The leadership of Troop 32 believes that teaching a boy outdoor skills, self reliance, respect for nature and respect for others, while promoting community service increases his ability to give back to his family, his country and himself. We accomplish this by providing a very active outdoor program and by reinforcing the ideals put forth by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The Patrol Method
The Scouts are divided into Patrols of 8 to 10 and are led by a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders are then led by the Senior Patrol Leader and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are guided by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. In this regard, we try to instill the concept of the boy-led troop, a primary tenet of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement. Elections are held every six months (in August at Summer Camp and February), which give the boys opportunities to experience more than one leadership position during the year.
We believe that the progression through the ranks of Scouting (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle) is not a social ladder. We believe that each position the Scout holds is where they learn new scout skills, as well as the skills of leadership. The Senior Patrol Leader is in charge of the entire Troop, whereas Patrol Leaders are in charge of the Scouts. In this regard, those Scouts responsible enough to hold a Leadership position may do so according to their experience and leadership abilities, not to be dictated by the rank of the Scout.
Campouts and Day Trips
Every month, the Troop embarks on a weekend camping trip to various campgrounds in the area (i.e. state or local parks, or Scout Camps). Take a look at our Camping History to see where we've been in the past 10 years or so. Such places include Allaire State Park, Cheesequake State Park, Bass River State Park, Tohickon Valley State Park, Harriman State Park, Turkey Swamp Park, Quail Hill Scout Reservation, and Forestburg Scout Reservation. We also routinely run backpacking, whitewater rafting, hiking and camping trips. We've also taken trips to historic places, such as Valley Forge, Gettysburg and Boston. In 2010, our Scoutmaster and one of our Assistant Scoutmasters helped lead a troop of 36 boys at the National Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Seven Scouts from our troop attended and had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so much so, some of them have already talked about going to the Jamboree in 2013.
We also plan day trips, or overnighters, such as the Klondike Derby at Quail Hill, lock-in at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, the Battleship New Jersey and skiing/tubing at Jack Frost and Blue Mountain.
We generally depart around 4:00 pm on a Friday afternoon and return on Sunday afternoon. Conservation projects, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, historical trails and Scouting skills are features of our camping itinerary. The cost of an average weekend campout is $15.00. The money covers the cost of food, snacks, transportation and camping fees.
Summer Camp
Troop 32 has historically spent a week for summer camp at Monmouth Council's Forestburg Scout Reservation in Forestburgh, New York (usually during "week 5" which is tends to fall at the end of July/beginning of August). We stay at the J. Fred Billett camp, utilizing the central dining hall facility for meals. Since we run such an active camping program, we feel the boys can do with a break from cooking their own meals and enjoy all that Forestburg has to offer. Here, our Scouts get to test their skills learned during the year, learn new and challenging skills while earning merit badges and bonding with their fellow Scouts.
Based on the number of boys that sign up, we generally occupy 2 to 3 campsites - Delaware, Iroquois and Cherokee. They certainly get excercise climbing up and down the hill as they go back and forth to merit badge classes, the trading post or dining hall.
Most Scouts participate in the merit badge program, but there is also a Frontier Program where they can learn basic Scouting skills and get a jump start on rank advancement. Trips to Darlington Falls (an amazing natural waterfall and wading pool), games of ultimate frisbee on the parade field, slushies at the Trading Post, troop swim, and the monkey bridge are just some of the activities the boys enjoy during the week. We also find time to give back to the camp and participate in service project, usually in conjunction with Order of the Arrow Day on Thursday.
A sunset canoe trip on the Rio West Reservoir for an overnight campout is also a special treat. More information about the other activities available during summer camp can be found in the Leaders Guide.
Our troop believes in giving back to the community. We routinely conduct two food drives a year for local food pantries, participate in Eagle Projects that benefit community organizations, and give back to our camps by conducting service projects during a selected campout.
Meetings
Troop 32 meets weekly on Tuesday nights. We meet from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Thompson Middle School on Middletown-Lincroft Road in Middletown, NJ. The Scout leaders of the troop also meet once a month for a Patrol Leaders Council, to plan the troop meetings and activities for the upcoming month. While we expect participation at weekly meetings (as well as campouts) we understand that many of our boys may be involved in extracurricular activies (i.e. sports or school activies). We don't feel the two are mutually exclusive, and encourage our Scouts to "do their best" in attending meetings and campouts as often as possible.
Participation
Each of the rank advancements has a participation requirement. To provide a fair advancement environment we have developed the following guidelines for participation:
Any Scout that may have a problem with participation must discuss and plan an alternative with the Scoutmaster. For example; if any Scout has a temporary long-term conflict such as religious training on the same night as Troop meetings, but attends weekend events and participates in the other activities, this would be acceptable.
Uniform
Within three months of joining the troop, Scouts are required to purchase and wear the full uniform as listed:
Fees/Dues
We have estimated that it costs approximately $125 per Scout to run a successful program. This is paid as follows:
Fess for campouts are generally $15, but vary depending on the activity (i.e. Trip to Gettysburg or Philadelphia. Fees for day trips or overnighters also vary (i.e. ski trips, YMCA lock-in).
Equipment
The Boy Scout Handbook should be purchased by the first Troop meeting. This will be used for training and recording advancement through the ranks. The book should be protected and stored in a book case or plastic bag, and brought to all meetings and campouts.
Before you purchase personal camping equipment, please consult with the Scoutmasters. They can discuss our list of recommended gear, where to shop, and how to save money.
Tents, cooking equipment, lanterns and patrol gear are provided by the Troop. Responsibility for this equipment is that of the Scouts and their Patrols. Loss or damage to equipment will be charged back to each Scout and Patrol.
You may want to give your son gifts of Scout gear and camping equipment for birthdays and holidays.
Code of Conduct
Scouts and parents will be expected to sign a Code of Conduct, that commits the Scout to respect the Troop Leadership, Adult Leadership, other Scouts and the facilities we use. Scouts (and adults) are expected to live by Scout Oath and Law in their everyday lives. Being a Scout is a privilege, not an obligation or expectation, and we believe Troop 32 is one of the finest around.
Founded in April 1956, Troop 32 predominantly serves the River Plaza area of Middletown, NJ near River Plaza Elementary School. We are chartered by the River Plaza Parent/Faculty Association (PFA). We meet at Thompson Middle School every week during the school year. In comparison, we are a large troop with over 70 Scouts and over 25 committed adult leaders (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Committee members).
Community Service
Attend 75% of weekly Troop meetings.
Attend 75% of all campouts and special events.
Participate in our annual Holiday fund raiser.
For the higher ranks of Star, Life and Eagle Scout, complete the requirements for holding a position of responsibility and performing the work for the position. This includes attendance at Patrol Leaders Council Meetings.
Class B - red polo shirt, personalized and embroidered, purchased through the Troop
Class C is any Scout shirt, worn the last meeting of each month.
$45 paid in September for existing Scouts, or upon joining for new Scouts. This includes annual BSA registration fees, as well as the fee for Boy's Life Magazine.
$45 paid through participation of our annual fundraiser (either through specified sales or a buy-out)
$40 paid in the Spring. Historically, the troop does very well from the annual fundraiser, and this fee is usually not collected.