees for activities will be debited at the time of the activity; you can send a check with your Scout to any meeting to replenish funds in the Scout Account. Another option is during the on-line registration process you can pay with a credit card. Your Scout account is expected to be kept current and activity fees should be made prior to the activity. Your child will not be allowed to attend activities if your account is in the rears. If you are having trouble paying the balance be sure to reach out to the Scoutmaster or Scout Account Treasurer and payment plans can be set-up.

What About Medications — For weekend campouts, Scouts are expected to manage their own medication and keep it with them. For the weeklong summer camp, medication is kept with the nurses in the medical tent. In the New Scout Programs if you make our leaders aware of your Scouts medication schedule, they will make their best attempt to remind the Scout when it is time to take the medication.

Meals At Our Troop Activities — The troop provides nutritional meals and an evening snack for all Scouts. There is always more than enough food at our activities. We allow Scouts to bring extra pop or snacks; however it should be kept to a minimum. These snacks should be stored away so they are not mistaken as a common snack bought by the troop.

Every Scout needs to bring their own table service (plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, & spoon). This not only saves us from having to buy lots of paper products but, it also saves our world from the massive amount of landfill waste. We have two different types of food service and depending upon the activity one is chosen by the Activity Leader In Charge.

1. Patrol Cooking is the type of cooking we prefer. In Patrol Cooking the Scouts prior to the weekend create a menu and food buying list for their patrol. They then go over their plans with their Patrol Adviser (an adult that eats with them). Someone in the patrol is selected to purchase the food and bring it out with them. A troop check is issued to that Scout and the Scout uses the money to go to a grocery store and purchase the food. Some items the Scout may raid from your pantry such as a cup of sugar or a teaspoon of spice. During the activity the Scouts then take turns cooking the meals for the patrol. We feel the Scouts get the most out of this type of food service.
2. Some activities it makes more sense to utilize Troop Cooking Service. On these activities each patrol takes turns working with our adults to cook for the entire troop (average 80 people). The adults take charge of making the menu and purchasing the groceries for these activities.

Food Allergies — Many Scouts and adults come to camp with special dietary needs due to allergies. It is most important that your Scout understands the allergies and the consequences of eating the item(s) that cause trouble. He or She needs to be the person in charge of what they eat and should ask to see ingredient lists and question adults if they don't understand. If we are patrol cooking the menu will be planned by the Scouts themselves and your son/daughter can often help the patrol to make choices to get around food allergies. In some instances the Scout may need to bring their own items to be able to substitute (i.e. gluten free bread) food items being purchased. If we are troop cooking the troop always have vegetarian, gluten free and nut free alternatives. The Scout needs to ask the adults in charge of the cooking and they will be given food they can eat. Aside from listing allergies on your Scout's health form, seeking out and talking with the adult in charge of your Scouts Program and Patrol will help to make sure the Scout is being reminded to watch what he/she is eating, but also know how to react if the Scout mistakenly eats the wrong thing. Constant reminders are appreciated.

Sleeping Considerations — For most camping trips your normal Holofill sleeping bag will be plenty warm. In the spring and fall you may want to pack an extra blanket, on a winter camping trip two sleeping bags and a blanket works well. If you need to purchase a sleeping bag, a zero degree rated sleeping bag may be a good investment. If you are purchasing a blanket for camping, a wool blanket (US Army blankets can be purchased at one of the Army/Navy Supply stores) works best since it has warming ability even when it is wet. It is also a good idea to have some padding under the bedding. A closed cell foam pad can be purchased at most stores and works best. An air mattress does not work well because it tends to deflate as air temperature drops eliminating any insulation from the cold ground. Cots are great, but are a luxury and take up a lot of room. (They also cause you to become cold in the winter because of heat loss through the cot.)  If you are buying a cot, be sure to get one that is low to the ground, 6 to 12 inches. Our website, bsatroop179.org there is a section on Camping Equipment with a ton of information to help in making your purchases. Many of our leaders have been camping for many years and are also willing to help you make the right choice.

Tent Assignments: — Every Scout teams with another Scout in their patrol (tent partner) and is issued a tent by the Troop Quartermaster. These partners maintain, keep and store the tent for use on activities. It is their responsibility to make sure that the tent is returned in good, usable condition. Scouts must talk to they’re partner to make sure that whoever has the tent brings it to the activity. If one of the partners is not attending the activity Scouts will partner up with someone else in the patrol for that activity; these two Scouts need to discuss which one will bring a tent to use (don’t assume the other is bringing one, ask).

After most of the camping trips (where we use tents) your Scout will bring home a tent or dining tarp to dry out, clean, and repair. We ask that the parents help their child with this task to ensure that the proper procedures, that are listed below are carried out. The troop has a sizable investment in these tents (approximately $400 each) and we need to make sure that they are properly maintained and stored.

Post Campout Canvas Drying Procedure — Unroll the tent and hang it up to dry. If the tent is very wet you should hang it in the sunlight to expedite the drying process. Make sure you have two complete six-foot aluminum poles (newer tents have three poles), and twelve pin stakes.  Knock the dirt off the stakes and straighten them if required. Wipe the sand and dirt off each section of the two aluminum poles. It is much easier to get the sections apart if they are kept clean. Do not beat the poles against anything to get them apart! You will only dent them and they will never come loose! When the tent is dry, sweep out any dirt and/or leaves. Scrub any dirt, sticky, or mildewed spots with a scrub brush using soap and water. Inspect the tent for damage!  Report to the Quartermaster any repairs that are needed.  Roll the two or three (2 or 3) poles and twelve (12) stakes up inside of the tent and place the tent inside the canvas storage bag.  Store in a dry place (preferably inside) until it is returned.

Keeping Warm on Activities — The best clothing for camping is warm, light-weight materials. Wearing layers of clothing is most effective on all camping trips. The logic is that you wear many layers, adding some when you are cold; taking them off when you are warm. Gloves are great items to have at most outings throughout the year – on colder weekends you will need gloves and mittens. Always bring twice as many socks as you think you will need. A good warm hat and hooded sweat shirts are also a good items to bring on all outings throughout the year.

What About Uniforms — Scout Field uniforms (Class A) must be worn when riding to and from camp. This is so that the Scouts are identified as Scouts. During most activities the Scouts may wear our activity uniform; however the Senior Patrol Leader may call for the Scout Field Uniform when it is  deemed appropriate.

Keeping Entertained — Troop 179 always has a fun-filled, jam-packed weekend in store for the Scouts, but there is also free time that the Scouts have to themselves. A good book or crossword puzzle is great to have along. Portable radios, iPods, phones and portable video games are often brought to campouts, however, it is not recommended by the leaders. If the Scout brings items and does not want other Scouts to use them, they should keep them in their tent and not tell other Scouts that they have them.

Personal Camping Gear List

• Scout Field Uniform (Wear To Campout)
• Duffel Bag, Backpack, something that easily carries the items you pack
• Sleeping Bag or two to three blankets
• Foam Pad or Air Mattress
• Ground Sheet, (4' X 8' sheet of plastic to put under your camp bed)
• Pillow
• Heavy Jacket, Warm Gloves, And Hat
• Sweater or Light Jacket
• Poncho or Rain Gear
• Lightweight Boots
• Pair of Sneakers or Shoes
• Change of Underwear
• Extra Pair of Pants
• Swim Trunks
• Extra Socks
• Pajamas or Sweat Suit to sleep in
• Extra Tee-Shirts and Sweat Shirts (Red)
• Toilet Kit Including: Towels, Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrush & Paste, Toilet Paper, and Comb
• Table Service Kit (Plate, Bowl, Cup, Fork, Knife, and Spoon)
• Flashlight With Extra Batteries
• Pocket Knife
• Compass
• Personal First Aid Kit (Band-Aids)
• Boy Scout Handbook
• Insect Repellent (No Aerosol)
• Pen/Pencil and Paper
• Sun Block With PABA
• Water Bottle
• Mess Kit

??Back to Top

Advancement

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement, and by participating in the troop program, progresses as the Scout overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system helps the Scout  grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.

After your child has completed the requirements for each rank, the troop evaluates the progress of the Scout and ensures that the Scout has reached our standards for each rank. After the Scout has proven ready for rank advancement, the Scout meets with a Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference. This conference is designed to involve the Scouts in their own personal growth process by asking him to evaluate their own progress. The Scout is then asked to discuss and decide how to achieve the next steps in development. This agreement becomes the basis for a program of development meeting the Scout’s own desires and needs. The conference helps the Scout accept the responsibility for growth in Scouting. It also establishes a relationship between the youth and the Scoutmaster that makes this growth possible.

Most people think that the Scoutmaster holds all the Scoutmaster Conferences. The Scoutmaster may assign an Assistant Scoutmasters to conduct the conference for him. The Scoutmaster, however, does all Eagle conferences.

The last phase of earning each rank is the Board of Review. The purpose is to review the progress of the Scout and determine if the Scout has matured to the level of the rank. The board is made up of at least three adults from the community who are not a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. Troop 179 has at least one of the board members (the Board Chairperson) as a member of the Troop Advancement Committee. The other two board members can be any parent and are trained just prior to the review. We mention this because this is an activity that we need many of our parents to become involved with so please consider helping-out. Reviews are held once a month and are published in the Troop Calendar. We usually need six to nine parents to assist on these nights.

If a Scout fails to meet the troop’s standards and is turned down for rank, it is usually because she/he has forgotten a vital part of the skills or other requirements for that rank. Whether the Scout is turned down at the Scoutmaster’s Conference or the Board of Review, the Scout will always be told exactly why. The Scout is told what they have to do to satisfy the Scoutmaster or Board Chairperson to receive rank. The Scout does not start over the procedure, but simply returns to the person who held up the progress and satisfies them.

??Back to Top