TROOP 621 RULES & REGULATIONS 17-18

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1 ATTENDANCE Being a Boy Scout is a commitment, and it is a boy scout s duty to attend meetings and outings. A Scout has a responsibility to attend at least 3 meetings per month, unless it is an excused absence. With weekend outings, it is essential that a scout attend the prior 2 meetings to be best prepared for the trip. If a scout is unable to attend a meeting, they must contact their Patrol Leader. If he is unavailable then call the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Brandon Barone ( ) or the Asst. Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) Hayden Platteter ( ) A scout is responsible to obtain any information or handouts that were missed. Scouts can contact their Patrol Leader for any information they are missing. o Excused Absence: Sick, Family Emergency, Vacation, Planned Absence, School Function, Sport event, or Recreational Sporting Event. o Unexcused Absence: Troop Suspension, Don t feel like it, failing to call re: absence MEETINGS Troop meetings take place every Tuesday that school is in session from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the American Legion in Bath. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in our weekly meetings. At least one adult per family is encouraged to hold a committee or scoutmaster position. The troop sometimes offers an optional activity during school vacations that a scout may choose to attend. If there is no school due to weather there will be no meeting. Rule of thumb: No school=no Scouts. If there is school and inclement weather occurs, scouts will be contacted if the meeting is cancelled. Scouts may contact their patrol leader with any questions regarding a meeting. Each scout is required to bring his scout book, pen or pencil, paper and full Class A uniform to each meeting. These items are used for merit badge work, advancements, and as a learning tool. TROOP DUES Dues are $65.00 per year per scout. All dues are to be paid in full. Payment Options: One time payment is due no later than 10/24/17. A payment plan is available, with the first $35.00 is due on 10/24/17 and the remaining $30.00 is due on 12/5/17. A scout is never left out due to financial constraints. We have fundraising opportunities and scholarships available. Please speak to the committee chair (Leslie Trundy ) if your family is in need of a scholarship. Troop dues are used to register your scout with BSA, provide a copy of Boy s Life and defray troop operating expenses which include program materials, awards & advancement materials*, office supplies, reserve funds, registration and any incidentals that may occur. *Advancement materials and awards are purchased by the troop on a one-time basis. Replacements are the scout s responsibility. TROOP CHECK RETURN POLICY The bank where the troop maintains an account is charged for any returned checks that are on our account. We must pass those charges onto those that issued the returned check. Anyone who has a check returned more than one time with the troop will be required to pay in cash only. UNIFORMS All scouts and adult leaders are required to wear the official Class A uniform to all meetings, parades, ceremonies and special events. The Class A uniform is official scout pants or shorts, shirt with all appropriate patches, troop neckerchief or bolo tie and hat. The troop does allow scouts to wear olive or kaki colored pants or shorts, in lieu of the official pants. If a scout or adult leader is wearing a full Class A uniform any hat worn must be an official Boy Scout hat. Class B uniforms (troop t-shirt or other scouting shirts) will be permitted as functions or outings dictate.! 1 of 8!

2 Please dress appropriately at meetings, outings and in our community. We promote the health, safety and welfare of our troop and we should strive to reflect that in our appearance. Remember, you represent yourself, your family, the troop and our sponsor, the American Legion Smith-Tobey Post 21. Nothing depicting alcohol, illegal substances, or tobacco is ever acceptable. We realize the expense of uniforms and accessories. Scouts outgrow their uniforms as fast as they are purchased. When your scout outgrows his uniform, please recycle it by utilizing our Uniform Exchange Program. Trade out one uniform for another, and please bring in the used uniform to be handed down. If you have any questions regarding this program please see our Uniform Exchange Coordinator. COMMUNICATION During the course of the scouting season there will be numerous handouts ranging from schedules, phone lists, permission slips and miscellaneous notices. Expect at least one handout per meeting. If a scout is absent it is his responsibility to get the information. We hold the scouts accountable for what they do or don t do. We realize that kids will forget things from time to time. Please ask your scout if he has any paperwork to fill or if there is any information passed out. Any concern you may have can be brought to the Troop Committee. If you need immediate attention, please feel free to call Scoutmasters Michael Guethle ( ), Steve Lunn ( ) or the Troop Committee Chair Leslie Trundy ( ). Your concerns & suggestions will be heard. PLANNED ABSENCE (PA) We understand kids have active lives and pursue many interests. We strongly encourage other activities as it helps facilitate responsibility and time management. If a scout is involved in another activity but still wants to participate in scouting, he may request a Planned Absence (PA). Please ask the committee chairs for the PA form. During a PA, a scout may participate in the events even if he can t make it to all the meetings. Requesting a PA does not negate a scout from paying his dues or fees for the events he chooses to do. It will be the responsibility of the scout to obtain the necessary information needed during his PA. Scouts on a PA are not eligible for any fundraising monies unless they partake in the event. Rank advancement during a PA cannot occur if the scout does not participate in any way with the troop. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Scouts involved in leadership positions (I.e. SPL, ASPL, PL, APL, etc ) require extra time and effort outside of normal troop meetings. Leaders are expected to be active in their role. When participating in other activities you need to maintain a consistent and organized schedule. As leaders you will be required to attend troop functions. You set the example! Scouting schedules are given well enough in advance for plans to be made. DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES (MENTAL/PHYSICAL) We welcome scouts of all abilities and families are encouraged to discuss their son s needs openly and freely, whether they are temporary or permanent. Every attempt will be made to include each scout to the maximum extent possible. Since Troop 621 participates in a wide variety of activities, proper planning for scouts with unique needs is a necessity. The Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmasters and Troop Committee will help the family to evaluate to what extent each scout will be able to participate in events, and what supports may be necessary for maximum benefit. Parents may be required to attend certain events to offer the necessary support. The Scoutmaster and the trip leader will make the final decision regarding participation in any event. The scout s ability, type of trip, level of support and supervision will be the determining factors. FUNDRAISING Fundraising events will be held throughout the scouting season to help with troop/scout expenses. All scouts are encouraged to actively participate in all Troop fundraising events (unless excused). Scout account fundraisers will also be available to help scouts raise funds in order to participate in Troop activities. Scouts are strongly encouraged to raise a specific amount for summer camp, end of year trips and other events, however it is their money to earn. Fundraising events fall into two categories: 1. Troop Fundraisers: these are required fundraisers for each troop member and the monies earned are split. 50% goes to the scout account and 50% goes to the troop s general fund.! 2 of 8!

3 2. Big Ticket Fundraisers: these are for trips of a grander scale. They may include yearend trips, high adventure programs or trips. 100% of the monies earned are put directly into the individual scout account. Parents/Leaders attending higher end trips can participate in these fundraisers. The money earned for these fundraisers are generally paid out by the number of hours worked at the events. TROOP EQUIPMENT Troop equipment is purchased when necessary. Each patrol and the adult leaders are issued all necessary equipment to be used on trips. Our Equipment Coordinator and each patrols quartermaster will be on hand when this equipment goes out. It will be signed in and out every time it leaves the shelf. Our policy is that any piece of equipment that goes out and is damaged or lost will be the responsibility of the patrol with which it belongs. If an individual has lost or damaged the equipment, it will be his responsibility to replace or repair it. If nobody wants to take responsibility, the entire patrol will take the responsibility to repair or replace it. Cleaning and maintaining (such as keeping tent stakes, bags and poles where they belong) this equipment will be strictly enforced. If it is not cleaned and put away properly, the responsible parties will spend their spare time or meeting time making sure it is done properly. If you use it, take care of it. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES If a scout has to be reprimand more than twice at any one meeting or outing, he will be suspended from the next meeting. If there are any issues at home, school or otherwise, please let us know. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident a form of reprimand may follow. If disciplinary action is necessary the incident will be evaluated. All significant accountability will go before the Troop Committee for approval. If the scout does not carry out the established accountability, he may be expelled from the troop. All incidents and accountability will be documented and kept on file. ADVANCEMENTS/MERIT BADGES 1. Boards of Review (BOR): A BOR is required to advance a scout to the next rank. BORs are comprised of at least 3 adults, (Scoutmasters and Asst. Scoutmasters are not eligible) and will take place once a scout has fulfilled all the requirements, completed a Scoutmaster Conference and filled out his pre-board paperwork. A BOR is not a test but a review of what the boy has learned. A BOR does not guarantee that a scout will progress to the next rank. If the board members do not feel the scout is ready to advance, another BOR will be scheduled. The next BOR will be scheduled when the board feels the scout is ready. BOR s can be scheduled any week except 1 week before a COH. Scouts must wear a complete class A uniform and have his scout book for a BOR. After a scout passes his BOR he must report to the Troop Advancement Coordinator. 2. Non - Advancing Board of Review (NABOR): A NABOR takes place as required. These can be done for disciplinary reasons, or even as a help me session, or a preview to a BOR. These NABOR help the leaders ensure no one falls stagnant in the troop. Adult leaders, parents, other scouts and committee members, can request a NABOR. 3. Merit Badges. Scouts may work on any merit badge at any time. Scouts need merit badges to give them the tools to lead and advance up the scouting ladder. A scout is required to earn 21 merit badges to earn the rank of Eagle, 13 required, 8 non-required merit badges. Merit badges may be earned at summer camp, troop merit badge classes, on their own, or at a merit badge college. The procedure for beginning a merit badge is (a) select a merit badge, (b) go to the troop Merit Badge Coordinator to receive a blue card, merit badge counselor name and number, (c) See the troop Librarian or obtain a Merit Badge Pamphlet on your own, (d) begin the merit badge. When you have finished the merit badge and spoken to your counselor, and all items are signed off, turn in your blue card to the Troop Advancement Coordinator. 4. Court of Honor: The Court of Honor is an awards ceremony to recognize the boys for their hard work on advancement, merit badges, or any other special award they may have earned. All family members and scouts are strongly encouraged to attend (even if your scout is not earning an award). We are recognizing the whole troop. All families contribute food or drinks for the Court of Honor. Courts of Honor take place three times a year (October, February and June). Our Courts of Honor also include parent meetings and information! 3 of 8!

4 sessions, including a time for families, friends and good food. TROOP TRIPS/OUTINGS Throughout the scouting season our troop will venture on many excursions that are fun, exciting and challenging. With a troop of our size, it takes time, leaders, commitment, volunteers, patience and money to make it all work. It is imperative that we adhere to all our guidelines, deadlines and commitments to make scouting an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. Please Note venture crew requirements-scouts must be 14 years of age and completed the 8 th grade and hold the position of star in the troop. 1) Tardiness: We will depart for all of our events from the American Legion unless otherwise specified. It is important to arrive minutes before departure to help facilitate packing of gear, head counts, proper equipment and drivers. Please call the trip advisor or patrol leader if you are going to be late. 2) Money & Permission Slips: All money and permission slips are due at the beginning of the meeting on the specified date. If you are unable to attend the meeting when slips are due, please make arrangements to get it there. It is important that we have what we need for planning purposes. 3) Non-Refundable Deposits: Scouts will be required to give non-refundable deposits for certain scouting events. This is due to deadlines and to ensure a proper head count for certain events or outings. Money that has been expended on behalf of the scout for an event cannot be returned. We understand emergencies happen and some things are out of both the control of the troop and the parents. 4) Pack Inspections: Tuesday before an event, scouts must bring their packs to the meeting for an inspection. Pack inspections are necessary to make sure scouts have the proper gear. An adult leader or older scout will inspect the pack. A correct pack can be kept at the Legion until departure. An incorrect pack will be sent home for the correct gear and will be re-inspected before departure. Sheath knives, radios, walkmans, CD players, I- pods, cell phones, bb guns or illegal material of any kind are not allowed on trips. This includes but is not limited to fireworks, cigarettes drugs or alcohol or weapons. If any of these materials are found during an inspection they will be confiscated and held until parents are able to pick up the item(s). Items will not be released to the scout. Anyone having illegal substances during a trip will be taken to the nearest police station to wait for your family. If you are unable to make the inspection, it is your responsibility to have your bag inspected before the trip. 5) Cell Phone Use: Cell phone use is limited to the adults only. Scouts do not need phones on a trip. Scouts will be allowed to use a phone to update families on our return time or to call home. 6) Drivers: Troop may only authorize scouts to ride with drivers who are 21 years or older and who are a registered driver with the troop. Scouts who are less than 21 years old may not drive themselves to a scout function without prior permission from the Trip Leader. They must also turn their keys over to the Trip Leader, if they are staying overnight. 7) Medications/Special Needs: Any medications, prescriptions or over-the-counter medicine must be in original containers. Parents must inform adult leader s information regarding dosage administration. The adult leaders must handle all medicine; however it is the responsibility of the scout to ask for his medication. If it is imperative for the scout to receive medication and he cannot be responsible to ask for his meds, then the parent will need to go on the trip. You are always welcome to request a meeting if you have any medical concerns. It is imperative that we be notified of any medical, medication or insurance changes with your child. In an emergency we need to be sure we have the most up to date medical information necessary as well as up to date contact information. In the case of a medical emergency or condition, physical or mental, a parent must be available to transport their child home or to an emergency facility. 8) Medical Forms: Each scout is required to fill out a medical form each year. Every participating adult must fill in a yearly medical form. High adventure scout camp may require separate forms. If a scout does not have these forms filled in, they cannot attend an outing, summer camp or any high adventure camp. All vaccinations require an actual date. 9) Parents who may or may not pick up a scout: Please make the adult leaders aware of any person or persons that are not allowed to pick up your child from meetings or outings. Your child s safety is our first concern. 10) Vehicle Information: When a scout joins the troop we will ask the parent to provide their vehicle information. This is for Tour Permits required by the BSA. This information protects and covers you and the boys in case of! 4 of 8!

5 an accident. We keep this information in a data base for use on all trips. Please be sure to notify us of any changes in insurance or vehicle status. 11) Parent Volunteers: Parent volunteers help to run a successful troop. The troop will ask parents to provide a variety of services and to perform certain duties. Drivers and extra parents on trips are always welcomed. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 1. Troop Committee (TC): The TC is comprised of adults that meet once a month to discuss the troop and oversee operations. There are a variety of positions. This is an excellent opportunity for the parents to become involved with their scouts. Every family should have one adult helping with the troop. The Scoutmaster or Asst. Scoutmasters do not have a vote at committee. Their role is to advise the committee of troop activities. The TC ensures the Scoutmaster and his Assistants run the troop according to BSA Policy and Procedures and Programs. 2. American Legion Smith-Tobey Post 21: This is our sponsoring organization. They provide us with a place to meet, have ceremonies, store our gear and help provide our troop with what we need. They are very good to our troop. There are three events that we require the boys to participate in. (1) Veteran s Day Ceremony - Nov. 11 th- (same date every year). We go to the cemetery on Oak Grove St. in Bath for a quick ceremony honoring our Veteran s. We are served a tremendous meal and help clean up. (2) Memorial Day Parade - We march in the parade with the Legion. Every scout should be in attendance, with the exception of those who play in school bands. (3) Flag Day Ceremony - a quick ceremony in which we help the Legion burn any US Flags that need to be destroyed. We are provided with a dinner afterwards. 3. Summer Camp: Every year our troop goes for a week to summer camp at one of the council locations. Scouts learn outdoor skills, fulfill rank requirements and earn merit badges. The troop is subject to additional rules enforced by the council leadership while at summer camp. Summer Camp is strongly encouraged. 4. Scout Accounts: Each boy has an individual account that will remain active as long as he is with the troop. Any money earned during troop fundraisers will be placed into this account. Any monies put into these accounts can be used for scouting events and/or scouting equipment only, this is not for personal use. If the account has a negative balance, the scout cannot draw from it until it is a positive balance. Parents may put money into these accounts at any time. If a scout wants to draw off this account he is to notify the Troop Treasurer. If a scout leaves the troop, the money goes into the troop general fund. If a scout transfers to another troop and would like to have the funds transferred, that request will be honored when he joins another troop, minus any outstanding funds. Any transferred funds will be sent to that particular troop. The money is automatically turned over to the troop s general fund if a request is not received within a year of the scout s transfer.! 5 of 8!

6 After reviewing this packet as a family, please complete the last page and return it to Leslie Trundy along with the dues of $65. Checks can be made payable to Troop 621. Please return the packet by Oct 24th, Thank you.! 6 of 8!

7 By signing, you agree that you understand & will abide by all the stated guidelines. Keep your copy of the guidelines. These Rules/Regulations are required to be signed & returned, for participation in troop activities. Talent Release Form I hereby assign and grant to the Boy Scouts of America the right and permission to use and publish the photographs/film/videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings made of me this date by the Boy Scouts of America, and I hereby release the Boy Scouts of America from any and all liability from such use and publication. I hereby authorize the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage and/or distribution of said photographs/film/videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings without limitation at the discretion of the Boy Scouts of America and I specifically waive any right to any compensation I may have for any of the foregoing. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone Number: Troop #: 621 Troop City: Bath, Maine Signed: Guardian: (if under the age of 18) Witness: Session Date: Any additional addresses: Home phone: Additional phone: Cell phone (parents): Cell phone (scout): Emergency name & number: Relationship to the scout: address (parents):! 7 of 8!

8 address (scout): What position can the parent (or adult) hold in the Troop? Vehicle information (please fill this in, even if there was no change in your vehicle from last year) KIND YEAR AND MAKE OF VEHICLE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS OWNER'S NAME WILL EVERYONE WEAR A SEATBELT? PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE PUBLIC LIABILITY EACH PERSON EACH ACCIDENT PROPERTY DAMAGE $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Dues Paid Date: Cash Check # Amount Paid Payment plan needed No Yes! 8 of 8!