INFORMATION FOR THE NEW SCOUT AND HIS FAMILY SOME BASICS Meeting nights- Mondays at 7:30 PM in the Knights Hall Address:  233 NW 1st St.  Gresham, OR 97080 PLC Meetings (Patrol leaders and other Youth leaders) 7:00 PM on the last Monday of the Month Troop Committee meetings are held once a month, the Sunday before the Patrol Leader Council meets Board of Reviews are conducted by the Troop Committee on the 2nd Monday of the Month. UNIFORM The Boy Scout uniform is a method to achieve the Aims of Scouting.  Therefore we require the wear of the Uniform in Troop 664. Youth leaders need to have complete Scout uniforms as they attend activities that require the wearing of the full uniform. Non youth leaders are encouraged to own the full uniform. The minimum is the Shirt, long or short sleeve. Troop hat (provided when you join, replacements are $5.00) Troop Fleece Jackets are available for order as are Troop t-shirts (activity uniform)  It is encouraged that all members have at least 1 Troop t-shirt as it is worn as a Troop uniform at Camporee and Summer Camp. As new Scouts join, especially those coming from Webelos, it is reasonable to expect that the uniform is worn and complete within the first year. Troop 664 follows the Guide to Safe Scouting and is committed to achieving the Aims of Scouting.  The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. To achieve these Aims, or goals the Boy Scouts have 8 methods they are: The Ideals found in the Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Patrol Method. Scouts interact with one another, they live, work and achieve goals as a Patrol. The Outdoor Program.  Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources Advancement- Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Associations with Adults-Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives. Personal Growth- As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims. Leadership Development -The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.   GO BACK TO TROOP HOME PAGE

CAMPING GEAR For the new Scout just starting out you will need the following: 1.  A good sleeping bag rated at 20 degrees are lower. 2.  A backpack.  We recommend an external frame. 3.  A mess kit.  See what the other guys are using before you go out and buy a real "Neat" mess kit. 4.  Utensils.  A "Spork" is handy as it cuts weight. 5.  Wet weather gear.  Ponchos are not recommended. 6.  Flash light/ Head lamp.  Head lamps are recommended. 7.  Personal kit (toothbrush, comb, etc) 8.  Water Bottle 9.  Pocket Knife. EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TROOP Tents (some available on a first come basis) Patrol Boxes Stoves (2 burner) Lanterns Tarps PACKING LISTS On the home page are links to Packing lists that we use as a Troop.  The Troop has some tents to get the new Scouts started  It is expected that the Scout begins to build his Camping kit as he grows in experience.  This will allow him to have the gear that fits his needs and skill level. As he develops in his first year we suggest he gets a tent.  See the Scoutmaster for details. SCOUT HANDBOOK One of the First things you need to do is get your Scout Handbook.  You can purchase the handbook at the Scout Shop in Portland. Once you get your book... Pull out the Youth Protection pamphlet in the front.  You and your parent need to review it FIRST. Then come and talk to the Scoutmaster or your Assistant Scoutmaster to find out what to do next. GETTING STARTED THE 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. THE SCOUT LAW A SCOUT IS Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean And Reverent SCOUT MOTTO: BE PREPARED SCOUT SLOGAN:  DO A GOOD TURN DAILY