Boy Scout Troop 308 Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures (Revised January 2013) INTRODUCTION Boy Scout Troop 308 is organized and chartered pursuant to the guidelines established by the Boy Scouts of America. The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to promote citizenship, to develop character, and to increase the physical and mental fitness of America s youth. The purpose of these Bylaws is to provide guidance to the Senior Patrol Leader, Scout Leadership, and the Scoutmaster on the proper operation of Troop 308. The Scoutmaster is responsible and has the authority to enforce these policies and encourage compliance by using the tried and true advice available in BSA publications. In addition to these Bylaws, The Boy Scout Handbook, and the Guide to Safe Scouting will guide Troop 308. The Troop is sponsored by St. Andrews United Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Mid- America Council, BSA, Soaring Eagle District. Its governing body is the Troop Committee which is composed of the parents of its Boy Scouts and other Scouting adults. In keeping with the Boy Scout Motto, Be Prepared, it is the goal of the Troop Committee to provide avenues where each Boy Scout can attain his greatest potential as an individual and as a contributor to tomorrow s society. In order that these goals may be achieved in a systematic and orderly manner, the Troop Committee has established the following Bylaws of Troop 308. 1. Eligibility for Membership 1.1 Scouts shall be at least 11 years old, or have completed the 5 th grade, or have earned the Arrow of Light, but not yet be 18 years old at time of registration. There is no requirement that a boy must have been a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout in order to join the Troop. 1.2 All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fees, which include the registration fee and Troop dues. 1.3 A parent or legal guardian must accompany each applicant at the time of registration. 1.4 Upon receipt of the required fees and dues, each boy will be assigned to a patrol with Scouts of his own age and when possible with whom he has previously been involved in Scouting. A Troop Guide will be assigned to each patrol of first year scouts when possible; however, the Troop Guide should not be a brother of a scout in that patrol, whenever possible. 1.5 Each Scout is required to pay annual dues and registration fees in full during the registration period for the next charter year. This registration period will be from October 1 thru November 15 of each year. 1.6 The new charter year begins January 1 st of each year. Only Scouts whose registrations are current may participate in Troop activities.
2. Troop Calendar 2.1 A Troop calendar shall be prepared by the Patrol Leadership Counsel (PLC), reviewed by the Troop Committee and distributed via the Troop Website in January of each year. 2.2 The calendar will schedule Troop Meetings, Campouts, Planned Service Projects, Planned Fund Raisers, Troop Committee Meetings, Board of Reviews, Court of Honors, summer camp, high adventure activities, other Troop Activities, and Council and District Activities including Order of the Arrow (OA) and Boy Scout and Leader Training Schedules. 2.3 Changes to the calendar will be conveyed verbally at Troop meetings, on the Troop Website, by e-mail and when necessary, telephone or U.S. Mail. 3. Parent Participation 3.1 A fair and equitable share of assistance is expected from each parent or guardian. Parents will be asked to furnish transportation to and from campouts and Troop activities. 3.2 Parents are expected to attend quarterly Courts of Honor. 3.3 Parents are encouraged to attend and assist with Troop meetings and other activities, including campouts and service projects. 3.4 Parents and other interested adults are encouraged to participate as adult leaders and to assist in the overall advancement of the Troop by serving as registered Troop Leaders, Merit Badge Councilors or Committee Members. All are welcome at Troop Committee Meetings. 3.5 Any adult involved with Troop activities must complete BSA Youth Protection Training and have the completed certificate on record with the Troop. 4. Scout Participation 4.1 A Scout must be active to reap the benefit of the Troop 308 program. Camping is the heart of Scouting, and the Troop expects Scouts to attend overnight camping trips and make every effort to attend annual summer camp. 4.2 Scouts who make commitments to participate in Troop activities should faithfully keep all such commitments. Failure to keep these commitments without a valid excuse shows poor Scout Spirit and may be considered at time of advancement. 4.3 Scouts who have signed up for an event will be expected to pay for the event. It is the discretion of the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair if the scout is to receive a refund for the event that he could not attend. 2
4.4 Scouts are encouraged to attend Troop activities and summer camp and won t be denied attendance due to financial hardship. This can be coordinated through the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair. 5. Uniforms 5.1 Scouting is a uniformed organization. All Scouts, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to have and wear a complete, neat and clean, official Class A Boy Scout uniform to all Troop meetings and Scouting functions, including all Scoutmaster conferences, boards of review, courts of honor and while traveling to and from scouting activities, including camping and hiking trips. All other adults registered in Troop 308 are encouraged to do the same. 5.1.1 The Senior Patrol Leader may designate the wearing of other clothes for Troop activities when it is deemed to be appropriate. 5.1.2 Scouts should be prepared to stand for a uniform inspection at any Troop meeting or activity. 5.1.3 At no time shall clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or designs be worn at Scout sponsored functions. Appropriateness shall be at the discretion of the adult leadership. 5.1.4 Adherence to uniform policies will be monitored by the Troop adult leadership and will be considered at time of advancement. 5.1.5 Scouts are strongly encouraged to wear Class B uniforms during summer camp. 5.2 Class A Uniform adopted by Troop 308 5.2.1 Official Boy Scout Shirt (Short or Long Sleeved, properly worn). 5.2.2 Uniform Insignia Properly affixed 5.2.2.1 Mid-America Council Patch 5.2.2.2 U.S. Flag Patch 5.2.2.3 Troop 308 Numerals (Available from Troop Treasurer) 5.2.2.4 Current Rank Patch 5.2.2.5 Patrol Patch 5.2.2.6 World Brotherhood of Scouting patch 5.2.2.7 Other approved temporary patches 5.2.2.8 Name tag 5.2.2.9 Journey to Excellence Patch 5.2.3 Approved Neckerchief w/slide Includes Troop 308 (Red with Blackembroidered edging), Earned Eagle Scout, Jamboree, Philmont or other official BSA neckerchief. 5.2.3.1 Troop 308 Neckerchief only, will be worn for special events as directed by SPL. 5.2.3.2 Neckerchief is not required for Troop Meetings or camp departure. 5.2.3.3 Neckerchief is required for Scoutmaster Conference, Board of Review and Court of Honor. 5.2.4 Long pants or shorts w/ belt loops (jeans permitted) - No sweat pants, gym shorts or cut-offs. 5.2.5 Belts will be required with pants and shorts for inspections. 5.2.6 Socks and shoes required. (Tennis shoes permitted, but no open toed shoes). 3
5.2.7 Merit Badge sash or OA sash may be worn at Scoutmaster s Conferences, Board of Review, Court of Honor and other activities as determined by the SPL. 5.2.8 Rope attached to belt loop 5.2.9 NBZ claws or black diamond 5.3 Class B Uniform adopted by Troop 308 5.3.1 Troop 308 T-shirt or other BSA related T-shirt or plain solid color t-shirt 5.3.2 No uniform insignias required. 5.3.3 Long pants or shorts w/belt loops (jeans permitted) - No sweat pants, gym shorts or cut-offs. 5.3.4 Belt will be required with pants and shorts for inspections. 5.3.5 Socks and shoes required. (Tennis shoes permitted, but no open toed shoes). 6. Youth Leadership 6.1 Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) 6.1.1 A Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) governs Troop 308. The voting members will consist of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and all Patrol Leaders (PL). Other Troop level leadership positions including Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Troop Scribe, Troop Quartermaster, Troop Guide(s), Chaplain s Aide, Historian, and OA Representative, are expected to attend. The SPL or his designate will conduct all PLC meetings and Troop activities. 6.1.2 PLC Meetings are generally held prior to Troop meetings on a Monday or more often as required and all voting members are expected to attend. 6.1.3 The PLC shall meet for minimum of 1 hour to evaluate and plan the current month s activities and to plan the next month s activities, including Troop meetings, camping trips, service projects, fundraising and other activities. The adult in charge of the next camping trip or activity will be expected to attend. 6.1.4 The Scoutmaster is an ex-officio member of the PLC and attends as coach and informational resource. Troop Committee members, and other interested adults or Scouts may attend, but they must make prior arrangements with the SPL if they wish to bring business to the PLC. The SPL may invite other scouts or adults to attend monthly PLC meetings. 6.1.5 The PLC will work with the Scoutmaster to develop the annual Troop Calendar. 6.1.6 Attendance at PLC meetings is an activity required for the fulfillment of the requirements of holding a Troop Leadership Position. The Troop Scribe will take attendance of which scouts attend the PLC. 6.2 Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) 6.2.1 Active Scout 6.2.2 Rank of Star or above. 6.2.3 At least 14 years old. 6.2.4 Have completed a week long campout. 6.2.5 Have previously served in a Troop Leadership Position. 4
6.2.6 Twelve (12) month term by Troop election and Scoutmaster approval. 6.2.7 Completion of Troop Leader Training. 6.2.8 Completion of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is expected. 6.2.9 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.2.10 An interview with the Scoutmaster which will include the parents of the scout, so they fully understand what is required of the SPL position. 6.3 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) 6.3.1 Active Scout 6.3.2 Rank of First Class or above. 6.3.3 At least 13 years old. 6.3.4 Have completed a week long campout. 6.3.5 Previously served as Patrol Leader or in another Troop Leadership Position. 6.3.6 Six (6) month term by Troop election and Scoutmaster approval. 6.3.7 Completion of Troop Leader Training. 6.3.8 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), or willing to attend NYLT while ASPL. 6.3.9 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.3.10 An interview with the Scoutmaster which will include the parents of the scout, so they fully understand what is required of the ASPL position. 6.4 Patrol Leader (PL) 6.4.1 Active Scout 6.4.2 Rank of First Class or higher, except first year patrols. 6.4.3 Have completed a week long campout or three weekend campouts, except first year patrols. 6.4.4 Six (6) month term by patrol election and SM approval. 6.4.5 Completion of Troop Leader Training, except first year patrols. 6.4.6 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), or willing to attend NYLT while PL, except first year patrols. 6.4.7 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.5 Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) 6.5.1 Six (6) month term by patrol election and Scoutmaster approval. (Note: This is not a Troop Leadership Position for Advancement) 6.5.2 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.6 Other Troop Leadership Positions 6.6.1 Rank of First Class Scout is recommended. 6.6.2 Scout will submit Leadership Position Application 6.6.3 Positions appointed by Scoutmaster. 6.6.3.1 Troop Scribe 6.6.3.2 Troop Librarian 6.6.3.3 Troop Historian 6.6.3.4 Troop Quartermaster 6.6.3.5 Troop Guide 6.6.3.6 Chaplains Aide 6.6.3.7 Den Chief 5
6.6.3.8 OA Representative 6.6.3.9 Webmaster 6.6.3.10 Instructor: Safety Officer, Nani-ba-zhu Representative 6.6.3.11 Leave No Trace 6.6.3.12 Bugler 6.6.4 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.7 Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) 6.7.1 Rank of Life Scout or above. 6.7.2 Minimum of 16 years of age. 6.7.3 Scoutmaster appointment required. 6.7.4 Not subject to a term or election. 6.7.5 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.8 General Requirements of Troop Leadership Positions 6.8.1 Regular attendance at Troop meetings and activities. Excused absences will be accepted at the discretion of the Scoutmaster. 6.8.2 Carry out the required duties of the position. 6.8.3 Demonstrate Scout Spirit. 6.8.4 Failure to fulfill points 6.8.1, 6.8.2, or 6.8.3 may result in loss of the Troop Leadership position and the time will not count toward leadership advancement. 6.8.5 Removal of an individual from a leadership position maybe requested by the PLC, with final decisions by Scoutmaster. 6.9 Troop Elections 6.9.1 Troop elections will be held in October and in April. 6.9.2 Terms of office are to be six (6) Months, except SPL which will be a twelve (12) month term. 6.9.3 Patrol elections will be held the same night as Troop elections, immediately after the Troop election. 6.9.4 A Scout does not have to be present to be elected, but must have given his request to the Scoutmaster to be considered for the position. 6.9.5 Consecutive terms in the same office are permitted only with the approval of the Scoutmaster. 6.9.6 Signups for the ballot MUST be done 1 week in advance of the actual election. 7. Troop Committee (TC) 7.1 The Troop Committee is the governing body of the Troop. It is responsible for providing adult leadership and support for Troop activities. 7.2 Troop Committee meetings are generally held at 6:00 PM at St. Andrews United Methodist Church during the next week following the Soaring Eagle District Roundtable each month or at the discretion of the Committee Chair. The District Roundtable meeting is the first Thursday of each month. 7.3 Troop Committee Functions 6
7.3.1 Reviewing Troop Activities 7.3.2 Communications 7.3.3 Fundraising 7.3.4 Troop Fiscal Matters 7.3.5 Advancement Records and Reports 7.3.6 Troop Equipment 7.3.7 Coordinate the Logistics for Troop Activities 7.3.8 Training 7.4 Troop Committee positions will be assigned by a quorum vote during the October Committee Meeting and will be for a term of two years. 7.5 Troop Committee Positions 7.5.1 Committee Chair 7.5.2 Secretary 7.5.3 Treasurer 7.5.4 Charter Organization Representative (Appointed by Charter Organization) 7.5.5 Equipment Coordinator 7.5.6 Training Coordinator 7.5.7 Advancement Chair (i.e. advancement, merit badges) 7.5.8 Fundraising Chair (i.e. popcorn, holiday greens, camp cards) 7.5.9 Webmaster (IT) Chair 7.5.10 Chaplain 7.5.11 Camping Chair 7.5.12 Service Projects Chair 7.6 Other Committee Members 7.6.1 All parents are encouraged to participate in committee meetings and activities, and become registered committee members by completing an adult application form and listing committee member as their position. Only registered Committee members may vote on issues before the Committee. 7.6.2 The Troop will pay the annual dues for all active committee members. 7.7 Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, SPL (or representative), and Unit Commissioners are not committee members and are not eligible to vote on committee issues, but are encouraged to attend Troop Committee meetings. 7.8 Each Committee Member shall be entitled to one vote. 7.9 A quorum is defined as all those present at a given Troop Committee meeting, who are eligible to vote (registered committee member), but in no case can fewer than 5 members be declared as a quorum. 8. Adult Leadership 8.1 Scoutmaster (SM) 7
8.1.1 The Scoutmaster shall be elected from a list of approved candidates by a majority of voting Troop Committee members where a defined quorum is present. 8.1.2 There is no specific term of service. 8.1.3 The Scoutmaster shall be responsible for conducting the Troop programs, giving guidance to the SPL in leading the Troop. 8.1.4 In the absence of the Scoutmaster, the Scoutmaster shall designate an Assistance Scoutmaster to serve in his/her place as Troop adult leader-incharge. 8.1.5 The Scoutmaster will complete all required training for the position as soon as possible. The Scoutmaster is encouraged to attend Wood Badge training. 8.2 Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) 8.2.1 ASM shall be appointed with the approval of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee. 8.2.2 Number of ASMs can vary with Troop size, but will have at least a number equal to number of patrols. 8.2.3 ASM shall assist the Scoutmaster in conducting the Troop program, giving guidance to the SPL and other Troop leadership positions in leading the Troop. 8.2.4 ASM shall provide support and assistance during Troop meetings, campouts, and at other Troop events. 8.2.5 An ASM shall be assigned to each patrol to provide guidance as needed. 8.2.6 ASM are expected to complete all required training for the position as soon as possible. 9. Troop Meetings, Board of Reviews. Court of Honors 9.1 Troop Meetings 9.1.1 Troop Meetings will be held from 7:00-8:30 PM, Monday nights at St. Andrews United Methodist Church 15050 West Maple Road, Omaha, NE Meetings will normally be held weekly during the year as scheduled in the Troop Calendar, except when school is cancelled due to inclement weather or at Troop discretion. (If either Omaha or Millard Public Schools are closed due to weather, the meeting will be cancelled). 9.1.2 A Service Patrol (SP) shall be assigned for each meeting and will be scheduled on the Troop calendar. The service patrol shall be responsible for setting up the Troop-meeting site prior to the meeting, and returning the site to its original condition after the meeting. The Scoutmaster, his designee, or the SPL must dismiss the service patrol before they leave. 9.1.3 A Program Patrol (PP) shall be assigned for each meeting and will be scheduled on the Troop calendar. The program patrol shall be responsible for opening and closing ceremony (flags, prayer, and other duties as assigned). 9.1.4 Scouts on the SP should arrive 10 minutes before the meeting, and should expect to leave 5 minutes after the meeting. 9.1.5 Scouts must wear the designated uniform and have with them the Scout Handbook, notebook, and pen or pencil in his possession at all Troop meetings. 8
9.1.6 At least two (2) adult leaders (usually the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster) must be present at each meeting. If two (2) adult leaders are not present, the meeting will be cancelled. 9.2 Communication Tree 9.2.1 Information needing to be communicated to the Troop should start with the Senior Patrol Leader Scoutmaster Patrol Leaders Committee Chairman Assistant Scoutmasters Patrol Members Committee Members Senior Patrol Leader, who will utilize the Communication Tree as appropriate. 9.2.2 Information that needs to be distributed through the Troop shall follow the diagram shown above. 9.2.3 Email will be used to facilitate the majority of Troop communications. 9.3 Board of Review 9.3.1 Held on an as needed basis at each Troop meeting for Scouts advancing in rank for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. 9.3.2 Scheduled once per month at Troop meetings for Star and Life ranks. Scouts are expected to notify the Committee Chair at least one week in advance that they need to be scheduled for the next Board of Review. Scoutmaster Conference should be completed a week in advance if possible. 9.3.3 On a limited basis additional Board of Reviews may be scheduled if necessary. 9.3.4 Troop Committee Chairman will arrange for at least 3 Committee members to be present on the scheduled Board of Review night and will arrange with the Advancement Chair to have the scout s records available for review. 9.3.5 Eagle Board of Review will be scheduled with District as needed. 9.4 Court of Honor 9.4.1 Court of Honor are meetings to recognize awards, achievements, and advancements of our scouts. 9.4.2 Scouts and their parents are expected to attend each Court of Honor whether or not they are receiving an award or advancement. This is to show scout spirit and recognition for those who have advanced. 9.4.3 The Troop Court of Honor will be held quarterly at St. Andrews United Methodist Church or other designated location as determined by the PLC. 9
10. Advancement 9.4.4 An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is convened as needed to recognize Scouts who achieve the rank of Eagle. These are planned by the Eagle Scout honoree. 10.1 General 10.1.1 Scouts should attend all meetings, as meetings will help them achieve those requirements needed for their advancement. 10.1.2 Attendance at Summer Camp is highly recommended because a great deal of advancement will be offered and can be completed at camp. 10.1.3 Parents may not sign off on advancement for their own son, but must be signed by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. 10.1.4 First Year Scouts in Troop 308 are encouraged to advance to the rank of First Class Scout during their first 18 months in the Troop. 10.1.5 Activities at Troop Meetings and outings will be planned to allow the scouts to progress towards this goal. 10.1.6 Completion of Service Hours 10.1.6.1 Service Hours to be pre-approved by Scoutmaster 10.2 Merit Badges. 10.2.1 See Procedures to Earn a Merit Badge in Troop 308 11. Troop Activities 11.1 Permission Slips 11.1.1 All scouts wishing to participate in any Troop activity away from the Troop meeting site must provide a written permission form signed by his parent(s) or guardian(s). 11.1.2 The form is available on the Troop Website and is good for one year and will be renewed annually. 11.2 Campouts / Lock-Ins 11.2.1 Troop campouts will be conducted with a minimum of 4 registered leaders present. 11.2.2 One additional adult is recommended for each additional group of 10 scouts over 40 scouts. 11.2.3 All drivers and accompanying adults must complete Youth Protection Training. 11.2.4 No overnight campouts will be scheduled without the approval of the Troop Committee. 11.2.5 Each scout is expected to carry all personal items they intend to take on a camping trip and their share of patrol equipment as required. It is expected they will be able to pack all of these items in such a way that they can be carried to the campsite from the parking area in one trip. Backpacks are highly recommended. Exceptions to this requirement will be authorized in advance of the camping trip by the SPL. This requirement will be waived for summer camp. 10
11.2.6 The Troop Committee will set a yearly fee for Troop campouts each "budget year" (generally August) based upon the costs associated with camping the prior year. Occasionally, the scouts will attend campouts that require additional fees, and those will be handled on a case-by-case basis. A certain portion of the costs will be given to the patrol "grub master" to pay for food for the campout. Receipts from the patrol grub master are due to the Treasurer within two weeks of the campout to receive reimbursement. 11.2.7 In the event a Scout forgets the money, or is not present at the Troop meeting, the fee will be deducted from their scout account following the campout. 11.2.8 Scouts that commit to going to an event are expected to pay for the event. Refunds are at the discretion of the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair if the scout is unable to attend. 11.3 High Adventure Trips 11.3.1 High Adventure Trips are classified into beginner, intermediate, and experienced categories. Examples of Beginner High Adventure trips are Summer Camp, monthly campouts, and 10-mile hikes. Examples of Intermediate High Adventure trips include regional trips for backpacking or canoeing. Examples of Experience High Adventure trips include expeditions to Philmont, canoeing Boundary Waters, whitewater rafting in Colorado, rock climbing, and non-regional backpacking trips. 11.3.2 Every participant must meet the prerequisites of a trip defined in the High Adventure Approval form for that particular trip. This form will be completed by the crew members and/or the PLC, and approved by the Troop Committee. Scouts should start out with beginner trips and work up to trips that require more experience and training. 11.3.3 Adult participation in High Adventure and long-term camps shall follow BSA Youth Protection guidelines. The number of adults shall be limited to the number of adults defined in the High Adventure Approval form for that particular trip. A limit of not more than half the number of Scouts participating (20 Scouts; not more than 10 adults) should be used as a guideline for determining how many adults may attend a particular event. 11.3.4 Adults shall be selected for participation in High Adventure events using the following prioritization 11.3.4.1 Adult(s) coordinating the event 11.3.4.2 Registered adult leaders who have been active in Troop activities during the year (weighting based upon extent of involvement) 11.4 Troop Equipment 11.4.1 Troop equipment will consist of most major camping items, including tents, dining tarps, camp stoves, Dutch ovens, patrol cook boxes and lanterns. 11.4.2 Equipment that is signed out for use at Troop events shall be the responsibility of the individual until the Quartermaster or his designee checks the equipment to assure that it has been returned in its entirety. 12. Personal Equipment 11
12.1 Each individual scout will be responsible for the safety and care of their own personal equipment. 12.2 Each scout is required to provide his own personal mess kit, water bottle, sleeping bag and any other personal camping equipment required for Troop camping trips. He is encouraged to have backpack for carrying these items. A full list is available on the Troop Website. 12.3 Each Scout may possess a scout knife or its equivalent. The blade must not be longer than 2 ½ and be a folding/locking type. A Scout may not use a knife, saw or axe unless he has earned the Tote n Chip. 12.4 Scouts and adult leaders may carry any equipment they deem necessary for their comfort on outdoor activities, as long as it is not excessive, can be suitably packed and carried into the campsite and it is not otherwise disallowed. 12.5 Scouts are not permitted to use personal electronic devices (i.e., cell phone, radio, television, player recorder, electronic games, personal computer, etc) at Troop activities or on campouts, unless specifically authorized by the Scoutmaster. 13. Troop Purchases / Financial Affairs 13.1 Only authorized Troop Committee Members and the Scoutmaster may incur major costs on behalf of the Troop. 13.1.1 The Troop Advancement Chairman, but only for the purposes of purchasing awards, badges, and other special recognition. 13.1.2 The Equipment Coordinator to the extent authorized by the Troop Committee. 13.1.3 The Camping Coordinator, but only for the purposes of reserving PLC approved activity fees (such as camp ground reservations). 13.1.4 The Troop Treasurer or the Scoutmaster to the extent necessary to carry out the functions of their offices. Reimbursements for costs incurred on behalf of the Troop will be made only upon presentation of a sales slip, invoice, bill, etc., representing the cost within 30 days of incurrence. Only the Troop Treasurer and one other person chosen by him/her and approved by the Troop Committee will be authorized to issue checks on the accounts of the Troop. 13.1.5 All other expenses to be incurred by the Troop must receive the approval of the Troop Committee. 13.1.6 The Troop Committee shall set dues on an annual basis no later than July 31 for the next charter year. Dues shall be payable October 1, but not later than November 15. 13.1.7 Funds earned by the Scouts from Troop fundraising shall be placed in a long-term account designated for that Scout and may be used only by that Scout or parent for any approved Scout expenses (Camp, High Adventure, fees, etc). Use of scout account funds for Troop activities will be by written or verbal request of the parent or scout and acknowledged by Troop Treasurer or designate. A Scout account cannot be used if it does not have sufficient funds to cover cost of the activity. Parents, who wish, may supplement the Scout Account with additional funds to be used for Scout Activities. All funds remaining in the account from fundraising 12
activities when a scout leaves the Troop or becomes 18 shall revert to Troop general funds. An exception for scouts over 18 that continue on to be an ASM. These Scout Accounts can remain active for use to attend Troop activities. Scouts transferring to another Troop may directly transfer his Scout Account funds to that new Troop upon receipt of a written request. 13.1.8 Scout account activity log with current balance will be distributed to the Scouts at each regular Court of Honor and will be available upon request from the Troop Treasurer. Discrepancies to the scout account must be brought to the attention of the Troop Treasurer within 30 days of the Court of Honor or receipt of the log. 14. Discipline 14.1 The Troop discipline will be in accordance with the Safe Guide to Scouting. 14.2 Scout behavior will be in accordance with the Scout Law, Scout Oath, and Outdoor Code at all times. As such, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster reserve the right to exclude any Scout from an activity who, by reason of his behavior, fails to conform to these standards from any and all Troop activities. 14.3 The Scoutmaster has the authority to discipline a scout, including temporary or permanent suspension, for conduct inconsistent with the scouting ideals. This can include cursing, harassment, and disrespect to leadership, dangerous behavior that involves the health, safety and welfare of other scouts. He may consult the Troop Committee if necessary. 14.4 Chain of command for Problem Resolution 14.4.1 The PL or his designee 14.4.2 The SPL or his ASPLs 14.4.3 Assistant Scoutmasters 14.4.4 Scoutmaster or his/her designee 14.4.5 Troop Committee 14.5 It is Troop policy that once a Scout has been warned about an objectionable behavior, that any subsequent occurrence may be grounds for requiring that the Scout contact his parent to come pick him up from the activity. This will only be done with the approval of the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster s. 15. Amending Bylaws and Troop Procedures 15.1 The PLC and Troop Committee may recommend changes or amendments to these Bylaws. Changes and amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by a quorum vote of the members present at a Troop Committee Meeting. 13
Troop Committee Signatures Secretary Date Scoutmaster Date Troop Committee Chair Date Charter Organization Date 14
Violation of Prohibited Activities 1st Offense: Scout will receive a warning from the Senior Patrol Leader. An adult leader will be notified. 2 nd Offense: The scout will have a talk with an adult leader in the Troop. The parents will be notified. 3 rd Offense: The scout will be accompanied by a parent to all Troop activities. This means the scout cannot go to a meeting, go camping, or do anything with the Troop, unless he is accompanied by a parent for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. 4 th Offense: Parents will be contacted and a meeting will be scheduled with the scout, his parents, the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman. At this meeting the scout and his parents will be informed that he will be put on probation for a period not to exceed 90 days. Probation means the scout can attend regular Troop meetings with a parent, but cannot attend other Troop activities. 5 th Offense: Parents will again be contacted and a meeting will be scheduled with the scout, his parents, the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman. At this meeting the scout and his parents will be informed that he will be put on suspension for a period not to exceed 180 days. Suspension does not allow the scout to attend any Troop activities. After the end of the suspension period the scout will need to contact the Scoutmaster to set up a meeting. This meeting will involve the scout, his Parents, the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman. At this meeting the scout s interest in fully participating in the Troop s activities and or events, the scout will need to agree to abide by Troop 308 s bylaws. 15
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Acknowledgement of Troop 308 Bylaws By signing below, we acknowledge that we have received a copy of Troop 308 Bylaws, have reviewed the discipline policy and are willing to accept and abide by them. Scout s Signature Date Parent s Signature Date 17