Please give me some background on Troop 345

We have developed a document providing some history and general information on the Troop. You may download a copy from our web page (http://www.troop345denver.org), link directly to the document if you are reading this on our web page, or contact one of our adult leaders for a copy.

First, of course, is your son's interest and desire to become a Boy Scout. Hopefully, he has visited several Troops in the area, is interested in Scouting, and has decided that Troop 345 offers the program that he is most interested in.

The logistics are fairly easy. First, get a New Scout Application Form from the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or you can download them from our forms page. At the same time, ask our re-charter coordinator for a re-charter package or you can download them from our forms page. New Scouts join us in the same manner as we re-charter new Scouts. The re-charter package contains information on dues, charter fees, medical forms, and other information that helps us administer the Troop and communicate efficiently with you.

How do the meetings work?

Scouting is a boy-lead activity. That is probably the biggest difference you will see between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. We have a senior Scout leadership composed of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) plus four Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL). These Scouts are responsible for planning and running our meetings. Typically, one of the ASPLs is responsible for managing the meeting plan for a month, with the support of the SPL, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters, and other supporting adults (by the way, we would really like to get new Scout parents involved in this process - ask us what you can do to help out). The Scout leadership is also supported by the Patrol Leaders, and the Patrol Leader's Council meets monthly to develop the program plan.

During a typical meeting, the following activities will occur:

How do the campouts and other outdoor activities work?

We typically work out one outdoor activity per month. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. For each of these events, there will be a Scout coordinator and an Adult coordinator (sometimes parent and son, but not always). We very much would like our new Scout families to get involved in a "backup" role for these events as well (please volunteer!).

Food - for most campouts, we eat by "Patrol Method." This means the patrols procure and cook food together (Scouts and attending adults). The food expense needs to be reimbursed back to whoever is purchasing the food, or possibly by the "Scout Account" (more on this later). Typically, cost is ~$2 per meal, but this can vary.

Gear - the Troop has propane, propane stoves, patrol boxes with cooking gear, lanterns, etc. The Troop does not have tents, sleeping bags, and other personal gear. Scouts need to plan tenting arrangements prior to campouts.

What type of equipment should we get?

This is a set of questions we get every year. All of the Uniform and Book items are available at the Denver Scout Shop. Here goes:

Uniform:

Books:

Camping Equipment (not needed immediately, but eventually)

What are funding sources for campouts and other activities?

Generally, the Scout is responsible for the costs associated with any Troop activity. Troop dues do not pay for these activities, but instead are used to maintain Troop equipment (stoves, lanterns, climbing gear, etc.). The Troop does offer various fundraisers for Scouts that can accumulate funds to be used for Troop activities and personal equipment.

Each Scout has an individual Scout Account established by the Troop Treasurer where funds may be credited and deducted. The Troop has an ongoing fundraiser with King Soopers script, where 5% of every dollar spent goes to the individual Scout Account. Each fall, the Troop sells Gold C coupon books, and the Scout receives approximately $2 for every book sold (the Troop receives approximately $3). There are also other opportunities such as popcorn sales or other events.

What is Order of the Arrow? Philmont? SeaBase?

Some of you may hear some of these names used, but not know what they are.

Order of the Arrow is best described as a camping honor society. To be elected, Scouts and Scouters must have at least 15 days/nights of camping experience with the Troop. Elections are held in the Spring, with Scouts being elected by fellow-Scouts. Generally, you will be a second-year Scout before being eligible.

Philmont - Philmont is the oldest Boy Scout high adventure base in the country, and is almost mystical and legendary in its appeal. Our Troop typically sends one crew to Philmont each summer (8-10 Scouts, 2-4 adults, total of 12) for a 10-day, 60-80 mile backpacking experience. Scouts need to be at least 14 years old the year they attend.

Florida SeaBase - the Troop has sent groups to Florida SeaBase since 2000. SeaBase is also a Boy Scout high adventure base, and in this instance the attendees will spend nearly two weeks sailing in the Florida Keys.

Northern Tier High Adventure Base - The Troop is sending its first group to Northern Tier in June 2002. Northern Tier is a Boy Scout High Adventure Base which is focused on canoeing in the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota and Canada.