PUTTING ON THE GREEN LOOPS

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1 Purpose of this Guide To be a guide in advising every Scout and Scouter on what is expected of them, what is acceptable and what is not. It outlines the application of general BSA policies to specific situations regarding the Troop. The Troop Committee is the final authority for implementing BSA policy in the Troop. Proposed changes to Troop policy can be submitted to any adult leader or Troop Committee member for review at a Troop Committee meeting. Reference websites: BSA Official Website Troop 567 Official Website Whether your son has crossed over from a Cub Scout Pack or just entered into Boy Scouts, we are happy to see him putting on the green loops and we say Welcome! You have made a positive choice for your son by allowing him to join an organization that supports over 3 million boys, guiding them into character, leadership and citizenship. Troop 567 has been sponsored by Our Savior Lutheran Church in, for many years. We are in Indian River District, a part of the Gulf Stream Council. We are a very active Troop and want to share some information with you that will help your son as he strives to become all he can be in this boy run program. Program Structure Boy Scouting is a boy led program based on the Patrol method with the boys filling all of the leadership positions. There are ranks that the boys advance through, using the Boy Scout Handbook to learn age and rank appropriate material on subjects such as first aid, knots, wood tools, fire and water safety and other topics. As the boys advance in rank, they help those in lower ranks learn the ropes and practice presenting themselves to adults through Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review. The boys also work on merit badges. Some are required, like First Aid and Citizenship in the Community, while most are chosen by the Scout because they interest him, such as Rifle Shooting, Biking, Climbing or Fingerprinting. Troop 567 meets every Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church. The meeting is opened by the Senior Patrol Leader, calling on one of the Patrols to post the colors (flag ceremony) and an individual boy to lead the Troop in reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The boys then break up into their Patrol meetings. Skill instruction is provided and there is a fun inter Patrol activity each week. We close the meeting with a Scoutmaster s minute and the retiring of the colors.

2 New Scouts The Troop is very large with a dynamic membership. Currently, the Troop enrolls 8 15 new Scouts per year. A majority of the new members advance from the Webelos program; but the Troop also attracts new boys to Scouting as well as Scouts from other troops. Boys advancing from Webelos will form a new Scout patrol. The Scoutmaster will designate a Troop Guide and an Assistant Scoutmaster to work directly with them. The Troop Guide and Assistant Scoutmaster will ensure all new Scouts are properly oriented to the Troop by providing the boys with necessary information, forms and counseling. If a Scout is not bridging from a Webelos Den, he will be placed in a patrol with others of his age or skill level. All new Scouts joining troop 567 will receive a Troop numerals patch, green epaulets and a Troop Class B T shirt. All new Scouts should review the Troop Information Packet. This information packet is designed to give a new Scout and his parents details about Scouting and Troop 567. It includes: Putting on the Green Loops Troop 567 Guide. Youth/Adult Application forms BSA Medical / Health forms (A,B, C). Code of Conduct Uniforms The boys wear their Class A uniform at all events unless Class B has been designated. Class A uniform: official BSA shirt with insignia, Scout shorts and socks and closed toe shoes. Our Troop does wear a neckerchief and an optional baseball cap. Class B is our official Troop T shirt worn with the rest of the uniform pieces. These items are available from local Scout shops and online. (Handme downs are also often available.) Scouts will be advised of the dress code prior to all Scouting activities. Encourage your Scout to comply. A Full Class A uniform (incl. Merit Badge Sash) will be required for a Board of Review and Court of Honor ceremony, Scout Sunday, some district, council and out of council events. If for any reason a Scout cannot afford a uniform, the Troop can help arrange for one. A note, signed by the Scout's parents or guardian, stating financial circumstances will be presented to the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman. Personal details will remain confidential.

3 Troop Uniform Policy: PUTTING ON THE GREEN LOOPS Class A: Scout shirt (long or short sleeve). Scout trousers (long or short). Troop neckerchief and woggle. Any closed toe shoes or boots (as a safety precaution we recommend Scouts do not wear sandals at Scouting events or meetings.) Scout belt (may be any Boy Scout related belt). Scout socks (any length). Troop baseball cap (optional, for Sun protection) Class B: Troop T Shirt or a Scout T shirt. Scout trousers (long or short). Any closed toe shoes or boots. Scout belt (may be any Boy Scout related belt). Scout socks (any length). Troop baseball cap (Optional, for Sun protection) Note: Visit our website for more Uniform information. Getting to First Class The Scoutmaster s primary job is to assist a boy to progress through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot and Second Class on the way to the rank of First Class. This involves learning, camping and interaction with older boys and adults. Each of these ranks has the boy learn about first aid, water safety, camping skills, outdoor knowledge and his responsibility in the community. Once he has reached First Class, he is considered a full Scout and is honored with a certificate as well as his rank patch. Upon reaching the Rank of First Class, the Scout will be awarded with the Troop neckerchief and the Troop Woggle Cord. Calendar Troop 567 s program year starts at the end of August and concludes in June with the boys attending a week of Boy Scout camp. The boys decide which activities to participate in each month as well as themes for each month s meetings, bringing in speakers or instructors to support the theme. Troop meetings and monthly events are planned for a 12 month period. The Senior Patrol Leader will ask all Troop members for their input on possible monthly activities when he initially prepares the annual calendar. Then he will then hold a meeting of the Patrol Leaders' Council and adult

4 leadership to prepare a draft calendar. The Scoutmaster will then take those proposals to the Assistant Scoutmasters to determine adult assignments for each outing. The draft calendar will then be presented to the Committee for approval. The Troop Committee will consider the proposal as part of the annual program and determine its supportability. After the Troop Committee approves the calendar, it is printed and distributed in the August September timeframe. Meetings, unless otherwise noted on the annual calendar, are held weekly at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday during the County school year and from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation for their Scout. Scouts should not arrive more than 10 minutes prior to the meeting time and should be picked up no later than 10 minutes after the meeting time unless otherwise directed by the Scoutmaster or prior arrangements have been made. Parents are responsible for their own child's safety before and after Scout meetings. Do not leave your Scout at the meeting place if no adult leader is present. Loitering is not permitted. Scouts are not permitted to loiter outside during meetings, nor are they permitted to leave the meeting hall without a responsible adult. If the Scout does not report to the Scout meeting, the Troop is not responsible for him. If a Scout has to be reprimanded multiple times during a meeting, the Scoutmaster may elect to have the Scout call his parents to come and pick him up early. We have three or four Courts of Honor throughout the year. This is when the boys receive ceremonial acknowledgement of the ranks they have earned and the merit badges completed. Family is urged to attend so they can share in the boys pride at their accomplishments. Mothers are also acknowledged with the boy pinning her with his rank pin. There are refreshments and a social time afterwards. An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a special ceremony, scheduled as required, separate from the quarterly ceremonies. All Scouts are expected to attend and parents are encouraged to attend and show support for the accomplishments of one of our family. The Calendar is posted on our website Camping Our Troop camps ten months out of the year. The Patrol Leaders Council meets during the summer to select the campouts that the boys want to do during the coming program year. They usually attend two District/Council events each year at either Tanah Keeta (Boy Scout camp in Jupiter) or Oklawaha (Boy Scout camp in Sebastian). These camping trips can range from tubing on the Itchetucknee River, to biking to the Sebastian Inlet, canoeing on the Peace River, or Snorkeling in the Keys. Each Patrol plans their meals and chores before going on any campout. One boy will take on the task of purchasing the food and all help in the preparation and clean up afterwards. Whoever purchases the food will tell the boys how much they each need to contribute toward the cost. Occasionally there are other costs associated with the campouts, but the adult leadership strives to keep the costs to a minimum.

5 Our Troop has two Troop trailers to haul our gear in. Each Patrol has an assigned dining fly (tarp) and poles, picnic table, and Patrol Box with a full array of pots, plates, stove, etc. There are cleaning supplies in each box and the boys are responsible to maintain this gear. They are taught how to use, clean and store this equipment and are encouraged to think of different meals to prepare at each camping event. The camping gear that each boy needs to provide for himself does not have to cost very much. A personal backpacking type tent (approximately 5x7 ), a sleeping bag, a flashlight and knife (if they ve earned their Totin Chip and have it with them), a rain poncho and something to carry it all in. There are a couple of websites that provide good gear inexpensively. Ask among the other parents and they ll help you out. BSA policy requires the boys to have a current physical on file with the Troop before camping. This, along with healthcare provider information provides a safe environment for our Scouts to have fun in the outdoors. In addition, Troop 567 prohibits the use of electronic devices on campouts, which we believe to be contrary to the spirit of learning outdoorsmanship and an appreciation of nature. Adult leaders will have cell phones available to allow scouts to contact their parents at the conclusion of a campout if necessary. Summer Camp: To give Scouts the opportunity to achieve BSA goals for long term camping, the Troop attends at least one week of camp at an approved BSA facility during the summer. It is also Troop policy not to repeat summer camp at the same facility two summers in succession. This assures variety in the Troop's objectives for long term camping and affords Scouts the opportunity to experience different camp programs. Note: Normally the Troop will do a Summer Camp that might require travel out of state one year, follow by a shorter travel summer camp the following year. High Adventure: Every two years the Troop applies for a summer camp for the Troop s older Scouts (generally 14 years old or greater) get the opportunity to participate in a High Adventure programs: backpacking expedition at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northern Tier, Minnesota, Sea Base in Florida. Beyond First Class In many countries, First Class is the highest rank to be achieved. Once a boy reaches this rank, more is expected of him as a Scout and new opportunities open up for him. In the United States, there are three additional ranks: Star Scout, Life Scout and Eagle Scout. Each of these ranks requires the earning of merit badges, performing community service and holding a position of leadership within the Troop. The rank of Eagle is achieved by only about 4% of the boys who join Scouting and is acknowledged by its own Court of Honor to recognize the merit of this accomplishment. Our goal in Troop 567 is to encourage and provide the opportunity for your son to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. The self satisfaction that your son will have from challenging himself and reaching that rank will stay with him throughout his life.

6 Troop Financial Information A. Dues: Dues are $55 per year. Dues are due the first meeting night in August. Scouts joining the troop between February March will pay a prorated portion. Scouts who are delinquent in their dues will not be permitted to advance or participate in Troop camping or outdoor events. Financial problems are understood. If such is the occasion, let us know so we can work out an agreeable payment plan to keep your Scout active. Annual dues to Council, paid for by the Troop from the $55, encompass BSA membership dues of $24 per registrant (Scouts and adults), a subscription to Boys' Life magazine (usually 1 per household) $12, and insurance $2 (Scouts and adults). Remaining portion is for Troop operation. B. Troop Fund Raising The Troop needs all Scout families to support and participate in each of the following fundraising activities. There are two BSA approved fundraisers that we participate in each year. Popcorn sales are in the fall and the boys earn great prizes based on their selling level. The springtime we have Camp Card sales, consisting of discount coupons to local merchants. In addition the Troop has two Troop fundraising events: Fujiyama Dinner, and Pasta Dinner. Profits from these events are used to operate the Troop as well as support, camping trips, education programs, and Troop equipment purchases. Scout Profits from fund raising events are deposited in each Scout account. This money can be applied to ANY Scouting related expense. If a Scout leaves the Troop, and there is money on his account, his money will be placed in the general Troop fund. If a boy requires financial assistance to attend summer camp, the troop will consider underwriting a portion of the cost. To be eligible the scout must participate in a minimum of two of these three fundraisers, and the parents should submit the request by April 15th. C. Camping or Outdoor Event Costs: Each Scout participating in a Troop camping or outdoor event shares the cost of the trip. Actual costs are determined by patrol and normally include only food and supply costs (but may include camp admission fees, transportation, etc.). D. Reimbursement Procedures: Many times, adult leaders, parents and/or Scouts incur personal expenses directly supporting Troop activities and functions. To be reimbursed, a receipt for the service, supplies, and/or equipment purchase is required. The receipt(s)

7 must be submitted to the Troop Treasurer. The Treasurer will coordinate the Troop Committee Chairman s review of the expenditure(s) and reimbursement authorization. Outreach Another aspect of Boy Scouts is helping the community. We participate in Scouting for Food (a national campaign) in early November. This gathers food for our community s less fortunate and is distributed through local non profit organizations. Each boy who nears the rank of eagle must supervise and complete a project that benefits the community. In our Troop these projects have ranged from helping the Humane Society, cleaning and repairing church facilities, repairing and improving facilities at the Fair Grounds, and completing a toy drive for kids in hurricane damaged communities. Any Scout can arrange for service projects that benefit the community. However, if the project will require Troop 567 resources, it should be presented to the Troop Committee for discussion, scheduling and Scoutmaster approval. Adult Participation The adults who provide supervision, support and time to make Troop 567 a success are volunteers. They will need your help. How you support your son's new troop depends on your talent and available time. Both mothers and fathers can give a few hours to provide transportation, help maintain troop equipment, be a merit badge counselor, serve on the Troop Committee or serve in some other leadership positions. Whatever your role, the Troop needs you to keep it operating as a quality unit. Please complete the Troop resource survey and return it to the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman. Any adult who becomes involved with the Troop is strongly encouraged to take advantage of adult leadership training courses offered by BSA online. Adult leaders should complete the following courses marked Required, the other courses are optional. Youth Protection (Required) New Leader Essentials(Required) Leader Specific Indoor & Overnight Training (Required) Safety Afloat/Safe Swim Defense (Optional but 1 trained individual is needed on all water outings) CPR (Optional but 1 trained individual is needed on all outings) Climb on Safely (Optional but 1 trained individual is needed on all climbing outings) Wilderness First Aid (Optional, but is required for backcountry events)

8 Guidelines for Transportation PUTTING ON THE GREEN LOOPS All vehicle drivers must be licensed and at least 18 years of age. As a minimum, the driver will have property damage and personal liability insurance coverage at dollar limits prescribed by the state of Florida. Occupancy limits of the vehicle must not be exceeded. Each occupant must wear a seat belt. Troop Organization The Troop is organized in accordance with BSA guidelines. Visit the Troop 567 website at for more details. Closing If you ever have any questions about the Scouting program, just ask. Our Troop strives to provide a Scouting experience by the book. We follow the safety measures set out by the national board and provide training for both the boys and the adults and maintain an open program. You, the parent, grandparent, guardian or friend, are welcome at all of our Boy Scout events weekly Troop meetings, monthly Troop Committee meetings and all campouts. We also want to encourage you, the adult, to officially join the Boy Scouts. There s a role (big and small) available for any adult who would like to be active in our Troop along with their Scout. The joy and pride you will receive at watching your son grow in confidence and ability before your eyes is immeasurable. Boy Scout Motto Boy Scout Slogan Do a Good Turn Daily Be Prepared Visit our website for more information. Website version supersedes print version