Troop 99 Adult FAQ
Adults:
If you have a Scouting question and you don't see an answer to it below,
Ask your Scout!
It is their Troop and they know a lot about it!
If after speaking to your Scouts you still find yourself searching, please feel free to reach out to the Scoutmaster!
They will help you find the answers you seek or point you in the right direction of someone who can!!!
What role do I play in my Scout's career?
It has been proven that the Scouting program works at its best when generous amounts of parental motivation and encouragement are there to help the Scout along the way. From time to time you will be called upon to provide assistance to the Troop, but we will try to keep this to a minimum. For those who would like to become more active in the organization, we always have openings in the leadership and committee positions.
If you would like more information on how to become a member of the Troop leadership please contact the Committee Chair. They can talk to you about what positions are available!
What is Scouts BSA?
Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.
For every 100 kids that join a Scouts BSA Troop...
Twelve will have their first contact with a church or synagogue.
Five will earn their religious emblem.
One will enter the clergy.
Eighteen will develop hobbies that will last through their adult life.
Eight will enter a career that was learned through the merit badge system.
One will use his Scout skills to save a life.
One will use his Scout Skills to save his own life.
Seventeen will become Scouting volunteers.
Two will become Eagle Scouts.
Troop History
When and why was Troop 99 founded?
When the originating members of Troop 99 were looking for a troop to cross over to from Cub Scouts, they came to a realization that Franklin needed a new Troop that better celebrated the importance of the outdoors to Scouting. The Leaders and Scouts alike knew that Scouts BSA was designed to be done outdoors and they wanted to be in a Troop that had a love of the outdoors as a core value. So in 2002 Scouts BSA Troop 99, Franklin, MA, was established.*
Since its founding, the Scouts and Leaders of Troop 99 have kept the love of the outdoors alive by creating a Scout led, all inclusive Activity Program that embodies the BSA Outdoor Code, BSA Aims, and BSA Methods. Over the years the Troop has been on hundreds of trips ranging from day hikes on Franklin area trails, to weekend whitewater rafting in Maine, to one week long backcountry backpacking trips at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
This love, respect, and adoration for the outdoors also extends to the Good Turns, service projects, conservation projects and Eagle Scout Projects that the Troop participates in. With over 35 Eagle Scout Projects, numerous Earth Day Volunteer days, dozens of trail stewardship events, and yearly spring and fall clean-ups for our Chartering Organization the Troop truly has been able to be a force for good in our community.
* Troop 99 was previously chartered in Franklin decades ago, so it was nice to be able to resurrect the Troop at least in unit number.
Who is the Franklin Rod and Gun Club?
Incorporated in 1936, the Franklin Rod and Gun Club Inc. is a non-profit, private sporting club located on Uncas pond in Franklin, Massachusetts. With over 150 current members, the club is one of the oldest active organizations in Franklin.
The goals of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club are the conservation and enjoyment of our natural resources and to promote and support responsible fishing, hunting and boating activities in accordance with fish, wildlife, conservation and environmental regulations.
One of the unique aspects of the club is the boat landing and fishing beach. Although Uncas pond is land locked by private property, the club believes in sharing the pond and its resources and therefore maintains free public access via their boat landing which is maintained solely with club funds.
Adult Leadership
What does it mean to be a Scout-run Troop?
Troop 99 is a Scout-run troop and operates by the patrol method. Older Scouts in the Patrol Leader's Council (PLC), with oversight from the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters, plan and implement the troop's activities, including our weekly troop meetings and campouts. Scouts who are not on the PLC have opportunities to serve the troop in other leadership positions such as Troop Guide, Librarian, Historian, Scribe, Quartermaster, Chaplain's Aide and Instructor.
Who are the Adult Leaders?
What does the Scoutmaster do?
The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for working directly with the Scouts providing direction, coaching, and support.
What does the Assistant Scoutmaster do?
An assistant Scoutmaster is an adult leader over the age of 18 who helps the Scoutmaster deliver the promise of Scouting.
What does the Committee do?
The troop committee is a cross between a board of directors and a parent support group. It sets troop policies and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts.
What does the Committee Chair do?
The troop committee chair is appointed by the chartered organization to see that all committee functions are carried out.
What is an "Old Goat"?
Just like the Scouts have patrols, so do the adult leaders. The adults who attend outdoor program activities camp together in their own patrol- the Old Goats.
Summer Camp
When and where does the Troop attend Summer Camp
The Troop attends Summer Camp at Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville Rhode Island. The Troop attends camp week 7 which is typically the first or second week of August.
Is there a packing list for Summer Camp?
Scout Advancement
What is the Troop 99 Online Merit Badge Network?
Troop 99 utilizes the same tested Google Classroom platform as the local school district to create opportunities for Scouts to work with Troop 99 Merit Badge Counselors on over 20 different Merit Badges. Merit Badges and their requirements are offered as Classrooms with Assignments and offer the Scout multiple ways to do and turn in Merit Badge requirements to the Counselors. Using the classrooms is not required but is encouraged.
Troop Finances
Why do we pay yearly dues and what do they cover?
Every year the Troop is required by the BSA to renew its charter with them. The dues that are collected by the Troop cover the National Annual Membership Fee, the National Unit recharter fee, the local Council activity fee, and the Unit Leader registration fees, and Troop operational costs. Troop costs include the trailer registration and maintenance, and Scout advancement costs. Dues will vary year by year based on the pricing given by National and the local Council, as well as on how many adult leaders need to be registered for the year. Please reach out to the Troop Committee Chair for further information on this years costs.