Meetings and advancements
Q: When and where are the regular troop meetings?
A: The troop has a weekly meeting most Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Weekly meetings are held at the Manitou Springs Middle School. The Middle School is located west of the High School. Visit the directions page for more information.
Q: What is a Court of Honor and when are they held?
A: Once every 3 months, the troop meets in a formal ceremony to recognize scouts for rank advancements and merit badges, as well as to share information and experiences. The Court of Honor is held at the Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs. The church is located near the Manitou Springs Elementary School. Visit the directions page for more information.
Q: What is a Scoutmaster Conference?
A: As part of rank advancement (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, etc.), a scout must complete the requirements detailed in the scout handbook for the rank, followed by a Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster Conference is a one on one meeting between the scout and the scoutmaster. The scout and scoutmaster will discuss the rank requirements and insure that they have all been completed. In addition, they will discuss the scout's scouting experience, goals, etc. After successfully completing the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout should schedule a Board of Review.
Q: What is a Board of Review?
A: After successfully completing the requirements for a rank advancement and a Scoutmaster Conference, the scout will meet with a review board composed of three adult leaders from the troop for a Board of Review. In a Board of Review, the scout presents himself to the board and discusses his views and interpretation of the requirements he has just completed, goals, feedback, etc. Its important to note that the Board of Review is not a test or retest of requirements, but a time for the scout to interpret and reflect on what he has learned as a result of completing the requirements. The scout must present himself to the board in his field (tan) uniform, with his scout handbook.
Q: When do Scoutmaster Conferences and a Boards of Review take place?
A: Scoutmaster Conferences should be scheduled with the Scoutmaster. There will be a sign up sheet at the regular troop meetings. Boards of Review are shown on the troop calendar. Again, there are sign up sheets at the regular meetings. To schedule a Scoutmaster conference or Board of Review, sign up at a troop meeting at least a week in advance. Typically, a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review can be done at the same weekly meeting, so be sure to wear your field (tan) uniform to the meeting. Refer to the organization page for contact information.
Camping
Q: How often does the troop go camping?
A: Our troop is a very active troop when it comes to camping. We try to plan at least one campout or outing for each month, including the winter months.
Q: Should I go to every campout?
A: Campouts are voluntary, though campouts are the primary venue for completing many of the rank advancement requirements such as pitching a tent, cooking, etc. They are also a heck of a lot of fun!
Q: What should I bring on a campout?
A: Each scout is responsible for personal clothing and personal equipment, such as backpack, sleeping bag, utinsels, plate, cup, water bottle, compass, pocket knife. The troop provides tents and food. Refer to the equipment page for packing lists.
Q: How much does it cost to go on a campout?
A: The cost of most campouts is based on the cost of the food and any special expenses (e.g. entry fees) associated with the campout. The cost per scout will be determined after the troop has shopped for the food, or perhaps shortly after the campout has been completed. Typically campouts are about $10 per scout. In most instances, scouts can pay their camping fees from funds in their popcorn account (the troop proceeds from the popcorn the scout sold during the annual Trails End Popcorn fundraiser).
Community Service Hours
Q: How can I fulfill my community service hours for rank advancement?
A: The rank advancement requirements for most ranks include some number of community service hours. Volunteer hours for most charitable (501(c)(3)) organizations can be used as community service hours. Visit the links page for some suggestions. When scouts in your troop or other troops are coordinating their Eagle Project (for advancement to Eagle), your assistance with those projects counts as community service hours.
Other Questions
Q: Where is the Boy Scout shop?
A: The Boy Scout shop is operated by the Pikes Peak Council. Click here to access their web page and then select Council to see details about the shop. In addition to the shop, the Pikes Peak Council provides lots of other useful resources. Check it out.
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