Welcome to Troop 193! We're so glad to have you here. If you're new to scouting, there is quite a bit to learn but don't be overwhelmed. We'll take it a step at a time and help you through it. Here's a short Parent Guide video that gives a good general overview of Scouting and will help get you started:

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Troop Trail to Eagle Parent Guide by Scouter Rob

 

Scouting is a Youth-Led Experience. Scouts learn to become independent and guide their own scouting path. 

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SCOUTS take the lead on choosing activities and events that interest them. We work to teach them how to get rank requirements signed off and merit badge cards turned in.  PARENTS will help with reminders and ask them for the latest news! Parents are always welcome to attend meetings but it's optional. Scouts do quite well on their own at this age. We communicate regularly with parents in the message group online too.

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Along with the information below, you may also visit the Scouts BSA FAQs page for all the latest details.

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Who: Troop 193 a member of the Katahdin Area Council, North Star District. 

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Meetings: Weekly meetings are held on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Court of Honor's are held periodically throughout the year to recognize scout achievements.

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Where: We typically meet at the St. Louis Catholic Church at 106 Main Street in Limestone, Maine

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Sponsor: The troop is sponsored by the Masonic Limestone Lodge 214 A.F. & A.M. and the Chartered Organization Representative is Steven Beaulieu.

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SPL: The Scout leadership of the troop consists of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL). As membership numbers allow, we may also have multiple patrols within the troop, and each would have a Patrol Leader (PL). Scouts serve in leadership positions for six months at a time. The troop elects the SPL and PL positions. The SPL and PL then appoint the other positions. There are many other leadership positions, ranging from Quartermaster and Scribe to Chaplain Aide and Instructor. ​

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Adults: At each meeting there are a number of adult leaders. They provide guidance for advancement and merit badge classes, as well as encourage seasoned scouts to teacher newer scouts skills that they have learned. The Scoutmaster is Kathie Beaulieu and Assistant Scoutmasters are Ben Cuthbertson, Tom Malena, Meagan Malena and Brianna Carlson.

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Committee: The Troop Committee consists of a broader group of adults that provide leadership and guidance to the overall Scouting program. The committee, headed by Chair Larry Cote, meets periodically to review programming, handle finances, and provide oversight for the wide range of activities of the troop. Other members of the Committee are Grace O'Neal, Chris Kilcollins, Ben Lothrop and Andy Caldwell.

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Uniforms

"Class A":  Scout Shirt, Scout Pants, Scout Belt, Bolo, Scout Socks. Scout hat is optional but if a hat is worn with the uniform, it must be an official BSA hat.

• Uniform items can be purchased online at www.scoutshop.org or you may call/visit the Katahdin Area Council Scout Shop at 90 Kelley Rd, Orono, ME 04473. Their number is 207-866-2241. 

• Wear during formal scouting activities and events

• Guidance for placement of patches and other items on the uniform can be found on the Uniform Guide page.
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"Class B":  Scout T-shirt from the Troop or other Scouting activity. Class "B" uniforms are acceptable at camp and various informal events. Troop 193 T-shirts can be purchased at by visiting our online store or place your order with Kathie.

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Merit Badges (MB)

Scouting America has many merit badges to choose from, which allows scouts to explore a wide variety of topics that interest them. Click here to view the complete list. With exposure to a uniquely hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to earn merit badges reflecting each Scout’s budding interests, youth unlock a world of discovery around them and forge a path for the future. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. To learn more about being a Merit Badge Counselor, please click here and then contact Scoutmaster Kathie for the final steps.

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1. Scout meets with Merit Badge Counselor and works on requirements.

2. Counselor signs Blue Card to indicate completed requirements.

3. Scout provides the Blue Card to the Scoutmaster.

4. Scoutmaster submits Advancement Report to Katahdin Area Council (KAC).

5. KAC sends merit badge patch and card to Scoutmaster so it can be awarded to the scout.
    

Rank Requirements

1. Scout completes requirements and obtains sign off from Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.

2. Scout requests Scoutmaster Conference once all requirements are met and signed off.

3. Scoutmaster notifies the Troop Committee that a scout is ready for their Board of Review (BoR).

4. Scoutmaster submits the Advancement Report to Katahdin Area Council for Rank Advancement.

5. KAC sends the rank patch and card to the troop and the Scoutmaster schedules a Court of Honor to award the earned Rank.

6. Parent Hint:  be sure to save all rank awards, the cards, pins, certificates and all other items throughout the scout's journey. If the scout aspires to earn the Eagle rank, they will want all these items saved for their Eagle Ceremony.
    

Medical Forms and Permission Slips

Parents must provide an updated medical form each year - parts A, B1 and B2. Medical conditions and insurance information are important for the adults leaders to be aware of. If the Scout plans to go to Camp Roosevelt, they will also need the Part C medical form to be completed by their doctor.  If any changes occur, please inform the Scoutmaster.

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Outside Activity Hints

• Put clothes in Ziploc-type bags to keep clean and dry.  Usually 1 day per bag.  (Nice when they come back, know what is clean and what is not). 

• Closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED for scouting activities. They need sneakers, hiking boots or other footwear that will protect their feet in the conditions. Pack extra dry socks. Sandals, crocs, or other footwear that exposes their feet are not allowed.

• Select clothing that wicks away moisture. Cotton holds moisture and loses ability to insulate. Cotton t-shirts can work during the summer. 

• Cold Weather Outdoor activities: be sure they have layers of warm clothing and warm boots. No sneakers.

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Camping Hints

• Scouts will create a food budget based on the number of scouts signed up in their patrol and the schedule from the Event Leader.

• Scouts will create an appropriate menu and grocery shopping list (including quantities and other details).

• Scouts should participate and lead the food shopping plan but adults should guide as such:

  • Stay within budget.

  • Know what your storage and transportation limitations will be (weight, food safety, waste).

  • Don’t overbuy, especially just to get a better price (including condiments).

  • Packets to mix in water for drinks are preferred over premixed drinks.

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Parent Fun and Participation – How you can support your scout and the Troop

• Attend the Troop’s Court of Honor ceremonies for Recognition of our Scout’s Achievements.  It is very important to the Scouts.

• Be a Merit Badge Counselor.  There are so many different merit badges that you should be able to find one.  No cost to register. Check out the current list at https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

• Take online training, especially Safeguarding Youth, at https://my.scouting.org.

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Expenses: After the initial registration fee, purchase of the uniform items and scout book as outlined below, it is intended that the ongoing expenses will be paid by the scouts through fundraisers. The scouts participate in the Scout Popcorn fundraising program, along with bottle drives, and other fundraising activities as needed. As scouts work at fundraisers, the proceeds are split between the scouts who have earned their way and held in a troop account for each scout. Reports are provided to each scout to update them on the funds they have available for activities and awards. It's important for scouts to see the value of earning their way through scouting and this also helps families avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

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We may have some new or gently used uniform items that scouts no longer needed. They will be at discounted prices or free. If interested, check with the Scoutmaster.

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Scouts can apply what they've earned through fundraisers toward their scouting expenses, including:

• Annual Registration Fee

• Uniform Items

• Scout Book

• Camp Roosevelt

• Camping/Activities

• Rank Advancement

• Merit Badges

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Activities: In addition to the weekly meetings, there are multiple outings to keep the scouts active and having fun. The Troop goes to summer camp for a week in July. We also attend Camporees with other troops and venture out on our own for camping trips, visits to the State House in Augusta, a camporee at Fort Knox, and more!

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Summer camp is, perhaps the most important of the summer activities. It is when the Scouts get to live and learn by the patrol method. They learn to work, cook and interact together. The scouts take merit badge classes and work on advancement and Scout skills. They also have many opportunities for fun and fellowship throughout the week.

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Community Service Events: These events provide Scouts an opportunity to give back to the community. If you have a service project that our scouts can help with, please let us know.

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Outings Guidelines:​

• It is expected that Scouts attend the meeting prior to an outing.

• Scouts are expected to be on their best behavior, be respectful and always keep safety a priority. Refer to the Expectations/Behavior Contract here.

• When traveling on outings Scouts are expected to wear the Class "A" uniform unless instructed otherwise.

• Scouts are asked not to bring electronic devices (i.e., cell phones etc.) on outings.

• Health/Medical forms need to be updated annually.