FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does the troop meet?
Troop 64 meets each Monday night from 7-8:30 p.m. Scouts and leaders begin arriving between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Generally, meetings are not held during public school holiday periods nor on the Monday night following a campout, when a Patrol Leaders Council meeting is held. This is a required meeting for elected Scout leaders and optional for other Scouts.
Where does the troop meet?
The troop meets at the Scout Hut, located at 2238 S. Germantown Road, directly across the street from Germantown United Methodist Church – east side.
Troop 64 meets each Monday night from 7-8:30 p.m. Scouts and leaders begin arriving between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Generally, meetings are not held during public school holiday periods nor on the Monday night following a campout, when a Patrol Leaders Council meeting is held. This is a required meeting for elected Scout leaders and optional for other Scouts.
Where does the troop meet?
The troop meets at the Scout Hut, located at 2238 S. Germantown Road, directly across the street from Germantown United Methodist Church – east side.
What is the troop’s charter organization?
Troop 64 is sponsored by Germantown United Methodist Church.
Who should we contact with questions?
Feel free to contact the troop’s key adult leaders with any questions you may have. Assistant Scoutmasters all work to help the troop, but some have specific areas of responsibility:
ASM – Scouting Tom Richgels 901-351-1120 [email protected]
ASM – Advancement Steve Keck 901-497-4484 [email protected]
How many Scouts are in the troop?
Troop 64 generally ranges between 35 and 50 active Scouts, making it an above-average size troop.
How are the Scouts grouped?
Scouts are members of a patrol (usually 6-12 Scouts) by age group. Scouts remain in the same patrol their entire time in the troop.
How often does the troop go on campouts?
The troop goes camping once each calendar month, from August through May.
What kinds of activities does the troop do?
Troop 64 has gone rock climbing, caving, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, canyon exploring, fishing and more, in weather ranging from the low teens to more than 100 degrees. Each campout generally has a theme with the activities built around it.
Does Troop 64 participate in a summer camp?
Traditionally, Troop 64 goes to Kia Kima Scout Reservation near Hardy, Ark., each summer. Summer camp is a key formative experience and we encourage 100 percent participation by all new Scouts. For a number of reasons, the summer camp experience for Boy Scouts is distinctly different that Cub Scout Resident Camp.
How much does it cost to be in the troop?
Troop 64 operates on a budget basis, with fees set for each new scouting year in August. To make budgeting for campouts easier on the family the troop sets a consistent campout fee for all campouts – currently $35. If a campout has exceptional additional costs the Troop will add on additional campout fees to cover those costs. The cost of each campout is indicated on the permission form. Extended camps and special activities may have different fee structures.
Also, each Scout pays annual recharter fees and Troop dues based on the budget set by the Committee prior to each scout year. Registered adult leaders pay only the recharter fee.
Due to generous support by past adult leaders, the troop has a financial endowment to cover capital expenses, such as equipment purchases. Scouts are not required to take part in any fundraising activities; however, if a Scout to participates in fundraising sales (such as popcorn), the money earned goes into the scout’s money account and may be used to help pay for either long-term summer camp or High Adventure camping. Thus a scout can “earn” his way to summer camp or High Adventure camping!
What equipment will my son need?
The Troop 64 Guidebook contains a more comprehensive listing of equipment and clothing that would be useful for your Scout, but several items that you may consider purchasing before his arrival in the troop are listed below.
Scout Handbook: Purchase this from the Scout Shop on Hollywood in Midtown or order online at www.Scoutstuff.org.
Sleeping Bag: Along with the big box stores, check locally with Bass Pro, Outdoors, Inc., or Sports Authority. Online, consider Campmor, Cabela’s, Altrec, Campsaver, or REI. Recommend a zero degree bag.
Mess Kit: Keep this simple. Fork, knife, spoon and plate/bowl. It is best if the utensils can attach to each other so they won’t get lost during cleaning. Plastic mess kits work better because they don’t transmit heat like the old fashioned metal ones. These are required for every campout.
Clothing: Appropriate for the season. We’ll have more details as we move into each season.
Flashlight: Recommend a “hands-free” light that clips on a hat or is worn on the head.
Water Bottle: The importance of hydration is preached year-round. A 32-ounce water bottle is required; Nalgene or other tough plastic- type is recommended.
What kind of uniform will my Scout need?
Your Scout will need a full “Class A” uniform, which consists of the olive Scout shirt, green Scout pants, Scout socks, Troop 64 logo neckerchief (provided by the troop when the Scout earns his first rank), neckerchief slide, shoulder loops and merit badge sash.
Uniform hats are optional; however, the troop prefers that hats be Scout-oriented in nature. Hats must not contain images or verbiage that would be considered inappropriate for any age in the troop.
Your Scout will also need at least one Troop 64 logo red “Class B” T-shirt. The purchase of 4-5 T-shirts for those Scouts attending summer camp or other extended activities is also recommended. These shirts are available from the troop.
I’ve heard the term “boy-led troop.” What does that mean?
In simple terms, it means empowering the Scouts with the authority and responsibility to run troop activities. At first, the Scouts need more help and guidance. As they mature in their experience, they assume more responsibility and are given authority to meet it. This idea and the patrol concept are central to the way Troop 64 operates.
If the Scouts are grouped as patrols by age, how do they gain the knowledge and skills to grow into strong Scouts?
Older Scouts and adult leaders work with the younger Scouts to help them acquire the knowledge and skills needed to develop into good Scouts. The troop also elects a troop guide who is devoted to training and guiding the newest Scouts. Scouts also learn much from experience, as they try new things!
Do we need a tent for our Scout?
Scouts are provided with tents to use on each troop camping activity.
Should I pack food for my son?
Unless specifically noted in the campout planning information, no individual food is required. Each patrol plans, purchases, prepares and cleans up after its meals. If your Scout has special medical or dietary issues, his patrol will work to accommodate his special needs. Please notify troop leadership of these needs so we can ensure that he eats properly during troop activities.
Does my son need to do anything to carry a knife?
Troop 64’s policy on knives is in accordance with the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting. Before any Scout may carry a knife during a Scouting activity, he must earn his “Totin’ Chip” (knife-carrying card). He will earn this at troop meetings or on a campout.
In Cub Scouts, our son earned his Whittlin’ Chip. Does he have to earn his Totin’ Chip?
All Scouts are required to earn the Totin’ Chip, regardless of whether he earned his Whittlin’ Chip in Cub Scouts. This requires the Scout to learn and demonstrate the proper use and care of knives, axes, hatchets, camp saws, as well as how to set up a proper area in camp for use of these tools.
Is there any restriction on the type and size of knife that my Scout can carry or use?
Troop 64 adheres to the guidance given in the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting regarding knives. Scouts must safely use the proper tool for the job. Their training as a Scout will include proper knife handling skills. With regard to pocketknives, the troop asks that knives be no more than a 3-inch blade. It is highly recommended that they be the locking type.
What should my son do to prepare for joining Troop 64?
Get excited! Troop 64’s Boy Scouts and adult leaders love Scouting and want your Scout to have the very best experience possible. If he wants to get a head start, recommend he begin mastering the “Scout” rank requirements found in the front section of his Scout Handbook. He can also complete the Child Protection section of his Scout Handbook.
What will happen at the Crossing Over Ceremony?
A Troop 64 adult leader(s) and several Scouts will attend your pack’s crossing over ceremony to welcome your son into the troop. At the ceremony, the Scouts will remove your son’s Cub Scout shoulder loops and Webelos neckerchief, and replace them with Boy Scout loops and a Troop 64 neckerchief.
After the ceremony (and pictures), the troop will collect the neckerchiefs from the new Scouts. The Scout will permanently receive his Troop 64 neckerchief when he earns the “Scout” rank. This is done as another means of recognizing your son’s achievement and brotherhood in the troop.
Are there opportunities available to the Scouts for leadership in the troop?
Troop 64 holds elections every six months for BSA-required leadership positions. The Scouts elect their own leaders, which include positions such as patrol leader, scribe, historian, quartermaster, troop guide, and the highest boy-leader role, senior patrol leader.
Can I sign off on my son’s advancement in Boy Scouting?
Another major difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is that there are specific Scouts and adult leaders who must approve and sign off on advancement. This is done so that your Scout learns to speak with adults and learn from older Scouts.
My son is in sports (or other activity). Will he be able to do that and Scouting?
Some Scouts are very active in extra curricular activities throughout the year, some of which may conflict with Boy Scouting activities. They may find it challenging to do it all. Other Scouts may have a single season of extra-curricular activity (e.g., band or baseball). In these cases, the Scout elects to minimize his Scouting participation during the season, then recommits during the off-season. Scouts are asked to remember that leadership roles and advancement have specific BSA participation requirements that cannot be waived or minimized for any reason.
Just like a boy who wants to play football must attend practice in the correct gear and with a limited number of absences, a boy who wants to be in Scouting must attend meetings and campouts in the correct uniform and with the correct gear. Parents are asked to realize that like any other extracurricular activity, Scouting requires commitment and participation in order to be a successful program.
How can I be involved in the troop?
If you would like to serve the Scouts in the troop, you may do so in several ways. You may serve on the Troop Committee. You may register as an adult leader. The Scoutmaster may designate some adult leaders as assistant Scoutmasters. Some parents help with behind-the scenes support, such as popcorn sales, equipment servicing, etc. If you would like to give of yourself for the Scouts, there is a place for you in Troop 64!
Troop 64 is sponsored by Germantown United Methodist Church.
Who should we contact with questions?
Feel free to contact the troop’s key adult leaders with any questions you may have. Assistant Scoutmasters all work to help the troop, but some have specific areas of responsibility:
ASM – Scouting Tom Richgels 901-351-1120 [email protected]
ASM – Advancement Steve Keck 901-497-4484 [email protected]
How many Scouts are in the troop?
Troop 64 generally ranges between 35 and 50 active Scouts, making it an above-average size troop.
How are the Scouts grouped?
Scouts are members of a patrol (usually 6-12 Scouts) by age group. Scouts remain in the same patrol their entire time in the troop.
How often does the troop go on campouts?
The troop goes camping once each calendar month, from August through May.
What kinds of activities does the troop do?
Troop 64 has gone rock climbing, caving, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, canyon exploring, fishing and more, in weather ranging from the low teens to more than 100 degrees. Each campout generally has a theme with the activities built around it.
Does Troop 64 participate in a summer camp?
Traditionally, Troop 64 goes to Kia Kima Scout Reservation near Hardy, Ark., each summer. Summer camp is a key formative experience and we encourage 100 percent participation by all new Scouts. For a number of reasons, the summer camp experience for Boy Scouts is distinctly different that Cub Scout Resident Camp.
How much does it cost to be in the troop?
Troop 64 operates on a budget basis, with fees set for each new scouting year in August. To make budgeting for campouts easier on the family the troop sets a consistent campout fee for all campouts – currently $35. If a campout has exceptional additional costs the Troop will add on additional campout fees to cover those costs. The cost of each campout is indicated on the permission form. Extended camps and special activities may have different fee structures.
Also, each Scout pays annual recharter fees and Troop dues based on the budget set by the Committee prior to each scout year. Registered adult leaders pay only the recharter fee.
Due to generous support by past adult leaders, the troop has a financial endowment to cover capital expenses, such as equipment purchases. Scouts are not required to take part in any fundraising activities; however, if a Scout to participates in fundraising sales (such as popcorn), the money earned goes into the scout’s money account and may be used to help pay for either long-term summer camp or High Adventure camping. Thus a scout can “earn” his way to summer camp or High Adventure camping!
What equipment will my son need?
The Troop 64 Guidebook contains a more comprehensive listing of equipment and clothing that would be useful for your Scout, but several items that you may consider purchasing before his arrival in the troop are listed below.
Scout Handbook: Purchase this from the Scout Shop on Hollywood in Midtown or order online at www.Scoutstuff.org.
Sleeping Bag: Along with the big box stores, check locally with Bass Pro, Outdoors, Inc., or Sports Authority. Online, consider Campmor, Cabela’s, Altrec, Campsaver, or REI. Recommend a zero degree bag.
Mess Kit: Keep this simple. Fork, knife, spoon and plate/bowl. It is best if the utensils can attach to each other so they won’t get lost during cleaning. Plastic mess kits work better because they don’t transmit heat like the old fashioned metal ones. These are required for every campout.
Clothing: Appropriate for the season. We’ll have more details as we move into each season.
Flashlight: Recommend a “hands-free” light that clips on a hat or is worn on the head.
Water Bottle: The importance of hydration is preached year-round. A 32-ounce water bottle is required; Nalgene or other tough plastic- type is recommended.
What kind of uniform will my Scout need?
Your Scout will need a full “Class A” uniform, which consists of the olive Scout shirt, green Scout pants, Scout socks, Troop 64 logo neckerchief (provided by the troop when the Scout earns his first rank), neckerchief slide, shoulder loops and merit badge sash.
Uniform hats are optional; however, the troop prefers that hats be Scout-oriented in nature. Hats must not contain images or verbiage that would be considered inappropriate for any age in the troop.
Your Scout will also need at least one Troop 64 logo red “Class B” T-shirt. The purchase of 4-5 T-shirts for those Scouts attending summer camp or other extended activities is also recommended. These shirts are available from the troop.
I’ve heard the term “boy-led troop.” What does that mean?
In simple terms, it means empowering the Scouts with the authority and responsibility to run troop activities. At first, the Scouts need more help and guidance. As they mature in their experience, they assume more responsibility and are given authority to meet it. This idea and the patrol concept are central to the way Troop 64 operates.
If the Scouts are grouped as patrols by age, how do they gain the knowledge and skills to grow into strong Scouts?
Older Scouts and adult leaders work with the younger Scouts to help them acquire the knowledge and skills needed to develop into good Scouts. The troop also elects a troop guide who is devoted to training and guiding the newest Scouts. Scouts also learn much from experience, as they try new things!
Do we need a tent for our Scout?
Scouts are provided with tents to use on each troop camping activity.
Should I pack food for my son?
Unless specifically noted in the campout planning information, no individual food is required. Each patrol plans, purchases, prepares and cleans up after its meals. If your Scout has special medical or dietary issues, his patrol will work to accommodate his special needs. Please notify troop leadership of these needs so we can ensure that he eats properly during troop activities.
Does my son need to do anything to carry a knife?
Troop 64’s policy on knives is in accordance with the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting. Before any Scout may carry a knife during a Scouting activity, he must earn his “Totin’ Chip” (knife-carrying card). He will earn this at troop meetings or on a campout.
In Cub Scouts, our son earned his Whittlin’ Chip. Does he have to earn his Totin’ Chip?
All Scouts are required to earn the Totin’ Chip, regardless of whether he earned his Whittlin’ Chip in Cub Scouts. This requires the Scout to learn and demonstrate the proper use and care of knives, axes, hatchets, camp saws, as well as how to set up a proper area in camp for use of these tools.
Is there any restriction on the type and size of knife that my Scout can carry or use?
Troop 64 adheres to the guidance given in the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting regarding knives. Scouts must safely use the proper tool for the job. Their training as a Scout will include proper knife handling skills. With regard to pocketknives, the troop asks that knives be no more than a 3-inch blade. It is highly recommended that they be the locking type.
What should my son do to prepare for joining Troop 64?
Get excited! Troop 64’s Boy Scouts and adult leaders love Scouting and want your Scout to have the very best experience possible. If he wants to get a head start, recommend he begin mastering the “Scout” rank requirements found in the front section of his Scout Handbook. He can also complete the Child Protection section of his Scout Handbook.
What will happen at the Crossing Over Ceremony?
A Troop 64 adult leader(s) and several Scouts will attend your pack’s crossing over ceremony to welcome your son into the troop. At the ceremony, the Scouts will remove your son’s Cub Scout shoulder loops and Webelos neckerchief, and replace them with Boy Scout loops and a Troop 64 neckerchief.
After the ceremony (and pictures), the troop will collect the neckerchiefs from the new Scouts. The Scout will permanently receive his Troop 64 neckerchief when he earns the “Scout” rank. This is done as another means of recognizing your son’s achievement and brotherhood in the troop.
Are there opportunities available to the Scouts for leadership in the troop?
Troop 64 holds elections every six months for BSA-required leadership positions. The Scouts elect their own leaders, which include positions such as patrol leader, scribe, historian, quartermaster, troop guide, and the highest boy-leader role, senior patrol leader.
Can I sign off on my son’s advancement in Boy Scouting?
Another major difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is that there are specific Scouts and adult leaders who must approve and sign off on advancement. This is done so that your Scout learns to speak with adults and learn from older Scouts.
My son is in sports (or other activity). Will he be able to do that and Scouting?
Some Scouts are very active in extra curricular activities throughout the year, some of which may conflict with Boy Scouting activities. They may find it challenging to do it all. Other Scouts may have a single season of extra-curricular activity (e.g., band or baseball). In these cases, the Scout elects to minimize his Scouting participation during the season, then recommits during the off-season. Scouts are asked to remember that leadership roles and advancement have specific BSA participation requirements that cannot be waived or minimized for any reason.
Just like a boy who wants to play football must attend practice in the correct gear and with a limited number of absences, a boy who wants to be in Scouting must attend meetings and campouts in the correct uniform and with the correct gear. Parents are asked to realize that like any other extracurricular activity, Scouting requires commitment and participation in order to be a successful program.
How can I be involved in the troop?
If you would like to serve the Scouts in the troop, you may do so in several ways. You may serve on the Troop Committee. You may register as an adult leader. The Scoutmaster may designate some adult leaders as assistant Scoutmasters. Some parents help with behind-the scenes support, such as popcorn sales, equipment servicing, etc. If you would like to give of yourself for the Scouts, there is a place for you in Troop 64!