I INTRODUCTION 

      II THE NATIONAL SCOUTING ORGANIZATION

      III TROOP 81 ORGANIZATION

            A. CHARTERING ORGANIZATION

            B. TROOP COMMITTEE

            C. SCOUTMASTER

            D. ASSISTANT & JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS

            E. PATROLS

            F. SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 

      IV THE BOY SCOUT PROGRAM

            A. AIMS

            B. METHODS TO ACHIEVE THE PROGRAM

                  1. GENERAL

                  2. IDEALS

                  3. PATROL METHOD

                  4. OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

                  5. ADVANCEMENT

                  6. ADULT ASSOCIATION

                  7. PERSONAL GROWTH

                  8. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

                  9. UNIFORM

                  10. MEEINGS    

      V MISCELLANEOUS

            A. DRUG/CHILD ABUSE

            B. FUND RAISING

            C. FINANCIAL COSTS

            D. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

            E. DISCIPLINE

            F. PROHIBITED ITEMS

            G. TRANSPORTATION

            H. RELEASE FORMS

            I. MEDICALS 
 

      VI DEFINITIONS         

PARENTS GUIDE TO TROOP 81 

I INTRODUCTION

 

Parents at times feel “left out” of the information stream when their son joins a Boy Scout Troop.  While there are many reasons for this, one of them is that your scout is expected to act more independent which is a change from Cub Scouts. Many activities we do and much of the nomenclature used will at first be unfamiliar or unclear to you.  Scouts, and yes even Scout Leaders, sometimes take for granted that everybody understands how, and more importantly, why we operate as we do.  In order to close this gap in understanding, this Parents Guide to TROOP 81 will clarify or explain much of the confusion.   

This brief overview is not meant to replace the splendid books and pamphlets printed by the Boys Scouts of America. On the contrary, we encourage you to pick up your son’s Scout Handbook, Merit Badge pamphlets and other publications and browse through them.  You will be astonished to find how much information your son is absorbing in his journey through scouting.

II THE NATIONAL SCOUTING ORGANIZATION

 

The Boy Scouts of America has their national headquarters in Irving, Texas. 

The United States is divided into five National Regions.  We are part of the Northeast Region. 

Throughout the United States the regions are divided into over 400 local councils.  Our council is the Greater Pittsburgh Council.  

The Greater Pittsburgh Council contains fourteen districts.  We are in the Seneca District. 

A District consists of troops.  Thus, we are formally known as: 

Boys Scouts of America

Northeast Region 5

Greater Pittsburgh Council

Seneca District

Troop 81 
 

II    TROOP 81 ORGANIZATION

A. CHARTERED ORGANIZATION

Each Troop is sponsored by a Chartering Organization.  Perry Highway Lutheran Church is our Chartering Organization.  The scouting organization stresses no particular religion. We encourage the boys to develop within their own faith.  The chartered organization has a liaison with the Scout Troop known as the Chartered Organization Representative.  

B. TROOP COMMITTEE 

The Troop Committee is composed of parents, Scouters and other men & women who share a common interest in the development of young boys into fine men through the Scouting program.  The Committee is comprised of a Chairperson who oversees committee members who are assigned specific areas such as Finance, Outdoor Activities, Advancement and Transportation, to name a few.  They are responsible for maintaining Boy Scouts of America policies and regulations, maintaining adequate operating finances, seeing that an adequate camping and outdoor program is being implemented, insuring that there is quality adult leadership and appointing a Scoutmaster.  All members of the Committee, the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters must be registered with BSA. Registration of other troop adults, while encouraged is not required however; a BSA requirement for all adults to participate on outings is that they complete the BSA Youth Protection Course. Ask the Committee Chairman or Scoutmaster for information on how to access this no cost course on the web.

.

C. SCOUTMASTER

The Scoutmaster is responsible for training and guiding boy leaders to run the Troop through the Scouting Patrol method, recruiting responsible adult assistants and conducting Scoutmaster Conferences.

D. ASSISTANT & JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS

Assistant Scoutmasters (Asks) and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM usually Scouts who have recently attained the rank of Eagle) assist the Scoutmaster in all items above and are assigned specific programs such as a Trial To First Class, Trail To Eagle, High Adventure, Summer Camp, Training, Merit Badge Program and the coordination of outings such as Turkey Trot, Klondike Derby and other trips.. 

E. PATROLS

The Patrol is the heart of the Troop.  The Patrol is headed by a Scout Patrol Leader (PL) and his Assistant Patrol Leader

(APL). Each PL represents his patrol as voting members on the Troop Leadership Council (TLC), and as a group they plan their scouting activities within the guide lines of the Scouting Program. 

F.     SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITION

In addition to PL’s the troop has many other leadership positions. In order of seniority they are Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) which is a six month term or one year term depending on the SPL subject to approval by the scoutmaster and the committee, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader ASPL (usually two; one by votes the other selected by the SPL subject to approval by the scoutmaster and committee), Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Troop Guides, Chaplin’s Aide, Historian, Librarian, Bugler. These Scouts also are voting members of the TLC.

Scouts in leadership roles are expected to participate in troop activities at a higher level. The targeted participation rate is 80% pending the scouts other commitments and scoutmaster discretion. 
 

IV THE BOY SCOUT PROGRAM 

A. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM

The Boy Scout Program works toward achieving three goals 

1. Moral strength and character.  The program seeks to strengthen the boy’s personal qualities, values and outlook.  

2. Participating citizenship.  The Scout is encouraged to recognize his responsibilities toward other people, the community he lives in and his country. 

3. Physical, mental and emotional fitness.   The program seeks to strengthen all parts of the body and mind. 

B. METHODS TO ACHIEVE THE PROGRAM 

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  1. GENERAL

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  Often adult leaders hear from parents, “This organization could be run smoother by...”, “Why doesn’t the Scoutmaster inform us of schedules.”, “Why didn’t we receive information about...”, and many more.  Parents must realize that the Scouting Program is a Scout, not an adult run program!  Scouts, from their initial entry into the program, are constantly taught, encouraged and given the opportunity for the planning and execution of all aspects of the practical program through the Patrol Method.  The adult leader’s primary responsibilities are to train the younger scouts in leadership skills and to provide supervision during meetings and outings. 

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  2. IDEALS

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  The Program gives the Scout the opportunity to achieve and maintain the high ideals of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan and emphasizes the opportunity for self improvement.  The Scout has to, and is expected to, control his life's direction.  Please read the explicit values present in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan which appear in the first pages of your son’s Scout Handbook. 

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  3. PATROL METHOD 

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  A Patrol ranges from 8 to 12 scouts and is headed by a Scout Patrol Leader (elected by vote from among the patrol members).  The APL is appointed by the newly elected PL. The PL and APL oversee the patrol and are responsible for all patrol activities.  The Patrol method provides the Scout group with the opportunity to experience inter-individual co-operation in a small group that easily relates to each member.  Each patrol member soon realizes that the decisions he makes affect the patrol and troop as a whole.  The Patrol Method teaches responsibility and how to accept it.  It mandates co-operation.  It stresses the need for understanding and conveying information.  Information is always provided, but is sometimes not heard, forgotten, not correctly communicated or not communicated at all at home.  Every Scout is encouraged to have paper & pen or pencil at all times.  If a Scout needs information about any Scouting activity or event, he should contact his PL or APL, not the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters. Patrols may be reorganized as required for reasons such as: to provide the opportunity for leadership to different Scouts, to better diversify the skills among patrols and to properly accept and place new scouts into a patrol best suited to them. 

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  4. OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE 

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  The Scouting program is designed to be performed outdoors.  Being outdoors encourages the Scout to accept responsibility for his actions. It is here that the Scout skills learned indoors must be put into practice.  Being close to nature brings appreciation of God’s work, mankind’s place in this world and our responsibility to utilize nature wisely.  Our troop’s general rule is to have one “outing” every month (except August and December) and we expect registered Scouts to participate in 50% of the all outings.  During busy months with other activities like Summer Camp in June, August family vacations and the Christmas and other Holidays in December, we minimize our outdoor activities.  Outing fees are primarily paid by the Scouts normally out of their Scout account (see fund raising), as well as the Leaders and parents attending the outing.  Scouts, through their Patrols, are responsible for their own food for each camp out.  On average the cost per person (Scout and adult) for a weekend (two nights) outing is approximately $10 to $15.  

•  

  5. ADVANCEMENT 

•  

  Scouting provides a series of learning opportunities in the form of surmountable obstacles to overcome within each of the ranks; Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.  The Scout, not the parents, is responsible to plan his own advancement at his own pace.  The Advancement Chairperson (committee member) monitors advancement and assists Scouts in overcoming obstacles in their advancement.  The steps in the advancement program help a Scout grow in self-reliance and reward him for each level of accomplishment.  Steps in advancement are: 

•  

  A.  Within each Scout rank the Scout will have his Patrol leader, or any other scout (First Class and above for advancement through Second Class), sign off each requirement as it is demonstrated.  The Scout may need numerous attempts to demonstrate the skill requirements until he performs it proficiently.  The Scout must realize that this procedure, although sometimes frustrating, is necessary to insure quality for him and the Troop. 
   

•  

  B. After all rank advancement requirements (listed two places in the Scout Handbook) are completed; the Scout must schedule a Scoutmaster’s Conference with the Scoutmaster. If the scoutmaster is unavailable within a 2 week period a designated ASM will be assigned to conduct the conference.  They will review the actual knowledge of the skills and may require demonstration of these skills.  This is a check to monitor the teaching quality, adequacy and correctness of Scout skills.  Again, these progressions may take numerous times until the Scoutmaster deems the skill is proficient.  The Scout Spirit demonstrated by the Scout is assessed by reviewing attitudes, participation in troop activities and view of future goals. 

•  

  C. The Scout, after receiving Scoutmaster or ASM approval at the Scoutmaster’s Conference, makes arrangements with the Advancement Chairperson to schedule a Committee Board of Review.  Pre-scheduled Boards of Review can be found in the Troop Calendar.  Please watch for “cut-off” dates for advancement!  The Board of Review is made up of Troop Committee members who review the Scouts understanding of the practical application of the skills he has been taught and seeks the boy’s attitude toward scouting and his own life goals.  At the completion and with approval of the Board of Review members, the Scout has officially achieved the rank and will be formally promoted to that rank at the next scheduled Troop Court of Honor. (COH) (The Scout may however, request the patch for his newly attained rank from the Advancement Chairman before the COH and wear it) 

•  

  6. ADULT ASSOCIATION

•  

  Young boys learn from association with older Scouts and adult leaders.  As he grows into manhood, every Scout needs contact with positive role models.  The Scoutmaster, ASMs and other adult members of the Troop Committee, will provide good example.  All adult leaders and parents attending overnight activities must be trained & certified in the Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection Program.  This training can be accomplished either through the District or on the BSA web.  Proof of training is mandatory for all campouts including summer camp and high adventure trips. 

•  

  7. PERSONAL GROWTH

•  

  As the Scout plans his own activities toward his advancement, he experiences personal growth.  There is probably no device so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily”.  Also, the Scout has the opportunity to participate in the religious award program which will develop spiritual growth and understanding in the Scout’s religion and will receive acknowledgement of his accomplishment. 

•  

  8. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

•  

  The program teaches and encourages boys to practice leadership skills.  Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and individual leadership responsibilities and situations.  Understanding and practicing leadership roles guide him toward becoming a good citizen. 

•  
  1. UNIFORM

•  

  The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. Scouts wear the uniform and BSA logos as means of identifying openly with the principles to which BSA is committed—character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness. The Organization has always been an action program. Wearing the uniform is an action that shows each scout's commitment to the aims, purposes and principles mentioned above. The uniform is practical attire for scout activities and provides a way for scouts to wear the badges that show their accomplishments, identify them as a member of our fine troop yet maintain their individuality regarding rank, leadership, merit badges and award accomplishments.

•  

  Each scout is responsible for presenting himself in uniform at every troop meeting. Full Class A uniforms (see below) are required at all Troop meetings unless otherwise announced. The Troop's TLC has adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy for uniforms. If the Scout ‘forgets’ his uniform he will have to call home and ask his parents to bring it to the meeting. If the effort is being made to come to a troop meeting immediately before or after another activity the Scout is required to be in BSA uniform. There are convenient restrooms in the church for changing. Youth sports, school bands and other activities require that unique uniforms be worn or special equipment be brought in order to participate. Troop 81 and its activities is not an exception.

•  

  Below is a list of what makes up the full (Class ‘A’) Scout uniform (it is assumed that all of these items will be clean and in good order):

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  SHIRT – BSA long or short sleeve shirt with appropriate insignia (Hint: The left shirt pocket has a hole for a pencil or pen.) 

•  
  • INSIGNIA– USA flag, numerals "81," Greater Pittsburgh Council patch, red epaulet (shoulder) tabs.
  • NECKERCHIEF – A Red Troop neckerchief will be provided by the Troop at WEBELO Cross-Over or upon the Scout’s entry to the Troop. The Red neckerchief will be returned to the Troop (washed and ironed) when the Scout receives his (Troop provided) black neckerchief upon attaining the rank of Tenderfoot. An appropriate neckerchief slide is the Scout’s responsibility.
  • TROUSERS or SHORTS – While preferred, it is not mandatory that Official Scout trousers and shorts be purchased. However, it is mandatory that appropriate “green” trousers or shorts be worn with the Class A uniform.  
  • BELT – Optional (recommended) Scout webbed belt and buckle
  • SOCKS –Optional Green Scout socks
  • SASH –  Optional Scout sash to display merit badges (worn for COH, Eagle Ceremonies and other formal meetings)
  • HAT –    Optional Scout visor cap
  • SHOES- While it is preferred that a black or dark brown dress shoe be worn sneakers, tennis or gym shoes are permitted (no sandals, flip flops) all footwear must be closed toe and heel.

•  

  Below is a list of what makes up the Troop 81 Class ‘B’ Scout uniform that may be worn on campouts and other events as authorized. The Scout should seek guidance from his Patrol Leader to find out when the Class B uniform may be worn. (It is assumed that all of these items will be clean and in good order):

•  
  • DARK BLUE T-SHIRT -- (sometimes referred to as a "Class-B’s"). It is preferred but not mandatory that each Scout purchase their shirt which has a Troop 81 stitched emblem and is ordered annually in late summer. (Shirts with miscellaneous sayings, pictures, logos or “advertising” are not permitted). Plain dark blue is preferred.
  • TROUSERS or SHORTS -- worn with this uniform are usually jeans or other camping/working attire that is of plain color is preferred. Swim suits/trunks are not permitted unless a water activity is scheduled.
  • SOCKS – Optional Green Scout Socks
  • HAT – Optional Scout Visor cap.
  • SHOES -- sneakers, tennis or gym shoes are normally worn with this uniform. All footwear must be closed toe and heel. (Sandals, flip-flops etc. are not authorized).

The Scout uniform is designed to be both sharp and functional. It should be worn for all Scouting activities. Uniform "checks" will be conducted periodically at Troop meetings and outings. The uniform for all activities will be announced as will activities for which uniforms are not required will also be announced at Troop meetings, on the web site, or communicated by Patrol Leaders.

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  Uniforms can be purchased through the Scout Shop at Flag Plaza, downtown Pittsburgh; Greensburg Pike Scout Shop, Forest Hills, JC Penny’s or the Boy Scout mail order catalogs. 

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  10. MEETINGS

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  Our general troop meetings are held at the first, second and fourth Mondays a month.  The third Monday of the month is devoted to the TLC which is comprised of the patrol leaders, official troop positions and at least two adult leaders.  As with our attendance in troop outings, our expectations are that registered Scouts attend at least 50% of regular troop meetings during the year. 
   
   

V MISCELLANEOUS 

•  

  A. DRUG/CHILD ABUSE

•  

  We request that each parent read the special pull-out section in front of your son’s Scout Handbook, “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse”.  No illegal substances are tolerated on Troop events. It is required that parents inform the SM or the coordinating ASM of an activity of any medication especially prescription drugs that must be taken by their Scout. This information will be treated confidentially and communicated prior to any activity. 

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  All teaching, counseling and conferences between Scouts and adult leaders are done with at least two adults present within visual sight of other individuals in strict accordance with the BSA Youth Protection Program.  Adults are not permitted to share a tent with any Scout except their son.  Adults participating in an activity are required complete the BSA Youth Protection Course. 

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  B. FUND RAISING

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  As an active troop we incur many expenses during the year.  These include but are not limited to site camping fees, cabin fees, transportation, rank awards, merit badge awards, patrol emblems and camping equipment.  Parts of these costs are offset by the Scout’s annual registration fee.(due in October)  This fee includes our council registration fee, a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine (Optional) and the remaining amount goes toward Troop operating expenses.  However, because we are an active troop, we find it necessary to raise additional funds.  This is accomplished by yearly fund raisers and includes selling products such as popcorn and plants.  We try to make the individual sales goal for each Scout fall within reasonable levels.  Every boy is encouraged to sell more than the Troop sets as a minimum.  A varying portion of the excess sales goes into an individual scout account and can be used by the scout to buy gear or offset other activity expenses such as summer camp or other outings.  

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  C. FINANCIAL COSTS

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  Yearly registration is due to the Membership Coordinator in October and is $60.  The Troop (historically) conducts 3 fund raisers. While not mandatory it is strongly encouraged that every Scout participates. The first $40 (in addition to registration) of profit raised by the Scout will be deposited in the Troop account for operating expenses. Additional profits will be credited directly, dollar-for-dollar into his Scout Account. Should you and your Scout decide not to participate in the fund raiser(s) then a $40 payment to the Troop is required by December 1^st of that year.  During the year we schedule major activities such as summer camp, trips to other cities such as Washington D.C., Wright Patterson Air Force Base and others.  When this occurs extra money is required to help offset the costs.  Examples are about $160 for summer camp, $85 for a ski trip, $150 for Washington DC.  When a cancellation is necessary, a reimbursement will be made to the scout’s account minus any amount of any non-refundable deposits that the troop made. 

•  

  Family financial situations may arise.  So that scouts can still participate in outings, camporees and jamborees, funds are available through The Greater Pittsburgh Council and other fraternal organizations.  See the Scoutmaster to get necessary forms.  Inquiries are confidential. 

•  

  D. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

•  

  We encourage all parents, both men and women, to become involved with the Troop.  This demonstrates to your son your interest in his well being.  You don’t have to understand the whole Scouting program or go on outings.  We will assist and guide you to the level of commitment at which with you feel comfortable.  There is always a need for assistance on the Troop Committee and ASMs.  Parents are requested to fill out and return our Troop Resource Survey form so that we can draw from your interests, occupations and talents. In order to ensure that the Troop continues to function and offer appropriate and worthwhile activity Committee personnel and Assistant Scoutmasters are needed continually. Letting the “other” parents do the work is not acceptable, all parents must put forth the example of teamwork and strive to demonstrate to their scout that they too live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Experience shows that Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle Scout had at least one parent, and in most cases both parents, very actively involved with the Troop either as a SM, ASM or committee person. It is strongly recommended that you make the effort to attend the Troop’s next Eagle Ceremony in order to picture how rewarding such family Scouting teamwork can be.

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  E. DISCIPLINE

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  Each Scout, by reciting the Scout Oath, pledges to maintain behavior consistent with the Scout Law.  Scout behavior, in the formative years, can range from rowdiness to moodiness and withdrawal.  Leaders are aware of this and are sensitive to individuals needs.  However, when behavior exceeds the boundary where safety is the issue, the Scout will be counseled and given the opportunity to adjust his behavior.  Failure to conform will require communication with a parent and it is the parent(s) responsibility to immediately come to the event, no matter the distance, or time, and transport their son home.  In repeated situations, the Troop Committee will be asked to review the situation with the Leader’s recommendation that the Scout withdraw from the Troop.  

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  F. PROHIBITED ITEMS

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  The following are prohibited items that do not belong on our outings:

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     - Butane liquid filled lighters (flip open or Zippo type lighters are permissible)

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     - Aerosol cans

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     - Sheath Knives

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     - Electronic listening devices (Cell Phones, Radios, Cassette and CD Players, etc.)

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     -  Electronic game devices (unless specifically approved by the Leader in charge)

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     - Objectionable reading or visual material

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     - Weapons  

Troop 81 has a zero tolerance rule regarding horse play with ANY explosives, flammable liquids or flammable sprays.   This includes but is not limited to the throwing of flammable liquids or spraying of flammable materials into or near open flames.   This type of behavior cannot and will not be tolerated for the safety and liability of everyone in Troop 81.  If such behavior occurs, that Scout’s parent(s) will be notified immediately and will be required to come to the event, no matter how far, or what time, and take their son home. In repeated situations, the Troop Committee will be requested by the SM to review the Scout’s documented behavior, with the option of terminating the Scouts participation with Troop 81.     

Parents and the Scout will be required to agree with signatures to this zero tolerance rule annually upon submitting the Scouts registration. 

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  G. TRANSPORTATION

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  All parents will be asked at one time or another to assist in transporting Scouts to and possibly from an event.  If a parent has a conflict with their schedule, we will find someone else to fill their place.  However, when asked again, the parents are expected to participate or forgo their son’s privilege to go on the event.  All drivers must be at least 18? Years old, must have insurance and must mandate the use of seat belts. Each Scout must have his own seatbelt in the vehicle in which he is being transported. Expense and Liability for transportation continues to increase therefore, it is important that all parents “do their fair share” in assisting in the transporting of Scouts to and from activities.   

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  H. RELEASE FORMS

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  We require that each boy and his parents sign a Permission Slip and Release Form when traveling for an outing.  The completed form must be received prior to the day of departure as indicated by the Scouts PL or coordinating ASM. If the form is not submitted on time the Scout will not be able participate in the activity. 

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  I. MEDICALS

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  We provide each boy with a BSA medical form and require that he have a physical upon joining the Troop.  These medical forms and the physical are valid for three years.  If we don’t receive the completed form the Scout cannot participate in our activities.  These forms are brought on all outings and greatly assist the Scoutmaster and ASMs when medical attention is required.  We are proud of our safety record and have seldom required need of these forms.  Parents should inform the Scoutmaster or his assistants of any medical situations that exist as well as any medications and/or prescription drugs needed by the Scout.  Confidentiality will always be maintained. 
   
   
   
   
   

VI DEFINITIONS

We in TROOP 81, and other troops, have unique phrases or words that describe our many activities or events.  We hope that the following will clear up some misunderstanding. 

ACTIVE SCOUT – An active scout in Troop 81 is one who participates in 50% of Troop outings, activities and meetings.   

ADVANCEMENT COLLEGE- A troop planned event, often on a Saturday morning, in which boys can get one on one assistance in learning skills for rank advancement or merit badge completion. 

APL - Assistant Patrol Leader.  Assists the Patrol Leader in his activities and represents the Patrol Leader when he is unavailable. 

ASM - Assistant Scoutmaster.   

      AJSM – Assistant Junior Scoutmaster.  This is usually an older scout who has advanced to the rank of eagle and has been requested to serve the troop on special assignments by the Scoutmaster. 

BOARD OF REVIEW - A panel of Troop Committee members that sit with your son to review his development of Scout skills and his attitude.  Unlike the Scoutmaster Conference, this meeting reviews the boy’s knowledge of how Scout skills and Scout Law can be applied in his daily life. 

CAMPOREE - A district wide camping event in which Troops participate in Troop competitions around varying themes, i.e. first aid, orienteering, etc. 

COURT OF HONOR - A troop meeting of parents and scouts that consist of an award ceremony in which rank advancement and merit badge completion is recognized. 

DEW - Any type of precipitation from wet grass to what falls from the sky.  You see... it has never rained on any of our activities, however, the dew has been known to get very heavy at times!  (See PMA) 
 

GRAY AREA- Conduct, language or dress which may not fall within the ideals of the Scouting Program. 

JAMBOREE - A national and often international wide scouting event, held ever four years, in which Troops from all over the United States congregate and participate in Troop competitions and fun. The next National Jamboree will take place in July of 2010. 

NJLT- National Junior Leader Training 

KLONDIKE DERBY- A district wide winter camping event, planned around a scouting skill theme and often involving troop/patrol competitions. 

OA - Order of the Arrow.  A fraternal service organization within Scouting that consists of elected Scouts and Scouters who practice the high ideals set by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. 

   PHLC – Perry Highway Lutheran Church (troop sponsoring organization) 

PL - Patrol Leader.  The Patrol leader is a Scout who represents his patrol in the Troop Leaders Council. 

PMA - Positive Mental Attitude. 

RAIN - Something that never happens on our camp outs (See PMA). 

ROUNDTABLE- A district wide leader meeting where district events are planned and leaders share each others experience.  

SCOUT Any boy who is registered with a Troop. 

   SCOUT SCHACK – The red out-building in the parking lot of the Bradford Wood’s red brick church at the corner of Wexford Run Rd. and Glenmore Dr. Where all troop equipment is stored and is often a departure and return location for trips. 

SCOUTER Any adult (over 18) who is registered in the Troop and participates in any of the many positions available for the good of Scouting. 

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE - A meeting with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster in which a review of the Scout’s knowledge of the skills required for rank advancement and to set future goals. 

SCOUT SPIRIT - The accumulation of all ideals and values in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan and how they are expressed and displayed through the Scout’s behavior and attitude. 

SM - Scoutmaster 

SPL - Senior Patrol Leader.  A Scout who has earned the position of leadership of the Troop Leaders Council and who basically runs the Troop meeting. 

 SPIEL - A long winded verbal proclamation expounding on moral, earthly and sometimes divine topics, by an individual (mostly the Scoutmaster) that holds individuals transfixed in a numbing yet attentive grip. 

SUMMER CAMP - A week long camping experience at our Council’s main camp ground at Heritage Reservation in Farmington, Pa.  Activities such as boating, swimming, archery, firearms and many other merit badge subjects are offered.  It is the best opportunity in any given year for boys to fulfill advancement requirements. 

TLC - Troop Leaders Council.  The group of Scouts in leadership positions, who plan and run Troop activities.   

      TURKEY TROT – A weekend campout held in November that welcomes all WEBELO II Cub Scouts to join Troop 81.  

         HIGH ADVENTURE – A number of BSA programs (usually a week or more in duration) located in the US and Canada that concentrate on Hiking, Canoeing, SCUBA and Cold Weather Survival. Strictly voluntary that requires a substantial time and financial commitment.