Troop 784 Sponsored by First United Methodist Church- Clermont Re-established, August 2007 Our main objective is to ensure the Scouts of Troop 784 realize the fun and adventure of scouting while developing moral and ethical character as well as growing to be leaders in their homes, schools, communities and world. Troop Guidelines Troop 784 will be governed by the rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, the rules and regulations set forth by the Central Florida Council and by these Troop Guidelines. The troop will operate under the patrol method outlined in the various handbooks and manuals produced by the Boy Scouts of America. In cases of conflicts between these guidelines and the rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America and the rules and regulations set forth by the Central Florida Council; the official rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America and the Central Florida Council shall take precedence over these guidelines. MEETINGS Weekly Troop meetings are held Mondays from 7pm to 8:30 pm at FUMC- Clermont. Observed holidays are the exception to this schedule. Scouts should attend all meetings and activities in proper Scout uniform, and have their Scout Handbook, paper and pencil with them at each activity. Parents are expected to have the Scout at the meeting and activities prior to the beginning of the meeting or activity and to pick him up not later than 10 minutes after the scheduled end of the meeting or activity. SCOUT PARTICIPATION All Scouts registered with the unit are expected to actively participate in the Troop meetings and activities. Lack of participation for six months, with or without an excused absence from the Scoutmaster, will be referred to the Patrol Leaders Conference for a recommendation to the Scoutmaster whether or not to retain the Scout in the Troop. The Troop Committee will make the final decision in the matter. For participation in any Troop-sponsored High Adventure activity, a Scout must have physically attended at least 50% of all Troop meeting and activities during the prior 12 months and be 14 years old. Each rank has a requirement to demonstrate scout spirit. The following are the attendance requirements that are required as a part of demonstrating scout spirit. Since the Scouts last advancement or past 6 months, whichever is less: 1. Attend over 50% of the meetings.* 2. Attend the Courts of Honors. (Or be excused from attendance by the Scoutmaster) 3. In addition to regular Scout meetings, each Scout is required to attend at least one outdoor event per quarter. 4. Support the fundraisers and service projects of the Troop. 5. For leadership, the attendance requirement for each position is listed in the specific job description. * For the 50% requirement, with prior Scoutmaster Approval, 1 other activity season (i.e. Wrestling, Baseball, etc.) may be excluded from the calculation. ADULT/ PARENT PARTICIPATION The troop cannot function without Adult/Parent support. Each family is expected to volunteer in some aspect with the Troop. One adult per family is required to: Hold an adult leadership position (i.e., be a Troop Committee member or a member of a subcommittee), OR Be an active Assistant Scoutmaster, regularly attending meetings and outings Before participating in any boy activities, all adults/parents must first submit to a background check and attend FUMC-Clermont Safe Sanctuary Training. 2013 2014: January 2014-1 -
UNIFORM CLASS A or FIELD Uniform: the Class A uniform will be worn to all Troop functions during the scouting/school year. It will be worn to all Troop meetings, Courts of Honor, and while traveling to and from all Troop activities (per insurance regulations), or whenever the Troop is in the public eye. The Scoutmaster may vary this as necessary. Pants and shirt - Official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long or short sleeve shirt with red shoulder loops. Socks - Official olive socks (with red tops). Troop neckerchief and slide - Troop provides upon joining. Belt - Official Boy Scout olive web belt with metal Boy Scout buckle. Troop hat CLASS B Uniform: the Class B uniform will be worn for some outings and designated activities where full Class A is not necessary. Pants Official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts. Shirt Scouting tee shirt. Socks Official olive socks. Belt - Official Boy Scout olive web belt with metal Boy Scout buckle. Troop hat CLASS C Uniform: the Class C Uniform will typically be worn for service projects. Other circumstances may also be deemed appropriate by the Scoutmaster. Shirt Scouting tee shirt. Shorts, long pants, or jeans TROOP EQUIPMENT The Troop will purchase and maintain the necessary equipment to support the Troop s camping activities. Scouts using this equipment are expected to respect and maintain it. Any deliberate neglect or damage to the Troop equipment will be paid for by the Scout who caused the damage. PATROL PARTICIPATION All Scouts are expected to participate within their patrols at all times. All activities will be conducted around the patrol as a unit, and all patrols will operate within the unit of the Troop. COURTS OF HONOR Courts of Honor will be held by the Troop to recognize the achievements of the Scouts (2-4 times/year). BOARDS OF REVIEW Boards of Review will be held at least monthly for those Scouts desiring advancement. The Troop Advancement Chair will schedule these meetings. The Scout must arrange for his Scoutmaster conference no later than one week before his scheduled Board of Review. OUTINGS (Outdoor Campouts, Day Activities) The Buddy System will be strictly enforced at all outings. No Scouts are to leave the Troop without a buddy and without informing their respective patrol leader or the Scoutmaster as to where they are going and when they will return. Trail and camp discipline will be adhered to at all times by Scouts when on outings. No horseplay will be allowed on outings. No food, eating, or open flames will be allowed in tents. All Scouts are expected to maintain appropriate standards of personal hygiene on all outings. The Troop will establish a timeline and communicate when outings should be registered for and paid for. Cost of outings will include camping/activity fees, food purchase, transportation costs, and any required extra fees. Failure to indicate positive desire to participate in the activity and to have the necessary fees required for the activity will result in the Scout being excused from participation. However, if the Scout indicates that he will be participating and is unable to attend, his money will not be refunded. No Scout will be allowed to attend an outing without a signed parental release. At least two registered adults (21 or older) will participate in each Troop activity, including Patrol functions. No function or activity will occur without at least two adults and two Scouts participating. FUMC Safe Sanctuary requires a 20 boy to 2 adult ratio. No one under 21 years old and who is not properly insured will be allowed to drive a vehicle to, from or during any Scout activity. A driver is required to have one seat belt available for each Scout traveling in their vehicle. 2013 2014: January 2014-2 -
REGISTRATION COSTS New Boy Joining Fee: $200.00 non refundable (covers Troop related items and Scout Handbook if applicable, share of camping and Troop equipment, first year operating costs) Annual Troop Membership Renewal Fee: $65.00 (covers operating costs and Troop equipment) OUTDOOR CAMPOUT COSTS Outdoor Campout costs shall be established by the parents at the annual Program Calendar Meeting. FUNDRAISING Fundraisers enable the boys to earn money to help cover costs, and provide funds for the Troop to purchase equipment and accomplish its program for the year. Each year the Troop (boys and adults) will identify possible fundraising opportunities and the event is organized by the Fundraising Coordinator. The Troop Committee will determine, based on the fundraiser and the needs of the boys/troop, how the realized funds will be distributed between boys and the Troop s general account. Individual Scout accounts will be established and contributed to by means of fundraising activities, as well as through parents deposits. The balance of each Scout s earnings will be available upon request. Scouts may use their earned money only for Scout events and/or outings. If a Scout departs the Troop, their boy account and their parent/guardian adult account balances will be refunded within a reasonable timeframe. BOY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS The leadership positions are outlined in the appropriate Scout manuals. All Scout positions are for a minimum of a term of six months. Any Scout elected to a position that does not fulfill his position through neglect of his duties or lack of participation for three consecutive weeks may be relieved of his position and another Scout will be elected or appointed to it. Specific Troop guidelines on these positions are as follows: Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) 1. At least 16 years old. 2. Recommended by the Scoutmaster. 3. Approved by the Committee. 4. Achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) 1. At least 14 years old. 2. Previously served as Patrol Leader. 3. Active in the troop with a participation rate greater than 75% over the previous six months. 4. JLTC or BLT trained. 5. Maintain regular attendance with a participation rate greater than 85% at Troop activities. 6. Have a minimum rank of Life. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) 1. Have same requirements as SPL. 2. Be the 1 st -Runner up in SPL election. Patrol Leader 1. Active in the troop with a participation rate greater than 75% over the previous six months. 2. Maintain regular attendance with a participation rate greater than 75% at Troop activities. 3. Have a minimum rank of First Class. Quartermaster 1. Active in the Troop for at least six months. 2. Minimum rank of 1 st Class. Scribe 1. Active in the Troop for at least six months. 2. Minimum rank of 1 st Class. Troop Historian 1. Active in the Troop for at least six months. 2. Minimum rank of 1 st Class. 2013 2014: January 2014-3 -
PATROL LEADER CONFERENCE (PLC) The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Scribe and Quartermaster will comprise the PLC. The individuals holding these positions are expected to participate with the Troop at all Troop activities. Requests for these individuals to participate on Camporee staffs, etc will not be approved during their term of office. DISCIPLINE Parents will be required to pick up their sons from any Scouting meeting or activity if the Scout is causing a discipline problem. The parents of the Scout must then meet with the Scoutmaster and/or the Committee before the Scout may return to participation in the Troop. Any disciplinary action taken by the Scoutmaster may be appealed to the Troop committee by the parents of the Scout involved. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES During Scout events, outings and activities there will be No alcohol or illegal drugs No smoking (adult smoking is to be done out of the sight of the youth) No swearing or dirty jokes No fireworks No fighting No knives with blades longer than 4 inches No knives with blades that cannot be folded into the knife clasp Engaging in these activities will not be tolerated. Additionally, knowingly jeopardizing the safety of the Scout or other Scouts or any other activities inconsistent with the Scout Oath or Scout Law, will not be tolerated. Misbehavior and Disrespect by Scouts will be handled by the following chain of command: Meeting with Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. Conference with Scoutmaster and /or Assistant Scoutmaster. Conference with Scout, Scoutmaster and parent/guardian. At any of the above levels the scout may be given a task to complete as part of the disciplinary process. The Scoutmaster or his representative will have final decision as to disciplinary action of Scouts at all Troop activities. Certain behaviors are unacceptable in Troop 784. Offenses worthy of probation/suspension include but are not limited to: Fighting, pushing, tripping or other actions, which may cause injuries. Physically or verbally abusing another Scout. Intentional actions, which cause property damage. Socially unacceptable actions. Disobeying a direct order by a leader. Acting disrespectfully to a leader. Instigating another scout to commit any of the above offenses. If a Scout commits any of the above offenses, an adult leader may immediately issue a written statement to the Scout informing him that he has been put on one-month probation. As part of the probation: The Scout must immediately call his parents to pick him up (even if on an overnight). This call will be followed by a call to the parents from an adult leader to explain the situation. A parent must accompany the Scout on the next scheduled event (meeting or overnight). The scout, parent, Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman and the adult leader who issued the probation will meet and discuss what occurred. If during the probation, the Scout commits another offense listed above, he will be suspended from all Troop activities for one month. When a scout returns from suspension, he will continue to be on probation for another month. If a Scout is suspended twice within six months the Troop Committee will consider expulsion from the Troop. 2013 2014: January 2014-4 -
Troop 784 Organization Structure Charter Organization - The Charter Organization for Troop 784 is First United Methodist Church - Clermont. They apply for a national charter which must be renewed annually to support the Scouting Program as part of its work within the community. It is the responsibility of the Charter Organization to appoint a Charter Organization Representative, select the Scoutmaster and appoint a Troop Committee. The Chartered Organization must also approve all adult leaders. Term of Office for all Adult Troop Positions The term of office for all adult positions is one year. Annually, changes may be made in the Adult Troop Positions based on: Individual continued interest in their current position Performance over the last year in that position This annual review is designed to ensure talent to task and provide objective feedback to those holding leadership positions. Charter Organization Representative: Mike Latham Is a member of the Chartered Organization Serves as head of "Scouting Department" in the organization Maintains a close liaison with the Troop Committee Chairman Helps recruit other adult leaders Serves as a liaison between the Troop and the Chartered Organization Assists with Unit re-chartering [each December the Troop must go through a re-chartering process] Encourages service to the Organization Is an active and involved member of the district committee Scoutmaster: Dan Monaghan The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for the image and program of the Troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster's job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the Troop. Appointed by the head of the Chartered Organization. Train and guide boy leaders. Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys. Use the Methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. Meetings: Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council (PLC) for training and coordination in planning Troop activities. Attend all Troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute. Attend Troop committee meetings. Conduct periodic parents' sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation. Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and Charter presentation. Guidance: Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences for all rank advancements. Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are properly registered. Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, Troop committee) so that they have a real part in Troop operations. Supervise Troop elections for the Order of the Arrow. 2013 2014: January 2014-5 -
(Scoutmaster continued) Activities Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year. Participate in council and district events. Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in scouting literature. Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the Chartered Organization and the Boy Scouts of America. Membership: Develop a plan for year-round membership flow in to the Troop in partnership with Committee Chair and in accordance with Charter Organization agreement. Work closely with the Cubmaster and Webelos den leaders of neighboring Cub Scout packs to provide a smooth transition from pack to Troop. Assist in developing and recruiting den chiefs, and assist in the crossover ceremony from Webelos Scouts to Boy Scouts. Plan and coordinate a Troop open house to invite non-scouts in to the Troop. Encourage Scouts to invite their friends to join the Troop. Keep track of Scouts who drop out of the Troop, and develop a plan to encourage them to rejoin. Assistant Scoutmasters: Jeff Yost, John DeAvilla, Anderson Reid, Chris Sweet, Jason Ulrich, Kip Wentworth Recruited by the Scoutmaster and Committee members. Encourages, supports and counsels the Patrol Leader in the execution of their leadership role. At Troop Meetings, joins assigned Patrol to help Patrol Leader coordinate Patrol activities, additional meetings, campout/event planning, and communication to enable patrol method. (i.e., ensures Patrol Leader is planning for all campouts and events attendance, menus, duty rosters, shopping, etc) Assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. Provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America. An assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he can serve in the Scoutmaster's absence. Troop Committee The Committee s primary responsibilities are supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program, handling Troop administration, and working on behalf of the Chartered Organization. All positions on the Troop committee serve for one year. At the August planning meeting, leadership needs are reevaluated. The committee chair ensures that each committee position is filled. Committee Chair: Tim Srodes/Brian Zollweg Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed. Maintain a close relationship with the Chartered Organizations representative and the Scoutmaster. Interpret national and local policies to the Troop. 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. 2013 2014: January 2014-6 -
Secretary: Michelle Saunders Keep minutes of meetings and send out committee meeting notices, in partnership with Committee Chair. Updates calendar of Troop events and activities. At each meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer: Richie Fitzgerald Handle all Troop funds. Pay bills on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop Committee. Maintain checking and savings accounts. Train and supervise the Troop scribe in record keeping. Keep adequate records in the Troop/Team Record Book. Supervise the camp savings plan. Lead in the preparation of the annual Troop budget. Lead the Friends of Scouting campaign. Report to the Troop at each meeting. Keep adequate records of expenses. Summer Camp / Winter Camp Specifics: o Set payment schedule for scouts and adults. o Collect and record monies received from the scouts. o o Make camp payments. Ensure boys know the amount of money earned through their fundraising efforts to apply toward their camp accounts. Outdoor / Activities Coordinator: Andy Smith Ensure a monthly outdoor program. Secure permission to use camping sites. Secure tour permits for all Troop activities. Serve as transportation coordinator. Ensure BSA health and medical forms are current (boys and adults). Communicates and promotes completion of requirements for National Camping Award. Promote, through family meetings, attendance at Troop campouts, camporees, and summer camp to reach the goal of one outing per month. Review monthly event/campout detail with Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to ensure all preparation is complete. Report to the Troop Committee at each meeting. Summer Camp / Winter Camp Specifics: o Plan with the Scoutmaster and Scouts the location and dates of the annual summer camp. o Register Troop for camp (determines special Registration needs such as high adventure, merit badges requiring extra costs, etc) o Organize logistics in partnership with Scoutmaster (transportation details, side trips, etc) and communicate to Troop. o Distribute and collect all necessary forms (medical releases, etc ). o Liaison between the camp and the Troop. Advancement Coordinator: Cheryl McDonnell Encourage Scouts to advance in rank. Maintain all Scout advancement records. Provide documentation for Troop Board of Review and Courts of Honor. Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list. Make a prompt report 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. Research, communicate and coordinate possible special awards for Troop. Report to the Troop Committee at each meeting. Summer Camp / Winter Camp Specifics: o Review Scout merit badge selections with Scoutmaster and then schedule scouts. o Document all scout activity at camp coordinate awards, merit badges, service hours, etc. 2013 2014: January 2014-7 -
Chaplain: N/A (All Adults play this role) Provide a spiritual tone for Troop meetings and activities. Give guidance to the chaplain aide. Promote regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of his choice. Visit homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need. Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems. Report to the Troop Committee at each meeting. Equipment Coordinator: John Hubert Supervise and help the Troop procure camping equipment. Work with the Quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment. Inventories equipment pre and post campout/event. Ensure Troop trailer is ready for each campout/event. Coordinate trailer clean out, clean, detailed inventory (2 times per year) Make periodic safety checks on all Troop camping gear, and encourage safe use of all outdoor equipment. Ensure propane and fire extinguishers are campout/event ready at all times. Report to the Troop Committee at each meeting. Fundraising Coordinator: Tom Moose With the Committee, establish a monetary goal for the year and events to achieve the goal. Plan and coordinate fundraising events for the Troop. Creates subcommittee for identified fundraising events for the year: o Popcorn Sales: Will Shoemaker covered in 2013 o Discount Card Sales: o Clermont Christmas Parade: o Pig on the Pond: Tom Moose Encourage and organize scout participation in the event. Submit all monies collected to the Treasurer. Research corporate gifts/grants with Troop adults. Webmaster / Communications Coordinator: Chris Reynolds Design and maintain Troop web page with assistance of Scouts. Web site to contain: calendar for meetings and events, forms, Troop Guidelines, Troop Organization Structure, agendas, meeting minutes, etc Encourage family use of the site to increase communications. Handle publicity. Oversee community outreach and media (notify media of scout involved events.) Eagle Scout Preparation Coordinator: Traci Dunbar Meet with Life Scouts every two months to encourage pursuit of Eagle rank. Discuss advancement requirements for Eagle rank. Assist with identification of possible Eagle Projects. Assist with appropriate planning and required paperwork for Eagle project. In partnership with Scoutmaster and Advancement Coordinator, ensure District paperwork, meetings and requirements are completed by Eagle candidate. Encourage! 2013 2014: January 2014-8 -
Summer Camp / Winter Camp Responsibilities: Outdoor Activities Coordinator: Andy Smith o Plan with the Scoutmaster and Scouts the location and dates of the annual summer camp. o Register Troop for camp (determines special Registration needs such as high adventure, merit badges requiring extra costs, etc) o Organize logistics in partnership with Scoutmaster (transportation details, side trips, etc) and communicate to Troop. o Distribute and collect all necessary forms (medical releases, etc ). o Liaison between the camp and the Troop. Advancement Coordinator: Cheryl McDonnell o Review Scout merit badge selections with Scoutmaster and then schedule scouts. o Document all scout activity at camp coordinate awards, merit badges, service hours, etc. Treasurer: Richie Fitzgerald o Set payment schedule for scouts and adults. o Collect and record monies received from the scouts. o Make camp payments. o Ensure boys know the amount of money earned through their fundraising efforts to apply toward their camp accounts. 2013 2014: January 2014-9 -