• Where and when does the Troop meet?
• Why does it seem that the adults are not running the Troop?
• How is the Troop Organized?
• What is a Patrol?
• What is the proper uniform and where do I get it?
• What is the Troop Committee?
• What is a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)?
• Where does the troop get its money?
• What is a Scout Account?
• How much are registration fees?
• What do I need to know about camping?
• How can parents help with Summer Camp?
• What do I bring on a camping trip?
• Can I pick up my son early from a camping trip?
• What do I do if I have a problem?
• What is the Order of the Arrow?
• What is YLT (Youth Leader Training)?
• What is the EDGE leadership system?
• What is High Adventure camping?

Where and when does the Troop meet? (Back to top)

The troop meets in the St. Joseph's cafeteria, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM, every Thursday except on the 1st Thursday of the month. Exceptions to this schedule will be noted on the Base Camp page. The 1st Thursday is used as an administrative night for the following meetings:

7:00-8:30 Troop Committee Meeting
7:00-7:30 Patrol Leader Council (PLC)
7:30-8:00 Assistant Scout Master Meeting

PLEASE plan to arrive and leave on time unless you have made special arrangements with the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster.

For details on the troop meeting attendance policy, read the Attendance and Participation section of the Troop 2 Policy Handbook.

Why does it seem that the adults are not running the Troop? (Back to top)

One of the hardest things for adults to do is watch the boys conduct an activity while knowing it could be done better. Remember, if boys already knew how to do everything perfectly, they wouldn't need scouting. Our boys have elected their leaders at all levels. These leaders are expected to lead. There is no greater peer pressure than when scouts feel their leaders are letting them down.

There may be times when you might see the adults in the troop standing by and observing. At such times, perhaps you think they should be involved. Herein, however, lies our method: the boys run this troop, with our guidance, and they need to have the freedom to conduct its business their way. You will see great successes and will witness great failures. This is scouting. Avoid the temptation to correct the boys and take over an activity. Stand back, let it fail, and it will become a learning experience. The boys will respect your patience and your confidence in their abilities.

The only instance when adult leaders should and do step into a situation is one which involves the health or safety of the boys. Every adult in our troop is responsible for the safety of the boys.

The objective of the Scouting program is to build leaders. This is accomplished in many ways. Most importantly we insist that the program be run by the youth. The youth leaders make mistakes and don't always make the right decisions. However we hope that they learn by their mistakes and become better leaders. If your son has a problem, he may be asked to try to have the youth Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) attempt to resolve it first. Don't get the impression that we do not supervise the youth, we just want the youth to have the first chance at controlling the program. Only through hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.

Boy Scouts is very different from Cub Scouts. In Cub Scouts the activities are planned and mostly executed by adults. However, In Boy Scouts the youth are responsible for planning, leading and executing their activities. The adults provide guidance mostly by interacting with the Senior Patrol Leader who will correct problems through the youth leadership.

How is the Troop Organized? (Back to top)

Basically, the troop is run by its youth leaders with the supervision of the Scoutmaster and their Assistant Scoutmasters.

The boys are divided into patrols that work as a team. Each patrol has a patrol leader who reports to the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader reports to the Scoutmaster.

The adults participate on either the program side (directly supervising the Scouts) or the administrative side (controlling finances and policy).

Click here for a description of youth and adult positions of responsibility.

What is a Patrol? (Back to top)

A patrol is the basic organizational unit of a Scout troop. Composed of up to eight boys, it is a good size for Scouts to plan and carryout projects, to hike and camp together, to take part in troop games and events, and to practice leadership on a manageable scale.

There are three kinds of patrols:

• New Scout patrol - For youth just joining the troop

For 11-year-old boys who are just joining; the new Scouts function together as a patrol during their first year in the troop, working toward their goal of completing the requirements for the First Class rank. A new Scout patrol may hold frequent patrol leader elections so that each boy has the opportunity to serve for one or two months.

An older, experienced Scout will be appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice of the Scoutmaster, to serve as Troop Guide for the new Scout patrol. The guide helps new Scouts through the early challenges of troop membership. An assistant Scoutmaster should work closely with the troop guide and the new Scout patrol to ensure that each Scout has every opportunity to succeed right from the start.

• Regular patrols - Usually for boys who have earned at least the First Class award

Regular patrols are usually composed of Scouts who have completed the First Class requirements or who are in at least the seventh grade. They are made up of boys similar in age, achievement, and interests. Most of the boys have been around Scouting long enough to be comfortable with patrol and troop routines, and they are well versed in camping, hiking, cooking, and Scouting's other basic skills.

• Venture patrols - Made up of older Scouts

A venture patrol is an optional older-boy patrol within a troop. These boys (ages 13 through 17) have the maturity and experience to plan and take part in more challenging high-adventure outings and sports activities. An assistant Scoutmaster assigned to the Venture patrol can help the Venture patrol leader and other patrol members transform their plans into action. A Venture patrol can be instrumental in keeping older boys interested and active in Scouting.

Click here for a description of youth and adult positions of responsibility.

What is the proper uniform and where do I get it? (Back to top)

Wearing a uniform is part of the thrill of being a Scout. By dressing alike, you and all other Scouts show that you are equals in the spirit of brotherhood and that you stand for certain ideals. Wear your uniform proudly. It is steady reminder to you and to others that a Scout is a person who can be trusted to lend a hand when help is needed. Dressed as a Scout, you want to act as a Scout.

There are two classes of uniforms that Troop 2 currently uses:

1. The Class "A" Uniform shall be worn to all General Troop Meetings (from September to May), all Courts of Honor, all Troop Service Projects, and to all ceremonial functions such as an Eagle Courts of Honor or Religious Services. For insurance purposes, Class “A” uniforms must be worn during transportation of scouts both “to” and “from” any Troop outings.
2. The Boy Scout Handbook should be used as your guide for Class “A" and “B” Uniforms.
3. Class "B" Uniforms are worn during the summer months from June through August to the General Troop meetings. 
4. Order Forms for Troop 2 T-Shirts are issued annually. An ASM will be assigned to coordinate the order.
5. Patches and other ceremonials are purchased by the Troop from dues and presented at the Court of Honor.
6. Under national policy, Scouts may not where paramilitary uniforms of the US or other countries. The Scout shall not be construed as supporting or representing these organizations. The Scout uniform is distinctive to separate it from standard military uniforms.

Click here to see where to sew badges and insignias.

Scout uniforms and other supplies can be purchased at:

• Kelly's Sports (610-436-5458)
• 897 S. Matlock St., West Chester, PA 19382
• Cradle of Liberty Council Scout Store (610-989-9626)
• 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087

What is the Troop Committee? (Back to top)

The troop committee is the troop's board of directors and supports the troop program. It is composed of parents of Scouts that volunteer to help run the troop. The Troop Committee's primary responsibilities are supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program, and handling troop administration. For a description of committee job descriptions read Leader Positions. The troop committee performs the following functions:

• Provides adequate meeting facilities.
• Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
• Supports leaders in carrying out the program.
• Carries out the policies and regulations of the Boys Scouts of America.
• Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan.
• Serves on boards of review and courts of honor.
• Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect the overall troop program.
• Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys may require.
• Assists the Scoutmaster with handling boy behavioral problems.
• Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property.
• Provides adequate camping and outdoor program (minimum 10 days and nights per year).
• Sees to it that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained. In case the Scoutmaster is absent or is unable to serve, a qualified substitute is assigned.

What is a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)? (Back to top)

The patrol leaders' council is the primary leadership body of the troop. It is composed of the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leaders, the patrol leaders, and any troop guides.

Important functions of the patrol leaders' council are planning the troop's overall program, leading the preparations for troop meetings and camping trips, and ensuring that all troop events are efficient, interesting, and well run.

The patrol leaders' council allows the senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and troop guides to plan the troop's program for the coming month and to assess the progress of the current month's program. It is also an opportunity for patrol leaders to present the ideas and concerns of patrol members to the troop's leadership. The senior patrol leader conducts the meeting with the guidance and support of the Scoutmaster. Members of the patrol leaders' council recognize that their decisions are subject to final approval by the Scoutmaster and the troop committee.

The Troops' activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The Troops' yearly plan is then submitted to the Troop Committee for approval. The Troop Committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the PLC to consider. The Troop Committee interacts with the PLC through the Scoutmaster.

Where does the troop get its money? (Back to top)

The majority of the funds come from the annual Easter Flower Sale. The remainder comes from the registration fees.

For more details on the Troop's finances, read the Money Matters section of the Troop 2 Policy Handbook.

What is a Scout Account? (Back to top)

The Scout Account is a personal savings account where the proceeds from fundraiser's goes. This does not include the proceeds from the annual Easter Flower Sale. Money can only be withdrawn for use on approved Scouting oriented items. The "Scout Account Withdrawal Request" must be completed. When a Scout reaches Eagle the funds are returned to the Scout.

How much are registration fees? (Back to top)

• The registration fees are $100 per year.  Scout parents will be invoiced in October with payment due in November.
• The registration fees will be used primarily to pay Council charter fees and insurance cost.
• These registration fees also pay for advancement awards, camping fees, equipment, training, annual picnic, web site, postage, and many other expenses incurred throughout the year.
• Once a scout reaches the Eagle rank, they no longer need to pay registration fees.

What do I need to know about camping? (Back to top)

• For a complete and up to date description of camping policy, please refer to the Camping Policy section of the Troop 2 Policy Handbook.
• Troop 2 attempts to go on a camping trip every month.
• Trips normally leave on a Friday afternoon and return on a Sunday morning.
• Transportation to and from camp is provided by adult volunteers.
• Scouts MUST travel to and from camp in their Class A uniform.
• A Class II health form must be on file with the troop in order for a scout to participate.
• The troop provides the camping gear (tents, stoves, cooking equipment).
• Scouts should bring their own mess kits.
• The scouts work in patrols. Each patrol prepares their own meals.
• The senior scout is in charge of the youth members on a trip.
• Patrol leaders assign their patrol members to complete chores (cooking, cleaning, fetching water, fetching firewood...).
• Adults prepare their own food and cleanup for themselves.

How can parents help with Summer Camp? (Back to top)

• You are responsible for getting your boy and his gear to and from camp. Please arrange for transportation ahead of time.
• We must maintain a group of about 6 adult leaders in camp all week. Please consider volunteering for all or part of the week.
• If you want to be at camp for any or all of the week, please schedule your visit ahead of time with the Troop 2 camping coordinator. There is a limit to the number of adults we can have in camp at one time, especially for meals.
• Do not drive to the campsite.
• If you come to camp as an adult leader, try to fall in with the troop's daily camp schedule. Please don't plan on doing special activities or out-of-camp activities with the boys during the week. They need to adjust to camp life and will be busy with the camp program. There is usually an open afternoon on the last day of camp.
• If you cannot spend the week, please come toward the end of the week and stay through the end. Don't come at the start of the week and then leave. And, don't come for a day or two in the middle of the week. Having adults moving in and out makes it harder for boys to keep their minds in camp. It also makes it much harder for homesick boys.
• Don't pull your boy out early. Summer camp only works if we are a troop. A scout leaving early undermines troop spirit. The remaining boys, especially the leaders, really feel it. Also, at some camps, early departure creates extra paperwork and takes extra time for the Scoutmaster.

What do I bring on a camping trip? (Back to top)

This varies depending on the time of the year. At the very least, you should have:

• A sleeping bag
• Raincoat or poncho
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• A sleeping pad is optional, but does make for a better sleep.
• Cold weather camping tips.
• Cold weather camping tips at Weather.com.

The troop provides tents and cooking equipment. Each patrol is assigned a patrol box, which contains stove, pots, pans, clean up material, and cooking utensils.

BATTERY OPERATED DEVICES THAT PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT ARE NOT ALLOWED!

Can I pick up my son early from a camping trip? (Back to top)

We understand that this is sometimes necessary; however, we strongly discourage this from happening. All the boys are expected to help take down camp and clean the area up. Picking up trash has to be the last thing done. If it is absolutely necessary for your son to leave early, make sure that the Troop leadership is aware of this and understands completely ahead of time.

What do I do if I have a problem? (Back to top)

When dealing with so many families, we are bound to overlook someone's needs. After all, we are only human (and volunteers at that). Many times, people complain among themselves about a problem they have observed, and the Troop doesn't hear about it until it is too late to correct. This FAQ cannot possibly cover all the pertinent facts. Most advancement related questions can be answered in the "Official Scout Handbook". All questions and constructive comments can be directed to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman.

What is the Order of the Arrow? (Back to top)

The Order of the Arrow is the BSA's national honor society.

Purpose:

• 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.

Eligibility:

To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow troop or Varsity team members, following approval by the Scoutmaster.

Our local Order of the Arrow Lodge is Octoraro Lodge 22.

Ordeal packet. - Found at the Octoraro Lodge 22, Resource section of the website, provides instructions for new candidates.

 For more details go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_arrow .

What is YLT (Youth Leader Training?) (Back to top)

Each May the Chester County Council hosts a Youth Leader Training Conference. Our troop pays to have eligible Scouts attend the conference. The instruction concentrates on the EDGE leadership system.

The objectives of the camp are:

• To give participants the confidence and knowledge to run the troop program.
• To give participants a working knowledge of the skills of leadership and help them relate these skills to their troop responsibilities.
• To give participants the opportunity to share ideas and experience with Scouts from other troops.
• To create an atmosphere where Scouts will experience Scouting at its best.
• To enhance the relationship between the participant and his Scoutmaster.
• To have fun.

To be eligible the Scout must meet the following:

• Scouts must be completing at least the 8th grade to attend. The course is designed for mature Scouts, age 14-17, who will be your next senior patrol leader or other top troop leaders.
• Scouts must have successfully completed all troop level leadership training and have strong traditional Scout skills.
• Participants must commit to, and attend, all three days of both weekends to complete the course. (Mandatory)
• Must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

A boy distinguishes himself as a future leader by what he does in the troop. Troop 2 offers Troop Leadership Training and Positions of Responsibility (POR) to all boys. Training and POR's allow boys to develop their abilities and gain experience. Also, these features of the troop program give the boys a chance to show their interest in becoming leaders by showing Scout Spirit.

Specifically, a boy is a candidate for YLT when he has met the minimum requirements set by Council and he has done the following within Troop 2:

• Been active and shown leadership qualities in the past.
• Received Troop Leadership Training.  (Troop Leadership Training is offered by the troop once per year, normally during a camping trip.)
• Has held two or more Positions of Responsibility.
• While holding a Position of Responsibility, a scout must show evidence that he is doing his job at least once per month. In addition, the scout receives periodic job reviews during his 6-month term.
• Has shown Scout Spirit in his jobs.
• Shown a concern for other scouts.
• Shown a willingness to take direction from the adult leadership.
• Shown team spirit. Helps his patrol in patrol-oriented activities. Participates in patrol meetings. On campouts, does his job on the patrol duty roster cheerfully and eats with his patrol.

What is the EDGE leadership system? (Back to top)

EDGE stands for Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable.

EDGE is utilized at YLT to give the Scouts tips on how to be good leaders.

Be-Know-Do Leadership Memory Tips

1. Vision - Goals - Planning: Creating a Picture of Future Success
2. SMART Goals - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely
3. Planning and Problem-Solving Tool: What, How, When, Who
4. Assessment Tools: SSC - Start, Stop, Continue
5. Conflict Resolution Tool: EAR - Express, Address, Resolve
6. Ethical Decisions: Right vs. Wrong, Right vs. Right, Trivial
7. Communication: MaSeR - Message, Sender, Receiver
8. Valuing People: ROPE - Reach out, Organize, Practice, Experience

What is High Adventure camping? (Back to top)

High adventure camps involve challenging activities for Scouts who are at least 14 years old.  These trips can involve strenuous activities and a large expense. Although the troop will help a group of boys reach the critical mass of people to form a crew, these trips are organized and funded by the participants and must supply their own registered adult leaders. Some of the  camps require intensive training by both youth and adults before attending. Some camps require a reservation and down payment one year in advance.

There are 2 types of high adventure camps:

1. Camps run by BSA national. There are 3 of these camps (see below).
• Philmont - The mountains of New Mexico offer the adventure that you have always dreamed about. Backpacking, rock climbing, western lore, living history, and the views from peaks over 10,000 feet tall will make memories that last a lifetime. Crew size is 7-12 Scouts.
• Northern Tier - One of the most beautiful, and remote parts of North America offers a unique opportunity for Scouts. Canoeing, hiking, fishing, and winter camping in and around the beautiful lakes of northern Minnesota and southern Canada await you at the Northern Tier. Crew size is 5-8 Scouts.
• Florida Seabase - Head to the Florida Keys and dive into an amazing Florida Sea Base adventure and wade into more excitement than you ever though possible. Snorkeling, SCUBA, boating, and beach camping are among the many possibilities.
2. Camps run by BSA councils. There are about 40 of these camps across the country.  Descriptions can be found at BSA national list of high adventure camps or USSP list of high adventure camps.

Click here to see details about the Chester County Council high adventure program.