TROOP 1188  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

11 August 2002

THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ROWLETT, TEXAS

 

TROOP OBJECTIVES

 

Troop 1188 was first chartered in 1997.  The Troop was organized by parents to provide a quality scouting experience for their sons.  The aims of the Troop are the same as those established by Boy Scouts of America:

 

To build character and moral strength,

To foster citizenship, and

To develop physical, mental and emotional fitness

 

The Boy Scouts of America has developed and proven the methods for a successful and exciting scouting program.  Troop 1188 was created with the objective of fully utilizing this program.  These methods are as follows:

 

Ideals                                  As stated in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.

Patrols                                The patrol method teaches and promotes teamwork, leadership, and a sense of identity.

Outdoors                             Outdoor activities are the hallmark of the Scouting experience.

Advancement                      A series of objectives, rewards and recognition develops self-confidence and maturity.

Personal growth                   Activities are geared towards stretching a Scout's horizons.

Adult association                 Scouts learn by the example set by their adult leaders.

Leadership development      Scouting provides ample opportunities for leadership training and practice by being a boy run, adult advised program.

Uniform                              Uniforms provide a sense of belonging, personal pride, and are a symbol of commitment to Scouting's ideals.


THE CHARTERING ORGANIZATION

 

The First Christian Church of Rowlett charters Troop 1188.  The Church receives a charter from Boy Scouts of America to use its program for a one-year period.  The charter must be renewed annually.  The Church has agreed to provide a safe meeting place and the adult leadership to operate the Boy Scout program.  The Church owns and operates Troop 1188 and selects a representative to act as a direct liaison between the Church and the Troop.

 

CHARTERED ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE

 

The Chartered Organization shall designate a person (usually a member) to serve as the Chartered Organization Representative.  This person is the liaison between the Troop Committee and the Chartered Organization and reviews and approves the membership of the Troop’s adult leaders.

TROOP COMMITTEE

 

The Troop Committee is comprised of a group of adult leaders charged with the duty to support the Scouting program and handle Troop administration.  These duties include but are not limited to:

 

1.   Electing selected Troop Committee office holders and the Scoutmaster

2.   Carrying out the Policies and Regulations of BSA

3.   Providing the ways and means to run a quality program

4.   Obtaining and maintaining the Troop's equipment

5.   Supporting the Scoutmaster in establishing the outdoor program

 

Nominations for elected positions of the Troop Committee or the Scoutmaster shall be made by a Nominating Committee composed of the Chartering Organization Representative, the Committee Chairperson, the Scoutmaster, the past holder of the office (if that person does not desire to continue service), and any other persons the Committee Chairperson might wish to appoint.  Troop office holders may place their names before the Nominating Committee for consideration in continuing their terms.  The Troop Committee Chairperson has the authority to temporarily appoint a person to any Troop office to serve on an “acting” basis until the Troop Committee acts to officially fill the position.  The following are brief descriptions of the Troop Committee offices and their terms of service.  Note that some positions are appointed.

 

CHAIRPERSON (elected for a term of 2 years concluding at the end of June in even numbered years)

 

*    Organizes the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed.

*    Maintains a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and Scoutmaster.

*    Conduct periodic parents' meetings to discuss the program and encourage parent participation.

*    Insures that the Troop leaders and committee members have training opportunities.

*    Interprets national and local policies to the Troop.

*    Works closely with the Scoutmaster in preparing Troop committee meeting agendas.

*    Calls, presides over, and promotes attendance at Troop committee meetings.

*    Ensures Troop representation at monthly roundtables.

*    Secures top-notch, trained individuals for Troop leadership.

*    Arranges for charter review and re-charter annually.

*    Maintains and distributes Troop policies and procedures.

 


TREASURER (elected for a term of 2 years concluding at the end of June in odd numbered years)

 

*    Handles all Troop funds and pays bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop committee.

*    Maintains checking and/or savings accounts.

*    Assists the Committee Chairperson in preparing the annual budget.

*    Supports the Fundraising Chairperson.

*    Reports financial status to the Troop committee.

*    Maintains individual accounts for Scouts.

*    Maintains stocks and conducts sales of Troop Supplied Items

*      Expenditures of over $100 require the approval of the Committee

 

ADVANCEMENT CHAIRPERSON (elected for a term of 2 years concluding at the end of June in odd numbered years)

 

*    Maintains Troop membership records.

*    Encourages Scouts to advance in rank.

*    Arranges and conducts Troop boards of review.

*    Conducts quarterly courts of honor.

*    Makes prompt reports as required to the Council office when a Troop board of review is held.

*    Secures badges and certificates.

*    Inform the Scribe of rank advancements

 

COMMITTEE QUARTERMASTER (elected for a term of 2 years concluding at the end of even numbered years)

 

*    Works with youth Quartermaster on inventory, storage, purchase and proper maintenance of Troop equipment.

 

CHAPLAIN (appointed by the Chartered Organization Representative)

 

*    Encourages Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblem.

*    Provides opportunities for Scouts to grow in their duty to God and their fellow Scouts.

 

FUND RAISING COORDINATOR (appointed by the Committee Chairperson)

 

*    Responsible for conducting periodic fund raising efforts.

 

CAMPING CHAIRPERSON (appointed by the Scoutmaster)

 

*    Secures permission to use camping sites.

*    Files tour permits with Council office.

*    Coordinates Troop transportation.

*    Maintains and updates Parental Permission slips and Medical Forms

 

MERIT BADGE COORDINATOR (appointed by the Scoutmaster)

 

*    Recruits merit badge counselors to support the merit badge program plan.

*    Develops and maintains a merit badge counselor list.

*    Works with Troop Librarian to maintain Troop library.

 


MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR (Scoutmaster)

 

*    Chairs a small sub-committee to review and monitor the Troop’s size.  Sets an annually adjusted goal for Troop membership limitations in the fall of each year.

SCOUTMASTER  

 (Elected for a term of 3 years concluding at the end of June)

 

The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the Troop's image and program.  The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts.  It is their duty to:

 

*    Provide orientation to new members.

*    Train and guide boy leaders.

*    Use the methods of Scouting to achieve its aims.

*    Meet regularly with the patrol leaders council for training and coordination in planning Troop activities.

*    Attend Troop meetings.

*    Attend Troop committee meetings.

*    Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancement.

*    Supervise Troop elections.

*    Consider participation in Council and District events as determined by the patrol leaders council.

*    Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and Boy Scouts of America.

*    Assist in developing the annual budget.

*    Conduct mid-term Scoutmaster’s Conferences with the boy leaders

THE TROOP'S YOUTH LEADERS

 

The Troop is run by its boy leaders.  With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants, they plan the program, conduct Troop meetings, outings and provide leadership among their peers.  Youth leadership positions are as follows:

 

SENIOR PATROL LEADER - Top youth leader in the Troop.  He leads the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other youth leaders and assigns responsibilities.  The Senior Patrol Leader is the leader of the Troop meetings and outings.  He is the master of ceremonies of regular Courts of Honor.  He may delegate specific responsibilities to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

 

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER - Fills in for Senior Patrol Leader in his absence.

 

PATROL LEADER - Gives leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders council.  Teaches skills to patrol members, leads Patrol meetings and Patrol corners.  Leads the Patrol at camp outs and outings.

 

ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER - Fills in for the patrol leader in his absence.

 

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER - Assists Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster

 

INSTRUCTOR - Supports Merit Badge Counselors in teaching merit badges to patrol members.

 

TROOP GUIDE - Supports patrol leaders in teaching skills to patrol members.  Runs the Trail to First Class program.

 


QUARTERMASTER - Responsible for Troop supplies and equipment.

 

SCRIBE - Records and posts the minutes of the Patrol Leaders Council.  Maintains the Troop’s bulletin boards and rank advancement board.

 

BUGLER - Provides appropriate musical emphasis to ceremonies and camp outs.

 

CHAPLAIN AIDE - Assists with Troop religious services.

 

DEN CHIEF - Assists Den/WEBELOS Leaders with their Cub Scout Den/WEBELOS Patrol.

PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL

 

The patrol leaders council (PLC), not the adult leadership, is responsible for planning and conducting the Troop's activities.  The PLC is composed of the following voting members: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Quartermaster and Troop Guides.

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The primary objective of the adult leaders of Troop 1188 is the safety of the boys.  Misbehavior can be grouped into two types; safety and non-safety related incidents.

 

The adult leaders would prefer not to inform the parents of every non-safety related incident regarding their son, however if the behavior is deemed sufficiently objectionable or habitual, the parents may be contacted.

 

All incidents relating to the safety of a boy will be reported to the parents.  Please encourage your son to behave in accordance with Scouting principles as stated in the Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.  If safety related incidents are sufficiently objectionable or habitual, the parents may be required by the Troop Committee to register as adult leaders, complete adult leader training and attend Scouting functions with their son to ensure proper behavior.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

 

Scouting is more than just an organization for boys.  It requires the support and involvement of the scout's entire family.  It is the goal of  Troop 1188 that all families take an active part in the operation of the Troop.  It has been our experience that the more involved the parents are in the Troop, the further the Scout will advance and the more active the Scout will become.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

 

NEW SCOUT REGISTRATION

 

Each year, typically at the October Committee Meeting, the Membership Committee will evaluate the size of the Troop and establish a goal for a limit to Troop size.  During the year, the Membership Committee, chaired by the Scoutmaster, manages the size of the Troop.  If space is available, a boy who is new to Scouting may register as a new member of Troop 1188 at any time during the year. Webelos may submit registration forms and a deposit when they reach the minimum requirement to be a Boy Scout to hold their spot, if available.  The requirements for a boy to join are as follows:

 

*    Be at least 11 years old or have completed the fifth grade, or have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award, and be less than 18 years old.


The process for registration is as follows:

 

*    The boy and at least one parent attend one of the Troop meetings.

*    A Boy Scout Registration Form is completed.

*    A Troop Resource Survey (one for each parent) is completed.

*    A Medical Release Form is completed.

*    A registration fee for the boy and/or for the adult leader is paid to the Troop.

 

The initial registration fee for the Boy Scout may include:

 

*    Registration with Boy Scouts of America.

*    Subscription to Boys Life magazine (Optional).

*    Boy Scout Handbook

 

The initial registration fee for the adult leader may include:

 

*    Registration with Boy Scouts of America.

*    Boy Scout Handbook

 

Registration fees are non-refundable.  All fees must be paid and all forms completed before the boy is officially a registered member of Troop 1188.  Registration and Boy’s Life fees will be pro-rated to match the re-chartering anniversary date.

 

TRANSFERS FROM OTHER BOY SCOUT TROOPS

 

If a scout is transferring into Troop 1188 from another Boy Scout Troop, the registration process is slightly different than for a new Scout.  These differences are as follows:

 

*    The transfer is noted on the registration form.

*    The advancement records, signed by the previous Troop's advancement chairperson, are provided.  This record must include the dates for all rank advancements, merit badges, leadership positions, service hours, and other awards or honors.  (The verifiability of these records is very important in the case of the boy's advancement to the Eagle rank.)

*    The payment of nominal transfer registration fee to Troop 1188.

*    Completed Troop Resource Survey.

*    A Medical Release Form is completed.

 

DUES

 

The Troop committee sets the rate for quarterly dues.  Dues are collected on the first Mondays of February, May, August and November.  Dues are waived for Eagle Scouts.

 

RE-CHARTERING

 

The Troop re-charters annually in May and an annual re-charter fee is collected during April.  Active Junior Assistant Scoutmaster’s re-charter fees are waived.

 


SUMMER CAMP PAYMENT PLAN

 

The Troop attends at least one week of summer camp every year.  Locations vary from in-council camps to the exotic high adventure locations. The fees for summer camp vary and are payable by the Troop to the summer camp in advance.  In order to allow the Troop to pay the appropriate fees on a timely manner, thus avoiding unnecessary late fees, the Committee will establish payment due dates.  In the event of a change in plans, these funds are fully refundable if they have not yet been paid over to the camp administration or other pre-paid expenses.  If the funds have been paid over, they are refundable to the same extent, if at all, as allowed by the receiving camp's rules and regulations.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORM

 

THE SCOUT UNIFORM

 

The uniform is the scout's identification with the brotherhood of scouting and should be worn with pride.  The uniform makes our Troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in our community.  The uniform symbolizes our commitment to the aims and purposes of scouting.

 

There are two types of uniforms for Troop 1188; Class A, Class B.

 

The Class A uniform consists of the official Boy Scout shirt along with a plain or Scouting related hat and bolo tie and single color, earth tone jeans.  The jeans will be neat, clean, and not torn.  For Star and above a merit badge sash is included.  Official shorts or pants, and socks are optional.  The Class A uniform is required to be worn:

 

*    To all Courts of Honor

*    At designated Troop meetings and functions

*    During travel to and from all camp outs and outings

*    To all boards of review and scoutmaster conferences.

*    To district, council, and national scouting events

*    To other events as specified by the Scoutmaster.

 

Eagle Scout candidates shall present themselves to their Eagle Board of Review in complete BSA Class A that includes the above and a Scout belt, shorts or pants, and socks.  The Eagle Candidate shall also wear his merit badge sash and OA sash, if appropriate.

 

The Class B uniform consists of a plain or Scouting related hat, a Troop 1188 T-shirt and single color, earth tone jeans.  The jeans will be neat, clean, and not torn.  The Class B uniform is required to be worn:

 

*    To all other Scout functions not listed above

 

During events of longer duration (i.e., summer camp, treks, etc.), at the Scoutmaster's discretion, neither the class A nor the class B uniform may be required.  In these cases T-shirts, with a scouting theme may be substituted for the Troop 1188 T-shirt.  Clothing items that are camouflage, have non-Scouting logos, or promote alcoholic products, gangs, drugs or contain inappropriate language are never permitted at any scouting event. Bandannas are not permitted to be worn as head coverings.  Jewelry consistent with the Scouting program may be worn, however the adult leadership may require that jewelry be removed.

 

Parents are urged to direct their son to follow these rules.


 

INSIGNIA

 

The required insignia on the official Scout shirt is as follows:

 

*    American flag (usually comes already on shirt)

*    Patrol Emblem

*    Circle Ten Council Patch

*    "1188" Troop Numeral Patches

*    Current Rank Badge

*    Red Shoulder Loops for shirt epaulets

*    World Brotherhood of Scouting Patch (Purple)

*    Quality Patch (one only, if applicable)

 

Placement of the insignias on the uniform is shown in the Boy Scout Handbook.

 

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

 

Troop 1188 has established itself as a low-impact camping Troop.  With this objective in mind, and to reduce waste at a camp, each boy is required to bring on many camp outs a plate, bowl, cup and set of eating utensils.  There are official Boy Scout items that are quite functional and will serve this purpose well, but they are not required.  Additionally, camping requires certain personal gear that is not provided by the Troop.  A list of suggested items is provided in the Boy Scout Handbook.

 

WHERE TO BUY SCOUT EQUIPMENT

 

A full line of Boy Scout uniforms, insignia and equipment can be found at: The Scoutfitter, 1922 Anson Road, (Inside the Council office) Dallas, TX, Telephone Number, 214-902-6700.

 

Additionally, a complete line of uniforms, most insignia and some basic scout equipment can be purchased at:  Dad 'n Lad, 17 Richardson Heights Shopping Center, (Corner of Beltline and Central Expressway), Richardson, TX, Telephone Number, 972-231-3497

MEETINGS

 

REGULAR TROOP MEETINGS

 

The Troop meets for its regular meetings every Monday at The First Christian Church Rowlett.  The meetings are held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.  In order to allow the meeting to begin and end as scheduled, all Scouts are asked to arrive no later than 6:55 PM.  Refer to the monthly calendar for program topics.

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

The committee meets monthly, at the Church, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM as scheduled in the Troop calendar or as designated by the Committee Chairperson.  The Committee Chairperson will publish and provide an agenda for each meeting.  Committee members are strongly encouraged to contact the Chairperson prior to the meeting so new business may be placed on the agenda.  Other committee meetings may be called by the Chairperson as necessary.

 

The meetings are open to all Scoutmasters and parents.  Only registered adults leaders are eligible to vote on matters affecting the Troop.  All matters brought before the committee, (except amendments to these Policies and Procedures), may be decided by a majority vote of those adult leaders present.


 

COURTS OF HONOR

 

The Court of Honor is the Troop's opportunity to recognize its members for their achievements.  This is an important event and ALL family members and their friends are encouraged to attend.  Family participation in the scout's advancement is so important that the Troop Leadership strongly recommends the attendance of the parent(s) when a Scout receives his rank advancement award.

 

Occasionally, a special Eagle Court of Honor will be held to recognize one of the Troop's Scouts who has achieved the highest rank in Scouting, the rank of Eagle Scout.  All Troop members and their parents are requested to attend to show their support for this great achievement and to use the occasion to further commit themselves to the goal of the Eagle rank.

 

ANNUAL PLANNING CONFERENCE

 

An annual planning conference will be held with the PLC and Scoutmasters to prepare the annual calendar.  The calendar will then be submitted to the committee for approval.  Following approval, the calendar will be distributed to all Scouts and their parents.  The planning conference will normally take place in April.

ADVANCEMENT

 

OVERVIEW

 

Rank advancement is one of the most important methods of Scouting.  It is the primary indicator of the individual boy's involvement in the program.  If the program is good and the scout is involved, then advancement should come naturally.  Requirements towards any rank may be accomplished at any time, but the ranks must be earned in order.

 

Rank advancement is the SCOUT'S responsibility.  The adult leadership will provide a good program, but advancement requires the initiative of the individual scout.  The steps involved in advancement are as follows:

 

1.   The SCOUT attends Troop functions.

2.   The SCOUT completes requirements for the various ranks.

3.   The SCOUT secures the appropriate signatures in his handbook as the requirements are completed.

4.   The SCOUT requests and attends a Scoutmaster's Conference upon completion of all requirements for his next rank.

5.   A Scout meets with the Treasurer and confirms that he is current on dues or pays dues that are in arrears.

6.   The SCOUT requests and attends a Board of Review after completion of the Scoutmaster Conference.

7.   The SCOUT advances to his new rank after completion of the Board of Review.

 

Parental support in the advancement process is vital.  Parents may not sign off the requirements, but can encourage their son to set goals and take the initiative towards rank advancement.

 

RANK REQUIREMENTS

 

The specific advancement requirements are detailed in the Scout Handbook.  The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters (not a parent) and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters are responsible for the signing of each requirement completed for all ranks.  Instructors and Troop Guides may initial requirements in the margin of the Scout Handbook for all ranks through first class and recommend that the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters (not a parent) and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters sign the requirement.  Each requirement must be signed and dated.  The date must include month, day and year. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters must (not a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or parent) sign off all advancement requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.


 

SCOUTMASTER'S CONFERENCE

 

The Scoutmaster's Conference is to allow the Scoutmaster or a designated Assistant Scoutmaster to get together with the scout and review his progress, get to know each other better, talk about the scout's role in the Troop, and set realistic goals for advancement to the next rank.  The scout can request a Scoutmaster’s Conference anytime after he has completed all the requirements for his next rank.  The Scoutmaster schedules conferences only after signing off the Scout's last requirement for advancement to the next rank.

 

BOARD OF REVIEW

 

The Board of Review permits the scout's progress to be reviewed by the adult leadership. The board determines if the scout has learned all that he should to complete the requirements.

 

The Gray Owl District Eagle Board of Review differs from the Troop 1188 Board of Review in that the District Advancement Chairperson or their designee must be included in the board.

 

MERIT BADGES

 

Merit badges are required to advance to Star, Life and Eagle ranks.  Working on merit badges allows the scout the opportunity to build on the basic scout skills, investigate hobbies, and foster citizenship.  Merit badges may be earned only from approved merit badge counselors.  Counselors are approved by the Troop Committee and must be registered as either an adult leader or merit badge counselor.  A list of approved counselors by merit badge is available from the Committee Advancement Chairperson.  A scout must be at least of Tenderfoot rank to begin work on a merit badge.  An exception to this rule is made at summer camp.  A scout may for various reasons receive a “partial” for a merit badge, meaning that for some reason the badge was not completed at the time of the course.

 

A booklet covering the requirements for each merit badge is essential for any scout attempting to earn the merit badge.  Booklets may be available in the Troop library or can be purchased at any of the locations selling Boy Scout uniforms and accessories.

 

A scout who elects to work on a merit badge within the Troop must do the following:

 

1.   The SCOUT requests approval from the Scoutmaster or designated Assistant Scoutmaster.

2.   The SCOUT completes all requirements.

3.   The Merit Badge counselor submits the merit badge completion information to the Advancement Chairperson

 

A scout who elects to work on a merit badge outside the Troop must do the following:

 

1.   The SCOUT requests a merit badge application form and approval from the Scoutmaster or designated Assistant Scoutmaster.

2.   The SCOUT completes the personal section of the form.

3.   The SCOUT contacts an approved merit badge counselor recommended by the Merit Badge Coordinator to begin work and schedule meetings.

4.   The SCOUT secures the merit badge counselor's signature on the application form after completing all requirements.

5.   The SCOUT submits the completed application to the Advancement Chairperson.


AWARDS

 

Badges of rank will be presented to the scout at a regular Troop meeting as soon as possible after successful completion of his board of review.  The advancement card along with a mother's pin will be presented at his formal recognition in a Court of Honor.

 

Merit badges will be presented to the scout at a regular Troop meeting as soon as possible practicable after submitting a completed merit badge application form.  The merit badge card will be presented at his formal recognition in a Court of Honor.

 

EAGLE HONORS

 

Troop 1188 is especially proud when one of its members attains Eagle rank.  Upon notification that a scout has achieved the Eagle rank, the Troop will sponsor an Eagle Court of Honor.  The Eagle Court of Honor can be authorized only by the Scoutmaster.  All members of the Troop and their families are strongly encouraged to attend Eagle Courts of Honor. 

OUTDOOR PROGRAM

 

CAMP OUTS

 

Camping is the focal point of the Boy Scout Outdoor Program.  It is a key component of Scouting.  Troop 1188 supports this program and will generally camp out monthly.  Parents will be contacted to provide transportation to camp outs as required.  A long term camp such as summer camp or a high adventure camp will be scheduled at least once a year.

 

Generally, a normal camp out will cost $10 that is used entirely for food.  Registration is two meetings prior to the camp out.  Registration on time is STRONGLY encouraged to allow the proper planning of transportation for the camp out.

 

Troop 1188 will camp in all types of weather.  Scouts need the opportunity to test their skills in a variety of real life situations.  However, unnecessary risks are never taken and safety is of the utmost concern.  The Scoutmaster will be the final authority on whether camp outs will be canceled due to dangerous weather conditions.

 

In order to get the most out of the Troop camping experience, the following rules shall apply.  SAFETY OF THE SCOUTS IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT GOAL.  Any violation of the following rules that is deemed sufficiently objectionable may result in the parent being required to come and take their son home.

 

1.   No electronics (radios, games, tape players, televisions) will be allowed.  Any electronic items will be confiscated and returned to the scout at the end of the camp out.

2.   Firearms, fireworks, sheath knives, or other dangerous items are not allowed.  Any items of this type will be confiscated.

3.   Possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or drugs (other than prescribed drugs) is strictly forbidden. Any items of this type will be confiscated.

4.   Prescription drugs will be delivered to the Scoutmaster in charge, or his assistant, with instructions for their use.  The Scout is responsible for taking his own medication.

5.   A medical authorization form must be on file with the Scoutmaster in charge before a scout can participate in Troop outings.

6.   Meals shall be planned by the Scouts and approved by the adult leaders.  .

7.   All food will be provided by the Troop or patrol.  Except on backpacking trips Scouts shall not pack food in their personal pack.  Failure to follow this practice attracts unwanted insects and/or scavenging animals to the tents.


 

Food money will be collected from each scout for each camp out.  Food money must be paid to the scout's patrol leader no later than the second Monday (eleven days) before the planned outing.  Food money is non-refundable.  Scouts shall arrive at Church for departure for the camp out at 6:00 PM to help pack the gear.  The scheduled departure time for weekend camp outs is 6:30 PM.

 

LATE REGISTRATION FOR CAMP OUTS

 

Registration on time is STRONGLY encouraged to allow the proper planning of transportation for the camp out. Registration is closed without exception at 7:00 PM on Friday, seven days prior to the camp out.  THERE WILL BE NO REGISTRATION ON THE MONDAY PRIOR TO THE CAMPOUT.  Please understand that the Troop wants your Scout to go on camp outs, but a successful camp out requires a significant amount of planning.

 

TOTIN' CHIP CARD

 

All Scouts in the Troop are required to pass the Totin' Chip course before handling any knives, axes, or saws.  The Totin' Chip course is designed to teach safety and skills in handling of these tools.  The scout will receive a Totin' Chip card after successful completion of the course and is required to carry it with him if he desires to handle a knife, saw, or hand ax during a camp out.  He may be asked by any Troop leader or adult leader to show his card before being allowed to use these tools.  Improper or dangerous use of axes, knives, or saws will result in a corner being torn off the scout's card.  If all four corners are torn off, the scout will lose his privileges until he completes the course again.  If the Scoutmaster determines that the infraction was severe enough, the scout may lose the card, along with the privileges of using the tools and be required to be re-trained in the proper and safe use of the tools. 

 

HIGH ADVENTURE CAMPS

 

The Troop Committee will set requirements for participation in High Adventure Camps.  The requirements may vary from activity to activity, depending on the nature of the outing.

TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

 

ELECTIONS

 

Election of the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders will be conducted every 6 months in March and September (approximately).  A scout who is seeking election must be present to be elected or have an excused absence from the Scoutmaster.  All Scouts should be present for the election due to the importance of their right to choose their leaders.

 

ELECTED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

 

Candidates for Senior Patrol Leader must be approved by the Scoutmaster and must meet the following minimum qualifications:

 

*    13 years of age                  

*    First Class rank                


 

Patrol Leaders are elected by a majority of their patrol members.  Candidates for Patrol Leader are nominated by the Scoutmaster and must meet the following minimum qualifications:

 

*    Second Class rank;

 

The Scoutmaster may waive these requirements.

 

APPOINTED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

 

The Senior Patrol Leader appoints the following positions: 

 

            Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain Aide, Bugler. 

 

The Scoutmaster must approve each appointee.

 

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader must meet the following minimum qualifications:

 

*    13 years of age;

*    First Class rank;

 

The Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader:

 

The Scoutmaster appoints the following positions:  Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Instructor, Troop Guide, and Den Chief.  The Scoutmaster may appoint a Scout to serve in any Troop leadership position that is newly created or becomes vacant.  Current officeholders may succeed themselves.

TROOP FORMS

 

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM

 

The Medical Authorization Form is required to be completed before a scout can be an active member of the Troop.  The form contains information regarding special medical needs for each scout and an authorization for emergency care, if required.

 

TROOP RESOURCE SURVEY

 

The Troop Resource Survey is required to be completed by the Scout's parent when a scout registers.  The information will help to identify areas where parents can support the Troop with the special skills, abilities, and interests they possess.

 

AMENDMENTS

 

The Troop 1188 Policies and Procedures may be amended by a two-third vote of registered adult leaders present at any regular or special meeting of the committee.