Chartered by: St Luke s United Methodist Church 300 Ella Taylor Road Yorktown, Virginia 26 Apr 2013 Scoutmaster: Eric Horton Committee Chairman: Robert Jordan Charter Organization: Mike Puffenbarger Meeting Times: Mondays, 7:00-8:30 PM Website: www.troop200.net These Guidelines apply to all members of Troop 200. By a majority vote of the Troop Committee, these Guidelines may be set aside or revised, and a notice to the Troop of such will be provided. The Guidelines are posted on the Troop200.net web site and all are encouraged to review before registering. - 1 -
- 2 -
Contents 1. Background...- 5-2. Joining...- 5-3. Organization...- 7-4. Troop Activities...- 9-5. Uniform Standards...- 9-6. Advancement...- 10-7. Finances...- 13-8. Health & Safety, Privacy, Drug & Child Abuse... - 14-9. Summary...- 16 - - 3 -
Summary of Interim Changes Date Page Paragraph Change 31 Mar 2012 3 Table of Contents added 31 Mar 2012 13 8.2 Made Tour Plan paragraph a numbered paragraph, 8.3. Incremented following paragraph numbers 23 May 2012 5 2.2 Added The Troop 200 custom neckerchief is presented to new scouts at their first fall Court of Honor. 23 May 2012 8 3.10 Added Troop 200 requires all adults attending a campout be current in Youth Protection Training (YPT). 23 May 2012 14 8.3 Changed Tour Plan to Tour and Activity Plan 23 May 2012 14 8.7 Deleted All Troop activities require at least one Youth Protection trained adult to be in attendance and listed on the Tour Permit. Added: Troop 200 requires all adults attending a campout be current in Youth Protection Training (YPT). 26 Apr 2013 1 Changed COR name 26 Apr 2013 2.2.1 Added 2.2.1 Crossover. Troop 200 policy is to accept up to 12 scouts at Crossover each year. Additional transfers are at the discretion of the Committee. The Troop will hold two Open House events for local Packs in the fall of each year. Current Troop 200 families will be sent, in the summer, notification by email requesting they provide in writing to the Scoutmaster the names of siblings of current Troop members that are crossover eligible. Siblings will be added to the waiting list upon confirmation to the Scoutmaster of their desire to crossover to the Troop but they must commit to Troop 200 prior to 2 January. Families of crossover-eligible scouts from outside Troop 200 must notify the Troop 200 Scoutmaster in writing of their desire to crossover to Troop 200. The Troop waiting list will open for non-sibling applications on Saturday following the last Troop 200 Open House Event. Placement on the list will be on a first come/first served basis. On 3 January available slots will be filled by any crossovers on the waiting list, up to the established limit. Scoutmaster will advise the committee of the total number on the list. Siblings of Troop 200 members are not guaranteed a crossover slot except as outlined above. - 4 -
1. Background 1.1. Troop 200 is one of the older and more active Boy Scout Troops on the Peninsula, and since 1982, is chartered by St. Luke s United Methodist Church. Troop 200 is part of the Chesapeake Bay District of the Colonial Virginia Council, and subscribes fully to the Rules and Regulations of the National Council and the Colonial Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). 1.2. Troop 200 has a tradition of providing a full Scouting experience, including regular Troop and Patrol meetings, robust advancement program, well-rounded outdoor program encompassing weekend tent camping about 9 months each year, 8 day Summer Camp, high adventure opportunities, and community service projects. Past outdoor activities include caving, hiking, snow skiing, cycling, canoeing, boating, and rock climbing/rappelling. The Troop strives to provide motivated Scouts with plenty of opportunities to attain the First Class rank within one year of joining, and provides all Scouts opportunities to obtain Merit Badges, participate in service projects, and experience high adventure activities. Troop 200 is very successful in providing our Scouts the opportunity to achieve Scouting s greatest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. 1.3. Any perceived inconsistencies between these Guidelines and official Boy Scouts of America Handbook, Requirements, Policies, or Procedures shall be resolved by giving preference to the most current edition of official Boy Scouts of America documents. The Troop Committee will annually review these Guidelines, and may at times modify Guidelines upon a majority vote of the Committee. 2. Joining 2.1. Joining requires a completed BSA application and either the required registration fee for new members or the transfer fee for those with a current BSA registration. Troop 200 Scoutmaster must sign all Scout applications, and the Committee Chair and Charter Organization Representative must sign all Adult applications. 2.2. Boy Scout Registration. A Troop Committee member will submit Scout applications to the Council office, and the required fee must accompany all applications. For new scouts, Troop 200 presents a neckerchief, slide, and shoulder loops. A BSA book cover is a good present for the parents to give. The Troop 200 custom neckerchief is presented to new scouts at their first fall Court of Honor. 2.2.1. Crossover. Troop 200 policy is to accept up to 12 scouts at Crossover each year. Additional transfers are at the discretion of the Committee. The Troop will hold two Open House events for local Packs in the fall of each year. Current Troop 200 families will be sent, in the summer, notification by email requesting they provide in writing to the Scoutmaster the names of siblings of current Troop members that are crossover eligible. Siblings will be added to the waiting list upon confirmation to the Scoutmaster of their desire to crossover to the Troop but they must commit to Troop 200 prior to 2 January. Families of crossover-eligible scouts from outside Troop 200 must notify the Troop 200 Scoutmaster in writing of their desire to crossover - 5 -
to Troop 200. The Troop waiting list will open for non-sibling applications on Saturday following the last Troop 200 Open House Event. Placement on the list will be on a first come/first served basis. On 3 January available slots will be filled by any crossovers on the waiting list, up to the established limit. Scoutmaster will advise the committee of the total number on the list. Siblings of Troop 200 members are not guaranteed a crossover slot except as outlined above. 2.3. Adult Registration. Troop 200 needs parents of Scouts or other interested adults to register with the Boy Scouts of America, and become a trained Troop Committee member or Merit Badge Counselor. After serving there for a period of time and once all the training is completed for Assistant Scoutmaster then adults can move from the committee. All adult membership applications include a Disclosure/Authorization form and proof of Youth Protection training. A background check will be completed by BSA. Adult members do not pay dues, but do pay their own annual registration fee. - 6 -
3. Organization T roop 2 0 0 G u i d e l i n e s 3.1. Scout Run. Troop 200 strives to be a Scout-run Troop. The annual program and weekly meetings are planned and carried out by the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), with adult support and supervision. The PLC includes the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and three Assistant SPL s (ASPL), all elected by the Troop at large, and the Patrol Leaders (PL), elected by Patrol members. Other Troop Leaders (OTL) such as OA Representative, Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, Chaplain are volunteer positions giving scouts an opportunity to lead without being elected. Twice a year, usually in September and March, SPL, ASPL, and PL leadership positions open for election, and in turn, the appointed leadership positions reassign. Scouts may not serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position. 3.2. Patrol Assignment. SPL, with Scoutmaster guidance, will assign all new Scouts to a Patrol. New Webelos Scouts may be assigned to an existing Patrol, or become part of a "New Scout Patrol. Other existing Patrols, comprising of older Scouts, assist providing guidance to new members. A Troop Guide and an adult Assistant Scoutmaster will be assigned to assist and advise each patrol, and the Assistant Scoutmaster also assists Webelos transition to Boy Scouts. Scouts should direct Patrol assignment concerns or questions to the SPL for consideration. 3.3. Scout Leaders. All Scout leaders must complete and sign a Leader Agreement, and each Scout s parents or legal guardian must also sign the form. The agreement conveys position duties and responsibilities, and Scout s commitment to carry them out to the best of his ability. 3.3.1. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL is in charge of all Troop activities, and reports to the Scoutmaster. The SPL, with the approval of the Scoutmaster, appoints Scouts to serve as Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, Chaplain s Aide, Troop Order of the Arrow (OA) Representative, Webmaster, and other positions as needed. These Scouts remain members of their Patrols. 3.3.2. Patrol Leader (PL). Patrol Leaders are responsible for the performance and conduct of their Patrols, and report to the SPL. They are also encouraged to lead patrol-specific activities, and strive for Honor Patrol. 3.3.3. Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM). The Scoutmaster may appoint one or more JASM to help the Troop achieve its goals. Normally, Scouts selected for JASM are 16 years of age and an Eagle Scout. 3.4. Scoutmaster (SM). The Scoutmaster is the Adult Leader responsible for the actions of the Troop. The Scoutmaster is the advisor to the PLC and can veto anything believed harmful to the Troop or contrary to the Rules and Regulations of the BSA. 3.5. Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM). Numerous ASMs support the Scoutmaster in areas such as Patrol Advisors, equipment, physical arrangements, transportation, program areas (such as hiking, knots, cooking, camping, and backpacking), and function as Scoutmaster in the Scoutmaster's absence. ASMs must be at least 18 years old. - 7 -
3.6. Troop Committee. The Troop Committee consists of adults 21 years or older. The Committee recruits quality leaders and assures the same receive required training; advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the Chartered Organization; supports Troop leadership carrying out Troop programs; is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements pursuant with approved Budgets; obtains, maintains, and properly cares for Troop property; ensures an active Troop outdoor program; serves on Boards of Review and Courts of Honor; supports the Scoutmaster working with individual boys and problems; provides special needs and assistance as required; helps with Friends of Scouting campaign; and assists the Scoutmaster handling behavioral problems. Committee members serve as focal points for Scout advancement, Troop Budget, outdoor activities, service/good turns, membership, relationships, health and safety, transportation, Adult training, and fund raising. Parents are invited and encouraged to visit and join this important group. Registered Committee members are the only voting members of the Troop Committee. The Committee Chair, approved by members of the Committee, leads the Troop Committee. See BSA Troop Committee Guidebook for further details. 3.7. Life-to-Eagle Mentor (LEM). The Troop Committee Chair and Scoutmaster will designate a Committee Member or Assistant Scoutmaster, either not a Scout s relative, to be the LEM to help Scout advancement towards the Eagle rank. The LEM shall advocate Scouts completing Eagle requirements (merit badges, service projects, etc.), and coach and provide quality assurance for selecting and completing an Eagle Project in accordance with the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook. The LEM also serves as a guidance counselor for the Eagle Advancement Application, Boards of Review, and Eagle Court of Honor. The LEM should be accessible to Life Scouts as such prepare to present Eagle Project Workbook and concept plans for the required Scoutmaster, Troop Committee, and project benefactor approval prior to commencing the project. 3.8. Merit Badge Counselors. The Troop maintains a list of adult Merit Badge Counselors. These Merit Badge Counselors must annually register with the BSA, adhere to BSA regulations, and complete required one-time and recurring training, including Youth Protection training. 3.9. Order of the Arrow (OA). OA is the National Honor Camper Society of the BSA. Troop 200 supports the OA and encourages boys elected from the Troop to become active members in the OA program. The Troop holds an annual election in accordance with OA regulations. Eligibility is based on OA regulations and the Scoutmaster s final determination. The Scoutmaster will provide written information to be acknowledged by eligible Scouts and his parent on the expectations and responsibilities of OA membership. The Troop OA Representative is responsible for liaison with the OA Chapter, and should attend, participate, and encourage other OA members in faithful service upon the sessions of the Lodge. The Troop Committee may recommend adults to the OA following the scouts OA election, based on criteria established by the OA. 3.10. Parents. The Troop cannot function without the active involvement of parents helping as leaders, drivers and mentors. Troop 200 highly encourages at least one parent from each scout become a registered and active adult member of BSA, volunteering and assisting with at least one activity, driving to outings, helping with Courts of Honor and parties, etc. Parents are - 8 -
welcome to wait for their sons during meetings. Any parent that has a concern, issue or comment regarding any Troop function is encouraged to contact informally or formally the Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, or Chartered Organization Representative. Troop 200 requires all adults attending a campout be current in Youth Protection Training (YPT). 4. Troop Activities 4.1. Troop 200 meets Mondays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at St Luke s Methodist Church, throughout the year. Scoutmaster conferences are held as scheduled by the SM. Troop 200 maintains, regularly updates and posts to the Troop website a one-year calendar to keep Scouts, leaders and parents aware of events. 4.2. Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). The PLC normally meets the last Monday of each month, and this meeting occurs in lieu of a full Troop meeting. The PLC often meets briefly prior to each Troop meeting to finalize agenda items and they also stay afterwards for a quick lesson-learned discussion. 4.3. Patrol Meetings/Campouts. After the opening ceremony, time during each meeting is given to the Patrols so they can hold meetings to work on rank advancement, meal planning, etc. Patrols are encouraged to meet at other times and plan Patrol campouts with approval and proper supervision from the Scoutmaster and ASMs. 4.4. Troop Committee Meetings. The Troop Committee meets monthly, usually to coincide with the monthly PLC. The Committee also holds Scout Boards of Review during regular Troop meetings, if notified in advance. 4.5. Activities. Troop 200 stays busy year-round with a monthly campout or other activity. Patrol activities such as day hikes and similar activities may also be scheduled throughout the year. The Troop calendar identifies all Troop campouts and activities. The PLC works out details of each activity, and then the Scoutmaster reviews and approves. 4.6. Service Projects and Civic Activities. In the spirit of doing a good turn daily, Troop 200 participates in service projects and civic activities including those that benefit the community throughout the year. The Troop calendar identifies these activities, as well. 4.7. Long-term Camping/Activities. Weeklong summer camps and/or other events occur each year. The Troop goes to BSA Resident summer camp either at the Council's camp or other Council camp to get the widest possible camping experience. 4.8. Transportation. Troop 200 meets or exceeds the National BSA Policy and the Code of Virginia as it pertains to transporting Scouts to/from activities. Drivers transporting Scouts during or while participating in an activity must be 21 years of age. Drivers 18 to 20 years of age may transport Scouts only with the knowledge and permission of their parents and all other passengers parents. Such permission should be in writing and provided to the Scoutmaster or activity leader. 5. Uniform Standards 5.1. Troop 200 strives to meet with 100% of the Troop in Official Scout uniforms to signify a cohesive organization, recognizing that uniform appearance is an indicator of unity. Scouts and - 9 -
adult leaders are expected to wear the Official Scout uniform at all Scout functions. Uniform inspections are held occasionally as announced by the Scoutmaster and SPL. 5.2. Scout Field Uniform ( Field Uniform ). The official BSA Scout shirt/pants/belt/socks with closed-toed shoes and neckerchief make up the full Scout Field Uniform. Troop 200 recognizes not all boys can afford a complete Field Uniform, and therefore a clean and appropriately fitting pair of subdued (no plaid, bright colors or wild designs) trousers or shorts with the BSA belt is an acceptable substitute for the official BSA trousers or shorts. Per the Boy Scout Handbook, Scouts will wear the Scout Field Uniform for ceremonial and indoor activities (e.g., Troop meetings, Courts of Honor, etc.), and should wear the Scout Field Uniform during special outdoor occasions (e.g., Flag ceremonies and Summer Camp special events). The Scout Field Uniform may include the BSA Merit Badge sash. See the Boy Scout Handbook for further details. 5.3. Scout Activity Uniform ( Activity Uniform ). A BSA T-shirt and BSA belt, with appropriate subdued pants/shorts, make up the Scout Activity Uniform. The preferred T-shirt is the Troop 200 T-shirt (red with black Troop logo), and it is available for purchase from the committee. At SPL s discretion and with Scoutmaster approval, this Activity Uniform may be substituted for the Scout Field Uniform. 5.4. Fleece Hoodie. Troop 200 encourages Scouts to purchase and wear the Troop 200 red hooded fleece sweatshirt for outside activities during colder weather. These sweatshirts have the BSA emblem and Troop 200, Yorktown embroidered on the left chest, and are available from the Committee. 6. Advancement 6.1. The Boy Scout advancement program is a graduated set of knowledge and skills aimed at developing character, citizenship, and fitness, and preparing the Scout to take care of himself and, if necessary, others. Troop 200 seeks older Scouts and ASMs to guide and instruct younger Scouts, and sign-off requirements as much as is practical. Certain skills such as First Aid and Swimming require Adult leader approval. Parents cannot sign-off on their son s advancement unless it is a group activity and the parent is a registered Scouter. 6.2. Participation. Troop 200 encourages all registered Scouts and Adult leaders to participate in a majority of Troop meetings, campouts, Courts of Honor, Patrol activities, service projects, and other Scouting activities (e.g., day hikes, Camporees, BSA Summer Camp, Jamborees, Council High Adventure, National High Adventure, and Unit High Adventure). 6.3. Boards of Review (BoR). After a Scout completes all requirements for a rank, to include a Scoutmaster s conference, the Committee Chair will schedule a Board of Review as soon as practical. A BoR is comprised of three to six Troop Committee members, none related to the Scout. BoRs do not retest Scouts, but rather ensure Scouts completed all of the requirements, determine the quality of his Troop experience, and encourage him to advance to the next rank. See BSA Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures (No. 33088) and Troop 200 BoR Guide for further details. - 10 -
6.4. Rank Recognition. Troop 200 issues cloth rank badges within a month of Scouts earning the rank. Official rank advancement recognition occurs during semi-annual Courts of Honor. Troop 200 pays the cost of advancement patches and cards, except for Eagle and Religious Awards. 6.5. Merit Badges (MB). Scouts will obtain MB Blue Cards from the Advancement Coordinator, fill it out completely, obtain Advancement Coordinator signature as the Unit Leader, and keep and retain MB Blue Cards. After Scouts complete MB requirements, the MB Counselor and Scoutmaster will sign the Applicant Record, and then Scouts will turn the Blue Card into Advancement Coordinator who will update TroopMaster (TM). Scouts, Advancement Coordinator, and MB Counselor should retain MB Blue Cards until Scouts attain Eagle. Advancement Coordinator will enter in TM all MB Blue Card information, and will maintain partial MB information until Scouts complete each MB. 6.6. Court of Honor. Troop 200 holds a Court of Honor twice yearly, typically spring and fall, to recognize Scouts who advanced during the period. During the ceremony, Troop 200 Scoutmaster recognizes rank advancement and gives Merit Badges by Patrol, and Troop 200 urges parents to be present during their son s recognition and share in his achievements. Parents also receive a rank pin in recognition of ranks awarded. 6.7. Religious Awards. BSA religious awards are not advancements, but Troop 200 considers them an important opportunity for Scouts to grow in their faith and religious observance. Troop 200 will always provide information and assistance to Scouts interested in earning a BSA religious award. Expenses for Religious Awards are not included in the Troop Budget. 6.8. Path to Eagle 6.8.1. The path to Eagle is a long and winding trail that has many hills and valleys. It is the culmination of years of work by the Scout and it is one of the greatest moments in the life of a Scout and of a Troop. 6.8.2. Eagle Project Workbook and Application. The Troop will provide new Life Scouts a copy of The BSA Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook for their progression towards the rank of Eagle. It has a 12-step procedure providing excellent guidance on the steps needed to accomplish Eagle requirements. See BSA Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (No. 18-927) for further details. 6.8.3. Eagle Project Plan Approval. After the LEM reviews and the SM approves a Project Plan through a SM conference, the SM will notify the Troop Committee Chair of completion up to this point. An Eagle Project Review will be scheduled and convene. The review committee will be comprised of the Troop Committee Chair or designated representative and other CMs. The Eagle Project Review may coincide with a regular Troop meeting or occur at the convenience of the parties. The Eagle Project Review offers the Board opportunity to counsel the Life Scout, request explanation or additional details and suggest changes to assure the Scout alone developed project, and the project affords the Scout sufficient opportunity to demonstrate providing leadership to others in service to a religious institution, school or community organization other than BSA. This review shall follow all directions outlined in the revised Eagle Project workbook effective 1 January, 2012. The Scout may ask the LEM or the Scoutmaster, if other than the Scout s parent, to accompany him to the Eagle - 11 -
Project Review. Once a majority of the Eagle Project Review Board is satisfied the project meets BSA requirements, the Troop Committee Chair or designated representative shall sign the Project Plan and return it to the Scout. Scouts will submit Project Plans to the Council Service Center for Council approval, and Council approval must precede starting and executing Project Plans. 6.8.4. Eagle Completed Project Approval. After the project is complete, and the workbook is complete, the Scout again seeks approval and signature from the benefiting organization or community representative, and the SM. Once approved, the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook will become a part of the Application for Eagle rank. 6.8.5. Application for Eagle Rank. Prior to 12:00 midnight the evening before their 18th birthday, an Eagle Candidate must have all Eagle Scout requirements completed, to include the final SM signature. The Advancement Coordinator will confirm the Eagle Candidate has completed all requirements. The Committee Chair will coordinate scheduling a Troop Eagle review. Eagle Candidates shall present the Application for Eagle rank, including completed and approved Project Plan Workbook and the required statement of ambitions and life purpose (Requirement 6, Eagle Scout Application). The troop Eagle review committee members will seek Troop Committee Chair approval and signature. Eagle Candidates must be current in dues before Troop Committee Chair will sign their application and before submitting the application to the Council. Eagle Candidates are responsible for submitting applications and workbooks to the Council Service Center, and Troop 200 recommends Eagle Candidate retain a copy for his records. 6.8.6. Eagle Requirement Completion. Eagle candidates must complete all Eagle rank requirements, including Scoutmaster Conference, before turning 18 years old. Troop 200 Eagle Board of Review and Council Eagle Board of Review may be scheduled and occur after a Scout s 18th birthday. Further details are available in BSA Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures (No. 33088), and the Troop 200 BoR Guide. 6.8.7. Council Eagle Board of Review. The Council or District conducts the Board of Review for Eagle Candidates. The LEM should be accessible to the Scout as he prepares for the Eagle Board of Review, and may accompany him along with the Scoutmaster, Committee Chair or Advancement Chair. 6.8.8. Eagle Court of Honor. To recognize the special accomplishments of a Scout who earns the rank of Eagle, rank presentation normally occurs during a special Eagle Court of Honor. The new Eagle Scout s parents may schedule and plan the Ceremony with Scoutmaster and LEM assistance, and they typically host a reception after the Court to Honor celebrate their son s achievement and thank the Troop. Expenses for an Eagle Court of Honor are the parents responsibility. The Troop maintains an engraved plaque to remember this special achievement. 6.9. Advancement Coordinator. The Advancement Coordinator is a member of the Troop Committee, and focal point for Scout advancement records and awards. The Advancement Coordinator maintains Scout advancement records using TroopMaster software, and after Scouts advance rank or earn Merit Badges, the Advancement Coordinator will print, obtain requisite signatures, and submit to the Council Office necessary Scout Advancement Reports. Scouts work at their own pace to meet the advancement requirements listed in the current edition of the Boy Scout Handbook or Boy Scouts Requirements. - 12 -
6.10. TroopMaster Management. Troop 200 uses TroopMaster (TM) to record and maintain Scout and Adult Leader records, including contact information and medical forms, and advancement, rank, and patrol, and training, respectively. The following summarizes respective TM duties. 6.10.1. General. SM, ASMs and Committee users will coordinate TM data changes pursuant to Scout or Adult leader eligibility or Troop membership before entering such changes. Users may enter or update Scout or Adult leader TM data within their area of responsibility. 6.10.2. SM and ASMs. SM and ASM users are responsible for entering, updating and maintaining Scout Patrol assignment; Leader position, Scout activity participation, and SM and ASM assignment. 6.10.3. Advancement. The Troop Committee Advancement Coordinator is responsible for entering Scout BSA application, other contact information, updating the same as conditions call; entering, updating, and maintaining all Scout advancement data, including rank requirements, rank attainment, and Merit Badge work and completion; and archiving adult Scout records upon Scout resignation. 6.10.4. Outdoor/Activities Coordinator. The Troop Committee Outdoor/Activities Coordinator is responsible for entering and updating adult transportation information. 6.10.5. Treasurer. The Troop Committee Treasurer is responsible for entering, updating, and maintaining Scout dues, and Scout Accounts. 6.10.6. Training Coordinator. The Troop Committee Training Coordinator is responsible for entering, updating, and maintaining all Adult leader training and positions. 6.10.7. Health and Safety. The Troop Committee Health and Safety Coordinator is responsible for entering Adult and Scout medical information. 6.10.8. Troop Photographer. The Troop Photographer is responsible to update Troop photos yearly by June 1 of the current year. 7. Finances 7.1. Troop 200 strives to be financially sound and currently maintains a full range of camping and cooking gear and related equipment to support all Troop activities. Troop 200 s annual operating revenue comes from monthly Scout dues. Other sources of Troop income may include donations, fundraisers, and a share from Council fundraisers such as annual popcorn sales. Troop 200 requests Scouts promptly pay Scout dues, and outdoor activity expenses (e.g. food, fees, and transportation), which are not part of the Troop's budget. In the event fee payment becomes a financial burden, parents may in confidence identify the matter to the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman, who in turn will make an effort to address the situation and maintain Scout participation without prejudice. 7.2. Budget. A draft budget will be prepared by the CC, SM, Treasurer and others. The annual Budget requires quorum committee approval. - 13 -
7.3. Bank Accounts. The Troop Treasurer maintains a checking account and a Troop Reserve. The Treasurer is a Committee member, and works with the Troop Scribe to collect dues and maintain records. 7.4. Financial Audit. Troop 200 Committee Chair shall appoint adult volunteer(s) to audit annually Troop 200 financial records, and upon Treasurer turn-over. 7.5. Dues. Troop 200 budgets its yearly program pursuant to collecting from each Scout $10 per month. Budgeted revenue covers basic operating expenses, Boys Life magazine subscriptions for each Scout household, Scouting magazine for all registered Adult leaders, and other expenses as specified in the Troop Committee Guidelines and as may be adopted by the Troop Committee. Scouts may not participate in Troop outings if dues are not current as verified by the Treasurer. Scouts may not schedule Boards of Review or advance in rank unless dues are current. Troop 200 requests scouts settle Scout accounts and dues before aging out or resignation. 7.6. Fundraisers. Troop 200 participates in a limited number of fundraisers to allow scouts to earn money for their scout accounts, to augment the budgeted operating expenses for discretionary spending, and to support District and Council BSA initiatives. Examples of these are selling/spreading mulch and participating in the annual Scout Popcorn sale. 7.7. Scout Account. A portion of net funds raised by a Scout fundraiser participation shall credit to one s Scout Account, and is available for offsetting activity costs (e.g. summer camp, ski trip, dues, etc.), and through reimbursement, purchasing personal camping or other Scout equipment. The Troop Committee will establish percentage allocation for each fundraiser event. Treasurer will maintain Scout Accounts and make disbursements when Scouts issue in writing on a 3X5 card such requests. Upon Scout membership termination and if so requested within three months, the Treasurer will distribute to Scout parents remaining Scout Account balances. Scout dues must be current before disbursement will proceed. 7.8. Other Expenses. Parents and Scouts should realize Scouting entails other expenses besides monthly dues. For each attended monthly activity, Scouts pay fair share cost of food, transportation, and activity/registration fees. Signing up indicates commitment to pay for the campout. After signing up, Scouts may not later than 7 days prior, extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness, family emergency) notwithstanding, cancel participation by notifying the assigned campout Scoutmaster, and incur no expense. Generally these costs are approximately $40 per activity, but other extended trips (e.g. weekend Ski trip, etc.), expenses may be $150 or more, and BSA Summer Camp costs average $350 to $400 a week, depending on the camp and selected activities. 8. Health & Safety, Privacy, Drug & Child Abuse 8.1. The health and safety of our Scouts is the first consideration at every stage: planning activities, getting to activities, carrying-out activities, and getting Scouts home again. The Troop follows BSA Policy regarding horseplay, bullying, hazing, drug and tobacco use, child abuse and Youth Protection, and the use of liquid fuels in camp. We always ensure two-deep adult leadership. - 14 -
8.2. Permission Slips/Medical Forms. All Scouts must complete, and parents or guardians annually sign, a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record: Part A Health History; Part B - Parental Informed Consent and Hold Harmless/Release Agreement. Parts A and B must be completed annually. Part C-Physical Examination, must accompany Parts A and B for all events exceeding 72 consecutive hours, a resident camp setting, or when the nature of activities is strenuous and demanding (e.g., Service Projects, work weekends, or high-adventure tasks). BSA recommends all youth and adult members have annual medical evaluations by a certified and licensed health care provider. 8.3. Tour and Activity Plans. A Tour And Activity Plan, when required, is issued by the Colonial Virginia Council. CVC insurance covers scouts and adults during transportation to and from, and participation in all Scouting activities. See BSA annual and Medical Record, and BSA Planning and Conducting a Safe Scout Outing (and Guide to Safe Scouting) for further details (scouting.org) 8.4. Discipline. Troop 200, like any organization, must have certain rules and expectations of appropriate conduct. As a boy-led program, Troop 200 adheres to a chain-of-command whereby Scouts experiencing inappropriate conduct, disputes, and personal grievances should first address and attempt to resolve such with his PL, ASPL or the SPL. Issues unresolved in this manner, and any serious infraction or action jeopardizing a safe environment, shall be immediately brought to the attention of an Adult leader, with the Scoutmaster or designee being the final Troop authority. All Adult leaders shall intervene immediately to stop inappropriate behavior and restore a safe environment; and discipline is solely the responsibility of the SM or designee. 8.5. Electronics and Recorded Media Use. Unless specifically approved by the Scoutmaster in advance, portable electronics are not permitted on Troop activities. If use is authorized, all recorded video and music must be rated G or PG and without Parental Advisory for objectionable content/lyrics. 8.6. Web Site Privacy. Troop 200 web site (www.troop200.net) provides information and web links. Troop 200 does not provide youth contact information to the public. The Troop Webmaster is a registered leader. 8.7. Youth Protection. All registered adult leaders must be trained, maintain a current certification in the Youth Protection Program of the BSA, and renew Youth Protection certification every two years. Non-registered adult volunteers associated with the Troop are also encouraged to complete this training, available online through the Colonial Virginia Council website. Troop 200 requires all adults attending a campout be current in Youth Protection Training (YPT). The Troop may conduct in-person training sessions. - 15 -
9. Summary Troop 200 takes pride in being an active, Scout-led Troop. Leaders are committed to achieving all the available training in order to provide the Scouts a safe and fun year-round learning experience. The aims of Boy Scouting -- character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness -- are all wrapped up in the phrase a jolly game in the out of doors, as Baden- Powell said in 1916. Troop 200 does not lose sight of the fact the outdoor programs are the reason most boys join scouting, and it is the laboratory in which their skills are put to the test. We welcome you to our family of Scouting!...I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have a happy life too. I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man. Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one. But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. 'Be Prepared' in this way, to live happy and to die happy stick to your Scout Promise always even after you have ceased to be a boy and God help you to do it. Sir Robert Baden-Powell - 16 -