TROOP 400
SUMMER 2024 NEWSLETTER
St. James’s Episcopal Church 1205 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Meetings are held in the basement of Michaux House
A YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM OF ST. JAMES’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Included is the Proposed Calendar for the 2024-2025 Scout year. The first Scout Meeting is on September 4th, 2024 and the first Hike is September 20th-22nd at Burlington in Aylett. Note that some programs are subject to charge and that there is a new format planned for this year. Some programs may involve fees.
Attendance will be required and recorded because without an acceptable attendance record, Scouts will not be able to advance. Excused absences are to be arranged in advance with Scoutmaster Billy Parrish.
Please know that advancement requires hands on activities and we need two full days on Hikes to accomplish everything. You will note we only have ten actual weekday meetings as a trade off for the time required on Hikes.
The meal and food assignments have not changed. In rotation, a Scout will be responsible for the food for an assigned weekend Hike for his Patrol instead of the assigning specific items to several Scouts. The menus will be assigned from the Patrol Cookbook provided to Patrol leaders and the Patrol leader will confirm in advance the items and amounts. Our plan is to standardize the menus and spread the burden evenly. Cooking and meal preparation is a major component in advancement. In the event your Scout is assigned the food and will not attend, you will need to advise Scoutmaster Billy Parrish ASAP. Uniforms are NOT required on Hikes. With the weather we have on Hikes and the difficulty in changing into a uniform for a brief time period, we issue Troop T-Shirts and encourage Scouts to use them on Hikes. Full uniforms will be required for all other Troop functions unless Scouts are specifically notified in advance.
THE DUES ARE $275 PER SCOUT PER YEAR. CHECKS ARE TO BE MADE OUT TO TROOP 400 AND MAILED TO THE TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, TOM INNES, 1501 GROVE AVENUE, RICHMOND, VA 23220. PAYMENT IS DUE BY OCTOBER 31, 2024.
Of the dues, $115 are the fees associated with The Heart of Virginia Council and Scouting America. Our programs are partially covered by funds raised from the sale of Hubs peanuts and some generous benefactors. With the costs of Troop T-Shirts and several fee related programs, the dues also help cover these expenses. There may be additional programs and a separate fee may also be required, you will receive notice of those well in advance. We expect that all Scouts will sell Hubs peanuts and those funds go into equipment and programs. In the event that costs associated with participating in the Troop and Troop activities creates a hardship, existing funds are already allocated to handle these scenarios by contacting the Committee Chairman.
We look forward to greeting our returning Scouts and to new ones joining the Troop. If you know of anyone that would be interested in joining the Troop, please let us know and feel free to share this information. Parents are always welcome to attend Scout Meetings or functions.
Thank you in advance for your interest, support and possible participation. At Troop 400, it will be an honor to help your son through Scouting.
Please contact us with any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Billy Parrish
Scoutmaster
Tom Innes Marlo Reveley
Committee Chairman
Committee Member & Parent bparrish400@gmail.com tom@tominnes.com reveleym02@gmail.com
804 385 5951
804 514 7890
804-405-7458
Troop 400 Proposed Schedule
2024-2025 SCOUT YEAR
Dates and programs are subject to change. Program details are provided in advance. All Scout Meetings start at 7:00PM unless noted otherwise.
SEPTEMBER
Wed. 4th 1st Scout Meeting
Fri. 6th-8th OA Inductee Ordeal
Sat. 7th Trailer Day at F & R
Mon. 9th Committee Meeting
Sun. 15th Macaulay Pool Picnic
Wed. 18th Scout Meeting
Fri. 20th-22nd Hike - Burlington - Aylett
OCTOBER
Mon. 7th Committee Meeting
Thur. 10th Council Sporting Clays
Wed. 16th Scout Meeting
Fri. 18th-20th Hike - Location TBD
NOVEMBER
Mon. 4th Committee Meeting
Wed. 13th Scout Meeting
Fri. 15th -17th Hike - West End Farm - Louisa
DECEMBER
Mon. 2nd Committee Meeting
Wed. 11th Scout Meeting
Fri. 13th-15th Christmas Hike - Woodgrove-Ashland
JANUARY NO HIKE
Mon. 6th Committee Meeting - Social Only
Wed. 8th Scout Meeting
Sat. 18th Eagle Required Merit Badges 9:00am-12:00pm
Mon. 20th Day Trip - Quantico Marine Museum
Sat. 25th Eagle Required Merit Badges 9:00am-12:00pm
Fri. 31st Triangle Rock Climbing - Time TBD
FEBRUARY
Mon. 3rd Committee Meeting
Wed. 12th Scout Meeting
Fri. 14th-16th Hike-Fort Pocahontas - Charles City
MARCH
Mon. 3rd Committee Meeting
Wed. 26th Scout Meeting
Fri. 28th-30th Hike-Elgin Park - Goochland
APRIL NO HIKE
Mon. 7th Committee Meeting
Wed. 16th Scout Meeting
Sat. 19th Day Trip - Tree Time Adventures, Tractor Museum
Wed. 23rd Scout Meeting - Banquet Rehearsal
Sun. 27th Recognition Banquet 6:00pm
ALL SCOUTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND BOTH NIGHTS OF THE HIKE.
MAY
Mon. 5th Committee Meeting
Fri. 9th-11th Father/Son Hike-Old Town Farm - King William
Sat. 17th Council Day of Service
JUNE
Mon. 2nd Committee Meeting
Sat. 7th Tentative - Hampden Sydney Merit Badge Program
Sun. 15th-20th Summer Camp - T. Brady Saunders
Boy Scout Troop 400
Sponsored by St James’s Episcopal Church
1205 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SCOUTING AMERICA AND TROOP 400
Here is some general information about Scouting and Troop 400 that parents of new Scouts may find useful.
Our program consists of one to two meetings per month, usually one camping trip (Hike) per month, and other programs shown on the calendar. There are several educational and/or advancement programs as well as a Community Service project that we decide on during the year. Dates and programs are subject to change.
Troop 400 Meetings
All Scout Troop meetings are held in the basement of the Michaux House, the St. James’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, on the southeast corner of the intersection of Franklin and Birch Streets, opposite St. James’s unless otherwise noted on the calendar. Enter through the Birch Street basement entrance. Parking is available in the St. James’s-Beth Ahabah parking deck, a few yards further east on Franklin Street on the north side. MEETINGS START PROMPTLY AT 7:00PM. PARENTS NEED TO HAVE SCOUTS THERE ON TIME AND IN UNIFORM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPENING OF THE MEETING. MEETINGS NORMALLY END BY 8:30PM. THE MEETINGS ARE USED FOR ADVANCEMENT AND FOR PREPARATION FOR UPCOMING HIKES AND PROGRAMS.
BSA Troop Organization
The Troop is organized as follows.
Adult Leadership Troop Committee
Makes policy, gives guidance and support to Staff, approves advancement of Scouts to Star, Life and Eagle. The Troop 400 Committee is actively involved as adult leaders in all Troop functions.
Current Troop Committee members are:
Tom Innes, Chairman
Jim Featherstone, Chairman, Emeritus
Eric Bailey
Jimmy Carr
Berkeley Edmunds
Sonny Fleming
Rod Gardner
Alexander Macaulay
Everett Mish
Andy Nea
Marlo Reveley
Ames Russell
Dave Stock
Patrick Woodward
There are several Emeritus members that support the Troop and attend Troop functions.
PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND SCOUTMASTER WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS OR FOR ANY ISSUES. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR PARENTS WITH AN INTEREST OR SKILL THAT COULD BE PUT TO GOOD USE AS A MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR. CONTACT US IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
Staff : Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters
These are the adult leaders in direct charge of Troop functions. They teach and guide youth leadership. They also teach Scouting skills to new and younger Scouts, supervise advancement to Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class and recommend advancement to higher ranks.
Staff Members are:
Billy Parrish, Scoutmaster
Youth Leadership
Assistants:
Bill Midkiff
Wayland Jones
Neil Norman
Youth leadership consists of the Senior Patrol Leader and his Assistants, Instructors and Troop Guides, and Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders. Youth leadership is selected by the Staff annually from among the Troop’s veteran Scouts.
It is the responsibility of Troop leadership, adult and youth, to push the Scouts through to First Class. No merit badges are required for advancement to these ranks. Scouts (with their parents) should take most of the initiative for advancement to Star, Life and Eagle. The support of the adult leadership is available to help. Patrol leaders are provided Patrol Cookbooks and Inspection Forms for their use under the guidance of the Staff.
BSA Advancement
The ranks of Scouting, in order of achievement, are:
Scout
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class
Star
Life
Eagle
The requirements for rank advancement are set forth in the Scout Handbook. Scouts should bring their handbooks to all meetings and Hikes, and should be sure to mark their handbooks with their names. When a Scout has something checked off in their Scout Handbook, they also need to have those items checked off in the "Black Book". Troop 400 uses an advancement tracking computer program called Troopmaster. All advancement in the "Black Book" is entered into Troopmaster. If we do not get the advancement marked from the Scout’s handbook into the "Black Book", there will be no record of the Scout having passed any advancement. Scoutmaster Billy Parrish is in charge and he will authorize an Assistant Scoutmaster to help with the records.
There are also rank requirement videos by Scouts, for Scouts online: www.boyscouttrail.com/videodownload.asp
During the Spring, we have an Annual Recognition Banquet that recognizes the achievements of all Scouts and especially our Eagle Scouts. Parents, family and extended family are urged to attend and participate in this wonderful event and share in the accomplishment of their Scout. Parents have also helped with the setup/clean up of the Banquet. If you are interested in helping, let the Scoutmaster know in advance. The date for 2025 is Sunday, April 27th at 6:00pm.
Troop 400 Attendance Policy
Attendance and participation in scheduled functions is important to advancement. Scouts are expected to attend 75% of the scheduled functions and Scouts advancing to Star, Life and Eagle are expected to attend 75% of the functions occurring between their last prior advancement and the Board of Review for the rank they hope to advance to. Approved absences are arranged by contacting Scoutmaster Billy Parrish in advance of the function.
SECTION I
EQUIPMENT
Every Troop 400 Scout will need the following:
1. Scout Handbook - Available at the Scout Shop at Council Headquarters, 8090 Villa Park Drive, Henrico, VA 23228. Please have him write his name in indelible ink inside the front cover. The shop phone number is 804.355.4306. You should call in advance to confirm they are open.
2. Uniform - Official BSA uniforms are required for all Scout meetings and functions (except Hikes), as well as when notified in advance by staff. We will provide a Class B T-shirt and Troop 400 neckerchiefs. Please purchase an official short sleeve dress shirt and pants, web belt with buckle, socks and neckerchief slide. Convertible zip off uniform pants are recommended. A merit badge sash will be needed later as your Scout earns merit badges. Brown shoes, preferably leather, should be worn with the uniform. The following uniform insignia are needed and must be sewn/ placed onto the uniform shirt: American flag, world crest emblem, and veteran unit bar. The Troop furnishes a Council patch, Troop 400 numbers and epaulets. Insignia not sewn on the uniform shirt as purchased are sewn on as illustrated in the handbook. Badges of rank and office and merit badges are furnished by the Troop as Scouts advance in rank and, are appointed to office and as merit badges are earned. Patrol emblems are optional.
Event patches, such as those given to Scouts who visit Philmont or attend Camporees, Jamborees and the like, can be sewn on the right uniform shirt pocket, hung from the right shirt pocket button in a clear patch holder or not displayed at all, at the Scout’s option. Occasionally, these patches come with loops for hanging from the pocket button. The handbook and official BSA uniform items not furnished by the Troop are available only at the Scout Shop and online. Other equipment items may be purchased there or from other suppliers.
For current pricing, go to the BSA website at www.bsauniforms.org. Prices posted there are Scout Shop prices.
3. Sleeping Bag. Of all equipment items, the sleeping bag is where most money should be invested. A good quality outdoor bag is essential – not a cotton stuffed slumber party bag. A bag rated to zero degrees will be adequate for all Troop 400 Hikes. Bags filled with synthetic material such as Holofoil or Quallofil are preferred over down filled bags because bags frequently get wet and down does not dry easily. Be aware of the weight of the bag, no bulky bags.
A sleeping bag stuff sack is an important equipment item. A backpack with a loose sleeping bag attached to it is difficult to transport, a loose sleeping bag is difficult for a Scout to carry on a backpacking Hike of any length, and a loose sleeping bag (which is normally an expensive item of equipment) is at the mercy of countless perils, including dirt, trash, bugs and spiders seeking shelter, ripping and soaking. If your Scout’s sleeping bag needs a stuff sack, you can buy one at just about any sporting goods or hiking/camping gear store. Sleeping bag liners or inexpensive micro plush blankets are great for extra comfort and warmth. Leaving a watch cap in the sleeping bag is a good idea.
4. Backpack A good quality backpack with external or internal frame and a hip belt. An adjustable external frame can be lengthened as your Scout grows. A waterproof pack cover is needed for rainy weather.
5. Compact foam mattress pad Provides padding as well as insulation under the sleeping bag. Inflatable mattresses are discouraged; they are generally bulky (if they can be fully inflated), slippery and inefficient.
6. Flashlight Scout’s preference. Flame lights, such as candles and propane, gasoline or kerosene lanterns, are not permitted. Headlamps work well for setting up tents. Flashlights are regularly lost on Hikes, and for this reason expensive flashlights are not recommended. Dollar Tree type flashlights and batteries work well.
7. Knife A small folding blade knife. No hatchets, axes or fixed blade knives of any kind are permitted. Like flashlights, knives are regularly lost on Hikes and expensive knives are not recommended.
8. Compass The official BSA compass, for sale at the Scout Shop, is highly recommended. This is used for map reading and for teaching other Scouts in advancement.
9. Warm clothing for cold weather Hikes December through March. When wet weather is predicted, at least one complete change of clothing should be packed. Check Goodwill for clothes, down jackets & vests instead of purchasing expensive clothing that can be easily damaged. Use only polypropylene or silk as base layers (not cotton).
Obtaining the most recent weather forecast and packing clothing suitable for the predicted weather should be part of every Scout’s pre-Hike routine. More often than not, the Troop will be camping in a location where the low temperature will be significantly lower than that predicted for Richmond – so “Be Prepared!”
10. Raingear Rain hat, poncho, rain jacket, raincoat or rain suit. Rainwear made of Gore-Tex or some other breathable fabric is most comfortable, but it is also most expensive and usually tailored to sizes that are likely to be outgrown.
11. Sturdy shoes. The material is not important so long as the shoes provide reasonable foot protection and are reasonably waterproof. Ankle length or higher is recommended. When considering Hike shoes, remember that they are likely to be outgrown before they wear out, so the less expensive option may be the most sensible.
12. Personal items Toiletries and personal first aid kit. When biting insects are out, insect repellent in a non-aerosol container. A Nalgene or similar water bottle is a must. A mess kit is needed for all Hikes. Plastic plate, bowl and a spork are all that is needed. A personal first aid kit is required of Second Class Scouts and they should leave it in their backpack!
13. MARK YOUR STUFF! Please be sure that all Scouts’ personal items, including clothing, flashlights, knives and other equipment, brought to a Hike are marked so as to identify them with their owner, preferably in indelible ink. UNCLAIMED ITEMS ARE DONATED TO CHARITY. NO CELL PHONES.
14. Sources. Equipment sources include the Scout Shop, Green Top, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI and L.L. Bean. Catalog store Campmor (1-800- 226-7667; www.campmor.com) has excellent equipment.
SECTION II TRANSPORTATION
1. We rely on parents to provide transportation for Scouts to and from all functions including Hikes. Scouts need to be on time. Fathers are welcome to join Staff for supper Friday night and stay over to Saturday or for the weekend - an option often elected for more distant Hikes. Please notify Staff as directed in the Newsletter if you plan to stay for one or more meals so food can be ordered. PARENTS MAY ARRANGE THEIR OWN CARPOOLS. It will be greatly appreciated if any parent who drives a vehicle that is equipped to tow a light trailer (approximately 1,500 lb.) and is willing to tow a trailer occasionally would let one of the Staff or Committee members know. Most of the Hike locations are approximately one hour from Richmond.
2. Troop 400 Newsletter. The Troop emails Scout parents a Newsletter as well as a reminder that provides information about the Hike campsite, including its location, directions, unusual conditions to be prepared for and any special instructions for Scouts and parents. RSVP’S ARE NEEDED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
3. Cancellation Policy. We try not to cancel functions on account of externalities like unfavorable weather, although we may make changes in time and location. We will do our best to inform parents of changes but unless you hear from us, ASSUME THAT THE FUNCTION IS ON AS SCHEDULED.
4. We depart Hike campsites to return to Richmond on Sunday between 10:30 and 11:00 AM, or as close to that time as circumstances will permit. Parents should plan on arriving at the campsite Sunday before 10:30 AM. The time of return can be affected by traffic conditions. The monthly Newsletter will include an approximate drive time between Richmond and the Hike location. If a Scout will miss a Hike or will arrive late, leave early or leave for a while during the Hike, he should inform both his patrol leader and a Staff member before departure. For safety reasons, STAFF MUST BE INFORMED when a Scout arrives late at, leaves and/or returns to the Hike location. Partial participation will be recorded and potentially counted towards advancement depending on the circumstances.
5. Scouts are supposed to feed themselves before departure time or carry dinner with them. Food-stops delay arrival at the campsite and complicates setting up camp by reducing the number of Scouts available to help. Early departures from a Hike similarly complicate and delay breaking camp. PLEASE AVOID ARRIVING LATE AND DEPARTING EARLY IF AT ALL POSSIBLE!
6. DRIVERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18, INCLUDING SCOUTS DRIVING THEMSELVES, ARE PROHIBITED BY SCOUTING AMERICA.
SECTION III HIKES
NATIONAL SCOUT REGULATIONS PROHIBIT SCOUTS HAVING PHONES ON HIKES
1. Scouts’ Hike Food. Under the guidance of Staff, Patrol Leaders plan the patrols’ hike menus from a cook book provided and assign responsibilities for menu items in rotation to patrol members. Each member of a patrol will be responsible for the weekend’s food once in rotation. The Patrol Leaders will do this by Wednesday before the Hike, but are often late, so plan accordingly.
There are appropriately marked coolers and tubs to hold any food once you arrive at the Hike.
THE SCOUTMASTER SHOULD BE INFORMED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE IF YOUR SCOUT IS ASSIGNED THE FOOD BUT WILL MISS THE HIKE OR ARRIVE LATE.
2. What to Pack. Scouts should pack items listed in the EQUIPMENT section. Other items may be brought to a Hike, but the more brought, the more subject to being lost or left behind at a place the Scouts will not normally return to for at least a year. See Section I, Paragraph 13 of the EQUIPMENT section regarding marking of Scouts’ personal items.
3. Scouts on Medication. All medications need to be given to a staff member with instructions at the campsite.
4. Scouts with Restricted Diets/Allergies and Junk Food. If the Scout has a restricted diet, then it is up to the Scout to supplement the Troop meals. If the Scout has an Food Allergy, Staff needs to be advised in advance. We discourage “junk food”.
5. Hike Contraband. The following items are contraband on Hikes: phones, hatchets, fixed-blade (sheath) knives, weapons of any kind, laser pointers, illegal drugs, including tobacco, vaping devices and products, and alcoholic beverages, both of which are illegal for persons under 21, prescription drugs except for the person for whom they are prescribed, disposable (Bic-type) butane lighters, any substance in an aerosol container, and anything else designated as contraband by Staff. We designate contraband only when it has proven to be dangerous, as disposable lighters and aerosol cans are when thrown into a campfire, or it interferes with the program. Possession of contraband is an offense and it will be dealt with in a manner appropriate to the seriousness of the offense. Contraband will be seized and, on request, returned at the end of the hike.
CELL PHONES, PORTABLE GAMING DEVICES, AND ANY OTHER HANDHELD ELECTRONIC GADGET OR TOY ARE CONTRABAND ITEMS (THIS IS A NATIONAL SCOUTING AMERICA POLICY). PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HELP WITH THE “NO PHONES IN SCOUTS”. IF A SCOUT BRINGS A PHONE ON A HIKE “BY MISTAKE”, HE SHOULD GIVE IT TO A STAFF MEMBER.
Gaming and texting on cell phones and other fiddling with gadgets interferes with our hike programs and diverts the Scouts’ attention from their camping responsibilities. The digital photo and video capabilities of most cell phones presents risks of privacy violations that have led Scouting American to ban them from camping events. We conduct cell phone shakedowns regularly on Hikes. A cell phone or other gadget discovered in a Scout’s possession on a Hike in a shakedown (or otherwise) will be confiscated by Staff and returned only on request of the Scout’s parents.
6. Every Staff and Committee member has a cell phone which a Scout may borrow if communication with home is necessary, and home may communicate with the Scout when necessary by calling one of these cell phone numbers (the list includes Committeemen who regularly attend Hikes):
Billy Parrish 385-5951
Wayland Jones 363-1652
Bill Midkiff 519-9472
Berkeley Edmunds (443) 223-0385
Jim Featherstone 514-7476
Sonny Fleming 554-6272
Rod Gardner 641-8857
Eric Bliley 868-5063
Tom Innes 514-7890
Alexander Macaulay 216-3000
Everett Mish 687-7776
Neil Norman 227-2100
Ames Russell 502-2950
Dave Stock 399-4056
Patrick Woodward 350-0655
7. Hike Clothing. The clothing Scouts bring on Hikes invariably gets dirty and is frequently torn, burned and lost. Remember this when you are helping your Scout pack for a Hike and if you have a choice, choose clothing that you would not mind ever seeing again. Also, make sure that your Scout packs with the weather, and possible drastic changes in weather, in mind. Consider buying convertible pants that zip off into shorts, like the Scout uniform.
8. FATHERS ON HIKES. FATHERS ARE WELCOME ON HIKES BUT NEED TO BE REGISTERED WITH SCOUTING AMERICA. INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT MYSCOUTING.ORG. ALL ADULTS STAYING OVERNIGHT NEED TO TAKE THE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING. They should bring their own bedding and shelter (tents - fabric or metal). Fathers should set up or park their tents in the Staff headquarters area, not among the Scouts. The Scouts are being trained in selfsufficiency and camp by themselves in their patrol campsites. Meals (Friday supper through Sunday breakfast) are provided for adults by Staff at cost. Fathers planning to attend should inform Staff as directed in the Newsletter no later than Wednesday preceding the Hike.
9. Patrols will operate as a unit on Hikes. Patrol members will have a Patrol box with tents, ground tarps, cooking equipment, shovels, etc as well as cooking supplies that the Patrol will maintain. PARTICIPATION IN SET UP/TAKE DOWN WILL COUNT TOWARDS PATROL RECOGNITION.
SECTION IV DUES AND FUNDRAISING
Yearly dues are set annually depending on the projected program. The fee includes membership in the Scouting America, The Heart of Virginia Council and a subscription to “Boys Life” magazine. The reason dues are reasonable is because Troop 400 expects the Scouts to participate in raising money for the Troop and Troop Activities.
THE DUES FOR 2024-2025 ARE $275 AND ARE PAYABLE BY OCTOBER 31ST OF THE SCOUT YEAR.
The program has been to sell Hubs Peanuts - “ A special product at an amazing price”. Your Scout will receive a case (20 cans) or more if requested. The expectation is they sell the peanuts, explaining the purpose of the sale is to raise money for the Troop Activities. Just so you know, in past years, several Scouts have sold 100’s of cans of peanuts.
The Road to Eagle
To complete the rank of Eagle, a Life Scout is required to do the following:
1. Complete all necessary paperwork tasks by himself, and lead others in completing the Eagle Scout Service Project. This is not an Eagle Scout Parent effort!
2. Serve in a leadership position after achieving rank of Life Scout
3. Maintain the rank of Life Scout at least 6 months before you initiate the Service Project
4. Complete an Eagle Scout Service Project, including completing the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
5. Complete the Eagle Scout Rank Application
6. Earn a minimum of 21 Merit Badges including all the Eagle required ones
7. Receive at least 4 Letters of Recommendation (religious, educational and two others)
8. Complete a Life Statement
The most challenging aspect of this whole process is completing the required paperwork.
The easiest part of the Eagle Project effort is completing the project itself.
For Life Scouts intent on receiving their Eagle Rank at Troop 400’s Spring Recognition Banquet, the following is a task list with timelines:
PROJECT APPROVAL
1. Present an Eagle project idea for conceptual approval to the approved Troop 400 Eagle contact person. This information is provided upon request to the Scoutmaster NO LATER than the end of October.
2. Once approved conceptually, complete the Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, and present it to the approved Troop 400 Eagle contact for review and approval no later than the end of November.
3. Once approved, the Proposal then needs to be presented and approved by the Troop Committee NO LATER than the December Troop Committee meeting. At that meeting, an Eagle Scout Advisor will be appointed from the Troop Committee and the project can proceed.
4. Project presentations to the Troop Committee should include the written Proposal portion of the Workbook, including photos and /or diagrams, and an approval signature from Project Beneficiary. Scouts should be dressed in full uniform for the Troop Committee meeting.
PROJECT COMPLETION
Historically, most projects will be worked on over the Holiday break in December and January. The sooner a Life Scout begins working on his project the greater the availability of other Scouts to help.
Project Workbook and Eagle Application
As mentioned earlier, the paperwork always presents the greater challenge for Scouts in completing their Eagle work.
The following is a list of required documents:
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
• Contact info
o Troop roster
• Initial Proposal
o Sketches/drawings
o Beneficiary approval signature
• Final Plan
o Including any revisions of Initial Proposal
• Project Report
o Including before/after photos
o Beneficiary final sign-off signature
Eagle Rank Application
• Rank/dates
• Merit Badges/dates
• Life Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
o Religious
o Education
o 2 others
All Merit Badges and Rank cards – organized in a clear vinyl business/baseball card holding sheets.
Work on the Eagle Application and Workbook can and should begin immediately. A lot of the information is standard contact information and documentation of work already completed – ranks and merit badges earned and dates. Requests for letters of recommendations should go out early in the process.
Merit Badges
Have you completed all of your Merit Badges, including those required for Eagle? If not, what is your plan for doing so? If you need a copy of your Advancement Report, let the Scoutmaster know and he will send it to you
Eagle Board Planning
To receive your Eagle Rank at the Spring Recognition Banquet, you will have to have your Eagle Board no later than the March Troop Committee meetings. There is not a pre-planned January meeting scheduled for advancement. Some circumstances may require a special called Troop Committee meeting.
Review - Timing
• Star to Life no later than the end of September.
• Remain active Life Scout for 6 months.
• Proposal concept approved by Troop 400 Eagle contact person.
• Proposal approved by Troop Committee no later than December Committee Meeting
• Complete project and all paperwork and schedule an initial review of paperwork with Troop 400 Eagle contact person at least three (3) weeks before either the February or March Committee Meetings. If any changes are necessary, they need to be completed 10 days before your Eagle Board.
• Once approved, schedule an Eagle Board with the Troop Committee Chairman prior to the Troop Committee meeting where you will have your Eagle Board.
• Schedule Scoutmasters Conference with the Scoutmaster at least seven (7) days prior to Eagle Board.
• Schedule a pre-board with the Committee member of your choice at least three (3) days prior to Eagle Board.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Eagle Advisor or the Scoutmaster.
Troop Slogan WE CAN HACK IT
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Motto BE PREPARED
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.