Troop 500

Buford, GA NEGA- Apalachee District
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WHAT NEW PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

 

 


FAQS

1. When are the meetings and does my son have to attend all of them?

 

  Meetings are held each Monday at 7pm except on most Holidays.  Scouts are not required to attend every meeting and are not expected to.  However, regular attendance is necessary to scout advancement and personal growth.

 

2. When are the campouts and how much do they cost?

 

  There is one campout each month except for one month in the summer during which we have a week long summer camp.  Campouts costs are usually between $30 - $50 and have been averaging $35 the last 12 months. 

 

3.  How fast can my son advance and reach the Eagle rank?

 

  Each scout advances at his own pace.  Typically, a scout reaches first class in his first year.  Some earlier , some later.  Scouts whose parents are active members of the troop statistically do better.

 

4. My family is new to scouting and have no scouting experience at all. How can we, as parents, better help our scout?

 

  The troop will hold parent orientation twice a year. One in the fall after Open House and the 2nd in the Spring after the Webelos crossover. Information will be shared and discussed followed by a Q&A session.

 

5.  Where can I find a personal equipment list to help my son properly prepare for campouts? 
 
  In the Scout Handbook is everything the scout needs.  Using the index in the back of the book to locate the page detailing the camping list, will provide a personal list as well as a troop list of items needed.  Below is a similar list you will find helpful.

 

 

 

6.  As a parent, can I attend the campouts? What about the scout's siblings?

 

  Parent involvement is really key to the scout's success.  Parents are welcomed to camp with their scout.  However, because the program focuses on character building, self confidence, knowledge and development, the scout participates with his patrol activities - including eating times.  Parents are grouped with the "Geezer" patrol so the old folks can "chew the fat", :-). Siblings, and other family members, are invited on specified "Family Campouts".

 

7.  What positions can I volunteer for as a parent?

 

  All of them.  If you are planning to work with the scouts, Youth Protection training is required to protect the scout and adult volunteer from any misunderstanding. As a new parent, a good way to become familiar with the program is to become a Merit Badge Counselor.  As a MB Counselor, you will be teaching and sharing your expertise with the scouts.  An avid hobbyist would also make a good counselor. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Personal Equipment List
 
  • Class A uniform
  • Scout Handbook
  • Pencil and paper
  • Mess Kit 
  • Cup
  • Spoon 
  • Fork 
  • Knife
  • Canteen (Stainless Steel)
  • Poncho
  • Sleeping Bag 
  • Foam pad/air mattress 
  • Flashlight
  • Extra Batteries
  • Watch
  • Compass
  • Tent [Optional]
  • Complete change of clothes 
    [based upon weather conditions]
  • Hiking Boots
  • Socks
  • Extra pair of shoes 
  • Extra pairs of socks
  • Extra pairs of underwear
  • Deodorant
  • Soap
  • Wash cloth
  • Towel
  • Swimming suit
  • Beach towel
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • 3 trash bags
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