GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION -- 2004-2005
Troop 35 (the “Troop”) and Gary Memorial United Methodist Church (“Gary Church”), our sponsoring organization for the past 83 years, would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Boy Scouting. Whether you are just visiting or have already decided to join our troop, we hope to make your introduction to the Boy Scouts of America an enjoyable one. Below is information about Troop 35 that you will find helpful.
Troop 35 has approximately 40 boys from the Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Winfield communities ranging in rank from New Scout to Eagle Scout. Since 1928 there have been 116 Eagle scouts from our ranks. This year we have added 4 new Eagles
Troop 35 is under the leadership of Mike Mirrilees, Scoutmaster, Jim Whitlock, Senior Assistant Scoutmaster, Bill Krenicki, Adult Committee Chairman, and many supporting parents and concerned citizens serving in the capacities of Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee members, Merit Badge Councilors, and volunteers. Although the Troop is essentially a “boy-run” organization, the success of the Troop depends greatly upon the generosity and support of parents like you. Please consider becoming involved – it’s a wonderful way to share in your boy’s growth. All leadership training fees for parents actively supporting the Troop are paid for by the Troop..
Troop Philosophy
The Troop provides scouts with opportunities, guidance, and a safe non-threatening environment in which each scout can grow and develop to his optimum degree as a young man. Perfection is NOT the goal – doing your best and learning from your mistakes is.
Scouts learn to become responsible for themselves and others through learning common-sense skills, the importance of teamwork, participating in outdoor activities, and assuming roles of leadership and responsibility. Junior Leader Training is offered twice per year in conjunction with the Troop’s 6-month general activity plan.
The basic unit of the Troop is the Patrol. Patrols consist of a small group scouts (usually 8 at most) who are responsible to one another for carrying on basic camping duties, needs, and functioning as a team during other Troop activities. Patrol members camp, cook, eat, sleep, and pray together at outings.
At the overall troop level, Scouts plan the specifics of Troop Meetings, Activities, and the monthly campout at their Patrol Leaders Council Meeting (“PLC Meeting”) every first Tuesday of the month. A representative from each Patrol (usually the Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader) represents his Patrol at the “PLC”. The Scoutmaster and other key leadership figures preside over the meeting.
When new boys join the troop they are initially placed in a patrol with other new scouts. We call these groups our “Flaming Arrows” Patrols. A troop Guide (and older, more experienced Scout) is assigned to each new Flaming Arrows Patrol to facilitate its’ transition into Scouting through use of the Patrol Method. The Troops’ Guides act under the supervision of an Adult Assistant Scoutmaster and the Senior Patrol Leader. This process usually lasts only for the first year after which the Scouts are free to form new patrols within the general Troop population. The goal is to have new Scouts advance through Scout and Tenderfoot ranks within the first three months and have the Second Class rank achieved by or at Summer Camp. Many of the First Class requirements will also be accomplished by this time enabling new Scouts to become First Class rank within one year of starting active membership in the Troop.
The higher ranks of Stat, Life, and Eagle are achieved at a more individualized self-initiated pace. Attaining higher ranks entails earning merit badges, doing service work and/or projects for the community, and serving in roles of responsibility and leadership to the Troop and in service to younger scouts.
Membership
Membership in Troop 35 is open to all boys between the ages of 11 through 17 or beginning with those Cub Scouts having earned the Arrow of Light, and terminates on the boys’ 18th birthday. Attached you will find an application (or please request one). First year dues for entering Webelos is $25 which includes Troop Dues, a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine, the monthly “Troop Scoop” (our Troop newsletter) mailed to your home, family court-of-honor dinners (September and February), and advancement fees.
Meetings
The first Tuesday of every month is the PLC meeting that only the designated leader attends. All other Tuesday nights are the general Troop meetings that are held at Gary Church from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in Gammon Hall (downstairs). General meetings tend to start informally about 7:00 PM to facilitate Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, Merit badge Counselor meetings, and other miscellaneous needs. There is a “circle-up” at the conclusion of every meeting where every scout has an opportunity to make direct announcements to the rest of the Troop members.
The first Thursday of every month is the Adult Committee Meeting which begins at 7:30 PM in the Scout Room at Gary Church. Parents are always welcome to attend
Uniforms
Scouts are expected to be in uniform at all general and PLC meetings. During the School year this consists of a regulation Scout Shirt and neckerchief (Class “A” uniform). During the summer months and at certain times during a campout a Troop T-shirt (Class “B” uniform) can be worn. Uniforms are expected to be tucked-in and presentable. When traveling as a Troop (ie; to/from campouts or other events) class “A” uniforms are required.
Uniform policy varies somewhat from troop-to-troop. Troop 35 has a slightly relaxed policy that allows the wearing of jeans and/or other pants and casual footwear.
Activities
The Troop develops two 6-month (semi-annual) master plans in conjunction with Junior Leader Training. A concerted effort is made to schedule one outdoor camping activity each month with the exception of December. We specialize in Dutch Oven cooking at these events. Cabin camping is done from November through March with tent camping available for older scouts. At all other times of the year (including Summer Camp) we tent camp. We periodically offer other forms of activities either separate from or in conjunction with camping trips. The following are some examples of the activities we have done (note that High Adventure activities are limited to First Class and above and ages 14 and older):
- High Adventure Europe Tour and International Jamboree;
- Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure Trip in Cimmeron,
New Mexico;
- Boundary Waters High Adventure Canoe Trip, Minnesota &
Canada;
- One Week Summer Camp every year (usually last week of
June);
- Rock Climbing at Devil's lake, Wisconsin;
- Annual Ski Trips (Chestnut Mountain, Alpine Valley, Wilmont);
- Scout Sunday;
- Blood Drives;
- Eagle Service Projects;
- Scout-O-Rama;
- Canoeing on the Fox River;
- Winter Green and Gold Dinner with Court of Honor;
- Fall Outdoors Family Dinner with Court of Honor.
The schedule for these activities is updated monthly in the Troop newsletter Troop Scoop which is given to each scout at the first regular meeting each month or mailed to the scout’s home.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend all Troop activities. Drivers to and from events are frequently needed as well as someone to haul the Troop Trailer (the Troop will pay for the installation of a trailer hitch for any parent willing to tow the trailer to troop events).
Cost of Scouting
As mentioned earlier, the introductory Dues for new Scouts
is $25.00 for the first year, which is an expensive year for
new scout parents (i.e., uniforms, camping equipment, Cub
Scout Pack dues, etc.). However, the actual cost of the program
("Dues") on a year-to-year basis is approximately
$200.00 per boy. This amount is re-evaluated every year by
the Adult Troop Committee. There are several ways for boys
and families to meet the $200.00 goal, but no one is excluded
purely due to inability to pay.
Dues do not include activity fees for weekend camping trips
and food that usually run in the range of $10.00 to $15.00.
Permission slips and money are collected prior to events.
In addition, the cost of Summer Camp is usually around $160.00.
A medical examination is needed for Summer Camp participants.
Cost of High Adventure Trips differs greatly.
Annual Fund Raiser
As mentioned earlier, the introductory Dues for new Scouts is $25 for the first year which is an expensive year for new Scout parents (i.e,; uniforms, camping equipment, Cub Scout fees, etc.). However, the actual cost of the program (“Dues”) on a year-to-year basis is approximately $200 per boy. This amount is re-evaluated every year by the Adult Troop Committee. There are several ways for boys and families to meet the $200 goal and no one is excluded purely due to inability to pay.
Dues do not include activity fees for weekend camping trips and food that usually run in the range of $15-$20. Permission slips and money are collected prior to events. In addition, the cost of Summer Camp is typically around $200. A medical examination is required for summer camp participants (School medicals are frequently sufficient). The cost of High Adventure Trips can vary greatly.
Troop 35 is a quality Troop with extraordinary resources and many years of tradition for which we are truly proud. We are really worth your consideration. If you have any further questions or if you should want any crossover ceremony assistance please contact Mike Mirrilees, Jim Whitlock, or Bill Krenicki.
HAPPY SCOUTING !!!
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