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BOY SCOUT TROOP 562
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
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WELCOME TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 562 SLIDELL,
LOUISIANA
Troop 562
operates a year round Boy Scout program. We conduct weekly
meeting on Fridays at First United Methodist
Church located at 433 Erlanger Street . The meetings start
promptly at 7:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. Troop 562 will conduct an outdoor
activity (i.e., hike, camp out, service project, etc.) at least once a
month. We are fortunate to have experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic
leaders who believe in “Delivering the Promise” of the Boy Scout Program.
The purpose of this booklet is to inform you, as new
scouts and parents, of how Troop 562 operates. Our rules are set in
accordance with National Boy Scouts of America and we believe that the Scout
Oath and the Scout Law governs each Scout.
SCOUT’S COMMITMENT
When a boy joins a Scout
troop he makes a commitment that he will attend the meetings and participate
in the activities to the best of his ability. He has a responsibility to
the other members of his patrol to carry his share of the chores as well as
have his share of the fun.
TROOP
OPERATIONS
How is Troop 562 run? We firmly believe that the boys should run the troop themselves, through their boy leaders, with the advice and guidance from the adult leaders. The Patrol Leader’s Council consists of Patrol Leaders from each patrol, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s), and the Senior Patrol leader. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters provide direction, coaching, and support. The Senior Patrol Leader is the top Scout of the Troop and is responsible for directing the activities planned by the Patrol Leader’s Council. Troop 562 strongly believes the “Program” is that which is in the BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK . All Troop activities and events are conceived and planned by the Patrol Leader’s Council with assistance from the Scoutmaster. These events / activities are then presented to the Troop Committee for approval.
UNIFORM
The uniform of Troop 562 will be the complete Boy
Scout Uniform. A full uniform consist of a uniform shirt with patches
correctly sewn on (refer to uniform inspection form sheet), official pants
or shorts, red shoulder loops, official “ red top” socks, scout belt, and
the troop neckerchief. Order of the Arrow members may wear the OA sash and
alternate neckerchief on "OA" week. This currently is the second
Wednesday of the month. The Troop neckerchief will be issued to each new
scout once he has met the following requirements: Paid registration fees,
has a full uniform, and completes and turns in a health form and troop
resource survey.
The full uniform is
to be worn at all scouting activities unless otherwise directed by the
Scoutmaster (NO EXCEPTIONS). Failure to wear the uniform will
result in the boy not participating in the troop activity. Refer
to “never allowed” for uniform violations. When wearing long Scout pants
or for Troop Court of Honors the scout must wear dark shoes that are clean
(never white). Under certain circumstances the Scoutmaster may
call for a class "B" uniform consisting of scout shorts, scout socks and
Troop 562 tee shirt or “uniform of the day” consisting of “work clothes”
which must comply with the ideals and values of Scouting. Adult leaders
are called upon to set the example and therefore, all assistant scoutmasters
are required to be in full uniform at all functions of the troop, as well.
The troop committee shall have the option to wear the class "A" uniform or
another BSA approved shirt. The full class "A" shall be worn if that is
one's choice- never a partial uniform (i.e. troop shirt and
jeans).
Each Scout is also required to have a notebook and pen as well as an official Boy Scout Handbook . These are necessary for each Scout to keep track of his own personal advancement records, as well as his participation in events and activities. It will also be used to record each Scout’s accomplishments as well as his leadership responsibilities.
TROOP 562 HONOR
GUARD
Troop 562 is special because is has the only
Color/honor guard in the council. These boys train on a bi-monthly basis
prior to troop meetings. They are also allowed to wear a special Black
band, which signifies them as a color guard team member. With this band
comes major responsibility.
1. Must wear the complete class "A" uniform. No parts
can be missing.
2. Must wear Dark color & clean shoes when performing
(no exceptions).
3. Appropriate body language must be maintained at
all times.
4. Appropriate behavior and proper skills must be
maintained at all times.
5. Appropriate respect must be demonstrated
throughout the time they wear these bands.
6. Be available to perform within reason.
7. Each team is assigned to Team Captains
.
Violations:
Not following the above
rules could and can result in the scout be terminated from the team. The
band must be turned back in and given to the scout who chooses to be part of
this prestigious team .
CAMPING
GUIDELINES
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT ; In addition to the complete Scout uniform each scout must have the following personal items for every camp out: cup, vittle kit (fork, knife, spoon), ground cloth (6’ X 8’ minimum size), rain gear or poncho and water bottle or canteen (1 quart minimum). A list of additional optional items including a compass, personal first aid kit, and pocketknife can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook. Comfortable walking / hiking shoes / boots in good shape are also needed at all functions . No open toe shoes are allowed on any Scout function .
FOOD: Unless other wise instructed by
the Scoutmaster, all Scouts must eat prior to arrival at scouting functions
or bring a snack for the road. All patrol menus will be completed and
voted on by each patrol during the troop meeting patrol time, and then must
be approved by the Scoutmaster or one of the Troops assistant Scoutmasters
to assure proper nutrition and balance. Under no circumstances is any food
or drink allowed in any tent due to the possible harm from insects or
animals.
NOTE: A DESIGNATED MEMBER OF EACH PATROL WHO WILL THEN BE REIMBURSED BY THE TROOP WILL PURCHASE ALL PATROL FOOD. There is a $12.00 per scout limit for weekend camping trips, which must be strictly adhered to. "A scout is thrifty."
TROOP EQUIPMENT ; All troop
equipment including tents and dining flys will be cleaned and dried properly
prior to departure from any scout activity. If this is not possible it
will be necessary for Scouts to be assigned to specific equipment to be
brought home to be cleaned and dried. It is extremely important that this
equipment be dried as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of damage to
our equipment (i.e., mildew). It is expected that this equipment be
returned as soon as possible. The Scout or his parents must pay
for any deliberate destruction or damage to troop equipment.
KNIVES;
pocketknives may be carried and used by a Scout only after he earns his
Totin Chip card. Failure to earn this card before carrying a knife, or
failure to use the knife correctly will result in the boy’s card and/or
knife being confiscated. Once a Totin chip card is taken away, the scout
must then re-earn the card again.
FIRES: Fireman Chit must be earned by a Scout before he is allowed to light fires / stoves / and lanterns.
NOTE: All scouts must
notify an adult before a patrol is allowed to use one of the above devises
or methods for cooking or lighting. This is to assure that the camp rules
are not being broken and/or to assure the scout’s safety. It should also
be stated that any inappropriate use of matches, or any consumer goods that
are flammable would result in the immediate removal of said boy .
Troop 562 will not tolerate any scouts that can and will harm
themselves and others due to the lack of respect for fire .
MEDICAL: Each Scout must have a current signed medical on file with the troop to participate in any troop activity. A Class 2 Medial (signed by a doctor and conducted within the last 3 years) must be on file for participation in any event longer than 72 consecutive hours. Any medicine that needs to be taken during Scout activity must be turned over to the Scoutmaster or designated adult, along with written instructions for its administration prior to departure to said activity.
NEVER ALLOWED ; the following items are
never allowed on any Scout function; tobacco, alcohol, drugs, firearms,
fireworks, and sheath knives.
Uniform violations
during Troop meeting:
1 st
Offense: Verbal warning by Scoutmaster.
2 nd Offense: Conference with
Scout’s parents.
3 rd Offense: Scout sent home
from troop meeting or function.
Uniform violations on any activity:
No Scout will be allowed to attend any
activity if he is not wearing the correct uniform. It is the policy of
the National Office of Boy Scouts of America and Troop 562 that the full
dress uniform (class A) is worn to and from any and all activities, and to
be worn when participating in said activity. The scoutmaster can only
change the uniform dress code. Therefore, come prepared with the correct
uniform. That means the entire uniform, not just parts.
Other items or behaviors not allowed.
n Radios, card games of any kind, TV’s, gameboys, computer games, cell phones, or other electronic equipment is not allowed on any Scouting activity unless specifically designated by the Scoutmaster. Scouts are allowed to bring cell phones but, are required to keep them off and out of view during all parts of the meetings/activities. No scouts are allowed to use the phone during the meeting.
n The use of inappropriate language or behavior (i.e., fighting, etc.).
n Disrespect of any kind toward adults or other scouts will not be tolerated. All adults will be addressed as Mr. or Mrs. (with last name) or they can refer to the adults as Sir or Ma’am.
n Earrings or other items of any type inserted into body piercing, jewelry, distracting hairstyles or colors. (Watches may be worn).
DEALING WITH
VIOLATIONS OF THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW
The Troop’s Junior Leaders will handle minor violations.
If further action is needed:
1.
Adult leader will have a conference with Scout-if further
action is needed.
2.
Parent will be call and asked to speak to Scout- if
further action is needed.
3.
Parent will be required to have Scout sent home at their
expense. - If further action is needed.
4. Suspension or even Expulsion (depending on infraction).
PERMISSION
SLIPS
Permission slips will be required for all outings. Please read these very carefully. Permission slips contain all information on each outing including departure/return times, fees due, special equipment or instructions, and due date for registration. Return times are approximated. A phone committee will be set up for each outing. This committee will notify each Scout’s household about 30 minutes prior to arrival of the troop back home. Unless otherwise stated all departures and returns will be from the First United Methodist Church 433 Erlanger. Permission slips are due one week prior to the date of the trip. NO EXCEPTIONS. The troop committee must have time to arrange sufficient transportation based on total attendance.
ATTENDANCE
The committee and PLC of Troop 562 make every effort to plan trips that are affordable for all scouts. Scouts are given several opportunities to raise funds to help pay for trips and each scout has a scout account into which funds can be deposited at anytime. Once a scout has committed to attend a trip, he is expected to pay for that trip. (Exceptions: illness or family emergencies) Many time reservations and food will have to be paid for in advance and are therefore, non-refundable. A scout is also expected to pay for the full trip. Partial trips, or variations of the complete itinerary are not allowed.
NEWSLETTERS
Troop newsletters will be distributed periodically. These will be issued to each Scout at the troop meetings and should be placed in the Scout’s notebook . Newsletters contain items such as; committee report on past functions, advancement report, treasurer’s report, permission slips for future events, troop calendar of troop meetings and functions, any other information as deemed necessary by the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster. It is the parents’ and scouts’ responsibility to read this newsletter and return any permission slips or other papers when necessary.
FEES, DUES, FUND
RAISERS
Registration fees will be
$42.00 annually ($3.50 a month pro-rated, count this month and end
with the month of February times $3.50 equals total). This
includes registration with Boy Scouts of America, insurance, Boys’ Life,
advancement awards, and for new Scouts, troop neckerchief. The fee for
second, third or multiple siblings is minus the cost of Boys' Life magazine
and prorated monthly. Registration fees are non-refundable for any
reason!
Monthly dues are
$5.00 - these are primarily used to cover the cost of maintaining
and replacing troop equipment . Delinquent dues may result in a
Scout not being allowed to attend activities or receive awards.
Once a scout becomes 2 months behind in dues, this fee will be added to the
cost of the next outing or withdrawn from the scout's account. Scouts can
pay dues on a monthly basis, every other month or all at once. Check with
the troop treasurer on how the troop can meet your needs.
Fees for individual camp outs / hikes / activities will be determined by the Troop Committee so that they cover the cost of transportation, camping fees, and any event/program or activity fees. Fees for troop outings are due no later than the Friday prior to the outing. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Paying for outings on time ensures proper planning for the outing. Under some circumstances money may be due farther in advance (i.e. long term trips). This money is due as stated in the literature for that function, no exceptions.
Fund-raisers : Troop 562 will participate in several fundraisers a year. Boy Scouts of America offers units the opportunity to earn money and prizes with Trail's End popcorn sales and Scout Fair ticket sales. Unless dedicated for a specific purpose , 50 % of all profits will be shared by those scouts who participate in the fundraiser based upon the number of hours each scout works. Every effort will be made by the fundraising committee to ensure that each scout has an equal opportunity to earn funds. Only the scout can earn money for his account. Parents or other family members who participate in fundraisers cannot earn funds for a scout or earn credit for that scout in any way . These funds will be placed in the individual account to be used for camp fees or personal camping equipment. The other 50% will be placed in the troop’s general fund. All members are encouraged to participate in fundraisers as a means of defraying the costs of the scouting program. "A scout is thrifty". Troop will also hold other types of fundraising to general funds for the troop treasury in order to purchase camping equipment, awards and a troop trailer. All families are expected to participate in these fundraisers, as they benefit every boy in the troop
Individual scout
accounts; As the scouts participate in various fundraising
activities, the boys will be able to earn money to place in their individual
scout accounts. These scout accounts can be used to pay for anything
scouting related as long as it is approved by the Scoutmaster and or Troop
Treasurer. An example of a troop fundraiser would be the annual popcorn
sales.
Scouts may make deposits into their individual
accounts at any time. This may be a helpful way for families to budget for
more costly trips (i.e. summer camp). Any over payment for trips or other
refunds for cancelled outing will also be placed on account for each scout.
In the event a scout leaves Troop 562, he is entitled to a refund of personal money on account (i.e. those funds deposited by the scout and his family or refunded due to overpayment or cancellation of a troop function). A scout is not entitled to a refund of fees derived through fundraisers, dues, or registration fees.
ADVANCEMENT
Troop 562 takes a very aggressive attitude towards advancement. Troop 562 follows the philosophy that all Scout functions shall provide each Scout with the opportunity for advancement. All progress towards a Scout’s rank advancement MUST be recorded in the boys Scout Handbook. Once a Scout reaches the rank of First Class he must be ACTIVE in the troop and patrol activities . Troop 562 defines this as attending 75% of meetings and outings . Each Scout must also serve satisfactorily in a leadership position for a specific amount of time. Every opportunity will be afforded for each Scout to achieve this requirement, however the successful completion of this requirement depends upon the growth and development of the individual Scout. Scouts should document in their personal notebook how they have demonstrated leadership within the troop or patrol . The successful completion of these two requirements is at the sole discretion of the Scoutmaster and will be determined during the Scoutmaster conference.
Scoutmaster Conferences are required for each rank advancement . The Scoutmaster will conduct conferences for the ranks Star, Life and Eagle . Either the Scoutmaster and or an Assistant Scoutmaster will conduct other rank conferences. At the time of the conference, the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster will determine if the Scout has satisfactorily fulfilled the “Scout Spirit” requirement by living up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scoutmaster Conferences will usually be conducted just prior to, immediately after, or during a Troop meetings or events. Scouts MUST be in full Scout uniform for a Scoutmaster’s conference to occur. This means that no part of the uniform can be missing (i.e., socks, neckerchief , etc.).
Merit Badges offer Scouts the opportunity to explore and learn over 100 different subjects. Twelve specific merit badges are required to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Troop 562 will offer several of these required merit badges during its troop meetings and activities. If a Scout has already earned this “required merit badge” an optional merit badge or activity will be offered to that Scout. Each Scout working on a merit badge will be issued a “ BLUE CARD ” on which he is responsible for keeping track of each individual requirement that he satisfactorily completes. He does this by having the merit badge counselor "sign off" each individual requirement successfully completed. Upon completion of the entire merit badge the “blue card” will be turned over to the Scoutmaster so that the advancement report can be made and the Troop’s records can reflect the Scout’s advancement. The scoutmaster will also work closely with each Scout during summer and winter camp seeing to it that each Scout takes advantage of offered merit badges that are required for his rank advancement. Scouts may also work on merit badges that interest them outside of the regular troop meetings and activities. In order to do this the troop will provide the Scout with a “blue card” and the name and phone number of the merit badge counselor that is approved by the district or council. A complete list of counselors is available on the district website and from the troop advancement chairman. Upon completion of the specific merit badge requirements the counselor will sign the “blue card”. The Scout is responsible to keep this card and turn it over to the Scoutmaster so that it can then be recorded on the Troop’s records . Completed merit badges will be awarded to each Scout at the closing ceremony of troop meetings after the advancement report has been filed with the Council and the merit badge has been purchased from the Scout Shop. All merit badges must be completed within 6 months of beginning (unless there is an extenuating circumstance approved by the scoutmaster) to be valid. Any merit badge not completed within 6 months will have to be started over and completed fully within the 6 month time period.
Troop 562 maintains an extensive merit badge library, which is managed by the troop librarian. Scouts may check out merit badge booklets during patrol meeting times or by appointment with the librarian. Scouts may keep books for 6 weeks for non-required merit badges and 3 months for required. Books may be re-checked out by simply bringing the book to the librarian and having him assign a new return date. Once a book becomes overdue, a scout may not check out any more books and will not receive any merit badges until that book is returned. A scout will receive a written reminder from the librarian once the book is two weeks past due. When the book becomes one month or greater past due, the cost of the book ($3.25) will be withdrawn from the scout's account.
COURTS OF HONOR
Two to four times a year Troop 562 will have formal Courts of Honor. At these family functions each boy will be recognized for his achievements and presented with an official card for each award or rank he has earned since the previous Court of Honor. Each Scout should keep these in a safe place for future reference of his Scout achievements. The Court of Honor is planned and conducted by the youth. Those boys who have roles in the Court of Honor are expected to attend 1 - 2 Court of Honor rehearsals.
EAGLE COURTS OF HONOR
The Troop Committee will work in conjunction with the Eagle Scout and his parents in organizing and planning the Eagle Court of Honor. The Troop will be responsible for furnishing the Eagle Award package, award plaque, Eagle neckerchief and slide, $80. toward the purchase of the cake and initial l year membership to NESA (National Eagle Scout Association). We will also solicit congratulatory letters from dignitaries.
ADULTS
Where do adults fit in? Registered adult leaders are to provide guidance and advice to the Junior Leaders in addition to teaching them the leadership skills necessary to do their jobs. All parents may belong to the Troop Committee and are encouraged to attend the Troop Committee meetings which are held as needed and called by the committee chairman and scoutmaster. (Check Troop web site for time/date/location). All parents are urged to become a registered leader and to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available for training. We require at least one parent from each family to join the troop committee. Troop 562 will pay for the registration fee for one parent from each family to become registered. The more participation from the parent the more familiar you will become with the Boy Scout Program resulting in a more enjoyable experience for your son. The Committee Chairman is responsible for recruiting adults so that the committee can furnish the Scoutmaster and Scouts with what they need to carry out the Boy Scout Program. Troop 562 believes in setting the example, therefore, we ask that any parents who registers as an assistant scoutmaster to please purchase the correct uniform. All adults should set the example by wearing the troop uniform at all functions.
All adults who will be camping with the troop will be required to attend outdoor leader training and youth protection training. This is BSA policy. Youth protection training can be completed online by going to http://www.scouting.org/pubs/ypt/ypt.jsp and following the menu selections to open the youth protection module.