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This document is also available on the Internet at
http://www.livingston.k12.mt.us/users/sandrews/t563/index.html

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          Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are
setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. This is a tremendously important and
rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him. What is it all about? What will you
be expected to do? What does it cost? We have prepared this booklet to answer these questions.
          The following pages describe the organization of our Troop and the advancement pattern
that each boy will follow. Reading this will help you understand how your boy can progress
through the ranks with your help. It will help you understand how you can assist and what the
various adult volunteers are doing to help the Troop.

Aims
     Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We
may define this as the what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.
     A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s
relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives,
to the government that presides over that society.
     A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems),
and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).
     These three aims are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement. They represent the
long term outcomes we want for every boy. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to
serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to
make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to
instill are based on those found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law.
     The methods are designed to accomplish these aims.
Methods
     Advancement- Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome
them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his
own pace as he overcomes each challenge. More is discussed about Advancement later in this
guide.
     Adult Association- Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership
may be male or female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in
a young man’s development.
     Personal Growth- As Scouts plan their activity, and progress toward their goals, they
experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth
method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good
turns for others.
     Ideals- The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.
     Patrols- The Patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in
citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how
to accept it. The Patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate
to each other. These small groups determine Troop activities through their elected leaders.

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     Outdoors- Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that
Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and
activities practiced at Troop meetings come alive. More is discussed about the outdoor program
later in this guide.
     Leadership Development- Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership
skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership
situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of
others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
     Uniform- The uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force of good and creates a
positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the
uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.
The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same
ideals. More is discussed about the uniform later in this guide.

          Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-lead
organization. The boys learn how to organize and lead the Troop. After training, and with
supervision from the adult leaders, the boys run the show. As they travel on their trail to Eagle
they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, but they will actually lead teams of Scouts
in a number of situations. Many Eagle Scouts put their accomplishments on their resumes and
find they are often considered in obtaining acceptance into college or the work force.
          Boy Scouting also provides this country with citizens who:
     1.  Are physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
     2.  Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and
          resourcefulness.
     3.  Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
     4.  Have the desire and skills to help others.
     5.  Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and government systems.
     6.  Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand
          America's role in the world.
     7.  Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
     8.  Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership
          to American society and in other forums of the world.
This is all done in the spirit of fun and adventure. For more information on the program, please
take a few minutes to read Chapter 1 of your son's Boy Scout Handbook.

          Troop 563 is a participating member of the Mountain Valley District of the Montana
Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's organization consists of (1) a Chartered
Organization, (2) a Troop Committee, (3) the Troop, and (4) the Troop's Parents.

1.) Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
          Every Troop belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 563 is the
Grace United Methodist Church. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered Organization Representative acts a liaison between us and the church.

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2.) Troop Committee
          The Troop Committee functions as the administrative and support organization for the
Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of all the details that go into making the Scouting
experience happen. They oversee the Troop funds, special events, outings, leadership training
and the procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment.
          The Committee meets monthly and has elected positions as well as numerous other
positions. The Committee encourages all families to participate in supporting the Scout program
by volunteering to serve in at least one of these positions each year. Meetings are on the third
Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church.

3.) The Troop
     Troop Meetings
          Troop 563 will hold meetings on most Mondays, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Meetings
end at 8:30 p.m. although junior leaders and the Patrol responsible for clean up will stay about 15
minutes longer. Changes to the meeting schedule will be announced as early as possible to allow
for proper planning. Please make certain that a ride is arranged in advance for your son, to and from Scouts. On the third Monday of the month, boys will not meet unless they have a guest speaker. A monthly calendar is printed in every newsletter. The monthly newsletter, and lots of other information, is available on the Troop 563 web site at:
http://www.livingston.k12.mt.us/users/sandrews/t563/index.html
          Troop 563 is a boy-run Troop. Leadership is one of the methods of Scouting. Every boy
will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. Understanding the
concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership of others and helps him to grow into a
more responsible adult. The following is an outline of the duties of the key leaders within the
Troop:
     Scoutmaster: The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of
the Troop. The Scoutmaster and his or her assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts.
The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:
                       Train and guide boy leaders.
                       Work with other adult leaders to bring Scouting to boys.
                       Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
                       Keep track of all advancements.
                       Produce the monthly newsletter.
                       Maintain the Troop 563 Web page
     Assistant Scoutmasters: Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and
approved by the Troop Committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the Troop.
Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to
the boy leadership. He or she also provides the required two deep leadership (two adult leaders
present at every Boy Scout activity).
     Senior Patrol Leader: The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top boy leader in the Troop. He leads the Green Bar Council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior
leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed. The Senior Patrol Leader and his assistant
are elected by the boys of the Troop. Troop elections are held the first Mondays of May and
November each year.
     Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) fills in for the
SPL in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the Quartermaster,
Scribe, Historian, Librarian and Troop Guide.

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     Patrol Leaders: The Patrol Leaders (PL) are responsible for giving leadership to the
members of their Patrols. They are their representation on the Green Bar Council. The PL is also
responsible for holding monthly Patrol meetings outside of the regular Troop meetings. All
duties for Patrol activities are assigned by the Patrol Leader.
    Assistant Patrol Leaders: Assistant Patrol Leaders help the PL run the Patrol and fill in for
him in his absence.

     Patrols
          The Troop is a group made up of several Patrols. Each Patrol usually consists of a Patrol
Leader and no less than four Scouts and no more than eight Scouts. The boys in a Patrol elect
their Patrol Leader who in turn appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader. Patrols will have an activity
or meeting separate from the Troop once a month.
     Green Bar Council
          The Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Green Bar
Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings. Scouts in a "new boy" Patrol
will send two of their members to the monthly Green Bar Council meeting on a rotating basis
until all have been assigned this responsibility. They will then elect their Patrol Leader who will
hold this position until the next scheduled election. The Green Bar Council meets on the first
Friday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 in room A-105 of Sleeping Giant Middle School.
     Adult Leadership
          Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a Scout parent, both of who must be
at least 21 years of age, are required for all Troop 563 meetings, trips or outings.

4.) Troop Parents
          The role of parents within Troop 563 is to be supportive of the Troop's efforts and to
provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents should try to:
          1.   Read their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting.
          2.   Parents should attend an informal Boy Scout Fast Start by the Troop Committee.
          3.   Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a
                push when needed.
          4.   Help your son keep track of his Scout book. The Scout’s progress is recorded in the
                Scout book and is used at each Board of Review.
          5.   Help keep all membership cards, blue cards, and certificates in a binder. Plastic
                baseball card collection sheets work great for this purpose.
          6.   Show support to both the individual Scout and the Troop by attending all Troop
                Courts of Honor.
          7.   Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. All such
                assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the Scouts and, therefore, lowers
                each family's cash outlay for their Scout(s).
          8.   Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.
          9.   Read the monthly Troop 563 Newsletter.
          10. Drive to or from a campout at least three times per year.
          11. Attend / chaperone (for the day or night) at least one campout per year.

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          Advancement is the process by which youth members progress through the ranks in the
Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. The Boy Scout advancement
program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these
skills he moves up through a series of ranks, for which he is awarded badges. Tenderfoot, Second
Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks --
and the more rewarding. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they
join until the day they leave the program, is designed to help boys have an exciting and
meaningful experience.
Achievements include:
          Learning skills that qualify for Scouting’s more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges.
          Developing body and mind, growing self-confidence, and helping younger Scouts climb
          the advancement ladder.
          Discovering how it feels to go further -- in so many ways -- than he ever though he could.
We don’t look at advancement as a goal, but as a natural outcome of a planned, quality Troop
program.
     There are four steps of advancement:
     1.  The Boy Scout Learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do
          his part as a member of the Patrol and the Troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he
          is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.
     2.  The Boy Scout is Tested. A Scout may be tested on requirements by his Patrol Leader,
          Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, a Troop Committee member or a member of his
          Troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to test and pass candidates.
     3.  The Boy Scout is Reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he
          has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle
          Palms, the review is conducted by members of the Troop Committee. The Eagle board of
          review is conducted by members of the District Advancement Committee.
     4.  The Boy Scout is Recognized. When the board of review has certified a boy's
          advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This is done through
          a ceremony at the next Troop Court of Honor.

Advancement Through First Class
          From the time the Scout enters the Troop through the time he earns advancement to First
Class, he is learning basic Scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots,
administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team.
With those first steps the Scout begins to build themselves physically, mentally, and morally. He
will start to live with the Scout Oath and Law. Soon he will learn the symbolism inherent in the
Scout badge; he will learn that there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts
of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to yourself. The goal
of this Troop, is for the Scout to achieve the rank of First Class within his first year in the Troop.
This is a sign that the Scout has mastered the fundamentals of Scouting and can begin to start the
long process of learning to lead others, refining the learned skills and learning additional skills.
Details for advancement are contained in the Boy Scout Handbook, which every Scout should
obtain as soon as possible after joining the Troop.

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Advancement From First Class to Eagle
          From the achievement of First Class through Eagle, the Scout will be demonstrating
leadership, performing service projects, earning Merit Badges and using the skills learned while
achieving the rank of First Class. The next ranks he will earn are Star and Life. These ranks are
harder to obtain than the earlier ranks, but are also more interesting for the older Scouts. Upon
completion of all the requirements for Star and Life the Scout will be eligible to work for Eagle.
The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and their
understanding of them is much greater. The final steps towards Eagle are filled with leadership
experiences and service toward others.

Merit Badges
          The goal of the Merit Badge program is to expand a Scout's areas of interest and to
encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject. Scouts may start working
on any Merit Badge with the Scoutmaster's permission. This is gained by asking for a Merit
Badge Blue Card which will need to be signed and dated before any work may start. Merit
Badges are earned by a Scout working with a registered Merit Badge counselor. The Scout is
required to contact the counselor to arrange for times and places to meet with the counselor.
Scouts must use the buddy system when meeting with Merit Badge counselors. When the Scout
completes the work on the Merit Badge he will return the signed blue card to the Scoutmaster.
Merit Badges earned will be presented to the Scout during the Troop's quarterly Court of Honor.
All parents of Troop 563 Scouts are encouraged to become Merit Badge Counselors. Please fill
in the attached Troop Resource Survey and return to the Scoutmaster.

Boards of Review
          When a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, he appears before a Board of
Review composed of members of the Troop Committee. The purpose of the review is not an
examination. Rather it is to determine the Scout's attitude and acceptance of Scouting's ideals; to
ensure that the requirements have been met for advancement, to discuss the Scout's experiences
in the Troop and the Troop's program, and to encourage him to keep working towards
advancement. A Board of Review may also be held to counsel a boy about his lack of progress
toward advancement.

Courts of Honor
          Troop 563 will conduct a Court of Honor once a quarter. These are generally in late
February, early June, early September and late November. The Court of Honor recognizes all
Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor. Adult
recognition may also be presented at the Troop Court of Honor. It is the responsibility of the
Green Bar Council to plan and conduct the Troop Courts of Honor. The Court of Honor is a
public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements.
Parents and all other interested individuals are encouraged to attend. When a Scout has earned
the rank of Eagle, a special Court of Honor will be held solely for the presentation of this rank.

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Rechartering
          The process of rechartering is the annual collection of registration fees for the Scouts and
Leaders. The Troop also makes a formal visit to the Chartering Organization to renew their
commitment for the coming year. The process of rechartering the Troop must be completed by
the end of January of each calendar year.

Annual Registration Fees
          How much does Boy Scouting cost each family? As little as possible, but nothing
worthwhile is free. The annual fee for a Scout in Troop 563 is: $20.00
          $9.00 for national BSA membership
          $1.00 for Council insurance
          $10.00 for Boys Life magazine

Fees for Outings / Activities
          Individual activities may have fees associated with them. If so, the parents will be
notified. The food cost for one night outings is $5. The food cost for two night outings is $7.
Rentals of cabins, rafts or other equipment for Troop use will be paid by the Troop up to $65 per
event. The cost above $65 will be split among those boys that attend the activity.

Summary of Expenses the Family Pays
     1.  Registration, Insurance, Boy’s Life ($20 annually)
     2.  Scout Book (unless provided by Cub Scout Pack) ($7.95 once)
     3.  Monthly campout food money ($5 or $8 per month)
     4.  Class A Uniform with neckerchief slide ($30.45 once every three years or so)
     5.  Two Class B T-shirt Uniforms ($8 each with the Troop paying any additional cost per
          shirt)
     6.  Summer Camp Registration ($150 - $170 each summer)
     7.  Special Trip funds not raised through special fundraising events

Fundraising
          The Troop plans one major fundraising project a year which is our Christmas Tree sale.
All Scouts and families are required to attend scheduled tree cutting(s) and tree sales. All Scouts
and families must participate in selling at least once during the first two weeks of tree sales and
once during the second two weeks. Each Scout family is asked to help with other organizational
aspects of the Christmas Tree fundraiser.
          The Troop Committee will determine if any extenuating circumstances apply if a Scout is
unable to participate. The penalty for not participating in cutting and tree sales will be the loss of
the financial incentive program for the year. Scouts can still earn Merit Badges but will not
receive funds through the incentive program.
          Funds for special events will be raised through separate various activities. Boys will be
paid by the number of hours they work times a fraction of the total amount raised. Families must
sponsor and help supervise one fundraiser in order for their son to be involved with a special
event.

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Incentive Program
         Each quarter, (Jan. - Mar.)(April - June)(July - Sep.)(Oct. - Dec.) Scouts can earn $25 to
be used for Scout related camping gear or Scouting expenses. Boys must complete 15
requirements for rank or Merit Badge advancement each quarter to qualify. Requirements that are
signed off beyond 15 do not carry over to the next quarter. In this way, we are hoping boys will
be active in our Troop Program throughout the year. Incentive money is kept by the Troop until
the Scout requests available funds for a eligible expense. Checks will be written to a store, the
BSA or the Scout’s parent. All boys that fully participate in the annual Christmas Tree cutting
and sales are eligible for the incentive program. Webelos that participate in tree sales are also
eligible once they bridge.

Friends of Scouting
         Each year, the Council operates its Friends of Scouting (F.O.S.) campaign to raise money
for the Council operations. The Troop pays $40 - $45 per Scout per year to support the operation of the District and Council. This money comes from our yearly Christmas Tree sales.

Summary of Expenses the Troop Pays
     1.   Friends of Scouting ($40 - $45 per Scout per year)
     2.   Advancement Badges (as needed)
     3.   Troop Positions and Patrol Patches (as needed)
     4.   Partial financial support for an Eagle Scout Ceremony ($75 per Eagle)
     5.   Partial Leadership Training Costs for selected Scouts from the Troop ($165 per boy at
           Takachsin Camp)
     6.   Troop Registration ($20 annually)
     7.   Troop equipment (as needed)
     8.   Food for Adults who assist with campouts ($10 to $18 per month)
     9.   Summer Camp fee for adult leaders. ($100 each summer)
     10. Adult Committee Registrations ($7 for each registered adult)
     11. Gas for vehicles used to transport Scouts to camps (when requested and with a receipt)
     12. Cabin rentals or other rental fees up to $65 per outing
     13. District Camporee Fees ($6 to $8 every four months)
     14. Troop operation expenses
     15. Historian supplies
     16. Scout Storage Facility rental

         The Scout uniform helps to achieve the objectives of Scouting. The uniform by itself can
not make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its use has been proven to improve both the Scout
and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each Scout is required to
have and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform
items:
         Field or “Class A” Uniform: Tan Scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches,
              Troop 563 green and gold neckerchief, neckerchief slide.
         Activity or “Class B” Uniform: (worn, as instructed by Troop leadership, when
              activities may cause damage to the field uniform): Troop 563 T-Shirt (obtain from
              Troop 563).

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          Along with either shirt, Scouts are to wear pants (or shorts), socks and sturdy footwear
that are all in good condition. Troop 563 has not adopted the cap, belt, Scout pants, and Scout
socks uniform code.
          Uniforms and insignia are worn in a certain way. The Scoutmaster will be able to answer
any questions you might have on where to put each badge. Inside the cover of the Scout
Handbook there are guides for badge placement as well as on page 14 of this parent guide.
          Scouts in uniform are conscious of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. Only
the uniform provides a place for display of badges - important symbols of achievement. It is not
the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between the boys or make them feel that
they are all the same. However, there is one way in which all Scouts are alike. Whenever a Scout
sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have
committed themselves to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law which bind all Scouts of the
world together in a common purpose. By wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength
and support. Beyond accenting the common bond between Scouts, by wearing the uniform
Scouts are declaring their faith and commitment to some important beliefs that bind. It is a way
of making visible their belief in God, their loyalty to our country and their commitment to
helping other people who need them.
How the uniform can help the Troop:
     1.  When properly worn, the uniform can help build good Troop spirit.
     2.  By investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are really making a commitment to
          take Scouting seriously.
     3.  The uniform makes the Troop visible as a force for good in the community.
     4.  When properly worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new members.
     5.  Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, youth image in the neighborhood, thus
          helping to counteract the negative feeling some adults have about youth.
Uniform Parts Purchased by Families
          Short or Long Sleeve BSA Shirt          (BSA Catalog $29.15)
          Neckerchief Slide                                (BSA Catalog (A00601) $2.20 or make your own)
          Boy Scout Handbook                          (BSA Catalog (A33105) $7.95 or from Pack)
          (2) Troop 563 green T-Shirts               (family pays $8 each)
          Boy Scout Handbook Book Cover      (optional BSA Catalog (A34002A) $8.95)
          Uniform Name Plate                            (optional BSA Catalog (A20102) $4.45)
          Order of the Arrow Sash                     (family pays for with O.A. registration)
Uniform Parts Provided by Troop 563
          Montana Council Patch                                  Troop provides one then $2.90 each
          Neckerchief (custom made for Troop 563)     Troop provides one then $10 each
          Troop 563 Numerals                                      Troop provides one then $3.45 each
          World Scouting Emblem                                 Troop provides one then $1.40 each
          Red Shoulder Loops                                       Troop provides one pair then $1.65 each
          Patrol Medallion                                             Troop provides one then $1.75 or $6.20
          Quality Unit Emblem                                       Troop provides one each year earned
          Merit Badge Sash and Merit Badges               Troop provides one as earned
          Ranks, Mother's Pins, Rank Certificates          Troop provides one as earned
          Position of Responsibility Emblem                    Troop provides one as elected
          Year Service Stars                                          Troop provides one as earned
          Venture Strip, Letter, Pins                               Troop provides one as earned
          Event Patch Holder                                         Troop provides one
          Event Patches                                                 Troop pays for half

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          The place where Scouting works best is in the outdoors. There are a number of good
reasons why the outdoor program is so special. Here are three that are especially good:
     1.  The outdoors is a great place for learning something about living with others. When
          Scouts walk on the same trail, cook and eat together, and share triumphs and troubles
          together, they are going to find out some important things about, patience, respect for
          other points of view, doing their full share, making a friend more easily, and saying no
          without losing one. Skills like these are among the "personal growth" skills we want from
          every Scout. The outdoors is where they grow up best.
     2.  On the trail or in camp, the boy's leaders will be challenged by the real thing - getting
          their Patrols fed and sheltered, keeping them warm and safe, solving the problems they
          can solve, and knowing how to get help for those they can't. It's a time when leadership
          skills can deepen, Patrols grow closer, and the Troop grows stronger.
     3.  The outdoors is also a place where a Scout can get closer to the natural world around him
          - the land, the forests and their wildlife, the lakes and rivers, the mountains and the seas.
          Here, in the outdoors, he will learn of the "land ethic" - the understanding and respect for
          the environment we all share, and he will develop an active concern for it's health and a
          willingness to work to keep it healthy.

Troop 563 and the outdoor program:
          Troop 563 has a very active outdoor program and all boys are encouraged to participate.
Our program includes monthly weekend campouts, annual long term summer camp (1 week), day
hikes and other outdoor activities. We strive to keep a ratio of one adult per five boys on our
outings. All adults are encouraged to attend campouts to assist in supervising, for a day or night,
at least once a year.
          A Scout will be charged for meals if he cancels after 9 p.m. on Wednesday of the week of
the campout. The Scout must call the Scoutmaster to cancel. The Troop pays for outing fees
under $65 per trip. Expenses beyond $65 will be split between the Scouts attending the event.
          No one under the age of 21 will be allowed to drive any Scouts to or from any outing.
Individuals with a valid drivers license that are under 21 may haul equipment for the Troop but
can not have any Scouts in the vehicle.
          Troop 563 rents space from the Lincoln School to store all of the camping gear the Troop
owns. Boys are typically brought to the Lincoln School, at B and Lewis, at 8:30 on a Saturday
morning. We will campout in tents or rent a cabin for the weekend. Scouts are expected to be
well behaved on any trip or parents will be asked to pick up their son early. Further discipline
usually results in a Scout being excluded from a future campout.
          We generally arrive home by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Parents are responsible for
picking up their sons promptly after a Troop activity. No phones are available to be used by the
Scouts at Lincoln School. If a boy is to be picked up by someone other than a family member or
the parent of another Scout in the Troop, the adult leader must be informed by the parent in
writing prior to the Troop activity.

What to Bring on a Campout:
          For a District Camporee (May and September campouts) and Summer Camp, Scouts need to bring their Class A and B Uniforms. For monthly Troop campouts, Scouts need to bring their Class B Uniforms. It is a good idea to have the Scout’s name on all items. If you have any
questions about what type of equipment is of good quality or value please see the Scoutmaster.

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          Outdoor Essentials: Don't leave home without them!!!
                    extra clothing  (warm shirt, underwear, warm hat, change of socks)
                    rain gear         (wind/water proof jacket with hood, wind/water proof pants)
                    sturdy footwear
                    first aid kit
                    pocketknife [3 inch blade maximum]
                    water bottle
                    flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
                    trail food
                    matches (strike anywhere matches in waterproof container)
                    fire starter (dryer lint in film case)
                    sunglasses and sunscreen
                    map and compass
          Overnight Required Items: Must have for any campout.
                    change of clothes          sleeping bag                            sleeping pad
                    insulated plastic mug      sturdy plastic (lexan) spoon     toothbrush and toothpaste
                    backpack or duffel bag
          Overnight Optional Items:
                    tent                               bowl or plate                          soap and washcloth
                    large towel                    swimsuit                                 comb or brush
                    watch                            camera and film                      notebook and pencil or pen
                    Scout Handbook          Merit Badge Pamphlets           money for optional fees
                    work gloves                  second water bottle                chapstick with SPF15
                    lash straps                    50' cord                                  cards or dice
                    Cyalume light stick        folding chair                            hammock
                    backpackers trowel      sharpening stone                      sewing kit
                    fishing gear                    insect repellent                        pillow
                    Firem'n Chit Card         Totin' Chip Card                     tarp or ground cloth
          Hiking and Backpacking Trips:
                    backpack cover (optional)                               hiking boots [well broken in]
                    polypropylene liner socks (optional)                 water filter (Patrol can share)
                    backpacking stove (Patrol can share)               fuel bottle (Patrol can share)
                    lightweight cook kit (Patrol can share)              snake bite kit (Troop can share)
          Late Fall, Winter and Early Spring Trips: During the colder months, it is not a good
idea to wear cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, keeps it next to the skin and can induce
hypothermia quickly. Wear synthetic or natural materials that wick moisture.
                    wool sweater or pile jacket                  polypropylene long sleeve shirt
                    polypropylene long underwear             heavy coat
                    wool or pile pants                                second sleeping bag
                    winter boots                                        snowshoes or skies w/ ski poles and boots
                    fleece blanket                                      overmitts
                    glove liners                                          gaiters
                    balaclava                                             down booties
                    goggles                                                sled
                    water bottle insulators                          instant hand / feet warmers
          For an even more detailed list of equipment and suggestions as to what exact items to
purchase, please see the Troop 563 Web Site Library available on the Internet at:
http://www.livingston.k12.mt.us/users/sandrews/t563/index.html

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          Do Not Bring
                    radios              electronic games         firearms                     fireworks
                    sling shots        drugs                          alcohol                      tobacco

          Troop Owned Inventory for Scout Use
                    6 tents                          4 backpacks

          Troop Owned Equipment for Patrol Use
                    3 camping stoves          2 camping lanterns        cooking equipment
                    tarps                            Troop enclosed trailer    Troop flatbed trailer
                    2 chainsaws                  Patrol flag                     Patrol box
                    folding table                  American flag               Troop flag
                    flag stands                    Troop first aid kit          axe yard rope
                    axes                             saw                               fire barrel
                    water buckets               dining fly with poles       lashing cord
                    five gallon water jugs     lots of misc.

          The Boy Scouts of America has developed materials for use in the Scouting program that
provide essential information to members and their families to prevent child abuse. A detachable
booklet in the front of The Boy Scout Handbook, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse
and Drug Abuse: A Parents Guide," provides information to help families to increase
self-protection skills. One of the requirements for a boy to become a Scout is to go through this
booklet with his parents.
          Troop 563 is committed to following all guidelines of the Youth Protection program. Any
suspected offenses of the Youth protection program must be reported to the Committee Chair,
the Scoutmaster or the District Executive. All incidents reported to the Committee Chair or the
Scoutmaster will be reported to the District Executive. All reports are taken seriously and
appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety of our youth.

          You are joining a great organization that includes tens of thousands of adult leaders,
interested parents, and the BSA professional staff. Scouting is much more than enjoying the
outdoors. The Troop teaches leadership skills and community skills. Scouting also shows the
boys how they can keep themselves strong and healthy and make the most of school. With hard
work and dedication, your son will be able to serve as a leader in the Troop and advance in rank
along the trail to Eagle.

For more information, contact:
Colleen Nelson (New Scout Coordinator)
Scott Andrews (Scoutmaster)
Vonda Stiller (Committee Chair)
Pete Valdon (District Executive)

Last updated March 2003.

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