Troop 1028 and 1029 Scouting at Home Information
We have moved back to face-to-face Troop meetings, typically at Pen Park unless stated otherwise on our calendar. Please use the BSA COVID checklist below as a guide before attending face-to-face Troop meetings, and follow the COVID rules on our Home page.
Online classes and other virtual Scouting-at-home activities will also continue since we have all become Zoom experts.
So remember, there are PLENTY of FUN things Scouts can do at home to Scout On! Check out the ideas here and email your Scoutmaster if you find other useful resources to add.
Please check this page frequently for updates and new information.
Here is the latest guidance from National regarding COVID-19 changes to requirements:
www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/
Online classes and other virtual Scouting-at-home activities will also continue since we have all become Zoom experts.
So remember, there are PLENTY of FUN things Scouts can do at home to Scout On! Check out the ideas here and email your Scoutmaster if you find other useful resources to add.
Please check this page frequently for updates and new information.
Here is the latest guidance from National regarding COVID-19 changes to requirements:
www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/
Here is the latest guidance from National regarding the protocols for restarting face-to-face meetings.
Please use the BSA COVID checklist below as a guide before attending face-to-face Troop meetings.
Please use the BSA COVID checklist below as a guide before attending face-to-face Troop meetings.
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Here is the latest info from Council, updated March 1, 2021:
www.vahcbsa.org/files/32718/vahc-covid-19-guide-and-form?fbclid=IwAR2eIp8_lyOU6WbXUtX8YfbYDSoYdOtqd2jcMvenWTs072JbUlIoCGTXklA
www.vahcbsa.org/files/32718/vahc-covid-19-guide-and-form?fbclid=IwAR2eIp8_lyOU6WbXUtX8YfbYDSoYdOtqd2jcMvenWTs072JbUlIoCGTXklA
Online Troop and Patrol Meetings and Virtual Campouts
- Our Troops are holding our normal weekly Troop meetings online via Zoom - every Monday night from 6:30-8:00pm as usual. Check your Troop emails for information on how to join in. Scoutmaster Z is also continuing the Patrol competition online - so participate in the fun to earn points for your Patrol! Be sure to tune in for zany "true" stories from Scoutmaster Z, virtual background competitions, skills demonstrations, helpful tips, and other great entertainment !
- Patrols can also use Zoom to hold online Patrol meetings or virtual campouts - check with your Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster. Remember that all Zoom events must have two registered leaders participating at all times.
Service Opportunities
These times are challenging, but there are still ways we can help out (get parental permission first). Here is a list of ideas of good turns that we can do:
- Find a grave - www.findagrave.com/
- Billion graves - www.billiongraves.com/
- Pick up litter (conservation)
- Genealogy indexing - familysearch.org/indexing
- ScoutyReaders - drive.google.com/a/iss.k12.nc.us/file/d/119Sm-WPZCT3HYWlDdNOTbDIRDXAB1jab/view?usp=drivesdk
- Volunteer at community gardens (conservation)
- Sew Masks - patchworkplus.com/facemasks
- Community science help - zooniverse.org
- Trim branches, vines, and invasive species around neighborhood or other public trails/spaces. (conservation)
Online Merit Badge Classes (new VAHC link now active!!)
Several Districts and Councils are offering online Merit Badge classes for a nominal technology fee (usually $10 - $15). You can check the links below to see what classes are offered, and sign up on your own. Remember that you must get permission from your Scoutmaster before participating in these classes.
- Virginia Headwaters Council: www.vahcbsa.org/onlinemeritbadges
- Piedmont Council: www.piedmontcouncilbsa.org/mbuonline
- National Capital Area Council: scoutingevent.com/082-MBH
Our Council has restarted online Merit Badge offerings, including several by Mr. Eric, see the registration link here:
www.vahcbsa.org/onlinemeritbadges
www.vahcbsa.org/onlinemeritbadges
Here is a great Buffalo Trace Council website which provides a large number of links to other Councils offering online Merit Badges:
Merit Badges at Home
Vist our Merit Badges page to find something that interests you.
Once you select a badge that interests you, here is the process for working on it at home:
1. Pick a Merit Badge that interests you
a. NEW rule: you must pick from the approved list in my file, no restricted badges allowed
b. NEW rule: limit yourself to working on no more than 3 Merit Badges at a time. As you finish them, you can add more.
c. NEW rule: as far as we know, we are expecting Summer Camp to happen as planned, so don’t pick any Merit Badges you were planning to take there.
2. Pick a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) from the attached list
a. NEW rule: email them (per YPT, copy your parent) to make sure they are willing to help you as you both work FROM HOME
b. NEW rule: Our general guidance is that you NOT work with your own parent as your MBC. That is still the preference - see the note above about this plan being so you don’t drive your own parents bonkers. If you pick a badge where your parent is the only real option OR you think face-to-face work would make it more feasible from home, email your Scoutmaster for approval first (per YPT, copy your parent)
3. Find a buddy or two to work with you
a. NEW rule: You are now allowed to work by yourself directly with a MBC via email (or phone if agreed with MBC) ONLY. Per YPT, no one-on-one face-to-face meetings are allowed, and you must copy your parents on all email correspondence in both directions
4. Get email permission (per YPT, copy your parent) from your Scoutmaster before you start working on the badge, and anything you did before the date of approval generally CANNOT be counted for badge requirements (e.g. I went to an art museum last year – can I count that? NO)
5. Work with the MBC to complete the badge requirements
a. NEW rule: See new rule under number 3
b. NEW rule: Any requirement where you are expected to do something outside of your home is not recommended. If something falls into this category, do everything else that you can and take a partial
c. NEW rule: you must produce evidence that can be sent via email, so take pictures or fill out the workbook to show your work. Do not snail mail any papers back and forth.
6. Have your Scoutmaster sign your Blue Card when done
a. NEW rule: we will do this in Scoutbook without physical Blue Cards to pass back and forth.
7. Give your Blue Card to our Advancement Chair Bill Wolfe or Kim Reisinger
a. NEW rule: See new rule under number 6 – everything will be done in Scoutbook
- There is a new list of recommended work-at-home suggestions including a list of our Troop Merit Badge Counselors for each badge (not a complete coverage, also repeated below).
- Note that not all Merit Badges are recommended for at-home study, so be sure to read the list carefully.
- Our Merit Badges page provides handy links to the Merit Badge worksheets and requirements.
- The actual Merit Badge pamphlets are available from Mr. Cutright's porch library or can sometimes be found online.
Once you select a badge that interests you, here is the process for working on it at home:
1. Pick a Merit Badge that interests you
a. NEW rule: you must pick from the approved list in my file, no restricted badges allowed
b. NEW rule: limit yourself to working on no more than 3 Merit Badges at a time. As you finish them, you can add more.
c. NEW rule: as far as we know, we are expecting Summer Camp to happen as planned, so don’t pick any Merit Badges you were planning to take there.
2. Pick a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) from the attached list
a. NEW rule: email them (per YPT, copy your parent) to make sure they are willing to help you as you both work FROM HOME
b. NEW rule: Our general guidance is that you NOT work with your own parent as your MBC. That is still the preference - see the note above about this plan being so you don’t drive your own parents bonkers. If you pick a badge where your parent is the only real option OR you think face-to-face work would make it more feasible from home, email your Scoutmaster for approval first (per YPT, copy your parent)
3. Find a buddy or two to work with you
a. NEW rule: You are now allowed to work by yourself directly with a MBC via email (or phone if agreed with MBC) ONLY. Per YPT, no one-on-one face-to-face meetings are allowed, and you must copy your parents on all email correspondence in both directions
4. Get email permission (per YPT, copy your parent) from your Scoutmaster before you start working on the badge, and anything you did before the date of approval generally CANNOT be counted for badge requirements (e.g. I went to an art museum last year – can I count that? NO)
5. Work with the MBC to complete the badge requirements
a. NEW rule: See new rule under number 3
b. NEW rule: Any requirement where you are expected to do something outside of your home is not recommended. If something falls into this category, do everything else that you can and take a partial
c. NEW rule: you must produce evidence that can be sent via email, so take pictures or fill out the workbook to show your work. Do not snail mail any papers back and forth.
6. Have your Scoutmaster sign your Blue Card when done
a. NEW rule: we will do this in Scoutbook without physical Blue Cards to pass back and forth.
7. Give your Blue Card to our Advancement Chair Bill Wolfe or Kim Reisinger
a. NEW rule: See new rule under number 6 – everything will be done in Scoutbook
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Rank Advancement at Home
Scouts are encouraged to check their handbooks or Scoutbook to find rank requirements that can be completed at home. Remember that all Scouts below First Class can work on any requirements which are needed, up to First Class, in any sequence or order they prefer.
See the section below for current National updates to requirements under COVD-19 restrictions.
Scouts at First Class or above can work on requirements in only their next rank.
Check out these Troop pages for excellent resources to help you:
Advancement
Scout Skills
New Scouts
When Scouts finish a rank requirement at home, they should email the evidence (picture, written description, etc.) as follows:
1. Contact one of our Troop Instructors (any of these Scouts can sign off for either Troop):
2. If Instructors do not respond after a couple of days (be patient), then contact your SPL
3. Instructors should then contact their Scoutmaster to ensure that requirements are recorded in Scoutbook, or if they have any questions about what evidence can be provided for a particular requirement.
4. Fawkes Phoenix Scouts (only) may also work directly with Mr. Landen or Mr. Hoagland (i.e. instead of starting with Instructors) to make sure their work gets recorded.
5. For difficult-to-demonstrate requirements, Scouts can show their parents, and then Scouts should contact in the order shown above (with CC to parent) to vouch that the requirement is done. We’re trying to have Scouts work with Instructors rather than having parents sign things off directly in Scoutbook.
6. When you are ready for a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review, contact your Scoutmaster to schedule those. Note that a parent must participate in these along with the Scout.
See the section below for current National updates to requirements under COVD-19 restrictions.
Scouts at First Class or above can work on requirements in only their next rank.
Check out these Troop pages for excellent resources to help you:
Advancement
Scout Skills
New Scouts
When Scouts finish a rank requirement at home, they should email the evidence (picture, written description, etc.) as follows:
1. Contact one of our Troop Instructors (any of these Scouts can sign off for either Troop):
- T1028 Instructors: Marc C, Harlow T, or Gabriel Z
- T1029 Instructors: Rhyli E, Lizzie F, or Emily R
2. If Instructors do not respond after a couple of days (be patient), then contact your SPL
- T1028 SPL Ryan B
- T1029 SPL Emma H
3. Instructors should then contact their Scoutmaster to ensure that requirements are recorded in Scoutbook, or if they have any questions about what evidence can be provided for a particular requirement.
- Note: some requirements (e.g. complete a 1 mile orienteering course, attend a public meeting, cook for your Patrol on a campout) will not be possible under current conditions, but work with your Instructor and Scoutmaster to develop acceptable alternatives or a plan to do them later.
4. Fawkes Phoenix Scouts (only) may also work directly with Mr. Landen or Mr. Hoagland (i.e. instead of starting with Instructors) to make sure their work gets recorded.
5. For difficult-to-demonstrate requirements, Scouts can show their parents, and then Scouts should contact in the order shown above (with CC to parent) to vouch that the requirement is done. We’re trying to have Scouts work with Instructors rather than having parents sign things off directly in Scoutbook.
6. When you are ready for a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review, contact your Scoutmaster to schedule those. Note that a parent must participate in these along with the Scout.
Temporary Changes to Rank Requirements
National has made updates to several rank requirements which are difficult to do under current restrictions. If you have any questions on these, contact your Scoutmaster.
National has implemented temporary changes, detailed below, to allow Scouts to complete rank requirements, detailed below, by video conferencing through September 1, 2020. This deadline will be re-evaluated as needed.
The goal when using video conferencing must be to preserve the ideals and intent of each requirement as best as possible. Scoutmasters or their designee(s) should remain mindful of the Methods of Scouting, such as the Patrol Method, before implementing the modified requirements listed below. Some advancement activities can be completed by video conferencing but not all. For example, virtual visits to a city council meeting, national historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries may be acceptable, but swimming, rifle shooting, and motorboating merit badges cannot be completed virtually.
Even when using video conferencing, all virtual campouts and activities should consist of as many elements found on a normal outdoor campout or activity as possible. The most significant difference is that patrol or troop members are not all in the same location. All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Tenderfoot rank requirements
1b. – Virtual patrol or troop campouts via video conferencing will be permitted.
2a. – During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b. – During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.
5a. – Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Verbally commit to following the buddy system on your next troop or patrol outing.
7a. – Tell how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
Second Class rank requirements:
1a & 1c. – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
3b. – Using a compass and map together, plan a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader.
4. – Evidence of wild animals can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
5c. – May be completed virtually via video conferencing on dry land.
7c. – Learn about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss what you learned with your family and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to what you learned.
8a. – May be completed virtually using video conferencing.
8d. – May be completed by comparing costs at three (3) online sites or locations.
First Class rank requirements:
1a – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
2e. – On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.
4a. – By drawing, computer software, or other virtual methods, plan an orienteering course that would cover at least one mile. Explain why measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) is helpful. Explain how you would complete your course using a real map and compass.
4b. – Scouts do not need to follow their route.
5a. – Evidence of native plants can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
6e. – May be completed on dry land.
9a. – Visit may take place virtually or by phone.
9c. – Outings can include past or future plans.
10. – Invite the potential new member to a virtual meeting or future activity using video conferencing.
National has implemented temporary changes, detailed below, to allow Scouts to complete rank requirements, detailed below, by video conferencing through September 1, 2020. This deadline will be re-evaluated as needed.
The goal when using video conferencing must be to preserve the ideals and intent of each requirement as best as possible. Scoutmasters or their designee(s) should remain mindful of the Methods of Scouting, such as the Patrol Method, before implementing the modified requirements listed below. Some advancement activities can be completed by video conferencing but not all. For example, virtual visits to a city council meeting, national historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries may be acceptable, but swimming, rifle shooting, and motorboating merit badges cannot be completed virtually.
Even when using video conferencing, all virtual campouts and activities should consist of as many elements found on a normal outdoor campout or activity as possible. The most significant difference is that patrol or troop members are not all in the same location. All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Tenderfoot rank requirements
1b. – Virtual patrol or troop campouts via video conferencing will be permitted.
2a. – During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b. – During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.
5a. – Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Verbally commit to following the buddy system on your next troop or patrol outing.
7a. – Tell how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
Second Class rank requirements:
1a & 1c. – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
3b. – Using a compass and map together, plan a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader.
4. – Evidence of wild animals can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
5c. – May be completed virtually via video conferencing on dry land.
7c. – Learn about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss what you learned with your family and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to what you learned.
8a. – May be completed virtually using video conferencing.
8d. – May be completed by comparing costs at three (3) online sites or locations.
First Class rank requirements:
1a – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
2e. – On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.
4a. – By drawing, computer software, or other virtual methods, plan an orienteering course that would cover at least one mile. Explain why measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) is helpful. Explain how you would complete your course using a real map and compass.
4b. – Scouts do not need to follow their route.
5a. – Evidence of native plants can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
6e. – May be completed on dry land.
9a. – Visit may take place virtually or by phone.
9c. – Outings can include past or future plans.
10. – Invite the potential new member to a virtual meeting or future activity using video conferencing.