What is a "Totin' Chip"?
Before a Scout can carry or use a knife or axe in any Scout-related environment, he must first demonstrate that he
understands the proper care, handling and safe use of knives and axes. The "Totin' Chip" card is proof that he has
accomplished this to the satisfaction of his Troop's Scoutmasters. This "Totin' Chip" can and will be revoked
upon any misuse or safety infraction, and would then have to be re-earned.
What is a "Firem'n Chit"?
Before a Scout can start or monitor a campfire, or use match or lighter in any Scout-related environment, he must
first demonstrate that he understands the proper care, handling and safe use of fire. The "Firem'n Chit" card is
proof that he has accomplished this to the satisfaction of his Troop's Scoutmasters. This "Firem'n Chit" can and
will be revoked upon any misuse or safety infraction, and would then have to be re-earned.
What is a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)?
The Patrol Leader's Council is when the Patrol Leaders meet
to make plans for upcoming meetings, campouts and other troop events.
What is the difference between Patrol and Troop Meetings?
Patrol meetings are attended by members of each Patrol (Eagle Patrol, Patriots Patrol, etc.). Since Patrol membership
is usually around 8 or so, these meetings may be at a Scouts' house or local park. The Patrol Leader is responsible
for insuring that their members are notified of the meeting place, time and agenda.
Troop meetings are attended by the entire membership of Troop 148. During the meeting there may be Patrol "Break-Outs",
where Dues and other Patrol business is taken care of.
What is an Advancement night?
Advancement nights are opportunities for Scouts to get things signed-off in their books for their rank advancement.
Advancement nights and campouts are the best times for a Scout to get sign-offs. Scoutmasters are available
an hour earlier than our regular meeting time on Advancement nights.
What is a Scoutmaster Conference?
After their requirements for the next rank are signed-off, Scouts must schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and a
Board of Review. The Scoutmaster will work with the Scout to make sure that he has completed the requirements and
understands the material for the new rank (and for First Class and above: all previous ranks). This conference
is a final preparation for the Board of Review. Prior to the conference, Scouts should have reviewed all of the rank
requirements and present their Scout Handbook and Troop 148 Scout Guidebook to the Scoutmaster.
A Scout can arrange a Scoutmaster conference by contacting the Advancement coordinator directly or by simply
signing-in the "Scoutmaster Conference" sheet at the front table before or after our troop meetings. Scoutmaster
conferences can be done at any time, however they should be arranged at least two weeks prior to a Court of Honor
for recognition at that Court of Honor.
What is a Board of Review?
After the Scoutmaster has signed-off that the Scout has met his requirements for the next rank, he can schedule
his Board of Review. This is his "Boy Scouts of America-Official Review" for advancement. Three or more Scoutmasters
and/or Committee members will review the Scout's presentation and paperwork for his advancement. Upon successful
review, paperwork is sent to the BSA Council headquarters for logging. The Scout's new rank is official and effective
at the end of the Board of Review. His advancement will be publicly announced at the next Court of Honor.
A Scout can arrange for his Board of Review by contacting the Advancement coordinator directly
or by simply signing-in the "Board of Review" sheet at the front table before or after our troop meetings.
Boards of Review can be done at any time, however they should be arranged at least two weeks prior to a Court of
Honor for recognition at that Court of Honor. Scouts must be prepared by having reviewed
all of the rank requirements and must present their Scout Handbook and Troop 148 Scout Guidebook to
the Board.
What is a Court of Honor?
The court of honor is when a Scouts achievements in the previous three months are recognized: Merit badges, Rank badges
and Leadership badges, cards, pins & certificates are awarded on that special night. Be sure to turn in all of your
blue cards for merit badges and to have your boards of review two weeks before the court of honor so that you can be
recognized. Parents should be sure to attend the Courts of Honor to support their Scouts.
What is an Eagle Ceremony?
The goal of every Scout should be to achieve Eagle. The rank of Eagle Scout is the sign of many years of hard work
and dedication to the Scouting program. An Eagle Ceremony is a wonderful celebration that should be attended by all
Scouts.
How do you get one of those great "flaming hats" with your name on it?
Our distinctive red flame hat with the "Path to Eagle" logo and owner's name embroidered on it is an honor to wear.
A scout is awarded this hat when he reaches First Class rank. Parents of First-Class and above scouts can purchase
them too.
What is a Book Change-Out?
In thanks to the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish for allowing the Boy Scouts to use
their facilities, the Troop volunteers to change out the books in the church. This is a great opportunity for scouts
to receive additional service hours and give something back to our sponsoring organization.
What is the relationship between Troop, District and Council?
A troop is a group of Scouts guided by a dedicated Troop Committee and chartered by a recognized organization under the
Boy Scouts of America . Troop 148 is chartered by the
Knights of Columbus of
St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish.
A District is the local BSA authority over their Troops. We are in the
Tahquitz District. Our District holds roundtable meetings the first Tuesday of
every month to discuss local and out-of-area scouting events and ideas. The public is welcome to attend.
A Council is regional BSA authority over their Districts. We are in the
California Inland Empire Council (CIEC).
What is the Troop Committee?
The Troop Committee are volunteers who handle all the behind the scenes work. including, but not limited to: finances,
advancement, troop equipment, arrangements for outdoor activities, and record keeping. The council is also responsible
for making sure that there are people to fill the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster roles. By taking care of all
of these responsibilities it allows the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to focus there attentions on the Scouts.
Training available for Committee Members:
- New Leader Essentials (2.5 hours)
- Troop Committee Challenge
Resources for Troop Committee Members:
- Troop Committee Guidebook
What is Scoutmaster Training?
If parents (Mom or Dad) would like to help out with Scouting there are many opportunities. Parents can be involved
by becoming Assistant Scoutmasters, Council Members, or by letting the troop know that you are available for occasional
help with our activities. Parents that are interested in becoming Assistant Scoutmasters need to go through training
that will give you the tools needed to be effective leaders in Scouting.
Training has three parts:
- New Leader Essentials (2.5 hours)
- Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training (2 x 2.5 hours)
- Overnight Campout
In addition to training additional resources should be acquired:
- The Scoutmaster Hand Book
- The Boy Scout Handbook
Free online training is also available at the BSA Online Learning Center:
If you are interested in becoming an Assistant Scoutmaster you should contact Scoutmaster Ken at
ken767@aol.com to fill out an application,
and then call the local council (1-877-732-1450) to
arrange your training and overnight campout.
| 
