2. ABOUT THE TROOP
Troop 447 was founded in 1973. Since its original charter, over 400 scouts have been members of the troop. During its first 25 years, 25 scouts become Eagle Scouts the highest award a boy can earn in the program. Several adults have been with the troop since inception bringing experienced leadership and continuity through the troop committee. The troop enjoys an excellent reputation in District and Council circles. [top]

3. LEADERSHIP
In Scouting, scouts actually run the troop under the guidance and direction of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. The Senior Patrol Leader is the highest elected boy leader and he has one or more assistants. The troop is broken down into work groups called patrols. Your son will be assigned to a patrol. Since the troop is boy run, we anticipate there will be mistakes and misjudgments. We see these as learning experiences and we allow it to happen within reason. Because of this emphasis, scouts (and parents) are encouraged to go through patrol leaders when questions or problems arise. Of course there will be occasions which dictate adult involvement. In these cases, first contact the patrol adult advisor. If he is not available, contact the Deputy Scoutmaster, or if necessary, the Scoutmaster. [top]

4. THE TROOP COMMITTEE
Supporting the troop leaders is the troop committee. The committee is a group of men and women - some parents, some not - who have agreed to help the troop in a support capacity. In effect they serve as the troop's Board of Directors. Their primary responsibilities are assuring adequate and trained adult leaders, raising funds for the troop, approving major expenditures, overseeing the general program, assisting with advancement and providing whatever assistance is necessary for the effective operation of the troop.

New parents are invited to join the committee. Experience is not necessary. You may just want to "sit in" on a committee meeting to see what we do. The committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month immediately after the troop meeting.

Troop 447 is extremely fortunate in having a staff of a number of adult leaders who have earned Wood Badge, the highest training afforded adult scouters. Some of the adult leaders have participated in scouting for many years. [top]

5. TROOP CALENDAR
Provided with this handout is a calendar of events for the current scouting year. We meet every Tuesday (except as noted) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Philip Neri, in either the school hall or lobby. We have a camping trip almost every month on a weekend. Other events are scheduled or may be added to the calendar as needed. Please refer to the calendar for details. [top]

6. TROOP POLICIES
With this handout you are provided a complete set of troop policies which have been developed over the years. They are self-explanatory. Please read them and review with you son as soon as possible. We would like to emphasize two policies. The 50% attendance rule requires scouts to attend at least one-half of all types of events (meetings, camping trips, etc.). Of course, we anticipate them to attend many more than that. Secondly, we expect and require scouts to wear their complete uniform to all troop meetings, camping trips and other activities unless designated otherwise by the Scoutmaster. [top]

7. PARENT PARTICIPATION
In order for your son to be a part of the troop, we expect and require parents to participate in certain activities. Basically your involvement is as follows: (1) assist and participate in fund raising activities scheduled by the troop committee, (2) help with transportation to and from camping trips when asked, (3) attend Courts of Honor (usually 2 or 3 a year) and special activities and (4) assure your son participates in the advancement and fund raising programs and is active with the troop. While we recognize some parents may be limited in what they can do, the committee feels very strongly that parents must participate and do their part. The committee and leaders cannot do it all--we must have your cooperation and support! [top]

8. FEES/DUES
Effective January 1, 1999, the annual troop registration fee will be $75.00 per year. When a new scout joins the troop, the yearly registration fee is prorated by quarter plus and additional $15.00 to cover the cost of a troop hat, troop neckerchief; and patrol emblem (all provided by the troop). Registration fees cover the following: (1) troop dues (this is in lieu of weekly dues), (2) National and Local Council registration fees, (3) Boy's Life magazine, and (4) troop insurance. [top]

9. UNIFORMS
One of the first things you need to get is the scout uniform. The Boy Scout program is an action program and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of scouting. The uniform is practical attire for scout activities and provides a way for scouts to wear the badges that show their accomplishments. We ask that a scout obtain his uniform within two weeks of joining. [top]

Uniforms may be purchased at Sunny Surplus in Glen Burnie. Second hand uniforms may be obtained from former scouts. Note when purchasing the uniform, do not purchase a hat, neckerchief or patrol emblem. These are part of your registration fee (see above) and will be given to your son when he presents himself in uniform at a troop meeting. Basically you need to obtain a scout shirt, scout pants, scout belt and buckle, a Baltimore Area Council strip, American flag patch and the numbers "447". The store clerk will be glad to help you.

10. CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Almost assuredly, within four weeks of joining we will have a camping trip. New scouts are enthusiastic about going camping right away since this is a highlight of the program. It is not necessary to go out and buy the best or all new equipment. However, for the first trip he should have the following; pack or duffle bag to carry gear, sleeping bag (and blankets, if cold; raincoat or poncho; sweater, jacket and or sweatshirt; extra change of clothes; extra socks (two pair); knife, fork and spoon; cup and plate/bowl; towel and soap; toothbrush and toothpaste; flashlight with extra batteries; hard soled shoes; paper and pencil; and scout handbook.

These are the essentials. You can add to the list and upscale equipment as your son gains experience. A lot of the equipment you may already have or can borrow. Most of the equipment can be bought at Sunny Surplus or similar stores. Tents and cooking gear are provided by the troop. [top]

11. TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ON CAMPING TRIPS
Transportation is normally provided by the adult leaders going, supplemented by parents when needed. Usually each patrol is asked to have transportation available to and from each trip (it should be the same person each way). On occasion, we may use a bus. See transportation policy for more information.

Usually each patrol provides their own food, which they cook as a group. The patrol develops their own menu, which is approved by the adult advisor. One boy is designated by the patrol leader to buy the food and all patrol members going split the cost. Parent guidance is welcome, but try to let the scouts do as much as possible. NOTE: If a scout commits himself to go on a trip and later decides not to go, he must pay for his share of the food. This is only fair to the boy (and parent) who buys the food and the rest of the patrol. See troop policy on boy financial matters. [top]

12. ADVANCEMENT
An important part of the Scouting program is advancement. As scouts gain experience and obtain skills and merit badges, they will be eligible for advancement to higher ranks. Some higher ranks require leadership positions in the troop. Many opportunities exist. For the first several ranks, scouts will concentrate on skills, which can be signed off by a qualified fellow scout or adult leader. For merit badges, scouts must seek out a certified adult counselor for that badge (the troop maintains lists). This adult may or may not be part of the troop. Parents may sign up to be merit badge counselors in areas of interest or expertise. Parents can help by encouraging their son, reviewing requirements and helping them study. Generally, however, parents should not sign off on skill requirements and merit badges. [top]

13. SUMMER CAMP
The highlight of the year is summer camp. This is a week-long camping experience, usually at our Council camp in Harford County. It is a great opportunity for advancement, leadership, fellowship, water activities, competition and much more. Scouts should plan on going to camp early by saving and earning money. The troop offers one or more opportunities a year to earn camp credits through fund raising activities. Whatever you do, don't let your son miss out on this super activity. [top]

14. PARENT AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM
We ask each parent to complete and sign this form. This gives us pertinent medical history on your son and authorizes the leader in charge to seek medical assistance if necessary in an emergency situation where the parent cannot be reached. The Troop carries accident insurance which covers certain injuries which may not be covered by your own insurance carrier. [top]

15. QUESTIONS
After you have read and digested all this information, please feel free to contact the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman or any adult leader if you have any questions, concerns etc. or you may save them and visit a troop and/or committee meeting to have your questions answered. [top]