Statement of our goal as a troop - A BOY RUN TROOP!
Troop 125 believes that our goals in Scouting, to develop character, citizenship and leadership ability, can best be achieved by giving our members responsibility for organizing themselves to plan and implement the Troop programs. To the maximum extent consistent with safety and national Boy Scouts of America policy, we intend to let the Scouts learn by having the opportunity to try, occasionally fail, and more often succeed - but to do so while the adults stand aside and let the Scouts have the initiative, experience and pride of their own efforts. This is what we mean by a BOY RUN TROOP - THIS IS OUR GOAL!
Troop 125 invites every boy to join our fellowship for friendship, fun and adventure, and to grow in the spirit of Scouting -- preparedness, readiness to help others, honesty, and responsibility.
I. About the Troop
Troop 125 is a chartered troop of the Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the Commack United Methodist Church. The Troop was formed in 1969 . Its current Committee Chairman Mike Shulman. Scoutmaster, Ken Voigt Sr.. Troop 125 is run by Scouts, notably the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders. A Troop Committee, made up of parents, provides overall guidance and policy. The Troop has been very active over the years.
The purpose of the Troop is to enable boys to enjoy and benefit from the national Scouting program, as outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. The major aims of the Scouting program are: growth in moral strength and character, participating in citizenship, and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. The Troop's goal is to encourage boys' development in leadership, responsibility, and public service through providing a variety of activities that are enjoyable.
1. When and where:
The troop meets year round (except during designated weeks in August) on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Commack United Methodist Church.
2. Purpose/What happens at meetings:
Meetings are held
(a) to provide leadership opportunities for the boys,
(b) to plan outings and other troop activities,
(c) to enjoy lively games and competition,
(d) to provide experiences toward advancement and merit badge attainment,
(e) to feature occasional outside speakers on a variety of topics of interest to the boys
(f) to reinforce the principles of Scouting. Ceremonies also play an integral part of meetings.
3. General behavior guidelines :
The guidelines for the acceptable behavior of a Scout are contained in the Scout Oath and Law as stated on pages 5-8 in the Boy Scout Handbook and explained in Chapter 24, "The Spirit of Scouting", pages 549-561.
The Scout Oath
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 Law
A Scout is trustworthy, a Scout is loyal, a Scout is helpful,
a Scout is friendly, a Scout is courteous, a Scout is kind,
a Scout is obedient, a Scout is cheerful, a Scout is thrifty,
a Scout is brave, a Scout is clean, a Scout is reverent.Fighting, hitting, harassing, or in any way causing harm or subjecting a Scout to harm is out of character with Scouting and is prohibited.
Each Scout in Troop 125 (and, similarly, any of his family members) has a responsibility to protect and respect Commack United Methodist Church property as well as the property of the Troop and his fellow Scouts. Any damage or loss incurred will be the responsibility of those who cause it.
National Scout policy prohibits alcohol and/or drug use by anyone at any Troop activity.
4. Outdoor activity guidelines :
The camping and hiking programs are essential elements of the advancement process. Scouting in the outdoors helps to teach self reliance by utilizing and developing skills such as swimming, camping, hiking, cooking and backpacking. Boys learn to accommodate to group needs as well as to eventually provide group leadership. The Scout will not be pushed beyond his capability. The Troop is organized so that older Scouts and trained adults will provide instruction and support as new experiences are encountered.
Camping and other outdoor experiences throughout the school year are held in various public campgrounds, parks and reserves. Standard state campground rules, such as the prohibition of all firearms, apply on all outings. In addition, the Troop Committee and Scoutmasters prohibit unsafe or distractive items on outings and at Scout activities. Unless specified on an outings flyer as allowable, such items as audiovisual equipment (CD's, portable radios, tape players or tv's), any guns or water-spewing items (including balloons), knives, or any toy or other item that might be unsafe to use or distracting from Scout activities should be left at home.
If any such item is brought on a Scout outing, it will be confiscated and returned to the boy's parent with an explanation.
When a boy joins the Troop, he will be assigned to a specific patrol. He and his fellow patrol members will plan their activities and outings as a patrol, either during troop meetings or at a separate time and place of your choice. Each patrol elects its own patrol leader .
Scouting offers many opportunities to develop leadership skills. Junior Leader Training (JLT), are leadership training opportunities that are offered by the District or Council for all interested boys. The Troop offers a weekend JLT that is required of all boy leaders. Dates will be announced in the Troop Newsletter and /or at Troop meetings, and qualification and application should be discussed with the Scoutmaster.
Troop positions are described in detail in the Boy Scout Handbook and in the Junior Leader Handbook (available at the Council office or on loan from the Troop's Librarian).
The major leadership positions are: Junior Assistant Scoutmasters, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders. Other leadership positions include: Troop Guides, Outings Leaders, Den Chiefs, Scribes, Librarian, Historian, and Quartermasters.
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the youth leader of the Troop. He is elected by popular vote by all the Scouts in the troop. This election usually occurs annually in February. The SPL is responsible to the Scoutmaster for the operation of all activities of the Troop involving the Scouts. He appoints, with the Scoutmaster's concurrence, his Assistants and Staff -- Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL), Scribe, Quartermasters, Historian, Librarian, Bugler, and Troop Guides. He is the leader of the Patrol Leaders' Council.
The Patrol Leaders' Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, patrol leaders, Troop Guides, and others invited by the SPL. Leadership positions are a commitment by the Scout to active service. The SPL, his staff, and Patrol Leaders take on extra obligations. All rank advancement above First Class requires satisfactory leadership service. Failure to follow through on outings, meetings, special events, or carry out responsibilities may result in the leadership position being transferred to another Scout.
The Troop Committee Chairman is responsible for selecting the Scoutmaster, approving Assistant Scoutmasters, overseeing advancement and financial matters, approving outings and establishing Troop policy.
The Scoutmaster has responsibility for overseeing all Scouting activities. He serves at the pleasure of the Troop Committee. It is his task to make sure that "it happens, that it's purposeful, that it's safe, and that it accomplishes the aims of Scouting." He is responsible for training boy leaders. He is the advisor to the Patrol Leaders' Council.
The Scoutmaster is assisted in his responsibility by Assistant Scoutmasters, Junior Assistant Scoutmasters and interested parents.
1. Purpose of, reason for uniform wear:
The appropriate, complete uniform is worn by all Scouts in order to unify the Troop and to identify its members.
2. Requirements and recommendations for uniform wear:
There are two uniforms: class A (the field uniform) and class B (the activities uniform). (See Boy Scout Handbook, pages 566-567.) These may be purchased at the Scout Shops, or through the Boy Scouts of America Retail Catalog (1-800-323-0732).
The full class A uniform is comprised of the official beige Scout shirt, troop neckerchief and hat and slide, merit badge sash (if owned), Order of the Arrow sash (if owned), olive green shorts and belt, and red-cuffed olive green socks.
The class B uniform consists of an official Troop 125 Yellow shirt,
a. Requirement for weekly meetings: The Class A uniform is to be worn at ALL meeting .
b. Recommendation for outings: To be determined by outings; see outing announcement.
c. Requirement for special events:
(1) Board of Review: Class A uniform with merit badge sash and leather shoes (if at all possible).
(2) Court of Honor: Full class A uniform with merit badge sash, Order of the Arrow sash (if owned), and leather shoes (if at all possible).
(3) Camporee: Class A uniform without merit badge sash or OA sash
(4) Scout Sunday or Sabbath: Class A uniform with merit badge sash, Order of the Arrow sash (if owned), and leather shoes (if at all possible).
3. Jacket: The Troop recommends the official red lined nylon jacket so that the Scout can properly wear all of the patches that he earns.
a. Kinds of outings:
Outings include a wide range of activities which are of interest to boys. Typical outings include hiking, camping, swimming, boating, cycling, sailing, rapelling, skiing, waterskiing, challenge course, Camporee, summer camp, service projects, etc. There is a troop overnight outing about every third weekend, on average.
b. Schedules of events:
Events are posted and announced at Troop meetings, and listed on the Troop Calendar and in the monthly Troop Newsletter, "The Scouting Spirit." Also, events can be found on the online calendar. In addition, a separate outings announcement will be sent in advance of each event. The outings announcement will cover the activities planned for the outing, the location, estimated transportation and food costs, equipment arrangements, clothing needs, and sign-up procedures. It is important that parents as well as Scouts read all Troop communications and keep them handy for regular reference.
c. Sign up procedure/Remittance:
The Tuesday night 2 weeks before an outing is the deadline for commitment or reservation for an outing, unless stated otherwise by the outing announcement. At that time, Patrol Leaders will ask each Scout in their patrol for a firm commitment as to whether he plans to attend the outing. The Patrol Leader must then notify the SPL by phone on Tuesday night (before the meeting) or at the meeting before opening (a scout that has not made a commitment to his Patrol Leader by now is A NO GO answer) in order to deduct the outing charge from each boy's Troop Account. If a boy does not have sufficient funds in his Troop Account to cover the outing, he must have a check to the Treasurer no later than Tuesday night 2 weeks before the outing. This outings charge will not be reimbursed unless the outing is canceled for everyone because it helps to pay for the campsite reservation fees and other advance charges. Food charges are paid to the patrol member responsible for shopping, and transportation charges will be deducted from the Scout's Troop Account and the amount will be transferred to the driver's account for each way driven.
The Troop's expectation is for all boys to help whenever they are needed or called upon: not just to complete the service obligation for rank advancement, but whenever possible: to help our sponsor organization (the Commack United Methodist Church), to help with Community needs, to help Eagle candidates with their Eagle projects, and just to be helpful as part of the Scouting Spirit.
The Camporee is an annual District event. At this event each patrol competes individually in Scouting-based activities. At each event Scouts earn a certain amount of points, and the patrol with the most points wins. The District gives out ribbons, blue ribbons, red ribbons, and white ribbons for the top patrols.
4. Annual "major summer outings":
There are usually four or so major summer outings of at least a week's duration: Our annual Scout summer camp TBA. (there is an option to attend other camps with other troops); a National Scout outing such as the National Scout Jamboree in Virginia ; National Scout High Adventure camps (such as the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Canoe Trip in Minnesota and the Florida National Sea Base High Adventure Camp); and a Troop sponsored advanced skills outing such as a High Sierra 50 mile back pack trip, white water raft trip , sailing or bicycling trip.
Generally speaking, the Troop has gone to at least one High Adventure camp and taken camping, backpacking , or cycling trips each summer.
In addition, the Suffolk leadership camp is held in summer, as is the Order of the Arrow National encampment. A one week JLT camp is held with District.
Regional Jamborees are held throughout the world at various times of the year. The National Jamboree and World Jamboree are each held every four years, two years apart from each other. The next National Jamboree will be held in 2001.
The ranks of Scouting and the requirements to advance through them are described in the Boy Scout Handbook (pages 14-16 and 594 596).
To attain the higher ranks in Scouting, you must acquire certain merit badges. Some of these are specified (such as those from the Eagle merit badge requirement list) and some you can choose from the complete list according to your own interests. (See the Boy Scout Handbook, pages 598-619, as well as the current Boy Scout Requirements book available through the Troop Librarian, to make your choices.) You may also be required to show other skills and/or participate in service projects.
For the early ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class), authorized older Scouts may be appointed by the Scoutmaster to verify your completion of requirements.
Parents are not permitted to pass their sons on any requirement unless they are an authorized adult leader.
One of the requirements common to all ranks is to show Scout Spirit. That means to obey the Scout Law and to be a worthy member of the Troop.
2. Scoutmaster conference - your informal discussion with the Scoutmaster about the standards you have met:
When you have completed all the requirements for your new rank you must call the Scoutmaster to make an appointment for a Scoutmaster Conference. You must bring your Boy Scout Handbook to the conference. At the conference, you and the Scoutmaster will talk about your work, your growth in Scouting ideals, and your goals for the future.
3. Board of Review - what it is and who will talk with you:
As a final step in advancing rank, you will have a Board of Review: a meeting with a group of adults from the Troop who will also review your rank advancement efforts to see if you have met the standards. They may talk with you about what you have done and what you learned in the process, or they may ask you about your ideas about Scouting, and Troop activities in which you have participated . Be sure to bring your Boy Scout Handbook with you. Be sure to wear your full Class A uniform (including sash if you have six or more merit badges). Sometimes, a boy leader from the Troop may be requested to sit on your Board of Review and he will join in talking with you about your development as a Scout.
If you have completed all the requirements for the rank successfully, had your Scoutmaster Conference and a successful Board of Review, you will be informed that you have achieved the rank you are seeking.
When you advance in rank, the new rank dates from your day of passage, even though you may not receive your new rank patch until the next meeting or receive official recognition of your advancement until the next Court of Honor. This means that you can begin working toward your next rank as soon as you pass the last one.
Merit badge requirements are listed in merit badge booklets which can be purchased at Council office, the Scout Shops, through the BSA Retail Catalog (1-800-323 0732), or on the internet at http://www.usscouts.scouter.com/mb/ . They can also be borrowed from the troop's collection by contacting the Troop Librarian.
The first thing to do when you're ready to start a merit badge is to get from the Scoutmaster a "blue card" (an Application for Merit Badge). Once you have your blue card, you can call a merit badge counselor who can guide you through the requirements, or you can work on your own and then call him or her when you are ready for verification. When you have completed all the requirements and had them "signed off" by the authorized merit badge counselor, you give the card to the Scoutmaster who will later give you the merit badge you have earned.
Note: You must go to a merit badge counselor with a "buddy" (a buddy can be another Scout, a parent, relative or friend). You are not to meet with a counselor alone.
(To find a merit badge counselor for the merit badge you want, see either the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Advancement or your Scoutmaster.)
Note: It is recommended that a parent should not pass his/her own son on only one merit badge. Working with other adults is an intentionally promoted objective of Scouting.
A Court of Honor is the ceremony in which formal recognition of achievement is given to all the members of the Troop who have advanced rank, completed merit badges, won awards, or otherwise distinguished themselves. The full Class A uniform (with merit badge and OA sashes and shoes.) is worn to a Court of Honor by every member of the Troop. Courts of Honor are usually held two times a year.
The Eagle is Scouting's highest rank award and the Eagle Court of Honor is a national Court, the most formal ceremony conducted. A national Scouting representative will open and close the Court and speakers will outline the achievements of each of the new Eagle Scouts. All troop members and their families attend the Eagle Court of Honor. Scouts wear the complete Class A uniform, as above.
The Troop dues are $55.00 per year per boy and are due October 1.
A Scout whose dues are delinquent will not be able to attend any outings, nor will he be allowed to sign up on reservation lists for major outings, until his dues are paid. If this causes any problem, please contact the Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster.
2. Outings: (See Troop Activities/Sign-up Procedure/Remittance)
It is recommended that a Scout deposit $30 to $50 in an outings account at the beginning of the year. This enables the Scout to reserve a place on an outing by having his Patrol Leader authorize the Troop Treasurer to debit from his account the amount needed for the outing rather than having to deliver an individual check to the Treasurer for each outing. All outings must be paid for at the time the Scout makes a reservation to go on the outing. (Unless otherwise indicated on the outing announcement, reservations are always made on the Tuesday night 2 weeks before the outing.)
Adult drivers will be reimbursed by the Troop Treasurer for driving to and/or from outings by having their account credited with their share of the transportation fees. That share amount is equal to the total of the monies collected for transportation divided by the number of drivers.
Food for outings is purchased on a patrol basis. Each boy must reimburse the Scout who purchased the food by the next Tuesday's Scout meeting. If a Scout decides not to go on an outing after the food has been purchased, he is still responsible for his share of the food costs. The estimated cost of the food will be stated on the outings flyer.
If a boy leaves the Troop, the credit balance in his account will be returned to the Troop 125 General Account.
Camperships are sometimes available.
If needed, please call the Committee Chairman or Scoutmaster.
I. Required Forms
All medical histories and medical treatment consent forms must be current and on file with the Medical Records Chairman before Scouts may go on an outing. Adults must also have Personal Health and Medical Record forms completed before they may go on certain outings. Some of these forms can be downloaded off the internet. See the forms page on the Troop web site for more information.
[In general, for Scouts a Class 1 form (updated annually) is required for nonstrenuous (home or school levels of activity) outings of less than 72 hours; a Class 2 form (updated every 36 months for participants under age 40) is required for activities of nonstrenuous activities exceeding 72 hours; a Class 3 form (updated every 12 months) is required for high adventure activities, athletic competitions and World Jamborees. The Committee Medical Records Chairman can provide forms and further information.]
2. Insurance forms for drivers:
Drivers must submit forms which document current automobile insurance liability coverage and number of seatbelts. These forms are kept on file by the Committee Chairman.
Other special consent forms may be required for activities such as firearm usage at Scout camps. All forms must be filed as required or a Scout may not participate in the program.
For purposes of insurance through the national Boy Scouts of America, TOUR PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OUTINGS REQUIRING DRIVING BEYOND TEN (10) MILES. It is the responsibility of the adult outing leader to submit the necessary forms for the Tour Permit. However, it is a good idea for any driver to verify in advance of the outing that the Tour Permit forms have been submitted. Forms are available through the Council office, off the internet, and, normally, through the Scoutmaster.
II. About the Parents' Role and the Need for Parents' Cooperation:
A. In helping with Troop activities, organization and events:
Parents of boys in Troop 125 have a long-standing tradition of willing helpfulness when needed. Ours is a big, highly active troop and all efforts in behalf of our sons are done by volunteer helpers -- us! Therefore, we ask that both parents plan to do their part to help the Troop function. The Troop Committee Chairman is the person to contact to offer your services. He or the Scoutmaster will help you find a way to do your part.
All parents are invited to attend Troop Committee meetings which are generally held the 1st Monday evening of the month at 7:30 p.m.. The monthly Troop Newsletter announces the exact date and location of each month's Troop Committee meeting.
B. In prompt payment of all fees:
The Troop is continually putting out money for site and activities reservations, equipment, awards, and many other things. Therefore, it is essential that parents meet payment deadlines for all their son's Troop obligations: dues, outings fees, camp fees, and major outings payments.
C. In transporting and accompanying Scouts on outings:
It takes countless drivers and adult hikers and campers to transport and supervise our Scouts on their many outings. Your help is greatly needed and it is hoped that you will offer your help as often as possible. Please note that National Scout policy forbids the use of controlled substances or alcohol by anyone on any Scouting activity. Drivers transporting other Scouts must be 21 years of age or older.
Tour Permits are required for all outings requiring driving (see Required Forms). Also, due to policy changes, certain high adventure outings cannot be approved by the Council without adult leader completion of certain training programs (e.g., Basic Backpacking Awareness for 3+ night pack trips, Paddlesports for certain water outings, etc.).
D. In turning in all required forms promptly:
It makes the job of the volunteer who keeps track of all of these necessary forms so much easier when everyone helps by being prompt in returning them (e.g. medical and motor vehicle insurance forms).
E. In sewing badges on the Scout uniform:
A helpful Insignia Guide for placement of badges and patches is available from the Council office. Also, senior boys (or their parents) can be called upon for help. The merit badge sash is usually purchased after the Scout has eared a few badges. It is worn over the right shoulder with merit badges on the front in lines of three across (horizontal to the shoulder fold and starting about 1 1/2 " down) .
A. Boy Scouts of America actively promotes training and awareness to protect Scouts from modern risks of verbal and physical abuse, kidnapping, assault and drug abuse. Guidelines and suggestions are set forth on the first pages of the Boy Scout Handbook. It is worth your time to read those pages and cover them with your Scout as a family discussion.
B. It is national Boy Scout policy that no Scout should be alone with any adult leader or parent (other than their own) . There should be a "buddy" (another Scout, adult, relative or friend) present at all times.