Category Archives: Leadership News

Event, Training, Troop News

Winter Camp Awareness January 2020

The troop spent the day at the USS Hornet to participate in the Winter Camp Awareness (WCA) training.

At Winter Camp Awareness experienced Scouts teach classes covering the skills needed to provide any first aid that might be needed while snow camping as well as discussions concerning what to pack. The first aid class will cover details about diagnosing cold related illnesses and how to treat and prevent them in addition to covering other common first aid issues. Other classes will cover what type of snow camping equipment is needed on a group and an individual level, including things needed to sleep warm at night, necessary clothing to stay warm and dry during the day, types of stoves and fuel that work well in the snow and at high altitudes, and how to build snow shelters as well as choosing a snow shelter that works best for the conditions in which you find yourself

Achewon Nimat 282

Our very own Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, Nathan C. led the Tents and Terrain course.

  • Stoves and Fuels
  • Sleeping Warm
  • Sleeping Warm
  • Lunch Line
  • First Aid
  • Tents and Terrain
Advancement, Scoutmaster Messages, Training

Merit Badges and how to get them

This Tuesday (July 23, 2019), Mr. Hoffman will be leading a session at 7 pm to give parents an overview of the Scouts BSA Merit BadgeProgram.  Merit badges introduce youth to skills that that can lead to careers and lifelong hobbies and teach youth how to contact and work with adults.  Scouts need to complete at least 21 merit badges to earn Eagle rank.  

There Are More Than 135 Different Merit Badges Available, From American Business to Woodworking.  Scouts can start earning merit badges right away! Here are 9 things to know about how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.

As a parent, you can help by becoming a Merit Badge Counselor.  There is no cost to become a registered merit badge counselor and no limit to the number of Merit Badges for which you can be a counselor except for the time you have to give to this service.  There is a need for the Eagle-required merit badges so please consider signing up for one or more of those.

Merit Badge Counselor Application process

  • Adult application.   
    • Use position code:  42,  description: Merit Badge Counselor
      If you are currently registered, 
      Check “Multiple registrations”,
      Enter your membership numberIf you are not currently registered with BSA 
      Check “New Leader”
      Enter the District Name “Tres Ranchos”  
      This is a district, not a unit position.
  • Merit Badge Counselor application
    • https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf There is no fee for this position.There is no limit to the number of Merit Badges you for which you can be a counselor, but consider the time you have to give to this service.Decide if you want to be available to 
      • Only Scouts in a given unit(s) Only Scouts in a given district(s)  – The most common choice is All Scouts.  (You will show up nationwide!) 
  • Print out a copy of your Youth Protection Training certificate.
    • District positions run from July 1 – June 30, unlike unit positions, so the YPT eligibility should be checked carefully.
  • Print out a copy of your Merit Badge Training certificate
    • This does not expire.  You can take this training online as well as in person.

Fill out the above four forms and send them to the Scout office.

Training

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops

We had seven Scouts, including three instructors come on Saturday to learn Troop Leadership principle, and have fun doing so. Only a few ballons and potatoes were harmed in the training.

Part I – Troop Organization

  • Course Purpose and Troop Vision.
  • Leadership Positions.
  • Roles and Responsibilities.
  • Troop Organization.
  • Servant Leadership.

Part II – Tools of the Trade

  • Introduction to Tools
  • Communication – Listening.
  • Communication – Speaking
  • Planning. Introduction and planning exercise.
  • Teaching using the EDGE method.

Part III – Leadership and Teamwork

  • Team and Team Characteristics.
  • Stages of Team Development and Leadership Styles.
  • Inclusion of all Scouts.
  • Ethics. Scout oath and law.