Parent s Guide to Scouting and our Troop

Transcription

1 Parent s Guide to Scouting and our Troop Straight answers to your questions about Scouting, why Scouting is right for your boy, and why to choose Troop September

2 Introduction Welcome to Troop 189! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. Scouting is a tremendously important and rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him. Membership in the troop is open to all boys regardless of where they live or what their religious affiliation is. Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old. The program achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness. What is it all about? What will you be expected to do? What does it cost? We have prepared this booklet to answer these questions. The following pages describe the organization of our Troop and the advancement pattern that each boy will follow. Reading this will help you understand how your boy can progress through the ranks with your help. It will help you understand how you can help and what various adult volunteers do to help the Troop. Introduction... 1 What s this all about?... 2 Organization... 3 What Does a Scout Do in Troop 189?... 6 A Note About Adult Supervision... 8 Costs... 8 Knives, Axes, Fires, Lakes and other Scary Stuff... 9 Youth Protection Your Scout s First Camping Adventure Equipment Special Needs Medications and the Medical Permission Slips Scout Handbook Scout Uniform Advancement (The Trail to Eagle Scout) Boards of Review Courts of Honor Discipline Troop Activities Active Participation Parental Support Appendix 1: Troop-Parent Partnership Agreement.. 21 Appendix 2: Scout Behavior Policy. 22 1

3 What s this all about? Scouting is not the camping club, rather, there are three specific aims to Scouting: 1) To Build Character 2) To Foster Citizenship 3) To Develop Fitness For 100 years these three aims have been the bedrock of the American Scouting movement and they represent the long-term outcome we want for every boy. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime to achieve their full potential. The values we strive to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. SCOUT LAW SCOUT OATH A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and obey the Scout Law: To help other people at all times: To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth organization in the United States. More than 4 million boys and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-led organization. The boys learn how to organize the Troop. After training and with supervision from the adult leaders the boys run the show, working towards their 1 st class and then (hopefully) Eagle Ranks. As they travel on their trail to Eagle they will not only 2

4 learn how to lead a team to a goal in theory, but will have lots of hands-on chances to actually lead teams of Scouts in a number of situations. Scouting provides a forum for boys to mature and learn independence. Please take a few minutes to read Chapter 1 of your son s Boy Scout Handbook. Organization Troop 189 is a part of the Pequott District of the Theodore Roosevelt Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop s organization consists of the Troop, a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, and a Troop s Parents. The Troop The Troop is our whole group of Scouts, and is made up of patrols. Each Patrol consists of a Patrol Leader and between four and eight Scouts. Twice a year the boys in a Patrol elect their Patrol Leader who in turn appoints his Assistant Patrol Leader. There are three types of Patrols in Troop 189. Our regular Patrols are a mix of ages and ranks of boys with some Scouting experience. As of September 2009 we have 4 regular Patrols: the Rebel Swordsmen, the Penguins, the Unicorns, and the King Kong Patrol. Patrols do everything together, including cooking, camping, and competing against other Patrols. For camping trips they plan their own menus and divide the work among themselves. We also have a 5 th Patrol of older Scouts who act as our Leadership Corps and help the SPL. Our Venture Patrol program is open to older Scouts who are in High School OR are 14 years of age OR have completed Bear Claw training AND have earned the rank of First Class. Members of the Venture Patrol also belong to a regular Patrol, but are eligible for special and more challenging Venture-Only trips or activities. If there are a number of new Scouts who join the troop together, the Scoutmaster may opt to form a New Scout Patrol. A New Scout Patrol will work together on learning the basic skills, and will be assigned an older Scout who will serve as their Guide to keep them on the right track. The Senior Patrol Leader is also elected by the boys in the Troop. The Senior Patrol Leader selects his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s). The SPL and ASPL s are not part 3

5 of any one Patrol, and are responsible for running the program. The Patrol Leaders, with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leader s Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings. If there is a qualified senior Scout, he may be appointed by the Scoutmaster as the Troop s Skill Instructor. Eagle Scouts may by appointed by the Scoutmaster as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM). Elections for Patrol Leader are held twice every year. There are also many back-office jobs for boys to keep our unit functioning. These include Quartermaster, Historian, Scribe, Bugler, and others which also change twice a year to give everyone a chance. Chartered Organization (Sponsor) Every BSA Troop belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 189 is The Brotherhood of the Temple B nai Torah (formerly the Suburban Temple). A Chartered Organization Representative acts as our liaison with the Temple, who provides us with our meeting and storage facilities. While it is common for Troops to be chartered to religious entities such as Temples or Churches, Scout Troops are open to all boys regardless of their personal religious affiliations. Troop Committee The Troop Committee functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. Think of them as being our Board of Directors while the Scoutmaster and his Assistants work with the boys on the program in the Operations Department, the Committee works with the Chartered Organization to provide meeting facilities, establish local Troop policy and ensure that the Troop is carrying out the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. The Committee is responsible for managing Troop finances and fund raising, membership drives, details of the Troop annual activities plan, adult leader training, and assuring that the Troop program has sufficient adult leadership available. Members of the Troop Committee review Scout rank advancement in Board of Review meetings and ensure that Scouts enjoy Scouting. The Troop Committee meets every month in an open meeting. All parents are encouraged and invited to join the Committee. Joining the Committee is a great way to stay in touch with the Troop s growth and programs. 4

6 A general Troop organizational structure looks like this: Troop Parents The role of parents within Troop 189 is to be supportive of the Troop s efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents should try to: Read their Scout s handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting Actively follow their Scout s program, offering encouragement and a gentle push when needed. Show support to individual Scouts and the Troop by attending Troop Courts of Honor. Assist in Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. 5

7 Take Youth Protection Training and assist in providing transportation and support for the Troop s program activities. Read the Youth Protection section attached to the front of the Boy Scout Handbook, and then discuss it with your son. This is required for his very first badge. Be aware of the Troop Calendar and encourage participation, rain or shine! Consider serving as a Merit Badge Counselor in areas in which they have specialized knowledge and skills. What Does a Scout Do in Troop 189? Weekly Troop/Patrol Meeting Meetings are held at Temple B nai Torah every Thursday, 7:30 P.M. 9:00 P.M. We are usually downstairs in the Youth Lodge, but sometimes we meet in a classroom if there is a scheduling conflict. Scouts work on learning new skills, planning trips, rank advancement and merit badge activities. Weekly meetings are not held during summer breaks or school holidays. A normal troop meeting will include these same segments week after week: 1) Pre-Opening Activity (rotates weekly by Patrol) 2) Opening 3) Announcements (SPL and Scoutmaster) 4) Skill Instruction (rotates weekly by Patrol) 5) Patrol Meeting (a time for each Patrol to plan for upcoming camping trips) 6) Inter-Patrol Skills Competition (rotates weekly by Patrol) 7) Final Announcements 8) Scoutmaster s Minute and Closing The meeting is run by the boys in the troop under the leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader. Our complete and updated meeting schedule can always be found on our website at: 6

8 Monthly Campouts Scouting is Outing and Troop 189 offers a year-round program. September through June, each month features a weekend campout or other outdoor activity. July and August find us up at Scout camp. Camping trips are a key learning lab for skills and personal development, and we go out rain, shine, or snow. Trips are planned by the boys who represent their Patrols on the Patrol Leaders Council, with logistical support from the Troop Committee. Most camping trips leave Friday after school and return Sunday afternoon. Including summer camp, we run a 12 month program. Service Projects In addition to weekly meetings and monthly camping activities, Troop 189 Scouts develop a sense of citizenship and strengthen their community by participating in special Service Projects throughout the year. Summer Activities Each summer, Scouts can attend one or more weeks at the beautiful and rustic Onteora Scout Reservation, located in Livingston Manor deep in the Catskill Mountains. Weekly meetings are not held during the summer break. Nationally, the Boy Scouts of America sponsor several High-Adventure outposts which qualified Scouts can attend. Summer camp is a great place to learn new skills, earn merit badges, and make life-long friends. Several of our older Scouts have gone on to work at the camp as Staff. Fundraising Additional funds are raised by the boys through various fundraising activities as required. Typically, we hold a carwash in the Fall to kick off the year, and we participate in the nationally sponsored popcorn drive. Sometimes we will also have a one-time candy sale if we are raising money for a particular piece of equipment or a special trip. Budget allowing, the troop makes a contribution towards summer camp for boys who participate in the popcorn sales. We encourage personal and corporate donations to the Troop. Troop fundraising helps keep our dues and activity fees as low as possible. 7

9 A Note About Adult Supervision The absolute minimum is that two trained registered adult leaders, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age, are present at all troop meetings, trips or outings. This is a BSA requirement. As our own policy, Troop 189 always strives for 2-deep times two so that our two-deep adult coverage can be maintained even in case of emergencies. All uniformed adult leaders must complete appropriate BSA training. We maintain a boy-led and boy-executed program, but one that operates under adult supervision. Scouts learn more when they do things by and for themselves, but they are still boys. All adults in any contact with our Scouts, even as a driver on a trip, must complete BSA Youth Protection training. This is easy, and you can complete the certification online. Costs The Annual Troop Fee includes badges, awards, troop-supplied materials, equipment, youth leadership training and other operating expenses incurred by the Troop, including the national Registration and your son s subscription to Boy s Life magazine. Other expenses through the course of Scouting will include fees for activities and the cost for uniform and equipment purchases. The Annual Fee for Troop membership costs is currently $120.00, pro-rated if you join in mid-year. Campout and other activities may have fees associated with them, typically $40.00 for a Scout and $10 for Adults. These fees cover food, activity fees, campsite fees and permits. Trip money is now due two to three weeks before the trip, to allow time for menu planning, driving arrangements and reservations. Please check the calendar for the dates! After the cutoff, Scouts wishing to go will be placed on a waiting list. Refunds are not given, but if a scout on the waiting list wants to substitute, that is permissible. Summer Camp Each week at Onteora costs about $ (fees set by Council) Troop 189 and the Theodore Roosevelt Council may have scholarships available to assist Scouts in meeting the cost of participation in some activities. Requests for scholarship consideration are treated confidentially. Please speak to the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairperson for information about scholarships. 8

10 Knives, Axes, Fires, Lakes and other Scary Stuff Let s face it boys of Scouting age are attracted to things that can make parents nervous. Indeed, as responsible parents, we would expect that certain things should make you concerned What separates Scouting from just going into the woods is that we have a plan and a program. The Scouting program teaches skills and responsibility within well defined boundaries and rules. We want for all our Scouts to have fun in all of the activities but while following all of the safety rules without exception. This section is designed to let you sleep well at night when we re away in the woods. Fire Safety Scouts in Troop 189 are not allowed to do anything with a campfire until after they have earned their Fireman Chit card. This restriction includes starting a fire, putting wood into a fire, putting out a fire nothing except roasting a marshmallow! To earn their fire privileges, they need to know not only how to make a fire (with or without matches) but also all of the rules of Fire Safety. Fireman rights can be (and have been) revoked for any behavior that the Adult or Youth Leadership deems dangerous. Knives and Axes These work the same way as campfires. Before a Scout can even carry a pocketknife, he must earn his Totin Chip card. Totin Chip covers knife, axe and saw usage and safety. A Scout must demonstrate how to use them safely (including sharpening and taking care of their tools) before they can earn the right to use or carry them. Chopping wood is allowed only in approved and designated areas with the proper safety glasses. Scouts are only allowed to use axes appropriate to their physical stature. A Totin Chip card can be pulled immediately and without warning or second chances at the sight of any potentially unsafe behavior. The Scouts quickly learn and respect this rule, since they will have to take the test again to regain lost privileges. 9

11 Water Safety Swimming must take place in an area that meets BSA national safety standards. Our Leaders have all completed BSA Safe Swim Defense and BSA Safety Afloat training. PFD s must be worn in all watercraft at all times, regardless of swimming ability. Hiking and Trip Safety Every time we go on a trip we file a BSA Tour permit with the Theodore Roosevelt Council, BSA. This lets our local Council know the what, where, and when of our trips. Our leaders carry cell phones and two-way radios, and you will always know where we are going, what we are doing, and when we will be expected to return. Each member of the PLC receives a trip package when we leave, which includes rosters, a map, weather information, a schedule, and copies of the Patrol Plan that they made up at the weekly meetings. Youth Protection All adults having any type of contact with our Scouts must have completed BSA Youth Protection training. This is non-negotiable. These include regulations requiring that no Adult will ever be alone with your Scout, and that there be a minimum of 2-deep leadership at all times. For more details about BSA Youth Protection policies, go to: Your Scout s First Camping Adventure Why go Camping and Backpacking? Backpacking requires planning, self-reliance, courage, teamwork, physical strength and specialized equipment. Backpacking is an adventure that makes everyone feel a special sense of accomplishment. There is no better way to teach the Scout motto Be Prepared than surviving in the wilderness with only the materials you carry on your pack. Backpacking is fun! Not all of our trips require backpacking sometimes we 10

12 hike a short way or drive into a site. It all depends on what the Senior Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster and Patrol Leaders have decided. Who Can Attend Troop Camping Trips? Any Boy Scout in the Troop may attend Troop 189 outings. Sorry, but we do not allow Cubs, Webelos, or non-registered brothers, sisters, friends or untrained parents to attend our trips (this applies to all troop outings). Non-uniformed members of the Committee may come on our camping trips at the discretion of the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster has the right to restrict certain Troop events to a segment of the Troop population either by rank or by Patrol. This is sometimes a necessity to control the number of Scouts attending an event or to restrict more challenging venturing type events to more experienced Scouts. The Scoutmaster may also restrict any Scout from participation in Troop events if a Scout s behavior indicates the Scout may be a danger to himself or others in the outdoors; if the Scout s behavior is beyond the ability of the Troop leadership to safely control; or if the Scout s behavior consistently interrupts the Troop program. Summer camp is a minimum of a week long Scouting experience that can be fairly intense for young Scouts. We require that every Scout attending summer camp have at least 2 nights of overnight camping with the troop before summer camp. The safety of our troop is our top priority and the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee have sole discretion on which Scouts are eligible to attend summer camp. That being said, summer camp is clearly a highlight of our year. It is a GREAT experience where boys can participate in a range of experiences not otherwise available and make life-long friends while doing so. Preparation Proper preparation for any camping trip is important. Proper preparation for a new Scout s (or adult) first backpacking trip is critical. Any individual who has a negative experience for any reason is not likely to repeat the experience. Preparation includes: educating the new Scout on camping safety, equipment requirements (which will vary depending on the destination and season), food preparation, menu planning, physical condition and psychological condition. The 11

13 majority of the training for safety, equipment and meals will occur during troop meetings. Training is conducted both by adults and senior Scouts. Menus and other important details concerning equipment, etc. are planned by the Scouts and reviewed by the adults. As a parent, it s your responsibility to get your Scout to the troop meeting on time to ensure that they receive the training necessary to have a SAFE and enjoyable trip. Regular attendance is the only way. If you miss a meeting, it is your Scout s responsibility (not Mom or Dad s) to call his Patrol Leader to find out what he missed. Physical and psychological conditioning is probably the most difficult part of preparation to accomplish. Many of our backpack outings are five to six mile hikes (round trip), with varying degree of difficulties. The troop normally selects an easy hike for the initial backpacking trip. For MOST first time backpacking hikers the first trip will be physically difficult hike. Even Scouts in relatively good physical condition will find the last portion of a hike to be physically and mentally challenging. It is not unusual (in fact normal) for the older stronger Scouts to off-load equipment from a new Scout who is having difficulty (building teamwork). New hikers should have a clear knowledge that hiking will require physical challenge and perseverance (psychological preparation). When our schedule is planned for the year, we rotate easier and harder trips so that there is something for everyone. Most of our overnight camping is in our troop-owned tents. What to Pack Parents should assist their Scouts in preparing for the outing by reviewing, double checking and if necessary triple checking the equipment list (triple checking is usually not necessary, but it makes the parent feel better). However PARENTS SHOULD NOT PACK THE SCOUTS BACKPACK FOR THEM!!! The Scout must know where and what is in his pack, and be able to re-pack it by himself. Help and direct, but do not touch! If your Scout needs a flashlight or raingear, he needs to know where it is! Clothing requirements will be discussed at the troop meeting for each trip. Parents of first time campers should be cautious not to pack anything extra. This is not a case where more is better remember that anything your son packs he will have to carry on his back! Unnecessary extra clothing, food, equipment, etc are extra weight. The following items are not allowed on any troop outings: 12

14 High sugar foods or candy (unless approved in advance by the Scoutmaster) Any electronic devices, games, radio, ipods, TV s, cell phones, etc. The only thing that should need a battery is his flashlight Alcohol or drugs. All prescription or over the counter medications your son is taking must be turned into the Scoutmaster before we leave. If your son must carry an medical item like an Epi-Pen or nebulizer, please bring this the attention of the Scoutmaster before any trip. Any weapons, firearms, sheath knives, explosives, flammable liquids, lighters, etc. Pocketknives are not allowed until a Scout has earned his Totin Chip card demonstrating safe use of knives and axes. This privilege can be (and will be) revoked at any time for unsafe behavior. A complete suggested packing list (which includes certain mandatory gear) can be found on the Troop s web site at If you have questions, please speak to the Scoutmaster. Equipment Safe and enjoyable camping depends in part on the proper equipment. The troop encourages Scouts to purchase as much of their own equipment as possible, however this not practical for the beginning camper. The equipment can be expensive, and beginners usually do not have the knowledge or experience to purchase exactly what is required. The troop and individuals own a considerable amount of equipment which may be available for loan from the Troop Quartermaster prior to the outing. Equipment requirements will be discussed with the Scouts and with the parents prior to the outings. Please do not purchase equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, boots, cooking utensils, etc. without consulting with one of the experienced and TRAINED adult leaders. There is a wide range of gear on the market, some of which is not of suitable quality to ensure a safe camp under some of the conditions that we might encounter. Except for very extreme or hazardous conditions we conduct our outings in rain, shine or cold (be prepared). This philosophy requires a certain minimum quality of equipment to maintain safe and happy campers. 13

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16 Special Needs We believe strongly that the Scouting program can benefit all boys. If your child has special needs or requires accommodations in school, please speak in confidence with the Scoutmaster. We have experience in this area and will do what it takes to deliver the program. Please also read the Troop-Parent Partnership Policy at the end of this guide. Medications and the Medical Permission Slips Participation in each Troop outing requires a new signed permission slip with medical coverage, restricted activities noted, and required medications specified. If a Scout requires medication on an outing, specific instructions must be given to the leader in charge before the start of the trip. All medications must be in a container properly labeled with the Scout s name, name of the medication, prescribing doctor and dosage instructions on it. Any Scout who does not willingly take their required medication may be restricted from participation in certain Troop events. There must be an emergency contact number for each Scout at all times and someone should be available to come pick up the Scout if the need arises at any time during an outing. If your son requires medications to concentrate properly in school, please discuss with your doctor if he needs these medications on camping trips where he will be building fires and potentially handling knives and axes. Troop Camping is NOT an appropriate time for a medication vacation. To ensure the safety of your son and his fellow Scouts, please speak in confidence to the Scoutmaster if this applies to your situation. Scout Handbook Each Scout must have a current copy of the Scout Handbook. These books can be purchased at the Scout Shop in Massapequa or at other official Scouting Retailers. Information in the books is very useful to Scouts and their parents and should be read very carefully. Boys not having the Scout Handbook will find it almost impossible to 15

17 work on advancement. Handbooks should be brought to each troop meeting and to most activities. Scout Uniform The Scout uniform helps to achieve the objectives of Scouting. The uniform by itself can not make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its use has been proven to improve both the Scout and the troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each Scout is required to have and wear his uniform. The standard Class A uniform of Troop 189 consists of: Long Scout Pants or the summer option of Scout Shorts and Knee Socks Long or Short- Sleeved Scout Shirt Scout Belt and Buckle (the new zip-off style pants include a belt) Troop Neckerchief or Troop Bolo. The shirt comes with an American Flag and BSA patch attached. You or your Scout will need to sew on: A Council Shoulder Patch Troop Numbers and Patrol Medallion Your Son s Rank and Leadership Patches We are a full uniform unit and require the boys to buy and wear the above uniform as a minimum. The troop will supply all Scouts with 2 Class B t-shirts with our logo and unit number to be worn at Scout Camp and on outings. An acceptable Class B uniform consists of a Scout t-shirt and Scout pants (or shorts and socks) with a Scout belt. Uniforms are expected to be worn at all troop meetings, while traveling to and from activities and during other special functions. When uniforms are worn, they will be worn in the proper manner: buttoned and shirttails tucked in. Uniforms are expected to be kept clean and neat condition. The Troop Leaders and staff at the Scout Store will be able to answer any questions you might have on where to put what badge. Inside the cover of the Scout Handbook there are guides for badge placement. Long pants are required on trips October April. 16

18 Advancement (The Trail to Eagle Scout) Advancement from Scout to Eagle is an important part of the Scouting experience and is completely explained in the Scout Handbook. Troop 189 has trained adult and boy leaders to help and advise each boy on advancement. Scouts are responsible for completing advancement requirements on their own and for maintaining a complete record of their own advancement. Opportunities for completing advancement requirements will be provided to the Scouts, but it is the Scout s own personal responsibility to take advantage of those opportunities. The troop has several basic rules about advancement. Parents can not sign-off advancement or merit badge requirements for their own sons. Advancement Requirements are signed off by a non-related uniformed leader (adult) or by the Troop Instructor (youth). To avoid the appearance of a conflict, our leadership will not test or sign off on their own sons. The Scoutmaster, prior to any work being completed on a merit badge, must approve Merit Badge Counselors. The Advancement Coordinator reserves the right to disallow any advancement or merit badge signed-off by an unapproved individual. To avoid potential problems we strongly encourage that all Eaglerequired Merit Badges be earned with a counselor from within the Troop whenever possible. Scouts must obtain a merit badge blue card from the Scoutmaster prior to starting a merit badge. The Scout will be given credit for completing a merit badge when he returns the card that has been signed by his counselor. This card is always required. Boys will be encouraged to advance but will not be pushed to advance. Troop leaders are responsible to provide advancement opportunities but are not responsible for ensuring a Scout advances in rank. Even though the Advancement Coordinator maintains records of each Scout s advancement, it is each Scout s own responsibility to maintain written proof of his advancement. The Scout Handbook provides places to have requirements signed off and Scouts will be given a signed card for each merit badge or rank advancement. Possession of a patch is not considered proof. Advancement in rank will not be granted without documented proof that all requirements have been completed. 17

19 Boards of Review The purpose of the Board of Review (BoR) is to ensure that the Scout has completed all requirements for that rank, to determine the quality of his Scouting experience and to encourage him to advance toward his next rank. Each Board of Review will also include a discussion of ways the Scout sees himself as living up to the Scout Oath and Law in his every day life. A Board of Review consists of between three to six members of the Troop Committee and typically lasts for about thirty minutes. The Board of Review is scheduled within five to ten days after the Scout notifies the Advancement Coordinator that he has completed his Scoutmaster Conference. All Committee members are encouraged to participate in Boards of Review. A Troop-level Board of Review is required for all rank advancement up to the Life Scout rank. Eagle Boards of Review are conducted at the District level. Courts of Honor A Court of Honor is a special troop meeting to which all family members are invited. The meeting is held for the purpose of providing extra recognition to those Scouts who have earned rank advancement, merit badges or other accomplishments. The whole family is encouraged to attend even if a Scout has not earned any special recognition because the meetings are also used to discuss the Troop s accomplishments and future activities. The Troop typically schedules 3 Courts of Honor each year. These are at the beginning of our year to recognize all of the advancement earned at summer camp, mid-year, and at the end of the year. We adhere to a Troop policy of not making a Scout wait for the next scheduled Court of Honor if they have earned a new rank. Scouts will be presented their badge at the next meeting after it is earned. If a Scout earns the Eagle rank a special Eagle Court of Honor will be scheduled. Since so few Scouts earn the rank of Eagle, an Eagle Court of Honor is a major event. 18

20 Discipline Scouting activities are meant to be learning experiences in an atmosphere that is fun for everyone involved. Scouting and Troop 189 have rules that must be followed in order for everyone to safely enjoy themselves. The rules of Scouting can be found in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Spirit of Scouting dictates high expectations for the behavior of troop members. Self-control, cooperation and self-discipline are attributes expected for all Scouts in Troop 189, in order to ensure the health and safety of the troop members and the effective operation of the troop. Hazing or initiations of any type are strictly prohibited. As a boy-run organization, we expect that our youth leadership will keep things ontrack and running smoothly. In the event that adult intervention is required, only uniformed adult leadership should intervene. If as a parent, you see or hear of a situation that concerns you, please speak immediately to the Scoutmaster. Please also read the Troop 189 Scout Behavior Policy at the end of this guide. Troop Activities Most major troop activities are planned well in advance and the times and dates are published in the Troop Newsletter and kept up to date on our web site. Please keep track of these dates and help us avoid conflicts. The troop depends on its parental support to see to it that our Scouts attend as many troop activities as possible. Schedule changes and additions will communicated by , and on our web site where you can also see pictures posted after every event or outing. Please sign up for s at: Active Participation All members of Troop 189 are expected to participate in all phases of the troop program. We have one of the best programs and the best Scouts and unless each person is willing to do his share, the troop as a whole will be affected. This means regular attendance at troop meetings, monthly activities, service projects and 19

21 fundraisers. Important planning takes place at the weekly troop meetings and it is vital that Scouts attend to help with that planning. We realize that there are times when Scouts can not attend due to illness, family problems or school functions. Scouts should contact their Patrol Leader when they can not attend an activity. Parental Support A key element in maintaining and improving the quality of Troop 189 is by having active parent support. To be successful, Scouting must be a family activity. Parent support does not consist of driving your son to a troop meeting and picking him up. We are not a baby-sitting service. Good parent-support consists of the following: Make sure your son attends all troop activities, is ready for them and on time. Encourage your son in his Scout advancement Take an active interest in his Scouting activities Attend parent meetings, Courts of Honor and other and family activities. Join the Troop Committee Become a Merit Badge Counselor for the Troop. You don t have to be an expert in the area. There are over 120 Merit Badges so there should be something you know about. Support our fundraisers. This is how we earn money for the troop equipment and activities. AND FINALLY You are joining a great organization that includes tens of thousands of adult leaders, interested parents and the BSA professional staff. Scouting is much more than enjoying the outdoors. The Troop teaches leadership skills and community skills. Scouting also shows the boys how they can keep themselves strong and healthy and make the most of school. With hard work and dedication, your son will be able to serve as a leader in the Troop and advance in rank along the trail to Eagle Scout. Not all troops are the same. We encourage you to comparison shop to find the right unit for your family, with the best mix of Scouts, leadership, and programming. Please feel free to contact the Scoutmaster if you have any questions 20

22 The best way to contact us and keep track of Troop activities is though our Web Site: We also have a Mailing list for all announcements The Troop 189 Bylaws and all Boy Scout national, council, district, state, federal and Chartered Organization rules, regulations and laws apply to all Scouts, adult leaders and Scout parents who participate in Troop events. This includes payment of annual insurance and rechartering fees. While Boy Scout Troop 189 as a chartered unit of the BSA is required to comply with all policies of the national organization, we do not support any form of prejudice or discrimination. 21

23 Troop 189 Troop-Parent Partnership Policy Troop 189 remains committed to the principle that every boy deserves the opportunity to be a Scout whenever possible. We believe that diversity in all things, including learning styles and abilities, strengthens the Troop and builds individual character. Troop 189 is not a special needs unit nor are its leaders specially trained to manage youth with severe disabilities of any type. To effectively work with any scout, and to provide a safe and productive Scouting experience for all of the boys in the Troop, there has to be a partnership and trust between the guardians of the youth, and the leaders of the troop. Troop leaders must be fully informed of all needs and risks. When a scout makes an application to join the unit, the Scoutmaster and/or his designee will meet with the parents or guardians of the scout. This meeting is intended as an introduction to the scout; his character, specific needs, medications if any, special diets and dietary preferences, and any risk factors to others such as blood-borne disease. If a prospective Troop family has self-identified as having a boy who has any type of special needs (physical, mental, medical, or emotional), the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson, and one at-large member from the Troop Special Needs subcommittee will first meet with the parents of the prospective Scout to evaluate the needs of the child and determine whether or not the child s needs are within the capabilities of the Troop to provide a proper and safe Scouting experience. If a Scout either receives accommodations in school or requires medication for any type of chronic condition, the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson, and one at-large member from the Special Needs subcommittee need to meet with the family annually at the beginning of each Scouting Year to discuss the Scouts education plans at school, medication schedule (if applicable), the progress that the Scout is making, and to set goals. Should accommodations in school or medications change during the year (as frequently occurs), the Parent should notify the Scoutmaster so that we may modify our actions as needed. Troop 189 will take every effort to properly protect medical and personal information in accordance with the law and with BSA regulations. Medical information will only be shared with troop leaders who have a need to know to ensure the safety of the Scouts. 22

24 Troop 189 Scout Behavior Policy August, 2012 The ultimate guide to Scout behavior is the Scout Law, which is reaffirmed at the opening of every meeting: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Nowhere does the Scout Law allow for aggressive behavior towards others. In the event of aggressive non-scouting behavior towards others, the Scoutmaster has the authority to suspend the improperly behaving Scout from activities, whether there has been physical contact or not. Depending on the particulars of the incident, the Parent or Guardian may be called to come and pick up the Scout as soon as possible and bring them home. No scout who presents a danger to himself or to others can remain on a trip. A suspended Scout is still a member of the Troop, but may not participate in Troop activities until the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairperson (or designee) have had a conference with the suspended Scout s Parent or Guardian. This conference must happen within 7 days of the suspension, but not on the same day as the suspension. If matters are resolved at the conference to the satisfaction of the Troop Leadership, the Scout will be immediately reinstated to participate in Troop Activities. If matters are not satisfactorily resolved at the Parent Conference the issue will be referred to the Troop Committee for discussion and resolution. 23