Handy links for being a Scout

A couple of things are important to any scout.

These are in response to questions asked.

When do we meet?

For the past few decades, it's been at 7:30pm to 8:45pm every Tuesday night during the school year. We miss a few Tuesdays for special occasions, like spring break & Christmas. There are two troops these days, so one troop might meet while the other does something else.

What patrol am I in?

If you don't recall, please ask your Senior Patrol Leader (the SPL).
The SPL runs your troop. The Patrol Leader (the PL) manages the patrol. Both jobs are elected.
The JASMs (That's Jr Assistant Scoutmasters) and the ASPLs (The Assistant SPLs) help the SPL do what needs to be done. They are appointed. So is the assistant patrol leader (the APL).
You need four scouts to make up a patrol and the patrol needs a name, flag & yell. The scouts make the patrol work by working with each other.
Those scouts are the patrol leader (PL), Asst Patrol Leader (APL), Patrol Scribe & Patrol Quartermaster.
If you want to change patrols, it's as easy as letting the new Patrol Leader and your SPL know it (tell your Scoutmaster too please). Be sure to also let your old patrol leader you are changing patrols. If you leave a patrol with less than four scouts, it will be an issue, which is why you need to let the SPL know up front.

Who are we and what does IQ & TRC mean?

We are Troops 163b and 163g in the Iroquois District of the Theodore Roosevelt Council.
The council, abbreviated "TRC" covers all of Nassau County. Their website: http://www.trcbsa.org/
The "IQ" district is one of four in Nassau county and covers the south and west portion of it.

I want to Earn a Merit Badge, What do I do?

First? Get a blue card from a Scout Leader and a recommendation for a specific councilor. If you want to take a class, you just need the blue card.
If we hand you card, it's literally blue. If we email you a *.pdf file, it's still a blue card. Also council might give you the blue card instead of us (like for the classes at summer camp).
Second... Get the requirements and supporting documentation. There is an online workbook (where you write answers to things) and the MB pamphlet (from the troop library or online or the scout store) to work with. Read what you can, watch videos, whatever's good for you.
Third... The scout (not the parents!) calls the councilor and makes an appointment for getting the badge requirements signed off. You can get as little or as much of the badge done as you want, when you want. The councilor will advise you along the way and sign off on the parts that you have completed. Don't loose that "partial" signed off card or you risk having to start it all over again.
Last... Get the completed blue card to your scoutmaster (Mr Bo or Mr Hart). The badge is formally awarded at the next Court of Honor.

What's a Nova Award and how do I Earn it?

The 10 Nova awards are available to scouts by completing the requirements and talking to a Nova Councilor.
The requirements: https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/awards/scouts-bsa/
Talk to Mr Hart about getting items signed off on these; he's a registered councilor for them.

What is the TRC medal?

I'm a Life Scout and I am ready to work on Eagle Requirements

To make Eagle, there's paperwork. Read these 2 *.pdf files and then talk to your Scoutmaster.
The formal application: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_WB_fillable.pdf
The project workbook: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927_fillable.pdf

I'm a parent and I want to Step Up and Help the Scouts

Please talk with Mr Bo, Mr Hart and Mr McManus.
To become a MB councilor, you need these two forms filled out...
- Job Application (use job code "MC"): https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf
- The Badge Details: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf

Any other questions?

Ask an ASM, SM or the CC.
(That's Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster and Committee Chair)