Troop 505 Official American Flag Retirement Ceremony

An American Flag retirement ceremony for Scout group campfires
Scouts stand in flanking line on one side of fire. MC stands at rear of fire facing audience, asks audience to stand. Color Guard (3 scouts minimum) will approach fire from rear of audience, walk past line of Scouts, then stop at rear of fire facing audience.

Color Guard slowly unfurls flag on far side of campfire so it shows through the flames while MC reads.

MC: “I am your Flag. I appear in many places. I have taken many forms and been called many names. I was authorized by congress in 1818 in the form you see now and have remained unchanged except to add a new star each July 4th after a new state joined the union until I reached my present number of 50.”

“I am more than just red, white and blue cloth shaped into a design. I am a silent sentinel of freedom. People of every country in the world know me on sight. Many countries love me as you do. Other countries look at me with contempt because they don’t allow the freedom of Democracy that I represent — but country looks on me with respect. I am strong and the people of America have made me strong. My strength comes from your willingness to give help to those who are in need. You strive for world peace yet stand ready to fight oppression. You send resources and offer technology to less fortunate countries so they may strive to become self-sufficient. You feed starving children. You offer a home to anyone who will pledge allegiance to me.”

“Your sons gather beneath me to offer their lives on the battlefields, to preserve the Liberty I represent. That’s why I love the American people. That’s why I have flown so proudly.”

“Scouts and their families are some of my favorite people. I listen to your patriotic songs. I’m there at your flag ceremonies and I appreciate the tender care you give me. I feel the love when you say your pledge. I notice that your hand covers your heart when I am on parade. How smartly you salute as I pass by and I ripple with pleasure when I see it.”

“Now I am tired and it’s time for me to rest in the Sacred Flames of your campfire. My colors are faded and my cloth is tattered but my spirit remains unbroken. To set my spirit loose, first cut the blue field away from my stripes.”

MC pauses. Color Guard leader uses scissors to remove blue field.

MC: “Tear each of my 13 stripes and lay it on the fire, one at a time. As you do this, think about the 13 original colonies and the pioneers who carved a nation out of a wilderness. They risked everything to fight for the Independence which we enjoy today.”

Color Guard leader uses scissors to start each stripe, then tears it; another Guard hands each stripe to the next Scout waiting in line. Scout takes stripe in both hands, then walks toward fire, places stripe in base of flames, salutes, then walks to form flanking line on opposite side each facing fire.

MC: (continue slowly reading through next section, timing each state to a fresh stripe) “My first state was Virginia, then Massachusetts, then New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and finally Georgia.”

“As you cut and rip me apart and watch me burn, do not be sad or feel sorry for me. I have had the great Honor of being your flag of the United Stated of America and the Republic for which I stand, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

MC: “When my stripes are gone, kiss the blue field and lay it across the fire. Then stand silently as you watch each star twinkle and fade into ashes.”

Color Guard leader takes blue field, bring it to his lips, then lays it on the top of the fire. Pause silently until blue field has been consumed.

“Now I am just a memory, but if there is a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat; if you felt a shiver in your spine as you watched me burn, then I will be back the next time you need me and my colors will be fresh and bright and my edges won’t be ragged anymore. When I climb to the top of the flagpole, I’ll wave at you and remember the love and respect that you have showed me here tonight.”

“And now Scouts, families, Citizens – Good night.”

FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY

Troop 505 Official Expedition Duty Rosters

Every successful Troop 505 Expedition starts with great leadership and planning. Our Troop Expedition Agenda is designed and booked every year in October. And by the 1st of December our PLC will vote in a final Troop Expedition Agenda and post it on the homepage of our Troop website.

The SPL is responsible, with the help of the PLC, for detailing each day of the Troop Expedition at least 3 weeks prior to the departure using the TROOP 505 SENIOR PATROL LEADER ITINERARY. This schedule must be presented to the Scoutmaster for final approval and presented to the Patrol Leaders at SPL 3 weeks prior to departure to allow time for proper Troop Duty Roster development.

A good Troop Duty Roster assigns equal work for everyone in the Troop. Done properly it will help maintain order, everyone will know their assigned duties and no Scout will have to worry that they are doing more than their share. Everyone will be assured the opportunity to be an active member of their Patrol.

The Troop 505 Duty Roster must be completed by the assigned Patrol 1 week prior to departure and approved by the SPL at least 72 hours prior to departure.

The Troop 505 Duty Roster is completed in two parts. The Duty Roster for the trip programming is completed by the Program Patrol assigned by the SPL: TROOP 505 PROGRAM PATROL DUTY ROSTER. The Duty Roster for the trip service items are completed by the Service Patrol assigned by the SPL: TROOP 505 SERVICE PATROL DUTY ROSTER.

Upon completion of the Program and Service Patrol Duty Roster(s) the Quartermaster must confirm the Quartermaster responsibilities of the Duty Roster(s) are properly assigned and equipment is properly allocated by Patrol with the completion the TROOP 505 QUARTERMASTER REGISTER. The SPL must approve the final Quartermaster Plan 72 hours prior to departure.

Each Patrol is responsible for assigning a Patrol Grubmaster. To help aide the Grubmaster in planning and assigning responsibilities for meal planning and preparation the assigned Scout must complete the TROOP 505 GRUBMASTER RECORD. The ASPL must approve the final Quartermaster Plan 72 hours prior to departure.

You are not ready, if your patrol is not ready. The Troop is not ready, unless all Patrols are ready. When the Troop is ready, then you are ready.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER ITINERARY PDF

PROGRAM PATROL DUTY ROSTER PDF

SERVICE PATROL DUTY ROSTER PDF

QUARTERMASTER REGISTER PDF

GRUBMASTER RECORD PDF

Troop 505 Board of Review Policy

The Board of Review is an important time in rank advancement. It gives our Scouts an opportunity to present themselves in front of some adults that they may not know that well, and practice good interviewing skills that will come in handy in the future. We all need to be reminded of the importance of this step in the advancement process.

To emphasize Troop 505’s belief in the importance in this step we ask adults and scouts alike to follow these requests:

1. A BOR will be scheduled after your Scoutmaster conference with the Troop Advancement Chair or Troop Committee Chair.

2. The Troop Committee will try it’s best to make this convenient and during our regular Troop meeting times.

3. The Scouts and adults BOR volunteers should make every effort to be on-time.

4. The Scout should present himself to the BOR in full scout uniform (if possible – not required – including his up-to-date Merit Badge Sash).

5. The Scout should bring with him a short written “resume” to help the adults direct their questions. This resume should include: name, age, grade, school,Merit Badges earned for current rank, a brief description of service project (if required), a brief description of leadership role filled (if relevant). The “resume” could include: Suggestions to improve the Troop, Leadership positions held outside of Scouts, sports involvement or academic subjects of interest (the point of the resume is not that it be critiqued or graded, but that the adults have a little information about the scouts in order to facilitate meaningful conversation).

Thank you for your support and respect of our Troop Board of Review policies.

Troop 505 Official Top Ten Tips for Being a Good Leader

Troop 505 Official Top Ten Tips for Being a Good Leader

1. Keep Your Word.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

2. Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don’t allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.

3. Be a Good Communicator. You don’t need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective “Let’s go.” A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what’s going on.

4. Be Flexible. Everything doesn’t always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to “plan B” when “plan A” doesn’t work.

5. Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.

6. Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.

7. Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, yourpatrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone’s spirits up.

8. Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.

9. Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a “Nice job” is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.

10. Ask for Help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don’t know how to handle, ask someone with more experience forsome advice and direction.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR BEING A GOOD LEADER PDF

Troop 505 Patrol Leaders Council Induction Ceremony

As the Leader of My Patrol 

I WILL lead my Patrol by my initiative and my personal example, in Scoutcraft knowledge as well as in Scout Spirit.

I WILL plan, with my Scouts, the Patrol’s activities–meetings, hikes, Good Turns, special projects–and will carry them out to the best of my ability.

I WILL qualify to take my Patrol hiking and Camping.

I WILL train my Assistant Patrol Leader to lead the Patrol in my absence, and give each of the other Scouts a chance to do some leading in the Patrol.

I WILL keep well ahead of my Patrol in advancement, and will help my Scouts to advance by training them and examining them in Scout Requirements.

I WILL set an example for my Patrol by wearing my Scout Uniform at all Scout activities, and will urge my Scouts to do the same.

I WILL be responsible for the routine business of the Patrol attendance, dues, and the like–but will get some other Patrol member to keep the records.

I WILL make a special effort to be a friend to each Scout of my Patrol, and to know his home, his parents, his school or work, so that I may truly be able to help him.

As a Leader in the Troop 

I WILL faithfully attend all sessions of the Patrol Leaders’ Council to receive training for my job and to do my part in planning the program of the Troop.

I WILL represent my Patrol at Patrol Leaders’ Council, bringing before the Council the wishes of my Patrol, and taking back to my Patrol the decisions of the Council.

I WILL promote the whole-hearted, punctual and well-disciplined participation of my Patrol in all Troop activities.

PLC INDUCTION CEREMONY PDF

Troop 505 Morril’s Cave Spelunking Trip Specs Nov 12-13

 Scouts will travel to Bluff City, TN and explore Worley’s/Morril’s Cave.  The cave has large caverns with high ceilings.  Scouts will then travel south and stay at Roan Mountain State Park.  Roan Mountain is located in the Cherokee National Forest.  CLICK LINK to learn more about Morril’s Cave , or learn more about Mountain Adventure Guides, or  learn more about Roan Mountain.

Estimated Expenses

Cave experience:  $42

Food: $7-10

Travel:  $15-18

Lodging:  $3-4

Itinerary

Saturday November 12, 2011

7:30am – Depart from American Legion for Worley’s Cave

12pm – Scouts eat bag lunch brought from home

1:15-1:30pm – Meet Caving Expedition Guides in Bluff City, TN

1:30-5:30pm  Scouts explore cave

5:30pm Scouts depart for Roan Mountain State Park

6:15pm Arrive at Roan Mountain State Park

6:15-8pm Set up camp and have dinner in patrols

10:00pm Lights Out

Sunday November 13, 2011

7:00am Wake up, break down camp

7:45am Scouts own

8:15am Depart for Chapel Hill, eat breakfast on way

12:30-1pm Arrive at Chapel Hill American Legion

Meals

Scouts will eat breakfast before they meet on Saturday morning and need to bring their own bag lunch.  Saturday dinner will be a patrol meal.  Sunday breakfast will be a stop on the way back to Chapel Hill.

Equipment

Scouts should prepare for winter camping.  The temperature at Roan Mountain is predicted to be in the mid 20’s at night.  Scouts need a hat, gloves, coat, and other winter clothing.  Scouts should bring their sleeping pads and warmest sleeping bags.   Scouts should wear clothes that can get dirty while caving and have a separate set of clothing for afterward.  A towel and toiletries are also essential for scouts to clean up after caving.

Additional items scouts should bring are the scout “camping essentials” listed on the Troop 505 website (click “checklists” tab on main page and scroll down to camping essentials).  Class A uniforms are needed for Scouts Own on Sunday morning.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Scouts also need to bring 2 waivers with them, a BSA Activity Consent Form and a Cave Expedition Waiver.

Travel and Directions

220 miles each way, approximately 4 hours 10 minutes

(From exit 270) Take I-40W 42.9 miles. Slight right onto I-40 W/I-85 BUS S (signs for Interstate 85 BUSINESS S/U.S 70/Greensboro/Winston-Salem) for 7.7 miles. Slight right on I-40 go 12.6 miles then slight left on I-40 and go 18.1 miles.  Take exit 188 and merge onto US-421N toward Yadkinville/Wilkesboro and go 87.2 miles.  Slight left onto US-321N go 10.8 miles. Sight left and go 10.8 miles.  Turn right and stay on US-321N (enter TN) go 12.9 miles.  Turn left onto TN-67 W/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N/U.S. 321 Scn Continue to follow TN-67 W/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N and go 9.6 miles.  Turn right onto TN-37 N/TN-67 W/US-19E N/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N Continue to follow TN-37 N/US-19E N and go 13.8 miles. Turn right onto TN-44 N/Bluff City Hwy Continue to follow Bluff City Hwy go 2 miles.  Turn right onto Bridge St for 50ft. Continue onto Holston Dr Destination will be on the right in 0.2 miles.

Arrive at 200 Holston Dr, Bluff City, TN 37618.

Troop 505 Pilot Mountain Climbing Weekend Specs May 27-29

OVERVIEW

Troop 505 will spend the weekend at Pilot Mountain in Pinnacle, NC.  The scouts will work on climbing merit badge and have a great time climbing.

Pilot mountain State Park has many good hiking trails as well as a picturesque monolith at the mountains peak.  Learn more about Pilot Mountain State Park at http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/pimo/main.php

SIGN-UP

At the May 18th Troop Meeting.

ANTICIPATED EXPENSES

Transportation: ~ $9-12

Camping:  $8-12

Meals: ~$18-20

Equipment Rental:  $3-5

SCHEDULE

Friday, 5 pm – Meet at Meadowmont YMCA

7 pm – Arrive at Campground – Set up camp / Dinner / Overnight – Work on Merit Badges

10 pm – Lights out

Saturday, 6:30 am – Reveille – Breakfast by patrol

7:45 am – Head out to Pilot Mountain climbing area (Park opens at 8 am).

8:15 am- 1 pm – Set up climbing gear and begin climbing

1 pm – Lunch By Patrol

1:45 pm – Continue climbing/work on other requirements for climbing merit badge

5: 15 pm – Break down equipment and return to camp

6pm  – Dinner by Patrol – Scout Games/Campfire

10 pm – Lights out

Sunday, 6:30 am – Reveille / Breakfast – Scouts own

Mid-morning – Depart for Chapel Hill (arrival around noon)

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Prepare to climb.  Make sure to bring appropriate attire for climbing.   Clothes should be tight fitting so they don’t get caught in the gear.  Some scouts will need to wear a hat or other headgear to prevent their hair from getting caught in the climbing equipment.    A hat and jacket or sweater are recommended for the cooler evening weather.   Scouts should be prepared for wet weather as well.   Equipment guidelines:  The fifteen camping essentials checklist is located on the Troop 505 website under “checklists” (right hand side of main webpage).  Scouts are encouraged to be mindful of what they pack on this trip as practice for the hiking trek next month.

UNIFORM

Wear your Class B uniform (Scout pants) on this outing.  Bring your class A s for flag ceremonies, Scout’s Own, and the Campfire.  Bring a complete change of dry clothes to be left in the vehicles for the ride home.

MEALS AND TROOP EQUIPMENT

Meals are by patrol as arranged at the Troop meeting on Wednesday night.  If you have questions about your responsibilities or cooking supplies contact your patrol leader.  Patrols will be preparing four meals (Friday supper, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast).

Tent assignments will be made by patrol at Wednesday night’s meeting.

GRUBMASTER’S BUDGET

Friday supper: $4 per person

Saturday breakfast: $3 per person

Saturday lunch: $4 per person

Saturday dinner: $4 per person

Sunday breakfast: $3 per person

LOCATION

Pilot Mountain State Park Address:  1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043

DIRECTIONS

From Meadowmont:

Turn right on Turn left onto N Carolina 54 E/Raleigh Rd 1.9 miles and turn left onto U.S. 40 West.  Go 66 miles and continue onto US-421 N/Interstate 40 Business Loop W (signs for Kernersville/Winston-Salem/Downtown) 12.7 miles.  Take exit 6b for US-52 N/US-311 N/North Carolina 8 N toward Mt Alry/Smith Reynolds/Airport.  Merge onto US-311 N/U.S. 52 N (Continue to follow U.S. 52 N) 21.8 miles. Take the exit toward Pilot Mountain/State Park (0.3 miles) and then turn left onto Pilot Knob Park Rd. Destination will be on the left 0.3 miles up the road.

Approximately 104 miles each way.  (1 hour 50 minutes estimated drive time)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Scouts need to make sure their parents have signed all appropriate forms in order for the scouts to participate in the climbing weekend.  The Project COPE & Tower and BSA Activity Consent Forms need to be filled out and turned in by the scout meeting prior to the climbing trip.

The Troop 505 Patrol

The Patrol

The patrol is a group of Scouts who belong to a troop and who have similar interests. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in a small group outside the larger Troop context, working together as a team and sharing the responsibility of making their patrol a success. A Patrol takes pride in its identity, and the members strive to make their Patrol the best it can be. Patrols will sometimes join with other Patrols to learn skills and complete advancement requirements. At other times they will compete against those same Patrols in Scout skills and athletic competitions.

The members of each Patrol elect one of their own to serve as Patrol Leader. To give more Scouts the opportunity to lead, twice a year, the current Troop 505 Assistant Patrol Leader(s) move into the Patrol Leader position and the Patrol elects a new Assistant Patrol Leader.

Patrol size depends on Troop 505 enrollment and the needs of its members, though an ideal Patrol size is eight Scouts. Patrols with fewer than eight Scouts should try to recruit new members to get their Patrol size up to the ideal number.

Patrol Meetings

Patrol meetings may be held at any time and place. Troop 505 will set aside a portion of each Troop meeting for its Patrols to gather. Troop 505 also encourages Patrols to meet on a different evening at the home of a Patrol member. The frequency of Patrol meetings is determined by upcoming events and activities that require planning and discussion.

Patrol meetings should be well-planned and businesslike. Typically, the Patrol Leader calls the meeting to order, the scribe collects dues, and the Assistant Patrol Leader reports on advancement. The Patrol Leader should report any information from the latest Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting. The bulk of the meeting should be devoted to planning upcoming activities, with specific assignments made to each Patrol member.

Your Duties as Patrol Leader

When you accepted the position of Patrol Leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your Patrol and Troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a Patrol Leader, you are expected to do the following:

1. Plan and lead Patrol meetings and activities.

2. Keep Patrol members informed.

3. Assign each Patrol member a specific duty.

4. Represent your Patrol at all Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings and the annual program planning conference.

5. Prepare the Patrol to participate in all Troop activities.

6. Work with other Troop leaders to make the Troop run well.

7. Know the abilities of each Patrol member.

8. Set a good example and develop Patrol spirit.

9. Wear the Scout uniform correctly.

10. Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Troop 505 Patrol Leaders’ Council

“The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method.”

—Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s founder

The Patrol Leaders’ Council

A Troop should always be led by its elected boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, the boy leaders plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the Troop’s meetings and activities.

The members of the Troop elect one of their own to serve as the Senior Patrol Leader. To give more Scouts the opportunity to lead, once a year, the current Troop 505 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader moves into the Senior Patrol Leader position and the Troop elects a new Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Your Role in the Patrol Leaders’ Council

The Patrol Leaders’ Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings; the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and all Patrol Leaders, with the support of the Troop Scribe and the Troop Guides. As a Patrol Leader, you serve as the voice of your Patrol. During PLC Patrol Leaders should present the ideas and concerns of your patrol and in turn share the decisions of the Patrol Leaders’ Council with your Patrol.

Patrol Leaders’ Council Meetings

The Troop’s meeting programs and activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The troop’s yearly plan is then submitted to the Troop Committee for approval. The Troop Committee either approves the plan or makes alternative suggestions for the Patrol Leaders’ Council to consider. At its monthly meetings, the PLC fine-tunes the plans for the upcoming month by organizing and assigning responsibilities for the weekly Troop meeting program and planning the details of any upcoming Troop activities. The Troop Committee should always interact with the PLC through the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Leaders’ Council Position Descriptions

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – top junior leader in the troop. He is elected by the entire troop and leads the Patrol Leaders’ Council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) – fills in for Senior Patrol Leader in his absence. There may be more than one ASLP. They are responsible for training and giving direction to the Scribe, Quartermaster, Troop Historian, Librarian, Webmaster and Instructors.

Patrol Leader (PL) – gives leadership to members of his Patrol and represents them on the PLC.

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) – is fully informed about all aspects concerning his Patrol and fills in for the Patrol Leader in his absence.

Troop Scribe (TS) – attends the meeting to support the PLC as the Troop Secretary.

Troop Guide (TG) – attends the meeting to support the PLC as an advisor and guide to the Patrol(s) and Patrol Leader(s).

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) – an Eagle Scout, 16 years or older, attends the meeting to support the PLC, who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned by the Scoutmaster.

Troop 505 Centennial Uniform Specifications

The following items are required uniform specifications for all Scouts enrolled in Troop 505:

1. Centennial Uniform Cap
2. Centennial Cotton Rich Poplin Short-Sleeve Shirt
3. Centennial Boy Scout Shoulder Loops
4. Centennial Canvas Convertible Pants
5. Centennial Web Belt
6. Centennial Thorlo Hiking Socks
7. Troop Neckerchief Black with Red Embroidery
8. Boy Scout Neckerchief Slide
9. Occoneechee Council Shoulder Patch
10. World Scout Crest
11. Centennial Unit Numbers 505
12. Patrol Emblem