New Parents
Welcome to Troop 267!
This will introduce you to the basic workings of our Troop and its program. We are proud of the fact that we have a strong Scout led program. The boy/girl leaders have completed a Scoutmaster led Junior Leader Training Course, and with a little behind the scenes guidance, do a fantastic job running their program.
The Troop is divided into smaller groups of similarly aged and skilled scouts called Patrols. They elect a Patrol Leader, who in turn appoints an assistant and a Patrol Scribe. The new Scout Patrols have an older Scout assigned to their Patrol to help guide them through their first year of Scouting. The Patrols cook their own meals that they have planned when we go camping. They generally have 10 - 15 minute Patrol meetings during the Troop meeting night that they can use for planning. It is always amazing how much they enjoy Patrol cooking and just the Patrol method in general.
Our program for the weekly meetings consist of different themes (such as hiking, first-aid, etc.), that run for 4 weeks. The 4 weeks are usually followed by an outdoor event, typically a campout. Sometimes the theme may be a particular parents' area of knowledge, and they instruct for about 20 minutes a meeting during the 4 week period. This is where the resource forms come in handy.
The Scoutmaster, with assistants, help the scouts run their program, and are supported by the Troop Committee. They help with our advancement and outdoor programs, handle the Troop finances and basically help to allow me the freedom to concentrate on doing my job well. They generally meet every month.
We run several fundraisers throughout the year. One of them is the Popcorn sale in the Fall. This event allows the Scouts to earn money for themselves that will be held in an account in their name. These funds can be used to pay for camp expenses, uniforms, annual dues, or camp equipment. Other events like our recent Pancake breakfast allows the troop to have the best gear, pay for awards, keep annual dues low ($100) and go on great campouts.
Lastly, it should be noted that we are very fortunate to be sponsored by the American Legion Post #59 of Fredonia. The Legion strongly supports Scouting and offers popular Legion sponsored Scouting events and special awards.
The first item your scout will need to get started is a Scouts BSA Handbook, which he should bring to every meeting, and most campouts. You will also need to fill out parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record located in the Forms for Parents page on this website or at the national BSA website. FAQ's about the Annual Health and Medical Record can be found here.
He will also need a uniform shirt, which can be found locally at the Paper Factory or online at scoutshop.org. We have solid '267' numbers for sale, which are easier to sew than the individual numbers. We do get some lightly used shirts that have been donated to us from Scouts who have grown out of them. Just ask and we can check to see if we have one that fits your son or daughter. We also have class B uniforms for sale for $8, just contact the Scoutmaster.
Once again, welcome, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
