Troop
188New Parent FAQ
What is the Scout Law and how is it applied in Troop 188?
A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. This is the Scout Law and it is recited at the beginning of each troop meeting along with the Scout Oath, Outdoor Code and the Pledge of Allegiance. During all troop activities, the adult leaders do their best to emphasize the importance of living the Scout Law. On most of our camp outs, we will have group discussions on the events of the day and we use the 12 points of the law to help drive those discussions. When a scout demonstrates any of the 12 points, the troop leadership will always try to acknowledge and often times reward the scout for putting the Scout Law into action.
How does Troop 188 teach skills?
The Scout Master and Assistants will teach skills in either a one on one setting or in a group, depending on the skills being taught. In Scouting, the teaching (and learning) never ends. Skills are taught at every meeting and during every outing. Even when there is no formal training being presented, the scouts are learning valuable leadership and social skills.
Younger scouts will learn how to safely handle a knife, axe and saw and they will be taught how to maintain these tools. They will learn how to build different types of fires and the purpose behind each type of fire building technique. They will learn many different ways to start a fire, the best materials to use and safety precautions that must be taken. As they mature as a person and develop as a scout, they will learn additional skills such as wilderness survival, orienteering and first-aid/CPR.
How does Troop 188 build self-confidence?
Troop 188 is a "Scout Run" troop. That is to say, the scouts do it for themselves..... with adult guidance. Not only are the meetings conducted by the scouts, but all of the outings are chosen and prepared for by the scouts. The adult volunteers will make arrangements for reservations, permits, transportation and training exercises to be conducted, but the scout will: prepare a menu, prepare and maintain their "patrol boxes", select their camping locations, pitch their tents, set-up their patrol and kitchen areas, prepare the campfire, prepare each meal and clean up, break-down the campsite, load the troop equipment and clean the area that we occupied.
How does Troop 188 develop leadership skills of the scouts?
As mentioned above, Troop 188 is a "Scout Run" troop. We teach and practice "the Patrol Method": the troop has senior leadership positions which they elect twice each year. Those scouts will ensure that the troop functions the way it should and they provide guidance and leadership to the other scouts. The remaining scouts are divided into "Patrols". A patrol will typically have between 5 and 8 scouts assigned to it. Within each patrol, there is a Patrol Leader who is elected. The patrol leader will select other scouts into positions such as Assistant Patrol Leader and Quartermaster. After each election, the adult leaders will organize a "New Leader Training" session for all of the scouts in leadership positions. We teach them the responsibilities that along with their position and we help them to develop the skills they need to effectively execute in that position. (Look for a "Troop Positions" page to come to this web site in the near future for description of all troop positions)
How does Troop 188 create a sense of citizenship?
Each meeting will begin and end with a flag ceremony. During the opening ceremony, we recite the pledge of allegiance. Additionally, each camp out will include opening and closing ceremonies each day. We encourage our scouts to perform service hours for the community and, as a troop, we have several community events that we organize so the scouts can get involved. At each Court of Honor, we announce how many total service hours were performed by the scouts... and the number is always staggering! We then go on to recognize each scout individually for display of citizenship.
What is a Court of Honor (COH)?
Troop 188 has 3 Court of Honors every year. At these family events, we recognize all scouts and adult volunteers for their accomplishments. Scouts are honored with their rank advancement that they may have earned since the previous COH and they are presented with merit badges that they earned. Additionally, we announce the number of service hours, events participated in and any other scouting related activity they were part of. COH is a ceremony that all parents and siblings may attend (and they usually do) and often times will include a dinner, desserts, coffee or other snack items. Invitations are emailed and posted on the web site about 3-4 weeks prior to the event.
What do scouts do in the meetings?
A scout's activity during the meeting will vary depending on what events are coming up. They may do compass exercises to prepare for a hike or they may practice first-aid for an upcoming competition. About 2 weeks before any camp out, they will begin preparing for the camp out Preparations would include making a menu, creating a duty roster, helping to prepare the trailers, cleaning and making their patrol boxes ready, etc... when there is free-time, many scouts will work on rank advancement or join in a troop game.
What do adults do during the meetings?
Many of our Assistant Scout Masters are assigned to provide guidance to specific patrols. They will help the patrol stay on task and work with them to ensure that they accomplish what they need to for that day. Some adults will come together in sub-committees to discuss fund-raising, rank advancements, future events, etc. You will almost never see an adult "take over" the meeting (unless they are training) but you will always see them observing and guiding when necessary.
What do the scouts do on camp outs?
Each troop camp out will have a theme or a specific purpose. Some of the themes we have done in the past include: Junk Yard Wars, International Cuisine and Lost Weekend. Many camp outs will focus on using and improving certain skills such as cooking, rifle/shotgun shooting, orienteering, hiking, wilderness survival and wilderness first-aid. Troop 188 also participates in the following events sponsored at council/district level of the organization:
Spring Camporee - Many troops come together for a weekend and compete in several events that challenge the scouts to use what they have learned in scouting. Scouts participate in contests and exercises designed to put their skills to practical use and build teamwork within their patrol. The highlight of the weekend is the OA call-out and subsequent bonfire entertainment.
Fall Camporee - Same as Spring Camporee but it happens in the fall and features different events for the scouts.
Summer Camp - Every year around the last week of July/1st week of August, troop 188 will attend Summer Camp at whichever location the scouts choose to go. The most popular camps are camp Napowan and camp Owassippe but the scouts are free to select any camp within an acceptable driving distance. Experienced adult leaders organize the week long camp out and prepare the scouts (and parents) for event. Summer camp has 2 primary focuses: work on merit badges and HAVE FUN! On average, each scout will complete about 5 merit badges during the week but it is common to have 1 or 2 scouts who will complete 8 or 9 badges! EVERY scout has fun!
High Adventure Outing - Most younger scouts focus their time on Summer Camp, but the older scouts usually want to "crank it up a notch." Some of our adult leaders will organize trips during the summer such as SCUBA certification and canoeing at Boundary Waters. As scouts get older, they are welcomed (and encouraged) to seek assistance in organizing their own High Adventure trip. The troop has looked at going to places like The Grand Canyon, Everglades, Badlands, Ozark Mountains, Smokey Mountains National Park and hiking the Appalachian trail.
Winter Klondike - Similar to the Camporees, but conducted in the winter time. Scouts will spend weeks before this camp out to learn how to camp in extreme conditions. We will even help them construct a thermal sleeping pad that can be used (and reused).
What is OA?
OA stands for Order of The Arrow. Every year, the scouts of troop 188 will nominate other scouts in the troop to be inducted into the OA. OA is open to adult members of the troop as well.
The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:
- To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
- To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
- To promote Scout camping
- To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others
Besides camping and meeting, what else does the troop do?
Troop 188 scouts participate in many events besides camp outs. We are often asked to assist our charter organization, Christ Lutheran Church, in their spring clean up, fall festival and setting luminaries at Christmas time. We also participate in local parades, Scouting for food, Palatine food pantry, merit badge clinics, rocket launches, first-aid meets and of course.. our annual FEAST!
Troop 188 Feast is usually held in October. We set up camp at a local park for the weekend and each patrol will organize an activity that can be enjoyed by others. On Saturday afternoon, all Webelos from the area are invited to the camp to join in the activities, learn about the troop, see how we operate and most importantly have FUN! The parents have the opportunity to talk to MANY adults about the troop and learn more about "who we are". This entire event is wrapped around bigger purpose..... FOOD!!! Troop 188 adult leaders will set-up nearly every piece of gear that we own and we prepare a feast unlike anything you've ever had! We have Turkey, Ham, potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, rolls and of course, PLENTY OF PIE! And everything, down to the last dinner roll, is cooked outside over the coals (except the coffee... we have the world's finest java)!!! Webelos and their families as well as all Troop 188 families are invited to join in this memorable event. It is a great time that everybody looks forward to.
What steps does the Troop take to ensure safety while on outings?
Every adult leader is trained to BSA and District policy and most adults are CPR/AED certified. Some of the training includes youth protection, outdoor leadership, hazardous weather, safe swim defense and Leave No trace. While on camp outs, every tent has bucket of water (for fire safety) and there are several large buckets of water nearby for the troop campfire. Strict safety practices are followed when scouts are using their knives, axe or saw (If you are curious about those practices, ask any adult leader, they will gladly explain and demonstrate). Additionally, the troop leaders carry a "troop binder" on all camp outs which contains medical information and contact information for every scout. Every adult leader has a cell phone with them at all times and we will always have access to a land line nearby.
All adult leaders follow the very strict rule of "Two Deep Leadership." At no point in time will a scout and an adult be alone for any reason. When youth and adults interact, there will always be at least 2 adults present.
When required, what type of corrective action is taken with a scout?
Scouts are perfect; they never get in trouble!!..... I wish that were the case. The adult leaders who go on the camp outs are all training in youth protection and all corrective actions comply with those guidelines. We will always do our best to handle any situations in camp without making parent contact. The only exception to that is when a scout knowingly puts himself or somebody else in danger. Should that occur, the parent will be called immediately and be asked to come pick up their child. Thankfully, that has never happened in the history of the troop (that we are aware of).
What uniform does my son need and how do I know if I am buying the right things?
Scouts are required to wear their Class A uniform during all troop meetings and when traveling to and from any troop function. The Class A uniform is the olive shirt with neckerchief. The Scout Shop in Mount Prospect is VERY friendly and helpful.. they will set you up with anything you need!
What is the advancement structure and how can my scout advance in rank?
The best reference for rank advancement is the the Scout Handbook. The back of the book contains approval sections for each of the ranks in scouting. Your scout must complete satisfy all of the requirements and obtain Scout Master or Assistant Scout Master confirmation that it was in fact completed. Unlike cub scouts, these requirements MUST be verfified and sgined off by a Scout Master or Assistant. Parents are not allowed to sign off for any reason even if the parent is a Scout Master/Assistant (the scout must go to another Scout Master). Many of the requirements are satisfied during troop meetings and camp outs; it is up to the scout to seek out an adult leader to have them verify and sign the requirement.
Rank advancement is not a requirement of scouting. There are scouts in the troop that love the outdoors and really enjoy the activities of scouting... they are just not motivated to advance in rank. At troop 188... we are OK with that. We will push scouts to advance and do everything we can to teach them and help them, but we respect the fact they just want to have fun.
What are Merit Badges?
The best place to go for merit badge information is http://meritbadge.org. There are more than 100 merit badges available and scouts may earn any merit badge at any time. They don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible. Some ranks do have requirements of completing a certain number of badges and some specific badges. Of the more than 100 badges available, there is a sub-set of badges known as "Eagle Required". These badges are required for advancement to the highest rank in scouting, Eagle Scout. Thos specific badges are noted in the Scout Handbook.
Troop 188 maintains a library of merit badge books that scouts have access to. The scout simply asks the librarian for a specific merit badge book, the librarian will "check-out" the book and the scout returns the book when it is no longer needed. If a scout loses a book or fails to return it, the scout will be expected to pay for a new book. Books are also available from the public library and they are on sale at the scout shop. The troop website has a list of merit badges and counselors located at http://www.troop-188.org/meritbadge.html
How can my scout earn merit badges?
Once a scout decides on a merit badge that they want to work on, the first step is to approach the Scout Master and request a "Merit Badge Card". The blue card must be signed by the Scout Master before a counselor will work with them. The scout will reach out to a counselor for that specific badge and ask any questions they may have. Some of the requirements may require a counselor's approval, so review the requirements before you make the request. Once you have all of the requirements completed and organized, contact the counselor and arrange for a time to meet and review the material that was completed. Typically, merit badges are done outside of normal troop meeting times and always remember that a parent should plan on spending the time with the scout and the counselor (two deep leadership).
What "standing rules" are there in Troop 188 that I should be aware of?
Troop 188 follows standard BSA and Council guidelines. But there are some practices that we follow as a troop, such as:
- When traveling to and from a scout function, Class A uniforms are required for all scouts and leaders.
- No electronics of any kind are allowed on a campout (ie. cell phones, Nintendo, PDA, music/MP3 players etc)
Acceptible items are digital camera, GPS, 2-way radio, other devices with leadership approval.
- No snacks may be brought from home to any camp outs unless permission is given by the event coordinator.
- Full Class A uniforms with proper patches are required at all meetings.
- Payment for an outing is required atleast 2 weeks prior to the event. Cancellations are not refunded.
When I have a question, who can I go to?
Any adult leader or council member will gladly answer any questions or address any concerns you have. At each troop meeting, the adult leaders provide an information table. This table will have several flyers, permission slips and sign-up sheets for outings. You will usually find 1 or 2 adults at this table ready to collect and record payments for outings and to answer any questions you have. If you require a more private environment, there are several rooms available for use within the church. Or you may wish to contact the Committee Chairperson or Scout Master outside of the meeting. Their email addresses are available on the Contact Us page
What can I do to get involved with my child's scouting experience?
Without adult volunteers, there would be no troop. There are several committee and/or sub-committee positions that may interest you or you may want to be an Assistant Scout Master. Any adult leader can talk with you about the opportunities available. The best way you can get involved is to simply attend the committee meetings and share your thoughts. You do not have to take on any specific positions to be a member of committee.
What makes Troop 188 different from other troops in the area?
- Troop 188 has many unique qualities that make us stand out from the rest. Our real strength lies in the number and quality of adults that are active with the troop. As of our 2011 rechartering, troop 188 has 33 registered adult leaders/volunteers. Of those 33 adulters 11 are Assistant Scout Masters!
- Troop 188 is a true "Scout Run Troop." We allow the scouts to chose the outings they go on and they chose the activities for each campout. The scouts run each of the meetings and organize all Court of Honors. They are not idle participants.
- We show our appreciation to the family members not directly involved with scouting through our annual Feast. An outdoor dining experience like none other!!
- Troop 188 provides all major gear that the scouts will need for camping. Scouts only need to bring personal gear.
- Troop 188 has been a successfully managed troop for more than 40 years!
- Troop 188 has produced more than 78 Eagle Scouts.
- The troop is very active, with an average of 10 campouts every year.