Frequently Asked Questions – BSA Troop 220

General Questions

Who can be a Scout?

Boys who have not yet turned 18 and one of the following:

have completed the Arrow of Light and are in 5th grade
are at least 11 years of age
are currently in the 6th grade or higher

Where are the meetings?

Troop 220 meets at Bellevue Heights UMC, 2112 S. Geddes St., Syracuse.

When are the meetings?

We meet every Monday from 7PM – 8:30 PM during the school year.

How are meetings structured?

Troop meetings are structured to include a formal opening and closing ceremony at the beginning and end of the meeting. During the program part of the meeting there are program presentations, done by older Scouts and/or adults (mostly older Scouts) sometimes we do a round robin style of presentation. As much of the meeting as possible is hands on, so the Scouts spend more time learning by doing. They are also given a time to have a patrol meeting (run by the patrol leader) to meet and work on things in smaller groups.

How do adults contribute?

Adults can contribute in many ways. There is a Scoutmaster staff, run by the Scoutmaster and consists of uniformed program help, called Assistant Scoutmasters. They are regular attendees of meetings and campouts and wear a uniform just as the Scouts do. There is also a Troop Committee, which is the support system for the Troop. The have the option of wearing an adult uniform. They work on fundraising, tracking of advancements, handling of camping reservations, transportation, refreshments for events, forms for summer camp, tracking Scout accounts and many more “back office” type of work.

What is required for a uniform?

We wear a full Class A dress uniform at our meetings(unless otherwise announced) and most camporees and summercamp. That uniform is:

Official Scout shirt(with proper insignia)
Official Scout pants
Official Scout belt
Troop neckerchief (Troop will provide)
Scout neckerchief slide
In addition we require:
- Scout Book
- Pen/Pencil
- Note paper
- In the pocket – Scout knife, compass, fire starter, flashlight
- A piece of rope hanging from a belt loop

What is the PLC?

The PLC stands for the Patrol Leader’s Council. It is the group of Scouts, advised by the adults, that runs the Troop. It is lead by the Senior Patrol Leader(s) or SPLs.

New Scout & Parents

How do we join?

Scouts can join by meeting the joining requirements and then submitting an application, which must be signed by a parent or guardian, along with the national registration fee. This can be completed online through Scouting.org

How do parents sign up?

Similarly, parents can sign up to be an Assistant Scoutmaster or a member of the Troop Committee by filling out an adult application, including the background check part, and submitting it to the committee. All adults must have a current Youth Protection Training certificate (good for 2 years) in order for the application to be processed by Council. If interested please see the Scoutmaster and/or Committee Chair to talk about what position is right for you and the Troop.

What do we need to buy?

At first just a uniform and a Scout book. The rest of the “gear” should be discussed at the parents meetings (upstairs during the Troop meeting) to get ideas about the right things to buy.

Where do we get the green Troop neckerchief?

The Troop will give you the neckerchief after a paid application is received.

How does Boy Scouts differ from Cub Scouts?

Boy Scouts is different from Cub Scouts in many ways. Primarily it differs in that parents are no longer the leaders and cannot sign off requirements for their Scouts. That is done by the PLC members of the Troop. Boy Scouting puts the responsibility for almost everything on the shoulders of the boys themselves, which is a stressful transition for the boys, but more for the parents.

Advancement

How do Scouts advance?

A Scout advances by working on requirements at home and then seeking out the necessary person to sign those requirements off once he is ready to prove that he has done the work to pass the requirement(s).

Who signs off on advancements?

Tenderfoot, Second Class & First Class requirements are typically signed off by a Scout’s Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader, but can be signed off by a Scout at least one rank above his own. Preferably it is done in his patrol or by a PLC member. Parents cannot do this part. For a Merit badge the Scout decides to do a MB, he looks at the requirements and gets himself a blue card (usually on the Troop bulletin board) and has the Scoutmaster sign it. If necessary he gets preapproval (for certain MBs) to do the work from a Counselor. Only a Council approved MB counselor can sign off on the requirements for a MB.

What is a blue card?

A blue card is the official merit badge application. It is perforated in 3 parts, 1 part for the completing MB counselor to keep, 1 for the Troop to keep and one for the Troop to return to the Scout at the awarding of the MB for his records (KEEP THIS PART!!)

How do we count service hours?

Service hours are counted for work a Scout does that he is not counting for another rank or reward. He cannot get paid for this work, and it cannot include his chores at home. It has to be true service to someone else, usually a nonprofit.

Who can be a merit badge councilor?

Adults can become merit badge counselors for up to 7 merit badges(a limit imposed by our Council’s Executive Board to keep Scouts from getting MBs from 1 source, like mom or dad). Adults wishing to do so must do an adult application (even if already a registered leader) and a Council MB counselor application. Once the application is approved a MB counselor can meet with Scouts and sign off on MBs.

How does a Scout get a Scoutmaster conference?

Once a Scout finishes all the requirements for a rank except SM conference and Board of Review (BOR) he asks the Scoutmaster if he can have a Scoutmaster conference.

What is a Board of Review?

A BOR is a review by the Troop committee to ensure that a Scout is enjoying his Scouting experience, completing his requirements as needed, and in the proper manner and that he also has a chance to share his thoughts with the adults of the review. This is the last requirement done for each rank.

Finances

Who pays for Scouting?

The Scout and his family pays for most of Scouting. Council’s maintain camps through fundraising and from their endowment, but the bulk of Scouting is paid for by the Scout himself.

How do we fundraise?

We do a few fundraisers. We focus mainly on the popcorn sale. Scouts are given the opportunity to sell popcorn in the Fall, as part of the Council’s fundraiser. That is the main source of all of the funds we raise. Each year we give the Scout a portion(traditionally 70%-80% of the commissions we earn) to the Scout in his account. It is highly encouraged for the Scout to learn to earn this money to pay his own way for Scouting. We also do a pancake breakfast through Applebee’s each spring and that money goes to the Troop’s general fund to help supply gear and awards for the Troop’s function.

What is a Scout Account?

A Scout account is an account tracked by the Troop Treasurer(s) for the benefit of that Scout. He may earn money through our fundraisers and use it for Scouting’s expenses. This money can only be used for Scouting for that Scout and does not leave with him should he decide to transfer to another unit or drop Scouting, the money then goes towards the Troop’s general fund.

What can a Scout account be used for?

A Scout account can be used for Scouting related expenses. Most commonly it is used to pay for campouts and Summer camp. It can also be used to pay for camping gear needed for Scout activities and uniforms.

It cannot be used for other purposes, such as school supplies, recreational clothes, books, etc…as the money was raised under the umbrella of paying for Scouting and that is what it needs to be used for.

How do we get reimbursed for expenses?

In order to use the money from the Scout account for expenses not incurred by the Troop directly (like campouts) a Scout needs to purchase the items and turn in a copy of the receipt to the Troop Treasurer for reimbursement. Receipts must be turned in for reimbursement.

Camping & Sabattis

When do we need medical forms?

Medical forms are needed for summer camp, most Order of the Arrow and Training course functions and any camping that requires one. Medical forms must be kept on record by the Council by NYS law, and they do not give them back or make copies. (Always keep a copy for your records!)

Medical forms are good for 1 year from the doctor’s signature (or the parents if it is older)

How often do you go camping?

We try to go camping every month. For most campouts there is money and a permission slip due in the weeks before the trip. There is also a packing list provided on the website with the permission slip.

What gear will I need?

Scouts need to bring all of their own personal gear. The Troop has a trailer and some gear for patrols to use. We have tents and each patrol has a patrol box, with patrol cooking gear, a lantern and a table. We also have a number of rain tarps to provide shelter in the event of bad weather.

Personal gear varies and everyone has their own preferences to what they like. We have many experienced adults that are gear shopping experts and can help you figure out what gear you should purchase and what may not be needed.

What is Sabattis?

Sabattis is the Council’s summer camp. It is in the Adirondacks 18 miles of Rt 30 between Long Lake & Tupper Lake. We spend a week there(Sun – Sat) usually in July. In the morning the Scouts do MB classes and in the afternoons & evenings we go an hikes, overnight trips, bike treks, canoe trips, etc… It is the single most important event of the year for Scout to attend.

What is Beaver Weekend?

Sabattis Beaver weekend is the weekend after Memorial day weekend where groups of adults go up to Sabattis and work on the camp to get it ready for the Scouts to attend in the summer.

Eagle Project, Application, Letters of recommendation & Board of Review

What is an Eagle project?

An Eagle project is a project done for a nonprofit (it cannot be for Scouting) to satisfy the requirement for Eagle Scout. It MUST be done as a Life Scout.

How does a Scout get started?

Starting the Eagle project is done by downloading and printing the Eagle Project workbook from the National website and reading through it. It is also good to print out a copy and put it into a workbook. Then he needs to find a place where he sees a need for a project and inquire with the organization and the Scoutmaster to make sure it is a good and viable project. Then he writes it up, following the project guidelines in the book. (Save it often and test to make sure it saves, the PDF has acted poorly in the past.)

Who signs the approvals for the Eagle project?

Once a project is written up it must be approved. In order to be approved the Scout needs to get 4 signatures. The representative of the nonprofit, the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chair. Once all three of those signatures are done then the Scout calls the Eagle Board to set up a meeting with them to get final approval to start. No work can be done until these four signatures are attained, otherwise the project may not be approved at the end.

How do we meet to get signatures?

In order to get these signatures the Scout must set up meetings with those he needs to get signatures from. In the case of the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair he must contact them and arrange to meet them (NOT at a Troop meeting). They will go over the proposal and either sign off on it or send it back to be revised until it is ready(be advised some Scouts have been sent back for revisions as many as 5 times, it is important to do it right.)

What do we do when we are done?

An Eagle project is done when all work proposed is completed (so be careful how much you say you are going to do, it is you committing to the work) the project is written up and it is signed off by the nonprofit representative and the Scoutmaster in the Eagle project workbook.

Where do we get the Eagle application?

Similar to the Eagle project workbook, this is online, and the national website should have the most recent version.

Please make a copy of your Eagle Project and Application to keep just in case something happens to the originals.

Who fills out the Eagle application?

The Eagle applicant fills out the application and checks with the Advancement Chair to make sure the dates for all MBs & ranks are correct. If they don’t match the system the Council registrar will reject the application.

How do we get the signatures for the Eagle application?

Also similar to the Eagle project the Life Scout needs to set up a meeting with the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair (outside of the Troop meeting) to review the application. If the Scout does not have the printout and ok from the advancement chair the SM & CC will not sign the application.

Who needs to write a letter of recommendation?

On the eagle application there are spaces for personal references. These individuals need to write a letter to the Eagle Board. Parents are a must. Also requested is a teacher (or educator of some kind), a religious leader (if available), and employer (if available) and some personal references.

How many letters of recommendation are needed?

Usually the Board will set the Eagle Board date with 3 letters received, as long as at least 1 is from the parents.

How do we know if the letters are received?

Follow up with each reference should be done to ensure they remember to do the letter. To see if they are received the Eagle candidate can call or email the Council registrar to make sure they are in and ready to go to the Eagle Board.

How do we schedule an Eagle Board of Review?

You don’t. They will call you once the Council registrar has verified that all dates and info on the Eagle application matches and the letters of reference have been received. Once that is done the paperwork is given to the Eagle Board to call the Eagle candidate to tell them when they are scheduled. Usually a letter with directions follows in the mail.

How do we prepare for an Eagle Board of Review?

An Eagle Board of Review is different than a Troop Board of Review. It is done by the District Eagle Board and is usually about 20 minutes of questions, followed by a private deliberation of the Board and then the Eagle candidate is brought back in (this time with parents if they are there) to give the final answer on the Board’s decision. Preparing for this is not difficult. Uniforms should be prepared, merit badge sashes should be ready, books should be signed and brought as well. The Board will ask questions that they want answers to that are not short answers. They are looking to hear what you think.

Eagle Court of Honor

Where do we get the Eagle badge?

The Troop will provide the Eagle kit (which includes the Eagle medal and patch, as well as the Eagle Mom, Dad & Mentor pins)

What does the Troop provide?

The Troop provides the Eagle kit, the Eagle project book (back from Council) and the flags and plaque for the ceremony.

What does the family provide?

Anything that the family wants in terms of programs, invitations, refreshments, gifts, etc. is provided by the family.

How is an Eagle Court of Honor structured?

An Eagle COH is somewhat free to how the Eagle would like it. It needs to have a Troop opening (Pledge, Oath, Law, etc…) The Eagle can choose to have various speakers read various things(Eagle Charge, Challenge, Trail To Eagle, etc…) The Scoutmaster is the one who presents the Eagle to the family, and leads the Eagle Pledge at the gathering of the Eagles, but other than that it is somewhat open to how the family wants it. It is suggested that the parents are not brought up to the front with the Eagle until it is time to actually present the badge.

Who needs to be invited to the Eagle COH?

The Troop needs to be invited, and it is suggested that the Eagle Project nonprofit, representative as well as the people that work/volunteer there should be invited. Family and friends should be invited and you may want to consider Scouters from Council that have influenced or helped the Scout on the Trail to Eagle to be invited. Coaches, teachers, pastors and other people that have had an influence over the Scout’s life path should also be invited.