Welcome to Troop 70!

Below you will find information about joining Troop 70.  This, and much more, including our schedule, list of activities, policies and
procedures, and a password-protected roster, can be found here our troop website..

About Troop 70
Troop 70 is a boy-run troop led by an elected Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The troop is divided into three patrols, each of which has its
own elected Patrol Leader who reports to the SPL. We rotate which patrol receives new Scouts so that each patrol has a mix of older and
younger members. Our patrols are the Warrior, Cherokee and Brave patrols. You’ll be assigned to a patrol at your first troop meeting.

Parent participation is required for all members of Troop 70, whether in a formal registered capacity or on an informal basis. Parents can
assist the troop in a number of ways, whether as an Assistant Scoutmaster, in a role on the troop committee, by helping to coordinate
activities, driving to or attending camping trips, or even just helping out at troop meetings. There is training available for any potential
troop leader or committee member. Please see our troop committee chairman at the next troop meeting or attend the next committee
meeting. Troop Committee meetings are held monthly to administer to the troop's programs and needs.

Troop Meetings
Troop 70 meets on Thursday nights at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held from September through early June. Meetings are held in Cline Hall at
Silverside Church, which is located at 2800 Silverside Road. Scouts should attend troop meetings in uniform and bring their Handbook, a
notebook and a pen(cil). Meetings end at 8:30 PM. It’s always good to arrive early and expect to stay a few minutes late.

Troop Uniform
Scouts are expected to wear the complete official Boy Scout field uniform to all troop meetings and activities, including travelling to and
from weekend camping.  Current badges should be worn in the proper place.  The official uniform consists of the decorated shirt, Scout
pants or shorts, belt, socks, and troop neckerchief with slide. Parents should discourage the wearing of partial uniforms or non-Scouting
articles.  The troop maintains extra donated uniform parts for the boys’ use. If you have gently worn uniform parts please give them to the
troop Quartermaster. Troop 70 also sells a t-shirt which may be worn with Scout pants/shorts as an activity uniform for use at summer
camp and other patrol and troop activities.

Advancement
A Scout is expected to work on advancement requirements as part of the Scouting program, both on his own and at troop meetings and
activities. Scouts are responsible for their own advancement and should be aware of their outstanding requirements. These are tracked in
the Boy Scout Handbook. After learning new skills or fulfilling requirements, a Scout must demonstrate his knowledge to an adult to have
the requirement signed-off, after which he must show signatures to the advancement chairperson so troop records can be updated. A
new Scout’s goal is to earn First Class rank within a year of joining, but this is only possible if the Scout regularly attends troop meetings
and activities. Advancement is awarded soon after being earned, and all Scouts are recognized during a troop Court of Honor, held in
November and June.

$10.00 Joining Fee
We charge this nominal fee to cover part of the expense of bringing new Scouts into the troop. This fee covers the cost of the Boy Scout
Handbook, the custom troop neckerchief, green troop numerals, and green shoulder loops.

Camping & Activities
Troop 70 holds monthly weekend camping trips from September through June. A week of summer camp is held every summer and a high
adventure trek is held every other year. Patrols are responsible for collecting funds and securing their own food for weekend outings.
Weekend trips generally cost about $15.00 for food. Sometimes weekends will require additional fees to cover special activities such as
canoeing, rock-climbing, tours, etc. Sign-ups for camping and activities are generally held three meetings prior. Parents are always
encouraged to camp with the troop.

Troop 70 provides tents and patrol gear for its Scouts, but individuals are responsible for their own personal camping equipment. This
includes clothing appropriate for the season, sleeping bag and pad, mess kit, toiletries, notebook and pen(cil), pocket knife (once Totin’
Chip is earned), personal first aid kit, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight with extra batteries, matches, and compass. Refer to the Scouting
Essentials in the Boy Scout Handbook. Scouts should pack their own gear.

Parent Permission to Participate in Troop Activities / Behavior and Discipline Policy
Please read, sign and return at the first troop meeting attended. Scouts may not participate in troop activities until these signed forms are
on file. This form needs to be resubmitted annually.

Annual Health and Medical Form
At the beginning of each troop year Parts A and C are to be completed by all BSA unit members. Part B is required for any event that
exceeds 72 consecutive hours, a resident camp setting, or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding, such as service
projects, work weekends, or high adventure treks. A copy of your insurance card should also be provided.

Troop Dues
Annual dues in the amount of $100.00 cover registration, Boy’s Life, unit insurance, and most camping costs. Scouts joining Troop 70
before August 31 will owe pro-rated dues for the period of the year they are a member. Scouts
joining Troop 70 after September 1 will
only pay dues for the following year.
Checks should be made payable to BSA Troop #70.

Troop Roster
The troop roster reflects active membership through the end of the calendar year and can be found on the troop website. It is password
protected.  Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of Scouts and leaders are included.  Please inform troop leadership of any changes or
corrections.

Driver Sign-Ups
Complete and return to the driving coordinator so that we may be well-prepared prior to troop camping trips.

You’re sure to have a lot of questions, but we hope you’re excited about becoming a Boy Scout. Take time to look through your Handbook
and at all the information on the troop website. Please contact me with any questions and we look forward to watching you travel the trail
to Eagle!

Matt Bib,
Scoutmaster

    “Never do for a boy what he can do for himself.” – Lord Baden Powell