Welcome Packet
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The Boy Scouts of America is the nation s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. TROOP 53 Boy Scout Troop 53 is located in the Arden Park area of Sacramento, California. The Troop s sponsoring charter organization is the Sacramento Suburban Kiwanis Club. This guide will provide you with valuable information and a reference tool as you become part of our tradition. Welcome to Troop 53. TROOP MEETINGS AND TROOP COMMITTEE/PARENT MEETINGS The Troop Meetings are the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Arden Middle School. During the months of June, July, and August the twice monthly Wednesday Troop Meetings are held outdoors at Arden Park. The Committee/Parent Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Arden Park Community Center. Venture/Crew 53 meet the first Tuesday of each month. Generally, Boy Scout junior leaders meet every first and third Monday to finalize and prepare for the upcoming Troop meetings. The troop s calendar is updated with meetings, events, and outings at T53.info. REGISTRATION Eligibility to join is open to boys who are 11 through 17 years of age, or have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old. - 2- A boy is registered into the Troop when the Troop receives the Boy Scout Application forms and pays the following costs: 1. Registration for the Scout 2. Boy s Life subscription 3. Accident Insurance 4. Other basic expenses: badges, literature, scarf/neckerchief, goodwill. Parents are encouraged to register as Adult Scouters. TROOP DUES Each Scout pays annual dues, usually about $100.00. Dues cover BSA fees, Boy s Life magazine subscription, and subsidizes the awards he earns. The annual dues cover the Troop year from January 1 st to December 31 st. These dues are generally collected by November 30 th for the upcoming year.. ATTENDANCE Scouts are expected to attend the Troop Meetings, Troop Activities (Outings, Camps, Service or fundraisers) unless personally excused by either the Scoutmaster (SM) or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM). Missing FOUR consecutive unexcused Troop Meetings can be a cause for dismissal from the Troop. If a Scout drops from the Troop, registration cannot be refunded. UNIFORMS SCOUTS ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR C O M P L E T E U N I F O R M S TO T R O O P MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AS ASSIGNED. The Troop neckerchief will be p r ov i d e d by t h e Tr o o p. A d d i t i o n a l
neckerchiefs can be obtained at a cost of $6.00. The Troop sells distinctive electric blue Troop 53 T-Shirts for use as a Class B uniform for work activities, hiking, camping, and other more strenuous activities. Each Scout is encouraged to have two (2) Troop T- Shirts. Each Adult Scouter or relative is likewise encouraged to have a Troop T-Shirt. The class A uniform, the BSA uniform is expected for all of our scouts to include scout long pants or scout shorts NO jeans or other non-scout pants unless otherwise authorized for a particular outing or activity. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, SMOKING, AND ADULT MATERIAL The possession or use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, Drugs, or pornographic material by youth will not be tolerated at any Troop Activity, and will be grounds for dismissal from the Troop. Adults are encouraged to refrain from smoking at Scout Activities or in the presence of Scouts. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Parents are expected to provide/arrange for transportation to and from Troop Meetings for their scout. 2. Parents are encouraged to drive Troop Members to and from as many outings as possible. 3. The use of Alcohol or Drugs by Adults is not permitted on Scout Functions. 4. Parents are expected to attend Courts of Honor and are most welcome at the monthly Committee Meetings. 5. Parents of new Scouts must attend a Troop Orientation Meeting and read this Troop Orientation Pamphlet. 6. Parents will be informed of and asked to participate in the annual Friends of Scouting fund raising drive. TROOP EQUIPMENT The Troop Equipment is the property of Troop 53. This equipment is for the Troop s use and enjoyment. Care shall be used with all equipment. Equipment shall be used with the understanding that it will be returned to storage, after each outing, in the same or better condition than when it was borrowed. CAMPOUTS and OUTINGS Campouts and Outings usually require some sort of an expense to someone, i.e. transportation, meals, fees, etc. These expenses are to be paid on an equal basis by the attending Scouts. All monies are to be paid to the Troop prior to the activity. Scouts who have not attended the Troop Meeting(s) before a campout or outing, unless excused by the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters, will not be permitted to attend that campout or outing. SUMMER CAMP Each summer, the Troop will attend one of the Boy Scout Summer Camps that are available in our area. The date of this one-week outing can be found in the Troop Calendar and will be announced in e-mails and meetings. 1. Summer Camp deposits are due by the date provided by the Event/Activity Coordinator. This is a non-refundable deposit to reserve the session at camp. 2. The Troop will pay at least one-half of the cost for the Senior Patrol Leader s Training Week (an extra week) at Summer Camp if he elects to attend. TROOP LEADER TRAINING The Council also provides Youth Leadership Training. This training course has been revised from the former Troop/Junior Leader Training (TLT/JLT) to the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is focused on developing leadership skills and team building in the young scout. - 3-
1. Eligible Scouts must be at least 13 years old. 2. Eligible Scouts must be at least First Class in rank. 3. Scouts demonstrating Scout Spirit and Leadership potential will be nominated by the current Troop Membership and/or Scoutmaster. The Troop Committee will make the final selection of the boys to provide the future Troop Leadership. 4. The Troop will pay at least one-half of the cost to send the selected Scouts to the training program. 5. The Troop should plan on sending 1 to 6 scouts to NYLT each year. More information is available from the Troop Leadership or on the Golden Empire Council Website www.gec-bsa.org. AWARDS AND ADVANCEMENT 1. A Scoutmaster Conference must be scheduled and completed by the Scout seeking advancement to a new rank. 2. Rank Advancement Requirements. Some of the Rank Advancement Requirements can be done on Troop and Patrol outings. The preparation (reading and learning the knowledge in the Scout Handbook) for the requirement should be done at home and at Patrol Meetings. The ONLY persons authorized to sign off requirements are: The Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Scoutmasters, or Scoutmaster. The PL, TG, ASPL, or SPL must have earned the requirement to be able to sign it off. Sign-offs of the requirements are done in the Scout s Handbook and in the Advancement Coordinator s Record Book. It is the Scout s responsibility to contact the Scoutmaster, with - 4- his Handbook in hand, when he has completed one or more requirements, whether for guidance in completing the next r e q u i r e m e n t s o r f o r a r r a n g i n g t h e scoutmaster s conference. 3. Merit Badge. a. Contact the Advancement Coordinator or Scoutmaster for approval and issuance of a Merit Badge Card (AKA Blue Card ). b. Review the Merit Badge Counselor List with the Advancement Coordinator, Scoutmaster or other Adult Troop Leaders. c. Obtain Merit Badge Pamphlet from the Troop Library or purchase it at the Scout Shop in the BSA Council Headquarters. d. Contact a Registered Merit Badge Counselor. e. Take a buddy (a scout interested in the same merit badge) or a parent when meeting the Merit Badge Counselor as 2 deep (on the adult side or on the scout side) is required for the protection of the scout and the counselor. f. Review the requirements with the Merit Badge Counselor. g. Complete the requirements. h. Have the card signed by the Merit Badge Counselor. i. Have the card signed by a unit leader (Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster). j. Turn in the completed card to the Advancement Coordinator. k. The Merit Badge will be awarded at the Troop s next Court of Honor. A Board of Review for all Scout Rank Advancements, with the exception of the Eagle Scout Award, will be held monthly, as needed by incoming scout requests (the monthly BOR can be skipped if there is no request for a review). The Board shall be made up of members of the Troop Committee and Scout Parents, and not include a parent of the Scout being reviewed. Parents are
encouraged to volunteer on boards for review of scouts other than their own to see and understand the process. The Advancement Coordinator shall establish the date, time, and location of the Board of Review. It is the Scout s responsibility to contact the Advancement Coordinator to request a Board of Review. The Scout requesting a Board of Review must have completed ALL rank requirements, the chosen Merit Badges, the Scoutmaster Conference, and must have the Scout Handbook signed off BEFORE contacting the Advancement Coordinator (AC) and notifying the AC of his eligibility for a review. The Board of Review is not a retesting for the rank, but a time to review where the Scout is, hear what he has accomplished while working on his rank advancement, and get feedback about how the Troop is running. When scheduled for a Board of Review, the scout will be in class A uniform and have his scout book in hand. Failure to be in full uniform or to bring the scout book to the BOR may force the board to reschedule the review to the next month. The scout must also be prepared to recite the Scout Oath, the Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan, and the Scout Law, as well as explain what the Scout Spirit entails and what the Outdoor Code is. 4. Rank Advancement: Rank Advancement is effective upon passing the Board of Review. The Scout may request and wear the Patch. However, the Card and Pin will be given out at the next Court of Honor. 5. Court of Honor: A Court of Honor will be held at least three (3) times a year. See Troop Calendar for scheduling. A Court of Honor is where everyone has a chance to recognize all the work each Scout has done over the past few months and celebrate their achievements. Everyone is invited to a Court of Honor: Families of Scouts, Charter Unit Representatives, Past Scoutmaster, etc. 6. Eagle Court of Honor: The Troop will pay for a Plaque and its engraving for each Eagle Scout. The Troop will also see that the Eagle Scout s name is engraved on the Troop s Eagle Trophy. The Eagle Scout s family will provide refreshments for the Eagle Court of Honor. TROOP COMMITTEE MEMBERS 1. At least one parent from each Scout Family is encouraged to fill out a Boy Scouts of America Adult Registration A p p l i c a t i o n a n d p ay t h e A d u l t Registration Fee. The parents from each Scout Family are welcome to participate in the monthly Troop Committee Meetings. Except for the Scoutmaster, all Registered Scout Parents are considered Members of the Troop Committee. 2. A minimum of five (5) Committee Members will be registered with the Golden Empire Council every year. 3. Each Registered Scouting Parent will pay an annual Adult Registration Fee at the time of their registration. The fee is around $24 annually. 4. Committee Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings are generally held at the Community Recreation Center in Arden Park on La Sierra. Meetings generally start at 7 pm and can range between half an hour and two hours depending on the business at hand. See Troop Calendar at T53.info for updated meeting information. FINANCIAL POLICY 1. All Troop money matters must be presented to the Committee and voted on. 2. A quorum of five (5) Committee Members is needed to conduct Troop business. A simple majority is required to pass a proposal and/or disburse Troop money. 3. The Treasurer will report monthly in writing as to the financial status of the Troop to the Committee. 4. All Committee approved expenditures will be paid for by a check signed by the - 5-
Treasurer and/or one other designated person. Only one member of a family may sign any particular check. 5. The Troop/Committee shall not engage in any transaction with a business owned in part or in whole by a parent or a member of the committee as that would generate a conflict of interest. FUND RAISERS 1. All Troop Members and their families will be given an equal opportunity to participate in Fund Raising Events. 2. Fund Raising Events shall be determined by the Troop and approved by the Committee. 3. All profits will be disbursed for Troop use as approved by the Troop Committee. TRAINING FOR SCOUT LEADERS Trained Adult and Youth Leaders are important to the Scouting Program. A trained leader ensures that the activities and outing are safe and that the Scouting Program is successfully implemented for the benefit and enjoyment of the youth membership. YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required of every registered Adult in the Troop. YPT is also required by every non-registered adult participating in a Troop activity. This Training is available at scouting.org. YPT certification must be renewed periodically (currently every two years). FAST START TRAINING All registered adults will be provided this presentation. This one evening program consists of a video tape presentation, and a question and answer period that is moderated by District and/or Council staff members. This training is also available online through the - 6- Council website. BASIC SCOUTMASTER TRAINING (Scoutmaster Fundamentals) The Scoutmaster must take this course either prior to or during the first year of tenure. It is highly recommended that the Committee Chairman also take this course. Any Adult Scouter may take this course as well. The course consists of three to five four-hour sessions and a weekend overnight. The course is sponsored by the District and is staffed with District and Council members. Through active participation, the course familiarizes the Adult Scouter with the organization and methods of successfully implementing the Scouting Program. WOOD BADGE If a Scoutmaster desires to continue the position beyond the first year of tenure, it is highly recommended that the SM take this course. Any Adult Scouter may take this course, subsequent to completing the Basic Scoutmaster Training Course. This course is offered in two parts: The first part is two threeday experiences, offering training in leadership skills. The second part, completed after the first six days, puts into practice the skills taught. The total time period is no less than 6 months, and no more than 18 months. Much of the course content is presented in a simplified format for the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Course. SAFE SWIM DEFENSE/SAFETY AFLOAT Trained leaders are required for every water outing activity. Safe Swim Defense teaches the requirements for a safe swimming activity. Safety Afloat teaches the requirements for a safe boating event. Both courses are available online at scouting.org. FIRST AID/CPR One of the adults present on every outing should have a current Red Cross Certification.
BSA LIFEGUARD or WATER SAFETY One of the adults (21+) present on every Water Sports Outing must have a current BSA Lifeguard Certification. OUTDOOR SAFETY AWARENESS COURSES These courses are designed to familiarize the adult leader with safety, organization, planning, equipment and functional skills required to complete a successful High Adventure Outing. B A S I C B A C K P A C K I N G AWARENESS A Trained Adult should be present on every Outdoor Activity that entails Camping or Hiking more than Two Miles from an automobile or adequate emergency transportation. This course consists of a weekend indoor seminar and a second weekend outdoor practical activity. The course is offered to Adult Leaders and Scouts age 14 and older. The course provides the attendee with a wide range of information regarding outdoor activities, planning, equipment for an outdoor activity and safe execution. O K P I K C O L D W E AT H E R CA M P I N G AWARENESS A Trained Adult should be present on every Snow Camping Activity. This Course consists of a weekend indoor seminar and a second weekend outdoor practical activity. The course is offered to Adult Leaders and Scouts age 14 and older. The course familiarizes the leader with the health and safety concerns and special camping considerations involved in a winter snow outing. PADDLE SPORTS AWARENESS A Trained Adult should be present on every Paddle Sport Outing. This course consists of a weekend outdoor seminar and practical activity. The course is offered to Adult Leaders and Scouts age 14 and older. Paddle Sports Awareness consists of flat water and moving - 7- water training sufficient for m a n y o f t h e C o u n c i l supported Canoe Treks and faster moving water. The course also improves the attendee s maneuvering paddle skills. ROCK CLIMBING CLIMBING AWARENESS A Trained Adult must be present on every Rock-Climbing Outing. The Rock-Climbing experience is not to exceed Class 2 or Class 3 Climbing. This course consists of a weekend outdoor seminar and practical activity. The course is offered to Adult Leaders and Scouts age 14 or older. The training is directed at Class 2 and Class 3 activities wherein technical climbing equipment beyond a 9mm rope, carabineers, a Climbing Harness and simple Belaying equipment is not required. The course familiarizes the Adult Leader with the three point contact, free climbing, climbing knots, belaying and repelling techniques. MOUNTAIN BIKING A Trained Adult should be present on every Mountain Bike Outing. This Course consists of a weekend outdoor seminar and practical activity. The Course is offered to Adult Leaders and Scouts age 14 and older. The Course familiarizes the leader with the health and safety concerns and special camping considerations involved in a mountain bike outing. VENTURE CREW 53 Boys and Girls, age 14 to 21, are eligible to join our affiliated Crew 53. A Scout may be a member of both the Troop and the Crew. Crew 53 is a high adventure unit with at least one major annual event such as a multi-day white water rafting trip or an extended backpacking outing. The fee for registering as a crew participant is around $24 annually.
ADULT SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Adult leaders are key to the Scout Troop. Adult leaders are coaches, moderators and model leadership examples. The Adult Leader must never do anything for a Youth that the Youth can do for himself SCOUTMASTER The Scoutmaster must be an adult individual 21 years of age or older. The Troop Committee and the Charter Organization select the Scoutmaster. This individual is typically a volunteer adult with a child in the Troop membership. The Scoutmaster ensures that the Scouting Program is properly applied. The Scoutmaster and his assistants are directly responsible for the health, safety and actions of the Troop on any Scouting activity. The Scoutmaster is the advisor to the Troop Leaders Council (TLC) and reserves the right to veto council decisions that are harmful or contrary to the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. As a Scout Troop is managed by the youth membership, the Scoutmaster must assist the Troop to come to the correct decisions through the use of careful suggestions, mature insight and example. ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS An Assistant Scoutmaster must be an adult individual 18 years of age or older. The Assistant Scoutmaster provides the two-deep manpower that ensures continuous effective leadership. Assistants 21 years of age or older can serve as the replacement for the Scoutmaster in his absence. Assistant Scoutmasters may be assigned specific jobs, as in the control of a Venture or Varsity Team or the coordination of specific activities. The Assistant Scoutmaster provides the additional Troop leadership and a division of labor in the control of the Troop. The A s s i s t a n t S c o u t m a s t e r s h o u l d h ave capabilities that compliment or round out the strengths of the Scoutmaster. TROOP COMMITTEE A fully functioning Troop committee is required for a successful Boy Scout Troop. Parental Involvement in these tasks is a required obligation. A single individual cannot handle many of the positions listed below. In this case, the committee will delegate a subcommittee to coordinate the tasks. The division of labor in these areas will ensure success. General Duties of the Troop Committee: 1. Provide adequate meeting facilities. 2. Advise the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the Chartered Organization. 3. Carry out policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. 4. Encourage Leaders in carrying out the program. 5. Responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan. 6. Obtain, maintain, and properly care for Troop property. 7. Provide an adequate camping and outdoor program (10 days and nights per year minimum). 8. Ensure that quality adult leadership is recruited, trained and available for all activities. COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON This committee position is the pivotal control for Troop activities, Committee and parental support. 1. Organizes the Committee, ensuring that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed. - 8-
2. Maintains a close relationship with the Charter Organization Representative and the Scoutmaster. 3. E n s u r e s t h a t Tr o o p L e a d e r s a n d Committee Members are properly trained. 4. Interprets National and Local policies to the Troop. 5. Prepares Troop Committee meeting agendas. 6. Calls, presides over, and promotes attendance and any special meetings that may be called. 7. Ensures Troop representation at monthly Roundtables. 8. Secures trained individuals for Camp Leadership. 9. Arranges for Charter Review and ReCharter annually. 10. Plans the Charter presentation. SECRETARY This committee position assists the Committee Chairman as required. The secretary ensures that the Troop and the Committee are kept in close accord. 1. Ensures that minutes are kept at each Committee Meeting. 2. Sends out meeting notices and handles telephone reminders. 3. Handles publicity. 4. Prepares a family newsletter or web page of troop events and activities. 5. Conducts the Troop Resource Survey. 6. Plans for Family Night Programs and Family Activities such as the Fall Family Potluck Dinner. 7. At each meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting. 8. Keeps a record of all meeting minutes for the year. TREASURER This committee position manages the Troop funds, maintains the Troop Bank Account and ensures that fiscal stability is maintained. Assisted by the Event/ Activity Coordinator for fee collections. 1. Handles all Troop Funds. 2. Pays bills on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster and Authorization of the Troop Committee. 3. Maintains the Troop Checking and Savings Accounts. 4. Trains and supervises the Troop Scribe in record keeping. 5. Receives Troop Income from Troop Leaders as previously organized. 6. Keeps accurate records in the Troop Record Book. 7. Reports to the Troop Committee at each meeting. 8. Leads in the preparation of the annual Troop Budget. 9. Reimburses adult volunteers for expenses incurred in the course of an event or activity. 10. Files the tax returns for the Troop for the year even after tenure expiration. ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR This committee position maintains the Troop Advancement Records, manages the Boards of Review and ensures that all of the awards and advancements are presented to the youth in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. 1. Encourages Scouts to advance in rank. 2. Maintains all Scout Advancement Records. 3. Arranges and conducts month Troop Boards of Review. 4. Ensures that quarterly (at least three per year) Courts of Honor are conducted. 5. Develops and maintains a current Merit Badge Counselor List as provided by the District. 6. Promptly submits advancement forms subsequent to Boards of Review. 7. Secures badges and certificates - 9-
8. Works with the Troop Librarian to build and maintain a Troop Library of Merit Badge Pamphlets and other advancement literature. 9. Reports to the troop committee at each meeting. OUTDOOR/ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR This committee position ensures that all necessary reservations, permits, forms, restrictions and appropriate transportation have been coordinated for all Troop Activities. Assists/Instructs trip coordinators (volunteer parents/leaders) in the following: 1. Permission to use camping sites is secured. 2. Tour permit from BSA is secured for all troop activities. 3. Ensuring that sufficient transportation with vehicle requirements and site parking have been secured. 4. Equipment Coordinator information concerning troop needs for particular outings and events has been provided. 1. Secures a Trip Coordinator parent leader for each outing/activity. 2. Encourages monthly outdoor or special activities. 3. Promotes the National Camping Award. 4. Markets and promotes attendance of Troop Camp Outs, Camporees, and Summer Camp. 5. Advances the troop s goal of an outing per month. 6. Reports to the troop committee at each meeting. PATROL ADVISORS This individual is usually a parent of the Patrol Leader. The Patrol Advisor provides a direct link between the Troop Committee and the individual Patrol. This position is not intended to subvert the control of the Troop Scoutmaster, but rather to compliment the SM and ASM leadership and ensure that the Patrol Activities are in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. The Patrol Advisor ensures that the Patrol meets regularly at least twice a month, and t h a t t h e m e e t i n g s a r e f o c u s e d o n advancement of the Scouts and organization for the Troop Activities. E Q U I P M E N T COORDINATOR This committee position a s s i s t s t h e T r o o p Quartermaster in the management, maintenance and storage of the Troop equipment. The committee must be kept apprised of the status and quality of the Troop s equipment investment. 1. Supervises and helps the Troop procure camping equipment. 2. Works with the quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment. 3. Makes periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear, and encourages troop in the safe use of all outdoor equipment. 4. Reports to the committee at each meeting. FUND RAISING COORDINATOR This committee position coordinates the fund raising activities of the Troop on a per project basis. In conjunction with the Treasurer, supervises all money-earning projects and obtains the proper authorization for the project. Reports to the committee on each fund raising activity. Current fundraising activities include sales projects such as candy for Valentine s day and popcorn, as well as service projects such as Christmas Tree collections and disposal. CLOTHES CLOSET COORDINATOR This committee position manages the Troop s used uniform inventory. Coordinates the issuance of uniforms to those who wish to - 10-
take advantage of the closet. Coordinates the collection of uniforms in good condition from those who have outgrown them. Maintains an inventory of such clothes to share with scouts and parents when requested. Reports on the status of the inventory to the committee upon changes. Troop neckerchiefs and T-shirts are kept in the clothes closet and sold and issued as the committee authorizes. SCOUTING-FOR-FOOD COORDINATOR This committee position coordinates the Troop participation in the National Scoutingfor-Food Drive. Once a year the Boy Scouts of America organizes a canned food drive. The drive lasts for two weekends. On the first weekend, the local Boy Scout Troops and Cub Packs disburse the plastic donation bags throughout the neighborhoods. The bags are picked up on the second weekend and delivered to a local consolidation site. NEW SCOUT (WEBELOS) PARENT UNIT COORDINATOR This committee position coordinates the integration of Webelos Dens from the feeding Cub Packs. Working with the Webelos Den Leaders, this position provides the resource to arrange joint activities, recruit and train Den Chiefs, and represents the Troop at Pack Ceremonies. 1. Welcomes all new Scout parents and provides them with information about the troop. 2. Provides an orientation for new Scout parents about how the troop works. 3. Assigns parents to help with at least one specific task, assignment, or project annually. 4. Keeps parents updated on the troop s program and their scout s involvement. MEETING SITE LIAISON This committee position ensures that the coordination of Scout functions and school activities are smoothly integrated. The - 11- insurance of an adequate Troop meeting site is the responsibility of this person. 1. Requests use of Arden Middle School facilities during the school year for troop meetings and Courts of Honor. 2. Requests all dates from the Arden Park Recreation Center for the Committee meetings. 3. Ensures that a check is issued to Arden Park Recreation Center for the year. C H A R T E R O R G A N I Z A T I O N REPRESENTATIVE This individual is an advisor to the Troop Committee assigned by the Charter O r g a n i z a t i o n a n d p r o v i d e s t h e communication link between the Troop and the Charter Organization. CHAPLAIN This committee position provides the spiritual leadership for the Troop. 1. Provides a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities. 2. Gives guidance to the chaplain aide. 3. Promotes regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of their choice. 4. Visits homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need. 5. Gives spiritual counseling service when needed or requested. 6. Encourages Boy scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems. 7. Reports to the troop committee at each meeting. 8. Plans Scout Sunday ceremony. LIFE TO EAGLE COORDINATOR This individual works with prospective Eagle Scouts to assist them in planning and carrying out their Eagle Scout activities.
UNIT COMMISSIONER This individual is an advisor to the Troop Committee assigned by the District leaders of the Boy Scouts of America and provides the communication link between the Troop and the District Organization. YOUTH SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Must be First Class or Above. The troop is actually run by its youth leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and assistants, the youth leaders plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers. SENIOR PATROL LEADER Elected by the Scouts usually for a 6-month term. This is the top youth leader in the troop. 1. Leads the Patrol Leaders Council. 2. Appoints other Scout Leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. 3. Assigns duties and responsibilities to other Scout Leaders. 4. Presides at all Troop Meetings, events, and activities. ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER Elected by the Scouts or appointed by the Scoutmaster. 1. Fills in for the senior patrol leader in his absence. 2. Trains and gives direction to the quartermaster, the scribe, the Order of the Arrow troop representative, the historian, the librarian and the instructors. 3. Helps with leading meetings and activities. - 12- PATROL LEADER Elected by the Troop. 1. Plan Patrol Meetings and Activities. 2. Provides leadership to members of his patrol. 3. Instructs patrol members in scout skills. 4. S e t s t h e e x a m p l e b y e a r n i n g advancement, living by the Scout Oath and Law, and wearing the uniform correctly. 5. Represents the Patrol on the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER Appointed by the Patrol Leader with the approval of the Senior Patrol Leader. May be Second Class in Rank. 1. Leads the Patrol when the Patrol Leader is absent. 2. Helps with Patrol business. QUARTERMASTER Elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Oversees the Troop s supplies and equipment. 1. Keeps a record of the Troop and Patrol Equipment. 2. Keeps equipment in good repair. 3. Checks out equipment and sees that it is returned in good order. 4. Suggests to the Senior Patrol Leader any new or replacement gear that should be considered for the Troop and Patrols.
SCRIBE Elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The troop secretary. 1. Keeps a log of decisions of the Patrol Leaders Council. 2. Records attendance in the Troop Records. HISTORIAN Elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster. 1. Gathers pictures and facts about past activities of the Troop and keeps a scrapbook (photo album) and information files. 2. Keeps information about Troop Alumni and their doings. 3. Takes care of the Troop Trophies and Keepsakes. 4. Helps the Chartered Organization and the Troop Leadership in making use of Troop Historical Material. LIBRARIAN Elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster. 1. Keeps a record of literature owned by the Troop. 2. Advises the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster of new or replacement items needed. 3. Has literature available to be checked out of the Troop Library at the Troop Meetings. 4. Keeps an up to date check-out system of the Troop Library literature. - 13- CHAPLAIN AIDE Elected by the Scouts with the approval of the Scoutmaster. 1. Provides opening and closing prayers or invocations at special meetings. 2. Promotes the Religious Emblems Program. DEN CHIEF Appointed by the Scoutmaster. Works with a Cub Scout den or a Webelos Scout den as a guide. 1. In a Cub Scout Webelos Den, the Den Chief: a. Assists the Den Leader with their meeting b. Helps the Webelos Cub Scouts earn achievements. c. Helps the Webelos Cub Scouts be leaders, and d. Sets a good example. 2. In the Troop, the Den Chief is the recruiting officer, bringing Cub Scouts into the Troop, and promoting joint activities. 3. Looks to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or Webelos Den Leader for guidance. JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER Following his 16 th birthday, a qualified Scout m ay b e a p p o i n t e d Ju n i o r A s s i s t a n t Scoutmaster by the Scoutmaster and with the approval of the Troop Committee. 1. Functions as an Assistant Scoutmaster until his 18 th birthday. 2. Supervises and helps the support staff of the Troop, including the Scribe, the Quartermaster, the Librarian, the Troop Historian, Instructors, and the Chaplain Aide. 3. Works with the Webelos Den Chief(s).
O R D E R O F T H E A R R O W T R O O P REPRESENTATIVE Keeps the Troop informed on all Order of the Arrow activities. TROOP GUIDE Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Adviser and guide to the new-scout patrol. 1. Works with new Scouts to help them meet advancement requirements through First Class. 2. Acts as an instructor on some Scouting Skills. 3. Advises Patrol Leader on Patrol Leader s duties and at the Patrol Leaders Council. 4. Attends Patrol Leaders Council meetings with new Scout Patrol Leader. 5. Participates in training with Assistant Scoutmaster. 6. Prevents harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts. 7. Counsels Scouts, as needed, on scouting challenges. 8. Sets an example for all Scouts. 9. Guides new Scouts to help them become comfortable in the Troop and the outdoors. INSTRUCTOR Appointed by the Scoutmaster. The Troop may have one or more Instructors according to needs. They instruct troop members in one or more advancement skills according to their abilities. BUGLER Volunteer Scout, with Scoutmaster s approval. Responsible for playing Taps and Reveille at meetings and on all camp outs. - 14- PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL The Patrol Leaders Council, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop s activities. The Patrol Leaders Council is composed of the following voting members: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Troop Guide. At its meetings, the council organizes and assigns activity responsibilities for the weekly troop meetings. The troop committee interacts with the Patrol Leaders Council through the Scoutmaster. A N N U A L P R O G R A M P L A N N I N G CONFERENCE Each year, the troop selects the activities the boys wish to plan, submits the yearly plan to the troop committee for its support. At that time, the committee, based on the parent organization s calendar of sponsored events, may make alternative suggestions for the PLC to consider. Led by the Scoutmaster, this event sets the calendar for the year.