Since Boy
Scouts is considerably different than the Pack you just came
from, some valuable information is provided here to ease your
transition.
Required Forms
The following forms are required from scouts
and adults joining our troop:
- Boy Scout joining form. Adult "Scouter" joining
form. Parent permission form. Health history form. Background
check packet – for adults joining as required by our
chartering organization.
- Motor vehicle insurance form – required
for adults transporting scouts.
All forms can be obtained from the Committee
chairman.
Troop 328 Purpose Statement
All Troop members will maintain their personal
priority in order of God, family, school and then scouting.
Even though we feel scouting is an important aid in the development
of mature attitudes toward God, family, and school it should
not be allowed to replace these.On our trail to Eagle, leadership
and teamwork will be taught and it is our plan that each boy
has the opportunities to achieve the rank of Eagle by his eighteenth
birthday.
During this time, we as a troop, will emphasize
low impact camping with special focus being given to backpacking
and hiking, thus enabling the scouts to not only experience
God’s creation first hand, but to also develop physically
and mentally to the challenges that these activities present.
The Aims of Scouting
- To build character.
- To foster citizenship.
- To develop fitness.
Expectations and Responsibilities
As a new member of Troop 328, we feel you may
want to know not only what you can expect from the troop and
its leaders, but also what the troop will expect of you and
your parents.
What you as a scout should expect from Troop
328:
- Adventure Friendship Outdoor skills Responsibility
Guidance
- Fun
What we as a troop expect from you as a scout:
- Communication – Make known your wants,
needs and goals. Consistent, enthusiastic participation at
troop meetings, camp outs and service projects. To be prepared – this
includes wearing the proper uniform, having the BSA handbook
with you, and being ON TIME to all troop activities. Be willing
to learn and to teach others what you have learned. Respect
other scouts and adult leaders and exhibit proper moral behavior.
Adhere to BSA and troop policies. Keep your family informed
about troop activities.
- To have lots of fun!
Of the above, the first and last, (Communication
and Fun) are the most important. Obviously, if the experience
is not fun, no one will want to participate. The best way to
ensure that fun is had by all is to communicate!
What we as a troop expect from parents of scouts:
- Sit down with your scout and look through the BSA handbook
and troop handouts together.
- Have a willingness to help by:
- Being a registered adult leader. This makes
you a voting member of the Troop Committee. Being a driver
for troop activities. Being an adult leader at troop activities.
We adhere to the "Two Deep Leadership" policy which states, "At
least two adult leaders who are registered in Scouting
should be with each group of scouts during troop camp outs
and other troop activities."
- Being a registered merit badge counselor.
- Communicate with scouts and other adults
to stay up to date on troop activities.
Troop Discipline - Discipline
Policy
Uniform Policy
All scouts are required to wear khaki scout shirt
(referred to as "Class A"
shirt), BSA logo shirt, or troop T-shirt (referred to as "Class
B" shirt) to each troop meeting. The first Monday of each month
is uniform inspection. Class A shirts are to be worn by all scouts
at this meeting. Information regarding uniform articles and insignia
can be found in the BSA handbook. Our troop requires the following
uniform items:*Shirt (short or long sleeve) properly tucked in*Troop
hat*Troop neckerchief*BSA belt with BSA buckle*Insignia sewn
on shirt (Council patch, troop numerals, etc.)BSA uniform pants
and socks are optional. Scouts should be aware that leadership-training
courses generally would require that they have these items.Troop
T-shirts, neckerchiefs and hats can be purchased from the troop
treasurer.
When traveling as a troop, all adult leaders
and scouts are required to wear the Class A uniform.
BSA Handbook
All scouts are required to have a copy of the
current Boy Scouts of America Handbook. The handbook contains
critical information that each scout needs to participate in
our program. All scouts should purchase this book as soon as
possible after joining the troop. The book should be brought
to each meeting and to each camp out. Make sure you clearly
mark it with your name.
Dues
Dues are $2.00 per week and are collected 52
weeks of the year. Dues money is used to pay for merit badges,
rank advancements and membership in BSA (referred to as "Recharter
fees") and a subscription to Boys Life magazine. All scouts
are required to be current on dues at Court of Honor time (ceremony
where merit badges, rank advancements are awarded and troop
leadership changes occur). Dues are collected at each meeting
in the patrol’s dues envelope. When paying dues, the
patrol leader or another patrol member must initial or sign
their name on the dues sheet as witnessing the payment.
Additional Fees
Throughout the course of the scouting year, additional
fees are required to be paid by scouts and adults. These are
primarily for the various outings and activities that occur
during the year. Camping fees, transportation fees and food
costs will be collected from each individual attending the
activity or camp out.
Troop Meetings
Troop 328 meets every Tuesday evening from 7:30
p.m. until 9:00 p.m.Meeting Agenda: OpeningGame timeMerit badge
workAnnouncementsScoutmaster’s minuteClosing
The PLC will dictate meeting cancellations due
to school holidays. The troop meets weekly all year.
Committee Meeting
The troop committee meets the second Thursday
of each month from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. All parents are
encouraged to attend.
Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) Meeting
The PLC meets the second Thursday of each month
at 7:30 p.m. until they conclude their business. (generally,
until about 8:30 p.m.) Scouts who are required to attend this
meeting are Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide and Troop Scribe.
Assistant Patrol Leaders are encouraged to attend and must
attend if the Patrol Leader is unable to attend.
Service Projects and Fund Raisers
Scouting for Food
We participate in the National Food Drive sponsored by Boy Scouts
of America by distributing food bags to neighborhoods in Allen
on a Saturday and collecting the filled bags the following Saturday.
The non-perishable food items are distributed to needy families
in Allen and the surrounding communities.
Popcorn Sales
We participate in the yearly Circle Ten Council
Popcorn sale.
Funds accrued through sales are used to purchase
items for the troop.
Troop Structure/Job Descriptions
Scoutmaster
a.) Trains and guides boy leaders in the running of their troop.
b.) Works with and through responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.c.) Helps boys to grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves.
d.) Guides boys in planning the troop program.e.) Appoints Assistant Scoutmasters.
f.) Conducts Scoutmaster conferences.
Assistant Scoutmaster - Registered adult
leader chosen by Scoutmaster to help Scoutmaster with his duties.
In the event the Scoutmaster is not present, an Assistant Scoutmaster
may step in and serve in his place.
Charter Representative - Representative
of our chartering organization. Serves as liaison between Church
and troop.
Committee Chairman
a.) Coordinates the activities of various troop committees/leaders.
b.) Acts as liaison between the troop, its charter representative and district executive or district committee.
c.) Provides general administrative support for the troop and scoutmaster.
d.) Presides over monthly committee meeting and promotes active participation/involvement by all adults.
e.) Is responsible for annual rechartering of scouts and adults in the troop.
Troop Records Coordinator - Maintains troop
advancement records related to individual scouts and adults
using Troopmaster software. Provides certified list used to
purchase merit badges, rank advancements and other awards.
Advancement Coordinator - Schedules Board
of Review conferences, purchases merit badges, rank advancements
and other awards, prepares items for presentation at Court
of Honor.
Secretary - Prepares and maintains minutes
of the committee meetings.
Treasurer - Handles all troop funds, including
administrative control over bank accounts and financial record
keeping. (Fund-raisers, general troop finances, summer camp
or high adventure trip deposits and payments). Works with boy
leaders to maintain proper record keeping for scout dues. Develops
troop budget.
Outdoor Coordinator - Handles details related
to monthly camping and/or other outdoor activities, including
identifying potential facilities, securing sites, coordinating
travel arrangements, completing appropriate BSA forms and communicating
plans with council, maintaining troop resources for camping
facilities.
Quartermaster - Maintains administrative
control over troop equipment, takes periodic inventory, maintains
troop/patrol equipment and recommends acquisition of equipment
at needed.
Merit Badge Coordinator - Secures merit
badge counselors.
Webelo Coordinator - Troop liaison with
local Webelo dens, coordinates visitations at troop meetings,
gives visiting parents a brief overview of the troop, its policies
and activities.
Patrol Leadership Method:
Troop leadership is divided into two distinct
segments: scouts and adults. Most leadership functions are
delegated to the scouts themselves. Troop 328 employs the patrol
leadership method. The troop is divided into a number of smaller
segments called patrols. Each patrol has a leader and
an assistant who are elected by their peers in their patrol
and serve a 4 month term of office. They are responsible for
the patrol’s overall function. Overseeing the patrols
is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and his assistant. The SPL
and the individual patrol leaders make up the Patrol Leaders
Council (PLC).The PLC plans and organizes the troop’s
activities and functions. This leadership method has proven
to be very effective in developing young boys into strong leaders.The
troop is overseen by a group of adult leaders who are responsible
to ensure that the overall goals of Boy Scouting are achieved.
The adults also provide guidance when and where it is appropriate.
However, the primary function of the adult leadership is ensuring
the safety and well being of the scouts. The primary difference
between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is the boys, not the adults,
run the show. Sometimes it may appear chaotic, but the method
does work and has proven to provide the most benefit to the
scouts themselves.
Our troop currently has 5 boy patrols (Apache,
Blackfoot, Caddo, Navajo, and Sioux) and 1 adult patrol (Pawnee).
Advancement Information
The scouting program provides many opportunities
for you to learn skills and take part in terrific adventures.
It recognizes your achievements by awarding badges of rank.
Each rank is more challenging than the one before it. Active
scout participation and advancement go together. If you want
to advance in rank, take part in all the activities of your
patrol and troop. Each scout should purchase a 3 ring binder
and a package of baseball card sleeve holders. In your binder
keep an accurate, written record of the activities and camp
outs you attend. List the date, location, activity, and service
hours gained. You will need to present this written record
each time you attend a Board of Review. (You will need the
baseball cardholders to put your blue cards and presentation
cards in.) When you have completed the requirements for the
rank you are working on, tell the Scoutmaster that you are
ready for your Scoutmaster conference. The purpose of the conference
is to develop over a period of time an increasing level of
understanding and trust between the Scoutmaster and you. These
conferences enable the Scoutmaster to emphasize that Scout
spirit means living the Scout Oath and Law in you everyday
life, not just at troop meetings and activities. In order to
participate in a Scoutmaster conference you must:
- Complete all requirements necessary for
that particular rank.
- Present your self in full Troop 328 uniform.
(Khaki BSA shirt tucked in with proper insignia and patches,
troop neckerchief, BSA belt, troop hat.)
**Note – troop neckerchiefs and hats are
available from the troop treasurer.
Upon satisfactorily completing your Scoutmaster
conference, a Board of Review is needed. The advancement coordinator
is whom you need to schedule this with. The purpose of the
review is to make sure you have met all the requirements for
the rank. In this review, you will also discuss your goals,
Scout spirit, personal growth, rank requirements and you will
be given an opportunity to discuss your view of the troop and
your patrol. In order to participate in a Board of Review you
must:
- Complete your Scoutmaster conference and
be recommended for a Board of Review by the Scoutmaster.
Notify the advancement coordinator of your need for a Board
of Review. Present your self in full Troop 328 uniform
(see above description)
- Have your BSA handbook, accurate written
record of troop activities, camp outs, service hours, and
a working pen with you.
After the Board has finished talking with you,
you will be asked to step outside the room. The reviewing committee
will discuss your qualifications. You will then be called back
into the room and told that you have either qualified or what
additional action your must take to qualify.
Upon satisfactorily completing your Board of
Review, you must take your BSA handbook to the Records Keeper
so the advancement can be recorded in the troop records. Failure
to do this will result in ranks not being awarded at Court
of Honor.
Merit Badges and Blue Cards
Merit badges can be worked on in troop meetings,
on an individual basis, at summer camp, or at a regularly scheduled
camp out or troop activity. In order for a scout to work on
a merit badge, a registered merit badge counselor must work
with him. Once the merit badge counselor is satisfied the scout
has completed the requirements for a merit badge, a blue card
is filled out stating the scout has earned the badge. The scout
is given the completed blue card and it is then his responsibility
to give his counselor the counselor’s portion (Counselor’s
record) of the card. The scout then must take the remaining
2 sections (Application for merit badge and Applicant’s
record) of the card to the troop Records Keeper so the information
can be entered into the troop records. Failure to present the
2 sections to the records keeper will result in merit badges
not being presented at Court of Honor.
It is imperative that the scout keep his blue
cards and presentation cards (what his ranks and merit badges
will be presented to him on) in a safe place. When the scout
is ready for his Eagle Board of Review, he will have to produce
all his blue cards and rank cards for inspection by the District
Advancement Chairman. We recommend that the scout purchase
baseball cardholder sleeves to put the blue cards and presentation
cards in. They are just the right size and make viewing easy.
Troop Camping
An active camping program is a key element of
Troop 328. The troop camps every month throughout the year
with the exception of a week - long, resident summer camp in
June or July and a troop Christmas party in December.The troop
camps on the third weekend of every month. Departure is usually
Friday evening or very early Saturday morning with return on
Sunday afternoon. Remember that Class A uniform is required
for travel. Parents and scouts should refer to the BSA Handbook
in the camping section to establish a list of items to take
on a camp out. Some of the campsites we use require the scouts
to hike in to them. This should be taken into account when
the gear is packed. Our rule of thumb is if you can’t
carry it, don’t take it.
Our troop provides each patrol with a lantern,
a rain fly, cooking and eating gear, and a water container.
Each individual scout must provide all other equipment.
Tents – because our troop camps at
sites that limit the number of tents per site, our scouts must
share tents. The troop does not provide tents. 2-3 man
tents are strongly recommended. Large, cabin type tents are
hard for boys to erect and take up a large amount of space.
Until a newer scout has attended a few camp outs, we recommend
he share a tent with an established member of his patrol. The
Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters can help with suggestions
when you decide to purchase a tent. It is very important that
the scout can put up and take down his tent by himself or with
the aid of another scout. Also, the scout needs to be able
to erect his tent in the dark with only a flashlight for light.
We normally arrive at camp after dark. Adults are asked to
refrain from assisting the boys with setting up their tents.
Sleeping Bag – because our troop camps
year round, it is important that you get a quality sleeping
bag. A bag rated to 30 degrees or lower is recommended.
Boots – hiking boots are the recommended
footwear for all camp outs. A second pair of shoes (typically
tennis shoes) should be packed.
Food
For each camp out, the patrol will choose one
person to be their "grubmaster". This person is in charge of
making up the menu (with the patrol member’s input) for
the entire weekend and for purchasing, packing, and bringing
the food for the camp out. Patrol members should bring cash to
the departure site to pay for their share of the food. If a
patrol member signs up to go on the camp out and later finds
out he cannot attend, it is his responsibility to call the
grubmaster and let him know to not buy food for him. If the
patrol member fails to notify the grubmaster or calls after
the food has been purchased, the patrol member is still responsible
for paying for his share of the food.
Things that scouts cannot bring on Scouting activities (camp
outs, meetings, events, etc...)
Electronic equipment – Cell Phones, CD
players, radios, tape players, gameboys etc. (Using electronic
equipment while traveling to an event is allowed as long as
the device is left in the vehicle during the event. If any
electronic equipment is found during an event it will be confiscated
by the Leader and returned to the Scout after the event. Adults
will carry cell phones for emergencies only and will utilize
them whenever they have coverage)SodasToysWeapons, fireworks
Transportation(for additional information
on this subject, please see the troop travel policy)
Transportation to camp sites will be in private vehicles or
a church provided bus. Applicable transportation fees will be
announced at the Monday meeting prior to the camp out. All
attendees (both scout and adult) are responsible for paying this
fee. The transportation fee will be paid at the departure
site, in cash.
All scouts and adult leaders are required to wear Class A uniform
while transporting to and from camp outs and troop activities.
Campsite Rules
*Permission must be granted from a member of
a patrol for another scout or adult to enter that patrol’s
campsite. The scout or adult must stand outside the campsite
perimeter and ask for permission to enter.*Adults are not to "hang
out" in the boy’s campsites, nor are boys to "hang out"
in the adult’s campsite. *Adults are not to cook, clean
up, erect or take down tents for the boys.
*If there is a conflict between scouts, the patrol
leader should be the first one to approach to settle the dispute.
If the patrol leader cannot reach a settlement, the senior
patrol leader should be consulted. If no resolution is found,
then the scoutmaster should be consulted.
Medication Policy and Procedures
Policy
Troop 328 affirms the Scout Motto – "Be Prepared". Scouts
in the troop are expected, in most instances, to provide for
themselves as an integral part of the scouting experience.
One exception to this general rule involves the storage and
dispensing of prescription and over – the – counter
medications. The responsibility of receiving, inventorying, safeguarding,
dispensing and documenting medications shall fall to one or more
designated adults participating in the applicable scouting activity.
All medications should be provided to the designated "medicine
man" in the necessary medications’ original container.
Any instructions (including timing and dosage) should be communicated
in writing to the appropriate adult.
Procedure
- A designated adult will be identified in advance to handle
the responsibilities of the medicine man.
- The medicine man will receive, log, and secure medications
from the scout and/or his parent prior to leaving the point
of departure.
- From the log, the medicine man will develop a daily dispensing
schedule and document the dispensing of medications to the
appropriate scout.
- The medicine box will be secured and locked at all times.
The medicine man and one other adult will maintain custody
of the keys to the medicine box.
- Upon return from the event, the medicine man will return
the medication to the scout and/or his parent and document
to whom the medications were returned.
Transportation and Travel Fee Guideline
Purpose
The following guideline is intended to define the practice and
administration of assessing travel fees for scouts and adult
leaders. Funds collected will be used to defray the costs of
travel to and from the troop sponsored events, some portions
of the events (i.e. campsite fees) as well as costs associated
with travel equipment (i.e. trailer upkeep). This policy will
be subject to periodic review and update.
Scope
Travel fees will be assessed for all troop sponsored events
and will be determined by round trip mileage associated with
the event. All scouts and adults will be subject to the travel
fee. Designated adult drivers will be exempt from the travel
fee, however, scouts of such adults are subject to the fee. Bus
drivers will also be exempt. All fees must be paid in cash to
the Outdoor Coordinator prior to departure for the event.
Fee Structure
Round-trip Mileage Auto Fee Bus Fee
0 – 50 Free Free
51 – 100 $5.00 $3.00
101 – 200 $10.00 $5.00
201 – 350 $15.00 $8.00
351 – 500 $20.00 $10.00
Over 500 TBD TBD
Excess funds will be held in the troop travel account, designated
for travel and travel related expenses. The fee structure will
be review periodically to help ensure fees remain reasonable.
Administration
A trip coordinator (usually the outdoor coordinator) will be
assigned for each trip. The responsibilities for the trip coordinator
are:
- Determine round trip mileage and set travel fee.
- Collect and administer travel fees. All travel expenses
will be paid out of travel fees unless otherwise approved.
- Obtain receipts for all expenses and submit an itemized
list of expenses to troop treasurer at conclusion of trip.
Turn excess fees in to treasurer to be deposited in travel
fund.
- Will be responsible for paying any fees in excess of cash
available. Treasurer will reimburse coordinator at first opportunity.
Guidelines
- Vehicles used for travel are to arrive at the event with
a full tank of gas. The trip coordinator will pay for
any gas purchases needed during the trip and will pay for a
full tank of gas at the conclusion of the event.
- For extended trips (i.e. summer camp) travel fees may be
used to clean up vehicles at the end of the trip. Clean up
will be limited to a basic wash at a full service car wash.
- The trip coordinator will designate which vehicles will
be used to transport scouts and adults. Anyone wishing to drive
their own vehicle that is not a designated driver will do so
at their own expense.
- Funds are not to be used for vehicle repair unless damage
is specifically trip oriented (i.e. tire puncture). Damage
repair is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
- Interpretation of the policy while on a trip will be the
responsibility of the trip coordinator in conjunction with
the scoutmaster, assistant scoutmaster, and committee chairman.
- General interpretation and administration of the policy
will be subject to committee approval.
- Complaints regarding administration of this policy must
be brought before the troop committee for action.
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