people have visited this page.
Chapter 1 - Attendance Policy Chapter 2 - Uniform Wear Chapter 3 - Advancement Chapter 4 - Service Projects Chapter 5 - Discipline Policy Chapter 6 - Campouts and Special Events Chapter 7 - Troop Equipment Chapter 8 - Dues Chapter 9 - Fund Raisers Chapter 10 - Camp Funds Chapter 11 - Powers of Attorney and Physical Examinations Chapter 12 - Training Chapter 13 - Committee Chapter 14 - Leaders Chapter 15 - Conclusion
A. Meetings are held each Tuesday from 7 - 8:30 pm, with the exception of Christmas vacation and summer camp week. Meetings are held in the old Picture Rocks Borough Building, Bank Alley from Labor Day to Memorial Day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, meetings are held at the Picture Rocks park.
B. Scouts are expected to attend all meetings. Attendance to 75% of the meetings and 75% of the special events (campouts, parades, courts of honor, etc.) is required to be considered an active member.
C. Parents are encouraged to bring their scout up into the borough hall when arriving for a meeting (to make sure that the scout is wearing his uniform) and must come up into the borough hall to pick them up after the meeting. This will allow better communication between the Scoutmaster and a scout's parents.
D. Scouts will be prohibited from going on any activity if the scout does not attend at least two meetings prior to any event; such as scouts prohibited from going canoeing if they miss the safety training or winter camping if they miss the cold weather classes. This requirement can be waived (with a note from the scout's parents explaining the situation) if a scout must attend a mandatory function other than scouts (a mandatory band rehearsal, a mandatory sporting event, etc.).
E. Leaves of absence will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Typical reasons include: participation on an organized sport, school requirements, medical reasons, or religious functions. It is the responsibility of the scouts to notify both the Scoutmaster and his patrol leader. A leave of absence will consist of a minimum of two weeks. Scouts returning from a leave of absence shall be considered a member in good standings, meeting all attendance requirements for the next activity. The requirement pertaining to activities requiring special instructions (i.e. winter camping, canoeing, etc.) will still have to be met. Time required for leave of absences will not be counted towards a scout's position of responsibility requirement for rank advancement.
A. Each scout is responsible for providing his own class A uniform with basic patches. The troop has a very limited supply of old uniforms available for loan. The troop also has distinctive hats that may be purchased.
B. Class A uniforms are worn during the winter meetings in the Borough Building but not to the meetings in the park. Any scout that shows up at the Borough Hall without their Class A uniform will be sent home upon arrival. New scouts have a month after they join the troop until this policy takes affect. A minimum Class A uniform consists of a scout uniform shirt, the red epaulettes, and the basic patches. As a Boy Scout and for certain advancement requirements, a scout must show scout spirit. The simple task of wearing a uniform demonstrates scout spirit. Class A uniforms will also be worn to special events, including board of reviews.
A. Advancement is the responsibility of each scout. He will be assisted by his Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guides, Assistant Scoutmasters, and the Scoutmaster. Any youth leader can only sign off requirements (for any other scout) of ranks that he has already obtained. Only Assistant Scoutmasters and the Scoutmaster will sign off a scout's service hours requirement.
B. Scouts are encouraged to advance from Scout through First Class within their first year. Scouts working towards Star through Eagle are encouraged to complete at least three merit badges per year. Scouts not meeting the advancement requirements will not be eligible for leadership positions until meeting the requirements (also see Chapter 14.D). The advancement committee will review each scout falling into this category.
C. A scout may not have more than two merit badges signed by a parent or guardian of that scout other than merit badges taught at a troop setting. It is the purpose of the scout merit badge program to develop communication skills by requiring the scouts to communicate with other persons.
D. Life Scouts: when a scout reaches Life scout, a meeting will be held including: his parents, the Scoutmaster, and the Advancement Chairman to explain the Eagle Scout requirements.
A. Scouts are required to perform service projects for advancement as outlined in their handbook. All projects must be approved by the Scoutmaster before they are done. Projects that have not received prior approval will not be counted, regardless of their merit. The requirements in the handbook are minimum hours. Scouts are expected to participate in additional projects as part of scout spirit.
B. There will be at least one mandatory community service projects, besides the Memorial Day parades, that ALL scouts must participate. (i.e. leaf raking and/or spring clean-up). If a scout misses a mandatory service project (for any reason), a note must be submitted to the Scoutmaster from the scout's parent(s). The note will then be placed in the scout's file for future reference. Information on the note must include the reason for missing the mandatory service project, the date of the project, and parent's signature. The scout will not be allowed to participate in any troop functions (other than meetings) until the note is submitted to the Scoutmaster.
C. Eagle scout projects are handled differently and will be explained at the Life scout's conference. Prior to starting, all eagle projects must be approved by council. No two scouts may use the same project for their Eagle requirement. However, other scouts may obtain service hours by working on the Eagle Scout applicant's project.
Chapter 5 - Discipline Policy:
A. First incident -- The boy will be issued a verbal warning.
B. Second incident -- The boy will be issued a second verbal warning and his parents will receive a letter to be signed, dated, and returned to the Scoutmaster. A notice will also be sent to the discipline committee.
C. Third incident -- The boy will be suspended from all troop activities for one month by the discipline committee. Again, a letter will be sent to the parents and will be signed, dated, and returned to the Scoutmaster.
D. Fourth incident -- If the problem exists after the one month suspension, the discipline committee will advise the boy and his parents or guardian that he will not be welcomed at any Troop 70 functions and will be encouraged to find another troop.
E. Should the seriousness of the incident warrant, the discipline committee has the option to skip any or all steps listed above.
Chapter 6 - Campouts and Special Events:
A. Again, scouts are required to participate in 75% of the campouts and special events to remain active. Campouts are where most advancements are completed, and where scouts learn the patrol method.
B. National policy requires at least two adults at all functions. At least one adult must be over 21. Scout drivers under 21 shall meet the Youth Member Exception clause in local and national tour permits before they act as drivers on any Scout event. As a reminder, the Youth Member Exception states: When traveling to an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity under the leadership of an adult (21+) tour leader, a youth member at least 18 years of age may be a driver subject to the following conditions:
1. Six months driving experience as a licensed driver. (Time on a learner's permit or equivalent is not to be counted.)
2. No record of accidents or moving violations.
3. Parental permission has been granted to the scout leader, driver, and passengers.
4. A 21 year old licensed driver must be a passenger in the vehicle.
C. In order for any scout to participate in a troop activity (i.e. campout), an activity permission slip and food money must be submitted at a troop meeting 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event. (See the following section (6.D.) for further details).
D. Each scout patrol determines the menu and cost for food. It is then divided by the number of scouts participating. Food money must be given to the Patrol Leader two weeks before the event. Because the food must be purchased by the scouts afterwards, please pay in cash. Food money is not refundable. All other event costs should be paid by check. Registration and reservation fees may not always be refundable.
E. Parents are welcome to participate in campouts and special events. However, in the past, well meaning adults have taken over from the patrol leaders. Parents do not assume the responsibilities of a scout leader or an adult leader on campouts unless asked to do something. Scouts frequently learn more from honest mistakes.
F. It will be necessary for the parents of the scouts to provide transportation. This will normally be done by car pools. Everyone should share in this so no one person is always stuck with the cost or time.
A. The troop has a supply of winter clothing, backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. Equipment can be signed out through the Quartermaster. It must be returned in a clean, serviceable condition at the second scout meeting following the activity. Then, the scout will be assessed a $2.00 per week late fee until the equipment is returned in serviceable condition.
B. The troop also has camping gear for use by the scouts. All troop equipment must be returned in a clean and serviceable condition at the following scout meeting. Scouts must supply their own eating utensils (mess kit, cup, silverware). Cooking equipment will be provided. Scouts should plan to eventually purchase their own tent, sleeping bag, and a pack suitable for backpacking (some items can be rented through council or from the troop).
C. The Troop backpacks and tents are primarily intended for use by new scouts so they can go on troop camping trips. Each scout should still be encouraged to save up their money to buy their own camping equipment.
D. Equipment assigned to each patrol box will be the responsibility of the patrol leader or the acting patrol leader for that event. The troop's quartermaster is only responsible for the troop's equipment and not the patrol's equipment.
E. Scouts no longer active, transferring, or leaving the troop must turn in all troop equipment in the condition that it was taken and pay for any damages determined by the adult quartermaster.
A quarterly dues of $5.00 will be assessed per scout to cover the cost of the troop's operational expenses. The quarterly dues will be collected at the first scout meeting of January, April, July, and October. Each additional scout per family will be charged $3.00 quarterly. This fee can be withdrawn from the scout's camp account as long as a $50.00 balance is maintained.
A. Several voluntary fund raisers are conducted throughout the year for the scout's individual camp accounts. The troop committee reserves the right at any time to determine a fundraiser(s) to be specified for the troop's treasury.
B. Parents of scouts participating in voluntary fund raisers are responsible for order blanks, merchandise, and money given to or collected by their son.
Camp fund accounts are intended to help defray the cost of special, high cost events and not to be a savings account to cover all the expenses of scouting. Scouts are encouraged to develop their own savings accounts for other scouting expenses such as camping gear and spending money.
A. Each summer, the troop goes to a scout camp for one week. The cost is usually $125 - $150 (not including spending money). Each scout is expected to earn at least half of the cost of camp. As such, various fund raisers are conducted.
B. A scout must have a minimum of $50.00 in his camp account at all times except if it is used for summer camp and long term trips in leu of summer camp. If a scout has an excess of $50.00 in his account, then he will be allowed to use any amount over the $50.00 limit for any troop activities. In the case of summer camp or long term trip in leu of summer camp, a scout will be allowed to use whatever he has in his camp account. In these cases and these cases only, the scout's camp account can drop below the $50.00 limit. The scout will not be allowed to use any money from his camp account until his camp account exceeds the $50.00 limit. The $50.00 limit (about 1/3 of the cost of summer camp) was set by the committee and is intended to be used for summer camp.
C. Funds may not be used for: food money, spending money, or to buy camping equipment.
D. A scout and his parents or guardian are encouraged to recognize the following suggested ceilings of $500.00 up to the age of 16 and $300.00 between the ages of 16 and 18. Notification will be sent to the parents or guardian of that scout if he has exceeded the suggested ceilings.
E. In order for money to be withdrawn from a scout's camp account, a camp account withdraw authorization slip must be submitted to the Scoutmaster 2 weeks prior to the desire withdraw date (i.e. campout, dues, etc.).
F. Scouts turning 18 who remain active in the troop, go to college, or go into the service may continue to use their camp accounts to pay for registration fees until depleted. If a scout goes to college and does not attend any meetings or events during breaks or vacations and does not recharter, then his funds revert to the troop’s general funds.
G. If a scout does not recharter with Troop 70, his camp funds revert to the troop’s general funds. If the scout renews his membership with the troop after the recharter deadline, 50% of his camp fund will be reimbursed. Scouts transferring to another troop must apply in writing to have funds transferred to the scout's new troop.
H. If an older scout leaves the troop for any reason, any funds in his camp account may be transferred to a younger brother's camp account.
I. No camp funds will be transferred or paid out unless all debts are paid and all troop equipment is returned.
Chapter 11 - Powers of Attorney and Physical Examinations:
A. Each scout must have a notarized Power Of Attorney on with the troop. It is very important that the scout's Power Of Attorney is reviewed annually by the scout's parents or guardian. This is to provide emergency medical authorization.
B. Each scout must have a current Physical prior to going to scout camp. Physicals are normally good for up to three years but need annual updates by the scout's parents or guardian. Scouts with specific medical problems may be required to have an annual Physical. Some adventure activities require adult Physicals.
A. The committee will pay for Den Chief and Junior Leader Training. The costs of Brownsea, may be taken from the scout's camp account. This applies only to troop approved scout attendees. This applies only to scouts in good standing, meeting activity requirements, and having no outstanding debts.
B. The troop will pay 100% for committee approved attendees to the Scoutmaster Fundamentals courses and Committee Training courses. All other training to include the Woodbadge Training course is the responsibility of the individual.
C. Scoutmaster and assistant scoutmasters will be required to complete or have proof of completing the BSA youth protection training within one year of assuming that position.
A. The committee officers will be elected at the first meeting of the calendar year.
B. Scoutmaster: The main responsibility is the Scouts of the troop and all assistant scoutmasters assigned. Be responsible for overseeing the operations of the troop. Train and guide boy leaders to run their troop. Work with and through responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys. Help boys grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves. Guide boys in planning the troop program. Help the troop committee recruit assistant Scoutmasters. Conduct Scoutmaster conferences.
C. Assistant Scoutmaster: Be assigned specific program responsibilities, such as new Scouts or older boys. May occasionally be called upon to assume the role of Scoutmaster should the Scoutmaster be unable to serve either temporarily or permanently. Train and guide boy leaders to run their troop. Work with and through responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys. Help boys grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves. Guide boys in planning the troop program.
D. Committee Chairman: Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed. Call, preside and promote attendance at monthly committee meetings. Work closely with the Scoutmaster and Chartered Organization Representative.
E. Secretary: Keep notes at committee meetings and sends notices for same. Does correspondence. Types monthly newsletter.
F. Outdoor Chairman: File Tour Permits. Working closely with the Scoutmaster, secures permission to use campsites and arrange transportation.
G. Equipment Chairman: Working closely with the Scoutmaster, supervise and help procure camp equipment, maintains an inventory of Troop equipment. Supervises troop Quartermaster position.
H. Finance/Records (Treasurer): Handle all Troop funds, maintain checking and savings accounts, keep adequate records, and prepare an annual budget. Maintain camp account records for each scout and supply a report to the Scoutmaster quarterly.
I. Advancement Chairman: Working closely with the Scoutmaster, monitor Scouts' progress, arrange monthly Boards of Review, conduct quarterly Courts of Honor, report all advancements to Council office. Obtains rank badges from Service Center. Work with Eagle Scout service projects. Supervises troop scribe position.
J. Public Relations Member: Stimulate community good turns. Promote good turns for the chartering organization. Secures publicity in newspaper.
K. Fundraising Chairman: Working closely with the Scoutmaster and Treasurer, researches and recommends fund raising projects to meet the troops financial requirements. Ensures each fundraiser is properly supervised by a volunteer(s), and is directly involved, if needed. File unit money earning applications.
L. Financial Means Committee: This committee is made up of the Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster, and the Treasurer. Any questions pertaining to financial matters will be forwarded to this committee. This committee has the authority to allow exceptions to policy pertaining to personal camp account financial situations on a case by case basis.
M. Discipline Committee: This committee is made up of three committee members appointed by the Committee Chairman on a yearly basis. Any discipline problems will be forwarded to this committee.
A. The troop will have one Scoutmaster and as many assistants as deemed necessary by the Scoutmaster.
B. The Scout leadership corps (Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders) will be elected by the scouts.
C. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leaders will be appointed by the elected Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders respectively. All other leadership positions will be appointed by the senior patrol leader with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster and his Assistants (also see Chapter 3.B).
D. To be eligible for Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, the scout must be at least First Class, and have been active in the troop for a year (six months if transferring from another troop). For all other positions, at least tenderfoot and active for six months. Preference for appointed positions will be given to scouts needing leadership positions for advancement. Junior Assistant Scoutmasters shall be appointed by the Scoutmaster. Not all scouts completing tenure as Senior Patrol Leader will become Junior Assistant Scoutmasters. Appointments shall be based upon maturity, demonstrated leadership, potential, and scout spirit.
E. Patrol Leaders Council (P.L.C.) meetings will be held monthly. The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Scribe, and Quartermaster must attend. Other scout leaders should attend. Youth scout leaders are required to attend five out of six P.L.C. meetings. If a scout leader accumulates two or more unexcused absences, then he will not receive credit for his leadership position. A absence will be considered excused only if the Senior Patrol Leader is contacted by the scout prior to the P.L.C. meeting or if a note from his parents or guardian is given to the Scoutmaster within two weeks after the meeting. Scouts will not be penalized for excused absences.
F. Scout Leadership positions:
1. Senior Patrol Leaders: The Senior Patrol Leader is the boy leader of the troop elected by his fellow Scouts. He sets the agenda and presides at all Patrol Leaders Council meetings, runs the weekly troop meetings and appoints other boy leaders assigning specific responsibilities as needed.
2. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader, assists the Senior Patrol Leader in conducting meetings and acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the Senior Patrol Leader's absence. He is responsible for giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, and instructors.
3. Patrol Leaders: Patrol Leaders are responsible for their individual patrols at all times. They preside at patrol meetings, as well as control their patrol during troop functions. They represent their patrol at Patrol Leaders Council meetings and report to the senior patrol leader for all matters concerning their patrol.
4. Instructors: Older scouts who have advanced in rank and training provide a corps of skills and knowledge on which the Senior Patrol Leader can develop training programs in support of the troop's annual training objective.
5. Troop Guide: An older, experienced scout appointed by the the Assistant Scoutmasters and the Scoutmaster. He will help younger scouts progress through the ranks of scouting as assigned by Assistant Scoutmasters and the Scoutmaster.
G. In addition to simply holding a position, the officers holding scribe, quartermaster, librarian, and historian will be required to perform one major project to improve his respective area. This project must be approved by the scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster. These projects will be separate and distinct from the "service projects" required for above ranks. For example, a new historian may construct his own record of the troop during his tenure.
These policies are general guidelines for the operation of the troop. They may be amended or changed without notice by vote of the committee. The troop committee reserves the right to modify the policies on a case-by-case basis. In the event of a conflict with the Policies and Procedures of the Boy Scouts of America, the Boy Scouts of America will take precedent.
people have visited this page.