Welcome to
Troop 67
Boy Scouts of America
Mesquite, TX
Guide For New Families
2000
Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America
Welcome to
Troop 67
Boy Scouts of America
Mesquite, TX
Guide For New Families
2000
Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America
It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts
Of America to provide an effective program designed to instill within the
youth desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities
of participating citizenship, and to help develop their personal fitness,
providing this country with citizens who:
2. Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
3. Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
4. Have the desire and skills to help others.
5. Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and government systems.
6. Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
7 Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
8. Are prepared to fulfill the
varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American
society and in other forums of the world.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts
Of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people
and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their
lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill
are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.
The Scout Oath or Promise
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily
Since 1910, these principles have
been taught in an atmosphere of recreation and fun, which allows young
people to develop self-confidence, leadership and moral character. More
and more men, trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today's world
as responsible adult leaders. Men, who earned badges as Scouts, sit on
the Supreme Court and in the chambers of Congress. Others hold important
offices in our government, business and industry. Most of the members of
congress were Scouts, as well as most of the astronauts who have walked
on the moon. The long list of famous scouts includes:
| President John F. Kennedy | Boy Scout | Neil A. Armstrong, First person to set foot on the Moon | Eagle Scout |
| President Gerald Ford | Eagle Scout | Steven Spielberg | Eagle Scout |
| J. Willard Marriott, Jr. President of Marriott Corporation | Eagle Scout | William C. Devries, M.D.; Transplanted First Artificial Heart | Eagle Scout |
| Sam M.
Walton
Chairman/CEO, Wal-Mart |
Eagle Scout | Barber B. Conable, Jr. President, World Bank | Eagle Scout |
The Boy Scouts of America is the
largest youth oriented organization in the United States. More than 4 million
boys and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America.
Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-lead organization. The boys learn how to organize and lead the Troop. After training, and with supervision from the adult leaders, the boys run the show.
The boys in the Troop will be working
towards their 1st class and then Eagle ranks. As they travel on their trail
to Eagle they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, but they
will actually lead teams of scouts in a number of situations. Many Eagle
Scouts put their accomplishments on their résumés and find
they are often considered in obtaining acceptance into college or the work
force.
Boy Scouting also provides for
growth of moral strength and character, teaches citizenship, and enhances
the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. This is all
done in the spirit of fun and adventure.
Please take a few minutes to read
Chapter 1 of your son's Boy Scout Handbook.
Aims and Methods of the Boy Scout Program
Aims
Boy Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, and his outlook.
A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives, to the government that presides over that society.
A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).
The methods are designed to accomplish
these aims.
Methods
Advancement- Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to over come them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. More is discussed about Advancement later in this guide.
Adult Association- Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in a young man’s development.
Personal Growth- As Scouts plan their activity, and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others.
Ideals- The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.
Patrols- The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in-group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected leaders.
Outdoors- Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive. More is discussed about the outdoor program later in this guide.
Leadership Development- Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Uniform- The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force
of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting
is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each
Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives
the Scout identity in a world brotherhood youth who believe in the same
ideals. More is discussed about the uniform later in this guide.
Troop Organization
Troop 67 is a boy-run troop. Leadership is one of the methods of
Scouting. Every boy will have an opportunity to participate in both shared
and total leadership. The meetings are planned and carried out by the patrol
leaders' council. All duties for patrol activities are assigned by the
patrol leader. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept
the leadership of others and helps him to grow into a more responsible
adult. The troop organization chart on the following page outlines the
complete organization of the troop. The following is an outline of the
duties of the key leaders within the troop:
Scoutmaster:
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his or her assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:
• Work with other adult leaders to bring Scouting to boys.
• Use the methods of Scouting to
achieve the aims of Scouting.
Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited
by the Scoutmaster and approved by the troop committee to assist the Scoutmaster
in the operation of the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program
tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He
or she also provides the required two deep leadership (two adult leaders
present at every Boy Scout activity).
Senior Patrol Leader:
The senior patrol leader (SPL)
is the top boy leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council
and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders
and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader:
The assistant senior patrol leader
(ASPL) fills in for the SPL in his absence. He is also responsible for
training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe historian, librarian
and instructors.
Venture Crew Chief:
The Venture Crew Chief has the same function as a Patrol Leader (see next page). The difference between a regular Patrol and a Venture Crew is that the Venture Crew consists of older Scouts that are at least 13 years of age or older and have reached First Class. Troop 67 is a firm believer in the importance of retaining older Scouts and the Venture Program is a great way to do that. Venture Crews get to plan their own "High-Adventure" type outings every month and attend these as their own separate group. These outings have consisted of such activities as rock-climbing, canoeing, caving, backpacking and other more challenging activities. The members of Troop 67 are still expected to attend regular Troop campouts and to assist in the training and advancement of the younger Scouts.
Older Scouts are the BEST resource
Troop 67 has and the Venture Program is an excellent way to retain AND
reward these dedicated individuals!
Patrol Leaders:
The patrol leaders (PL) are responsible
for giving leadership to the members of their patrols. They are their representation
on the patrol leaders' council. The PL is also responsible for holding
monthly patrol meetings outside of the regular troop meetings.
Assistant Patrol Leaders:
Assistant patrol leaders help the
PL run the patrol and fill in for him in his absence.
The role of parents within Troop
67 is to be supportive of the Troop's efforts and to provide the atmosphere
Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents should try to:
2. Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when needed.
3. Show support to both the individual Scout and the Troop by attending all Troop Courts of Honor.
4. Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. All such assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the Scouts and, therefore, lowers each family's cash outlay for their Scout(s).
Scout Uniform
Scouts in uniform are conscious
of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. Only the uniform provides
a place for display of badges - important symbols of achievement. Scouts
have more fun, stay longer, feel greater pride in advancement.
How the uniform can help a boy:
It is not the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between the boys or make them feel that they are all the same.
But there is one way in which all Scouts are alike. Whenever a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed themselves principles of the Scout Oath and Law. The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose.
By wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength and support.
Beyond accenting the common bond
between Scouts, by wearing the uniform Scouts are declaring their faith
and commitment to some important beliefs that bind them to all people.
It is a way of making visible their belief in God, their loyalty to our
country and their commitment to helping other people who need them.
How the uniform can help the troop:
2. By investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are really making a kind of a commitment to take Scouting seriously.
3. The uniform makes the troop visible as a force for good in the community.
4. When properly worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new members.
5. Scouts in uniform create a strong,
positive, youth image in the neighborhood, thus helping to counteract the
negative feeling some adults have about youth.
The following is the official uniform
of Troop 67 is:
Provided by the boy: Provided by the troop for a $30 one-time fee:
Shirt (official tan w/red shoulder tabs) Troop T-shirt to graduating Webelos.
Flag and Council patches Epalets, Troop 67 numbers, and Scout Handbook.
Belt (official khaki web belt) Annual recharter and insurance.
Pants/Shorts (official khaki) Registration and the first month's dues.
Stockings (official khaki)
Rank badge, and badges of office.
Official placement of insignia may be found on the inside front and back cover of the Scout Handbook.
SCOUT SHOPS
There are two Scout Shops in the
Dallas Metropolitan area where you can purchase scout uniforms and supplies:
| Circle
Ten Scoutfitter
8605 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235 Phone: (214)902-6767 FAX: (214)902-6789 (Harry Hines & Regal Row) |
Dad
n’ Lad’s
(Uniforms and Books Only) 17 Richardson Heights Richardson, TX 75080 972-231-3497
|
Advancement
Advancement is the process by which youth member's progress through
the ranks in the Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills.
Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything
boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the
day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting
and meaningful experience.
Boy Scout advancement, a four step process:
1. The Boy Scout learns.
A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do
his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge
and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop
leadership.
2. The Boy Scout is tested.
His patrol leader, Scoutmaster,
assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member or a member of his troop
may test a Scout on requirements. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those
qualified to test and pass candidates.
3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.
After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a
board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life
and Eagle Palms, members of the troop committee conduct the review. Members
of the district advancement committee conduct the Eagle board of review.
4. The Boy Scout is recognized.
When the board of review has certified
a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible.
This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate
for his next rank will be presented to him at the next troop court of honor.
Court of Honor
As stated above, when a Scout advances, he should be recognized as soon as possible - preferably at the next unit meeting. He is recognized a second time at a public ceremony called a court of honor.
The main purposes of the court of honor are to finish formal recognition for achievement and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance.
Troop 67 has formal courts of honor four times a year. All families
are asked to attend and guests are certainly welcome. Every boy who advances
in a quarter deserves to be recognized in front of his family. The court
of honor is the boy's special night.
Outdoor Program
Scouting is effective whenever we take advantage of its truth: The place where Scouting works best is also the place that boys want the most: The outdoors. There are a number of good reasons why the outdoor program is so special; here are the four that are especially good:
2. The outdoors is a great place for learning something about living with others. When Scouts walk on the same trail, cook and eat together, and share triumphs and troubles together, they are going to find out some important things about, say, patience, respect for other points of view, doing their full share, making a friend more easily, and saying no without losing one. Skills like these are among the "personal growth" skills we want from every Scout. The outdoors is where they grow up best.
3. On the trail or in camp, the boy's leaders will be challenged by the real thing - getting their patrols fed and sheltered, keeping them warm and safe, solving the problems they can solve, and knowing how to get help for those they can't. It's a time when leadership skills can deepen, patrols grown closer, and the troop grows stronger.
4. The outdoors is also a place where a Scout can get closer to the
natural world around him - the land, the forests and their wildlife, the
lakes and rivers, the mountains and the seas. Here, in the outdoors, he
will learn of the "land ethic" - the understanding and respect for the
environment we all share, and he will develop an active concern for it's
health and a willingness to work to keep it healthy.
Troop 67 is a participating member of the Tomahawk District of the Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's organization consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, the Troop, and the Troop's Parents.
Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
Every Troop belongs to an organization.
The Chartered Organization for Troop 67 is Northside Baptist Church, which
is located at 3130 Moon Drive.. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives
for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A
Chartered Organization Representative acts a liaison between Northside
Baptist Church and us.
Troop 67 will hold meetings weekly. Meetings are held at the Fellowship Hall just to the north of the main Sanctuary.
Merit Badge classes will usually be held the first and second Tuesday of each month from 6-7 prior to our regularly scheduled Troop Meetings.
An "Ask The Troop" and a Troop
Board of Review will be held each month on the second Tuesday. At these
meetings, parents will be able to talk to Troop Leaders and to the Troop
Treasurer regarding Troop and Scout Account matters. The Scout will also
be able to attend a Board of Review for his next rank and to facilitate
advancement opportunities.
Troop 67 and the outdoor program:
Troop 67 has a very active outdoor
program and all boys are encouraged to participate. Our program includes
monthly weekend campouts, annual long-term summer camp (1 week), day hikes
and other outdoor activities. Troop 67 also sponsors an annual family campout
where all families are encouraged to participate. Families are welcome
on monthly campouts, if space allows. However, the troop will still function
as a unit.
What to bring on a campout:
à Foam Pad à Cup à Flashlight · Radios
à Sweater à Soap à Scout Knife · Snack Food
à Rain gear à Toothbrush à Watch · Electronic Games
à Clothes à Toothpaste à Personal ID · Carbonated Drinks
à Canteen à Comb à Notebook · Sling Shots or Firearms
à Silverware à Washcloth à Pen / Pencil · Open toed shoes
à Tent
(if you have one) à Towel
à
Boy Scout Handbook
· A bad
attitude!
Program Summary
Child abuse is a major problem affecting our society. Each year more than 2 million cases of suspected child abuse are reported. This means that 1 percent of American children are experiencing physical abuse, 1 percent are experiencing sexual abuse, and 2 to 5 percent are experiencing emotional maltreatment or some form of neglect. Because of the significance of this social problem, The Boy Scouts of America has declared child abuse as one of the "unacceptables" to receive special attention by those involved in the Scouting program.
The BSA has developed a five-point plan to combat child abuse and to improve the environment in which young people live. The key elements of this strategy include the following points:
• Establishing leader-selection procedures to prevent individuals with a history of child abuse from entering the BSA leadership ranks.
• Establishing policies that minimize the opportunities for child abuse to occur in the program of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Encouraging Scouts to report improper behavior in order to identify offenders quickly.
• Swiftly removing and reporting
alleged offenders.
The Boy Scouts of America has developed
materials for use in the Scouting program that provide essential information
to members and their families. A detachable booklet in the front of The
Boy Scout Handbook, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug
Abuse: A Parents Guide," provides information to help families to increase
self-protection skills.
Troop 67 and the Youth Protection Program
Troop 67 is committed to following
all guidelines of the Youth Protection program. Any suspected offenses
of the Youth protection program must be reported to the Committee Chairman,
the Scoutmaster or the Council Executive. All incidents reported to the
Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster will be reported to the Council Executive.
All reports are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken to ensure
the safety of the youth.
Troop 67
Boy Scouts of America
Mesquite, Texas
Troop By-Laws Adopted June 16th,
1998
GENERAL
2. An annual Parents Meeting will
be convened by the Troop Committee Chairman in late October. The purpose
of the meeting is to approve plans for the ensuing year, including the
next year's Activity Calendar, proposed budget and associated fund-raising
activities, approve key Committee officers, adult leaders and Troop By-Laws.
This meeting is mandatory for the parents/guardians of all boys currently
registered with the Troop. Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting must
notify the Committee Chairman in advance.
3. Key Committee Positions include
the following:
2) Treasurer;
3) Secretary;
4) Fund-Raising Chairman;
5) Membership Coordinator;
6) Advancement Chairman; and
7) Campout Coordinator.
4. Other Committee Positions. In
addition to the Key Committee Positions, the Troop Committee Chairman will
seek persons to carry out numerous other tasks such as: Uniform Exchange,
Ceremonies Coordinator, Awards/Incentives, Transportation Coordinator,
Summer Camp Coordinator, Leader Training Coordinator, Data Processing Coordinator.
5. Committee Meetings. The Key
Committee Officers shall meet regularly to discuss Troop Business. Meetings
shall be scheduled by the Troop Committee Chairman who will provide a written
agenda at least 10 days in advance. The meetings shall be open to parents,
registered members of Troop 67 and non-key Committee officers, however,
only the key Committee personnel -- as defined in Rule 3 above -- will
have the authority to vote. A quorum will exist when any four of the seven
key committee officers are present. Meetings will be held the second Sunday
of every month from 4-5 P.M.
Meetings are permissible without
a quorum, however, no matters requiring a vote may be decided.
6. A vote of the key committee
members will be necessary to approve any expenditure of Troop funds beyond
the discretionary $50.00 allotted to the Scoutmaster. Additionally, the
committee must approve the Troop's Scout of the Year nominee and any interim
changes to the Troop's By-Laws.
7. Should a need arise to obtain
committee approval of an expenditure on an expedited basis, the Committee
Chairman shall be authorized to contact the other key committee officers
by telephone to discuss the matter and conduct a vote. In any such instance
where a telephone vote has been conducted, the results of that vote shall
be ratified at the next regular Committee meeting.
8. Interim amendments to the By-Laws
may be made by majority vote of the key Committee officers after introducing
the amendment at one Committee meeting and publishing the proposed amendment
in the Troop newsletter. The amendment will be voted upon at the next committee
meeting after the newsletter is distributed. Any interim amendment passed
in this manner shall remain in effect only until the next Annual Parents
Meeting, at which time it will be offered as a permanent change.
9. Camping permission slips and
campout money shall be collected by the Scout coordinator for that event
and turned in to the appropriate adult leader one week prior to the activity.
10. Parents shall be responsible
for ensuring the transportation of their sons to campouts and other Troop
activities. Carpools will be coordinated wherever possible, however the
ultimate responsibility will lie with the parents. All drivers must carry
liability insurance of at least $25,000 (each person), $100,000 (each accident)
and $50,000 (property damage). All riders must wear seat belts while traveling
as required by Texas law. Parents and adult leaders must provide updated
information about their vehicle(s) and associated insurance to the Troop
annually.
11. The Scoutmaster shall have
the authority and discretion to suspend any boy who refuses to carry out
the instructions of the Scoutmaster or his designated representative. In
the event such a suspension occurs, the parents/guardians of the boy will
be contacted immediately and will be required to make arrangements to take
custody of the boy. The Troop shall not be liable for any costs involved;
these will be solely the parents/guardians' responsibility. Any boy who
has been suspended may be reinstated at the discretion of the Scoutmaster,
but only after the boy and his parents have discussed the situation in
detail with the Scoutmaster and are prepared to recommend a course of action
to ensure that the behavior will not be repeated.
12. The parents are responsible
for picking up their sons after a Troop activity or, at least, to be home
when the Scout is dropped off by the Troop. The Troop will not leave a
Scout at home after a Troop activity unless a responsible adult is present.
If a boy is to be dropped off somewhere other than his residence address
or to be picked up by someone other than a family member or the parent
of another Scout in the Troop, the adult leader must be informed by the
parent in writing prior to the Troop activity (e.g., a note on the permission
slip for that activity).
2. Uniform--shirt, pants, socks,
belt: $45-55.00
- The Troop maintains a uniform exchange.
4. Each Scout shall pay for his
own food for each campout or other activity. Patrols will assume responsibility
for purchasing their food for campouts. One person shall buy the food and
the other patrol members shall reimburse him for the expense before the
campout. The Troop shall not be involved in reimbursing Scouts for food
expenses.
money deposited by the parents can be used for campout fees, summer camp, High Adventure Trips (i.e.,
Philmont), or Jamborees. If a boy leaves the Troop, the money will revert into the Troop’s general funds. These
The Troop Treasurer will administer
accounts and statement of accounts will be supplied each month.
The Troop shall be responsible
for paying the following expenses:
2. Boy's Life (annually).
3. Troop Insurance (annually)
4. Troop equipment (as needed).
5. Advancement pins, merit badges, etc.
6. Summer Camp fees for adult leaders.
7. Leadership Training Costs for
selected Scouts from the Troop.
2. All Scouts in the Troop will
be afforded ample opportunities to participate in fundraisers and other
projects to earn enough money to meet this requirement, thus ensuring the
Troop's ability to meet its obligations. Fund raising activities shall
be supervised by the Fund Raising chairman and will be conducted as needed.
These activities will include Popcorn Sales, sales of home safety items,
Scout Show Tickets, car washes and other activities agreed to by the key
Troop Committee officers.
3. Profits from fund raising activities
shall be credited in their entirety to his individual Scout fund.
4. Individual Scout's Fund moneys
are Troop moneys designated for use by individual Scouts for summer camp,
other campout fees, weekly dues payments and, with the written authorization
from a parent and Scoutmaster approval, for other camping or Scouting related
expenses. Individual Scout Fund money earned by any Scout and not used
by the time that Scout leaves the Troop shall be returned to the Troop
Fund.
2. The Treasurer only upon presentation
of receipt(s) shall replenish this fund
All complaints and/or inquiries
shall be directed to the Committee Chairman.
The by-laws as set forth above
were reviewed by the Troop Committee and approved by a majority vote during
Tuesday, June 16th as mandated by General Rule 2.