TROOP 101 Information for Explorer Families

Staying current with Troop information can sometimes be a challenge.  We have created this static page to help keep members on the same page as we stay engaged in the Traditional Scouting.  Check back here often as this key information can change without notice.

LAST UPDATED: April 19, 2019
TROOP COMMUNICATIONS

How do I get communications for the Troop? How do I get on the communication list?
Communications from the Troop come on a regular basis.  The most common communications will come via e-mail and Facebook messages on a near weekly basis.  Usually you can expect special instructions for the up and coming meeting(s) a day or two before the meeting happens. 
 
E-mail Communication
This is by far the most common way for the Troop to communicate.  If you are not getting out weekly communications from the Troop, then send an email to [email protected] .  You can have multiple family members receiving communications.  To be removed from the communication list, then please request by sending an email to [email protected]
 
Newsletter
TROOP TRIBUNE is sent out on a quarterly basis and is a wealth of information about the Troop along with loads of resources which Explorers can use while working in the Troop.

 
TROOP MEETINGS
Location and times of meetings
The Explorer Troop meets on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm at Max Aitken Academy at 58 Crocker Crescent Miramichi, NB .  This is our meeting HQ. Generally we aim to be outdoors as much as we can.  Sometimes the skills we are learning and teaching does require us to be where it is warm, dry, or if we need to use indoors tools.
 
We often will meet away from the HQ. If you are new and coming to checkout or join the Troop, it is always best to check with our public facebook group our section leader  the day or so before the meeting for details.  Communications weekly will announce if we will have special meeting places that week.
 
Holidays
The Troop does not generally operate on holidays unless there has been a special announcement via email, Facebook, or a meeting update.  We will only communicate if we are going to stray from this rule. 
 
Storm Days
If there is a storm day (or schools are closed) then we generally will follow the same scenario.  If the weather changes or worsens throughout the day we will make a judgement no later than 4:30pm as to whether we will hold the meeting that evening.
 

MEMBERSHIP FEES

How much does it cost to join for a year?
Our membership fees remain at $55/member each year.  This membership fee will pay for the insurance of each participant for one year or more, depending when you join during the year.  You can join the Troop at any time, but if you join after February, then your membership will be covered for the remaining Scouting year and all of the next year.
 
When should it be paid?
Membership fees must paid  (due to the insurance payment purpose) as soon as you know you will be joining the Troop permanently.  This must be paid prior to you regularly meeting with the Troop or going to any camps.
 

UNIFORMS
What does the uniform look like?
The Explorer uniform consists of the following (class-A uniform):

• Beige khaki epaulette shirt (all badges sewn on)
• Head gear (beret or Stetson)
• Knecker (NB Tartan) with woggle to hold it
• Dark pants (jean or slacks)
• Explorer handbook (binder of reference materials and badges)
• Rope (10’ of Troop supplied rope) worn by carabiner on the right side belt loop​  

How much is a uniform for an Explorer?
(taxes are included in the pricing)

​Activity uniform
This t-shirt can be worn when a class-A uniform is not required.  Examples would be while at camp (not for travelling to and from camp) or for meetings which special instruction was given.  If not directed, then the Troop will always wear the full class-A uniform.  Activity uniform is always worn with a knecker.
 
What if I loose a piece of my uniform?
This happens overtime.  Speak to your adult leadership team about arrangements for replacement as soon as you are aware of a missing piece.  Most common piece which is lost is a woggle, so we recommend that Explorer to Google how to make a “Turkshead woggle” and quickly learn how to construct a replacement.  The Troop will only supply the first Turkshead rope woggle.
 
DUES (monthly)
What is it and how much is it?
Dues is a monthly fee of $5 (broken down to $1/week just paid once a month) and goes to help defray the costs of badges, program supplies, awards, and advancement.  $5 dues is due on the first meeting of each month and is payable to the Patrol Leader who will record this in the dues book for the Scoutmaster.  The Troop will only accept dues for the current month and ask that families pay their dues on time each month.
 
Traditionally, the dues that an Explorer pays should be earned within the household.  This way the Explorer will respect the small fee and the importance of having it in hand.  Challenge your child to earn...its a valuable lesson we will all have to learn eventually, why not start now?
 
PATROL SYSTEM
What is a Patrol and why is it so important?
Patrols are the building blocks of any Troop. A patrol is a small group of youth who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for the patrol's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership and existing as part of the small family.
 
Your son or daughter are part of this important team, so remember if you are missing from the team then someone has to try to and fill your void.  You bring a unique ability to your Troop’s success and your Patrol Leader (PL) and Second (SEC) counts upon your attendance.
 

CAMPING
How often do you camp?
The Troop will go to camp at a minimum of 4-5 times year.  We aim to camp more in the warmest seasons but will experience the kids to all 4 seasons for camping.  The Troop will do several day outings throughout the year to allow the Explorers to hone and practice skills which they are learning within the Troop.     
 
Where do you camp?
Our camps generally are located around Southeast New Brunswick and tend to be all out of doors free of any structures.  Some Explorer camps have been known to require a little distance of travel from time to time, so we will work to try and make it as easy as possible for families to get to and from camp.  The ongoing joke our Troop has is “if it ain’t damp, then we don’t camp!”  Mother Nature tends to not always cooperate with us when she dishes out the weather forecasts.
 
Can parents come to camp?
We discourage parents from coming to camp, but truly leave the discretion up to the Explorer to make that decision.  Family or adult friends are not permitted to stay overnight at camps unless completing a full screening process with the Group.  If family or parents attend camps during the day only (ie: Resource) then they must be in the presence of registered adults at all times.
 
Carpooling Strategy
The leadership team recognizes that there can be a significant amount of time and money involved in getting youth to outings and camps.  Therefore, some families appreciate abilities to use carpooling when available.  Should you make use of carpooling benefits for your child, it is a courtesy to split the cost of fuel with all passengers in the car.  This saves families time and money, saves a driver having to pay the full fuel charge cost, while at the same time will not include those who wish to arrange their own transportation. 
 
How much is a camp?
The costs of camp are always provided leading up to camp via the equipment lists.  The pricing for camp incorporates the cost of program supplies, itinerary, rentals, and food.  Total costs of the camp are divided amongst the total amount of people attending camp.  Generally we like to keep the costs of a camp very low. 
 
What type of gear do I need?
Prior to a camp (generally 2 weeks or more) a family will receive an equipment and camp communication notice which will provide a checklist for you to know what is needed.  This is just a minimum guide, so please use it as so and add whatever you feel is necessary.
 
The key larger items you will want to have at some point are: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, eating utensils.  Most other items can be borrowed from the Troop via the Group Quartermaster (Leader) during the week leading up to camp.  Don’t be shy; there is usually there spare gear around, all you have to do is ask.

Where can I get gear for my Explorer?
If you are camping the first time, we recommend hitting the family up to borrow piece of equipment unless you are sure your investment on equipment will get used. 
 
Kijiji, ebay, and used equipment places like army surplus in Memramcook and Halifax are great places to start with affordable pricing. 
 
If you are looking for new gear or gear in a hurry, these are some great places to start:

• Scout Shop Online
• Miramichi Pronature
• Canadian Tire
• Walmart
• Home Hardware
• Bass Pro
• Costco
• Ocean Trail (behind Costco)
• Moutain Equipment Coop www.mec.ca

 
TROOP GEAR
Can I borrow gear from the Troop supplies?
Of course, this is why we create this supply.  Most items can be borrowed from the Troop via the Group Quartermaster (Leader) during the week leading up to camp.  Don’t be shy; there is usually there spare gear around, all you have to do is ask.

What do you have?
We have tents, hammocks, troop stoves, single burner stoves, cooking pots, ropes, and tarps of varying sizes.  These are all stored in the Troop Trailer.
 
Who is responsible for the gear of the Troop?
Ultimately the Group Quartermaster is responsible for the gear of the Troop.  Therefore, the QM will keep a tight record of who borrows what equipment from the Troop.
 
If you borrow equipment from the Troop, then you are responsible for the wellbeing of the gear while it is in your possession.   Nice to look at, nice to hold, break it…then consider it sold type philosophy.  Explorers are expected to take a tent or hammock home to air out or dry and return it the following week.  Likewise with any tarplins.  If you use a pot set then you should take it home to scrub it before returning it to the QM.  DO NOT put pot sets in the dishwasher.
 
Report any changes with the equipment when you return it.
 
The QM will not accept any equipment back that is not the way it was borrowed.
 
 
INVESTITURES
What does invested mean?
The investiture ceremony is the time when a Explorer, by means of the words of the Explorer Promise, publicly announces their commitment to the Scouting Law. At the ceremony, the Scout makes the Promise to the Explorers and Scouters of their troop and to all the Scouts of the world. It is once the candidate has made the promise that they are an Explorer.
 
The investiture is the beginning of a special time in a young person's life. Explorer-aged children are entering the stage of life when they desire to break away from their parents, find out about the world, and try to shape their own identity in it. It is Scouting's desire that a major part of the identity that these young people form is that of being a Scout.
 
A Explorer should read in their Explorer handbooks right away to learn what is required to be invested.  There are 10 steps which will take minimal amount of work before they get invested.  A new Explorer should expect to be ready to be invested within the first 1.5 months and then they can move towards Second Class study.

How do I get invested?
Read in your Explorer handbook the steps and items which you need to be familiar with, then approach your Patrol Leader and show your interest.  Your Patrol Leader and Patrol is your go to gang in order to get help and advice on how to obtain the Tenderfoot Investiture. 
 
When should I get invested?
This should complete within the first 1.5 months of your membership in the Troop.  There is a bit of work you need to do, so start checking in your Explorer handbook for the 10 steps you need to complete for the Explorer Tenderfoot.
 
What about badges for my uniform?
There are two types of badges.  Badges for uniform and badges for the campfire blanket.  Check your Explorer handbook to know the placement of badges on your uniform.
 
For uniform badges, this can be further sub-divided into badges prior to investiture, badges for after investiture, and then proficiency badges for once you have advanced further into Second Class and First Class ranks.
 
The quicker you work and perfect skills in your advancement through Second and First Class advancement ranks, then the faster you will be able to help others learn and you can earn Proficiency badges like a collectors, marksman, etc..
 

THE COURT OF HONOUR (CoH)
What is it?
The Court of Honour is a key fundamental part of the success of an Explorer Troop. It consists of the scoutmaster and Patrol Leaders. In the cast where the troop is small it may also consist of the Seconds. The Scoutmaster does not have a vote.
 
The Court of Honour decides on many of troop functions, such as reward, punishment, programs of work, camps, events and other questions affecting the troop.  
 
Who is invited to these meetings?
Only the Patrol Leader, Seconds, Troop Leader (if one exists) and leaders.  The only voting members are the youth.
 
When is it and where is it held?
These special meetings which can last 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the order of business will take place either at the meeting hall, an announced meeting place or generally at the Scoutmasters house over a snack or meal.