Troop 674 Policies & Procedures

Overview Troop 674 Policies & Procedures Purpose: The goal of B.S.A. Troop 674 is to provide a quality scouting experience which promotes the three aims of scouting; Build Character, Foster Citizenship, and Promote Fitness. Program: Our program is built around the Methods of Scouting as outlined in the Scoutmaster s Handbook. Those methods are; Scouting Ideals, Patrols, Outdoors, Advancement, Personal Growth, Adult Association, Leadership Development, Uniform. Participation Being active is the key to having a successful Scouting experience. The Troop is made up of many patrols and the patrol is the foundation on which the Troop is built. For a Troop to be successful, the patrols must work to become strong units. The Scout must accept the responsibility to be an active participant. Strong patrols mean a strong Troop. For a patrol to be successful, the members need to know that they can count on each other to be an active, contributing part of the patrol. Active participation provides the avenue for growth through rank advancement and fulfillment of leadership responsibilities. In no way are we trying to keep our Scouts from participating in any other activity. They must, however, learn to balance their time between their chosen activities. They must accept the responsibility of active participation in the Scouting program if they expect rank advancement and leadership growth. They must make a commitment to Scouting if this is one of the activities that they want to be a part of. No matter what activity they are associated with, a commitment must be made and some type of participation requirement met for recognition. Each rank has a requirement to demonstrate scout spirit. Following is the attendance that we require as a part of demonstrating scout spirit. Since your 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 campout 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 Participation The troop can not function without adult support. Each family is expected to volunteer in some aspect with the troop. The following is a list of recognized ways for adults to support the troop. Hold an adult leadership position Be an active Assistant Scoutmaster, regularly attending meetings and outings Be a Merit Badge Counselor 1

Be a driver on outings (FYI, Troop Policy is that gas expense is NOT reimbursed except for specific outings where a fee is charged to those attending to cover this cost. Typically this is imposed for long distance trips out of Council) Coordinate a fundraising event Participate in adult fundraisers Uniform The Scout uniform is not just another set of clothes to put on, but rather one of the methods of the program. Wearing the uniform should remind the youth that he is a Scout. It is a sign that he accepts certain values and believes in them. The uniform should give him a feeling of belonging. The uniform should give him reason to take pride in how he looks - it is his billboard for display of his accomplishments. Different Uniforms are appropriate for different occasions. The three levels of uniform are: Full Dress Uniform will consist of Boy Scouts of America official uniform shorts/pants or pants/shorts of a similar color, shirt with insignia sewn on in proper places, belt, Troop neckerchief or bolo, socks, troop approved hat (optional), and closed toe leather shoes. The merit badge sash and order of the arrow sash should also be worn if the Scout is entitled to wear it. Class A Uniform will consist of Boy Scouts of America official uniform shirt, official scout shorts/pants or pants of a similar color (jeans, athletic shorts & sweatpants are not acceptable.) Closed toe leather or athletic shoes. Class B Uniform will consist of any tee or polo shirt with a Boy Scouts of America or Troop logo, closed toe shoes and choice of pants as deemed appropriate by the Scoutmaster. Alcohol-advertisement, tobacco-advertisement, and other objectionable graphics or wording is not allowed on any piece of clothing. The following guidelines are to be followed when determining which uniform is appropriate. Full Dress Uniform Scoutmaster Conference, Board of Reviews, Court of Honors. Class B While at camp (except for those times at camp where a Class A is appropriate as determined by the Scoutmaster), work groups, during physical games, Fundraising events and PLC meetings. Class A During all scout activities not listed under Full Dress or Class B above, including but not limited to; Troop Meetings, Traveling, Public events. 2

Leadership Troop Committee Scoutmaster Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Scoutmasters New Scout ASM Troop Guide Junior Asst. Scoutmaster Patrol Leaders Scouts New Scout Patrol Leader New Scouts OA ASM Instructor ASM Quartermaster ASM Committee Secretary Webmaster Librarian ASM Chaplain Bugler ASM OA Rep Instructor Quartermaster Scribe Historian Librarian Chaplain Aide Bugler Troop 674 is a boy ran troop with adult supervision. The adult s role is to provide support and direction. Above is the troop organizational Chart. The highest youth position in the troop is the Senior Patrol Leader. The SPL and the Scoutmaster work closely together to ensure the smooth operation of the troop. The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders and Scribe make up the Patrol Leaders Council. Scribe is a non-voting position. With a few exceptions, scout leadership positions are filled every 6 months. New scouts will be formed in New Scout Patrols. The Patrol Leader position for these patrols will be rotated every 6 weeks to give each new scout an opportunity to experience this position. When a scout reaches 1 st Class or 1 year he will be moved into an established Patrol. The leadership positions, job duties and responsibilities along with a job application can be found at the back of this guide. 3

Advancement The rank advancement process is: 1. Learning 2. Testing 3. Review Our Troop utilizes 1 st class and higher scouts under the leadership of the Troop Instructor to teach the scout skills to our younger members. When a scout advances to 1 st class it is explained to him that it is his turn to give back to the younger scouts, as the older scouts did for him. At that time he is asked to choose a scout skill to master so as to be able to teach it to younger scouts. Our Troop Instructor is the key to organizing and utilizing our teaching scouts. Just as attendance is one indicator of scout spirit, so is the mastering and teaching of a scout skill by our 1 st Class and higher scouts. One of the requirements to demonstrate Scout Spirit for Star and higher ranks is to have given back through this mastering/teaching program. After a scout learns a skill they may go to the SPL, ASPL, Troop Guide or Troop Instructor to be tested and have that requirement signed off in their book. The exception to this is the requirement for scout spirit which is signed by the Scoutmaster. Parents are not to sign off requirements. For the upper ranks, the requirements will be signed by the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairman. The final step in advancement is the review. This is a two part process. First the scout should make an appointment with the Scoutmaster and arrange a Scoutmaster s Conference. After the Scoutmaster Conference is complete, the scout may sign up for a Board of Review. The Board of Review is not a re-test, but a chance for the scout to discuss his progress in scouting with members of the Troop Committee and for the Committee to ensure the scout has completed all of the requirements for the rank advancement. Boards of Reviews are held once per month. Scouts wishing to schedule a BOR must do so prior to the night of the BOR. Finance When joining and each subsequent year at re-charter, each scout will pay $41.00 of which $10.00 is sent to the Greater St. Louis Area Council and $31.00 is kept by the Troop. The $31.00 helps the Troop with expenses such as rank advancement badges, awards, activity fees, copies, postage, training, etc. In addition, the Troop holds 2 scout fundraisers each year. The first $30.00 of profit from the first fundraiser goes to the Troop while the remaining profits from that and all additional fundraisers go into each individual scout s account. The annual total cost is $71.00, but does not include the money for summer camp or any other outings. For special events such as high adventure trips separate fundraisers are often held so the scout can earn his own way on these activities. The boys are allowed to use the money in their accounts for any Scout related expense. If a boy should quit Boy Scouts, the money left in his account goes into the general Troop account. If the boy transfers to a different Troop, the money will be sent to the new Troop. In addition to the Scout fundraisers, we have one Adult fundraiser. Proceeds from the Adult fundraiser go to the Troop equipment fund. At this time the adult fundraiser is the TWB coupon program. Families may choose to participate in this fundraiser or optionally choose to buy-out their obligation. 4

Conduct & Discipline A scout will conduct himself using the Scout Law and Scout Oath as a guide. All persons participating in Troop 674 activities will abide by the policies of the Boy Scouts of America and the policies and procedures of this Scout Troop. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES No smoking (adult smoking is to be done out of the sight of the youth), alcohol or illegal drugs No fixed blade knives, sheath knives, or folding knives with blades 4 inches or longer No swearing or dirty jokes No fireworks No fighting Any other activities which are not consistent with the Scout Oath or Scout Law. Electronic equipment (e.g. radios, tape players, CD players, game boys) brought on any event are to be used only during specified periods. Typically this is while traveling or while in your tent. Electronic equipment is to be used with headphones. Use of this equipment must not cause disruption to individuals or the program or it will be confiscated for the remainder of the event. Troop 674 or its adult leaders are not responsible for any damage or loss of these items. Misbehavior and Disrespect by Scouts will be handled by the following chain of command: 1. Meeting with Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. 2. Conference with Scoutmaster and /or Assistant Scoutmaster. 3. 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 674. Offenses worthy of probation/suspension include but are not limited to: 1. Fighting, pushing, tripping or other actions which may cause injuries. 2. Physically or verbally abusing another scout. 3. Intentional actions which cause property damage. 4. Socially unacceptable actions. 5. Disobeying a direct order by a leader. 6. Acting disrespectfully to a leader. 7. 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: 1. 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. 2. 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. 5

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. 6

SENIOR PATROL LEADER Type: Elected by the members of the troop Term: 6 months Reports to: Scoutmaster Description: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop. Comments: The Senior Patrol Leader is the focal point of the troop. He needs to attend as close to all troop functions as possible. He must understand that this is not a 1 ½ hour per week job. Much time will be required for the planning and running of the troop. One of the major parts of the SPL's job is to appoint other troop leaders. He must choose leaders who are able, not just his friends or other popular Scouts. Age: 14 Rank: Star or higher Experience: Previous service as SPL, ASPL or PL Training: JLTC Attendance: 75% over previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 85% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Arrive 10 minutes early for meetings and activities. You must call the Scoutmaster & ASPL if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You must make sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is ready to assume your responsibilities Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference. Runs the Patrol Leader's Council meeting. Appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster. Assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders. Assists the Scoutmaster with Junior Leader Training. Makes a weekly phone chain call to all Patrol Leaders, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster. Record weekly Troop Hotline message. 7

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second highest ranking patrol leader in the troop. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the SPL or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop. Comments: The most important part of the ASPL position is his work with the other junior leaders. The ASPL should be familiar with the other positions and stay current with the work being done. Age: None Rank: 1st Class or higher Experience: None Attendance: 50% over the previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Helps the Senior Patrol Leader lead meetings and activities. Assumes the responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence. Helps train and supervise the Troop Scribe, Quartermaster, Instructor, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplain Aide. Serves as a member of the Patrol Leader's Council. 8

PATROL LEADER Type: Elected by members of the patrol Term: 6 months Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council. Comments: The Patrol Leader may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide them. The Patrol Leaders, along with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are the primary members of the Patrol Leaders' Council. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none Attendance: 75% over previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster and your Assistant Patrol Leader if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also must make sure that the Assistant Patrol Leader is ready to Appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader. Represents the patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council Plans and steers patrol meetings Helps Scouts advance Calls each member of his patrol with the weekly phone chain message. Keeps patrol members informed Knows what his patrol members and other leaders can do. 9

CHAPLAIN AIDE Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious awards program. Comments: "Duty to God" is one of the core beliefs of Scouting. The Chaplain Aide helps everyone in the troop by preparing short religious observations for campouts and other functions. The Chaplain Aide does not always lead the observation himself and can have other troop members help. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none Attendance: 50% over the previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 60% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Assists the Troop Chaplain with religious services at troop activities. Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith. Makes sure religious holidays are considered during troop program planning. Helps plan for religious observance in troop activities. 10

DEN CHIEF Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster Term: 1 year Reports to: Scoutmaster and Den Leader Description: The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Comments: The Den Chief provides a knowledge of games and Scout skills that many Den Leaders lack. The Den Chief is also a recruiter for the troop. This function is important because no troop can thrive without new members and most new members will come from Cub Scouting. Age: 14 or older Rank: 1 st Class or higher Experience: none Attendance: 50% over previous 6 months Training: Attendance: Effort: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past. You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. In terms of attendance with your den, you are expected to attend 90% of den meetings and pack functions. You must inform the Den Leader if you will be absent. You are expected to give this job your best effort. Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks. Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. Assists with activities in the den meetings. Is a friend to the boys in the den. Helps out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings. Meets with adult members of the den, pack, and troop as necessary. 11

TROOP HISTORIAN Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities. Comments: The true value of a good Historian does not show up until years later. The Historian provides material for displays and presentations of current activities. In addition, the work of the Historian provides a link with the past. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none, but interest in photography is helpful Attendance: 50% over the previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 60% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, and 80 % of outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Uniform: Behavior: Attendance: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear the Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on-time for meetings and activities. You Gathers pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook. Takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities. Take photographs at troop activities. 12

INSTRUCTOR Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster Term: 1 year Reports to: Scoutmaster Description: The Instructor oversees the teaching of scout skills. Comments: The Instructor organizes and coordinates the older scouts in their teaching role. The Instructor does not have to be an expert in all scout skills but should be able to teach those needed for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Age: 13 or older Rank: 1st Class or higher Experience: none Attendance: 50% over previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 75% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. Their will be specific training activities that you will be expected to attend. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Maintains a list of the older scouts and the skill they have mastered. Works with the Troop Guides to plan and coordinate training events. Oversees the carrying out of scout skills training events. 13

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster Term: 1 year Reports to: Scoutmaster Description: The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He's appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability. Comments: In many cases the JASM has the same responsibilities as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Age: At least 16 years old Rank: Eagle Experience: Previous leadership positions Training: JLTC Attendance: 75% over the previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Functions as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster. 14

TROOP LIBRARIAN Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Librarian takes care of troop literature. Comments: The library contains books of historical value as well as current materials. All together, the library is a troop resource worth hundreds of dollars. The Librarian manages this resource for the troop. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none Attendance: 50% over the previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, and 60% of Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Sets up and takes care of a troop library. Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop. Adds new or replacement items as needed. Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing. Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out. Follows up on late returns. 15

TROOP QUARTERMASTER Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. Comments: The Quartermaster does most of his work around campouts. There are times when the Quartermaster has to be available to check equipment in and out. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none Attendance: 50% over the previous six months Attendance: You are expected to attend 70% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, and 80 % of outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Keeps records on patrol and troop equipment. Makes sure equipment is in good working condition. Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. Makes suggestions for new or replacement items. Works with the Troop Committee member responsible for equipment. 16

TROOP SCRIBE Type: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader Term: 6 months Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Description: The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council, and keeps a record of scout attendance at troop meetings. He works with the Adult in charge of the newsletter, helping write and collect articles. Comments: To be a good Scribe you need to attend nearly all troop and Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Age: none Rank: none Experience: none Attendance: 50% over the previous six months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, and 60 % of all outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Attends and keeps a log of Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Records individual Scout attendance. Works with the Troop Committee members responsible for the troop newsletter. 17

TROOP GUIDE Type: Appointed by the Scoutmaster Term: 1 year Reports to: Scoutmaster Description: The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He is a member of that Patrol. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year. Comments: The first year as a Boy Scout is a critical time with new places, new people, new rules, and new activities. The Troop Guide is a friend to the new Scouts and makes first year fun and successful. This is an important position. Age: 14 or older Rank: 1st Class or higher Experience: none Attendance: 60% over previous 6 months Attendance: You are expected to attend 80% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office. Introduces new Scouts to troop operations. Guides new Scouts through early Scouting activities Shields new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts. Helps new Scouts earn First Class in their first year. Teaches basic Scout skills. Coaches the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol on his duties. Works with the patrol leader at Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. Attends Patrol Leaders' Council meetings with the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol. Assists the Assistant Scoutmaster with training. Counsels individual Scouts on Scouting challenges. 18

Your Name: Troop 674 Leadership Position Application Age: Current Rank: Patrol: Current Position: Previous Positions: Meeting Attendance (6 months, circle one): Near Perfect Usually Attend Occasionally Seldom List your first three choices 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice For your first choice, use this space to tell why you want this job, how you would do the job, and why you are the best choice for this position. Scout's Agreement I have read the job descriptions for these positions. I understand the duties and responsibilities and if selected will carry them out to the best of my ability. (signature) (date) Parent's Support Agreement I agree with the commitment my son is making. I promise to support him in attending training, troop meetings, and troop activities as well as with encouragement at home. I realize that once selected his presence is necessary for the smooth functioning of the troop. (signature) (date) 19