TROOP 192 BY-LAWS Revision 2 August 28, 2013 Table of Contents Section Page Troop Charter 2 A. Purpose of the Troop 2 B. Purpose of These By-Laws 2 C. Scout Registration Requirements 2 D. Leader Registration Requirements 2 E. Parent Participation 3 F. Uniforms 3 G. Troop Meeting 4 H. Finance 4 I. Adult Leadership Responsibilities 5 J. Medical Forms and Consent Forms 6 K. Troop Checking Account 7 L. Conduct and Discipline 7 M. Campout Rules and Regulations 7 N. Medical/Health and Safety 8 O. Boy Scout Youth Leadership Positions 9 P. Amending or Changing These By-Laws 10 Signatures 10 1
TROOP 192 CHARTER Troop 192 is chartered to St. Francis de Sales Church located in Parma, Ohio. It is a member of the West District of the Greater Cleveland Council, Boy Scouts of America. A. PURPOSE OF THE TROOP To provide a year round scouting program for boys ages 11 to 18 years old and to follow the policies and guidelines established by the Boy Scouts of America. B. PURPOSE OF THESE BY-LAWS These by-laws have been established to provide guidance to the adult leadership on the proper operation of Troop 192. As leadership changes over time, these by-laws are intended to provide program consistency throughout the transition. The Scoutmaster has the authority and is responsible for enforcing and encouraging compliance of these bylaws. In addition to these by-laws, The Boy Scout Handbook, The Scoutmaster Handbook, and The Guide to Safe Scouting will provide guidance for Troop 192. C. SCOUT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 1. All scout applicants must be 11 years old, or have completed the fifth grade, or have earned the Arrow of Light at the time of registration. 2. The parents or legal guardians of all applicants will have filled out and signed a BSA youth membership application. 3. All applications must be turned in with the appropriate registration fees, troop dues and subscription fees for Boy s Life Magazine (The subscription is recommended but not required). D. LEADER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Adult leaders must be of legal age as required by the Boy Scouts of America. 2. Adult leaders are defined as Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Committee Members, and Charter Organization Representative. 3. All applicants must complete and sign a BSA Adult Application. 4. The troop will pay the yearly rechartering fees for all adults volunteering to participate as registered leaders. 5. Registered adult leaders are required to participate in on-line Youth Protection Training and This is Scouting Training. The Youth Protection Training certificate of completion must be turned in with all new adult leader applications. 6. Within 6 months, all adult leaders are required to complete Virtus Training as required by all youth organizations affiliated with a Catholic Church. Our chartered organization (St. Francis de Sales) also requires that all registered adults 2
who work with youth be fingerprinted. This can be completed by contacting the Parma Police Station. 7. In addition to the training outlined above, Scoutmasters are required to complete on-line Hazardous Weather Training, Scoutmaster Specific Training, and Outdoor Leadership Skills Training. 8. In addition to the training outlined above, the Committee Chairman and all Committee Members are required to take the Troop Committee Challenge training which is available on-line. 9. All leaders are required to keep their training current and retake training courses that have expired in accordance with BSA policy. E. PARENT PARTICIPATION 1. A fair and equitable share of assistance is expected from each parent and guardian. Parents may be asked to furnish transportation to and from Troop campouts and activities. 2. Parents are expected to attend Courts of Honor. 3. Parents are encouraged to attend and assist with Troop meetings, campouts, activities, and service projects. 4. Parents are encouraged to participate as registered adult leaders. 5. Parents are welcome to attend Troop Committee meetings as observers. Only registered committee members may vote on issues before the committee. F. UNIFORMS 1. All scouts are required to purchase a Class-A scout uniform within 3 months of joining. This is defined as official scout uniform shirt, shoulder loops, uniform patches, scout (or scout-like) pants/shorts, scout (or scout-like) socks, and scout belt. 2. Scout neckerchief, slides, and scout handbooks will be furnished by the troop upon joining. If any of these items become, lost, damaged, or worn out, it is the scout s responsibility to replace them at his own expense in a timely manner. 3. Scouts are required to wear their Class A uniforms for all Troop Meetings, Advancement Conferences, Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, and Merit Badge Counselor meetings. Scouts coming to meetings directly from other organized activities (i.e. sports practice) should bring their uniform with them and will be permitted to change before the meeting begins. Any deviation from this MUST have authorization from the Scoutmaster in advance of the meeting. 4. Scouts may be required to wear uniforms during campouts, activities, and service projects as designated by the Scoutmaster. 5. Merit Badge sashes are only to be worn during Courts of Honor or special ceremonies. 6. Scouts should be prepared to stand a uniform inspection at any troop meeting or activity without prior notice. 3
G. TROOP MEETINGS Troop meetings will be held on Monday evenings starting at 7:00 PM and will end no later than 8:30 PM. Unless otherwise specified, Troop Meetings will be held in the State Road building at St. Francis de Sales. Scouts are required to be on time for meetings and are expected to stay until everything is cleaned up and they are officially dismissed. If a scout misses multiple meetings he may be asked to provide an explanation. A schedule of troop meetings will be provided to scouts and parents and will be made available on the troop web site (http://troop192.atspace.com). Troop meetings will focus on rank advancement and troop business. Pre-Campout Meetings that take place prior to a campout or activity will focus on details specific to that outing. These meetings are mandatory for all scouts attending the specified outing. Scouts who will not be attending the outing are encouraged to attend but are not required. Their presence will allow them an opportunity to learn how outings are planned and executed. They may also assist with preparation of troop gear so that they gain familiarity with it. H. FINANCE Beginning with the completion of the 2009 Popcorn Sale, the following troop funding plan will be implemented. 1. 100% of the profits that a scout earns from the annual popcorn and flower sales will be put into his own personal Scouting Account. These accounts will be held and managed by the Troop leadership. Participation in the popcorn and flower sales is not mandatory, however it is highly encouraged to offer scouts a mechanism to pay their scouting expenses. 2. At the discretion of the scout and his family, money in his Scouting Account may be used by the scout to pay for summer camp, quarterly dues, troop camping/outing fees, and annual rechartering fees. Any other expenses paid from this account must have prior approval by the Scoutmaster. 3. Effective 2010, scout dues of $15.00 will be collected from each scout on a quarterly basis. This equates to $5.00 per month. The collection dates for these dues will be specified on a dues payment form which will be distributed to each scout. As outlined above, scouts have the option of paying these dues from their Scouting Account provided it contains sufficient funds. The troop will use the money collected from dues to pay for scout awards and patches, leader training, leader rechartering and registration fees, purchasing or replacing troop equipment, certain food items for family outings (i.e. family night at Summer Camp), campground and cabin deposits, replenishment of consumable camping supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses as approved by the troop committee. 4. Each scout will be required to pay an annual rechartering fee as designated by the Greater Cleveland Council if he wishes to stay in the program. As outlined above, scouts have the option of paying rechartering fees from their Scouting Account provided it contains sufficient funds. 4
5. Troop campouts and outings will require the collection of fees to be used for the purchase of food and other items. The amount of these fees will vary depending on the type and scope of activity in question. The fee amount must be approved by a majority of the troop committee. As outlined above, scouts have the option of paying these fees from their Scouting Account provided it contains sufficient funds. All troop camping/outing fees and applicable forms must be turned in no later than the date specified on the information flier for the event. 6. If a scout wishes to attend the annual Summer Camp at Manatoc, he has the option of paying his fee out of pocket, from his Scouting Account, or a combination of the two. All fees and forms must be turned in by the date designated by the Scoutmaster in order to meet the deadline set by Camp Manatoc. 7. From time to time, the troop may organize supplemental fundraisers for the sole purpose of raising additional troop funds for a specific need. The earnings from these fundraisers will NOT be distributed to individual Scouting Accounts unless otherwise indicated. These earnings will be used to supplement the troop general fund or pay for a specific need. All scouts and their families are expected to participate equally and fairly in these supplemental fundraisers. 8. If a scout quits the troop or reaches the age of 18, any remaining funds in his Scouting Account will be transferred to the troop general fund. I. ADULT LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties will be assigned to registered adult leaders as follows: Scoutmaster: 1. Plan and Lead weekly Troop Meetings 2. Plan and Lead Courts of Honor 3. Conduct Scoutmaster Conferences for rank advancement 4. Coordinate Webelos Crossovers with the pack and other recruitments 5. Purchase awards & patches from the scout shop 6. Present scouts with awards as earned 7. Work with ASM to organize and manage fundraisers 8. Coordinate unit rechartering 9. Votes as a tie breaker on matters before the troop committee. Assistant Scoutmaster: 1. Assist Scoutmaster as needed. 2. Lead weekly Troop Meetings if the Scoutmaster is absent 3. Designate patrol assignments for new scouts 4. Work with SM to organize and manage fundraisers 5. Ensure that scouts are advancing at an acceptable pace and report back to Scoutmaster if someone is not advancing. 6. Maintain Troop Medical Forms and ensure the proper ones are taken on campouts. 5
7. Permitted to vote on matters before the troop committee. Committee Chairman: 1. Plan and Lead Troop Committee Meetings 2. Maintain advancement records 3. Maintain individual Scouting Accounts 4. Approve adult applications 5. Communication of Troop schedule and outings to scouts and families 6. Organize boards of review for scout advancement (except Eagle rank). 7. Maintain attendance records. 8. Permitted to vote on matters before the troop committee. Committee Members: 1. Attend all scheduled Troop Committee Meetings. 2. Vote on troop expenditures, schedules, and outings a simple majority is required for approval. 3. Approve all future amendments or alterations to the Troop 192 by-laws with a 2/3 majority required for approval. 4. Permitted to vote on matters before the troop committee. Charter Organization Rep: 1. Maintain positive relations with St. Francis de Sales Church 2. Coordinate religious medals for any scouts that may earn them 3. Negotiate use of Church facilities as needed 4. Coordinate any special service projects requested by the Church. J. MEDICAL FORMS AND CONSENT FORMS All Scouts and Adult Leaders must have an annual medical form on file with the troop. For those attending Summer Camp or any activity that exceeds 72 hours, the physician section must be filled out and signed by the individual s family doctor. Each individual is responsible for any costs associated with a doctor physical examination. Scouts that attend troop campouts or outings without their parent or guardian must submit a consent form that has been filled out and signed by his parent or legal guardian. Blank consent forms may be downloaded from the Troop 192 web page http://troop192.atspace.com 6
K. TROOP CHECKING ACCOUNT In the interests of openness and accountability, a minimum of three troop leaders must be listed on the troop checking account. These should consist of Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Committee Chairman. All major expenses beyond the normal day to day operation of the troop must be approved by a majority of the Troop Committee. All receipts and records must be maintained and documented by all leaders listed on the account. The Troop Committee may vote to authorize an audit at any time. L. CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE All Boy Scouts are expected to comport themselves in accordance with the values and standards set forth by the Boy Scout Law, Motto, and Oath. As such, leaders of Troop 192 will not tolerate, and will report, incidents of foul or obscene language, unruly or disruptive behavior, harassment, name calling, fighting, stealing, or dangerous behavior that involves the health, safety, and welfare of other scouts. When misbehavior and disrespect occur, the course of action may include any or all of the following: 1. Meeting with Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader. 2. Meeting with Assistant Scoutmaster 3. Meeting with Scoutmaster 4. Meeting with Scoutmaster, Assistant Scout Master, and Parent or Legal Guardian. Any offense deemed to be egregious will result in a review by the troop committee. The committee will determine any further disciplinary action which may include probation, suspension or expulsion. The scout may also be required to appear before a disciplinary board while accompanied by his parents or legal guardian. M. CAMPOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Scouts without a parent or guardian present will not be permitted to participate in campouts without a current permission slip that has been signed by his parent or legal guardian prior to the campout. Scouts are also required to have on file with the Troop the record of emergency data and Boy Scout physical on the appropriate form required for participation in the scouting activity. 2. The parent or guardian of a Scout who misbehaves or disturbs a campout will be called to come and pick him up from the campsite. 3. All Scouts will travel to and from the campsite in full "Class A" uniform. Adult leaders are encouraged to wear Scout uniforms. Scouts will be permitted to change into other clothes after arriving at the campsite unless otherwise directed by the Scoutmaster. 4. No Scout is permitted to leave the campsite unless he has received prior approval from the Scoutmaster or SPL. Scouts leaving the campsite will use the buddy system. 5. Scouts will maintain the campsite in a clean and orderly manner at all times. 7
6. Scouts will use fuels as permitted by, and in accordance with, the procedures and policies set forth in the most current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting. 7. No fires will be built at a campsite unless prior approval has been received from the Scoutmaster. No fires, heaters, or candles are permitted inside tents. Flame-lit hand warmers are also prohibited from use in tents. 8. Only Scouts who have earned a Firem n Chit Card will be permitted to light, stoke, or add wood to a campfire. Scouts caught violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. 9. Each patrol will set-up its tents in the site selected by the SPL or the Scoutmaster. 10. Scouts will not borrow or use another Scout's or adult's equipment without first receiving their permission. Scouts will not go inside another Scout's tent unless permission has been received. Scouts must ask for permission to enter the adult leaders' campsite. 11. The points and times of departure and return for campouts shall be as announced for that activity. 12. All fees due for troop activities will be paid by the date specified on the flier for the event. None of these fees will be refunded if the Scout fails to attend. The food fee for each outing will be established prior to the campout. N. MEDICAL/HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. Scouts will be required to have on file with the Troop, the Troop 192 record of emergency data and the Boy Scout physical on the appropriate form required for participation in the scouting activity. 2. The Scoutmaster or his designated assistant will retain all medicines and drugs at all Troop activities, whether they are prescription or over-the counter medications. Medicines and drugs must remain in original container, and parents must provide written directions for administration to the Scoutmaster. Exceptions may be made for inhalers dependent on the severity of the Scout s condition. 3. Scouts who have physical or mental disabilities will be encouraged to participate in all Troop activities to the extent they are able to do so. Parental support or assistance may be required. 4. The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of sheath knives by Scouts. All Scouts will comply with this policy. Axes, saws, and hatchets will not be allowed at regular Troop activities unless prior permission is received from the Scoutmaster. 5. Scouts will only be permitted to carry or handle pocket-knives after they have earned their Totin Chip Card. Scouts who violate this rule will have their pocket knife confiscated by the Scoutmaster who will return it to the Scout s parents at the conclusion of the outing. Totin Chip cards may also be revoked and confiscated of the card holder violates any BSA knife safety rules. Scouts who have their cards revoked may be required to retake the Totin Chip training course to become eligible to regain their privileges. 6. Scouts and adult leaders will maintain personal cleanliness at all Troop activities. 8
7. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the BSA or at any activity involving participation of youth members. 8. Adult leaders should support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco, and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all youth participants. 9. Scouts may not go swimming, nor use any type of boat, unless prior approval has been received from the Scoutmaster. Scouts shall comply with the rules and regulations governing aquatic safety contained in the most current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting published by the Boy Scouts of America. 10. All Scouts are required to pass the BSA swim test annually in order to participate in Troop sponsored water activities. 11. All drivers transporting scouts must be at least twenty-one years of age and have a valid operator's license in their possession. All vehicles will be insured for the minimum amount of insurance required by the State of Ohio. 12. Scouts will obey the rules established by the drivers of vehicles used for transportation. Seat belts are required for all occupants and must be in use when the vehicle is operated. Scouts are not permitted to ride in open truck beds. Scouts are not permitted to hang out of vehicle windows, throw anything from a vehicle, or yell at pedestrians or drivers of other vehicles. O. BOY SCOUT YOUTH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS The Scouts of Troop 192 shall elect youth leaders as they see fit. The candidates for these positions should be in good standing, have an outstanding attendance record, and meet the minimum rank requirements unless otherwise waived by the Scoutmaster. Elections shall be conducted via secret ballot. Scouts are expected to treat the election process with dignity and respect in accordance with our nation s democratic ideals. A Scout who is in consideration for a position will be provided with a complete list of duties and responsibilities by the Scoutmaster. Youth leadership positions are as follows: 1. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) 2. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) 3. Patrol Leader (PL) 4. Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) 5. Troop Quartermaster 6. Troop Scribe 7. Troop Guide 8. Troop Bugler 9. Troop Librarian 10. Troop Historian 11. OA Representative 12. Den Chief Additional youth leadership positions may be added at the discretion of the Scoutmaster. 9
P. AMENDING OR CHANGING THESE BY-LAWS Changes to the Troop 192 By-laws can only be initiated by a registered adult leader within the troop. Any such individuals wishing to amend or alter these Troop by-laws must submit their proposal in writing to the Troop Committee. The proposal must specifically note the section to be changed and must elaborate on the reasoning for the requested change. A copy of this proposal must be given to ALL registered members of the Troop Committee. The committee will hold a vote on the proposal which will be enacted if a 2/3 majority is in favor. Signatures: We, the undersigned adult leaders of Boy Scout Troop 192, promise to abide by and enforce these by-laws to the best of our ability. Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmaster Committee Chairman Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member 10