TROOP 20 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE TROOP COMMITTEE? [top] It is the parent support group for the troop and its leaders and aids in all facets of troop operations. In Troop 20, every parent is a member. The Committee meets at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the second Monday night of each month. We cannot run our program without the support and participation of all parents or guardians. You may only be available for short or one-time commitments like providing transportation or coordinating Scout Show ticket sales, or you may want to become involved on a regular basis. Whatever your skills, interests and available time -- WE NEED YOU! WHAT FUND RAISERS DOES THE TROOP HAVE? [top] Fund raising events are held as necessary. A special fund raising project, that is also a service to the Cub Scouting programs of the Great Smoky Mountain Council, is the conduct of Pinewood Derbies for individual Cub Packs as well as the district Scout Show. In Troop 20 we have two uniforms, Class A and Class B. The Class A uniform consists of a scout shirt (tucked in) with proper patches and the Troop 20 neckerchief. Official scout shorts, pants, hats, socks, and other items are not required, but are encouraged. We do ask that reasonable pants and shoes be worn, meaning no bright or multi-colored materials. Uniforms can be purchased at the Scout Shop, 6440 Papermill Road. The Boy Scout Handbook describes where patches are to be sewn on the uniform shirt. Scout Shop employees can also answer questions. The Class B is an informal uniform consisting of a Troop 20 t-shirt or other official scout t-shirts (Buck Toms, Jamboree, etc.) and reasonable shorts or pants, and shoes. Most boys wear short sleeve shirts year-round, jeans in the winter, and shorts in the summer. Class A uniform is to be worn to all troop meetings and outings, unless otherwise specified. HOW ARE MERIT BADGES AND OTHER AWARDS EARNED? [top] The majority of merit badges will be earned at Summer Camp and in classes taught during troop meetings. Scouts may also choose to work on badges on their own. Before beginning work on a merit badge, the scout should get approval from the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. Any Eagle-required merit badges must be taught/overseen by an adult in the troop who is not the scout’s parent. WHAT DO THE SCOUTS DO AT THE SCOUT SHOW? [top] The scouts participate in the annual Scout Show by selling tickets, building the troop booth, and working at the show (manning the troop booth or event). We also provide pinewood derby facilities and run a pinewood derby for Cub Scout packs. A portion of the ticket sales goes back into the troop to help pay for patches, badges, newsletters, and equipment. This is extremely important, especially for first year scouts, as it gives them a chance to become well integrated into the troop and get a good start on advancement. Troop 20 emphasizes advancement in rank, and Summer Camp will do more to qualify the scout for advancement than anything else. The Toqua District holds two camporees each year, in the Spring and Fall. Spring Camporees are competitive and Fall Camporees are non-competitive, sometimes involving service activities, but always including lots of fun. They involve the other troops in the district. The troops compete, usually by patrols, against one another in skills learned in scouting. Awards are presented to the winning patrols, and the best troop is recognized with a trophy that rotates from camporee to camporee. Usually the Camporee is close enough for parents to attend the Saturday night campfire. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DUMP CAMP AND A BACKPACKING TRIP? [top] When backpacking, the scouts carry a pack with their own sleeping bag and basic personal items, plus a portion of their patrol or crew food and tents. The boys break up into groups of two to share a tent and then pair up with another group for meals. Some specialized equipment may be needed for a backpacking trip. On a dump camp, such as a camporee, the boys don't have to hike in to camp. Patrol boxes and tents are transported by a troop vehicle to the campsite. Scouts need only basic personal items such as sleeping bags, rain gear, and clothing. Patrol boxes have cooking gear, stoves, cooking utensils, etc. On all outings, scouts should always have their own cup, plate, knife, fork, and spoon. Please make sure all scout personal equipment is clearly marked. DO I NEED TO BUY A TENT? [top] Owning a tent is not mandatory, though a lightweight backpacking tent is a nice gift. The troop has purchased several tents for the boys to share. Any personal tent should be equipped with a rain fly. If you are interested in buying a tent, check with one of the adult leaders of the troop for suggestions. DO SCOUTS NEED A BACKPACK? [top] The troop has some extra packs which can be borrowed, but most boys who enjoy backpacking will prefer to have their own pack. Holidays and birthdays are a great time to buy such items. If you are interested in buying a backpack for your son, check with one of the adult leaders of the troop for suggestions. Most campouts start with a sack lunch or dinner for the first meal. Patrols (or tenting partners) prepare their own menus and buy the food. Cost is shared equally among boys. Responsiblity for buying food is passed around so everyone has a turn. Your son is responsible for his share of the cost if he signs up for an outing unless he informs the food purchaser he cannot go in time to make adjustments. Patrol food buyers will also take a cooler. (The troop does not have coolers.) Boys need to consider the weight of their food when backpacking. Many scouts really enjoy freeze-dried food that can be purchased at sporting good and camping stores, but you do pay a higher price for it. HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT TROOP OUTINGS? [top] The Troop Activities Schedule will be available on the Troop 20 Web site soon after it has been setup by the Patrol Leaders Council. These schedules usually cover six months in advance. Sign-ups for outings are announced at the Monday night meetings. If a scout is not present for a sign-up he should contact his patrol leader to get his name on the list. WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION? [top] Parents or guardians of boys going on an outing are contacted to help provide transportation. If you would like to drive on an outing, please contact the Troop Committe Chair (currently Anita Davis, 693-6137). You are welcome to attend and participate in any outing. Minimum insurance is required by BSA and each vehicle must be listed on the tour permit, which must be approved by the Scout Office. The cost for transportation is a minimum of $2 per scout depending on the distance of the trip. The money is divided among the drivers at the end of the trip to help defray the costs for their gasoline. WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME AN ASSISTANT SCOUT MASTER? [top] If you would like to become involved in the ongoing programs on a regular basis, just volunteer! Training for adult leaders is available through the district and council.
Last Updated: April 26, 1999 |