FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
For new Scouts and Parents
This FAQ is an attempt to aid new Scouts and their parents in quickly coming up to speed on the basics of being member of Troop 60. We request that new parents take the time to review this page with their Scout. More detailed information is available throughout the public area of the website, only registered Scouts and their parents will be given access to the private area of the website.
Introduction Like all Boy Scout Troops, Troop 60 is boy-led, promoting the Scouting ideals as spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.
Troop meetings start promptly at 7:00PM Wednesday evenings at LDS Church, in Owego. To join Troop 60, a Youth Application must be completed; the Troop 60 Conduct Guidelines form must be signed by both the Scout and parent; and parts A and B of the BSA Medical Form must be completed (these two parts of the medical form do NOT require a doctor). All forms are available for download under the "Forms" section of the Troop Members Only website.
Uniform and Handbook A new Scout needs a Boy Scout uniform and a Boy Scout Handbook. For more information, please see the "Our Uniform" section of the Troop Members Only website.
A new Scout needs the Boy Scout Handbook. As explained in the handbook, the section on "Advancement" is where a Scout's progress towards ranks is signed off. Uniforms, handbooks, and other Scouting materials may be purchased at www.Scoutstuff.org or the Baden-Powell Council Service Center, Trading Post, and Training Center which is located at 2150 NYS Rte 12, Binghamton, NY 13901.
Equipment At a minimum, the Scout should have his own sleeping bag (zero degree Fahrenheit rating), hiking boots, mess kit, canteen or water bottle, and flashlight. A day-pack is also recommended. Larger back packs are necessary later when the Scout is ready for long distance, overnight hiking.
Rules for the use of knives and axes on outings are discussed in the Safe Scouting Practices section.
Advancement Boy Scouts must take individual initiative to pursue advancement. Unlike Cub Scouts, they move through advancement at their own rate. It is up to the individual Scout to examine the requirements for upcoming ranks and ask other Scouts (First Class and above) or adult leaders to assist and sign them off on requirements. Portions of Troop meetings are often reserved for advancement/requirements activities, though many requirements can only be completed on campouts. In both cases it is up to the Scout to be aware of the advancement activities he needs to complete.
Upon completing a requirement a Scout's book should be signed by an adult Scout leader. The Scout must make sure that he informs the Scoutmaster of his completed requirements so that the Troop database can be updated. This is important in the event he loses his Handbook. Parents cannot sign off on Scout requirements.
Outings Scouts plan, acquire, bring, and prepare their own meals by Patrol. They are provided with the necessary stoves and cooking utensils by the Troop, and are responsible for cleaning and maintaining all Troop equipment that they use. Adults participating in an outing typically plan, acquire, bring, and prepare their own meals independently of the Scouts.
Parent Participation All parents can sign up to assist in some way when volunteers are needed.
Safe Scouting Practices
The Scouting program as defined by the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 60 has extensive measures in place to ensue a Scout's safety. This section is only an overview of those measures:
Personal Responsibility First and foremost, a Scout must adhere to the Troop 60 Guidelines so as to not endanger himself or others. Failure to do so can result in expulsion from a Troop activity (or even the Troop itself).
Adult Skills and Safety Training The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) requires specific training for adults leading a Scouting trip. For example, Youth Protection Training is needed by all adults on a trip. All overnight trips required an adult with Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training. Trips involving swimming or boating require a CPR certified adult plus a Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat trained adult. Climbing/rappelling require a Climb On Safely trained adult, etc.
Most of the training is offered online and typically takes less than an hour.
Scout Knife, Ax, and Fire use No Scout is allowed to bring and/or use a knife, ax, or saw on an outing unless they have earned a Totin' Chip. A Totin' Chip is a card certifying that the Scout has received basic training in the use of these camp tools. Totin' chip training is usually conducted by the Scoutmaster or his designated adult leader at the earliest opportunity, typically on a Scout's first campout with the Troop. It is also offered at summer camp. If upon receiving a Totin' Chip card a Scout is found to violate any of the safety rules a corner of the Totin' chip's card will be cut. A Scout getting four corners of his card cut loses privilege to use these camp tools for 6 months and must repeat the training to regain the privilege.
THE ONLY KNIVES PERMITTED FOR USE BY SCOUTS ARE FOLDING KNIVES UNDER 3," NO FIXED BLADE or SHEATH KNIVES.
Youth Protection including 2-on-1 and 1-on-2 All adult leaders undergo a screening process by the Boy Scouts of America. All adult leaders are required to participate in the BSA's online Youth Protection Training every two years. Each Scout outing requires two deep adult leadership with all leaders having up to date youth protection training. All parents are encouraged to register as adult leaders and take the youth protection training. The link to the youth protection training (and all other BSA online training) is under Web Links on the left of this page.
Two key aspects of the BSA's safe Scouting procedures that must be understood by all adults and Scouts are the following:
- No adult is permitted 1-on-1 contact with a Scout other than their own child. There must be either more than one adult or more than one Scout present for any adult/youth interaction (i.e. 2-on-1 or 1-on-2). Scoutmaster conferences for example generally will take place off to the side of a Troop meeting within sight of his Troop. Similarly, if a Scout is to be reprimanded that Scout will typically be taken aside and spoken to within sight of the group. A parent cannot drive alone with a Scout other than their own child, etc.
- No adult is permitted to sleep in the same tent with other than their own child (1-on-2 is not permitted in this case). Generally, Scouts are expected to tent with another Scout.