Parent Information

Parent Committee Program Staff Scouting America Resources

Lord Baden Powell had a way with words.  He said, “Scouting is a game for boys under the leadership of boys under the direction of men.”  It’s true!  Providing boys with the opportunities to learn, have fun and demonstrate leadership is what Scouting is all about.  Along the way, boys learn and grow, develop mental, physical and emotional fitness, learn about good citizenship, and learn how to become independent and capable young men.

There is no “Scouting” without “outing”: we base our program on monthly camping trips.  Much of the initial focus for new Scouts is on learning outdoor skills and the ability to take care of oneself.  It is a growth opportunity for both boys and parents, one that can only be achieved if the boys (and parents) are present to take advantage of those opportunities.  Regular participation in outings is critically important to overall success in Scouting.

Parent Participation in Scouting: In order for the Scouting program to be successful, parents NEED to be involved.  It doesn’t matter whether your job is big or small, help is needed from every adult.  We require that all parents register with the Troop/BSA in order to go on trips so you will be covered by BSA insurance and other requirements.  Parents are also required by our sponsoring organization to take BSA Safeguarding Youth Training and Virtus training.  We realize that every parent is busy.  If everyone participates, then no one individual is overly impacted.

We expect that each Scout has at least one parent or guardian who can contribute to the Troop and its activities in at least one of the following ways:

• providing leadership on camping trips *  leading an Expo event

• serving as a Merit Badge Counselor *  coordinating special events

• serving on Boards of Review *  providing transportation

• serving as a Troop Committee Officer *  serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster

Discuss with the Committee Chair or Scoutmaster ways you can assist the Troop.

Click here if you would like to receive the list of Merit Badge Counselors

Click here for a list of Merit Badges without Counselors

BSA Forms

Summer Camp Registration Form

• 2019 OSR Summer Camp Registration

Medical Forms:

• BSA Health Form A-B-C (2019 Printing, for use in 2020 and beyond)

• Enclosed is a quick FAQ for completing the BSA health forms:

• BSA Health Form Guide (Note: the most recent version is now ‘680-001 2019 Printing’)

Patrol Method and Camping

Troop 615 uses the “Patrol Method.”  The Patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in successfully working with others, learning and teaching new skills as well as experience in citizenship.  The Patrol Method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they work cooperatively to accomplish goals, to learn teamwork, leadership, and basic camping skills.  The Scouts are the ones who make the decisions about where to go on outings and the activities that will occur on those outings.  Scouts are the ones who are responsible for tent pitching, meal planning, preparation and cleanup.  They receive guidance from adults when necessary.  Scouts take on a fair amount of responsibility.  Doing so allows the boys to grow, learn, and practice decision-making. 

Camping is at the very heart of boy Scouting.  Parents are encouraged to attend outings to provide support for the Troop and to enjoy the experience.  Scouts camp and participate with their Patrol and NOT with their parents. Remember:  there are no Moms and Dads in Scouts! If Scouts need assistance, boys are instructed to first go to their Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader.  Adults are expected to intervene when there is an immediate health or safety issue.  If further assistance is needed, the boy should go to one of the Program Staff.  This does not mean that you cannot see or speak to your son.  You can!  However, please do not focus all of your attention on one specific Scout that happens to look a lot like you.  Adults are expected to provide support for the whole Troop, not just one or two Scouts.

Scouts are encouraged to address parents formally (as in, “Dr. Anderson” or “Mrs. Smith”). This helps reinforce that there are no Moms and Dads on outings and encourages Scouts to follow the structure for dealing with challenges (e.g., Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster).

Troop Policies Regarding Camping: Following is a summary of the BSA and Troop policies followed by Troop 615.  There are exceptions, but these policies are in effect on most outings.

Scout Tenting and Meals: Scouts tent with their Patrol.  Patrols plan their own menus, cook their own meals, eat together as a team, and clean up together.  Duties are rotated so that at some point all boys will get a turn at each job.  Tents for the Scouts are provided by the Troop.  The boys need to have their personal gear, mess kits, and water bottle.

Adult Tenting and Meals: Adults tent and eat with the adult group in a separate (but nearby) area from the boys’ Patrols.  The adult group plans their own menu, and cooks and eats together as a Patrol.  Adults provide their own tents, personal gear, and water bottle.  The Troop provides eating utensils. If you are a coffee/tea drinker, we always have coffee and tea.  Please remember to pack your mug.

BSA youth protection policies forbid an adult and a boy to share the same tent.