TEACHS Handbook
The Educational Adventures of Christian Homeschool Scouts
Providing Faith-Based Educational Adventures to Christian Homeschool Scouts.
Founders- Jennifer Hyatt, Cheryl Watters, and Kelly Young
Founders contact information-
Jennifer Hyatt (757) 934-8158
mimzy4@msn.com
Cheryl Watters (757) 923-0273
livemi1@gmail.com
Kelly Young (757) 819-7728
kdygop@yahoo.com
TEACHS Yahoo site-
Used for documents/ updates/ member information
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TEACHS/
TEACHS Blog Site-
Used for historical purposes/ photos/ lesson framework/ lesson themes/ volunteer position descriptions
http://teachscoop.wordpress.com/
Our goal is to help every scout grow. This handbook is designed to help you understand more about our program so your child can fully participate in all the great things TEACHS has to offer!
TEACHS accomplishes a child’s love of learning by starting with God’s Inspired Word and weaves scouting, history, literature, daring girls/ dangerous boys, science, various hands-on projects, field trips, and fun throughout the co-op framework.
What Parents Need to Know
TEACHS Definition of a “co-op”
Christian Families working together in a “co-op”erative effort to bring educational adventures to our homeschool children. Everyone works together to achieve a common goal- please refer to the volunteer section to see how you can contribute.
Troop meeting information- Founders are volunteers, so please plan your schedule so that your scout is on time for each meeting. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to get your scout to and from meetings and Field Trips.
Unit Themes
November- Careers
January- Senses
February- Earth and Sky
March- Water
April- Camping Preparation- The Great Outdoors
May- Space Explorer
June- Annual TEACHS family Camping- specific date to be announced.
*Refer to TEACHS blog site for details on monthly theme.
Meeting Location- Chesapeake, Virginia
Uniforms & Handbooks
Uniforms are not required in TEACHS. However, we a couple of recommendation/options-
Boys and Girls can wear a TEACHS T-shirt and apply the badges/ fun patches to the back of the shirts.
Boys have the option of wearing a Boy Scout uniform to display recognitions.
Girls have the option of wearing a Girl Scout sash or vest to display badges and fun patches.
All members (Scouts and Parents) can wear the TEACHS T-shirts on Field Trips for group identification.
Please see Founder for information on ordering a TEACHS T-shirt. Families may choose to personalize their T-shirts.
Parents can purchase the Girl Scout uniform and other related items at the Girl Scout Store.
A Place for Girls
912 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322
757-547-4405
www.girlscoutshop.com
Parents can purchase the Boy Scout uniform and other related items at the Boy Scout Store.
Tidewater Boy Scouts of America Council
1032 Heatherwood Drive in Virginia Beach, Va.
757-497-2688
http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/
Snacks
Each scout is encouraged to bring their own snack/drink, (labeled with child’s name), which will be enjoyed during the meeting.
If your scout would like to bring something to share for everyone- please contact founder(s) for allergy information.
Meeting Notes-
After each meeting a founder will recap the meeting and post on the TEACHS blog for future reference (attendance included).
Photos-
Photos will be posted on the TEACHS blog site under the “Photos” category as we progress through each unit theme.
Members are encouraged to contribute photos!
Benefits of Scouting
Scouting provides benefits to not only the scouts involved, but their parents as well. As a Scout parent you may spend more quality time with your child, enjoy a strengthened relationship, build lasting friendships with other families, and develop leadership skills.
Scouts give parents and their children the opportunity to be involved in an activity that benefits the community and gives them a sense of personal satisfaction by achieving a goal together.
The Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place,
and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Mission Statement
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Motto-
“Be prepared.”
Girl Scout Slogan-
“Do a good turn daily.”
Boy Scout Promise
On my honor, I will do my best:
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law
To help other people at all times
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight
Boy Scout Law
Trustworthy
I tell the truth. I keep my promises. Honesty is part of my code of conduct. People can depend on me.
Loyal
I am true to my family, leaders, friends, community and nation.
Helpful
I am concerned about other people. I do things willingly for others without pay or reward.
Friendly
I am a friend to all. I am a brother or sister to others in my group. I seek to understand others. I respect those with ideas and customs other than my own.
Courteous
I am polite to everyone, regardless of age or position. I know good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
Kind
I understand there is strength in being gentle. I treat others as they want to be treated. I do not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
Obedient
I follow the rules of my family, group and organization. I obey the laws of my community and country. If I think these rules and laws are unfair, I try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
Cheerful
I look for the bright side of things. I cheerfully do tasks that come my way. I try to make others happy.
Thrifty
I work to pay my way and to help others. I save for unforeseen needs. I protect and conserve natural resources. I carefully use time and property.
Brave
I can face danger even if I am afraid. I have the courage to stand for what I think is right even if others laugh at or threaten me.
Clean
I keep my body and mind fit and clean. I go around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. I help keep my home and community clean.
Reverent
I am reverent toward God. I am faithful in my religious duties. I respect the beliefs of others.
Boy Scout Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Boy Scout Motto
“Be prepared”
Boy Scout Slogan
“Do a good turn daily”
The Scout Parent’s Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To encourage and support my Scout,
To help the troop at all times, and
To obey the Scout Parent’s Law
The Scout Parent’s Law
A Scout Parent understands the true purpose of Scouting.
A Scout Parent gets his/her scout to and from meetings on time.
A Scout Parent knows a troop is a team effort.
A Scout Parent sees the job through to the end.
A Scout Parent sets a good example at all times.
A Scout Parent is enthusiastic and cheerful.
A Scout Parent does not consider the leader a babysitter.
A Scout Parent brings troop problems to the leader first.
A Scout Parent always does his or her part willingly.
What will my child do in Scouts?
Scouts enjoy a variety of activities that are fun, educational and safe.
They are based on a core set of values, and are flexible and adaptable to meet the needs and interests of all children.
Badges
Scouts will learn many new skills in a variety of interest areas. A badge will be awarded to each scout at the end of the current unit theme for their corresponding level within the program. TEACHS will cover the cost of the meeting badge. There may also be Fun Patches available for field trips (TEACHS is not responsible for cost).
In addition, each family may choose to earn badges on their own (outside of TEACHS meetings). There are age level specific handbooks available for girls and boys in Scouting. These books cover the Boy and Girl Scout Program and requirements for various recognitions. The cost of badges earned outside of TEACHS meetings is the responsibility of the scout and their family. Please reserve the badges that TEACHS will be earning (as outlined in the TEACHS monthly theme list located on the TEACHS blog site) for our TEACHS meetings.
Field Trips
TEACHS will plan educationally-related, camping trips, and other activities of interest. Field Trips will be announced on TEACHS Yahoo site and a new database created for sign-up.
Camping
TEACHS annual family camping trip is held in June.
Meeting Framework
TEACHS will strive to include the following in each co-op meeting. Every meeting foundation will be biblically-based.
Opening activities- attendance/administration tasks/ activities for scouts/opening prayer/ recite Pledge of Allegiance/recite scout promises
Science Fun-
Badge Work- Recap (if needed)/Activity/ Discussion/ Character Development/ Project
Just for Fun Activities- Dangerous Boys/ Daring Girls/ American Girl
History-
Literature- Reading/ snacks (bring your own)
Just for Boys and Just for Girls activities
Games as a back-up/ time filler
Closing- Clean-up/ Reflection and Badge presentation (at end of each unit theme)/ Closing Prayer
Parent volunteers (and scouts in 6th grade and above) will work with one founder to develop meeting each month on a rotating basis. The founder will provide the framework and guide the planning of each meeting. The founder will provide suggestions/ resources but ultimately the meeting will be a combined cooperative effort by all volunteers.
Who Pays for What?
The co-op funds are earned by members and are the property of TEACHS as a whole and not the individual members.
The founders are required to keep troop financial records and will share this information with parents upon request.
Troop Fund raising Activities
TEACHS will participate in Girl Scout Cookie sale, the Boy Scout sale, and Answers in Genesis magazine sale. Parent involvement is necessary for successful fundraising.
Troop Program
TEACHS will plan many different activities. Some may involve various field trips, activities, and camping trips that will require funding by the troop and/or parents. Permission forms are required. No slip, No trip.
Troop Dues
TEACHS will have dues to help with the co-op’s expenses.
TEACHS dues are set by the founders and are payable even if the scout misses a meeting. Dues are set at $35.00 per seven meeting session. There are two sessions per year. The first session installment is due October 6, 2009 with the second session installment due on February 2, 2010. Cash and Check are accepted. Troop dues cover badges earned within the meeting and materials needed for meetings.
Membership Fee
Each Boy and Girl Scout and one adult per family will each pay a $12 annual membership fee. This goes directly to the Boy and Girl Scouts of the USA for program development and activity insurance. The membership fee is turned in to the troop leader along with the completed membership form.
Background Checks
One registered adult in each family will have a background check. The background check is handled by the Boy and Girl Scout Council at no charge to the family. Background checks will remain confidential. This is for the safety and security of all of our families
Financial Assistance
Assistance is available for girls and adults who need financial help in order to participate in the Girl Scout program. Financial assistance is available for registration, dues, uniform components, books, district or council sponsored events and programs. Girls will have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout camp as individuals if the family so chooses.
Check with a founder for more information.
Responsibility of Parents and Scouts
Scout’s Responsibility to the co-op-
- To attend meetings and outings.
- To fulfill obligation of dues, and know that permission slips are signed by a parent or guardian.
- To complete any missed activities and update founder of completion.
- To pass along important information to parents or leaders.
- To treat each member of TEACHS with respect.
- To respect TEACHS founders and TEACHS parents.
- To actively participate in the meetings.
- To conduct themselves in a safe manner.
- To listen to others in the troop and show respect for what they are saying.
Parent’s Responsibility to the co-op
- To see that your scout arrives on time for all meetings and outings.
- To help your scout fulfill troop responsibilities (dues, permission slips, snack, uniforms, etc.).
- To be supportive of your scout in his/her Scout endeavors.
- If possible, to notify the leaders ahead of time if your scout will not be at a meeting.
- To check with your scout founder for any important news or permission slips that may need to be signed, and to return completed paperwork promptly.
- To assist TEACHS and the founders during meetings or activities on a rotating basis.
- To keep in contact with the founders and give them feedback.
- To discuss any issues that arises privately with the founder, not in front of the scouts.
- To help the founders establish and maintain a positive environment within the co-op, by talking with your scout about acceptable behavior and by setting a positive example yourself.
- To let your scout know that you consider participation in scouting to be important and special.
- To attend parent meetings, group activities and special ceremonies.
- To register one adult per family
- To submit to a background check
- To not bring my child to TEACHS when they are sick or just recovering (within 24 hours of fever/ runny nose).
- To monitor scouts behavior and intervene when a disturbance occue, or a potentially dangerous situation arises.
Paperwork
Parents must complete the following forms:
Please print the forms for your scout- located on the Yahoo site under “Files”.
Girls-
Girl Registration Form
Adult Registration Form
Girl Code of Conduct
Criminal Background Check
Girl Health History
Girl Publication Consent Form
Boys-
Boy Registration Form or Transfer Form
Adult Registration Form
Boy Code of Conduct
Boy Health History Form
Boy Publication Consent Form
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Scouting
TEACHS volunteers are the heart and soul of scouting.
Our volunteers make a difference… in the lives of scouts, in the success of families and in the growth of communities. The strength of Scouting rests on the shoulders of adult volunteers who are committed to helping all scouts develop into strong, confident, capable men and women.
Remember that TEACHS founders are volunteers and pay the same dues as members. Founders spend a great deal of time preparing for and leading meetings. Please support your TEACHS founder and encourage her, to enable her to enjoy the TEACHS experience. TEACHS is a team effort among leaders, scouts and parents. There are many ways you can help your TEACHS founder.
We ask that everyone volunteer where they feel comfortable and where they think they can make the biggest contribution. Here are a few ideas:
- Assistant in meetings
- Field Trip coordinator (arrange trips and other events)
- Record keeper (keep all troop records, including registration and individual scout records)
- Recognitions chair (check scouts on recognitions work, arrange help when needed, keep record keeper informed)
- Cookie chair (responsible for the Cookie Sale)
-Boy Scout sale chair
- Answers in Genesis Magazine chair
-Emergency contact (available for founders and parents to contact in case of an emergency while TEACHS is on a field trip)
-Story Teller
-Child Care Provider (ages 4 and under- background check must be completed.
- First Aid/ CPR certification
- Project Helper
- Photographer (Historian)
- So many more opportunities to add to the success of TEACHS
* Grade 6 and up girls and boys are more than welcome to volunteer for select meeting positions to help build leadership skills.
* Multiple parent volunteers per unit theme are encouraged. Parents feel free to volunteer for more than one unit theme.
Have you hugged your Troop Leader today?
Your TEACHS founder is a volunteer, paid in smiles and hugs. There are many ways you and your Scout can show your appreciation. Founder Appreciation Day is April 22. Keep in mind that these thoughtful gestures would be greatly appreciated at any time!
-Send a card or letter
-Give her a drawing
-Take a photograph of the troop
-Make a homemade treat
-Prepare dinner for the leader and her family
-Thank her in a letter to the editor of your local paper.
-Nominate her for an award
- any other way you think will show appreciation
What will make TEACHS thrive?
-Helping hands
-Enthusiasm
-Positive attitudes
-Team work
-Dedication
Can one person run TEACHS?
No! Even with just a few scouts the energy that it takes for each meeting is not possible without the combined cooperation (Co-op) of parents and volunteers.
When enough people pitch in to help at meetings, the pressure is taken off the founder, and your child receives a better program.
What is a team?
A team is a group of people who can share ideas and communicate honestly what they feel and think. They work together to include individual differences in their plans. They accept each other. Everyone participates in an effort to achieve a common goal so that others beyond the original group can think and work with them.
As a parent or guardian, what can I do to help?
-As you enter the meeting, ask what needs to be done. For younger scouts, set up projects, take attendance, and hand out materials.
-With older scouts, guide them in these tasks.
-Take the initiative to guide the scouts from activity to activity to avoid chaos
-Take the initiative to help collect and put away materials after a project is completed and help clean up the activity and snack tables. With older scouts, help guide the scouts to put away and clean up.
We would like TEACHS to be enjoyed by all (founders and parents as well). By having cooperation by all in attendance TEACHS will be a success.
Scout Information
Each family must join the TEACHS site and add their information to the membership database to receive meeting updates and information.
Commit to a TEACHS- Commit to Our Future!
Why We Sell Cookies, Boy Scout sales, and Answer in Genesis Magazines
In addition to participating in a service project for their council, scouts take part in the Cookie/Magazine fundraising events to grow strong in several important areas:
-Scouts learn to set goals, for themselves and for the group, and to formulate a plan of work to achieve those goals.
- Scouts develop managerial skills by coming up with strategies and motivating each other to achieve their objectives.
- Scouts learn interpersonal skills necessary to communicate to a variety of potential customers about purchasing cookies.
- Scouts grow in self confidence and pride by accomplishing goals that financially benefit the troop and the council.
- Scouts learn how to manage money. By setting monetary benchmarks to participate in specific activities, they learn to develop and work within a budget.
- Scouts have FUN! In pairs and within TEACHS, they enjoy fellowship with each other and opportunities to interact with friends and neighbors.
Final Word
The TEACHS founders look forward to making this year memorable, successful, and enjoyable for Scouts and Parents.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hyatt
Cheryl Watters
Kelly Young
