Although the information below is mainly geared towards parents of scouts who are crossing over from a Cub Scout Pack, Troop 46 gladly welcomes new Scouts of any age (between 11-17) who have little or no prior Scouting experience. This information is included on the Troop website:
Come and discover the wonderful world of scouting with Troop 46
MEETINGS
Troop meetings are held at the American Legion Hall, 417 E Main St, Waunakee usually every 1st and 3rd Sunday September through June, 6:30-7:30pm. Scouts working on Merit Badges may be asked to stay from 7:30-8:00pm.
Committee & Parent Meetings are usually held the 1st Sunday September through June, 6:00pm-7:30pm. **New Scout Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings in order to learn more about Troop activities.**
AFTER THE CROSS OVER…or NEWLY JOINED SCOUTS
The first year of scouting is a year of discovery. New Scouts are expected to explore scouting by participating in Troop Meetings and Troop Outings. As parents, we understand that your son may be involved in other activities or sports, and that conflicts arise. Troop 46 welcomes boys who participate at all levels: those who wish to camp, those who wish to become an Eagle Scout and those who wish to participate in other activities but not as much camping.
A MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUB SCOUTS and BOY SCOUTS
In Cub Scouts, the Den Leader (an adult) leads and directs the boys in all functions and outings. In Boy Scouts, the adult leaders take on a more advisory role acting as facilitators who guide rather than direct. The boys take responsibility for selecting, organizing, and running their meetings and events.Older scouts will also guide younger scouts. Yet all scouts are always under the guise and supervision of trained adult leaders. Individual scouts are also accountable to take their own initiative in pursuing merit badges and rank advancement.
Scouts are divided into patrols consisting of approximately 6-10 scouts per patrol. Patrols are lead by: a Patrol Leader (“PL”), an Assistant Patrol Leader (“APL”), and an Assistant Scout Master (“ASM,” an adult leader). New Scouts are usually grouped together in a “new scout” patrol which is lead by seasoned scouts called Troop Guides. During the first few months, the Troop Guides (a PL and an APL) will guide new scouts through their first rank achievement (Scout Rank) and other activities to prepare them for summer camp (mid-June).
RANK and ADVANCEMENT (from Advancement Policies #33088, p. 3)
Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program. Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn these ranks should be designed to help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience.A fundamental principle of advancement in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing is the growth a young person achieves as a result of his/her participation in his/her unit program. The BSA Scout Handbook provides guidelines and a checklist for each rank.
Personal growth is the prime consideration in the advancement program. Scouting skills—what a young person knows how to do—are important, but they are not the most important aspect of advancement. Scouting's concern is the total growth of youth. Thisgrowth may be measured by how youth live the Scouting ideals, and how they do their part in their daily lives.
Learning by doing: A Cub Scout, Boy Scout, or Venturer may read about fire building or good citizenship. He/she may hear it discussed, and watch others in action, but he/she has not learned first aid until he/she has done it.
Each youth progresses at his own rate. Advancement is not a competition among individual young people, but is an expression of their interest and participation in the program. Youth must be encouraged to advance steadily and set their own goals with guidance from their parents, guardians, or leaders.
During the first year of Boy Scouts in Troop 46, new scouts are coached through the beginning ranks of scouting (Scout Rank, Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout) with the goal of obtaining their First Class Scout Rank. Merit Badges may be earned during this first year (especially at summer camp), but are not the main focus as First Class Rank is often a minimum requirement for other activities.
MERIT BADGES
Merit Badges are the second main area of the Boy Scout advancement program. Unlike ranks, there is a degree of choice in the merit badge program. Merit badges are earned through active participation and applied attention in predetermined areas. There are more than 100 merit badges in all, of which a sub-set is required for Eagle. a good reference for rank and merit badge requirements, as well as merit badge worksheets. However, your best source of information and resources to meet these requirements will always be the physical merit badge books available at the local scout store. Troop 46 also has a library from which a scout may borrow a merit badge book.
Blue Cards are issued by the Scout Master and/or Merit Badge Counselor. Blue Cards are used to keep track of completed merit badge requirements while the badge is in progress. Completed and signed Blue Cards are issued to the scout once they have satisfied all requirements and earned the merit badge. Scout must keep track of all of their completed Blue Cards (see note on 3-Ring Binder below).
Troop 46 offers several merit badge opportunities each year after monthly troop meetings (7:30-8:00pm). Summer camp is another great place to earn merit badges. Swimming & First Aid merit badges are often prerequisites for other merit badges, or activities at summer camp. In addition, the Glacier’s Edge Council offers several merit badges at “MeritBadgeUniversity” held once per year. If a scout is interested in a particular merit badge that is not offered regularly by the Troop, they may pursue earning that badge outside of scout meetings. This arranged in advance with the Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor. BSA encourages scouts to work at least in pairs or small groups when pursuing merit badges.
Merit Badge Counselors are well-trained volunteers (parents and other adult volunteers) who provide a critical service to the Troop. If you are interested in helping, please see the Troop Merit Badge Coordinator or Committee Chairperson.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Volunteering in the community is strongly encouraged and many opportunities are available through the Troop. Community service hours are required for rank advancement; therefore, it is helpful for the scout to keep a record of the dates, times and activities. Although all community service hours should be logged regardless of the sponsoring organization, only those hours served volunteering as a Boy Scout count towards rank advancement. Class A uniforms are required, unless otherwise noted by the project leader.
Troop 46 participates in two major community service opportunities: Scouting for food two Saturday mornings in April (drop off flyers on first Saturday, pick up food and sort food at Waunakee Food Pantry one week later) and volunteering at WaunaFest at the end of July. There are many other ways to volunteer throughout the year. These events are announced throughout the year at Scout Meetings, Committee/Parent Meetings, and via email.
UNIFORMS
Class A or field uniforms may be purchased from the council area Scout Shop (Glacier's Edge Council, BSA, 5846 Manufacturers DriveMadison, WI53704-6278, Madison Office #: 608-273-1005 800-213-1418). This is the official, tan camp shirt uniform with badges and emblems sewn onto the sleeves and font pocket. Class B uniforms include: purple Troop 46 t-shirts (which may be purchased from the Troop at cost, $10), other scout t-shirts with a BSA fleur de lis symbol, or a plain t-shirt. Short or pants should not be frayed or ripped. Official olive colored Scout pants are also available at the Scout Shop.
Class A uniforms are always worn at all ceremonies, dining hall events at summer camp and while traveling to/from activities and camp outings. During the school year (September – Memorial Day), Class A uniforms are worn to all Troop meetings. Class B uniforms are allowed to be worn at a campsite, worksite or during Troop meetings after Memorial Day to September.
3-RING NOTEBOOK
A 3-ring notebook plus section dividers is a very helpful tool. It is not necessary, but is strongly recommended. Scouts use the notebook to maintain an activity log of special events, campouts, leadership positions, community service hours, etc. Younger scouts may find this tool cumbersome, but will be remiss in future years when they can’t remember how many nights they spent camping as a Tenderfoot, or when they served as “grub master” or in another leadership role. Their notebook can also hold active merit badge worksheets, Blue Cards for completed merit badges, as well as rank advancement cards. Plastic sheets for baseball or trading cards make great holders for completed Blue Cards, merit badge award cards, and rank advancement cards. Activity logs, Blue Cards, merit badge and rank cards are critical for scouts who wish to pursue the rank of Eagle Scout.
Please note that in order to support an individual scout’s growth, this tool is one that the scout should own and complete himself. It is not a tool for the parents to use, but one to help a scout take responsibility for his own actions.
ANNUAL MEDICAL RECORDS
Annual Health and Medical Records must be completed and on file with the Troop.
Current forms and detailed information may be found on the BSA website - Only an original doctor’s signature, and not a rubber stamp image, is acceptable on the form. Please keep a copy for your records, as scouts will not be allowed to participate in summer camp or other overnight events without updated forms. Additional medication forms specific to certain camp sites or outings may be required; these will be available on the Troop website as needed.
ACTIVITIES & OUTINGS
Scouts in Troop 46 plan at least one outing each month. Several overnight outdoor camping opportunities are available, as well as overnight trips to museums, plus various day trips and Community Service opportunities.
SUMMER CAMP
Troop 46 usually attends Ed Bryant Scout Reservation (“EBSR”) in June. This is a great time for new scouts to participate in activities critical to rank advancement, as well as a time to earn their first merit badges. Swimming Merit Badge is strongly encouraged either before or during their first year at summer camp. First Aid Merit Badge is another key merit badge to obtain.
HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP
These outings are reserved for seasoned scouts. BSA requires scouts be 14 yrs old (sometimes 13 yrs old if the scout has completed 8th grade) and a First Class Scout at the time of a High Adventure Camp. These are unique opportunities for younger scouts to work towards. Since many scouts wish to attend High Adventure Camps, Troop 46 has a thoughtful selection process. Please see link .
COSTS & FUNDRAISING
Annual BSA Registration dues are approximately $22 for the 2011 year. For an additional $12, a year-long subscription to the monthly magazine “Boys Life” is also available. Troop outings are constructed to pay for themselves and usually cost approximately $10-$30 per scout. High Adventure camps may cost much more, yet are not required for continued participation.
Troop 46 participates in one annual fundraiser, the Popcorn Sale, each fall. Neighborhood residents eagerly look forward to the Scout Popcorn Sale. Each scout is asked to sell a predetermined amount of popcorn. Depending upon a scout’s total sales, proceeds not only benefit the Troop treasury, but a percentage of the scout’s sales above the base amount will be put into the scout’s individual account for use to offset fees for camping trips, summer camps, other activities, or even annual dues. In Troop 46, the Troop Treasurer (adult volunteer) keeps track of all Scout Accounts, the balance of which may be applied to your scout’s activity fees.
Scholarships for dues and events are available for scouts who face financial hardships. Please contact the Troop Committee Chairperson ( for more information.
HOW CAN I HELP?
The success of Troop 46 largely depends upon the support received from parents and community volunteers. Most important, you do not need to have a scouting background to help!Troop 46 is grateful for the many parents and Scouters who have helped in the past, American Legion Post 360 (our Troop’s sponsor and chartering organization), Friends of Scouting, and especially those who continue to lead Scouts even after their sons have graduated.
ALLAdultsare strongly encouraged to complete the BSA Youth Protection Training. Go to MyScouting.org , create an account and turn in your printed certificate to the Troop Committee Chairperson. This program must be completed if you expect to participate in any scouting events, including driving scouts (other than your son) to or from events. In addition, anyone participating in an outing must also have an Annual Medical Record on file with the Troop. All sections must be completed for outings four (4) nights or longer, only certain sections are needed for outings less than four nights.
You can find out more about parent volunteer roles, Scouter and Committee positions by attending any of the monthly Committee/Parent meetings, usually held on the first Sunday evening each month. Volunteer commitments are available at all levels from one time opportunities that require little planning (driving scouts to/from events, assisting at a single day event, etc.) to helping organize a single event (like Scouting for Food), to regular monthly support serving as a Committee member as well as volunteering with the local council. Please ask any current Committee Member or Scouter (Scout Master or Assistant Scout Masters) for more information.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
- Review Troop 46 website for Calendar of events (
- Attend a Parent Information Meeting prior to or concurrently with a combined Webelos/Scouts outing. Or attend New Scout Parent Meeting held during the first Troop Meeting attended by Webelos after cross-over. For upcoming Cross-over and Parent Information Meeting dates, please refer to Troop 46 Calendar or contact your Pack’s Cub Master.
- Attend the Troop 46 Committee & Parent Meeting on the first Sunday of each month.
- Submit your current email address to the Troop Committee Secretary in order to receive important notices.
- Bring your questions to a Court of Honor (“COH”) Ceremony.
- Visit the Glacier’s Edge Council website Parents Page –
or the National BSA Scout Parent support page –
You may also contact one of the following individuals for more information:
Scoutmaster - Mike Foley at or (608) 850-4673
Committee Chair - Rick Ridgewellat or (608) 850-9117
Troop Webmaster - Dan Merk at or (608) 850-9263
ACRONYMS AND OTHER TROOP 46 “SPEAK”
APL – Assistant Patrol Leader (a scout)
ASM – Assistant Scout Master (adult)
ASPL – Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (a scout)
BOR – Board of Review (part of advancement process)
COH – Court of Honor (A formal scout meeting celebration where scouts are presented rank achievements and earned merit badges. COH’s are held three times a year: August, December and March)
Committee Chairperson – Adult leader who facilitates Committee & Parent Meetings
EBSR – Ed Bryant Scout Reservation, location for annual summer camp
MSR – Brand name of a back pack stove used for cooking
PL – Patrol Leader (a scout)
PLC – Patrol Leader Council, comprised of SPL, ASPL, PLs, APLs, SM & ASMs, QM, Scribe and Troop Guides
PLM – Patrol Leader Meeting, held once a month – see calendar for details
QM – Quarter Master
Scout – Any boy registered in Troop 46
Scouter – Any adult leader, as in “Scouter Fred”
SM – Scout Master (adult leader)
SPL – Senior Patrol Leader (scout leader)
Troop Guide/Assistant Troop Guide – Boy scout leaders of new scout patrol
8/21/2011, Page 1 of 6