The leadership and Troop Committee of Troop 103 extend a warm welcome to you and your parents as you join Troop 103. This pamphlet is designed to assist you in what you can expect from Troop 103, and what is expected of you. You have joined the largest movement of its kind in the world. As a member of Troop 103 you belong to The Boy Scouts of America, the Crossroads of America Council, Del-Mi District.

As a Scout, you are expected to live by the Scout Oath and Law. This is to insure your growth in becoming a better citizen of tomorrow. We expect all boys to participate in Scouting activities, learn Scouting skills, and most importantly have fun while a member of our troop. Following the Scout Oath and Law are a means to that end. Not all Scouts are held at the same level of accountability in our troop. Obviously, we expect a great deal more from Star, Life and Eagle Scouts than we do from a first year Scout or Tenderfoot. With increased rank comes increased responsibility, leadership, and accountability. Given that philosophy, your Troop adult leaders (known as Scouters) will make every effort to be as fair and consistent as possible in dealing with the boys of Troop 103. We also insist that you keep Scouting in its proper perspective at all times. Schoolwork and family obligations always come first.  

Sponsor

 Troop 103 is sponsored by the Cicero United Methodist Church and is open to all boys in Hamilton and the surrounding counties regardless of race, religion or creed. The Cicero United Methodist Church provides us with a meeting place and storage facility for our Troop equipment. In turn, our boys are available to assist our sponsor in service projects throughout the year. When asked, we encourage you to help repay our sponsor by providing services as needed.  Currently we have boys from Cicero, Arcadia, Atlanta, Noblesville, and Tipton.

Meetings

Troop 103 meets at the Cicero United Methodist Church in Cicero, Indiana. We meet every Monday night between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise notified). We meet throughout the year with the exception of Christmas vacation, Spring Break and the week of summer camp. As a member of Troop 103, regular meeting attendance is expected.

Dues and Fees

 Troop dues are collected in February of each year and when a boy joins the Troop. Dues are $40 per year per boy. These fees cover Troop dues, Council and National fees, a secondary insurance policy for the Troop and a subscription to Boys’ Life magazine. This covers only a portion of the Troop operating expense. The remainder comes from donations, activity fees and fundraising projects. Because of insurance requirements, a Scout cannot attend Troop outings until dues are paid.

Cost of outings will depend upon length, location, type and food requirements. Generally, a weekend outing will cost between $10.00 and $15.00. This covers patches, where applicable, food and fees.

Summer camp - At this writing Summer Camp is expected to cost $170. This fee is to be paid by the end of April. It is the philosophy of the Troop Committee, that no boy be denied the opportunity to attend summer camp. If the Summer Camp fee proves to be a hardship, a limited number of Camperships are available through the Council. Please feel free to talk to one of our adult leaders concerning this issue.

Uniforms

Your Scout uniform is to be worn at all times at Troop functions and Scout sponsored activities. You are therefore expected to have a uniform and wear it. Troop 103 does not require that you have Scout shorts or long pants, but you will find them very durable and will provide excellent service for you. A Scout shirt with proper insignia is required. Uniforms can be purchased at the Boy Scout Service Center located at 1900 N. Meridian. J.C. Penney’s and Dunhams Sporting Goods also carry a limited line of Scouting items. Serviceable uniforms can sometimes be obtained through the Troop.

A short sleeve shirt is recommended for our Scouts. Long sleeve red turtlenecks and T-shirts may be worn under the shirt for added warmth. Buy your shirts at least one size larger than you are currently wearing. Insignia may be purchased from the stores noted above and a limited selection may be purchased from the Troop stock. The Official Scout Shirt is called a Class A uniform. On occasion, you will have the opportunity to purchase a Class B shirt that may be worn once we arrive at our destination, or while engaged in activities that might damage your Class As.

Parent Participation

All successful Scout Troops have in common the ingredient of parent involvement. The adults who guide and direct the Troop are all volunteers who generally have or have had sons in the Troop. It is only when parents are involved and help that a Troop is successful. Help can range from being an assistant Scoutmaster*, member of the Troop Committee*, merit badge counseling*, providing transportation to Troop activities, helping with special events, or any other much needed and appreciated assistance with the Troop. (* Denotes a registered member of Troop 103). If your parents are interested in being a registered member of our Troop, they must fill out an application and pay a $11.00 annual fee to the BSA. Merit Badge counselors must register with the Del-Mi district. Forms are available through your adult leaders.

Campouts and Activities

 Troop 103 attempts to have a major activity each month of the year. That normally means a weekend campout, hike or other Troop event. Only your imagination and willingness to organize and participate in them limit these activities.

Parent permission is required for these activities. This includes a Permission to Treat a Minor Child statement (attached). We also require a current (less than three (3) years old) medical form to be on file with the Troop.

Camping and Clothing - Personal Gear Requirements:

 The amount of clothing required for a campout depends on the conditions you face, time of year, duration of campout, weather anticipated, etc. It is suggested that you should have the following equipment and gear for year round camping:

1 - Boy Scout Handbook (required)

1 - Scout Trousers (shorts in the summer) or substitute (blue jeans)

1 - Scout shirt (required, short sleeve recommended)

1 - Light jacket

1 - Medium to heavy jacket

2 - pairs of Scout socks and 2 pairs of wool socks

1 - pair of good hiking boots

1 - pair gloves and winter hat

1 - pair of insulated underwear

1 - good cold weather sleeping bag (rated at a minimum of 30 degrees)

1 - closed cell foam sleeping pad or self-inflating Thermarest

1 - plastic ground cloth

1 - set of quality rain gear ($5.00 ponchos last one outing)

1 - canteen or water bottle

1 - small flashlight (required)

1 - mess kit - eating utensil set with plate and drinking cup (required)

1 - insulated drinking cup (required)

Other items you will find useful include:  

1 - backpack - framed with hip belt is preferable (this item is not required but you may find it easier to pack your equipment)

1 - pocket knife and carry case (BSA or Swiss Army Campers are excellent choices). Scouts are not allowed to carry a pocket knife until they earn their Totin' Chip.

Generally speaking, you will find that small lightweight items are very convenient. Your specific needs will become more clear after a few outings. Your Boy Scout Handbook lists much of what you will need. You will find that some sporting good stores (Gander Mountain and Dick’s Sporting Goods, Extreme Outfitters in particular) offer discounts on camping equipment to registered Boy Scouts and Scouters if you present your Scout membership card.  It’s a very good idea to shop around for camping gear and get the most for your dollar. Adult leaders are very knowledgeable in this area. Feel free to ask questions

Troop Gear:

 Generally the Troop has camping gear for about 35 Scouts. We have full-floored zippered tents with screened doors (Eureka Timberline 4-man tents). We have propane stoves for each patrol as well as dining flies. For meal preparation the Troop maintains Dutch Ovens (cast iron), full patrol cook sets, water containers and propane lanterns. We have additional tents for leaders. Efforts are made to continually upgrade and maintain our camping equipment.

Troop Activities

 As indicated above, your Troop is an active organization, the following is a partial list of our usual activities, which are added to or deleted as desired by the boys:  

Attendance at all Del-Mi District functions:

 Fall Camporee

 Winter Camporee

 Spring Camporee

  Summer Camp (usually the first part of June)