Troop 31. Chadds Ford, PA PARENT HANDBOOK. (Revised February 23, 2015) Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement

Transcription

1 Troop 31 Chadds Ford, PA PARENT HANDBOOK (Revised February 23, 2015) Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement 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. The Scout Oath 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. The Scout Law A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

2 Welcome to Chadds Ford Troop 31! You are joining an energetic Troop that just celebrated our 65 th Year in 2013! We look forward to having your son participate in our Scouting program. We currently have over 60 Scouts and 35 registered Adults (both uniformed and non-uniformed). We meet weekly on Monday evenings at Hillendale Elementary School throughout the school year. Our Scoutmaster is Ray Coe. He can be contacted via at or cell phone # (484) Please be sure to introduce yourself to him! Visit our Troop 31 website for a copy of the Parent Handbook which details important information for Scouts, the Parental Roles for the Troop, and other policies. You and your Scout(s) will be asked to sign an electronic acknowledgement form that you have reviewed this Handbook together. Our website also has a copy of our current Troop Calendar that is jammed with exciting activities and Outings for our Scouts. Take time to familiarize yourself with all the links on the Troop website for valuable information. Information on how to subscribe to the Troop Calendar can be found in the Calendar section of the Troop 31 website. As a new member of Troop 31, you will be asked to join our BSA Yahoo Group . MOST ALL COMMUNICATIONS FROM OUR LEADERS ARE SENT VIA THIS DISTRIBUTION. Information on how to subscribe to the Troop 31 distribution list can be found in the Resources section of the Troop 31 website. It is the responsibility of each New Scout to acquire the official BSA Uniform and other items. They are sold at the Chester County Council Boy Scout facility ( and Kelly s Sporting Goods, both in West Chester, PA and The Wilmington Scout Shop in Wilmington, DE. The items to purchase include: Boy Scout Handbook (cover for Handbook highly recommended), Tan BSA Uniform Shirt, Green BSA Uniform Pants/Shorts/Belt, Green BSA Uniform socks, Green BSA Merit Badge Sash, Neckerchief slide (This can be handmade or purchased.) The Troop supplies each New Scout with a Troop 31 Neckerchief at no charge. Required patches for the Tan Uniform Shirt are offered through the Troop. These Patch Kits cost $15.00 and include a picture showing placement of the patches for easy reference. Payment for the Patch Kit is collected with the New Scout Application Registration fee. Blue Class B T-shirts are also offered for $ A limited selection of gently used/recycled uniform clothing is available within the Troop. If you d like to inquire about what we have, Lori Driver at GLENPUP@aol.com. Troop 31 Fees (payable to BSA TROOP 31) are as follows: Scout Registration Fee: $50 per calendar year ($12.50 per quarter, prorated depending upon join date.) WEBELOS II Scout Crossover Joiner Fee: $25 T-31 Patch kit: $15 (Includes 65 th Anniversary Troop 31 patch, Green Shoulder Loops, Purple World Scouting Crest, Red CCC Shoulder Patch and Blue T-31 Brandywine Heritage Patch. The Blue Brandywine Heritage Patch is awarded after Totin Chip and Firem n Chit is earned.) Blue Class B T-shirt: $10 Adult Registration Fee: $30 per calendar year ($7.50 per quarter, prorated depending upon join date.)ypt required. DONATIONS are accepted by the Troop for the task of sewing patches on Uniform shirts. If interested in this service, Liz D Arcy at lizandgreg@gmail.com. We look forward to having your son join the Troop! Please contact us at any time! Mike Maxwell, Chairman (C H: ) Linda Maxwell, Membership (C: H: ) mmaxsb@aol.com. ***PLEASE PUT SCOUT S NAME ON ALL ITEMS!!!*** 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter... 2 Aims & Methods of the Boy Scout Program... 4 National Organization... 5 Youth Protection Policy... 6 Parents Role for Troop Uniform Policy... 7 Troop Organization... 8 Senior Patrol Youth Leadership... 8 Other Youth Leadership Positions... 9 Uniformed Leadership...10 Troop Parent Committee...11 Attendance...14 Instructions for Leaving Troop Advancement Policy...15 Personal Advancement Night (PAN)...15 Scoutmaster Conference...16 Board of Review...16 Merit Badges...17 Court of Honor...18 Physical Forms & Requirements...19 Liability Waiver...19 The Outdoor Program...19 Summer Outdoor Programs...21 Conduct & Behavior Policy...22 Tobacco, Alcohol and Illegal Drug Use Policy...23 Electronic Device Usage...23 Financial Responsibility...23 Troop 31 Parent Participation Form...24 Useful Website Links

4 AIMS AND METHODS OF THE BOY SCOUT PROGRAM Aims Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means a boy s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, and to the government that presides over that society. A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy) the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect). The methods are designed to accomplish these aims. The Methods of Scouting Advancement - Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at this own pace as he overcomes each challenge. Adult Association - Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in a young man s development. Personal Growth - As Scouts plan their activity and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others. Ideals - The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes. Patrols - The patrol method gives Scouts experience in group living and citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to operate in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine and carry out Troop activities through their elected leaders. Outdoors - Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at Troop meetings come alive. More is discussed about the outdoor program later in this guide. Leadership Development - Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. 4

5 . NATIONAL ORGANIZATION WE ARE: Patrols are the smallest groups which together form a Troop Troop 31 Troops form a District Lenni Lenape District Districts form a Council Chester County Council #539 Councils are grouped into Areas Section 6B Areas are grouped into Regions Northeast Region BSA National Council is in Irving, Texas 5

6 YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY Youth Protection Training (YPT) does not prevent a person from abusing our youth. Instead, YPT helps the rest of us eliminate opportunities of abuse towards our youth. The BSA policy for all Scouts, at all activities, requires that there be a minimum of two adults with any one Scout at all times. That could be two uniform leaders or one uniform leader and one adult volunteer. This is referred to as Two-Deep Leadership. There should never be a situation where there is a one-on-one occurrence between one adult and one Scout. Parents can help avoid this situation and help Leaders by being punctual for arrival, departure and pick-up times, etc. A Scout should not be dropped off early without either another Scout or another adult present at that time. To assure that all Registered Leaders (Uniformed and Non-uniformed) are aware of current BSA Youth Protection policy, an online YPT course MUST be taken and renewed yearly. The YPT Course is found on the Chester County Council website ( by clicking on the MYSCOUTING link. The course takes about 25 minutes to complete. Once YPT is complete, a Certificate should be printed and a copy given to the Troop for record-keeping purposes. In addition, all parent volunteers who accompany the Troop on an overnight outing MUST take the YPT course and submit their Certificate to the Troop prior to attending the Outing. YPT is valid for 2 years from the date taken for these parent volunteers. Further, all New Adult leaders MUST take the online YPT course and submit a copy of their Certificate with their Adult Application BEFORE it can be processed. Starting July 1, 2015, Pennsylvania Act 153 will require volunteers who work with youth to provide a number of clearances from various agencies. The exact number and procedures are being developed as of the writing of this Parent Handbook and will be updated as they are received. PARENTS ROLE FOR TROOP 31 Troop 31 encourages ALL parents to take an active role in the Troop. It is expected that every Scout parent(s) volunteer to participate in BOTH a spring and fall event each year, at minimum. There are positions to meet everyone s talents and time availability. A detailed description of volunteer positions is outlined on the Parent Participation Form located at the very back of this Parent Handbook and on the Troop website. This Form will be distributed to all families annually in the spring. Open positions are communicated periodically and prior to the summer Planning Meeting. Your son and his fellow Scouts depend on you and reap the rewards of your involvement. It is also strongly recommended that parents do the following: Familiarize yourself with Troop 31 website ( Familiarize yourself with the Boy Scout Handbook and understand the advancement process. Actively follow your Scout s progress (or lack of) and offer encouragement. Show support to the individual Scouts and Troop by attending Courts of Honor. Check your for Sign-ups, Updates, and miscellaneous communications generated from the Troop Yahoo Group . Plan ahead using the Troop s annual calendar. Sign-up to volunteer for a position outlined in the Parent Participation Form. Attend the annual summer Planning Meeting. Attend the Troop meetings to observe how the Scouts are doing. Learn the Board of Review process and participate as needed/requested. Become a Merit Badge Counselor. Share your expertise/knowledge. 6

7 UNIFORM POLICY Scouts in uniform are conscious of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. Only the uniform provides a place for display of badges, which are important symbols of achievement. Scouts have more fun, stay longer, and feel greater pride when they advance. Each Scout is provided a Troop 31 neckerchief upon joining the Troop. The Scout is responsible for obtaining the other necessary items that comprise the uniform. These items are outlined in the Welcome Letter (see page 2). The official Troop shirt includes patches denoting our Troop Number (31), the Chester County Council patch, the purple World Scouting Crest, and the blue Brandywine Heritage Pocket Patch (once it is earned) and green shoulder loops. These items comprise our Patch Kit and are offered through the Troop. Other patches denoting a Scout s current rank and leadership position are also worn. A picture showing placement of patches is shown below. Guidelines for placing patches on the uniform can also be found on the inside of the front & back covers of the Boy Scout Handbook. Official Boy Scout Uniform Is commonly referred to as Class A uniform or Full Dress. Includes the official BSA shirt (pictured below), green shoulder loops, appropriate patches, the Troop neckerchief, a neckerchief slide, BSA pants, BSA socks, dark shoes, and either an official BSA belt or a belt from a Scout camp such as Camp Horseshoe. Newer BSA pants include a belt, and detachable leg bottoms, so that the pants can be worn as shorts or pants. MUST be worn to all Troop meetings. MUST be worn or brought along on all Troop weekend activities ( CLASS A on the way! ), unless Scouts are specifically told otherwise. The uniform should also be worn for service projects in which Scouts are visible to the public, unless specifically told otherwise. 7

8 Activity Uniform Is commonly referred to as Class B uniform. Is available for purchase for through the Troop. Cost is $10 for youth or adults. Consists of the royal blue Troop shirt or any other customized Boy Scout T-shirt and Scout pants. Is not meant to be a substitute for occasions when the Class A uniform is required. Worn for various work projects, sporting events or when the Class A uniform might get damaged. TROOP ORGANIZATION Troop 31 is a Scout-led Troop. Leadership Development is one of the Methods of Scouting. Every Scout will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. The Troop expects all leaders to lead by example. They should wear their uniform at the proper time, wear it correctly and proudly. Leaders are expected to attend meetings and outings as often as possible and to show younger Scouts the proper way to perform tasks. Leaders should also live by the Scout Oath and Law and demonstrate good examples of Scout Spirit. You must ensure that your responsibilities are carried out in your absence. Finally, you must keep accurate leadership logs to record your activities for purposes of advancement. Troop meeting agendas are planned at periodic Patrol Leader Councils (PLCs) and are carried out by the Senior Patrol. As described below, the Senior Patrol consists of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and his staff, as well as Patrol Leaders (PL) from all the other patrols. The following is an outline of the duties of the key leaders within the Troop: SENIOR PATROL YOUTH LEADERSHIP Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Leader for all the Scouts in all the Patrols of the Troop Leads the Senior Patrol and assigns tasks to his assistants as needed Responsible for leading the Troop meetings and coordinating all activities each week Will plan meetings that will educate, entertain, and insure that Scouts will learn Scout skills and promote Scout spirit Responsible for initiating communications (text messaging, ing, and/or phoning) in the event of meeting cancellations, altered trip plans, etc. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) Assists the SPL as requested Fills in for SPL in his absence Lends support and leadership to other junior Scout leaders as needed 8

9 Patrol Leaders (PL) Responsible for giving leadership (organizing, motivating, & managing) the members of their Patrol using the Patrol Method, and keeping them informed about Troop and Patrol activities Teach and coach their Patrol to know basic Scout skills Report attendance for their Patrol Review the advancement progress for each member of their Patrol Being aware of the needs of the members of their Patrol Organize the Patrol duties on campouts and participate in the PLC Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL) Help the PL run the patrol Fill-in for PL in his absence OTHER YOUTH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Den Chiefs Will work with Adult Den Chief Leader to secure training and a position. Should have a Den that meets on a day, time and a location that the Den Chief can attend. Will attend the Cub Scout Den meetings and, if possible, the Pack meetings. Will assist Den Leaders in running Den meetings as per instructions set forth in the Den Chief Handbook. Troop Guides Will assist Patrol Leader in his function. Will insure that all members of the patrol have basic Scout skills and will teach Patrol members Scout skills where applicable. Will keep records of teaching and demonstration sessions through the use of the leadership form and will keep in a timely basis so that they may be reviewed at PAN conferences. Quartermasters Works with the Adult Equipment Advisor to insure the following: o All equipment is checked for cleanliness before it is turned into the trailer after an outing. Failure to do so will result in the necessity for the Quartermaster to clean the equipment himself. o Tents will be inspected when turned in by the designated Quartermaster who must be present at 6:50pm on Troop meeting night to do so. Quartermaster will open up tents to insure they are dry and will put them in a vehicle to be transported to the Pennsbury Township building. No tents will be accepted by anyone but the Quartermaster. Scribes Will keep records as designated by the adult leader, including, but not limited to recording PLC minutes, menus for outings, and attendance for meetings and/or outings. Will give Troop meeting plan from the PLC to the Adult Webmaster for posting on the website. Chaplain Will prepare a Scouts non-denominational service for all outings. If he cannot attend the outing, he will insure that another Scout is given the materials needed to perform the service. Will also prepare an invocation or benediction for Courts of Honor when requested. Librarian Will keep the Troop merit badge booklets and carry out a library program to insure that Scouts can use the booklets. 9

10 Order of the Arrow Representative Will attend executive meetings of the OA (First Sunday of each month at 2:00 PM) during the school year with the exception of Service Weekend months. Will attend as many Service Weekends as possible. Will encourage OA participation of all members and will bring information from the OA meetings back to the Troop Historian Will record Troop activities through the written word and work with Troop Webmaster/Photographer to include photos. Will send information to the news media to attempt to get press coverage. Will give a copy of all press coverage to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair so they may give to the Council for consideration as the Troop of the year. Webmaster/Photographer Will take photos of Troop activities and post pictures on our website. Will work with Troop Historian to include articles and written information on the website. Will work with Adult Webmaster to insure website is updated. Instructor Should be proficient in Scout skills such as cooking and pioneering and able to teach knot tying, orienting or other Scout skills using the EDGE Method Will teach at least one class every other month and lead or assist instruction on an outing during their time as an Instructor. May also be asked to teach at a leadership seminar. To be eligible for this position, you will teach a topic as per instructions from the Scoutmaster. Leave No Trace Representative Will teach classes on this subject and provide instruction on Outings about the ways to minimize the Troop s footprint on nature Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASMs) Eagle Scouts only. Will continue to work toward earning Eagle Palms while in this position. Will have leadership duties as needed by the Troop and assigned by the Scoutmaster UNIFORM LEADERSHIP Scoutmaster Adult leader responsible for the image and program of the Troop Works directly with the Scouts Trains and guides the Youth Leadership Works with other Adult Leaders to advance the Scouting Program Uses the Methods of Scouting to achieve Scouting goals Assistant Scoutmasters Assists the Scoutmaster in the operation of the Troop and provides guidance to the Youth Leadership Manages program as needed by the Troop in conjunction with the Scoutmaster Responsible for reviewing and approving rank advancement requirements Provides the required Two-Deep Leadership (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity.) 10

11 TROOP PARENT COMMITTEE The Troop Parent Committee is a group of adult volunteers, including the Uniform Leaders, entrusted with the task of ensuring that the Troop is adequately staffed, equipped and financed to implement the Troop Program each year. Eagle Scout projects are presented to the Troop Parent Committee for approval. The Parent Committee also assists the Uniformed Leaders with any problems that arise within the Troop. The Parent Committee usually meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM in the Chadds Ford Elementary School Library, unless otherwise noted. ALL PARENTS are welcomed and encouraged to attend the monthly Troop Parent Committee Meetings. Annually in June, the Troop Parent Committee meets to plan the next year s calendar of events, outings, meetings, etc. ALL PARENTS and Uniform Leaders and are encouraged to attend this critical planning meeting. A Troop is only as strong as its parents involvement.* ~ ~The duties of each Titled Committee Member are outlined below: (In undertaking one of these positions, the parent MUST register with BSA, complete Youth Protection Training, and pay applicable fees.) Committee Chairperson Organizes the Committee to see that all functions are delegated and coordinated. Maintains a close relationship with the Charter Organization Representative. Insures that Parent Committee Members complete needed training. Works with the Scoutmaster in preparation of the agenda for Troop Parent Committee meetings. Holds, presides and promotes attendance at Committee Meetings. Distributes the Adult Participation Form yearly and assures that all position openings are filled Attends periodic PANs to assist with Board of Review Reviews and signs all New Youth and New Adult Applications and other necessary Scouting documents Secretary Keeps minutes of all Troop Parent Committee Meetings Presents minutes for review and acceptance via . Assists with Troop press releases. Submits minutes to Webmaster for posting after approval from the Chairperson and/or Scoutmaster Treasurer Handles all Troop deposits and disbursements upon approval or request of the Scoutmaster and/or Troop Parent Committee. Maintains all bank accounts and records. Supervise all Troop money-earning projects including obtaining proper authorization from Council for money raising activities. Oversees the preparation of the annual Troop budget. Presents a financial report at monthly Troop Parent Committee meetings. 11

12 Membership Chairperson Conducts membership inventory and completes annual Charter Renewal and Re-registration. Manages Scout/Parent files in the Troopmaster Program Assists the Scoutmaster and Committee Chairperson in conducting a parent/scout orientation for new families Works with new Scouts and parents to complete applications and dues Maintains Youth Protection Training Records and other Training requirements for registered Adults Collects and maintains records of all Troop Service Hours (both Adult and Scout totals) and inputs hours into the Chester County Council website link for Journey to Excellence. Advancement Chairperson Monitors overall advancement of the Scouts and make a report at monthly Troop Parent Committee meetings Maintains all individual Scout advancement records in the Troopmaster Program. Arranges for Boards of Review and secures appropriate adult volunteers Prepares and delivers to the Council office the appropriate Advancement Reports following Boards of Review Secures the necessary badges of rank, merit badges, awards and certificates and prepares the same for distribution during Courts of Honor Oversees at least 3 Personal Advancement Nights (PANs) per Charter year ~ ~The duties of other Parent Volunteers Positions are outlined below: (In undertaking one or more of these positions, you may choose to become a registered Committee Member At-Large, but it is not necessary to do so.) Outing Coordinator (at least one Non-Uniformed Leader per outing) Handles administrative activities of an Outing in coordination with Uniformed Leader(s). Includes ing Troop about the trip (Sign-up Genius) about the Outing, collect responses, collect fees, organize transportation, secure appropriate Health Forms, verify Leadership Training requirements and YPT requirements. Completes online Permit Application for the Outing when needed Service Project Coordinator (at least one Non-Uniformed Leader per activity) Secures volunteers (both Adults and Scouts) to perform various service activities as needed o Currently, Service Activities include: Parking for the annual Chadds Ford Days, the Pumpkin Carve event, and the annual Pennsbury Township Yard Sale; Memorial Day Service; Veteran s Day Flag Placement. o Other Service Projects are decided on a case-by-case basis with consultation by the Scoutmaster and the Troop Parent Committee Webmaster Updates and maintains Troop 31 website. Updates and maintains Troop Yahoo Group account. Posts photographs from Outings, Troop Parent Committee Meeting Minutes, and Troop Meeting Plans Keeps forms/handouts updated with latest versions. 12

13 Equipment Maintenance Coordinator Inspects Troop-owned trailers, canoes, and other camping equipment housed on the grounds of the Pennsbury Township facility. Assures that all equipment meets registration requirements and is in good working order. Oversees yearly inspections for trailers. Makes sure the grounds and building are well maintained. Coordinates all equipment needs with Uniformed Leadership and Troop Quartermaster. Reports to the Committee if there are any funds needed for equipment replacement or maintenance. Outing Driver/Participant Drives and/or attends one or more Outings (Parents are always welcomed to attend Outings and participate in the Program. Sometimes we only need Drivers to accommodate all Sign-ups.) Popcorn Sales Coordinator (1 sale per year) Informs the Troop about the annual BSA Popcorn Sales. (Starts in September and runs through November.) Distributes popcorn info, organizes booth sales, and collects sales from Scouts. Distributes Popcorn and prizes to Scouts once orders are complete. Scouting-for-Food Coordinator (1 per year) In November, secures Scouting-for-Food collection bags from Chester County Council and distributes them at Troop Meeting to all Scout Families. Coordinates collection of food donations and takes them to West Chester Food Cupboard. Special Events Coordinator (1 or 2 per year) This member secures volunteers for various activities, including but not limited to, the Pot Luck Family Picnic held on the Saturday night of summer camp, organizing a cooked meal for the Avondale Cabin weekend in January and any other community event. Friends of Scouting Coordinator (1 per year) Obtains Friends of Scouting Forms from Chester County Council and solicits donations from the Troop during the Annual Family Fun Night Troop Meeting. All donations and forms are then submitted to Council. Summer Camp Volunteer (1 per year) Agrees to spend at least one night/day (7PM-7PM) at Camp Horseshoe Scout Reservation in the summer with the Troop. Camp is usually the last week of July into the first week of August Eagle Advisor Assists and guides Eagle candidates as they choose and develop their project Communicates with the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Chairperson on the progress of Eagle Candidates Eagle Ceremony Coordinator Maintains information on Eagle Scout Court of Honors (Scripts, Programs, etc.) to be shared with families of Scouts preparing for an Eagle Ceremony Develops guides and information that was deemed helpful and posts them in work documents for families to share 13

14 Eagle Recommendation Letter Manager Works with Eagle candidate to mail letters to distinguished representatives and receives awards as they come in Order of the Arrow Liaison Must be an OA Member: Attends monthly Committee Meetings, at least 2 OA Weekend Events, and the OA Banquet, when possible Trains and works with Youth OA Representatives ATTENDANCE Scouts are expected to attend a minimum of 50% of Troop Meetings and 50% of Outings to retain their status as an active member and be eligible for advancement. Scouts with leadership duties as part of the advancement requirements are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of Troop Meetings and 50% of Outings. Scouts with time conflicts in their personal schedules MUST discuss their conflicts with the Scoutmaster to determine an equitable solution. When unable to attend a weekly meeting, Scouts should call their Patrol Leader (PL) or Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). If unable to reach his PL or APL, the Scout should notify another patrol member who will be attending the Troop Meeting. They may also contact the SPL or ASPL. These communications are especially important during weeks leading up to a weekend Outing because accurate counts of Scout Attendees are paramount. In addition to dressing in Class A uniform at weekly meetings, Scouts should come prepared with a notebook or notepad and a pen or pencil, so that information given out at meetings can be recorded. Scouts who have not achieved the rank of First Class should bring their Scout Handbook to all meetings and on weekend trips. Note: Meetings may be cancelled due to inclement weather. In this instance, an will be sent from the Scoutmaster. Please check your . INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEAVING TROOP 31 Troop 31 hopes all Scouts have a meaningful and enjoyable Scouting experience. If, at any time, your son s interest in continuing with the Troop changes, PLEASE communicate your concerns with the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, the Committee Chairperson or the Membership Chairperson. Further, if your family is moving, inform someone. Don t assume that failing to show-up at Troop Meetings and Outings will automatically be interpreted as a dropped membership for your son. Many Scouts have several extra-curricular activities that may interfere with Scouting for several weeks at a time. These absences are recorded (See Attendance section), however it is assumed that the Scout will return to Troop activities when the conflicts end. If your son has no intention of returning to Troop activities, you are obligated to inform the Troop in a timely manner. When your son joined the Troop, he was given a free Troop neckerchief. Please consider returning it to the Troop. If you have other Boy Scout items or apparel, bear in mind that these items may be useful to someone else in the Troop also. Unsubscribe to the Yahoo Group . Instructions are on the Troop website ( and a link is located at the very bottom of any Yahoo Group . 14

15 ADVANCEMENT POLICY Advancement is the process by which the Scouts progress through the ranks in the Scouting Program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience. The Advancement Chairperson handles all rank advancements for the Troop. The Advancement Chairperson also records merit badges earned by the Scout. It is the Scout s responsibility to hand in the appropriate portion of the Blue Card to the Advancement Chairperson. It is also the Scout s responsibility to keep their portion of the Blue Card for their own records in case any question arises about the completion of the merit badge. (See Photos of Blue Cards in Merit Badge Section of this Handbook) The advancements in Scouting in rank order are: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and then Eagle. Scouts are encouraged to advance through the rank of First Class within their first year. For example, if a Scout joins the Troop in February or March he will attend Troop Meetings, outings and summer camp and, with good attendance and skills completion, should be ready to advance to Tenderfoot in September, Second Class in December and First Class in May. The Scout Handbook contains the requirements for each rank and the page numbers that correspond to each requirement. This is found at the back of the book. It is the responsibility of the Scout to work on the requirements of each rank advancement and to have these requirements signed off by his Patrol Leader. Parents do not sign off on rank requirements unless parental participation is mandated by the rank requirement. It is important to note that The Scout Handbook is the Scout s personal record and is one item that is required for Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review. PERSONAL ADVANCEMENT NIGHT (PAN) Once all the requirements for the specific rank are signed off in your book (with the exception of Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review), the Scout is ready to participate in a Personal Advancement Night, also known as a PAN. The Troop has three PANs in a year: May, September and December. Here are the procedures you must follow: 1. If you are ready to advance at a PAN, you must notify the Advancement Chairperson of the rank you will be reviewed for. If merit badges are required for the rank, the Advancement Chairperson must sign off in your book that you have completed those requirements. The sign off may be done on the night of the PAN or before. 2. You must be an active Scout in the Troop to advance (see previous section on Attendance). You must have your attendance signed off by the Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of attendance. This may be done on the night of the PAN or before. You are required to keep your camping log and service log up to date so it may be reviewed at the PAN. 3. If you have a leadership position in the Troop, you must have your Leadership Forms filled out to show specifically how you actively served in that leadership position for the required amount of time. These forms must be reviewed and approved by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to mentor that position. It is advisable to have this review done with the Adult Leader BEFORE you sign up for the PAN because whether or not the Scout actively served in the leadership position is ultimately the decision of the Adult Leader. Leadership forms are available under forms on the Troop website. 4. Scout Spirit requires two signatures. Scout Spirit must be signed off by your Patrol Leader or SPL/ASPL and then by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. This may only be signed off after all the other requirements of rank are completed. This may be done at the PAN or before. 15

16 SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE Upon completion of all the prior requirements, the Scout is ready for a Scoutmaster Conference at the PAN. The Scout must present himself in full Class A uniform with his Boy Scout Handbook. Assistant Scoutmasters may also conduct this conference. The Scoutmaster Conference is an opportunity for the uniform leaders to assess how well the Scout has learned the requirements of the rank and to discuss the confidence the Scout is obtaining through Scouting. Discussion may include responsibilities the Scout has in the Troop and how the Troop can enhance the Scout s experience. It is an opportunity for the Scout to reflect on what he has accomplished and set goals for the future. Scouts are also encouraged to ask questions. Upon completion of the Scoutmaster Conference, the Scoutmaster will sign off in the Boy Scout Handbook and then the Scout will proceed to a Board of Review at the PAN. BOARD OF REVIEW A Board of Review is the final step of each rank advancement and the final step at the PAN. It is made up of a group of 3-4 Troop Committee members or other adult parents. (Uniform Leaders and the Scout s Parent CAN NOT participate in Board of Reviews). We encourage all parents to volunteer for a Board of Review. The purpose of this review is to get a sense of the value Scouting has for the Scout, his service to others, and what has he learned from his roles in the Troop. The Board should be evaluating the effectiveness of the Troop and its program and encouraging the Scout to progress further. He should not feel threatened or feel this is a test of his skills. It should last between minutes, with the shorter time for lower ranks. Board of Review Scenario 1. Chairperson of Review should introduce the Scout to the other adult members. 2. The Scout must present himself in full Class A uniform with his Boy Scout Handbook or he will be turned away. 3. The Scout is asked to recite the Scout Oath and Law at the beginning of the review. 4. The Board members ask open ended questions providing the Scout the opportunity to speak about his opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments. (See Sample Questions). 5. Questions need not be restricted to Scouting topics; school, home, sports, & community topics are also appropriate. 6. After members have completed their questions, the Scout is excused from the room. 7. The members consider whether the Scout is ready for the next rank, and must agree unanimously. 8. Once decision is made, Scout is invited back and Chairperson informs the Scout of decision. 9. If Scout is approved, general congratulations and handshakes all around. 10. If Scout is not approved, the board must specifically communicate the deficiencies and inform the Scout what must be done to be successful at the next Board of Review. This should be followed up with a written explanation and given to both the Scoutmaster and Scout. 11. Chairperson of Review is responsible for informing the Advancement Chair and completing the appropriate advancement paperwork. 12. Advancement Rank is recognized at the next Court of Honor and patch distributed. Sample Questions for Board of Reviews 1. Tell us about your last Troop campout. 2. How often to you attend Troop meetings/outings? 3. What is the buddy system in Scouting? When do you use it? 4. What do you like best/least about your Troop? 5. What does it mean to you to be? (Pick a word from the Scout Law). 6. Tell us about a service project you participated in. 7. What suggestions do you have for improving the Troop? 16

17 8. What class in school is most challenging for you? Why? 9. What do you gain from the Troop Meetings? 10. Does your family do any camping? What have you learned that you could share with your family about camping? 11. Why do you think merit badges are a part of Scouting? What one did you find most challenging? 12. What is your favorite part of Scouting? Lease favorite? 13. What extracurricular activities do you participate in at school? 14. What is the outdoor code? Why is it important? 15. What are your hobbies? 16. What do you think people expect from you as a Boy Scout? 17. Is Scouting what you thought it would be? How so? 18. What does Be Prepared mean to you? Or other parts of the Scout Oath. 19. How do you feel first aid requirements will help you? Have you had to use any of them? Explain. MERIT BADGES The Scoutmaster handles all Merit Badge related issues. A Scout can begin to earn Merit Badges as soon as they enter the Troop. He does not need to have had rank advancement. However, younger Scouts may find the Eagle-required Merit Badges too difficult and may want to begin with badges that interest them. There are over 130 Merit Badges covering many areas of interest. The list of badges is in the Boy Scout Handbook and can found online at There are 13 required Merit Badges for Eagle. A Scout is expected to initiate the interest in obtaining a Merit Badge. FRONT Portion of Blue Card Titled Application For Merit Badge Is Given To Advancement Chairperson BACK Middle Portion of Blue Card Titled Applicant s Record MUST Be Kept By Scout For His Record 17

18 Typical Merit Badge Scenario 1. Scout must inform the Scoutmaster of his desire to earn a particular Merit Badge and receive a signed Blue Card from Scoutmaster. 2. The Merit Badge Coordinator will help the Scout find a Merit Badge Counselor for that Merit Badge. 3. Scout obtains needed Merit Badge book and prints out Merit Badge Worksheets from 4. Scout contacts the Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) and sets up a meeting. It is advisable to have a buddy Scout take the same Merit Badge for youth protection purposes. 5. Scout & MBC meet to review badge requirements and set goals/timeline. Number of meetings may depend on difficulty of Merit Badge and Scout availability. 6. Once requirements are completed, contact MBC to review requirements and obtain certification of completion. The certification is the Blue Card signed off by the MBC. MBC keeps portion titled Counsel s Record and gives the other two portions back to the Scout. 7. Scout gives Application For Merit Badge portion of the Blue Card to Advancement Chairperson (see picture above). 8. Scout retains the Applicant s Record portion of the Blue Card for his personal records (see picture above). 9. Scout receives Merit Badge(s) at next Court of Honor. There are 2 great resources for Merit Badges: Website- gives you description of all the merit badges, requirements and worksheets to print out. Booklets- They can be purchased at any Boy Scout retail store or Kelly s Sports in West Chester. Booklets provide information on the merit badge subject written by recognized authorities. Check with Troop Librarian for used books to borrow. During the year, the Troop initiates the start of some merit badges by having Scouts complete parts of the badge in a group setting. These are typically Eagle-required merit badges. Summer camp is also an excellent opportunity for Scouts to earn merit badges. Volunteers are always welcomed to be Merit Badge Counselors (MBCs). The application to become a MBC is filed through Chester County Council, not the Troop. There are no fees/dues to becoming a MBC. Potential volunteers should contact the Scoutmaster. The Scout uses the buddy system and has a buddy present when he meets with any Merit Badge Counselor. COURT OF HONOR The Court of Honor serves to reward those who have advanced in rank, completed Merit Badges, earned awards or other distinguished honors. Troop 31 has formal Courts of Honor three times a year, typically in October, December and May. All families are asked to attend and guests are certainly welcome. The Court of Honor is a formal occasion and Scouts are required to be dressed in Class A uniforms. 18

19 PHYSICAL FORMS & REQUIREMENTS The BSA recommends that all Youth and Adult members have annual medical evaluations by a certified and licensed health-care provider. There is a 3-Part Health and Medical Form provided by the BSA. A current copy of the Health Form can be obtained through the Troop website under the FORMS link which will link directly to the BSA website. { Part A and Part B Part C For any and all Troop activities, ALL participants must complete Part A and Part B. "All participants" includes parents, guardians, siblings, youth, staff, and unit leaders. Is only required for participation in events lasting longer than 72 hours, ALL BSA participants are encouraged to complete the BSA Pre-Participation Physical during an annual physical performed by a medical professional. Troop Leaders make every effort to protect the privacy of unit participants by securing and protecting all medical information. LIABILITY WAIVER This form is required for every Troop Outing and is found on the Troop website ( under FORMS. This form must be completed and submitted with payment for the event before the Scout can participate in the Outing. THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM Troop 31 has a very active outdoor program and all boys are encouraged to participate. Our program includes monthly weekend campouts, annual resident summer camp at Camp Horseshoe Reservation (usually the last week of July into the first week of August), day hikes, and other outdoor activities. Parents are encouraged to attend our outings as this provides a unique environment to observe and interact with your son. Parents pay the same fee as the Scouts and are responsible for their own camping equipment (mess kits, etc.). In general, Scouts plan, purchase, and prepare their own meals and sleep in the Troop tents with their fellow Scouts. Adults going on an Outing should meet with the Troop Outing Coordinator(s) to plan their own meals. Outing planning is outlined below: Outings The Scoutmaster, Uniformed Leader, Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), and the PLC members discuss and establish the Outing itinerary. {Refer to: Outing Planning Guide (Leaders) and Outing Planning Responsibilities: Matrix at under RESOURCES link}. Information detailing the Troop Outing is typically communicated three ways: o Through via the Troop Group Yahoo account. o Through verbal announcement from either a Scout Leader or Outing Coordinator during a Troop Meeting o By post on the Troop website under HANDOUTS. Collections of Liability Waivers and Payments are made during announced Troop Meetings. 19

20 The Troop Webmaster is notified to post the Outing details on the Troop website under HANDOUTS. Fees and Waivers are due prior to each trip and are typically collected during the Troop Meeting(s) prior to the Outing. If a Scout signs-up and pays for an Outing, but subsequently cancels without sufficient notice, he may have to forfeit the cost if the Troop cannot obtain a refund. Scouts and Parents attending as chaperones (and any other family member) attending for recreation must ALL pay the Outing fee. All Outing itineraries indicate times for departure and return. It is imperative that all families/scouts adhere to posted times. Parents must be able to be contacted by Leaders or Scouts during the entire duration of an Outing. Indicated return times are an estimate since several factors can alter the actual return time. If the Outing Coordinator realizes that the Troop will return ahead or behind schedule, a phone chain will be used to notify parents. Parents MUST be able to be reached by phone. All Scouts must have their name on ALL personal equipment and clothing. Items left behind will be brought to the next Troop Meeting and all efforts to find the owner will be made. Unclaimed articles of clothing will be left in the Hillendale Elementary School lost and found bin. Menu Planning and Purchasing Menu planning is done by patrol during the patrol meeting portion of the Troop meeting. A Patrol Outing Plan and Patrol Menu Plan form is available on the Troop website under the FORMS link. One Scout is chosen to purchase the food. Parents should not be doing the shopping for the Scout, but be available as a resource. Teach -- don t do it for them. As a guideline, the cost of food per Scout per meal can be estimated at $3 for breakfast, $5 for lunch, $7 for dinner, and $1 for Cracker Barrel. Scouts are encouraged to plan a healthy well-balanced menu. Parents should not change the menu plan. Assist the Scout in seeing the big-picture. - Making pancakes takes more than just the box mix, include cooking utensils in the thought process. Scouts are encouraged to be thrifty when purchasing food and to utilize non-perishable items from previous outings. Try not to overbuy -- especially perishable items. This also helps with bulk and weight depending on the Outing. If a Scout cancels for the trip after food is purchased, he will forfeit his share of the food expense. Duty Roster A duty roster will be fairly and equitably set by each Patrol. A duty roster form is available on Troop website under the FORMS link Equipment Tents, cook kits and other Troop equipment are signed out and returned by Patrol. Each Scout is responsible for promptly cleaning and returning all Troop equipment to the shed following a trip. Scouts and their families are financially responsible for equipment that is not returned to the Troop. Lost or broken equipment should be reported promptly so that the Troop can replace it. 20

21 Tent Care Tents are one of the most expensive equipment investments of the Troop. Proper care and maintenance are critical to the life of the equipment and the comfort of the Scout that uses the tents. Prior to an Outing, Scouts will be issued a tent. When the tent is issued, it is complete with poles and stakes. Scouts are responsible for returning the tent and accessories complete and in good condition. Scouts are required to take wet tents home to dry. These tents must then be returned at the next Troop meeting. SUMMER OUTDOOR PROGRAMS Delaware Canoe Trip (June) Weather and conditions permitting, our June Outing is canoeing in the Upper Delaware River. We highly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to participate on this trip. There are hot water and showers in most of the campsites so often Moms go too. This 5-day trip has become a Scout Family adventure that many kids look forward to every year. High Adventure Outings (June or July) High Adventure Outings are usually offered during June or July. They may range from going to Philmont, Sea Base, The Summit, Northern Tier, National Jamboree, World Jamboree or attending a High adventure canoe trip in Canada. Sometimes we do trips nearby such as learn to sail at Camp Rodney. The age participation requirements vary for each location. Uniform and non-uniform leaders are welcome and encouraged to bring their ideas together and help lead one of these adventures. If you have an area of expertise (such as being a SCUBA diver) that lends itself to High Adventure, please let us know! Summer Camp (July-August) Our primary camping activity each summer is our week at the Horseshoe Scout Reservation Camp Horseshoe for short. We do this week six of camp, which generally is the last week of July into the first week of August. We need 3-6 adults at camp each day. It is very helpful if at least one person (usually a uniform leader) stays all week. However, other adults may spend as little as one day and night. We ask that they arrive at approximately 7 pm on the night they are staying and stay until 7 pm the following evening. We do not charge for staying. You will need to wear a Class A Scout Uniform shirt and casual slacks or shorts at the evening meal in the dining hall and during the formal retreat ceremony. An official Scout Shirt is usually available from the Scoutmaster for those who do not have one. The Scouts are prepared for this trip prior to going. It is very highly recommended that all Scouts attend summer camp. They truly become Scouts at camp and they learn a lot of Scout skills, as well as teamwork and adventure. For New Scouts, attending the first summer camp greatly enhances the probability of a boy staying with Scouting and climbing the trail to Eagle. During summer camp at Camp Horseshoe, Class A uniform is required for all Scouts and Adult Leaders for the formal retreat program and the evening meal in the dining hall. The Troop strongly prefers a mid-calf BSA sock and dark sneakers or hiking shoes be worn during Camp week. Troops are evaluated for their dress code and marching at summer camp. 21