Troop 652 Policies and Guidelines The majority of the manual was taken from the Official Boy Scouts of America literature, Troop 652 policies developed by Jim Mueller (Scoutmaster Emeritus), the patrol leader s handbook, and scoutmaster. This document is meant to explain to parents Troop 652 procedures and supplement Official Boy Scout policies. The guidelines will be updated and revised/reviewed by the Scoutmaster and troop committee, from time to time, when warranted. Revision History Original July 2005 Committee Review Rev 1 -- consolidated feedback -- Feb 2006 Rev 2 -- updated org charts -- Aug 2006 Rev 3 -- updated org charts, added Eagles -- Aug 2006 Rev 4 -- updated whole package -- Feb-Apr 2010 Rev 5 -- updated package -- March 2012, dues updated Jan 2014
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Overview and Goals 1.10 General 1.20 Enforcement and Changes 1.30 Troop Structure 1.40 Troop Philosophy 1.50 Troop Personality 1.60 Troop 652 History 1.70 BSA Aims and Methods Chapter 2 Troop Organization Chapter 3 General 2.10 Calendar 2.20 Troop Committee 2.30 Patrol Leader Council 2.40 Boy Positions 2.50 Organization Chart 2.60 Adult Positions 3.10 Insurance 3.20 Medical 3.30 Finances Chapter 4 Advancement Chapter 5 Uniform Chapter 6 Camping Chapter 7 Equipment 4.10 First Class Emphasis 4.20 Scoutmaster Conference 4.30 Board of Review 4.40 Courts of Honor 4.50 Order of the Arrow 5.10 Troop 652 Uniform 5.20 Adult Leaders 6.10 General Information 7.10 Troop Equipment 7.20 Scout Requirements 7.30 Campout Equipment Chapter 8 - Troop 652 Eagle Scouts
Chapter 1 Overview and Goals 1.10 General The Troop 652 Policy and Procedure are guidelines and goals for the operation of Troop 652. The Troop is sponsored and chartered by Boy Scouts of America and St. Peter United Church of Christ, located at 9022 Long Point Road, Houston, Texas, 77080. St. Peter Church was founded in 1848 by German immigrants who settled in the area called Spring Branch. St. Peter is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The charter representative is James Asher, 9349 Leto Road, Houston, Texas, 77055. 1.20 Enforcement and Changes The scoutmaster is empowered to enforce and waive any policy which in his judgment, is in the best interest of Troop 652. The troop committee has final authority over any question of interpretation and must approve all changes to the Policies and Procedures. 1.30 Troop Structure Boy Scouts of America Sam Houston Area Council Mustang District Division II Charter Organization St. Peter United Church of Christ Troop 652 Committee Troop 652 1.40 Troop Philosophy Troop 652 strives to be a boy-run troop with adult supervision. The goal is to have the scouts learn by doing that is lead their patrols and troop, using the guidelines and procedures developed over the years by our scoutmasters. The boys take the responsibility of how they will achieve the program s goals. A high quality program requires tremendous degree of parental support to be effective. All parents are encouraged to join and participate in the troop committee meetings (currently held at 7 PM every Monday after the monthly campout). Troop 652 attempts to teach our scouts to be leaders, set high goals, and to become achievers. The troop provides these opportunities by scheduling eight to nine campouts yearly along with a summer and winter camp. The troop also schedules First Class Emphasis classes and Eagle merit badge classes during regular Monday night troop meetings.
The First Class Emphasis class helps new scouts reach the First Class rank during their first year in the troop. This class is conducted by adults with help from higher rank scouts. Winter and summer camps also offer the boys opportunities to attain numerous merit badges. Summer camp usually occurs during mid-to-late June. Winter camp runs from 26 December to 31 December. In addition to the above camps, the troop often organizes one "High Adventure" camp during the summer. This activity, open to First Class or higher rank scouts age 14 or higher, stresses some of the more advanced scouting skills. It typically runs 7-10 days. The scouts are encouraged to help and participate with Eagle service projects, community service projects, flag retirement ceremonies, merit badges fairs, troop fundraisers, and obtain religious awards. The Promise of Scouting Scouting promises the adventure of outdoors. Scouting promises friendship. Scouting promises opportunities to work towards Eagle rank. Scouting promises interaction with family, community, and nation. Scouting promises experiences and duties to help scouts mature into contributing members of society. 1.50 Troop Personality Appearance dress as scouts in public. Conduct respectful and not disruptive. Participation high participation in all scouting activities. Support all members support each other and work together and enjoy the company of each other.
1.60 Troop History As of this writing (early 2018) Troop 652 (and its predecessor, Troop 621) has been around for over 45 years and has prepared 129 Eagle Scouts. Troop 621 was originally chartered by the First Baptist Church of Spring Branch in June 1964. In summer 1977 the Troop, by now 14 adults and 32 scouts, relocated to St. Peter's United Church of Christ, across the street from First Baptist. This was by mutual agreement with First Baptist, which wished to use the scout meeting building for its youth ministry and also asked that 2 / 3 of the Troop Committee be members of First Baptist, which conflicted with the desires of the troop. St. Peter's enthusiastically welcomed and endorsed the scout activity, and on July 1977 the group was rechartered as Troop 652, eventually becoming the largest Boy Scout Troop in the Spring Branch area. The Troop has participated in numerous major camp activities and "high adventure" trips. Some of the more notable ones include: Philmont (6 trips) -- ten day backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico (Last done Summer 2017) Sommers Canoe Base/Northern Tier (4 trips) -- roughly week long canoe expeditions in the United States and Canada Florida Sea Base (4 trips) -- aquatic "high adventure". Two of these were scuba diving trips and one was a sailing trip Alaska -- backpacking, sea kayaking, white water rafting, salmon fishing, and visiting Denali National Park Mead Base -- backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and kayaking off the coast of Maine Wyoming & Idaho -- backpacking in the Tetons, rafting and white-water rafting on the Snake and Salmon rivers Maine Canoe Base -- lake canoeing and climbing Mt. Katahdin (the northern end of the Appalachian Trail) Washington -- Backpacking in the Cascades, sea kayaking among the San Juan Islands (with the orcas) Wisconsin / Minnesota -- river camping, white water rafting, and sea kayaking on Lake Superior Ontario, Canada -- canoeing on the French River and Georgian Bay Arkansas -- canoeing on the Buffalo River Maine -- Ocean kayaking, bicycling, rapelling Colorado -- Hiking, climbing, earning "polar bear" at summer camp (?) National Jamborees -- at Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia (1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005) World Jamborees: o Australia (1988) (side-trip to New Zealand) o Netherlands (1995) o Thailand (2003) o England (2008)
1.70 Boy Scouts of America Aims and Methods Growth in moral strength & character. Participating citizenship his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, and to the government of the United States of America. Development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. The Boy Scouts of America uses the following to accomplish the above goals: Ideals reflected in scout oath, law, motto, slogan, and outdoor code Patrols assigns responsibilities and exposes boys to group decisions Outdoors the main venue for scouting activities Advancement series of surmountable goals teaching self reliance and ability to help others Adults association of volunteers who act as character examples, guides, and mentors Personal growth attained by reaching goals, participating in community activities, and exposure to many facets of life not available in school Leadership practice and learn leadership skills through troop positions Uniform shows commitment to aims of scouting and gives scouts an identity in brotherhood of scouting
Chapter 2 Troop Organization 2.10 Calendar Troop 652 plans its calendar from August to August incorporating the school and Mustang District calendars. The calendars are available on the Troop 652 website: www.bsatroop652.org The calendar will include the troop meeting dates (7:30 p.m. Mondays unless a holiday or Troop Committee Meeting date), monthly campouts, court of honor dates, district events, service projects, training dates, fundraisers, and Order of Arrow events. Scouts are required to attend at least 66% of weekly troop meetings and 50% of camp-outs, as part of fulfilling rank achievement requirements. 2.20 Troop Committee The troop committee is composed of a chairman and parent members with specific responsibilities. All committee members must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America and encouraged to participate of all available training. The committee chairs handle all aspects of camping, training and advancement, events and public relations, finances and equipment, to support the scout master and give him the necessary support in order to meet Troop 652 goals. All parents are encouraged to become actively involved in some aspect of helping Troop 652 attain its goals and providing a quality scouting program for the boys. Troop 652 expects at least one parent from every family to be actively involved with the troop in order to maximize their son s experience. Upon joining the troops, all parents become non-voting committee members. After registering with Boy Scouts of America the status changes to voting member. 2.30 Patrol Leader Council The Patrol Leader Council (PLC) plans and conducts the troop program under the guidance of the scoutmaster, who trains each participant and has ultimate authority and responsibility over all decisions made. The patrol leader council is consists of the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader(s), patrol leaders for each patrol, and venture leader. The PLC meetings are generally 30 minutes prior to the troop meetings. Venture scouts are generally boys of Life Rank and higher.
2.40 Boy Positions Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Presides at all troop meetings, events, and activities. He is responsible for calling all members of the PLC to assure attendance of preparation. The senior patrol leader, under guidance of the scoutmaster, appoints the assistant senior patrol leader, scribe, quartermaster, troop historian, and librarian. Patrol Leader Provides leadership and direction for a patrol generally consisting of 6-10 scouts. He supports the senior patrol leader and is responsible for keeping order and giving direction to his group of boys. The objective is to have the boys work as a team. The patrol leader position allows the boy an opportunity to fail without disastrous results. Hopefully the scouts learn positive lessons as the need for preparation, responsibility, and accountability. Scribe Keeps a log of all patrol leader council decisions, records attendance and participation, and keeps troop records. Librarian Maintains the library of all troop publications and merit badge pamphlets. Distributes and keeps track of all troop reference materials and merit badge books. Files and organizes camping information for the camp chair. Note -- Scribe and Librarian are often combined into one position. Den Chief Works with cub scouts and Webelos under the Den Leader and helps plan executive meeting objectives. Projects positive image of boy scouting and transitions Webelos to troop. Bugler Performs duty of bugler under scoutmaster direction. Quartermaster Works with adult equipment chairperson to insure troop equipment is maintained, replaced, and upgraded. Responsible for insuring all equipment required for campouts is properly loaded and checks for condition upon return. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Has attained the rank of Eagle Scout and less than 18 years old. Selected by scoutmaster and responsible to the senior patrol leader, scoutmaster, and assistant scoutmaster to help train and supervise junior leaders. Assists in running troop wherever and however needed. Troop guide Scout whom has attained first class rank or higher; served as den chief, patrol leader, or ASPL (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader) for 1 year. Reports to FCE (First Class Empasis) adult leader. Helps teach basic scout skills and new scouts to attain first class rank.
2.50 Organization Chart Charter Representative Committee Chair Troop 652 Boy Positions (and related adult) Scoutmaster Patrol Dad Orientation Troop OA Representative Den Chiefs Pack 552 Den Chiefs Pack 55 Den Chiefs Pack 704 Den Chiefs Pack (SPL) Senior Patrol Leader Assistant SPL Assistant SPL Assistant SPL Bugler Librarian Scr ibe Quarter Master Quarter Master Quarter Master Cougars PL APL Blue Beavers PL APL Ravens PL APL Patrol Dad Patrol Dad Patrol Dad
2.60 Adult Position (Chart) Troop 652 Committee Adult Positions Charter Representative Committee Chair Camping Chair Training & Advancement Events & Public Relations Finances Summer Camp Merit Badge Classes Local News Secretary Winter Camp Court of Honor Recruitment High Adventure Scout Rank Reviews Annual Endowment Equipment Adult Transport Advancement Records & Merit Badge Ar row of Light Ceremony Rechartering Adult Training Mustang District Meetings Religious Aw ards OA Representation Scoutmaster BBQ Fundraiser Feb Merit Badge Fair Scout Sunday Eagle Court of Honor T652Web Site & Calendar Boy Positions Fi rst Class Emphasis Webelos Woods Board of Review Coordinator Fairhaven Food Drive New Parent Orientation
Chapter 3 General 3.10 Insurance Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to have health/accident insurance on their scout. All personal vehicles used to transport scouts must have the minimum insurance stipulated by the Boy Scout of America. In Texas that is: 20 k$ against injury or death of one person 40 k$ against injury or death of two persons 15 k$ against property damage 3.20 Medical Each adult scout leader who attends summer or winter camp with the troop must have an annual medical form and YPT certificate on file. Each scout participating in troop activities must have medical form with Parts A and B filled in on file. (Part C, the physical exam part, need not be filled in for day-today activities and weekend campouts.) Each scout attending summer or winter camp or a high adventure event must have a fully complete medical form with the physical examination section (Part C) signed and dated within one year of the event. Additional information may be required for certain High Adventure Camps. 3.30 Finances As of end 2013 -- Dues are $145/Scout and $25/Adult. Dues are billed in September and due 1 December. Dues are prorated for Scouts and Adults joining mid-year. The Troop Committee resets the dues as needed, and may offset them due to Scout fund-raising. Fees for Campouts, Camps, and other activities outside of regular meetings are set as needed to cover expenses for that event.
Chapter 4 Advancement Advancement sets a pattern of setting positive goals and reaching them throughout life. The scouting experience using the patrol concept, functioning in the outdoors, association with adults, attaining and achieving personal goals, leadership development, and the scout uniform helps a young scout to advance. Scout skills are not learned or mastered by a one time performance; they are continually practiced to some degree on every campout. As a scout progresses he will have the opportunity to teach various skills to the newer, less experienced scouts, which will further reinforce his knowledge and skill. The ranks in Scouting are: Scout Tenderfoot Scout Second Class Scout First Class Scout Star Scout Life Scout Eagle Scout. 4.10 First Class Emphasis New scouts are placed in a (FCE) First Class Emphasis program which teaches basic scouting skills that are required for rank advancement for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class scouts. The goal is to attain First Class rank after 12-16 months. The scout must earn ranks in order, but may complete any requirement for Tenderfoot through First Class, at any time. 4.20 Scoutmaster Conference A scoutmaster conference is conducted by the scoutmaster as a personal growth assessment and is given prior to a board of review. The scout is expected to wear his class "A" uniform. The scout will take the initiative to contact the scoutmaster that he has completed all rank requirements and would like to schedule the scoutmaster conference. 4.30 Board of Review Boards of Review are required for rank advancement. The scout must make arrangements to schedule the review with the training and advancement chairman. The board will meet with the scout and as certain whether the scout has completed all rank requirements. Parents cannot serve on their son s Board of Review.
The reviews are built on all previous reviews. Scouts are expected to understand material up through the rank being applied for. The review purpose is: (a) Assure completion and understanding of requirements. (b) Ascertain scout s perception of his scouting experience. (c) Encourage scout to progress. (d) Set future goals. 4.40 Court-of-Honor The courts-of-honor are held periodically throughout the year and are intended as a family affair. Scouts are awarded their rank advancements, earned merit badges, special awards, and recognitions. This is also an opportunity for the scoutmaster to communicate Troop 652 news and future plans to all parents. 4.50 Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrows is the Scouting s National Honor Society. The purpose is: Recognize scouts exemplifying the Scout Oath & Law in daily lives. Develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit. Promote scout camping. Instill habit of leadership in cheerful service to others. The scouts are elected to join by fellow scouts in the troop on an annual basis. The scout must be registered and be First Class or higher in rank. Also, the scout must have attended 15 days and nights of camping during the two year period prior to the election. Only one long-term camping period is allowed the remaining being overnight and weekends. The Order of the Arrow has its own calendar of activities (including Pow-Wow s and Conclaves) and annual dues (currently $15/year).
Chapter 5 Uniform Scouting is a uniformed organization. As with a sports organization, the uniform proclaims one s membership in the worlds voluntary youth movement in the world. The uniform diminishes an individual s financial, social, and ethnic background, but still maintains ones individuality by the insignia designating accomplishments and achievements. 5.10 The Uniform Scout shirts, scout shorts, scout socks, scout long pants, and scout belt may be purchased at the Scout Shop located on the 610 Loop near T.C. Jester. The scout Class A uniform consists of the following: Short sleeve scout shirt c/w American flag and world crest and Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) patch and troop patches (see below) Troop 652 Neckerchief and slide (see below) Long and/or short scout pants Scout webbed belt with brass clasp or leather belt with scout buckle Scout socks The BSA handbook Troop patches: The SHAC patch, world crest, quality unit patch, number 652 red shoulder, red epaulets, Troop 652 neckerchief and slide, patrol patch, and cloth name tag can be obtained from the troop. The spiral bound BSA handbook is preferred and easier for the boy s to use. Scouts who have outgrown their uniforms are encouraged to donate them to the troop for recycling and helping disadvantaged scouts. On some occasions the Scoutmaster may direct the Scouts to wear a Class B uniform instead of the Class A uniform. This is a Troop 652 T-shirt with scout pants, belt, and sox. The T-shirt is available from the Troop for ~$10.-. (Note that for certain activities the Scoutmaster may suggest the wearing of other types of clothing, such as jeans or shorts, instead of the normal scout pants/belt/sox for the Class B uniform. But this is the exception, not the rule.) 5.20 Adult Leaders Troop 652 has a tradition of all leaders wearing a uniform. The class "A" and class "B" uniforms are as described above. Leaders are expected to wear the class A uniform when transporting scouts to and from campouts scouting events.
Chapter 6 Camping 6.10 Camping Camping trips are generally scheduled once a month. The troop travels as a unit. All scouts are expected to work with the troop quartermaster and load/unload the equipment trailer prior to leaving. The class A uniform is worn to and from every camping event. The class A uniform consists of boy s scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches, official scout pants (not jeans), scout belt, BSA socks, hiking/tennis socks, neckerchief c/w slide. The class B uniform is the Troop 652 tee shirt with scout pants, belt, and sox (unless otherwise instructed by the scoutmaster). The class B is worn as directed by scoutmaster for certain events. The Boy Scouts of America two-deep leadership policy applies to all Troop 652 functions. Two adults (one registered with BSA) must be present at a scouting activity. At any activity, a minimum of two scouts must participate together i.e. buddy system. Scouts only are allowed to sleep/tent with other scouts. Camping areas for scouts and adults are located in separate areas. Adults and scouts are not allowed to shower in same facility simultaneously. Camping trips are held rain or shine. Sometimes campouts may be moved or rescheduled due to conditions at the intended campsite. Father or male guardians are invited to join their sons on all campouts and assist the scoutmaster with transportation and general support. Most campouts are male-only events. Campouts generally depart on or about 6:30 Friday evenings from the cemetery parking lot, located on east side of St. Peter Church. The troop returns, depending on campout location, mid-afternoon Sunday. Summer camp generally occurs the second week of June. Winter camp occurs 26 December through 31 December; this is often at Camp Karankawa located near West Columbia, Texas. Troop 652 provides tents, ground cloths, dining flys, pots, dutch ovens, stoves, ice chests, water coolers, tables, lanterns, fuel and cooking paraphernalia. Scouts need to bring cups, plates, bowls, and eating utensils. Troop 652 encourages all scouts to attend summer and winter camp. Troop 652 camp scholarships are available for anyone requiring financial assistance. Please contact the committee chairman or scoutmaster.
Chapter 7 Equipment 7.10 Troop Equipment The troop owns and maintains summer and winter (canvas) tents, cookware, baker s tents, stoves, propane bottles, tables, canopies, and fully equipped tool trailer. 7.20 Scout Requirements All scouts should have a boy scout s handbook Troop 652, 3-ring binder, and scout uniform (as described in 5.10). 7.30 Camping List Class A uniform Class B T-Shirt Closed toe shoes Complete change of clothes appropriate for weather Rain suit or poncho Plate, bowl, eating utensils, and cup Water bottle Toilet kit (Toothbrush/paste, mole skin, soap, towel, brush, shampoo) Sleeping bag -- or -- sheets/blankets Sleeping pad -- or -- mattress Flashlight Small pillow (optional) Duffle bag or backpack Extra pair of shoes (type depends on type campout) Jacket (optional) Hat (optional) Clothesline (if needed) Sunscreen Sleeping shorts/shirt Insect repellent A few campouts may require some additional equipment, but this is usually inexpensive or can be rented/borrowed inexpensively. (Example: canoeing campouts require a "dry bag" to keep things dry - these can be purchased, or inexpensive heavy duty trash compactor bags used instead.) Week-long campouts may benefit from an inexpensive trunk or foot-locker (which doubles as seat).