First
Class in the First Year
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The
goal of the Troop Committee and the Leaders of Troop 157 is to have all our
scouts attain the rank of first class by the June Court of Honor. With good attendance at Troop Meetings and
Activities this is a very realistic goal.
While the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are
awarded in order, scouts may work on the requirements for these three ranks
simultaneously. These three ranks
cover the core scouting skills. Key points in attaining
the rank of First Class: 1)
Scouts need to participate in 10 Troop Activities (5 for Second Class)
since joining the Troop, excluding Troop Meetings. It is important to participate in as many activities as
possible; many outdoor requirements can’t be done at the Troop Meetings.
Also, the 10 activities requirement is almost always the hardest and the
last completed for First Class. 2) Three of
these activities need to include camping overnight in a tent (one for each rank);
since many of our winter trips include cabin trips, it is important to take
advantage of the camping trips early in the year. 3) Orienteering is
offered by the Troop once each year so it is important to attend this event;
scheduled for October
28 this year. 4) New swimming requirements are
harder to pass on your own and for the troop to repeat; again, try to make it
when the Troop schedules this activity (probably in the winter or spring). 5) New cooking requirements
include menu planning and food procurement, as well as functioning as head
cook. Scouts and parents are
encouraged to sign-up for a trip of their choice with the Troop Leaders. 6) Community Service is
required for rank advancement and is stressed by Troop 157. Participation in the Eagle Projects of the
older scouts and the troop service events is very important. 7) Plant and Animal
Identification is difficult in the winter. Scouts are encouraged to pass these requirements on the Fall Nature Hike
(September 24) or Early Camping Trips. Good Attendance and Attention at Troop Meetings and Activities will ensure that each scout masters the skills needed to earn the rank of First Class by June |