Troop 53
Miscellaneous Information

Semi-catalogued stuff

Most of this information was/is meant to be printed, either by a leader as a handout, or by the user for his/her own information. Unless otherwise specified, the files are PDF documents (even those that are "zipped") and require that you have Adobe Reader (at least version 4) installed on your computer.

Camping Information

• What personal equipment does my son need on his first campout?
• New Scout Patrol First Campout Plan (5.2 kb) — one way to do it.
• Cold Weather Camping (99 kb) — a guide on preparing for, and even enjoying, camping in winter conditions.
• Backpacking Equipment List (15 kb) — actually 2 lists: the "Philmont way", and the "Kevin way". Includes some commentary on a few critical equipment items. Updated in May 2013 with some new equipment options and a couple of new local places to get stuff.

Advancement

• First Year Scout Training Program (39kb) — A syllabus that ASM John Mackin developed to cover all the requirements from Scout to First Class (including the 2008 "personal safety" requirements) in the Scout's first year. Also contains the First Year Scout Summer Camp program below. An outstanding resource.
• First Year Scout Summer Camp Program (27kb) — John has come through again! We have run this program for a number of years but always kind of "winged it". A few notes would be made, a few assignments given, and a rough schedule of events was in somebody's mind. Now it's codified thanks to John. Not yet included in the First Year Scout Training file above. Updated with new requirements and handbook page numbers.
• Eagle Scout information — 'bout half-way down the page. Project workbook, application, etc.
• Board of Review Questions (14 kb) — The form we use for Boards of Review. Has an extensive list of sample questions.

Lewis & Clark Council Orienteering Courses

Troop 53 was instrumental in the development of orienteering courses at Camps Joy and Vandeventer. Find out more about this exciting program opportunity in Lewis & Clark Council.

Climbing Information

Because of our litigious society, I have hesitated to let the following information loose in the wild. But, in the belief that more knowledge makes for a safer climbing/rappelling experience, they are here for anyone to use. These links will open a new window containing a CYA statement with which you must agree before downloading.

• Participant Guide (47.9 kb) — contains information on safety guidelines, knots, and more.
• Instructor/Assistant Guide (74.5 kb) — information for those assisting in a climbing/rappelling session. Has a lot of information on safe setups, safe area management, management of "emergencies", equipment useage and much more, all packed into 20 pages.

Webelos & New Scout Ceremonies

• The Four Winds bridging ceremony
• Induction Ceremony

Training

BSA Online Learning Center — recommended courses include:

• Fast Start Training for new adult leaders or interested parents
• Youth Protection Training is required for all BSA registered adults . However, all adults/parents are highly encouraged to take this course.
• Safe Swim Defense
• Safety Afloat
• Hazardous Weather

All of the above courses are pretty painless to go through. Each course only takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Note that you will have to create an "account" with a Username and a Password. Part of the signup process is to have your "person ID number" (other than for Youth Protection). That number is available near the bottom of your BSA registration/membership card.

Etc.

• Welcome to Troop 53 (62 kb) — an online version of our "handbook".
• Troop 53 Meeting Plan (4.4 kb) — Blank form to plan troop meetings.
• Troop 53 Honor Patrol Program AKA "Bead Program" (4.26 kb) — The guidelines we use...
• Are You Keeping the Promise? (120kb) — a 1993 BSA brochure produced from surveys and interviews of Scouts, Scout-age boys, and Scoutmasters. Its basic premise is "What makes a good troop?"
• World Conservation Award Application (34.1kb) — inspired by a similar form on the Chicago Council's website, this one is much "cleaner" since it is not a scan of a 3^rd generation photocopy. You can type your information directly onto the form, then print it. This form may no longer be furiously practical because TroopMaster et al keep track of this. Warning requirements for this award may change with the new Sustainability Merit Badge.
• Scholarship information (274 kb) — Lindenwood University has set up a scholarship program for Boy Scouts. With the Belleville campus greatly expanding its offerings this may be of interest.