Troop 72 By-laws. Article I Name

Transcription

1 Troop 72 By-laws Article I Name This organization will be known as Troop 72, Boy Scouts of America, Boone Trails District, Greater St. Louis Area Council Article II Membership To become a Boy Scout, a youth must have completed fifth grade, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light Award as a Webelos Scout. The youth must not have reached age 18. Troop 72 is happy to consider new Scouts : a) who are eager to participate in weekly and outdoor programs; b) who are interested and motivated to advance in rank; c) who are willing to accept the responsibility and leadership roles as they gain in age, rank and experience; d) whose parents will actively help the Troop in some of its needed areas; e) whose parents will support their son as he progresses in the program. Article III Chartered Organization Troop 72 received its original Charter on January 31, Section 1 : The Chartered Organization for Troop 72 is Kohl-Jeck V.F.W. Post 2866, St. Charles, Missouri, effective December, Section 2 : It shall be the responsibility of the Chartered Organization to provide Troop 72 with a meeting place, a location to store the Troop trailer and to appoint a Chartered Organization Representative. The Chartered Organization shall operate in full accord with the BSA policies. 1

2 Article IV Purpose The purpose and goal for Troop 72 is to instill values in young men and to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime, in achieving their full potential. The Troop s values are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. We accomplish this by working toward the Aims of Scouting by using the Methods of Scouting as our basis. Article V Aims and Methods of Scouting Section 1 : The Aims of Scouting are the goals set forth by the National Council, for the Boy Scouts of America, by which we set our standards and goals. They are : - To promote growth in moral strength and character This is defined as what the boy is himself : his personal qualities, his values and his outlook on life. - To foster participating citizenship This is defined as the boy s relationship to others. He comes to learn his obligation to other people, to the society he lives in and to the government that presides over that society. - To develop 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). Section 2 : The Methods of Scouting are designed to accomplish these aims, as outlined in the Scoutmaster s Handbook and the Adult Leader Training. Ideals The Scout measures himself against those ideals spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto and slogan, and continually strives to improve himself. 2

3 Patrols The Patrol method gives the Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It teaches how a boy accepts responsibility, and allows the Scouts to act in small groups where they can relate to each other. Outdoors The Boy Scout program is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that the Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God s handiwork and mankind s place in it, and learn ecology and practice conservation of nature s resources. Advancement The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge in each rank. The Scout is rewarded for achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system helps a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others. Adult Association Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man s development. Personal Growth As Scouts plan their activities and progresses toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a means of boys growing, as they participate in community service projects and help others. The Scouting religious program is also a part of personal growth. Frequent personal conferences with the Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine his own growth toward Scouting s aims. Leadership Development The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. 3

4 Uniform The uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force for good, and creates a positive image in the community. Wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities, and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges and show what they have accomplished. Article VI Meetings Section 1 : Troop Meetings The meetings of Troop 72 shall be every Monday, between 7:00 and 8:30 PM, year around, unless otherwise noted on the yearly planning calendar, or otherwise deemed by the Scoutmaster. Parents are responsible to see that their Scout is dropped off and picked up on time. Section 2 : Court of Honor Courts of Honor are held quarterly, to be held on a Monday during the months of June, September and December, in place of a regular Troop meeting. Parents plus other family members are expected to attend in support of their Scout. A Patrol or Patrols shall be assigned to act as host for each Court of Honor, and the parents of the host Patrol(s) shall be responsible for providing the refreshments for the Troop and guests. The Court of Honor to be held in March shall be designated as the Annual Troop Green and Red Banquet, on the date scheduled on the annual planning calendar. At this banquet, the newly inducted Boy Scouts and their families are officially welcomed into the Troop. The Troop shall be responsible for providing an amount of money designated in the annual budget, to be applied toward the banquet. Section 3 : Eagle Court of Honor An Eagle Court of Honor is scheduled separately from quarterly Courts of Honor. The Eagle Court of Honor is to honor one Scout, to be held at a place of the Scout s choice. The Troop shall provide $50.00 per year that the Scout is a member of Troop 72, up to $150.00, to be applied towards the expense of the event as approved by the Troop Committee. 4

5 Section 4 : Patrol Leader s Council (PLC) A Patrol Leader s Council is to be held monthly, as scheduled on the yearly planning calendar. Those to be in attendance at the PLC shall be: Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leaders form each Patrol, Troop Guides, and Troop Scribe. The SPL is responsible for conducting the PLC. Section 5 : Patrol Meeting Each Patrol shall have a Patrol Meeting once a month, or more frequently as needed. These meetings shall be conducted by the Patrol Leader, with the assistance of the Assistant Scoutmaster(s) or Patrol Advisor assigned to his Patrol, at a time and location designated by the Patrol Leader. It is at these meetings where the Patrol plans for their scheduled activities, ceremonies and outings. Section 6 : Troop Committee Meeting A Troop Committee Meeting shall be held monthly, on the first Thursday, following the first Tuesday, at 7:30 PM, unless otherwise noted, at a location designated by the Troop Committee Chairman. Parents and Scouters are encouraged to attend these meetings. Article VII Adult Leadership Section 1: Troop Committee The officers of the Troop Committee are elected by registered adults in attendance at the August Troop Committee Meeting, annually. Officers may be elected to serve consecutive terms, with no term limits. The Troop Committee is responsible for the overall operation of the Troop. The Committee is responsible for the administrative aspects of the Troop and will monitor the finances, advancements, records, equipment, facilities and membership, and shall provide support to the PLC and the Troop by approval of the Troop s program. Officers of the Troop Committee, and their duties, are : 5

6 Troop Committee Chairman Coordinate the Committee and to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed. Maintain a close relationship with the Chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster. Prepare Troop Committee meeting agendas. Call, preside over and promote attendance at monthly Troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called. Ensure Troop representation at monthly Roundtables. Secure top-notch, trained individuals for camp leadership. Arrange for charter review and recharter, annually. Plan the charter presentation. She/he must have completed Basic Leader Training. Troop Secretary Keep minutes of the Committee meetings and other special meetings, and send out Committee meeting notices. Handle publicity. Prepare a family newsletter of Troop events and activities. Conduct the Troop resource survey annually. Plan for family night programs and family activities. At each Committee meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting. 6

7 Troop Treasurer Handle all Troop funds. Pay bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop Committee. Maintain checking and savings accounts. Keep adequate records in the Troop software program. Supervise money-earning projects, including obtaining proper authorizations. Maintain a separate account for each Scout in the troop software program. Lead in the preparation of the annual Troop budget. Report to the Troop Committee each meeting. The minimum reports required shall be the current checking and savings account balances, the reserve balances, and the current net wroth. The Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman shall also receive a copy of the checking and savings accounts banking statements and the Scout account balances. Advancement Chairman Maintain Troop records (rank advancement, merit badges, camping days, service hours and hiking logs) in the Troopmaster software program. Work with the Troop to maintain all Scout advancement records. Provide troop advancement upon request. Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list, of the counselors from the Troop. Make a prompt record on the correct form to the Council Service Center, when a Troop Board of Review is held. Secure badges and certificates. Work with the Troop Librarian to build and maintain a Troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature. Report to the Troop Committee each month. 7

8 Outdoor/Activities Coordinator Help in securing permission to use camping sites. Serve as transportation coordinator. Ensure a monthly outdoor program. Promote the National Camping Award. Promote, through family meetings, attendance at Troop campouts, camporees and summer camp, to reach the goal of an outing per month. Secure tour permits for all Troop activities. Report to the Troop Committee each month. Chaplain Duties : Gives guidance to the Chaplain Aide. Gives spiritual guidance when needed or requested. Encourages the Scouts to earn their religions award. Provide opportunities for Boy Scouts to grow in their relationship to God and their fellow Scouts. Equipment Coordinator Supervise and help the Troop procure camping equipment. Maintains and keeps inventory of all equipment belonging to the Troop, with help from the Troop Quartermaster. Makes periodic safety checks on all camping gear, and repairs or replaces equipment as needed. Encourages the Troop on the safe use of all outdoor equipment. Sees that the Troop trailer is transported, by himself or another Scouter, and is set up on camp sites, working with the Troop Quartermaster. 8

9 Training Coordinator Ensure that Troop adults have the opportunities for training and know the training schedules. Maintain an inventory of available training materials and resources. Ensure that all new leaders review the Fast Track training. Ensure there is at least one leader trained in BSA Youth Protection. Section 2: Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster shall be appointed by the Troop Committee Chairman. He/she shall provide an overall guidance of the Troop 72 Scouting Program and all the affairs of the Troop. Be in attendance at all Troop meetings and activities or see that a qualified registered adult substitutes for him/her. Enforces proper discipline of the Troop. Assures that the Patrol Method is practiced. Recruits and assigns adults to be Assistant Scoutmasters. He/she works directly with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM), to conduct the Troop s annual planning program. Sees that a PLC is held monthly, or whenever necessary. He/she shall direct the Junior Leader Training course, as deemed necessary. Work in coordination with the Troop Committee Chairman. Attend the District Roundtable meetings. He/she shall have completed Adult Basic Leader Training, and will ensure that all Assistant Scoutmasters do so, also. 9

10 Assistant Scoutmaster - Patrol Advisor Works with the Patrol Leader of the assigned Patrols to help him effectively lead his Patrol, using the Patrol Method. Acts as their advisor and provides guidance to the Patrol during Troop meetings and on camping trips and outings. Helps the Patrol to achieve the Baden Powell Patrol Award. Assistant Scoutmaster Webelos to Scout Liaison Works to develop a close relationship with the Cub Scout Packs, who supply the Troop with new Scouts upon their graduation from the Packs. Works with the Leaders of the Webelos Dens to promote joint Pack/Troop activities and coordinates their bridging into the Troop. Coordinates Den Chiefs - their training and placement in Cub Scout Dens. Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture Patrol Advisor Guides and oversees the Troop s Venture Crew, and works closely with the Crew Chief to arrange high adventure programs for Scouts who are 13 years old, or older. Ensures that all activities follow the guidelines as outlined in the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting, Assistant Scoutmaster - Training Works with the Troop Instructors to develop their training skills. Works with the Scoutmaster to coordinate the Troop Junior Leader Training after each Troop election, upon the request of the Scoutmaster. Makes sure that there are sufficient Merit Badge Counselors from the Troop for all Eagle required merit badges. Works with the Merit Badge Counselors to schedule merit badge classes. Coordinates reservations for Merit Badge Skill Centers. 10

11 Assistant Scoutmaster - Eagle Advisor Coaches and encourages Scouts through the ranks of Life and Eagle. Provides guidance on merit badges and Eagle project selections. Registered Leader All adults attending Scout outings must be BSA registered. Will assist with transportation and supervision of Scouts as directed by Scoutmaster. Section 3 : Chartered Organization Representative Maintains coordination between the Troop Committee, the Troop and the Chartered Organization. He/she shall be a member of, and is appointed by, the Chartered Organization, and is a registered Scouter in Troop 72. Article VIII Scout Leadership Section 1 : Youth Leaders The Troop is actually run by its Scouts. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters, the Scouts plan the program, conduct Troop meetings and provide leadership among their peers. Youth officers of the Troop and Patrols, and their duties as follows : Titles marked with are considered as positions of responsibility for advancement in Star and Life ranks. Titles marked with meet the requirements for advancement to Eagle. Parallel titles at the Patrol level are not considered for leadership requirements for rank advancement. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster A Scout, who is 16 years or older. Supervises and supports other youth leaders as assigned. 11

12 Senior Patrol Leader Top youth leader in the Troop. Leads the PLC. Conducts Troop meetings. In consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other youth leaders. Assigns specific responsibilities as needed. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Fills in for the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence, and is responsible for giving direction to the Quartermaster, Scribe, Troop Historian, Librarian and Instructors. Troop Guide Acts as an advisor and guide to the new Scout patrols. Den Chief Works with a Cub Scout Den as a guide. Patrol Leader Gives leadership to the members of his Patrol and represents them at the PLC. Assistant Patrol Leader Fills in for the Patrol Leader in his absence. Venture Patrol Chief Is the leader of the Troop s Venture Patrol. Instructor Teaches one or more advancement skills to Troop members. 12

13 Troop Scribe Is the Troop secretary. Takes attendance at meetings and troop outings. Records advancements, logs camping days and other important Troop data, and takes minutes at the PLC. Troop Quartermaster Works in coordination with the Assistant Scoutmaster - Equipment Coordinator and is responsible for the Troop equipment and supplies. Chaplain Aide Assists in the Troop s religious services, ensures that an invocation is given before each meal at outings and promotes the religious emblem program. Order of the Arrow Troop Representative Is responsible for reporting back to the Troop the pertinent information about the OA Chapter and Lodge meetings and activities, promotes advancement of Ordeal members to Brotherhood and encourages Camp Promotion. Bugler Provides appropriate music at reveille, flag raisings and flag retreats. Librarian Keeps the Troop merit badge books, merit badge counselor list and other Troop printed material available for use by Troop members. Historian Collects and maintains Troop memorabilia and information about the Troop and former Troop members. 13

14 Section 2 : Elections Youth leaders serve six-month terms in office, with elections to be held in February, for term of office from March 1 to August 31, and again in August, for term of office from September 1 to February 28 (29). The office of SPL shall be elected from the Scouts by the majority of the votes by secret ballot of the Scouts of the Troop who are in attendance at the election. The SPL shall appoint a Scout to serve as ASPL. The office of SPL and ASPL shall be filled by Scouts who are First Class or above. In addition, the Scout must have attended Junior Leader Training; either the Troop held session or YLTC camp. The Patrol Leader shall also be First Class and have attended training, unless no Scout in the Patrol qualifies with rank or training. Patrol Leaders are elected in a similar manner by the members of their Patrol present at the election meeting. The remaining youth leaders are appointed. Preference shall be given to those Scouts who need position time for rank advancement. The guidelines for each office shall be determined by the Scoutmaster and the PLC. Section 3: Troop Participation For advancement and leadership positions requiring active participation in the Troop, active participation is defined as 50% attendance in all Troop functions including meetings, outings, and fund raisers (e.g. Trivia Night, Festival of the Little Hills, Scouting for Food, etc.). 14

15 Article IX Finances Section 1: Troops Operating Budget Annually, a budget will be presented to the general membership of the Troop, outlining the Troop s yearly operating budget. The Troop s operating budget will be based on the past two year s expenditures, estimated equipment expenditures, and general advancement information. A budget committee shall be called to determine the annual budget. Budget suggestions may be submitted via to the budget committee members. A Preliminary Budget shall be presented to the Troop Committee for approval in January. Upon arrival, the Annual Dues shall be charged against the Scout accounts. A copy of the approved budget and the Scout s account statement will be mailed to all parents. At the discretion of the Committee Chair and Treasurer, the statement may be held until the rechartering charges have been added to the accounts as well. The Scout s portion of the Troops operating budget will be determined by dividing the Troop s operating budget by the number of Scouts expected to re-charter; making adjustment for those Scouts who pay less than 100% of the annual dues. The Troop has a 3-tier Annual Dues Family Plan. The first Scout in the family pays 100% of the assessed dues. The second Scout pays 75% of the assessed dues. The third Scout, and so forth, pays 50% of the assessed dues. The budget can vary yearly due to the anticipated operations of the Troop. The funds for the Troop operating budget will be collected by the end of March, which is the recharter month. Section 2: Payment for a Scout s portion of the Troop s operating budget. There will be a number of fund-raisers planned to give parent/parents of Scouts the opportunity to earn funds that will go toward paying the Scout s portion of the Troop s operating costs. Annual Dues will be charged out to all Scout accounts as detailed in Section 1 above. If the parent(s) have not worked any of the fundraisers, they are expected to bring all negative accounts current within one month of mailing the budget and account statements; unless other arrangements are made with the Scoutmaster or Treasurer. Failure to bring the Scout s personal account to a positive balance will result in that Scout being unable to attend any Troop outings, which will include participation in summer camp, until the account is brought current. 15

16 Webelos entering the Troop will be expected to pay their portion of the Troop s operating cost, the same as a Scout that is being rechartered in the Troop, as the operating Budget was written with his expenses included. Payment for a new Webelos graduate s portion of the Troop s operating cost will be due at the time he joins the Troop, unless other arrangements have been made. Scouts entering the Troop after the second quarter will have their portion of the Troop s operating cost pro-rated based on the date they enter the Troop, as agreed upon with the Treasurer and Troop Committee. Upon a Scout meeting his portion of the Troop s operating cost, a notice will be forward to the parent/parents for their records. All funds deposited for that Scout s portion of the Troop s operating cost is not refundable. The progress of a Scout to meet his portion of the Troop s operating cost can be monitored on the Scout s financial statement, which is provided monthly. The Troop shall endeavor to hold special fund raisers that will directly offset the next year s operating budget. The proceeds from these special fund raisers may be split between the Scout and the Troop, with the Troop s portion being set aside in the Annual Dues Reserve. All Scouts are expected to work the events. In the event a Scout does not work an event and there is a Scout/Troop split, he will not receive any portion of the Scouts proceeds. In addition, his account will be charged a buy-out fee that shall be based upon the individual fair share of the Troop s portion of the proceeds; whether or not there is a Scout/Troop proceeds split. Section 3: Scout s Personal Account A personal financial account will be set up for each Scout in the Troop in the Troop s software program. Money may be added to this account at any time. The Troop Treasurer is the custodian of all accounts. Individual expenses that can be paid from this account are expenses associated with Scout outings, apparel, and other Scouting activities. Fundraisers will be established through the year. Some may involve a Troop/Scout split. Profits will be added to the Scout s personal account according to the split set forth prior to the completion of the fundraiser. All individual Scout s accounts must maintain a positive sum. If the account should fall into a negative sum it will be the responsibility of the Scout s parent(s) to bring his account to a positive balance by the next chargeable event after receiving the statement or notification. Failure to bring the Scout s personal account to a positive 16

17 balance will result in that Scout being unable to attend any Troop outings, which will include participation in summer camp, until his account is brought current. Charges for adult expenses shall be added to their Scout s account. In the event of multiple accounts, charges will be added to the oldest Scout s account. In the event the Scout reaches the age of 18, the account will be transferred to an adult account and all family events will be charged to the one account. Refunds, Transfers and Disbursements All refunds, transfers, and disbursements require a written request to the Treasurer. For purposes of this section, written requests may be via . In the event requests are verbal, the Treasurer will confirm such requests via . Some requests may require additional approval from the Committee Chair and Scoutmaster. In the event a Scout drops out of the Troop during the year, his individual account can be refunded upon receipt of written request. A check will be mailed to the parent making the request. The annual dues will not be adjusted for any time not with the Troop as they were calculated based upon a yearly commitment. Transfers from one family account to another shall be made upon written request to the Treasurer. Disbursements for Scouting apparel or Scouting activities outside the Troop will be made upon written request. A check will be written according to instructions in the request. Section 4 : Special Reserves Reserve accounts shall be established for the Troop, with amounts determined annually by the Budget Committee and approved by the Troop Committee. These accounts shall be segregated from the General Funds Account. They shall be for unexpected expenses, replacement of equipment, Eagle Court of Honor disbursements, and any other reserve account determined by the appropriate committees. Funds shall be disbursed from these reserve accounts when approved by the Troop Committee and shall be replenished at the beginning of the budget year. If the funds fall so far below 17

18 the established level that replenishment is in jeopardy, a special fund-raiser may be necessary to replenish the reserves. Section 5 : Recharter Fee A recharter fee shall be charged to all Scouts, and all registered adults, at the time of the annual recharter, in March each year, based on the National rate. Scouts and adults included in the recharter will be on the Troop membership rolls for one year. This fee covers the expenses required by Council for rechartering an individual and subscription to Boy s Life. Article X Planning The yearly Scout calendar runs from September 1 st of one year through August 31 st of the following year. The calendar of events consists of activities, as planned by the PLC, and approved by the Troop Committee. The Scoutmaster meets with the PLC to plan an agenda for one year for the Troop. Dates and activities are tentatively set. The plan is presented to the Troop Committee for approval during the August time frame. Upon acceptance by the Troop Committee, the yearly calendar is prepared and presented to the Troop family as soon as available. Changes to the yearly calendar shall be approved by the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair, or the Troop Committee as deemed appropriate. Cancellations can be made at any time. A revised calendar will be provided for each family upon any changes. Article XI Uniforms As outlined in the Methods of Scouting, the uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force for good, and creates a positive image in the community. Wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. Proper display of the uniform gives the Scout a sense of pride. Two classes of uniform are recognized as proper dress for Troop 72, as described below. 18

19 Section 1 : Class A Uniform The official Boy Scout dress uniform for Scouts and Adults consists of: a) Official khaki shirt (long or short sleeve), with appropriate patches and red epaulet loops b) Olive long pants or shorts (women may wear olive green skirts) c) Official Scout belt d) Troop 72 neckerchief, or another appropriate Scout neckerchief, with appropriate slide e) Official Boy Scout socks f) Badge sash (Order of the Arrow sash shall be worn by OA members to all OA functions or may also be worn to Courts of Honor. Adults do not wear sashes, except OA Members wearing the OA sash) g) Dark color shoes preferred (no sandals) h) Official Scout or Troop 72 hat (optional) The Class A uniform shall be worn at all Court of Honor ceremonies, all official Boy Scout ceremonies and functions, Troop meetings, Boards of Review and at other times as specified by the Scoutmaster. This uniform shall be worn to and from all campouts, and at other times as appropriate during any given event. Section 2 : Class B Uniform The Class B uniform consists of : a) Troop 72 T-shirt or sweatshirt, or other Scout related shirts b) Olive pants or shorts (olive skirt for women) c) Scout belt d) Scout socks e) Comfortable shoes (no sandals) f) Scout or Troop hat (optional) The Class B uniform shall be worn whenever specified by the Scoutmaster. 19

20 Article XII Discipline Section 1 : Troop 72 Code of Conduct Along with the opportunities that Scouting offers, each Scout is obligated to conduct himself during Troop meetings and activities in a manner that is consistent with the characteristics called for by the Scout Law. Among other expectations of the Scout will be a display of courtesy and helpfulness to others and obedience to Junior and Adult Leaders. All Scouts and adults will comply with the Boy Scouts of America rules and regulations as set forth in the Guide to Safe Scouting, as well as in other BSA publications. Parents are encouraged to advise their sons that his behavior during Scouting activities will reflect on his Patrol, Troop, family and all who contribute their time and attention in support of the Troop. If a Scout finds himself unable to obey the Scout Law during Troop meetings and activities, his parents will be notified and his opportunities to participate in future activities may be restricted. Troop 72 does not permit corporal punishment or hazing of any kind, nor does it allow disciplining through push-ups or other punitive physical exercise. For more serious offenses, the Troop may use probation, suspension or expulsion. The use of alcohol, illegal substances, weapons, and fireworks are prohibited at all Scout functions, as per the Guide to Safe Scouting. Other prohibited activities include riding in the back of open-bed trucks. Scouts unable to follow the Code of Conduct or policies of the Troop will be brought before the Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) for disciplinary action, which may result on probation and/or suspension from future Troop activities. If an infraction cannot be handled by the Scoutmaster and/or the PLC, a special disciplinary Board of Review may be held for further action and disposition, which may result in expulsion. Scouts who display actions that are deemed detrimental to the health or welfare of himself or others will be required to have one of his parents or guardians present during all Troop activities, including meetings. 20

21 Section 2 : Probation Probation is a period of evaluation both by the Troop and by the Scout under probation to determine fitness or desire to remain in the Troop. A Scout under probation may not normally hold any Troop leadership position, and is generally barred from certain special Troop activities, at the Scoutmaster s discretion. Section 3 : Suspension Suspension is the temporary loss of membership privileges in the Troop, typically for one month. A Scout is not eligible for any advancement during the suspension period. Time requirements for any rank advancement or merit badge requirements are also suspended and cannot be counted during this period. A suspended Scout may be readmitted at the conclusion of the suspension period only after he has submitted a letter to the PLC, signed by himself and his parents, stating his pledge to meet all Boy Scout standards. Section 4 : Expulsion Expulsion is the permanent loss of all membership privileges in the Troop. The Scoutmaster and Troop Committee, acting in concert, may permanently expel any member (adult or Scout) for any of the following : illegal conduct, in or out of Scouting illicit use of drugs or alcohol, in or out of Scouting bullying, hazing or harassment of another Scout stealing misbehaving or refusal to abide by Troop policies, which is seriously detrimental to the welfare of the Troop willful disregard of the Scout Law 21

22 Section 5 : Adult Conduct The Leaders of Troop 72 have a strong commitment to the BSA policies and guidelines. Our goal is to create and maintain at all Troop functions a place where everyone feels physically and emotionally secure. Troop 72 Leaders will : Set the example by always behaving as a Scout should. To live the Scout Oath and Scout Law at all times. Refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate put-downs, namecalling, physical aggression or hazing. Communicate acceptance of each member of the Troop through expressions of concern for them and by showing appreciation whenever possible. Create an environment based on learning and fun. Seek the best from all members of the Troop and strive to help them achieve it. Ensure two-deep leadership at all times. Have no one-on-one contact. Respect the right to privacy Maintain separate living accommodations from the Scouts, as described in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Article XIII Leadership Training It is encouraged that all Leaders in Troop 72 will complete Fast Start Training and Basic Leader Training. A Leader is encouraged to work toward the training award appropriate to his/her position. District Roundtable is a monthly meeting for all Leaders in the Boone Trails District. They are held on the first Tuesday of every month, with the exception of July, at 7:30 PM. The Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman are expected to attend. Other registered Leaders are encouraged to attend. Roundtable is a time to share opportunities and experiences with other Leaders from the District, meet with District Leaders and participate in learning and training activities, such as : Youth Protection Training Fast Start Training Board of Review Training 22

23 Other training opportunities are offered to registered Leaders throughout the year. All registered Leaders are encouraged to participate in additional and advanced Leader training. All knowledge gained during supplemental training will be of benefit to the Leaders and, in turn, to the Scouts of Troop 72. Article XIV Reference Material Troop 72 follows the practices and rules as outlined in various publications provided through the Boy Scouts of America and the Greater St. Louis Area Council. At no time will Troop 72 deviate from the guidelines set forth by the National Council. The publications used as reference include : Basic Leader Training material Scoutmaster s Handbook Troop Committee Guidebook Guide to Safe Scouting Boy Scout Handbook Merit Badge books, on various subjects Patrol Leader s Handbook Order of the Arrow Handbook Den Chief s Handbook Insignia Guide Duffle Bag newspaper Scouting and Boy s Life magazines and other publications made available by the council The Council website, at The District website, at The OA Chapter website, at 23

24 Article XV Acceptance of By-Laws These By-Laws were originally adopted in 1998, and were amended by the Troop Committee and accepted, on this 14 th day of August, These By- Laws shall be in effect after said date, and remain in effect until further amended. Everyone associated with Troop 72 is expected to abide by these By-Laws. By-Laws may be amended at any time, by an proposal being brought to the floor for presentation at a regular scheduled Committee Meeting. A discussion shall be entertained and a committee of three members shall be appointed to write the amendment. After the amendment is presented at a Committee Meeting, it shall lay over for one month, and a final vote by the Troop Committee shall dictate the acceptance or rejection of said amendment, by the simple majority of those voting. Respectfully Submitted, Mindi Milewczik Kathy Quenelle Pat Van Walleghen Keith LaLonde, Scoutmaster Linda Wilson, Troop Committee Chairman 24

25 Table of Contents Article and Topic Page Article I - Name 1 Article II - Membership 1 Article III - Chartered Organization 1 Article IV - Purpose 2 Article V - Aims and Methods of Scouting 2-4 Ideals 2 Patrols 2 Outdoors 2 Advancement 3 Adult Association 3 Personal Growth 3 Leadership Development 3 Uniform 4 Article VI - Meetings 4-5 Troop Meeting 4 Court of Honor 4 Eagle Court of Honor 4 Patrol Leader s Council 5 Patrol Meeting 5 Troop Committee Meeting 5 Article VII - Adult Leadership 5-11 Troop Committee Troop Committee Chairman 6 Troop Secretary 6 Troop Treasurer 7 Advancement Chairman 7 Outdoor/Activities Coordinator 8 Chaplain 8 Equipment Coordinator 8 Training Coordinator 9 Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters Scoutmaster 9 Assistant Scoutmaster - Patrol Advisor 10 Assistant Scoutmaster Webelos to Scout Liaison 10 Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture Patrol Advisor 10 Assistant Scoutmaster - Training 10 Assistant Scoutmaster - Eagle Advisor 11 Chartered Organization Representative 11

26 Article VIII - Scout Leadership Youth Leadership Junior Assistant Scoutmaster 11 Senior Patrol Leader 12 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader 12 Troop Guide 12 Den Chief 12 Patrol Leader 12 Assistant Patrol Leader 12 Venture Patrol Chief 12 Instructor 12 Troop Scribe 13 Troop Quartermaster 13 Chaplain Aide 13 Order of the Arrow Troop Representative 13 Bugler 13 Librarian 13 Historian 13 Elections 14 Troop Participation 14 Article IX - Finances Troop s Operating Budget 15 Payment for Scout s portion of the Troop s Operating Budget 15 Scout s Personal Account 16 Special Reserves 17 Recharter Fee 18 Article X Planning 18 Article XI - Uniforms Class A Uniform 19 Class B Uniform 19 Article XII - Discipline Troop 72 Code of Conduct 20 Probation 21 Suspension 21 Expulsion 21 Adult Conduct 22 Article XIII Leadership Training 22 Article XIV - Reference Material 23 Article XV - Acceptance of By-Laws 24

27 Attachment 1 - Budget Attachment 2 - Troop General Fund Fund-Raising Guidelines Attachment 3 - Troop 72 Scout Roster Attachment 4 - Troop 72 Adult Roster Attachment 5 - Patrol Assignments Attachment 6 - Merit Badge Counselor List from Troop 72