Helpful

 A Scout cares about other people. He/She willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

ScoutMaster Corner

 Greetings Troop 870/5870, as we head into the spring and summer months, and the heart of our camping season, now is a good time to check to make sure all your gear still works and that it meets your needs.  Take the next few weeks to air out your sleeping bag. Make sure your tent doesn’t have any holes in it and all the pieces are still there. Blow your air mattress up and check for leaks, as nothing is worse than waking up an hour after you go to sleep cause your air mattress has deflated, trust me I know from first-hand experience.  Check your hiking boots, do they need to be replaced, are the laces still good.  Checking your gear out before your next campout will allow you to be prepared and enjoy the outing that much more.  Plus, if gear needs replacing, you can take advantage of spring sales.  

Troop 870/5870 does not promote, nor endorse, specific gear or stores. You can find great gear at many of our local establishments, both national, locally owned, and online.  Things to think about when purchasing gear- what do I need? How much am I willing to spend? Is this a need or a want? Will I outgrow it? Each piece of gear you own/purchase should work best for your individual needs. The gear I choose may not be the gear that works for you.  If you have questions ask your adult leaders or a Star and above Scout.  

Summer Camp Payment Schedule

 We are 4 months away from summer camp and it’s time to start making payments, as a reminder summer camp is July 14-20 and the cost is $556/person. Please follow the payment schedule below, if you are unable to follow the schedule, please contact Mrs. Kennedy or Mr. Steagall to discuss.

1. $200 Due Mar 25th

2. $200 Due May 20th

3. $156 Due June 24th

Failure to make payments on time could result in you/your Scout not attending summer camp. We are also looking for a few adults to transport Scouts to summer camp at Camp Meriwether outside Tillamook. Please contact Mr. Steagall if you can drive either on Sunday to camp or pick up form Camp on Saturday.

Aims of Scouting

The Scouting program has specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are character development, leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Leadership development is also one of Scouting’s eight methods contributing to both good character and good citizenship.

The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each- Ideals, Patrols, Outdoor Programs, Advancement, Association with Adults, Personal Growth, Leadership Development and Uniforms.

Patrols – The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. Here in Troop 870/5870, we practice the patrol method as much as possible. Our goal is to help patrols thrive and grow together through competitions, activities, elections and fun.  

MERIT BADGE PROCESS:

Merit Badges (MB) are one of the components to advancement and sometimes a merit badge is more than just a fun thing to learn, it can be a life lesson. First aid, cooking and wilderness survival teach skills that will be used throughout the rest of your life.  The citizenships teach you about the society we live in. Nuclear Science, Architecture and Gardening all provide looks into careers.  Every MB tells a story, teaches a skills or furthers our personal growth. There is a process to complete one of the over 130 merit badges Scouts has to offer. 

Below is Troop 870/5870’s process for starting and earning a MB. For any questions please contact Mr. Steagall.

1. Decide on which MB you want to learn, here is the link to all MBs with requirements: https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/. 

2. See your Scoutmaster or Mrs. Procida to get a list of merit badge counselors (not all MBs are counseled by adult leaders in our troop).

3. Contact the counselor (remember to CC your parent/guardian when emailing prospective MB counselors). *Obtain a blue card if the counselor is outside our troop.*

4. Discuss setting up a time to go over the MB and discuss how the MB counselor wants you to deliver the requirements. (MB worksheets are not mandatory, some MB counselors do not use them.)

5. Meet and complete the requirements (this could happen over multiple weeks). *Don’t forget the buddy system and to follow youth protections.  Either have a parent stay with you or bring a buddy and work on it together.*

6. Complete the MB and have the counselor show completion in scoutbook or on the blue card.

7. Let your Scout Master know you’ve finished.

8. Receive the Merit Badge and get recognized.

 Merit Badge Counselors
NEEDED

Troop 870/5870 needs more merit badge counselors to help with badge advancement. You will have the opportunity to inspire Scouts within the troop and district to pursue their interests and passions, and help them develop important life skills. As a merit badge counselor, it is your opportunity to learn the ropes, the district advancement teams will schedule training throughout the year. 

How to Register

You will need to do the following to become a fully registered and approved counselor.

1. Download and complete the Adult BSA Application form

1. Under the “TO BE COMPLETED BY UNIT” Section enter the below: 

1. District name: Cascade Pacific Council 492 

2. Scouting Position Code: 42

3. Scouting Position Title: Merit Badge Counselor

2. Complete the Youth Protection Training (Y01)

3. Complete the BSA Merit Badge Training

4. Email Adult Application to the Cascade Pacific Council Registration department at 492.membership@scouting.org

5. Create a profile at ScoutCommunity.com (if you don’t have one already) and add/claim your merit badge counselor position.

1. Request to become a mentor for specific merit badges by adding them to your profile under the “My -> Merit Badges” area.