Troop 1778 Guide & Policies For Boy Scouts of America

Troop 1778 Guide & Policies For Boy Scouts of America Troop 1778 National Capital Area Council Zekiah District Sponsored by Lakeside United Methodist Church Waldorf, MD March 21, 2006

Table of Contents INTRO. Page 3 Section 1. You, Your Son and the Troop Page 4 Section 2. Transferring into/out of Troop 1778.. Page 5 Section 3. Parent Participation. Page 5 Section 4. The Uniform and Your Boy. Page 6 Section 5. Troop 1778 Uniform Classification Codes Page 6 Section 6. Attendance Policy. Page 7 Section 7. Advancements Page 8 Section 8. Merit Badge & Counselors.. Page 9 Section 9. Fund Raisers and Finances. Page 9 Section 10. Activities, Fees and Equipment Needs. Page 11 Section 11. Troop Committee. Page 12 Section 12. Adult Officers. Page 15 Section 13. Scout Patrols, Elections, and Officers Page 15 Section 14. Discipline Policy. Page 17 Section 15. Safety.... Page 18 Section 16. Medical Requirements...... Page 19 Attachment 1. Boy Scout Leader & Parent Commitment Acceptance Page 21 Attachment 2. Troop Registration -- Tear-Off Receipt.. Page 22 Attachment 3. Trailer Insurance Memorandum of Understanding Page 23 2

Introduction Welcome to Troop 1778, Boy Scouts of America! Every Scout needs to know what is expected of him. The success of having an adventurous and safe outdoor program rests in the ability of the Boy Scout to take responsibility for his own behavior. Boy Scout accident, medical and liability insurance depends upon planned activities conducted with regard for safety and protection of property. All Scouts need to know what is OK and what is not. In order to guarantee acceptable conduct, all adult Scouters need to know what is expected of them. The information outlined in this document establishes the guidelines for the operation of Troop 1778 s Scouting program. The adult leaders have established a set of goals for the troop. We strive to use positive leadership techniques to: Grow Solid Citizens, Responsible Adults, and Good Americans; Develop Inherent Leadership Traits and Citizenship; Reinforce Individual Beliefs in God, Country, and Self; Encourage Selfless Service to the Community; Reinforce the Morals and Lessons Learned at Home; Develop Understanding and Respect of Others Rights; Reinforce Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem; Provide An Opportunity to Advance through the Ranks; Encourage Parent Participation in Their Son s Personal Growth; and Encourage Participation in Activities Despite Family Financial Status The emphasis of the Boy Scout program is to promote and encourage boy leadership in a safe and courteous environment. We are sponsored by Lakeside United Methodist Church and as such, we are ambassadors for them. Our behavior must reflect the religious tenants our sponsor endorses. Adult volunteer leaders are present as advisors and role models to ensure safety and to keep the program oriented toward Scouting ideals and Troop goals. Boy leaders shall run camping trips and day trips, troop, patrol and Patrol Leaders Council meetings. But, Boys-will-be boys, and there may be times when you will question, Why are they so disorganized? Why are the meetings so noisy and unproductive? and Why don t the adults step in and do something? In scouting, we believe the best way to develop leadership is to let the boys have as much freedom as possible; applying just enough adult authority to keep them safely focused on the task at hand. As long as they are sincerely trying to accomplish the duties of their positions, they are learning the rudiments of leadership. As such, the boys laid down a set of rules in November 1998 that they pledged to follow. These rules are: No bad language; Listen to our leaders; Only cooks in the kitchen during meal preparation; Stay on task; No playing in the fire; Raise your hand when you want to talk during troop meetings; Respect other people and their property; and No wasting food on campouts. This booklet is designed to outline the application of general BSA policy to specific situations regarding Troop 1778. Other BSA policy is written in various official publications and is the final authority for resolving questions of policy. The Troop Committee is the final authority for applying policy for the Troop. Keep in mind that Scouting is a family activity and all parents must be involved in their Scout s development. 3

Section 1. You, Your Son and the Troop 1.1. Our Troop is organized and administered by a group of adults, many of them parents of boys in the troop, who are approved by the chartered organization. Through it our Troop is granted a charter annually by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Our charter organization agrees to help select men and women of good character to serve as Scoutmaster and assistants, and use the program of Scouting as offered in the handbooks and other literature. They may provide financial assistance also. The adults who provide supervision, support and time to make Troop 1778 a success are volunteers. They will need your help. How you support your son s troop depends on your talents and available time. Both mothers and fathers can give a few hours to provide transportation, help maintain troop equipment, be a merit badge counselor, serve on the troop committee or in some other leadership role. Whatever role you chose, we need you to continue to operate a quality program. Scouting is about growing up and becoming a man we believe your child is worth it. 1.2. The adult leadership of this Troop is dedicated to the proposition that the purpose of this program is to: Provide constant lessons on life skills & camping that are attractive & interesting to boys. Provide basic outdoors skills training to the young men. Teach leadership skills. Instill a set of guidelines for life by upholding the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. 1.3. Troop meetings are planned and conducted by boy leaders under the coaching and guidance of the Scoutmaster. Troop 1778 uses a method known as The Patrol Method. This is part of the plan to help your boy grow--to make decisions and take an active part in making the troop program successful. Encourage your son to take his share of the responsibility by taking an active part in all patrol and troop meetings and activities. This is how he will grow in Scouting. Troop meetings are scheduled every Thursday, at Lakeside United Methodist Church, from 7:00 till 8:30 PM. 1.4. Frequently, our Troop will conduct a special event. The adult leaders try for a group activity at least once a month--more if possible. It may be an overnight camping trip, a visit to some location of special interest, or a troop special project to stimulate his interest and self-reliance. Encourage your son's participation with the troop, but let him prepare for the activity as much as possible on his own. For example, if he s going on an overnight activity let him gather his own gear and pack it. He may make some mistakes or forget something, but let him do it--that s part of the learning experience in Scouting. 1.5. From time to time your son s patrol may meet and carry out a project or skill in preparation for an upcoming activity. Quite possibly this will be at one of the boys homes. You can help by making your home available on occasion for such a meeting. 1.6. As time goes by and your son gains experience, he may be selected to serve as a patrol or troop leader. If elected, you ll want him to take advantage of district leadership development courses for troop leaders to add to his personal growth. 1.7. The activities of Scouting are vigorous. It is required that each boy has a physical exam soon after joining to be sure he is fit to participate in all troop activities. Special forms are available for this. Also, a medical power of attorney and parent permission form is necessary for all special activities and will be provided in advance. 1.8. As a concerned parent/guardian, the role you play is vital in determining just how much effect the Scouting experience will have on your sons development. Parent/committee meetings are scheduled for the Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. 4

Section 2. Transfer into/out of Troop 1778 2.1. If your son is transferring into the troop, you must fill out a completed Boy Scout application. The troop, the district, and the council for advancement and national BSA purposes use the application information and general medical questions. 2.2. If your son is currently registered with BSA, transferring into Troop 1778 will cost $33. This includes a $1 BSA transfer fee and a $32 package/issue as detailed in para 2.3. 2.3. If your son is a new Scout applicant, an initial registration cost of $55.00 applies. $11.00 BSA national registration fee. (Includes accident insurance.) $12.00 for Boys Life subscription, the official BSA magazine for Scouts. NOTE: This is not optional. (if you have more than one son in Scouting, you may order only one subscription) Additionally, the Troop issues an initial package which includes the Boy Scout Handbook, an organizational binder, a Class B and Class C shirt, and various uniform insignia (neckerchief, slide, numeral patch, shoulder loops, patrol emblem and any additional patches). For this initial package, each scout is charged $32. Please note: replacement/extra items are available from the Troop at cost. 2.4. Adults filling leadership positions in the Troop will be registered by the Troop and their $11.00 registation fee will be paid from Troop funds. 2.5. If your son wishes to transfer out of the troop, you should obtain the proper Scout transfer application from the Scoutmaster and obtain an advancement report from the advancement chairman. 2.6. The Troop 1778 committee will review all Boy Scout and adult memberships annually before Recharter in February. At this time they will remove Scouts as they become inactive (ref para 6.1). 2.7. All fees are subject to change. All checks written to the troop should be made payable to Boy Scout Troop 1778. Section 3. Parent Participation 3.1. Troop 1778 s Scouting program is planned, run, and enjoyed by the Boy Scouts using the patrol method with adult supervision. The adult leadership comes from you, the parents. Our experiences in life give the young men their direction in becoming successful adults. When you volunteer your valuable time to the troop and its activities, you not only help your son, but many others as well. All parents (or a relative) are expected to participate from time to time in weekend overnight camping and other events with the Scouts and the Troop. 3.2. You may or may not have any Scouting experience. Don t feel alone if you don t--many of the adult leaders who are now Scoutmasters and assistants did not have any training or experience when their sons joined Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), National Capital Area Council and Zekiah District offer many training courses. The troop may even provide you with some free training to increase your knowledge of Scouting. We are always in need of adult leaders who are willing to become Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee members. 3.3. The adults, who volunteer supervision, support, and time to make our Troop a success, need your help, even if you cannot become a formal adult Scout leader. Both parents and guardians should give a few hours to provide transportation for a troop activity or become a merit badge counselor. No matter what your job, talent, or hobby happens to be, there is a merit badge you will be qualified to be a counselor for. The paragraph on merit badge counselors will explain more. Our Troop needs you to keep it going. 5

3.4. Each scout parent must take responsibility for one troop activity per year. At the annual Parent s Meeting (usually September or October), each parent must signup for an event. For example, monthly activities include camping, canoe trip, church lock-ins, wreath sales, summer camp, car washes, popcorn sales, ski trip, Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner, etc. Parents can share responsibility for an activity. The Committee Chairperson will contact those parents who did not volunteer and will assign the next available monthly activity. The Troop 1778 Activity Planning binder contains many guide sheets to help plan each type of activity. You may have to make phone calls to set up camping sites, make reservations, track scout participation, collect campout money, coordinate arrival and departure time, or you may have to shop for groceries for the activity. We also recognize fairness with those parents who serve in Committee positions. Any parent who serves in a Committee position does not have to sign up for an event, unless they volunteer. Except for Assistant Scout Leaders, who must select a camping event (lockin, district campouts, summer camp, etc.) because these leaders have attended specific Boy Scout of America training for that purpose. Section 4. The Uniform and Your Boy 4.1. Troop 1778 is proud of who we are. We are a unique troop. As any functioning group, our uniform is our identity. The Boy Scout uniform serves several purposed: it identifies the troop's location, city, state, and district. It also identifies each boy's identity within the troop: rank, patrol, and office. We require each boy to wear the scout uniform to functions as noted in section 5. Section 5. Troop 1778 Uniform Classification Codes 5.1. Class "A" Uniform To be worn at weekly troop meetings, at special occasions such as Council-wide activities, camporees, Courts of Honor, and other events as announced. Scouts must wear their scout uniform to meetings or they will be asked to leave. A full class "A" uniform (khaki shirt, scarf, slide and scout book) is required for Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review. Shirt: regulation khaki Boy Scout uniform, long or short sleeve, with patches attached (sewn on) in correct locations as indicated in Scout Handbook. Must be tucked in at all times. Merit badge and/or OA sash should be worn when appropriate. Scout neckerchief: Official red Troop neckerchief issued upon joining. Pants or shorts. Regulation Scout pants/shorts or jeans. Sweat pants, torn jeans, camo pants, gym shorts, jams or other shorts are not acceptable. The Scoutmaster shall approve other types of pants or shorts. Shoes. Hard-soled leather, hiking boots, tennis shoes or as otherwise announced. No open toed shoes (sandals, flip-flops, etc). Hat. Official Scout hats only (optional). When traveling to and from BSA events, all Scouts are to wear their Class A uniform. 5.2. Class "B" & Class C Uniform Class B uniform is the dark green polo shirt. Class C is the red tee shirt. To be worn as announced at troop meetings, during activities and camping trips. Both shirts are worn during 6

summer camp and other outdoor activities. The Scouts will be directed as to which shirt to be worn at specific activities. Shirt: Official troop shirts. This is considered a uniform shirt and should be tucked in at meetings. Class C shirt may be worn untucked at camp. Troop hoodies can be worn at scout activities when weather dictates. Pants or shorts: Regulation Scout uniform or jeans. Other pants or shorts may be worn at outdoor activities at the discretion of the scoutmaster. Shoes and socks: As appropriate for activity. Hat: Official Scout hat only. (optional) Section 6. Attendance Policy: Involvement & Commitment 6.1. Boys: Today s boys lead busy lives. The troop, however, depends on boys to regularly participate in troop meetings, campouts, and other scheduled activities. Part of the growing experience is learning to follow through with commitments. Regular participation also assures each scout a more fulfilling experience. Minimum attendance for membership in good standing with the troop shall be: A minimum of 50% monthly attendance is required for campouts, summer camp programs, high adventure programs, Order of the Arrow, and rank advancement. A minimum of 75% monthly attendance and the scout must be in good standing to participate in leadership positions. Scouts holding elected or appointed leadership positions are required to attend all Troop activities, including all Troop meetings, SPLC, fund-raisers, summer camp, and Troop Campouts! *Absences and exceptions in all cases must be approved by the Scoutmaster and only if notified in advance. Parents: We parents live very busy lives, too. The Troop functions only as strongly as the involvement of parents. Adult participation is available at many levels to ensure a successful program. All parents, Scout Masters, Assistance Scout Masters, Committee members, Merit Badge Counselors and Parents are required to complete Youth Protection Training (http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/pages/71_youth_protection.cfm) and to fill out a Lakeside Church Adult Leader Verification Form. A parent needs to make a commitment to at least one of the two basic leadership areas, as follows: Troop Committee: Committee meetings are held the third Tuesday evening each month from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - refer to the Troop calendar for a listing of the meeting dates. Involvement ranges from Committee office holder to specific project leaders. The Troop Committee meets to organize and assure the implementation of the scouting program. The Committee gives the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders the resources to run the program by doing a lot of the behind the scenes work. Adult Leadership (Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmasters): Adult Leadership requires a more direct involvement with the scouts, by working with them in the scouting program. This involvement may range from weekly troop meeting programs to campouts. All adults are required to complete troop resource surveys and merit badge counselor forms provided with your scouts welcome package. Please turn completed forms into the scoutmaster. 6.2. Meeting & Activity cancellations will happen from time to time. The Senior Patrol Leader through the Patrol and Assistant Patrol Leaders should make notifications. 7

6.3. Inclement Weather Cancellations/Schedule will follow the Charles County Public School System announcements. This is consistent with the Troop s sponsor Lakeside United Methodist Church policy. Section 7. Advancements 7.1. Scouts progress in skills through a rank structure. The skill awards vary throughout the ranks of Boy Scout to Eagle Scout. Once a young man meets the joining requirements in the BSA handbook, he is awarded the rank of Boy Scout. This means he possesses the skill of knowing things like the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Salute, Sign, Handclasp, plus many others. 7.2. The next rank is Tenderfoot. Skills are learned from first aid to camping. The focus here is to get the boy ready for the great outdoors, personal hygiene and fitness. The Boy Scout can start earning merit badges that are required to progress to other ranks. 7.3. Becoming a Second Class Scout means a boy works on improving his outdoors skills, learning to start a fire safely, using cutting tools such as knives, axes, and saws safely, and beginning to help with service projects in his community. 7.4. Achieving the rank of First Class Scout takes on a new meaning for your son. He now possesses the skills and knowledge to lead new Boy Scouts. Being First Class also means, if he is elected by the Troop, he will become part of the Patrol Leader Council or PLC. The PLC is where the boys decide how they are going to steer the Troop activities during the year. NOTE: A First Class Scout is no longer reminded by his patrol leaders or Scoutmaster on rank achievement requirements. It is the young mans responsibility to see that he meets BSA requirements to earn the last three ranks, Star Scout, Life Scout, and the coveted Eagle Scout ranks. 7.5. Earning the Eagle Scout rank is the most difficult of all the Scouting ranks. This is not because the rank achievement itself is hard, it s because a boy is usually in his last two years of high school and there are many distractions to take away from Scouting. Time and time again, we hear a young man tell the adults time just flew by and he couldn t meet the requirements and his Eagle project before his 18th birthday. Please help your son budget his time between school, work, church, etc., to meet his Eagle rank. Almost all employers look for an Eagle Scout on resume, so do colleges, fraternities, and the military. Making this rank is a definite plus in life. 7.6. The requirements needed to advance in all ranks are listed in the BSA handbook. Encourage your son to read it and keep track of the activities he attends. Additionally, advancement is contingent on being up to date and in compliance with the Troop s dues and attendance policy. Certain experiences outside of the Troop may help him meet merit badge/rank advancement requirements as well. Any credit fo non-scouting activities must be pre-approved by the scoutmaster or merit badge counselor BEFORE the activity is initiated. Check with adult leaders. 7.7. Each time a boy gets ready to progress a rank, he will have a conference with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster s conference is to quiz the young man on the basics of what he has learned to progress the next rank, to determine that all requirements are met by the Scout and allow the boy to give feedback on how the Troop s program might be improved. Dues and attendance will be verified before the SM conference. 7.8. Finally, once a boy is ready for his next rank, he attends a Board of Review. The Board of Review consists of a minimum of three adults, to include at least one Troop 1778 committee member. The Scout is not tested. This board reviews what the scout has learned to earn his next rank and how the committee can help the boy in the future in the area of financial and other support to help Scouts behind him achieve their next rank. This is an excellent opportunity for the young man to suggest improvements in the Troop. Boards of Review (BOR) are for all ranks. The Eagle Scout BOR includes the addition of the Zekiah District Eagle Scout Coordinator. 8

Section 8. Merit Badge & Counselors 8.1. There are more than 135 subjects as varied as first aid, snow skiing, stamp collecting, family life, Genealogy, Auto Mechanic, Space Exploration and the like. Your son will work on merit badges to achieve not only skills, but to progress in rank. Merit badges are important for the boy to learn diverse skills in different areas of life. The badges give the young man a chance to strive towards a goal and when earned give him a sense of accomplishment. Our Scoutmaster will assist your son in the selection of subjects and how to get the merit badge accomplished. Attending regular meetings, BSA summer camp and some district programs, provide many opportunities to learn and earn merit badges. However, each scout will need to take the initiative to earn other additional badges needed to achieve advancement. 8.2. Scouts will adhere to merit badge procedures in accordance with the National BSA instructions. 8.3. Merit badge counselors are the key to the boy s success in learning life skills that may be used in the future. The counselors offer their time, experience, and knowledge to guide Scouts in one or more of the merit badge subjects. Merit badge counselors are reminded to maintain two deep leadership at all times. Having the scouts parents attend lectures as the second leader can do this. All scouts must obtain blue cards from the Scoutmaster before starting a new merit badge. A counselor's job is to: Guide the Scout as he plans assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements. Personally coach the Scout through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the counselors own craft, business, or hobby. Certify the Scout has met all requirements for the merit badge. 8.4. The Troop maintains a list of merit badge counselors, so that Scouts may call for Appointments after being assigned by the Scoutmaster. The number of Scouts requesting help is usually no a burden to the counselor, since the number of counselors is determined by the popularity of the badge. The counselors make appointments convenient to them, not the Scout. Normally parents find several related subjects they can teach. Four to six merit badges are about normal. Please contact the Scoutmaster to look over the various merit badges that you might be willing to teach to the Scouts. Section 9. Fund Raisers and Finances 9.1. Running a successful troop requires several thousand dollars a year to buy new equipment, maintain equipment, fund activities, pay insurance, and subsidize each scout s participation. Troop 1778 will generally rely on 4-6 fundraisers each year. Fund-raising provides dual benefit to the Troop and individually to each scout. Most critically, participation in fundraising provides vital money for troop equipment, insurance, training, and expendables. Each scout enjoys a secondary benefit when the scout earns fund-raising shares that are deposited into their personal account as addressed in paragraph 9.3. While some parents may simply choose to write a check for their scout s activities, they must understand that the troop depends on full and equal fundraising participation by all scouts. All scouts are expected to carry and equal commitment to raising money for troop equipment, insurance, maintenance fees, training fees, etc Our fundraisers include: Car Washes Donut Sales Christmas Wreath Sales Popcorn Sales Other activities as proposed & approved by the committee 9.2. Unless re designated by committee vote, fundraising is done on a 50/50 basis, where fundraising proceeds are split, half going to the Troop for Troop requirements and the other half being split 9

as shares among the registered scout and registered adult participants. Shares earned go directly into individual accounts maintained under the names of Scouters (scouts & adults) registered as members of Troop 1778. 9.2.1. Example For Participative Fundraisers (ones requiring work): If a car wash generates $600, 300 goes into the general Troop Fund and the other $300 is divided equally as shares among the registered adult and scout participants that worked at the fundraiser. 9.2.2. Example For Non-Participative Fundraisers (fundraisers requiring no work): If a sponsor donates money or if a business sponsors an event say a dinner and there is no work/participation required, then shares are earned on a weighted basis, based on prior participation. If for example, a restaurant promotion results in earnings of $600, the Troop gets $300 and registered Scouters (scouts & adults) get $300. Keep in mind; Troop funded stuff is used equally by all scouts, those that support fund-raisers and those that don t (or can t). Troop 1778 s philosophy is to more equitably recognize harder working Scouters. This is the very premise on which a 50/50 fund-raiser is founded. Because a non-participative fund-raiser requires no substantial participation or work, share distribution is complicated. Philosophically one could argue that shares are not earned! We are left then looking to either award shares equally among all registered scouters, or award shares based on a weighted scale that recognizes prior fund-raising participation. Troop 1778 emphasizes participation of scouts, parents, and adult leaders. It is therefore, our policy to grant every active, registered scouter (scouts and adults) a share, & awards additional shares for participation in the 4 previous fund-raisers. Total shares are divided into the profit. All active, registered scouters earn at least a single share, while scouters that participated in 4 previous fund-raisers earn up to 4 additional shares. 9.3. Scouter Accounts: Each person (scout or adult) registered as a member of Troop 1778 has an individual account maintained for the purpose of holding registration fees collected in advance of activities and shares earned for participation in fundraising activities. Money held under the name of a registered Scouter (scout or adult) may be used to pay for various events throughout the year. Scouters will be asked how they want to pay special event registration fees and will need to indicate payment is to be drawn from their account or by payment by cash or check. The committee treasurer keeps track of all Scouter accounts. 9.3.1. Money held in Scouter accounts may be used to pay for scouting activities including day trips, weekend trips, summer camps, high adventure trips, registrations, activity, and entrance fees. 9.3.2. Money may also be moved from the account of a registered parent to that of a registered scout and vice versa. 9.3.3. Upon transfer of a scout to another troop; if requested in writing, the money may be transferred to the gaining Troop. 9.3.4. If a Scouter leaves scouting, residual funds in an individual s account will revert to the Troop to be used at the discretion of the Troop. 9.4. When asked, please try to help with the troop fundraisers. The success of the fundraiser determines the amount of profits to be shared. 9.5. Some expenses such as travel may be reimbursable by the troop; the Troop Committee will specify these. 9.6. If a scout (or their parents) become in debt to the troop for more than $30, the treasurer may freeze disbursements from the scouts account until payment can be arranged or the debt cleared. 10

9.7. No scout should be denied the opportunity to participate in any activity simply because they lack necessary funds. Scouts that do not have sufficient funds in their scout accounts to cover an activity and desire to participate should advise the Scoutmaster. If the Scoutmaster feels there is truly a need for assistance he will contact the committee chair and the chartered organization representative for assistance in raising extra funds. The funds can be solicited from the chartering organization, taken out of the Troop account, or the Troop will hold a special fund raising event. The committee chair will make the final determination where the funds will be raised. Section 10. Activities, Fees and Equipment needs. 10.1. Annual dues are $60, generally collected quarterly ($15 each quarter) All Troop 1778 scouts pay dues. Dues is accrued starting the month after a scout registers with the troop and continue to accrue monthly as long as the scout is registered with the troop. No breaks are recognized for sabbaticals another words, if a scout takes a 3 month break from scouts during the summer, dues will continue to accrue and the scout is responsible for back dues when they continue participating with the trip. This policy is in recognition that BSA insurance, BSA registration, and subscription to Boys Life continue during any sabbatical/break in scouting and the troop has paid this expense up front for the entire year. We encourage the Scout to earn their dues payments through allowance, working, and similar methods. 10.2. Troop 1778 goes on several overnight campouts per year. Your son may need to purchase some additional equipment. The recommended camping item list is shown in the Boy Scout Handbook. However, we suggested your son purchase a quality pair of hiking boots to wear with his uniform. Sneakers will not make it through most campouts or hikes. When planning to purchase equipment, please consult with the adult and boy leaders before you buy. They have experience on what is needed and which type is best. 10.3. Each Scout is asked to share in the food cost for hikes and campouts. Each patrol appoints a Grubmaster prior to an activity. The patrol will develop a menu, normally with at least two hot meals per day of hiking and camping. The Grubmaster buys the food for the patrol with the cost of meals being divided equally among the members of his patrol. The money for the food will be paid before the activity. If a scout says they are going on an activity and they do not go, the scout will not receive a refund for the cost of food. In addition, any left over perishable food item will be divided among patrol members who attended. Non-perishable food items will be kept for the next activity. 10.4. Parents/guardians may attend outdoor activities as long as they willing to transport scouts, equipment, and to help set up and take down the camp. Food for the camp out works the same, but the parent will be part of the adult patrol. Parents may have to provide their own camping equipment based on the number of adult/scouts on the trip, but usually the troop has enough.also reference 10.8.1. 10.5. Scouts are responsible for all aspects of an outdoor activity. They are expected to plan, buy groceries, set up and tear down camp, prepare and clean up all meals, and tend to their personal hygiene. The troop will provide some equipment, but each boy should have their own silverware and a sleeping bag that will protect them in all temperatures. 10.6. To facilitate assessing monthly camping fees, the troop generally differentiates between two types of camping activities, Troop Camping and Patrol Camping. 10.7. Troop Camping is more organized; sometimes sponsored by another Scout Organization or may involve overnight cabins. For this reason, typically the cost, including food, is $40. $12.50 Camper Fee and patch $17.50 Food 11

$ 5 for trip driver reimbursement (could be more, based on distance) $ 2 Expendable Materials $ 3 Pad for unexpected requirements 10.8. Patrol Camping is less organized and usually only includes Troop 1778. These activities generally use the troop s camping equipment and are more primitive. Cost assessed by the troop is $15, with the patrols assessing additional for their food. $ 5 Camper Fee $ 5 for trip driver reimbursement (could be more, based on distance) $ 2 Expendable Materials $ 3 Pad for unexpected requirements $ + To be assessed by the Grubmaster in each Patrol 10.8.1. The following chart helps clarify the Troop s reimbursement responsibilities. Reimbursements for individual participants that are beyond what is specified on the chart require a Scout Master recommendation and Troop Committee Chair approval. Participants Paid By Troop Category Description Camping/ Incidentals: Registration Food Including patches 1 Scout Master and ASMs Yes (1) No No 2 Registered Committee Members Yes (2) No No 3 Troop Parent Visitors No No No 4 Parents of kids that are not in the troop No No No 5 Scouts No No No 6 Invited Trainers/Advisors (3) Yes Yes No 1. Troop will pay for the Scout Master and 1 Assistant Scout Master (ASM) per attending Patrol 2. Limited to 1 Committee member per trip 3. Trainers Invited by the Scout Master to assist teaching/training the Scouts limited to 2 per trip 10.9. Summer camp, a weeklong campout at a selected BSA designated campsite, requires additional planning than regular activities. Summer camp is where young men learn and earn most of their merit badges and possibly a rank. Our Troop uses fundraisers to help defray cost. 10.10. Other activities including Jamboree and High Adventure are funded equally by ALL adults and scout that say they are going to attend. Section 11. The Troop Committee & Parent participation. 11.1. We have a great, active Scouting program because we have great, active parents. Our Scouts parents are expected to either assist as assistant scoutmasters or find committee activities that best suites their abilities and their limited time. We believe you will find this very rewarding and it will give you a chance to steer the troop (and your son) in his Scouting experience. Please refer to paragraph 3.4 for specific details with respect to parent participation. Meetings are on the Third TUESDAY of every month. We meet at 7 PM. The head of each Troop Sub-committee is expected to attend. Others are always welcome. 11.2. The Troop Committee is responsible for the operation of the troop so that it will continue to function as an active organization. The Troop Committee is almost always behind the scenes of troop activities. 11.3. The committee s function is to provide support and encouragement for the Troop s boy-lead Scouting program. The Committee does the following in accordance with BSA guidance: Provides adequate meeting facilities. 12

Sees to it that quality adult leaders are recruited and trained. Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the Chartered Organization (LUMC). Encourages leaders in carrying out the program. Carries out the policies & regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, & disbursement in line with the approved budget plan. Obtains, maintains, & properly cares for Troop Property. Provides for an adequate camping & outdoor program (minimum 10 days & nights per year. 11.4. The Committee Chair heads the Troops Committee and is responsible for its operation and Troop adherence to BSA policy. The Troop Committee chair is also responsible for ensuring all adult leaders are trained and sees that committee positions are filled. The Committee Chair ensures that all Scouts and Scouters are properly registered, submit forms and fees to proper council officials, and maintain a current list of all Scouts and Scouters. The Committee Chair and Scoutmaster will recharter the troop annually. 11.5. Six Sub-Committees: In order to provide a superior Program for our Scouts, distribute some of the workload, and keep Scouting fun for everyone, Troop 1778 has organized it s Troop Committee into 6 Action Teams or Sub-Committees. These Sub-Committees are comprised of 3 or more members. The heads of each Sub-Committee are responsible to operating their Sub- Committee and attending Troop Committee meetings monthly. Each Sub-Committee head is a Voting Committee Member. 11.5.1. Finance Sub-Committee: Handles all financial activities including collection and disbursement of funds, maintaining and keeping up to date records of troop checking and savings accounts and individual scout accounts. Works closely with the Scoutmaster and Committee to establish and monitor annual budget plans. Provides a finance report at each Troop Committee Meeting. 11.5.2. Fundraising Sub Committee: Provides oversight and ensures BSA approval of all Troop fundraising activities. Manages four large fundraisers per year and coordinates other program oriented fundraisers as needed by the scouts. Works with Finance to maintain individual scout account information. 11.5.3. Activities Sub-Committee: Coordinates and provides for Local and National Tour Permits, reservations and payment to campsites, non-assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) adult leaders, permission slips, health forms, information disbursements, maps, rides, and other special camping or campsite details. Encourages monthly outdoor activities or special activities. Promotes the National Camping Award. Promotes, through family meetings, attendance at troop campouts, camporees, summer camp and high adventure activities. Maintains Camping Record for each Scout and Scouter. Assists troop leaders in planning all events. Responsible for providing transportation arrangements, to/from all troop activities. 11.5.4. Membership, Recognition & Advancement Sub-Committee: Manages yearly BSA Re-chartering. Works with new Scouts and ASMs to coordinate recruitment and coordinate membership paperwork for both youth and adult members. Keeps membership and phone lists current. Maintains Troop Resource Surveys. Conducts monthly Boards of Review and frequent (usually quarterly) Courts of Honor. Responsible for monthly progress reviews of Scouts. Serves as adviser to PLC and Scoutmaster on advancement records of each scout in the troop. Develops and maintains merit badge counselor list. Responsible for ordering and maintaining rank insignia and preparing scout award presentations for troop Courts of Honor. They ensure troop librarian (a boy leader position) keeps track of merit badge pamphlets. Advises Scoutmaster and Eagle 13

applicants on Eagle project. Helps troop with special awards. (Recognition) Works to create awards for non-advancement activities, such as patrol spirit, inter-patrol contests, camping recognition, etc Assists in recognition of adult participation, either through BSA avenues (Scouter Key, Scoutmaster Award, etc.) or through internal means. Creates and produces Troop Identification items such as neckerchiefs and T-shirts. 11.5.5. Communications Sub-Committee: Provides Troop Secretary support. Takes and posts Committee meeting notes. Generates official correspondence. Manages the Troop Newsletter, recapping past events and publicizing future events. Works with the boy Historian and Photographer to establish and maintain a visual and written library of troop activities. Researches and chronicles troops past, recent and current history. Submits pictures and stories for individual and troop recognition to local newspapers, radio and TV as well as to BSA council for their newsletters. Coordinates Thank-You notes to sponsors, supporters, speakers and others. The Web-master is part of this committee. 11.5.6. Quartermaster Committee: Works with the SM, ASM s and Scout Quartermaster to purchase, maintain, and inventory troop camping and operating equipment and supplies. Operates the troop s uniform closet and ensures adequate meeting facilities. Maintains troop shed and trailer. Maintains receipts and registrations including the trailer registration. Responsible for providing transportation arrangements, to/from all troop activities. Additionally, the Quartermaster must ensure that anyone pulling the Troop trailer understands that insurability of the trailer, its contents, and any liability for damages caused by the trailer is a SHARED responsibility borne by both the LUMC Insurance Policy and the insurance carrier of any individual actually towing the trailer (see attached trailer insurance memorandum of understanding). The Quartermaster will ensure that everyone that tows the trailer has signed the Troop 1778 Trailer Insurance Memorandum of Understanding (attached). Once signed, the Troop 1778 Trailer Insurance Memorandum of Understanding will be maintained in the Troop Travel binder AND in the Troop File Cabinet 11.6. Chartered Organization Representative (Non-Voting Committee member) Lakeside United Methodist Church is the Chartering Organization (CO) for BSA Troop 1778. The charter allows the church to host a BSA troop for its community and youth objectives. In turn, Lakeside agrees to support the troop by providing a safe meeting place with adequate facilities. The CO will approve all adult leaders and may require background checks of all adult applicants. The CO representative is a member of the church and serves as a liaison between the troop and the church. He selects the committee chair and encourages training, helps recruit adult leaders, and assists in re-chartering. 11.7. Chaplain (Non-Voting Committee Member): The Chaplain and Committee members give the Scouts a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities. The Chaplain gives guidance to the Chaplain s aide (a boy leader position). The committee gives counseling when needed or requested and encourage the boy to earn their appropriate religious emblems. They provide Boy Scouts opportunities to grow in their duty in God and their fellow Scouts. 11.8. The committee is responsible for reviewing this guide annually. 14

Section 12. Adult Officers 12.1. Scoutmaster: This person is in charge of the young men in the troop. He should be BSA trained in Adult Leader Training. The Scoutmaster runs the troop. He works with the Troop Committee, Assistant Scoutmasters, and parents to guide the boys in their lives as Boy Scouts. He has the final say in conflict during regular meetings and activities. 12.2. Assistant Scoutmaster(s). Assistant Scoutmasters report to the Scoutmaster. Their job is to help the scoutmaster and the boy leaders in every way they can. Young Scouts look up to Assistant Scoutmasters to help understand how and why a troop runs the way it does. They assist and teach the boy leaders how to manage the Scouts that they are in charge of. If a Scoutmaster may be a master of all trades, then the Assistants are the jacks-of-all-trades filling in where needed the most. The Assistant Scoutmasters are in charge of all Scout activities when the Scoutmaster cannot attend an activity or they are listed as tour leader on a BSA Tour Permit. 12.3. Parents: All parents are extremely important in encouraging their son s to make Scouting events on time. They assist the Scoutmasters as merit badge counselors and as chaperones to certain Scouting activities. Parents must be involved, either as a registered Troop Committee member, Troop Sub-Committee member or as an Assistant Scoutmaster. They are in charge of the boy leaders when safety or moral issues are involved, and at informal patrol meetings held in the parent's home. Parents are the main support system for the troop. 12.4. All adults: if they are going to be active in the troop, must take the approved BSA Youth Protection Training, before taking charge of the young men (This is BSA National Policy and cannot be waived by Troop 1778). Youth Protection Training is held periodically throughout the year or can be accomplished on the internet (see 15.3). One adult will be a registered scouter and must be trained in Youth Protection to hold a formal Scout meeting or activity and be covered under BSA and troop insurance. Section 13. Scout Patrols, Elections, and Officers 13.1. The Boy Scouts of America promotes boy leadership as part of a young mans leadership development. Most of the troop and patrol functions in Troop 1778 are performed under the leadership of boy leaders and adult guidance. 13.2. Forming Patrols -- The "patrol method" gives Scouts an experience in group leadership and citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method builds patrols into strong active units. This is best accomplished through long-term association with shared, common experiences from camping or special activities. 13.2.1. Troop 1778's goal is to maintain a patrol's integrity through as much of a Scout's career as possible. Given the dynamics of the people of our community that is not always possible. If it becomes necessary to reorganize patrols as a result of attrition or influx of new Scouts, then the Scoutmaster and adult leadership will determine new patrol organizations. 13.2.2. Troop 1778's goal is to maintain three to five patrols of approximately eight Scouts each. If at all possible, there will be no more than 10 Scouts per patrol. 13.2.3. When one of the patrols reaches more than 10 members and the others have eight or more members, a new patrol will be formed as follows: An interim patrol leader is elected by members of the Patrol Leaders' Council to temporarily lead the new patrol. Each of the existing patrol leaders chooses three members who cannot be drafted by the interim patrol leader for the new patrol. The interim patrol leader chooses members from each existing patrol to bring the total in 15

the new patrol to seven. Patrol elections in the new patrol will be held at the next scheduled election. 13.2.4. Intra-Troop Transfers -- After troop elections a Scout may request to change patrols. Approval for the move is the responsibility of the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster with advice from the Assistant Scoutmasters. 13.3. The Scouts are elected semi-annually from the boys in the troop for the positions of Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader(s). The Senior Patrol Leader appoints all other positions after he seeks volunteers. 13.3.1. Elections will be held in mid-january and mid-june of each year. Boys will assume their new positions the first meeting of February and July. The vote is a secret ballet, one vote per scout for each available position. The intent of these elections is to fill the positions with experienced Scouts, not to win a popularity contest. 13.3.2. If there are any ties in the election, a new vote is taken by the troop/patrol on the positions and people that it effects. If a tie still exists, the Scoutmaster will cast the deciding vote for the position(s). 13.3.3. To be qualified for Senior Patrol Leader a scout must be at least a First Class Scout (the first runner up in the election for SPL will be the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader). 13.3.4. To be qualified for a Patrol Leader position a scout must be at least Second Class. 13.3.5. To be qualified for Assistant Patrol Leader a scout must be at least Second Class. 13.3.6. The Assistant Scoutmasters will recommend placement/composition of patrols to the Scoutmaster based upon individual needs, skills, and maturity. The Scoutmaster will place boys in patrols. 13.3.7. In the event that a scout (in a leadership position) goes inactive, quits, or transfers, a special election will be held and that person will serve until the next scheduled election. 13.4. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) -- Is responsible to the Scoutmaster. His position is the highest elected position in the troop. He is in charge of troop meetings, the troop calendar, dues payments and keeping the program moving. He is responsible for activities of troop hikes and campouts. He s Chairman of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). 13.5. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader -- Carries out instructions and assignments of the SPL. He is acting SPL in the absence of the SPL and attends all PLC meetings. 13.6. Patrol Leader -- Is elected by the Patrol. Attends all PLC meetings where he represents his patrol. He delegates the responsibilities of the patrol to the Patrol members. 13.7. Assistant Patrol Leader Appointed by the PL. Assists his Patrol in carrying out duties of his Patrol. Acts as Patrol leader during any absences of the Patrol Leader. He is a member of the PLC. 13.8. Troop Scribe -- Works with SPL and keeps troop records. Not a member of PLC, but usually invited to record and PLC minutes. Appointed by the SPL. 13.9. Librarian -- Works with SPL and maintains troop literature and merit badge counselor list. Appointed by SPL and not a member of PLC. 13.10. Quartermaster -- Appointed by SPL to maintain and track troop equipment. He submits a list to the Scribe and SPL to replenish expendable supplies bought by the troop. He is not a member of the PLC. 16