For Scouts
New Scouts
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by scouts and potential scouts about the Boy Scouts and Troop 10.
How old do I need to be to join a scout troop?
Any boy between the ages of 11 and 18 (or who has completed 5th grade) can join a scout troop at any time during the year. Many people join scouts during the Webelos cross-over during their last year of Cub Scouts (including some boys under 11), although many others join at different ages and with no previous scouting experience.
What do I have to do to join the troop?
You and your parents will need to fill out the scouting and troop registration forms that are available in the Forms section of this Web site. Once that paperwork is complete, you are an official member of Troop 10 and of Scouting.
The troop meets every Wednesday night during the school year (with the exception of vacations – see the troop Calendar). We also go on camping trips on weekends and have other fun activities that run throughout the year. As a troop member, you are free to come to as many or as few of these meetings and events as you like, although we encourage troop members to come to every meeting and to participate in as many troop activities as they can.
What happens after I join the troop?
First, you will join a patrol. Since we are a new troop, the number of patrols and number of members of each patrol may be small at first, but we expect that most patrols will consist, on average, of 6-8 boys. The patrol is the central organizing unit of the troop and each patrol has a patrol leader who is responsible for things like organizing food for camping trips and helping patrol members with advancement.
The patrol leaders report to the troop’s Senior Patrol Leader who has a number of older scouts to help him (and you) “fill in the gaps” as you get comfortable with your new life in scouting. Adult leaders, including the troop’s Scoutmaster, are also available to help as well as being responsible for the safety of every scout in the troop.
Do I need a uniform?
Every scout should have a uniform consisting of:
· BSA Boy Scout Class A Uniform Shirt (short sleeves recommended) If you had a tan shirt in cub scouts, you can use that.
· BSA Boston Minuteman Council shoulder patch
· BSA World Crest patch
· BSA Boy Scout Neckerchief slide
· BSA Boy Scout Handbook (The spiral bound edition is recommended. The regular binding has a tendency to break.)
· BSA Boy Scout Uniform Shorts or Pants (optional)
. Sturdy pair of hiking boots with good ankle support
DO NOT BUY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS (the troop will provide them to you):
· BSA red or green shoulder loops
· Troop Neckerchief
· Troop Numerals (for uniform)
Uniforms and other scout supplies can be purchased at a BSA Scout Shop, the closest is located in Woburn at 400 West Cummings Park on Washington Street. Boots and other camping equipment can be found at any sporting goods store.
Do I need to own my own camping gear?
If you plan to go on trips, you should have your own sleeping back, backpack and any other personal gear you might need. The troop provides things like tents, stoves and cooking gear which patrol is assigned before a trip and each scout is responsible for maintaining.
If you need help selecting the right gear, or need financial assistance to participate in any part of scouting, talk to the scoutmaster to find out about our campership and other assistance programs.
What do I need to know about advancement?
The Boy Scout Handbook provides all the details you need to know about advancement from Scout all the way through Eagle. Advancement is an important part of scouting and new scouts joining Troop 10 can expect to receive lots of attention and support as you advance through the ranks. Keep in mind that advancement shouldn’t be thought of as hard work or as separate from your overall scouting experience. When you first start and work your way up to First Class, many of the things you would normally do in scouting (camping trips, hikes, community service projects) all involve learning activities that contribute to advancement. Information on additional opportunities for advancement (such as summer camp and Merit Badge University) will appear regularly on this site.
Merit Badges
Troop 10 has written a detailed document describing the Merit Badge Progress, which can be found here: Policy for Merit Badge Progress
For Parents
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by parents about Boy Scouts.
What is the role of parents?
A fundamental principle of Scouting is that troops be Boy Led. However, this does not mean that parents cannot have fun too. There are many different roles to fill and ways to contribute. If you get involved you will quickly learn that adults in scouting share in the fellowship, participate in activities, have access to some of the best leadership training available anywhere and develop many wonderful new friends. We need your help, supporting an activity, teaching a skill and helping with advancement. Your involvement can be as expansive or as limited as your schedule allows but we encourage you to get involved. Please take the time to speak with one of our leaders.
What do you mean by “Boy-led?”
In Boy Scouts, leaders and parents provide support. The Scouts plan the meetings and events. We help with guidance, resources and support. It is very tempting to jump in when your son or another boy is struggling. Our leaders are trained in coaching and in providing enough support so the struggle turns into a learning experience. Our objective is to teach them teamwork and leadership. The Senior Patrol Leader, his assistants and the individual Patrol Leaders lead the troop. The troop operates by the "patrol method" using the patrol of 3-8 boys as the core operational element. If your son has questions, they are first directed to the Patrol Leader and then the Senior Patrol Leader. If you are patient and just sit back and watch you will see an amazing transformation.
How do I know my boy will be safe?
The Boy Scouts of America have developed a series of programs and guidelines to help make Scouting as safe an experience as is possible. Each year the adults in the troop and the scouts will be trained in the principles of Youth Protection, to prevent abuse. It outlines guidelines for “Two-deep Leadership”, respect of privacy, and no one-on-one contact, among others. All parents are welcome to participate in the training and if you are involved in Troop activities you will be requested to participate. You will actually find it very helpful for other youth activities with which you are involved. BSA Guide to Safe Scouting, a 60-page guide to safe conduct of a wide variety of Scouting activities is now available online at www.scouting.org
What’s in the Scout Handbook?
The Scout Handbook is a wonderful source of information for your scout and you. All the rank requirements are described as well as most of the information to achieve those ranks. It also includes information to prepare a scout to participate in hikes and camping trips. Encourage your son to read it. When he has questions about scouting, refer him to the book to see if it provides an answer. It is an exceptional resource and one he should get used to using. It is also a helpful resource for you. By reviewing pertinent sections you can guide your son when questions arise.
How does someone advance in Scouting?
Advancement is essential for giving a scout a sense of accomplishment and feeling like an integrated part of the troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, parents do not sign off on requirements. Scouts take responsibility for working on requirements, seeking out someone at the scout meeting to provide guidance and approve their work when it is completed. Simply participating in meetings, hikes, camping trips and summer camp will ensure that a scout has the opportunity to achieve the first 4 of the 7 ranks of scouting, (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class) as the program plans incorporate specific rank requirements. Parents should become familiar with the requirements and provide support and encouragement for the scout. If you need guidance in how you can help your son, please do not hesitate to contact one of the troop leaders.
Does my boy need a uniform?
Scouts will need a Class A and Class B uniform. Class A is a complete uniform including scout shirt with appropriate badges and insignia (see the Handbook), neckerchief and slide, web belt, pants/shorts and socks. Class B is a troop t-shirt instead of the scout shirt. Scout supplies can be purchased at the Scout Store; the most convenient for most families is the store at 400 Washington St. Woburn, MA, at Cummings Park or on-line at scoutstuff.org or by phone at 1-800-323-0732. Your son will need some equipment for hiking and camping, particularly a good, rugged pair of hiking boots, rain gear and a sleeping bag. We will discuss what equipment is necessary during meetings prior to each outing. You need not purchase official Boy Scout equipment.
What volunteer opportunities are available for parents?
There are many things to be done and many ways to participate. We expect every family to help out in the troop. It is because of the many volunteers the troop has that we offer some many opportunities for the Scouts. Included in this document is a brief survey of your skills and interests. A few of the ways you can help are listed below:
· Driving for activities and events
· Helping out with food or setup at a Court of Honor
· Sitting on Boards of Review
· Coordinating a camping trip or other event
· Helping with Troop equipment
· Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor
· Running a Merit Badge Class
· Helping a Life or Star Scout plan his way to Eagle
· Camping with us at Summer Camp
· Designing, managing or contributing to our website
Please contact our Committee Chair if you would like to volunteer. Please pitch in!
Do I need insurance if I’m going to drive scouts to an event?
All drivers must be registered with the troop and Boy Scout policy recommends liability limits of at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. As scouts register, we will ask for your pertinent information so we will have it on file.
How do people communicate with the troop?
As a boy-led troop relying on the patrol method, direct communication about events, activities, etc. will be passed on directly to your son. Through e-mail, newsletters, meeting announcements, Courts of Honor and this Web site, we will do our best to keep everyone informed. E-mail is the most effective and fastest form of communication for most people. Please keep us up to date on your e-mail address.
My son takes medications. How do you deal with those on camping trips?
Medications on camping trips are dispensed at the appropriate time by the Scoutmaster or his designee. Scouts and parents should provide meds in an original prescription labeled bottle with the scouts name and directions for administration to the Scoutmaster prior to departing for the trip. Please provide only the amount of medication required for the duration of the trip. At summer camp, medications are controlled and dispensed by the camp nurse. At no time may scouts retain and dispense their own medication, except for inhalers and EpiPens.
My child says he’s joining Scouts so he can play with fire and knives. Is there anything I should be worrying about?
Knives and matches are very useful and often essential tools for scouts participating on camping trips. Carrying a knife or matches is privilege and scouts must have earned their Toting Chip Card (Knives, Axes and Saws) and Fireman's Chit Card (Matches and Fires) in order to take advantage of this privilege. For a minor violation of usage guidelines, a corner is clipped from a scout’s card. If all four corners are clipped, the card and privilege is revoked and the scout must meet with the Scoutmaster and earn their card once again. Knives and matches may be removed by an adult leader at any time. Major infractions will result in immediate revocation of the privilege and may also lead to disciplinary action under the Scout Law Policy.
For all scouting and camping purposes, one folding pocket knife is adequate as are standard book-type or wooden matches (in a water-proof container). Boy Scouts of America bans all sheath knives greater than 4” in blade length. Troop 10 believes there is no need for a sheath knife of any length. Likewise, butane lighters are not necessary and discouraged. Troop leaders or the Quartermaster generally supplies trigger-style butane lighters for safe lighting of stoves on camping trips. Cigarette lighters are not appropriate.
Is there financial aid available for scouts who may not be able to afford trips or summer camp?
Our Troop Committee feels strongly that financial constraints should not prevent a boy from owning a uniform, from having the opportunity to participate in all scouting events or accessing the necessary equipment. Several events during the year, particularly summer camp, require a financial commitment. Troop 10 is prepared to find ways to assist any scout with a financial need.
Do you accept donations?
If you wish to make a donation to help us purchase equipment, please make the check payable to Troop 10, Lexington and give it to one of the leaders or send it to Robert Raposo, our Treasurer at 19 Park Drive, Burlington, MA 01803. Your donation is tax deductible. A receipt suitable for filing with the IRS will be returned to you. We appreciate your support.
How does the troop raise funds?
We have an annual spaghetti dinner with scout entertainment. Afterwards we host a silent auction.
What do I need to know about advancement?
Advancement is an important part of scouting and new scouts joining Troop 10 can expect to receive lots of attention and support as they advance through the ranks. he Boy Scout Handbook provides details about advancement from Scout all the way through Eagle. IN general, advancement is integrated into the overall scouting experience. Many of the things a scout normally does in scouting (camping trips, hikes, community service projects) all involve learning activities that contribute to advancement. Information on additional opportunities for advancement (such as summer camp and Merit Badge University) appear regularly on this site.
What is the role of parents?
A fundamental principle of Scouting is that troops be Boy Led. However, this does not mean that parents cannot have fun too. There are many different roles to fill and ways to contribute. If you get involved you will quickly learn that adults in scouting share in the fellowship, participate in activities, have access to some of the best leadership training available anywhere and develop many wonderful new friends. We need your help, supporting an activity, teaching a skill and helping with advancement. Your involvement can be as expansive or as limited as your schedule allows but we encourage you to get involved. Please take the time to speak with one of our leaders.
What do you mean by “Boy-led?”
In Boy Scouts, leaders and parents provide support. The Scouts plan the meetings and events. We help with guidance, resources and support. It is very tempting to jump in when your son or another boy is struggling. Our leaders are trained in coaching and in providing enough support so the struggle turns into a learning experience. Our objective is to teach them teamwork and leadership. The Senior Patrol Leader, his assistants and the individual Patrol Leaders lead the troop. The troop operates by the "patrol method" using the patrol of 3-8 boys as the core operational element. If your son has questions, they are first directed to the Patrol Leader and then the Senior Patrol Leader. If you are patient and just sit back and watch you will see an amazing transformation.
How do I know my boy will be safe?
The Boy Scouts of America have developed a series of programs and guidelines to help make Scouting as safe an experience as is possible. Each year the adults in the troop and the scouts will be trained in the principles of Youth Protection, to prevent abuse. It outlines guidelines for “Two-deep Leadership”, respect of privacy, and no one-on-one contact, among others. All parents are welcome to participate in the training and if you are involved in Troop activities you will be requested to participate. You will actually find it very helpful for other youth activities with which you are involved. BSA Guide to Safe Scouting, a 60-page guide to safe conduct of a wide variety of Scouting activities is now available online at www.scouting.org
What’s in the Scout Handbook?
The Scout Handbook is a wonderful source of information for your scout and you. All the rank requirements are described as well as most of the information to achieve those ranks. It also includes information to prepare a scout to participate in hikes and camping trips. Encourage your son to read it. When he has questions about scouting, refer him to the book to see if it provides an answer. It is an exceptional resource and one he should get used to using. It is also a helpful resource for you. By reviewing pertinent sections you can guide your son when questions arise.
How does someone advance in Scouting?
Advancement is essential for giving a scout a sense of accomplishment and feeling like an integrated part of the troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, parents do not sign off on requirements. Scouts take responsibility for working on requirements, seeking out someone at the scout meeting to provide guidance and approve their work when it is completed. Simply participating in meetings, hikes, camping trips and summer camp will ensure that a scout has the opportunity to achieve the first 4 of the 7 ranks of scouting, (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class) as the program plans incorporate specific rank requirements. Parents should become familiar with the requirements and provide support and encouragement for the scout. If you need guidance in how you can help your son, please do not hesitate to contact one of the troop leaders.
Does my boy need a uniform?
Scouts will need a Class A and Class B uniform. Class A is a complete uniform including scout shirt with appropriate badges and insignia (see the Handbook), neckerchief and slide, web belt, pants/shorts and socks. Class B is a troop t-shirt instead of the scout shirt. Scout supplies can be purchased at the Scout Store; the most convenient for most families is the store at 400 Washington St. Woburn, MA, at Cummings Park or on-line at scoutstuff.org or by phone at 1-800-323-0732. Your son will need some equipment for hiking and camping, particularly a good, rugged pair of hiking boots, rain gear and a sleeping bag. We will discuss what equipment is necessary during meetings prior to each outing. You need not purchase official Boy Scout equipment.
What volunteer opportunities are available for parents?
There are many things to be done and many ways to participate. We expect every family to help out in the troop. It is because of the many volunteers the troop has that we offer some many opportunities for the Scouts. Included in this document is a brief survey of your skills and interests. A few of the ways you can help are listed below:
· Driving for activities and events
· Helping out with food or setup at a Court of Honor
· Sitting on Boards of Review
· Coordinating a camping trip or other event
· Helping with Troop equipment
· Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor
· Running a Merit Badge Class
· Helping a Life or Star Scout plan his way to Eagle
· Camping with us at Summer Camp
· Designing, managing or contributing to our website
Please contact our Committee Chair if you would like to volunteer. Please pitch in!
Do I need insurance if I’m going to drive scouts to an event?
All drivers must be registered with the troop and Boy Scout policy recommends liability limits of at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. As scouts register, we will ask for your pertinent information so we will have it on file.
How do people communicate with the troop?
As a boy-led troop relying on the patrol method, direct communication about events, activities, etc. will be passed on directly to your son. Through e-mail, newsletters, meeting announcements, Courts of Honor and this Web site, we will do our best to keep everyone informed. E-mail is the most effective and fastest form of communication for most people. Please keep us up to date on your e-mail address.
My son takes medications. How do you deal with those on camping trips?
Medications on camping trips are dispensed at the appropriate time by the Scoutmaster or his designee. Scouts and parents should provide meds in an original prescription labeled bottle with the scouts name and directions for administration to the Scoutmaster prior to departing for the trip. Please provide only the amount of medication required for the duration of the trip. At summer camp, medications are controlled and dispensed by the camp nurse. At no time may scouts retain and dispense their own medication, except for inhalers and EpiPens.
My child says he’s joining Scouts so he can play with fire and knives. Is there anything I should be worrying about?
Knives and matches are very useful and often essential tools for scouts participating on camping trips. Carrying a knife or matches is privilege and scouts must have earned their Toting Chip Card (Knives, Axes and Saws) and Fireman's Chit Card (Matches and Fires) in order to take advantage of this privilege. For a minor violation of usage guidelines, a corner is clipped from a scout’s card. If all four corners are clipped, the card and privilege is revoked and the scout must meet with the Scoutmaster and earn their card once again. Knives and matches may be removed by an adult leader at any time. Major infractions will result in immediate revocation of the privilege and may also lead to disciplinary action under the Scout Law Policy.
For all scouting and camping purposes, one folding pocket knife is adequate as are standard book-type or wooden matches (in a water-proof container). Boy Scouts of America bans all sheath knives greater than 4” in blade length. Troop 10 believes there is no need for a sheath knife of any length. Likewise, butane lighters are not necessary and discouraged. Troop leaders or the Quartermaster generally supplies trigger-style butane lighters for safe lighting of stoves on camping trips. Cigarette lighters are not appropriate.
Is there financial aid available for scouts who may not be able to afford trips or summer camp?
Our Troop Committee feels strongly that financial constraints should not prevent a boy from owning a uniform, from having the opportunity to participate in all scouting events or accessing the necessary equipment. Several events during the year, particularly summer camp, require a financial commitment. Troop 10 is prepared to find ways to assist any scout with a financial need.
Do you accept donations?
If you wish to make a donation to help us purchase equipment, please make the check payable to Troop 10, Lexington and give it to one of the leaders or send it to Robert Raposo, our Treasurer at 19 Park Drive, Burlington, MA 01803. Your donation is tax deductible. A receipt suitable for filing with the IRS will be returned to you. We appreciate your support.
How does the troop raise funds?
We have an annual spaghetti dinner with scout entertainment. Afterwards we host a silent auction.
What do I need to know about advancement?
Advancement is an important part of scouting and new scouts joining Troop 10 can expect to receive lots of attention and support as they advance through the ranks. he Boy Scout Handbook provides details about advancement from Scout all the way through Eagle. IN general, advancement is integrated into the overall scouting experience. Many of the things a scout normally does in scouting (camping trips, hikes, community service projects) all involve learning activities that contribute to advancement. Information on additional opportunities for advancement (such as summer camp and Merit Badge University) appear regularly on this site.
For Webelos
How can my son learn about Troop 10?
Please join us at any of our regular Wednesday night meeting at 7:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 21 Follen Road in Lexington.
If you have any questions before then, feel free to contact Scoutmaster Dana Wurtz using the form on our Contact Page.
What is the transition from Webelos to Boy Scouts?
The Arrow of Light ceremony and Webelos Cross-over is the culmination of the Cub Scout experience but just the beginning of monthly camping trips, summer camp and many other great activities. The three Boy Scout troops in town work together to help all second year Webelos make a quick transition into scouts. Activities each year include:
What does a boy need to enter scouting?
Uniform: The troop will supply you with a troop neckerchief, a troop numeral patch, green shoulder loops and a troop t-shirt.
At the Scout Store you will need to buy:
Outdoor Gear:
Start simple with the essentials and build from there: A good pair of boots, a 3-season sleeping bag, foam sleeping pad and plastic plate, cup, “Spork”, knife, and a water bottle. Synthetic, wicking clothes are better than cotton, which gets wet – and cold. The sleeping bag should be a little longer than your scout needs now. He is going to grow soon and fast.
Other items to consider are a good flashlight (forehead type are best as they leave the hands free and warm); a Swiss Army knife (this is needed while camping, cooking, etc and one of the first things we teach is knife safety).
We go camping year around. While most Scouts start with a 3 season bag, our Deep Freeze tends to be cold enough to need a better sleeping bag: when the time comes these can be rented at EMS or you might want to consider a zero degree sleeping bag warm enough for winter.
What should adults know about scouting?
Scouting is Scout led. Adults are there to let the scouts lead, teach them how and make sure that any failures, which are an integral part of learning, happen in a safe environment. The scouts plan the troop’s activities within some guidelines provided by adults. Adults then organize the trips that the scouts have planned, provide transportation and work with the scouts on the outings making sure that all activities are conducted within scouting guidelines and in a safe manner.
Alternatively, or in addition, you can join a great group of adults on the Troop Committee to help with all the behind the scenes activities.
Comprehensive adult training is available by Scouting, both classroom and online www.myscouting.org. All adults working with Scouts must complete Youth Protection Training and Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, both available online.
We can guarantee that you will have a great time watching the scouts grow into capable young men through providing a great Scouting experience for the boys!
Is financial aid available?
Some families are not able to fund all the activities their boys would like to attend. To this end the troop reserves sufficient funds to provide financial aid so that all scouts can enjoy all the activities, regardless of means. This process is completely confidential.
How can my son learn about Troop 10?
Please join us at any of our regular Wednesday night meeting at 7:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 21 Follen Road in Lexington.
If you have any questions before then, feel free to contact Scoutmaster Dana Wurtz using the form on our Contact Page.
What is the transition from Webelos to Boy Scouts?
The Arrow of Light ceremony and Webelos Cross-over is the culmination of the Cub Scout experience but just the beginning of monthly camping trips, summer camp and many other great activities. The three Boy Scout troops in town work together to help all second year Webelos make a quick transition into scouts. Activities each year include:
- Troop Meetings - In January or February, second-year Weblos are invited to an Open House meeting at each of the troops. Webelos participate in the meeting and parents are invited to chat with other parents from the troop about Boy Scouts and about what makes each troop special.
- Cross-over - Several Boy Scouts will attend your cross-over ceremony to welcome you into scouting.
- First Meeting - In March, you will attend your first scout meeting as a Boy Scout.
What does a boy need to enter scouting?
Uniform: The troop will supply you with a troop neckerchief, a troop numeral patch, green shoulder loops and a troop t-shirt.
At the Scout Store you will need to buy:
- A Scout tan uniform shirt
- BSA Minuteman Council shoulder patch
- BSA World Crest patch
- Neckerchief slide (or anything that works as a slide – this does not have to be “official” BSA)
Outdoor Gear:
Start simple with the essentials and build from there: A good pair of boots, a 3-season sleeping bag, foam sleeping pad and plastic plate, cup, “Spork”, knife, and a water bottle. Synthetic, wicking clothes are better than cotton, which gets wet – and cold. The sleeping bag should be a little longer than your scout needs now. He is going to grow soon and fast.
Other items to consider are a good flashlight (forehead type are best as they leave the hands free and warm); a Swiss Army knife (this is needed while camping, cooking, etc and one of the first things we teach is knife safety).
We go camping year around. While most Scouts start with a 3 season bag, our Deep Freeze tends to be cold enough to need a better sleeping bag: when the time comes these can be rented at EMS or you might want to consider a zero degree sleeping bag warm enough for winter.
What should adults know about scouting?
Scouting is Scout led. Adults are there to let the scouts lead, teach them how and make sure that any failures, which are an integral part of learning, happen in a safe environment. The scouts plan the troop’s activities within some guidelines provided by adults. Adults then organize the trips that the scouts have planned, provide transportation and work with the scouts on the outings making sure that all activities are conducted within scouting guidelines and in a safe manner.
Alternatively, or in addition, you can join a great group of adults on the Troop Committee to help with all the behind the scenes activities.
Comprehensive adult training is available by Scouting, both classroom and online www.myscouting.org. All adults working with Scouts must complete Youth Protection Training and Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, both available online.
We can guarantee that you will have a great time watching the scouts grow into capable young men through providing a great Scouting experience for the boys!
Is financial aid available?
Some families are not able to fund all the activities their boys would like to attend. To this end the troop reserves sufficient funds to provide financial aid so that all scouts can enjoy all the activities, regardless of means. This process is completely confidential.
Scout Trips (For Parents)
"My son is the Grubmaster...What should I do?"
First of all, don't panic. Grubmaster is a rotating position. Each scout in a patrol takes turns purchasing the food for the entire patrol for a campout. It is his responsibility to store it properly in a cooler and bring it to the departure site. (If your family doesn't have a cooler, let one of the adult leaders know - one can be borrowed.)
Unless he is working on the First Class Requirements, your Grubmaster should have a menu that his patrol put together. He should also know how many people he is buying food for. If he doesn't have a menu or doesn't know how many people he is buying for, he should call his patrol leader. Most of the time, the Troop "brownbags" lunches, so the Grubmaster will not have to provide lunch. There are exceptions, so if he doesn't know, he should ask his patrol leader.
We ask that parents take their Scout on a trip to the supermarket to fulfill their Grubmaster responsibilities. The Scout should have a list to keep track of what needs to be purchased. Parents, we ask that your assistance be minor, perhaps asking if your son has enough for everyone, or if there is anything else they might need for a meal. If items are forgotten, such as milk for the cold cereal breakfast, it's okay! The Scouts learn to compromise with the items that they do have. They are very creative. We have yet to have scouts starve on a camping trip, and usually, the next time, the items are not forgotten. (This is what is known as "a teachable moment.")
When Scouts are planning menus, they should try to make healthy choices. When Grubmasters are purchasing the food, they too should make healthy choices.
Being the Grubmaster is also the perfect time to learn "A Scout is Thrifty. Have your Grubmaster compare name brand and store brand prices. Have him compare serving sizes on different brands. Just like in real life, the Grubmaster has a budget.
For each Scout in the patrol:
The cost of meals is paid for by the troop. Please make sure your scout saves the receipt for all food purchased. You can then submit the receipt for reimbursement using the Expense Reimbursement Form.
First of all, don't panic. Grubmaster is a rotating position. Each scout in a patrol takes turns purchasing the food for the entire patrol for a campout. It is his responsibility to store it properly in a cooler and bring it to the departure site. (If your family doesn't have a cooler, let one of the adult leaders know - one can be borrowed.)
Unless he is working on the First Class Requirements, your Grubmaster should have a menu that his patrol put together. He should also know how many people he is buying food for. If he doesn't have a menu or doesn't know how many people he is buying for, he should call his patrol leader. Most of the time, the Troop "brownbags" lunches, so the Grubmaster will not have to provide lunch. There are exceptions, so if he doesn't know, he should ask his patrol leader.
We ask that parents take their Scout on a trip to the supermarket to fulfill their Grubmaster responsibilities. The Scout should have a list to keep track of what needs to be purchased. Parents, we ask that your assistance be minor, perhaps asking if your son has enough for everyone, or if there is anything else they might need for a meal. If items are forgotten, such as milk for the cold cereal breakfast, it's okay! The Scouts learn to compromise with the items that they do have. They are very creative. We have yet to have scouts starve on a camping trip, and usually, the next time, the items are not forgotten. (This is what is known as "a teachable moment.")
When Scouts are planning menus, they should try to make healthy choices. When Grubmasters are purchasing the food, they too should make healthy choices.
Being the Grubmaster is also the perfect time to learn "A Scout is Thrifty. Have your Grubmaster compare name brand and store brand prices. Have him compare serving sizes on different brands. Just like in real life, the Grubmaster has a budget.
For each Scout in the patrol:
- each breakfast is limited to $4,
- each lunch limited to $5, and
- each dinner limited to $6.
The cost of meals is paid for by the troop. Please make sure your scout saves the receipt for all food purchased. You can then submit the receipt for reimbursement using the Expense Reimbursement Form.