Summer Camp
Troop 8 attends a BSA Summer Camp every summer. At Summer Camp, important skills and life lessons are learned. Challenges are tackled ... sometimes they are overcome and sometimes they are not, but fun is always at hand. We encourage every Scout to attend Summer Camp for memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are some of the camps Troop 8 has attended in recent years:
2016 - Buffalo Trail Scout Reservation
2017 - Sid Richardson Scout Ranch
2018 - Bear Creek Scout Reservation
2019 - Camp Karankawa
Reprinted from ScoutmasterCG.com:
Your son returns from Scout summer camp more capable and mature than the boy you knew one short week ago.
Outside the normal support structure of his family, away from the solitary distractions of modernity, a Scout must take care of himself and cooperate with his peers. He does all this in a supportive environment that permits failure without compromising safety. He’ll be challenged to expand his abilities, to accept and offer help, and to function cooperatively in everyday tasks.
Here’s some of what your Scout does at Camp:
- Gets up in the morning on schedule.
- Shares a tent with another Scout and keeps it neat and clean.
- Shares chores to maintain the campsite.
- Shares three meals a day served family style sitting at a table with seven other people.
- Says grace at meals.
- Serves as a waiter for his table setting, serving and cleaning up after meals.
- Manages and budgets his money.
- Sets and follows his own schedule of activities according to his own interests.
- Is responsible to find his way to and from these activities and manage his time.
- Builds character and values by attending campfires, ceremonies and reflecting on his activities.
- He is complimented by adults and peers.
- His opinions are valued and heard by other Scouts and adults.
- Has the opportunity to take on real responsibility and lead others.
- Makes a new friend.
- Strengthens existing friendships.
- Learns new skills.
- Tries something he has never tried before.
- Learns about the environment.
- Challenges his critical thinking skills.
- Puts what he learns into action.
- Works with others to establish and achieve goals.
- Uses his time to contribute to the goals of others.
- Trades T.V., video games and cell phones for actual social interaction.
- Finds healthy resolution of conflicts.
- He benefits from positive peer pressure following the good example of older Scouts and counselors.
Summer camp is challenging, adventurous, it’s full of possibility. Camp is an opportunity to let him go a little – let him stand on his own two feet, it’s an expression of confidence, of trust in his abilities and a test of your parenting.
Uniforms
Troop 8 is a Full Uniform Troop
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. Its uniforms help to create a sense of belonging. They symbolize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment.
- Personal equality – The uniform represents a democratic idea of equality, bringing people of different backgrounds together in the Scouting tradition.
- Identification – The uniform identifies youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a force for good in the community. When properly and smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit.
- Achievement – The uniform shows the wearer’s activity, responsibility, and achievement. The accomplishments of every youth and adult member can be recognized by the insignia worn on the uniform.
- Personal commitment – The uniform is a constant reminder to all members of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Scouting movement. It is a way of making visible members’ commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and helping others at all times.
The leaders of Scouting—volunteer and professional—should promote the wearing of the correct, complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
Uniforms: Key to Successful Scouting
“. . . putting on the uniform does not make a fellow a Scout, but putting on the uniform is a sign to the world that one has taken the Scout obligations and folks expect Scout-like acts from one wearing it.” Handbook for Boys, 3rd Edition, 1927
“Like the Scout badge, the uniform is an emblem of Scouting. It might be brand new, or it might be an experienced uniform already worn by another Scout to many meetings and campouts. Old or new, wear your uniform proudly whenever you are taking part in Scout activities. By dressing alike, Scouts show they are equals. Your uniform is also a sign to yourself and to others that you are a person who can be trusted. You can be counted on to lend a hand when help is needed. Dressed as a Scout, you will want to act as a Scout.
“. . . Wear full uniform for all ceremonial and indoor activities, such as troop meetings, courts of honor, and most other indoor functions. The uniform should also be worn during special outdoor occasions, such as Scout shows, flag ceremonies, and special times at summer camp.” The Boy Scout Handbook, pp. 12-13, 11th edition, 1998
Download the Troop 8 Uniform Information sheet here.
The Patrol Method
Troop 8 Utilizes
the Patrol Method
The Patrol
The patrol is a group of Scouts who belong to a troop and who are probably similar in age, development, and interests. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in a small group outside the larger troop context, working together as a team and sharing the responsibility of making their patrol a success. A patrol takes pride in its identity, and the members strive to make their patrol the best it can be. Patrols will sometimes join with other patrols to learn skills and complete advancement requirements. At other times they will compete against those same patrols in Scout skills and athletic competitions.
The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as patrol leader. The troop determines the requirements for patrol leaders, such as rank and age. To give more youths the opportunity to lead, most troops elect patrol leaders twice a year. Some may have elections more often.
Patrol size depends upon a troop’s enrollment and the needs of its members, though an ideal patrol size is eight Scouts. Patrols with fewer than eight Scouts should try to recruit new members to get their patrol size up to the ideal number.
Types of Patrols
There are three kinds of patrols: new-Scout patrols, regular patrols, and Venture patrols.
- New-Scout patrols are for 11-year-old Scouts who have recently joined the troop and are together for the first year in the troop. An older, experienced Scout often is assigned as a troop guide to help the new-Scout patrol through the challenges of troop membership. An assistant Scoutmaster should also assist the new-Scout patrol to ensure that each Scout has every opportunity to succeed right from the start.
- Regular patrols are made up of Scouts who have completed their First Class requirements. They have been around Scouting long enough to be comfortable with the patrol and troop operation and are well-versed in camping, cooking, and Scouting’s other basic skills.
- Older Scout patrol. These are Scouts, say 14 years and older, who have been in the patrol for a while and have moved up into troop leadership positions.
Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings may be held at any time and place. Many troops set aside a portion of each troop meeting for its patrols to gather. Others encourage patrols to meet on a different evening at the home of a patrol member. The frequency of patrol meetings is determined by upcoming events and activities that require planning and discussion.
Patrol meetings should be well-planned and businesslike. Typically, the patrol leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe collects dues, and the assistant patrol leader reports on advancement. The patrol leader should report any information from the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made to each patrol member.
Suggested ideas during a Patrol Meeting:
- Have the patrol leader report on what happened at the latest patrol leaders’ council meeting
- Plan upcoming outings, including food menus
- Design patrol flag
- Outfit and clean patrol box
- Work on advancement requirements
- Play a game or have fun in some way
Patrol Activities
Most patrol activities take place within the framework of the troop. However, patrols may also conduct day hikes and service projects independent of the troop, as long as they follow two rules:
- The Scoutmaster approves the activity.
- The patrol activity does not interfere with any troop function.
Patrol Spirit
Patrol spirit is the glue that holds the patrol together and keeps it going. Building patrol spirit takes time, because it is shaped by a patrol’s experiences—good and bad. Often misadventures such as enduring a thunderstorm or getting lost in the woods will contribute much in pulling a patrol together. Many other elements also will help build patrol spirit. Creating a patrol identity and traditions will help build each patrol member’s sense of belonging.
Every patrol needs a good name. Usually, the patrol chooses its name from nature, a plant or animal, or something that makes the patrol unique. A patrol might choose an object for its outstanding quality. For example, sharks are strong swimmers and buffaloes love to roam. The patrol may want to add an adjective to spice up the patrol name, such as the Soaring Hawks or the Rambunctious Raccoons.
A patrol flag is the patrol’s trademark, and it should be a good one. Have a competition to see who comes up with the best design and who is the best artist. Make the flag out of a heavy canvas and use permanent markers to decorate it. In addition to the patrol name, the patrol flag should have the troop number on it as well as the names of all the patrol members. Mount the flag on a pole, which also can be decorated. Remember, the patrol flag should go wherever the patrol goes.
Every patrol has a patrol yell, which should be short and snappy. Choose words that fit the patrol’s goals. Use the yell to announce to other patrols that your patrol is ready to eat or has won a patrol competition. Some patrols also have a patrol song.
Other patrol traditions include printing the patrol logo on the chuck box and other patrol property. Many troops designate patrol corners somewhere in the troop meeting room; patrols may decorate their corner in their own special way. Some patrols like to specialize in doing something extremely well, such as cooking peach cobbler or hobo stew.
The Patrol Leaders’ Council
As a patrol leader, you are a member of the patrol leaders’ council, and you serve as the voice of your patrol members. You should present the ideas and concerns of your patrol and in turn share the decisions of the patrol leaders’ council with your patrol members.
The patrol leaders’ council is made up of the senior patrol leader, who presides over the meetings; the assistant senior patrol leader, all patrol leaders, and the troop guide. The patrol leaders’ council plans the yearly troop program at the annual troop program planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month.
Your Duties as Patrol Leader
When you accepted the position of patrol leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a patrol leader, you are expected to do the following:
- Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
- Keep patrol members informed.
- Assign each patrol member a specific duty.
- Represent your patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
- Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.
- Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
- Know the abilities of each patrol member.
- Set a good example.
- Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
- Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
- Show and develop patrol spirit.
Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader
- Keep Your Word. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
- Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don’t allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.
- Be a Good Communicator. You don’t need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective “Let’s go.” A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what’s going on.
- Be Flexible. Everything doesn’t always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to “plan B” when “plan A” doesn’t work.
- Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
- Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
- Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone’s spirits up.
- Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
- Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a “Nice job” is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
- Ask for Help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don’t know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.