Scouts should wear their neckerchief whenever wearing their Class A Uniform. Neckerchiefs must be worn for all special events (Scoutmaster Conference, Boards of Review, and Courts of Honor).
What uniform do I need to buy?
Troop 457 uses two different types of uniforms referred to as Class A and Class B uniforms.
Class A Uniform
Class A uniforms (also called the Field Uniform) are the button down shirts with all the patches that you typically associate with Scouting. It consists of the khaki button-down shirt, a neckerchief, neckerchief slide, merit badge sash, and patches identifying our Council, Troop and the ranks / awards your Scout has earned. The Class A uniform also includes optional pieces like a hat, belt, and pants.
The Class A uniform is the same for all Scouts BSA members and is defined by the BSA’s Guide to Awards and Insignia (Scouts BSA-specific Guide).
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| Scouts BSA Uniform Shirt (several styles and fabric types are available) |
Scouts BSA Shoulder Loops |
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Scouts BSA Unit Numerals |
World Crest Scout Emblem |
Class B Uniform
The Class B uniform (also called the Activity Uniform) is a Scouting t-shirt/sweatshirt (shows the fleur de li) and activity appropriate pants or shorts, and an optional scouting cap. The Troop typically orders “Troop 457” shirts, sweatshirts and hats on an annual basis.
Should I attend Summer Camp?
Scouts are highly encouraged to attend Summer Camp, but they are not required to do so.
Summer Camp is an excellent opportunity for Scouts to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills. The Troop attends a week-long summer camp (typically the last week of June) at Scout camps throughout area. The specific Scout camp we attend is selected by the Scouts during the Annual Planning Conference.
Attending Summer Camp is a valuable experience for several reasons:
- It provides Scouts with the opportunity to spend time in the outdoors and learn new skills such as camping, hiking, and fishing, which enable them to be more self-sufficient in the wilderness.
- It is an excellent way to make new friends and build strong relationships. Scouts from different troops come together to form new groups and participate in various activities, such as swimming, archery, and campfires. These activities encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
- It provides Scouts with the opportunity to earn merit badges, which recognize their achievements and skills. Scouts can also work towards other awards such as the National Outdoor Award or the Mile Swim award.
- Scouts can complete rank requirements that are more difficult to complete during meetings due to the availability of locations or equipment. Adult leaders are also more accessible to Scouts because they’re spending time at camp too.
- It is a fun and memorable experience that creates lifelong memories. Many Scouts look back on their summer camp experiences with fondness, recalling the new friends they made, the skills they learned, and the adventures they had.
Summer Camp registration typically begins in the late winter / early spring with an invitation from TroopTrack. Additional instructions on how to sign up will be included in that message.
What should I wear / bring to a meeting or event?
- Scouts should always be in uniform for Troop meetings or when departing for a Troop activity. That typically means the following except when otherwise communicated in the TroopTrack meeting invitation:
- Class A (Field) Uniforms when meeting at English Lutheran Church
- Class B (Activity) Uniforms when meeting in Zelienople Park
- Your copy of the Scouts BSA Handbook
- Your Scout Binder
- Any supplies listed in the TroopTrack meeting invitation or appropriate for the event.
- Any gear needed for a Scoutmaster Conference of Board of Review (if applicable)
What is a Court of Honor?
Courts of Honor are gatherings for Scouts, families, and guests where the troop and troop members are recognized for what’s been accomplished and achieved. They are presented in a manner appropriate for a special occasion and can feature a variety of impressive ceremonies.
Troop 457 tries to hold a Court of Honor once a quarter (typically on the month with a fifth Tuesday). Family and friends are encourage to attend these events. The Troop plans these events.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a more rare and special event. This Court of Honor is focused on the Scout who is receiving their Eagle Scout award and may include additional participants, recognition, and celebration on achieving this major accomplishment. The new Eagle Scout and their family are actively involved in planning their own Court of Honor.
What is the Parent Meeting, who should attend, and what happens there?
The Troop Committee hosts a Parents meeting every month on the third Tuesday, immediately following the PLC. All parents / guardians are encouraged to attend.
During the Parent’s meeting, we review the Scouts’ plans for the upcoming month and discuss Troop operations (i.e., finances, upcoming events, and fundraisers).
This is a great way to keep apprised of what is going on in the Troop.
If you’re unable to attend the Parents Meeting, minutes will be made available on the Troop website and key highlights will be communicated via the monthly Troop Newsletter.
What is the PLC meeting, who should attend, and what happens there?
The third Tuesday of every month is our Troop’s Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The PLC is the Scout’s opportunity to plan what to do in the upcoming months’ activities and assign responsibility to a Scout or Adult to help plan the activity. All Scouts in a Troop or Patrol Leadership position are required to attend, but all members are encouraged to attend to learn about the PLC process, provide input on upcoming activities, and stay up-to-date on Troop plans.
The Structure of the PLC Meeting
The PLC Meeting follows a standard agenda:
- Opening Flag Ceremony
- Review of meetings & events since the last PLC meeting: The Troop performs a “Stop, Start, Continue” review of the past month’s meetings and activities. This review asks Scouts to consider:
- Things that went well that we should CONTINUE doing from the event.
- Things that would be beneficial for us to START doing at similar events.
- Things we are currently doing that are not working and we should STOP doing at events.
- Patrol Leaders Report: During this portion of the meeting, the Patrol Leaders for each patrol present an update on his patrol’s activities. This can include:
- Progress toward ranks & requirements that the patrol needs to work on
- Upcoming patrol events
- Other updates on his patrol members
- Positions of Responsibilities Report: Similar to the Patrol Leaders report, each Scout holding a Troop position provides an update on their specific area of responsibility and brings any issues to the SPL / PLC’s attention.
- Upcoming event planning: Here is where the planning happens. The Troop tries to plan events 2 – 3 months in advance. During this section of the meeting, Scouts will review the specific plans for the upcoming month’s activities, brainstorm activities further out into the future, and assign planning responsibilities to a Scout or Patrol.
- Other business and Reminders and FYIs: During this section, the Troop discusses any additional information that needs to be covered as a Troop (e.g., providing the Scoutmaster input on how activities will be run, helping to design a Troop neckerchief)
- Closing benediction
The PLC meeting is one of the Scout’s opportunities to influence what we do as a Troop.
Reference Information
Where are Troop 457 meetings held?
Troop meetings are held every Tuesday at the following times:
- 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th (if needed) Tuesdays 7 – 8:30PM
- 3rd Tuesday 6 – 7PM for the PLC meeting with Parents meeting to follow 7 – 8PM
Meetings are held in the basement of English Lutheran Church (September through May) and the large pavilion in Zelienople Community Park (June through August).
The Troop will always send a TroopTrack meeting invitation for events that have a different time or location.