Welcome to Troop 99. The information here is provided to give you an overview of the Troop. Specifics concerning activities and events are updated regularly on the website.
Troop-wide e-mails are sent out regularly updating activities and events. If you are not receiving e-mails, send Irwin an e-mail at iwnorris00@gmail.com or call him at 770-898-1528
Advancement Records are updated monthly on the website. Keep up with your Scout’s progress and encourage him to continue to work.
Communications:
Communications is very important for any Scouting organization. You will receive handouts and e-mails from time to time with various announcements and information. The primary method of communications is the Troop website and the most likely place to get current information. Once you have regestered with the Troop, the Webmaster will send you an email invitation to register on the website. You must respond in order to gain access to the Private section of the website. Make it a habit to check the web site at least once a week, and in particular the calendar section, prior to meetings and events to verify activities. Required uniforms and equipment will also be listed there.
Weekly Troop Meetings:
We meet Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM at Salem Baptist Church unless otherwise noted on the calendar. We meet most weeks including the summer months with the exception of major holiday weeks and Henry County Public School breaks.
Monthly Troop Committee Meetings:
The Troop Committee normally meets the first Monday of each month, provided it is not major holiday week or during a Henry County Public Schools break. It is held at Salem beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding at 8:30 PM. Check the Troop Calendar to verify the meeting. All Scoutmasters, Committee Members, Scouts and Parents are welcome. This is the time to learn about some upcoming events, volunteer your talents and establish policies. Check the website for the meeting minutes.
Member Registration:
Applications for both Scouts and adults can be picked up from the Compliance Chair or Committee Chair at any regularly scheduled Troop meeting. Adults are urged to consider joining the Troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Member to help promote your son’s Scouting experience. Adult leadership may not be for everyone, but it is expected that everyone be willing to volunteer to help in some way. Talk with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair if you may be interested.
Medical Forms:
All scout applicants, adult leaders and camping parents must complete a BSA Medical Record Form. A non-BSA Form will not be acceptable. If a Scout/adult is going to camp, attend any overnight activity with the Troop, or transporting Scouts, he or she must also have the correct form completed and on file with Sandy Dennis, Compliance Chair. The form must be updated every 12 months. You may print off the correct form from the website section on “Forms”. Please see Sandy if you have questions.
If a Scout, leader or camping parent does not have a form on file, they will not be able to participate in any activities until that form is turned in.
Fees:
The current Troop membership fee for the boys is $100.00 annually. Those fees are due $50 in April and $50 in October. Covered by these fees are BSA registration, insurance, Boy’s Life subscription, advancement materials and a few incidentals. Adult membership is $18.00 annually due in October and covers registration and insurance. Scout and adult fees may be pro-rated depending upon date joined.
Handbook and Uniforms:
Each Scout is required to have a Boy Scout Handbook. We recommend that the book also have a protective cover. Full Field Uniforms also known as Class “A” Uniforms are required at most functions for Adults and Scouts. We do allow Class B, C and D uniforms at certain events and at certain times during the year. The Troop 99 Classification of Uniforms is given on the web site. Uniform inspections are performed at regular intervals by the Chaplain’s Aide and others appointed by the Chaplain’s Aide. You may pick up an Insignia Guide from the Chaplain’s Aide.
The troop will supply each Scout/leader the appropriate Quality Unit patch. The Troop will also have “extra” Bo-lo ties, shoulder loops (epaulets) and patrol patches available for purchase at our cost. See Mrs. Deborah Spencer for these items.
The Troop also has a group of six “T-shirts” that we wear on numerous occasions such as Summer Camp, summer meetings, and on most monthly Troop activities. The cost is $30 per set for sizes “X Large” and smaller, and $35 per set for sizes “XX Large” and larger.
There is also a Uniform Exchange available and coordinated by Mrs. Deborah Spencer. Prior to purchasing and uniform components, you may want to check with her to see if any pieces are available to purchase at a reduced rate. You may also return certain parts of old uniforms for a credit.
Monthly Outings:
The Troop strives to camp or have another major activity at least once a month. Scheduled outings are listed on the Event Calendar on the web site. There is normally a specific information sheet posted outlining the activity. Permission Slips are required for most events. Permission Slips will list the charges for that outing and are normally due, along with the required payment, two weeks before the outing. Refunds may, or may not, be available if a Scout needs to cancel his reservation for an outing. This depends on the level of commitment (including food purchase) and is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster or organizer of that particular activity.
Sibling participation is available on most activities depending on the nature of the outing and the space available. Sibling participation must be approved by the Scoutmaster and the Activity Coordinator.
Summer Camp :
Troop 99 normally attends Summer Camp during the month of June. The time and location will be determined by the Patrol Leaders Council and the Scoutmasters and posted in the early Fall. This should give everyone ample time to plan to attend this event. It is STRONGLY recommended that all first year Scouts participate. Basic Scout skills are taught and are used as a foundation for the remainder of their time as Scouts. In late December or early January, there will be a separate Summer Camp Section on the website with specific information on the camp including fee schedules and payment deadlines. Adults are also encouraged to attend and participate for the full week or a half week.
Fund Raising/Scout Accounts:
From time to time the Troop will provide an opportunity for Scouts to participate in fund raisers. Profits on the money raised will be distributed to participating Scout accounts. Scout accounts may be used by the Scout to pay for monthly activities, Troop fees, summer camp fees, etc. Fund raisers can be excellent opportunities for a Scout to fund his Scouting experience.
On occasion, the Troop may conduct a fund raiser for a specific need of the Troop.
Merit Badge Counselors:
There are more than 120 merit badges available for our Scouts to earn. Each of these requires that we provide a Registered Merit Badge Counselor in order for our boys to be credited with the badge. Each parent is asked to review the Merit Badge Counselor Information here on the website and complete the information required. Each parent needs to be available to help on at least a few of these. It is unlikely that you would be asked to help on more than one in any given year and you probably won’t be asked at all, but it is important that you respond. Merit Badge Counselor Information may be obtained from the Troop website or via Mr. Scott Turner, our Merit Badge Coordinator. Training is provided for you.
Additional Notes:
1 – The calendar on the website is the best location to get updated information on troop activities.
2 – Individual Scout Advancements Records are posted on the private website and updated monthly.
3 – A list of Scout and Adult Leadership positions are listed on the website.
ALL NEW SCOUTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TROOPS BEFORE DECIDING ON JOINING SCOUTING EACH TROOP HAS ITS OWN “PERSONALITY”. THE SCOUT AND HIS FAMILY SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE TROOP AND ITS LEADERS BEFORE DECIDING TO JOIN.
NEW SCOUTS FOR TROOP 99 SHOULD REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECK LIST, THEN COMPLETE AND RETURN THE REQUESTED INFORMATION.
Check List and Instructions for new Scouts:
1- Complete a Scout Application and return it to Jim VanGorder, the Committee Chair. If you need an application, please contact her.
2 - Complete an Adult Leader Application and return it to Jim VanGorder, if you are interested in being an Assistant Scoutmaster or Committee Member. If you need an application, contact her. Review the adult Training Requirements and complete the required online training courses prior to submitting an application.
3 - Complete the applicable Medical Form for the Scout and participating parent and return it to Jim Van Gorder, the Committee Chair. This form can be printed off the website.
4 - Complete the Troop 99 Emergency Contact Information Form and return it to Jim VanGorder, the Committee Chair.
5 - Complete the Parent Talent Survey and return it to Jim VanGorder. Each parent should review the Merit Badge Counselor Information on the website or obtain information sheets from Mr.Scott Turner, our Merit Badge Coordinator. Please review this information in its entirety, complete the information and return it to one of them.
6 - Complete the Motor Vehicle Checklist for each vehicle that you night use to carry Scouts or adults on any outing. Return form to Jim VanGorder.
7 - Complete an Adult Leader Application and return it to Jim VanGorder, if you are interested in being an Assistant Scoutmaster or Committee Member. If you need an application, contact her. Review the adult Training Requirements and complete the required online training courses prior to submitting an application.
8 - Contact one of the members of our Finance Committee to verify the fees you owe. Finance Committee includes Meg Balga, Troop Finance Chair, and Cay Turner. Turn in your registration fees to one of them. All checks should be made payable to “BSA – Troop 99”.
9 - Purchase your Scout a Boy Scout Handbook from a local Scout Shop or one of the locations of Moye’s Drugs here in Henry County.
10 - Review your Scout’s uniform situation and yours if you are an adult leader. You may pick up and Insignia Guide from the Chaplain’s Aide, at any local Scout Shop or at numerous places on line. Troop uniform variations are given on the website under “Policies and Procedures”. If you have a brand new Scout, let him come to a few meetings first to make sure of his interest level prior to purchasing him a uniform. You may decrease your cost significantly using the Troop “Uniform Exchange” (information on the website) if the uniform is available. If you choose to purchase a new uniform, make sure you get the “newer” version not the “old” style.
The Troop also has a set of Troop Tee Shirts that are used at Summer Camp and numerous other times throughout the year.
Questions? Check the web site first and then contact:
Scoutmaster: Committee Chair:
Irwin Norris
455 Freedom Drive
McDonough , GA 30252
Home Phone: 770-898-1528
Cell Phone: 404-932-3012
iwnorris99@gmail.com