Boy Scouts of America Lovett Troop 304 - Boy Scout Troop 304 ...

This Guide Belongs To: 

Boy Scouts of America 

Lovett Troop 304 

www.lovett304.com 

Troop Handbook

Table of Contents 

Troop 304, Boy Scouts of America 

The Lovett School 

Kevin Link - Scoutmaster 


Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................ 1 

Welcome to Troop 304 ............................................................................................................................... 3 

Overview..................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Backpacking Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 5 

Board of Review ......................................................................................................................................... 6 

Camping Trips/ Outings.............................................................................................................................. 6 

Communications ......................................................................................................................................... 7 

Discipline .................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Dues ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 

Eagle Advancement .................................................................................................................................... 8 

Eagle Checklist ........................................................................................................................................... 8 

Eagle Required Merit Badges ................................................................................................................... 14 

Email and Website .................................................................................................................................... 15 

Finances .................................................................................................................................................... 16 

First Class Candidates............................................................................................................................... 17 

Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................................................................... 17 

High Adventure......................................................................................................................................... 20 

Leadership Positions – Elections and Appointments................................................................................ 20 

Leadership Positions – Job Descriptions .................................................................................................. 22 

Medical Release Form .............................................................................................................................. 26 

Meetings.................................................................................................................................................... 28 

Membership Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 28 

Merit Badge Counselors ........................................................................................................................... 29 

Merit Badges............................................................................................................................................. 30 

Merit Badge Pamphlets............................................................................................................................. 31 

Troop Guide 3 Be Prepared!

Troop 304, Cub Scouts of America 




Merit Badge Suggestions .......................................................................................................................... 31 

NESA ........................................................................................................................................................ 31 

Outing Departures and Arrivals................................................................................................................ 32 

Parent’s Role............................................................................................................................................. 32 

Popcorn Sales............................................................................................................................................ 32 

Rank Advancement................................................................................................................................... 33 

Second Class Advancement...................................................................................................................... 34 

Service Projects......................................................................................................................................... 35 

Summer Camp .......................................................................................................................................... 36 

Summer Camp Packing List ..................................................................................................................... 39 

Troop Advancement System..................................................................................................................... 41 

Troop Organization................................................................................................................................... 43 

Uniforms ................................................................................................................................................... 44 

Volunteers................................................................................................................................................. 45 

Scouting Uniform Checklist ..................................................................................................................... 46 

Car Camping Equipment Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 52 

Directions to Woodruff Boy Scout Camp................................................................................................. 54 

Directions to Bert Adam’s Boy Scout Camp............................................................................................ 55 

Notes ......................................................................................................................................................... 56 


2005-2006 Guide 

Scouts and Parents of Troop 304: 

Welcome to Troop 304 

Sponsored by The Lovett School 



Our Troop adopted a theme of Adventure, Leadership and Outdoor Skills. We incorporated this 

theme into our Troop logo and patch. Annually, we include many opportunities for the Troop to bring 

this theme to life through activities such as backpacking trips, advancement weekends, service projects, 

and the many merit badge opportunities offered. 

Please invest the time to read this guide as it contains details about our activities, Troop structure, and 

meeting plans. Always check the website about key events and updates as schedules and details may 

change throughout the year. We have an RSVP system which allows all Scouts to respond to events 

electronically through the website. Please remember to register your email through the Contact Us page 

on the website as well 

Parents, please read the following section in this guide – Parents Role. Our website and this Guide will 

provide you with the information to help you plan and maximize your Scouting year. I look forward to 

seeing you at many of the events and working with you on your trail to Eagle. 

Yours in Scouting, 

Kevin Link 

Scoutmaster 

Adventure! That’s what Scouting is. You are standing at the doorway to the most exciting adventures 

you can imagine. Step into the world of Scouting and you’ll find yourself hiking along trails, 

canoeing across misty lakes, and camping under open sky. Smell the fresh rain in the woods, plunge 

into a mountain lake, travel the backcountry without leaving a trace and learn to rely on your skills in 

the outdoors. Scouting is also a doorway to friendship. Scouting is a worldwide brotherhood many 

millions strong. Outdoor adventures, service projects, leadership in your patrol and Troop – Scouting 

will give you experiences and responsibilities that will help you grow. Welcome to Scouting. 

~ The Boy Scout Handbook ~ 


2005-2006 Guide 

Overview 



This guide is organized alphabetically into many categories which we believe will help you get the most 

from your Scouting career. This in addition to your Scout Handbook, Troop Website, and the 

information shared at our meetings will provide you with the information you need to be successful. 

This guide is intended to provide you with the basic information on advancement, leadership guidelines 

and other information that does not change from year to year. Events, activities and current trips and 

troop leaders are updated on the website. 


Backpacking 

Equipment 





Personal Gear (in stuff bags and keep it light) 

Scout outdoor essentials 

o Pocketknife. No sheath knives. 

o 2 water bottles (wide-mouth) 

o Small Flashlight (headlight best and no C or D cell batteries) 

o Trail food (plus large heavy-duty zip-lock bag for personal garbage) 

o Rain gear: jacket and pants (multi-ply Gore-Tex best) 

o Sun screen, including lip protection 

Clothing for the season (layers, no cotton in cool weather): see below 

Backpack and pack rain cover (most use internal-frame packs) 

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (compression bag best for sleeping-bag transport, 

consider sleeping pad convertible to recliner) 

Eating kit (spoon, bowl, insulated cup). A fork is not necessary. 

Clean-up kit (travel size biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, towel, 

bandanna) 

Personal extras (including toilet paper and plastic shovel in a zip-lock bag, insect 

repellent, camera, book, playing cards). No Game Boys, CD players, etc. 

Trekking poles highly recommended. 

Backpacking food as defined in the activity description 

Tent with rain fly and ground cloth to be shared with another Scout 

Clothing (In addition to what you wear on the first day) 

Backpacking boots, waterproofed and “broken-in” 

Rain gear (Poncho or rain coat and waterproof pants are ideal) 

1 Pair sock liners for each night (wool or polypropylene) 

1 Pair wool socks for each night 

1 Pair long underwear (not cotton) 

1 Pair long hiking pants (not cotton, not jeans) 

1 Pair short hiking pants (or use long pants above with zip-off legs) 

1 T, or turtle-neck shirt per night, appropriate to season and altitude (not cotton) 

1 Long-sleeved shirt, appropriate to season and altitude (not cotton) 

1 Fleece or wool sweater 

1 Extra warm layer for cold-weather trips (heavy fleece, down vest, down jacket) 

Wool or fleece cap and gloves (or mittens) 

1 Pair fleece pants for severe cold-weather trips 

1 Extra pair of underwear briefs per night 

1 Pair camp shoes or sandals (good for crossing streams) 

Optional Gear – The Troop leaders will have this gear so bringing it is optional 

Backpacking stove and fuel 

Cooking kit (pans, pot gripper) 

Water filter and/or purification tablets 

Repair kit (including extra boot laces, sewing kit, 50 feet of nylon cord, extra batteries) 


Board of 

Review 

Camping 

Trips/ Outings 

RSVP 





For each rank advancement, Scouts must complete a Board of Review (BOR) 

meeting held between the Scout and several adult leaders of the troop. The troop 

has a BOR Chairman who coordinates the event and organizes all records. 

The BOR is the final process in awarding rank advancement. As such, all other 

requirements must be completed including the Scoutmaster conference. The 

following steps must be completed, in order, before attending a BOR: 

1. Complete all advancement requirements. Verify this with the Scoutmaster 

at any meeting. The Scoutmaster will confirm with the Record Keeper. 

2. Once all requirements are completed, contact the Scoutmaster to set up a 

Scoutmaster conference. This can be done following any regular Scout 

meeting or arranged separately. 

3. Upon completing the Scoutmaster conference, the Scoutmaster will let the 

Record Keeper and the Board of Review know that the Scout is eligible for 

advancement. The Scoutmaster will remind the Scout of the next Board of 

Review. 

4. The Scout may then attend the BOR on scheduled nights normally held in 

September and January of each year. Upon completion the Board of 

Review Chairman will notify the Scoutmaster and Record Keeper. 

Eagle candidates must follow a slightly different process. Please see Eagle 

Advancement elsewhere in this guide. 

Scouts must RSVP for all outings according to the deadlines stated for that 

outing. Generally the RSVP date is the Tuesday before each event. RSVP 

online and include the number of family members attending (including 

parents), and the number of passengers your parent can accommodate if 

driving. Events will be locked on the RSVP date and no further reservations 

can be accepted. 

The Troop will take many camping trips throughout the year. The locations, dates, 

maps, and other details are included in this guide under Outings. A suggested 

checklist of items to bring is also included in this guide. Final details of these trips 

will be provided on the website as the events near. Review the website for last 

minute details or have the Scout contact their patrol leaders for more information. 






Communications In an effort to increase the responsibility of the Scouts and encourage them to 

take ownership of their Scouting experience, all communications should be 

initiated by the Scout to the appropriate Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, 

or adult leader. 

Discipline 

In order to simplify the Troop communications and avoid excessive announcements 

at Troop meetings, the following we be used to provide all required 

communications: 

This Guide will provide all key Troop information. 

The Troop website, www.lovett304.com will provide up to date 

plans, forms, and details on all events. 

Troop and Patrol meetings will include last minute details and 

instructions. 

The Troop will send updates throughout the year via email. 

Make sure you are registered to receive these updates on the 

following page: http://www.lovett304.com/contact.htm 

Please consult all the above avenues before contacting leaders regarding questions. 

Please see the section in this guide related to Email and Website. 

Troop 304 rarely deals with issues that require a specific disciplinary action. As 

such, we have used the Scout oath and law as our guide to appropriate behavior. In 

the rare case that we experience a discipline issue, the Scoutmaster, or other leader 

in charge, will assemble a group of 3 Scouts and 3 adult leaders to review and 

discuss the event in question. This group will recommend the appropriate course of 

action and report to the Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman. 

You’ll find “Classroom Discipline” in the fiction section. 


Dues 

Eagle 

Advancement 

Eagle 

Checklist 





Dues are collected at the beginning of each school year to cover the costs of 

running the program. Dues will cover the Scout’s registration, subscription to 

Boy’s Life, meeting expenses, and all associated awards and badges. Dues will not 

cover any camping trips or special outings as planned by the Troop. Checks should 

be made out to Boy Scout Troop 304. Invoices detailing the current dues amounts 

are sent at the beginning of each new year. 

Scouts joining the Troop after January 1 will pay half the annual dues. This 

includes all Webelos crossing over from the Pack. 

See the section in this guide on Finances. 

Advancement to Eagle is a big step for any Scout and involves some administrative 

matters to notify the Boy Scouts of America about a Scout’s candidacy. All Eagle 

Scouts must go through a review and approval process as the awarding of this 

prestigious honor is made only to those worthy of the rank. 

Troop 304 has a dedicated adult leader who serves as the Eagle Advisor. It is the 

responsibility of each Life Scout to contact and coordinate all Eagle advancement 

activities with the Eagle Advisor. The Troop must support and recommend each 

Scouts candidacy to Eagle and we will only support those Scouts that take the 

initiative to work through this process. This guide provides the name and contact 

information of the Eagle Advisor. 

There is a meeting at the first Court of Honor of the School year for all Life Scouts 

and parents. Check the calendar for details and please plan to attend. 

This checklist has been compiled for the benefit of Troop 304 Life Scouts and is 

meant to serve as a basic outline of the Life-to-Eagle process. There are many 

details that are not included in this outline. It is important that Life Scouts work 

closely with the Troop Eagle Rank Advisor during this process. Note that, except 

for merit badges, no Eagle requirements can be met until you have passed 

your Board of Review for the rank of Life. 

Before You Begin 

Task Description 

Boy Scout Handbook Read all Eagle Scout Requirements in the Boy 

Scout Handbook. All these requirements 

must be satisfied before the date of your 

18th birthday. 

Life to Eagle Packet Read the Life to Eagle Packet, which can be 

downloaded from the Resources page of the 


Advancement and 

History Report 





Troop website 

Review your Troop Individual History report 

provided by the Troop Record Keeper and 

make sure you have completed or have a plan 

to complete all Eagle requirements. 

Life Scout Meeting Attend one of the Life Scout meetings held by 

the Troop Eagle Advisor. See the Troop 

Calendar for dates. 

Eagle Project 


Project Idea Develop a rough idea for your Eagle Project 

and discuss with your contact person at the 

benefiting organization and then with the Troop 

Eagle Advisor prior to beginning. 

Project Oral Approval Once the Troop Eagle Advisor has verbally 

approved your project idea, you can begin the 

Eagle Project Scout 

Workbook 

Leadership Project 

Guidelines 

formal efforts to plan and write-up the project. 

Upon receiving the oral approval to begin 

writing-up the project, download the Eagle 

Scout Project Workbook from the Troop 

Resources page and review. 

Download the Leadership Project Guidelines 

document from the Troop Resources web page 

and review. 

Complete Workbook Working closely with the Troop Eagle Advisor, 

complete the Eagle Project Workbook. 

Generally this requires several revisions. 

Workbook Approval Once the workbook is approved by the Troop 

Eagle Advisor, obtain the signatures of the 

Eagle Advisor, Project Sponsor, and 

Scoutmaster. Make four copies, keeping one. 

Give the original and 3 copies to the Eagle 

Advisor to submit to the District Advancement 

Committee. 

District Approval The District will require 4-6 weeks to review 

and approve your project. No work can begin 

until you receive this approval. Once the 

project is approved, the Troop Eagle Advisor 






will notify you that you can begin the project. 

Project Completion Upon completion, notify the Troop Eagle 

Advisor for instructions on completing the final 

project write-up. 

Eagle Application 


Requirement Completion Upon approval by the Troop Eagle Troop 

Advisor that all requirements have been met, 

you can begin to complete the Eagle 

Application. The Troop Eagle Advisor will 

provide you with the official application, or 

you can complete the application online at 

www.nesa.org and print it out. Note that the 

final Eagle requirement is a Scoutmaster 

Conference, which you should schedule now. 

Draft Application Complete all sections (except for the 

signature section) for the Troop Advisor to 

review. Also go ahead and write your 

Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose. 

You should attach your most recent Individual 

History Report and have a copy of your Eagle 

Project Workbook when you review the Eagle 

Letter of 

Recommendation 

Final Application and 

Signatures 

Application with the advisor. 

Contact the 5 people who will write your 

letters of recommendation (6 if you have an 

employer), and add their names, addresses, 

and telephone numbers to the application. The 

Eagle Advisor will tell you how these letters 

should be addressed. 

Upon approval from the Troop Eagle Advisor, 

complete the official Eagle Scout Application 

and sign it on page two. Do not enter the 

signature date until checking with the Eagle 

Advisor. Make appointments with the 

following individuals in this order: 

• Signature of Unit Leader – This should 

be signed by the Scoutmaster. It is 

often done at the time of the 

Scoutmaster Conference, but may be 

done later. 






• Signature of Unit Committee Chair – 

This should be signed by the Troop 

Committee Chairman. 

Eagle Packet and Copies Assemble the Eagle Packet: Application, 

Personal Statement, and full Project 

Workbook. Make 3 copies and bring the 

original and all copies to the Eagle Advisor. 

District Approval The Troop Eagle Advisor will submit it to the 

District for review. 

Eagle Board You will be notified by the Troop Eagle 

Advisor of the date of your Eagle Board. You 

must appear in full uniform with all 

appropriate insignia on your uniform and merit 

badge sash. 

District Approval You will be notified during the Board whether 

you have been approved for Eagle. 

National Approval Once approved by the District, your 

application must be approved by the Council 

and submitted to the National Boy Scouts of 

America. This process will take between 4-6 

weeks from your Eagle Board. 

Eagle Ceremony 


Pick a Location Decide where you want to hold your Eagle 

ceremony and contact the facility directly to 

check available dates. The ceremony date 

should be at least one month after the Eagle 

Board of Review, to allow time to receive the 

medallion from Boy Scout headquarters. You 

should allow at least 3 hours for set-up, the 

ceremony, the reception, and clean-up. 

Lovett Chapel – Contact Beverly Hamrick, 

bhamrick@lovett.org, 404-262-3032 

Once you confirm the location and date please 

make sure that the chosen facility has 4 or 5 






tables available for the ceremony. One table 

will be used for the Eagle Prop, two for the 

reception, and one or two to display your Scout 

memorabilia. 

Pick a Date Based on the availability of your preferred 

location, pick a date and ask the Scoutmaster if 

this date is acceptable. Consider other Troop 

events, meetings, and trips when picking a date. 

Ceremony Supplies Go to the Scout Office and purchase the 

following supplies for the ceremony: 

• Invitations 

• Ceremony Programs 

• Mother's Eagle Pin 

• Father's Eagle Lapel Pin 

Invitations Print and send out Eagle Invitations at least three 

weeks in advance of the ceremony. Troop 

mailing labels can be obtained from the 

Scoutmaster. 

Ceremony Reception Contact the Troop Ceremony Coordinator and 

notify them of the location and date of your 

ceremony. They will take care of coordinating 

Ceremony Script and 

Participants 

the reception. 

Download a sample Ceremony Script from the 

troop website. Modify as you like and decide 

who you would like to participate in your 

ceremony. Ideally, Scouts of all ranks should 

participate in the lighting of the rank candles. 

You can download a listing of s 

Scouts from the Troop website Resource page. 

The password is “golions”. 

Contact each ceremony participant and make 

sure they can participate on this date and that 

they can show up ahead of the ceremony time to 

rehearse their part. 

Feel free to have your chaplain or a relative do 

the invocations. 

You are at liberty to be as creative in developing 






the ceremony as you would like and may also 

review the many ceremonies that can be found 

on the internet. Review any new ideas with the 

Troop Eagle Advisor before proceeding. 

You are responsible for developing the final 

script, selecting the participants, and writing the 

script for each participant. You are responsible 

for bringing ample copies of the script to the 

ceremony. Remember to start planning your 

own speech. 

Letters of Achievement Feel free to contact the many sources as listed 

on the website for the purposes of recognizing 

your achievement. Completing this at least one 

month in advance of your ceremony many allow 

you to have these letters displayed or read 

during the ceremony. 

Scout Memorabilia Collect pictures, badges, and memorabilia from 

your Scouting career and present it outside the 

ceremony room. This is not required but is 

always enjoyed by those attending your 

ceremony. 

Ceremony Program Upon completion of your script and ceremony 

participants, print ample copies of the ceremony 

program. 

Ceremony Bring the following items to the ceremony: 

• Ceremony Scripts 

• Ceremony Program 

• Mother's and Father's Eagle Pins 

• Memorabilia for display 

• Camera 

• Wear full Scout uniform 


Eagle 

Required 

Merit Badges 

Camping 

Citizen in Community 

Citizen in Nation 

Citizen in World 

Communications 

Environmental Science 

Family Life 

First Aid 

Personal Fitness 

Personal Management 

Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving 

Cycling or Hiking or Swimming 

See current Scout Handbook for elective Merit Badges 






Email and 

Website 





The Troop will leverage our website and Email frequently to communicate with the 

Scouts, Leaders, and Parents related to any matter of the Troop. The most up-todate 

information can always be found on the troop website, www.lovett304.com. 

We recognize that email addresses tend to change and we encourage you update 

your email on the following page: http://www.lovett304.com/contact.htm 


Finances 





The Treasurer keeps detailed financial records of all matters related to the operation 

of the Troop. Our troop is funded through Scout dues and fundraising (popcorn 

sales) profits. Outing related expenses are funded by the participants attending. 

Each Scout has an account established by the Troop to record all activity including 

proceeds form fundraising sales and expenses related to outings. Any expenses 

incurred by that Scout or the family will be directly reimbursed or credited to the 

Scout’s account. Scouts arriving late and/or departing early will be charged the 

same rate as all Scouts. 

During the year, statements will be provided detailing the Scouts financial position. 

This statement will reflect the Scouts proceeds from fundraising and any charges 

for that Scout’s participation in outings (including a parent’s participation.) The 

net position of the account may require reimbursement to the Troop or a check paid 

to the Scout’s family for reimbursement of expenses incurred. (Obviously 

fundraising profits are not included in any reimbursement.) 

All checks should be made payable to Boy Scout Troop 304 and sent to the Troop 

Treasurer. 

Expenses requiring reimbursement must be handled by the Treasurer by submitting 

receipts and completing the Troop Expense Report found online. Outing related 

expenses must also include a list of the participants involved so that expenses can 

be directly charged to the appropriate Scout. Total event expense will be equally 

distributed to each Scout’s Troop account Late arrivals and early departures are 

charged the same as all other Scouts. Adult leaders and event drivers are not 

charged unless significant expenses (hotel charges) are incurred. Expenses can be 

paid back by check or credited to a Scout’s account. 

The Troop retains a portion of all dues and fundraising profits and will use those 

proceeds for awards, ceremony expenses, camping gear, instruction materials, and 

general operating expenses. The Troop committee will review these expected 

expenses each year. 


First Class 

Candidates 

Frequently 

Asked 

Questions 





The Troop has scheduled specific events to assist Scouts with the attainment of 

First Class. First Class represents the complete Scout as they have all the basic 

skills as suggested by the BSA. 

First Class Candidates must attend two events as listed in the Calendar: 

• Swimming and Cooking Session for requirements 4, 7 and 9. 

• First Class Weekend Campout for requirements 1,2,6,7,8 

The remaining requirements are addressed during regular Scout meetings or 

coordinated separately. 

Please make every effort to attend both of these events as they are only offered 

once per year. There are no make-up sessions. 

1. What constitutes a Troop activity, for purposes of 2nd-class and 1st-class 

rank requirements? 

Answer: Our definition of a Troop activity is one sponsored by the Troop 

and open to all members of the Troop. It is never merely an advancement session 

aimed at only a subset of the Scouts in the Troop. 

Examples of Troop activities: 

Troop outings, such as camping, canoeing, biking, etc. 

Summer Scout camp week (counts as 2 activities) 

Troop service projects 

Eagle service projects (if by a Troop 304 Life Scout) 

Popcorn show and sell 

NESA day 

Pack 304 crossover ceremony 

Examples of activities that do not qualify: 

Troop meetings, including Eagle ceremonies 

Merit Badge Clinics (except NESA day) 

Any session whose sole purpose is advancement and involving just a 

subset of the Scouts of the Troop, such as a swimming session for 2nd- 


or 1st-class. 





2. Does earning the first aid merit badge mean that a Scout has satisfied the 

first-aid requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class? 

Answer: No. Although the 1st requirement for the merit badge is to 

"satisfy your instructor that you have current knowledge of the 1st-aid requirements 

for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class," our Troop feels that this part may well be 

glossed over in some merit-badge classes, and that if repetition does occur, it can 

only be beneficial. 

3. Does earning the swimming merit badge mean that a Scout has satisfied the 

swimming requirements for the ranks of 2nd Class and 1st Class? 

Answer: Generally yes. This will depend on how the swimming badge is 

taught and where. Swimming requirement 3 is to satisfy the 2nd-Class and 1st- 

Class swimming requirement. Thus, if the instructor actually makes the boys finish 

those requirements, they clearly have satisfied both sets. Usually the swimming 

badge will have been earned at summer Scout camp, and it will be assumed that if a 

Scout earned Swimming at summer camp, he satisfied the rank requirements. 

4. If a Scout satisfies the 1st-Class cooking requirement in its entirety 

(requirement 4abcdef), does this count as well for the Tenderfoot 

(requirement 3) and 2nd-Class (requirement 2g) cooking requirements? (This 

can happen if a Scout joins the Troop late and misses the usual sequence of 

spring advancement weekend and then other camping trips, and instead goes 

to 1st-Class advancement weekend early in his Scouting career and does the 

cooking requirement.) 

Answer: Yes, but note that 2nd-Class requirement 2f (light a fire and a 

light-weight stove) is not satisfied. 

5. What are the prerequisites for having a leadership position in the Troop? 

Answer: Scouts who have passed their Board of Review for 1st Class are 

eligible for leadership positions. Scouts who have not yet attained the rank of 1st 

Class may serve as Den Chiefs in a Cub Scout pack, and their service will be 

recorded in our Troopmaster database. 

Troop leadership positions are elected, appointed, and Scouts can volunteer 

for certain positions. (See Troop Leadership elsewhere in this Guide.). Senior 

patrol leader is elected by the entire Troop every December and May, with secondplace 

in votes becoming assistant senior patrol leader. A Scout must have passed 

his Life Board of Review before the date of the election. In other words, if a Scout 

has had his Scoutmaster Conference for Life in November but the Board of Review 

will not be until January, he cannot run for senior patrol leader in December. Once 

a Scout has served a full term as senior patrol leader, he may not run for it again 

(he may be appointed junior assistant Scoutmaster once he has reached the age of 






16). However, a Scout who has served as assistant senior patrol leader may run for 

senior patrol leader. 

Patrol leaders are elected every December and May by members of their 

patrols. Once a Scout has served as patrol leader, he cannot run for it again for a 

one-year period. A question is whether a Life Scout should be on the ballot 

simultaneously for patrol leader and senior patrol leader. To date we have put their 

names in both places and asked the voting Scouts to vote for one name for only one 

position. 

Appointed positions (besides junior assistant Scoutmaster) include 

quartermaster, instructor, scribe, historian, Troop guide, and Order of the Arrow 

representative. For quartermaster, a Scout who has space in his house to keep all 

the Troop equipment is sought. It works out best if this is a year-long position, but 

if the quartermaster is elected to a Troop position in December, a new 

quartermaster should be appointed. For instructors, 3 or 4 are appointed to cover 

the topics at the two advancement weekends. 

6. What are the terms of office for leadership positions? Do they vary? 

Answer: The terms generally cover school semesters; July 1 - January 1, 

and January 1 – June 30. 

7. Can a parent pass a Scout on rank or merit-badge requirements? 

Answer: Generally the answer is "no." We like these requirements to be 

passed on Troop outings and special Troop advancement sessions such as fall and 

spring Advancement Weekends, where Troop adult leaders can oversee their 

mastery of the requirement. There are some requirements that in the past we have 

allowed parents to handle. The Scout requirement #9 (pamphlet exercises) should 

be covered at home; my default position is to assume that it has been. 2nd-Class 

requirement #5 (identify wild animals) has historically been covered at home, with 

the Scout bringing written evidence of the animals or traces of animals to show to 

the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. However, when a parent asks of they 

can teach a merit badge or a rank requirement to their child, I ask them to register 

as a merit-badge counselor and announce the badge to be available to the whole 

Troop. Likewise, for example if a parent wants to take their child on a 5-mile 

compass hike to satisfy 2nd-Class requirement 1b, I ask that they announce the 

event to the entire Troop. (See Merit Badge Counselors elsewhere in this Guide.) 


High 

Adventure 

Leadership 

Positions – 

Elections and 

Appointments 





The Troop regularly takes a summer high adventure trip for Scouts 14 years of age 

or older. These trips generally last for 5-8 days and nights and requires advanced 

Scouting and outdoor skills. Details, dates, and associated trip fees as well as signups 

take place in the spring semester prior to the trip. Check with the Troop 

leaders and the Troop website for details. 

The Troop will offer the Scouts great opportunities to enhance their leadership 

qualities. The Troop will change leadership twice each year before the fall and 

spring semesters. The Fall term is from July 1 through January 1 and includes any 

leader training and Troop planning events in the late summer. The Spring 

leadership, From January 1 to June 30, will serve as the leaders during any summer 

events. Descriptions of these positions are listed below as well as in the Scout 

Handbook. The following are the Troop positions: 

Elected Positions 

o Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – Open to all Life Scouts who have not 

previously served as SPL. Requires the majority vote of the Troop. 

o Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) - The Scout with the second 

most votes will be elected to serve as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. 

o Patrol Leaders (PL) (4 Patrols) – Must be at least First Class and 

have not previously served as PL in the past year. The Troop Guide 

is appointed by the Scoutmaster and will serve as Patrol Leader for 

the New Scout Patrol. The John Heagy Patrol is for all scouts who 

previously served as SPLs, ASPL, or are Eagle Scouts. The 

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader will serve as Patrol Leader for this 

Patrol. 

Appointed Positions 

o Quartermaster – (Full Year Term) Must be at least First Class 

o Troop Guide & New Scout patrol Leader – Must be at least First 

Class 

o Instructors (4-6) – Must be at least First Class 

o Scribe – Must be at least First Class 

o Historian (3) – Must be at least First Class 

Volunteer Positions 

o Den Chiefs – Must be at least First Class 

Important Note About Leadership Positions 

The troop has opportunities for 17 leaders plus Den Chiefs each semester. Given 

the size of the Troop, there may be times when the number of boys in need of 

leadership positions will be greater than the positions available. One of the reasons 

that the Scoutmaster appoints leaders versus making them all elected positions is to 

rotate the leadership among all the boys. Scouts in need of leadership positions 

will be either elected or appointed at least once per school year. The Scoutmaster 


will use the following criteria in appointing leaders: 





Scouts in need of leadership positions as determined by the troop record 

keeper, 

Positions held by the scout in the last year (Patrol Leaders can only 

serve once per year.) 

Rank and age of the Scout. Scouts closer to Eagle may receive 

additional appointments as they get closer to the age requirement for 

Eagle (18). 

Other factors that the Scoutmaster determines important to run a 

successful program. 

Elections will be held at the last regular meeting help prior to the each new 

semester. All terms are semester terms except the Quartermaster position which is 

a full year term. 


Leadership 

Positions – Job 

Descriptions 





All Leaders: 

1. As a troop leader, you will develop your own ideal of what the Troop should 

be, and how it works to actualize this ideal by developing your own leadership 

skills and motivating the Scouts in the Troop to help you achieve it. As a 

leader, you will take an active interest in the younger Scouts, serving as an 

example of the best that a Scout can be and helping them with their progress 

through Scouting and toward maturity. 

2. All Troop Leaders will attend the Troop Leadership Council (TLC) meetings 

held 30 minutes before each Troop meeting. (See below.) 

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) 

1. The Senior Patrol Leader stays up-to-date on the Troop membership, 

organization, calendar, and activities, serving as a reliable source of 

information for other Scouts. 

2. He runs Troop Leadership Council meetings (held 30 minutes before each 

meeting) from beginning to end, guiding the other leaders in planning the 

Troop’s activities. If he cannot attend a TLC meeting, he fully briefs the ASPL 

on the meeting’s objectives and makes sure the Assistant SPL can serve in his 

absence. 

3. He runs Troop meetings from beginning to end, according to the plan 

developed by the Patrol Leaders’ Council. If he cannot attend a Troop meeting, 

he fully briefs the Assistant SPL on the meeting’s agenda and makes sure the 

Assistant SPL can serve in his absence. Before each meeting he contacts the 

Scouts participating in the program to remind them of and help them with their 

roles. 

4. On Troop outings or service projects that he attends (including summer Scout 

camp); he works with the adult leader to insure that the necessary jobs are done 

and that the rules of safety are followed. If he cannot attend a Troop activity, 

he appoints another Scout leader (Assistant SPL or other) to serve in this role. 

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) 

In the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader, he assumes his duties (see above): 

1. In addition, he works with the Troop Scribe, Historians, Quartermaster, and 

Instructors to help them learn and perform their jobs. At Troop meetings and 

activities he helps the SPL as the Troop Second-in-Command. He attends and 

contributes to all TLC meetings. 

2. The Assistant also serves as the Patrol Leader for the John Heagy Patrol. 

3. The ASPL will work with the Service Committee to plan and execute Troop 

sponsored Service projects. 


Patrol Leader (PL) 





1. He appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader to serve in his absence. Before any 

Troop meeting that he cannot attend, he makes sure the Assistant Patrol Leader 

can lead the Patrol at the meeting. 

2. He attends and represents both himself and his Patrol at TLC meetings, making 

suggestions about the Troop meeting agenda and other Troop outings and 

activities. 

3. At Troop meetings he is in charge of gathering his Patrol members to start the 

meeting, leading the Patrol breakout session, and leading his Patrol in Patrol 

competitions or games. During Patrol meeting, he records scout attendance and 

uniform status. The PL is responsible for delivering this information to the 

Scribe in each meeting. 

4. On Troop outings (including summer Scout Camp) and service projects he 

helps the SPL and adult leader in insuring that the necessary jobs are done and 

the safety rules are followed. 

5. He helps his Patrol select a Patrol emblem and devise a Patrol yell. 

6. He keeps up-to-date on Troop activities, serving as a reliable source of 

information for members of his Patrol. 

7. He keeps an active interest in the younger Scouts in his Patrol, especially their 

preparation for Troop outings (including equipment, food, plans for sharing a 

tent with another Scout, etc). 

8. By the Tuesday before each Troop event, the PL obtains an accurate list of 

members of his Patrol who will be participating and he calls the SPL with this 

information. The event reservations are closed the Tuesday before the event. 

Troop Guide 

As the leader of the New Scout Patrol, he performs all the duties of a Patrol Leader 

(See above): 

1. In addition to his role as a Patrol Leader, he will assist the Instructors in 

teaching Tenderfoot skills to all new Scouts (except those passing the 

Tenderfoot requirements at Advancement Weekend) and passing the Scouts on 

the Tenderfoot requirements. 

Scribe 

1. He works with each Patrol Leader to record Scout attendance taken during 

patrol meetings and he records the results of any inter-patrol competitions at 

Troop meetings. The scribe must distribute and collect the Patrol attendance 

reports during each meeting. If he cannot be present for a meeting, he arranges 






for another Scout to perform these duties at that meeting. 

2. After each Troop outing or service project he makes a list of all the Scouts who 

participated, and he gives the list to the Scoutmaster. 

3. At regular intervals he sends cumulative attendance reports to the Senior Patrol 

Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide, 

Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmaster. 

4. He manages the Troop’s library and keeps records for all merit badge 

pamphlets. 

Quartermaster 

1. At the start of his term (July or January) he conducts an inventory of all Troop 

equipment and gives it to the Outing Committee Chairman, so that the Troop 

can be informed about the equipment available for the Scouts to use. He also 

does an inspection of the Troop trailer, reports on its condition to the Outing 

Committee Chairman, and cleans the trailer if necessary. 

2. When a Scout or a Patrol requests to use a piece of Troop equipment, he 

provides the equipment, keeping a record of the transaction. He receives the 

equipment from the Scout or Patrol after its use, checks its condition, cleans or 

repairs it if necessary, and stores it. 

3. At the end of his term (December or June) he repeats the inspection of the 

Troop trailer and the inventory of equipment, checking it against his original 

inventory. He provides a final list of Troop equipment to the incoming 

quartermaster. 

4. He works with the Outing Committee Chairman to suggest which items of 

equipment the Troop needs to purchase, either as new equipment or as 

replacement for damaged equipment. 

Instructors (4-6) 

1. The leadership position of Instructor is important to the Troop and will be 

beneficial for each Scout. Besides receiving leadership credit, it provides a 

great opportunity to strengthen your public speaking and teaching skills. 

2. Instructors will be asked to prepare one to two demonstrations during their term 

and assist with others. These should not be lectures. They should be 

demonstrations. Each instructor must gather the necessary equipment 

necessary and bring it to the meeting. 

3. Listed below are a few guidelines for each demonstration: 

Speak more slowly, loudly, and clearly. Take command of your subject 

and your audience. Make eye contact with people in the audience! 

Instructors and other leaders will need to help each other on these 

demonstrations. The primary instructor should ask one or more of the 

others to help him. 






The demonstrations should last about 10 - 15 minutes at each meeting. 

4. Instructors will also be asked to provide instruction and skill review during 

Troop Advancement weekends. Full credit for Leadership as an Instructor is 

given upon the completion of both Troop and Advancement weekend 

demonstrations and training. 

5. One Instructor will be appointed to coordinate service projects. In this role, he 

will work with the adult leaders to organize, announce, and lead all Troop 

sponsored service projects. 

Historian (Website) 

1. The historian will serve as the webmaster for the Troop website. This includes 

keeping the site calendar current, updating new functionality, and assisting with 

adding pictures. 

2. The webmaster will work closely with the Patrol Leader Council to solicit ideas 

and keep them informed of changes. 

Historian (2- Photographers) 

1. The Troop Historian will record troop events by keeping records, pictures, and 

stories of each event. 

2. The Historian must have access to a digital camera so pictures of Troop events 

can be added to the Troop website and shown at Troop meetings. 

3. The Historian will arrange for two scouts to report about each event at the first 

meeting following the event. This may include slide shows, stories, or videos 

of the event. 

Patrol Leader Council 

All leaders listed above are expected to attend the Patrol Leader Council (PLC) 

meeting held 30 minutes before each Troop meeting. 

. 


Medical 

Release Form 





Be Prepared – That is the Scout motto and that is how we will conduct all 

activities. Our Troop requires a Medical Release Form for each Scout who 

participates in Troop activities. Please use the form below to add or change your 

information. This form is available from the Troop website: www.lovett304.com. 

Medical Release Form 

Please print all information except signature 

I, ______________________________ (parent/guardian’s name), hereby give permission 

for any and all medical attention administered to my son _______________________ in 

the event of accident, injury, sickness, etc. under the direction of the person(s)listed 

below, until such time as I may be contacted. I also assume the responsibility for the 

payment for any such treatment. This release is effective for the period of one year from 

the date given below. 

Scout Full Name: 

Scout date of birth: 

Parent or Guardian names: 

Home address: 

Parent/Guardian Home Phone: 

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone: 

Health Insurance Company 

Policy Number 

Physician 

Physician Address 

Physician Phone 

Known Scout Allergies 

In case I cannot be reached, any of the following persons are designated to act on my behalf: 

1. Scoutmaster: Kevin Link 

2. Any Troop 304 Committee Member or adult leader of a Troop-sponsored event in which my son 


is a participant. 





Signature of parent or guardian: ______________________________Date: ___________________ 


Meetings 

Membership 

Requirements 





All regular Troop meetings will be held twice monthly on Monday nights at the 

Scout Hut behind Trinity Presbyterian Church on Howell Mill and Northside Drive. 

See the calendar for specific dates and meeting themes. Our meeting agenda will 

be: 

7:00 –PLC Leadership Meeting 

7:30 - 8:30 Regular Meeting 

o Opening Ceremony 

o Patrol Meetings 

o Program or Troop Activity/Game 

o Announcements 

o Scoutmaster Minute 

Scouts completing the 5 th grade, are eleven years old, or have crossed over from 

Cub Scouts can join our Troop. The following are to be completed before joining 

Troop 304: 

Submit a completed Boy Scout application, signed by your parent or 

guardian. (Download from troop website at www.lovett304.com) 

Complete Address Book Form found in this Guide. 

Complete a Medical Release from found in this Guide. 

Pay Troop dues. See Dues elsewhere in this guide. 

If a transferring Scout, provide all previous Troop records. 


Merit Badge 

Counselors 





Merit badge sessions are currently provided monthly at the Scout hut and at 

summer camp by qualified counselors. With today’s challenging schedules, we 

must offer Scouts access to additional counselors who can guide them to the 

completion of eagle required badges. The following is requested to become an 

official Troop counselor: 

Completion of Merit Badge Counselor form identifying experience in 

subject matter 

Completion of 1 hour “Youth Protection” video. 

Any fees associated with becoming a counselor will be paid by the Troop. 






Merit Badges At each Troop meeting an adult leader, the Merit Badge Committee Chairman 

(MBC) will be responsible for giving out merit badge applications, receiving data 

about merit badges from Scouts, and resolving perceived errors in previously 

distributed data printouts (Individual History Reports). A second adult leader, the 

Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters, will be responsible for receiving data about 

rank requirements passed and resolving perceived errors in Individual History 

Reports concerning rank requirements. 

A. Merit badges 

1. The Scout decides to earn a certain merit badge. 

2. The Scout obtains a signed “Application for Merit Badge” (blue card) from 

the merit badge chairman at a Troop meeting. The Scout fills in his portion 

of the required information on the blue card, including the name of the 

merit badge (3 places) and the name of the counselor, Scouts name and 

address, troop number, district (North Atlanta) and area (Atlanta). 

3. Please make sure you print neatly. Illegible cards will be returned to the 

Scout. 

4. The Scout completes the requirements for the merit badge and has the 

counselor sign the blue card (2 places) and enter the date the requirements 

were completed (2 places). The counselor may keep the Counselor’s 

Record (far right) part of the card if he or she wishes. 

5. The Scout brings the remainder of the blue card to the next Troop meeting 

and gives it to the MBC. 

6. The MBC gives the Scout the middle section (Applicant’s Record) of the 

blue card to take home for safekeeping. 

7. The MBC keeps the far left section (Troop Section) on file under the 

Scout’s name and informs the Scoutmaster of the date the Scout earned the 

badge. 

8. The Scoutmaster transmits this information to the Troop Record Keeper for 

recording in the computer database. 

9. The Scoutmaster purchases the merit badge for presentation to the Scout at 

the next Scout Meeting or Troop Court of Honor. 

10. Sometimes a Scout will complete only part of the requirements for a given 

merit badge with a given counselor. In this case it is important that the 

counselor initial the center section of the blue card, showing which 

requirements the Scout completed and the dates they were completed. If 

the Scout completes the remaining requirements with another counselor, 

that counselor should initial the center section and then sign the blue card (2 

places), showing the date the final requirement was completed. The Scout 

brings the completed blue card to the MBC at the next Troop meeting, as in 

No. 4 above. 

11. On occasion a Scout may complete the requirements for a merit badge and 

not have a blue card available for the counselor to sign. In this case the best 

course of action is for the Scout to obtain a blue card from the MBC at a 

later date and then have the counselor complete it and sign it. If this is not 

Troop Guide possible, the Scout may 30 obtain a letter or other document Be Prepared! from the 

counselor, stating that the Scout completed “the following requirements on 

____ (date).” The Scout may then bring this letter to the MBC at a Troop

Merit Badge 

Pamphlets 

Merit Badge 

Suggestions 

NESA 





The Troop Scribe has many merit badges pamphlets available for check-out. See 

the Troop Scribe at any meeting for a list of available pamphlets. These pamphlets 

are available for 3 months and may be renewed. The Troop also welcomes any 

pamphlets that you have purchased and no longer need. 

The following is a list of recommended merit badges that each new Scout should 

consider when attending Scout Camp for the first time: 

Tenderfoot 

• First Aid 

• Swimming 

Second Class 

• Emergency Preparedness 

• Citizenship in the Community 

NESA is a merit badge program that is sponsored by the National Eagle Scout 

Association. This program offers all Atlanta Area Scouts to participate in a one 

day event to earn various merit badges. The program offers all eagle required 

merit badges, many of which can be earned in one day. (See the Eagle 

Required merit badges in this guide.) The Troop will announce the dates and 

location of these events prior to their occurrence. (See Calendar) To participate, 

the following is required: 

Completion of a registration form at least one week in advance of the 

event. All completed forms must be submitted to the NESA 

coordinator. 

Secure the necessary merit badge pamphlets and complete all advance 

requirements. 

Complete and take a blue merit badge card. 

The Troop will provide all necessary payments for applicable NESA fees. 

On the day of the event, Scouts should assemble at the Lovett Parking Deck for the 

scheduled departure time in full uniform and a bag lunch and drink. Final details, 

times, and requirements will be posted on the website. 

For this event, the Troop will need several drivers to transport the Troop. Please 

contact the NESA coordinator if you can help. (See the section on Volunteers 

located in the guide.) 

This is a fantastic opportunity to get those tough Eagle badges – in one day! 

Plan on this in advance, it is worth skipping the big game over. 


Outing 

Departures 

and Arrivals 





All Lovett event departures and arrivals will occur at the Lovett Parking Deck. 

Parent’s Role Scouting offers a great opportunity for parents to participate along with their Scout 

in the many educational and outdoor activities planned. Although, not required, 

parents are welcome to almost all events. Parental participation is critical to the 

success of the program but also does come with some overall guidelines: 

All adult leaders must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America 

All adult leaders must complete a youth protection program offered once a 

year by the Troop 

Parents are not allowed to serve as merit badge counselors for their child 

unless asked by a member of the Troop Committee. Counselors must offer 

instruction to the entire Troop 

Parent’s should encourage Scouts to coordinate all communications and 

planning activities with the Troop and its leaders and are strongly 

discouraged from contacting the leaders directly. The Scouts must take 

ownership of their involvement in the Troop. 

Parents should encourage the Scouts to find answers to their questions using 

this Guide, the website, and their Patrol leaders. 

Please check the website for all available updates prior to contacting 

leaders. 

Please do not ask Troop Leaders to offer make-up events if your son was 

unable to attend. The size of our Troop prohibits make-up sessions. 

Popcorn Sales Our Troop participates in the annual Popcorn sales as organized by the BSA. As 

part of this program, each Scout may participate individually and at planned group 

“show-n-sell” events. This fundraiser contributes a significant amount of money to 

Troop operations and we also make a nice contribution to a local charity. Please 

review the key Popcorn dates in August – November of each year. The Troop 

profits will be divided 40% to the Scout for activities, 40% to the Troop, and 20% 

to a local charity. 


Rank 

Advancement 





Rank advancement is achieved by following the following steps: 

1. Scouts generally must pass requirements for rank advancement before adult 

Troop leaders or before Scout leaders (such as Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol 

Leader, or Instructor) designated by Troop adult leaders. 

2. The most appropriate place to record the accomplishment of requirements 

for the next rank is at the back of the Boy Scout Handbook. The Troop 

adult leader or designated Scout leader must initial the requirement passed 

and record the date it was passed. Alternatively the leader may initial the 

requirement on the Scout’s Individual History Report. 

3. When the Scout has completed all except the last 2 requirements 

(Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review) for the next rank, he must 

contact the Scoutmaster to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference. If the 

Scoutmaster is unavailable, the Assistant Scoutmaster may conduct this 

conference. The Scout must bring his Individual History Report (computer 

printout from the Record Keeper), his Boy Scout Handbook, and his Troop 

activity logbook to the conference as evidence that he has finished the 

requirements. The Scoutmaster initials the Handbook showing that the 

Scout has completed his Scoutmaster Conference. The Scoutmaster then 

informs the Troop Board of Review Chairman that the Scout may come 

before the next Board of Review to stand for that rank. 

4. The Scout should bring his Individual History Report, Handbook, and 

Troop activity logbook to the Board of Review and appear in proper 

uniform. 

5. Each member of the Board of Review should have his own updated copy of 

the Scout’s Individual History Report. If the Scout passes the Board of 

Review, the Board of Review Chairman should initial that requirement in 

the Handbook and on his copy of the Individual History Report, and inform 

the Scoutmaster that the Scout has completed the requirements for that rank 

at the Board of Review on that date. 

6. The Scoutmaster transmits this information to the Record Keeper for 

recording in the database. 

7. The Scoutmaster purchases the rank badge for presentation to the Scout at 

the next Troop Court of Honor. 


Second Class 

Advancement 





The Troop has scheduled specific events to assist Scouts with the attainment of 

Tenderfoot and Second Class. Second Class represents the skills required for 

Scouts to get the most of the Troops outdoor activities. 

Second Class Candidates must attend two events as listed in the Calendar: 

• Swimming Session for requirement 7 

• Second Class Weekend Campout for requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 

The remaining requirements are addressed during regular Scout meetings or 

coordinated separately. 

Please make every effort to attend both of these events as they are only offered 

once per year. 


Service 

Projects 





Rank Advancement above Tenderfoot requires service hours. A service project 

will be organized each semester and will take place on a Saturday and last for three 

to six hours. This is in addition to the Troop’s continued involvement with 

Lovett’s service projects such as CAP. (See the calendar for details.) 

The Scout Service Committee will plan and supervise troop service projects 

throughout the year. These projects fulfill a key goal of scouting. The service 

committee is composed of adult scout leaders and the Assistant Senior Patrol 

Leader (ASPL). 

Eagle Service Projects: The service hours for assisting Eagle projects will be 

summarized in the Eagle project write-up, and submitted to the Troop Record 

Keeper. Upon completion of this write-up, all Scout helpers are credited with their 

hours as if all the service was given on the last day of the project. 

Other Qualifying Service Projects: Service hours completed by Scouts at 

churches, schools, or other charitable organizations will qualify as service hours. 

Please bring a note signed from the project leader describing your role, the 

beneficiary of your efforts, and the time and date completed. Please indicate the 

number of hours served and give to the Scoutmaster. 

Troop 304 

WANTS YOU 

To Volunteer 


Summer 

Camp 





Health Form: Every boy and adult must have a current health for to attend 

summer camp. The forms are due to the Summer Camp coordinator by May 1. 

Download the forms from the website. Each form requires a doctor signature, 

immunization records, and parent insurance information. 

Refunds: There are no refunds for cancellations after June 1. 

Departure: We will gather at the Lovett Parking Deck on Sunday as listd on the 

website. After checking all final paperwork and loading up the vehicles and the 

Troop trailer we will caravan to camp, stopping for lunch (Scouts should bring 

money for this). Each Scout must wear their class-A uniform upon arrival at 

Lovett as they are required at certain camp events. Check-in starts at 1:00 PM, and 

we must arrive as a group. We will go to our campsite, unload our gear, and 

proceed directly to the waterfront for our swim tests. Scouts should have their 

swimsuits packed at the top of their trunk so they can change quickly. 

Return: After breakfast on Saturday we will load up our gear and start back, 

arriving in Atlanta between 3 and 4 PM at the Parking Deck at Lovett. We will 

stop for lunch on our return. 

Uniforms in camp: Each Scout will bring both a Class A uniform and a Class B 

uniform. (See descriptions elsewhere in this guide.) 

What to bring to camp: (See section for Summer Camp Packing List) Please 

make sure everything is marked with the Scout’s name and “Troop 304.” The 

Scouts will be sleeping on cots inside canvas two-man tents. Sleeping bags or twin 

sheet sets are both acceptable. There are facilities for taking a shower so shower 

kits should be brought. The weather is generally hot and humid, although days of 

cold rain are possible. 

In addition to the items in the packing list, Scouts may bring snack items and 

powdered drink mix (instead of cans of soft drinks). The Troop will have large 

coolers of ice water available at the campsite. In addition, Woodruff has a camp 

store (the Trading Post) where Scouts can purchase soft drinks, candy, snacks, 

merit badge supplies, craft items, souvenirs, etc. 

How do you pack all this gear? The best device is a hinged trunk or footlocker. 

A trunk is much easier for the Scout to keep organized in the tent. Footlockers 

should be no higher than 15” so they can slide under the bed. It also can be locked 

up during the day, and it will keep everything dry during the worst rain storms. An 

alternative is a sports box, such as Action Packers, Rubbermaid Storage Box, etc. 

A large duffel bag is OK, but it’s very difficult to keep organized. Backpacks are 

not recommended, except as an additional bag for the camping merit badge 


overnight. 





Money: Each Scout should bring some spending money (estimated $50) to cover 

lunch on the trip to camp and purchases at the Trading Post. Scouts will be 

responsible for planning and managing their own money. 

Mail and telephone: Call the camp only in case of emergency, Mail can be sent 

to (but don’t send it any later than Monday). Check the website for the address and 

phone number. Forgotten items and mail can also be sent with the adults who are 

coming to stay at camp on any given day. 

Email: Check the troop website for the link to the website to send electronic 

messages to Scouts attending camp this week. Go to the website and make the 

appropriate selection based on the dates we will be attending. 

Merit badge materials: We recommend that you buy or borrow the pamphlets for 

the merit badges you intend to study at camp, read them now, and bring them to 






camp. If you have already done some work on a merit badge and have been signed 

off on some of the requirements, bring a copy of your blue card to camp. In this 

way, if you finish the requirements at camp, you will receive a completed “blue 

sheet” from the camp counselor. 

Reminders: 

1. Wear your Class A uniform on the bus when we depart from Lovett on Sunday 

morning. 

2. Bring any checks required for final payments, activities, or Troop T-Shirts. 

3. If you are doing the swimming merit badge, bring a pair of loose-fitting long 

pants and a long-sleeved shirt that you don't mind getting wet. 

4. If you are doing the environmental science merit badge, bring an empty 2-3 

liter plastic bottle, which will be used to make your terrarium. 

5. If you are taking any nature or ecology merit badge, bring a logbook to record 

things in. 

6. If you are taking basketry, sculpture, leatherwork, Indian lore, woodcarving, 

archery, or space exploration, you will need extra money to buy the required 

materials at the Trading Post. 

7. All scouts are required to have both Class A and Class B uniforms. (See 

descriptions in this guide) All scouts will be expected to wear their uniforms at 

the appointed times, without exception. If you do not have the proper uniforms 

you will not be allowed to leave with the rest of the group. Your parents will 

have to get you the proper uniforms and bring you to camp when you are fully 

prepared. 


Summer 

Camp Packing 

List 





1 Class A Uniform 

1 Class B Uniform 

4-5 Pair Shorts 

6-7 Short-Sleeved Shirts 

7 Pair Underwear 

7 Pair Socks, Including Socks To Be Worn With Hiking Boots 

1 Long-Sleeved Shirt, Light Sweater, Or Fleece 

1 Pair Long Pants Or Sweat Pants 

2 Bathing Suits 

1 Pair Everyday Tennis Shoes For Camp (“Sneakers”) 

1 Pair Old Tennis Shoes For White-Water Rafting 

1 Pair Hiking Boots 

1 Rain Jacket Or Poncho 

1 Bath Towel and 1 Beach Towel 

1 Summer-Weight Sleeping Bag Or Twin Sheet Set 

1 Pillow 

1 Small Personal First-Aid Kit 

1 Toiletry Kit (Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste) 

1 Flashlight With Extra Batteries, Tents Lanterns 

1 Day Pack including: 

o Merit-Badge Supplies 

o Notebook, Paper, Pencils, 

o Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (No Aerosol Cans!) 

o 2 Water Bottles 

Pocket Knife (No Fixed-Blade Knives!) 

Camp Chair 

Laundry Bag 

Personal Items (Camera, Cards, Frisbee, Fishing Gear, Books, Etc) 

50 Feet Small-Diameter Cord or Rope (For Lantern, Clothesline, Etc.) 

Optional: 

Mosquito Netting 

Battery-Powered Fan 

Battery-Powered Lantern for the Tent (No Gas Lanterns!) 

Whisk Broom For The Tent 

Hammock 

Scouts Taking Camping Merit Badge: 

Backpack 

Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad 

Compass 

Backpacking stove and pots 

Backpacking tent 

(Note: Don’t bring this extra gear if you are taking the wilderness survival 

merit badge) 







Troop 

Advancement 

System 





To document our Scouts’ advancement we record 5 types of activities: 

1. Participation in Troop outings, especially the number of nights 

camping with the Troop. This is important for the camping merit badge 

and for advancement to the ranks of Second Class and First Class. 

Recording the number of miles hiked per day is important for the hiking 

merit badge. 

2. Participation in Troop service projects, including helping with Eagle 

Scout projects. The ranks of Second Class, Star, and Life require a 

certain number of service hours performed since the attainment of the 

previous rank. 

3. Dates of service in Troop leadership positions, required for Star, Life, 

and Eagle. 

4. Dates of completion of merit badge requirements. 

5. Dates of completion of individual requirements for rank 

advancement (these are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook). 

Our ultimate tool for the accurate recording of all these data is our 

Troopmaster computer database program, managed each year by one adult 

leader: the Record Keeper. 

For outings, service hours, and dates of leadership positions, we strongly 

urge each Scout to keep a Troop Activity Logbook showing: 

(1) the dates and locations of each Troop outing he participated in 

(including the number of nights spent camping, the number of 

miles hiked per day, and a brief summary of each trip) 

(2) the dates, nature, and hours of participation in Troop service 

projects 

(3) The dates of service in Troop leadership positions. 

For merit badges, each Scout will keep a copy of the original Application 

for Merit Badge (“blue card”), or “blue sheet” for badges earned at Boy 

Scout camp. 

For rank advancement, each Scout should record his rank in the Boy Scout 

Handbook. Alternatively, if the Handbook is not available, the Troop 

leader could initial the most recent copy of the Scout’s database printout 

(the Individual History Report). 

The Individual History Report will be printed out and distributed by the 

Record keeper at least 3 times per year: just after each of the 3 yearly 

Boards of Review. Each Scout should carefully review his printout after 

receiving it. If an apparent error is found having to do with merit badges, 






the Scout should inform the Merit Badge Committee Chairman, usually at a 

Troop meeting, bringing his "blue card” or a letter from the merit-badge 

counselor as evidence that the requirements were met. For any other 

apparent errors the Scout should inform the Scoutmaster or the Assistant 

Scoutmaster, bringing his Individual History Report, Boy Scout Handbook, 

Troop Activity Logbook, and letters about service participation or rank 

requirement passage as evidence. The Scoutmaster will correct the Scout’s 

copy of the History Report and inform the Record keeper of the changes. 

Corrections will then be made in the computer database and will be 

reflected in the next regularly scheduled Individual History Report the 

Scout receives. 


Troop 

Organization 

The Troop is organized into the following groups of people: 





The Troop Committee consists of parents and adults who plan the Troop 

activities and set policy for the Troop. 

The Adult Staff – Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. 

The John Heagy Patrol – Older Scouts who assist with the leadership of 

the Troop. Scouts must have served as Senior Patrol Leader or are 

Eagle Scouts to be a member of this patrol. 

The Patrol Leader Council (PLC) – all Scout leaders as defined in this 

Guide. 

The Patrols – generally 8-10 Scouts per patrol. 


Uniforms 





Scouts are asked to wear their uniforms to each event unless directed otherwise in 

this guide or announced at meetings. A Uniform checklist can be found in this 

guide along with directions for placing the patches on the uniform. These forms 

along with directions, hours, and phone numbers to the Atlanta area Scout shops 

are located in this guide. Our Troop recognizes two classes of uniforms: 

Class A uniform 

Official Scout Khaki uniform shirt 

Green Official Scout Pants or Shorts, Lovett Pants are acceptable. 

Scout Socks 

Only BSA hats 

Black or brown belt or official scout belt 

Class B uniform 

This consists of the Official Scout Pants or Shorts (or Lovett pants) and a 

Scouting/Troop t-shirt. 

See the calendar and event details to determine uniform requirements. Both 

uniforms are required to attend summer camp. The Troop has T-shirts that can 

worn during specific events as stated in the calendar. There are optional and not 

required. 

A uniform checklist and insignia guide is located in the back of this Guide. 


Volunteers 





The success of many of the events the Troop plans depends on the support of the 

adult leaders. This includes leaders for the planning of the event, transportation, or 

general guidance. During the first meeting of the year, volunteers will be requested 

to sign-up for each of the following events: 

Drivers and Leaders for all outings 

Drivers for the Spring and Fall NESA events 

Popcorn Sales Pickup, and Show-n-Sell Advisors 

Eagle Ceremony and Court of Honor Hosts 

Drivers and Leaders for Service Projects 

Parents of each Scout are expected to support the Troop by providing 

assistance in one of the above activities. Sign-ups will occur at the beginning of 

each school year. 


Scouting Uniform Checklist 


























Outdoor Code 





Clean in my outdoor manners 

• Pick up my trash and that of others 

• Leave no trace that I was there 

Carefully with fire 

• No “firesticks” 

• No fire or flame inside a tent including stoves and lanterns 

• Never use a liquid fuel to start a fire 

• Make sure the fire is “Cold-Out” 

Considerate in the outdoors 

• Respect the person and property of others 

• Don’t make too much noise 

Conservation-minded 

• Conserve soil, water, forest, wildlife, and energy 

• Urge to do the same 


Car Camping Packing Guidelines 





The Essentials: 

Description Description 

Food and Drinks - Provided by the Troop Tent – Bring your own Tent of use the 

First Aid Kit – Kit is provided by the 

Troop. You may want to bring sunscreen, 

chap stick and insect repellent 

Troop’s backpacking tents – your choice. 

Sleeping Bag – Including sleeping pad. 

Sleeping Bags should be rated at least to 

30 o and 0 o for all Fall/Winter trips. 

Flashlight – Headlamps work best Toiletry Items – Toothbrush etc. 

Pocket Knife – No sheath knifes. Thermal Mug– The Troop no longer 

provides cups. 

Clothing: 


Socks – Wool socks with liners work 

Jackets – Include heavy and fleece 

well. Plan at least two pair per day. 

pullovers. 

Boots – Comfortable and waterproof. Rain Gear – Waterproof jackets, hats, 

boots, and pants will make the rain fun. 

Shoes – Comfortable and no open-toe. Pants – Long and short pants. Zip-offs are 

very practical in the woods. 

Long Underwear – Ideal if cold weather Gloves and Hat – A blessing if the 

is predicted. Great to sleep in. 

temperature drops. 

Shirts – plan on using multiple layers in Underwear – Plan on two pair a day. 

both short and long-sleeve. 

Nobody ever plans to fall in the lake! 

Optional: 


Camera - Digital cameras will allow us to Repair Kit – Cord, batteries, bulbs, sewing 

share the pictures with the Troop. 

kit, duct tape, shoelaces, change, and 

matches. 

Chairs - Folding Binoculars or Telescope 

Binoculars Compass 

Remember, you will have a great time if: 

You wear comfortable shoes (no blisters) 

You stay warm (Be prepared for the worst) 

You stay dry (Large tarps for the tents and waterproof clothing will keep you dry.) 


Directions to Woodruff Boy Scout Camp 










Directions to Bert Adam’s Boy Scout Camp 


Notes 





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Boy Scouts of America Lovett Troop 304 - Boy Scout Troop 304 ...

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