By-Laws

THE OPERATIONS GUIDEBOOK AND BY-LAWS OF TROOP 145
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
HOUSTON, TEXAS

COUNCIL: SAM HOUSTON AREA
DISTRICT: TATANKA
SPONSOR: WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

Troop 145 subscribes and adheres to the guidelines and policies of the Boy Scouts of America. The rules, regulations, and guidelines described herein should not be construed to replace or conflict with the established, published policies of the Boy Scouts of America, but to expand upon those policies and guidelines in such a way as to reflect the individuality of Troop 145. These by-laws are approved by the Troop Committee and can be revised, with the consensus of the Committee.

The Troop Committee shall consist of registered volunteers who agree to devote time and effort to support a sound Scouting program for the Scouts of Troop 145. The Troop Committee reserves the right to develop and implement such minimum criteria (including specific definitions, procedures, and necessary restrictions in harmony with published policies of the Boy Scouts of America) as may be considered appropriate for the purpose of maintaining a quality Patrol and Troop operation. Participation and comments from parents; Patrol and Troop Leaders; members of Westminster Presbyterian Church and other interested citizens are encouraged and solicited. A schedule of Troop Committee meetings is published in the troop calendar and is also posted on the bulletin board.

Troop 145 shall operate by the Patrol Method as taught by the Boy Scouts of America. Troop members will be assigned to a Patrol with the exception of the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster who belong to none. A Patrol shall consist of from 4 to 8 scouts headed by a duly elected Patrol Leader, assisted by an adult Patrol Advisor who acts as chief resource person for the Patrol. The Patrol Advisor shall be a registered, trained, Assistant Scoutmaster appointed by the Scoutmaster. The Program Patrol is responsible for: (1) the pre-opening, opening, and closing activities and ceremonies at all Troop events with the exception of the Courts of Honor which are under the direct supervision of the Senior Patrol Leader, and (2) the campfire program at Troop outings. The duties of the Program Patrol are rotated among Patrols. The Program Patrol for each month of the current program year is named at the Annual Planning Conference.

The Service Patrol is responsible for: (1) cleaning up the Troop meeting room following each Troop meeting, and (2) supervising and helping in the cleanup of the campsite overall. The duties of the Service Patrol are rotated among the Patrols. The Service Patrol for each month is named at the monthly Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) meetings.

A healthy Troop is composed of active, healthy Patrols. Patrol outings and activities shall be encouraged but will take place only with the prior knowledge and approval of the Scoutmaster. All patrol activities and outings are subject to the same rules that apply to the Troop at large. The Patrol Advisor or other adult leader designated by the Scoutmaster will accompany the Patrol on all outings, along with one other adult leader.

The Troop shall be governed by a Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) consisting of the Patrol Leader's, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and the Senior Patrol Leader as voting members. All decisions of the PLC shall be by majority vote. A quorum shall consist of four (4) voting members of the PLC. The Scoutmaster, First Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster for Program, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster are non-voting members of the PLC and shall act in an advisory capacity. The Senior Patrol Leader shall preside at all meetings of the PLC. In addition, the Scoutmaster shall review all decisions of the PLC for compatibility with the operations Guidebook and Bylaws of Troop 145, the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, and spirit and aims of the World-wide Scouting Movement.

Should the Scoutmaster find such incompatibility in the decisions of the PLC, the PLC shall be so advised immediately and alternate courses of action taken. The decision of the Scoutmaster shall be final.

CONDUCT

The Scouts of Troop 145 are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Twelve Points of the Scout Law (see the Scout Handbook).

It is recognized that boys of Scouting age have a natural tendency to be boisterous. However, a successful Scouting Program depends to a large degree on reasonable levels of order and cooperation. Accordingly, parents are urged to enjoin upon their sons' appropriate behavior and respect for the Troop leadership, boy leaders as well as adult leaders. Minor, isolated offenses will be dealt with by boy and/or adult leaders in a friendly, non-punitive manner.

More serious violations of good conduct will result in restriction of privileges, suspension, or dismissal from the Troop. Serious violations include direct and willful disobedience, deliberately dangerous acts, smoking, unauthorized use of firearms, use of drugs and/or alcohol, profanity or embarrassing acts.

Behavior problems will be handled within the structure of the Troop chain of command, i.e. Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and then the Scoutmaster.

The Patrol Leader will have initial responsibility for the good conduct of the members of his Patrol. The Patrol Leader will see that his Patrol behaves itself at all Troop Meetings, Patrol Meetings, Special Events, and Campouts.

If the Patrol Leader cannot successfully control misbehavior of one of his Patrol members after a good faith effort to do so, he will report the situation to the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster.

The Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and the Scoutmaster will then counsel with the offending Scout. If necessary, the Scoutmaster may, at his discretion, impose appropriate temporary restrictions or suspend the Scout from the Troop.

If the Scoutmaster suspends any Scout for any reason, he must report the fact to the Troop Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting, inform the affected Scout and his parents by formal letter and invite them to attend the meeting. The Troop Committee will then determine, upon the Scoutmaster's recommendation, whether the Scout's suspension should be made permanent.

The decision of the Troop Committee concerning the dismissal will be final. This decision had no effect as to the Scout's membership in the Boy Scouts of America, only his membership in Troop 145. If a dismissed Scout so desires, he may freely seek membership in another Troop.

PARTICIPATION

Each Scout of Troop 145 is expected to be an active participant in the activities of his Patrol and Troop. The involvement of each Scout's parent(s) is also expected.

While it is true that Scouts are often involved in other activities (sports, school, family affairs and outings, or employment), it is vitally important to the success of the Troop Program that a good faith effort be made to balance or rotate between regularly conflicting activities so that Scouting receives a reasonable share of available time. To facilitate such planning and scheduling, a Calendar of Troop Events will be posted on the bulletin board and given to each Scout.

Scouts who miss twenty (20) minutes of a Troop meeting will be considered absent. Absences are recorded as either excused or unexcused for each Patrol Meeting, Troop Meeting, Special Event and Campout.

When a Scout has missed three (3) consecutive or closely spaced Troop and/or Patrol meetings or functions, he will be considered inactive. This is done to avoid penalizing other Patrol members for a lack of responsible support on the part of some. It is the Scout's responsibility to call his Patrol Leader to explain why he will be absent from any Troop function. The Patrol Leader will counsel the Scout and report the results to the Scoutmaster.

When a Scout has been placed on the inactive list, due to his lack of attendance and he desires to again become active, he must write a letter to the PLC explaining his absences. The inactive Scout will bring this letter to the next regularly scheduled PLC meeting. The Scout's letter will be read and he will be questioned at this meeting. Those Scouts found to have satisfactory reasons, as determined by the PLC and approved by the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman will be returned to the active list to rejoin the Troop.

As an inactive Scout, the boy will not be allowed to participate in Patrol or Troop activities. If and when the Scout returns to active participation, the Scoutmaster will delete the boy's name from the inactive list and return him to full participation in the Troop Program.

The PLC has the right to call any Scout before them due to irregular attendance.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

It shall be the responsibility of the Scoutmaster to see that all boy leaders are properly trained.

The Scoutmaster shall provide a Leadership Orientation to newly elected Patrol Leaders and Senior Patrol Leaders, as necessary, as soon as possible upon their election.

The Scoutmaster shall plan and carry out an annual Basic Leadership Skills Training course for all Troop Leaders or potential Troop Leaders.

The Scoutmaster shall also encourage participation in the District's Junior Leader Training (JLT) and the Council's Troop Leadership Development Camp (TLD). The Troop shall pay all fees for JLT and half of such fees for TLD if it is financially able.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEADERSHIP

DEN CHIEF

In the Cub Scout den, the Den Chief assists the Den Leader with the meetings, helps the Cub Scouts earn achievements, help Cub Scouts be good leaders, and sets a good example. The Den Chief leads and supervises games and helps teach Cub Scouting skills during the Den Meetings. The Den Chief helps the Denner take roll and account for the Den dues. The Webelos Den Chief works with the Webelos Dens and accompanies the Webelos on campouts and provides additional assistance as required by the Webelos Den Leader. The Vice-Chairman for Membership and Cub Scout Affairs shall coordinate the Den Chief program with the Scoutmaster, the Cubmaster and the Den Leader.

ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER

The Assistant Patrol Leader will assume the duties of Patrol Leader in the absence of the Patrol Leader. The Assistant Patrol Leader will perform other assignments as requested by the Patrol Leader. (Note: the position of Assistant Patrol Leader DOES NOT satisfy the leadership requirement for the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle.)

PATROL LEADER

The Patrol Leader provides leadership to his patrol of four (4) to eight (8) boys and supervises the Patrol Program and the Patrol's part in the Troop Program. The Patrol Leader is a voting member of the Patrol Leaders' Council.

Patrol Leaders will make a substantial and continuing effort assist Patrol members and fellow Scouts in learning all appropriate Scouting skills, lore, traditions, and any other knowledge necessary to their meaningful participation in the Program.

Patrol Leaders will encourage all Patrol members to advance and participate in the Troop Program to the greatest extent possible.

Each Patrol Leader will keep the Patrol Record Book current at all times. He will make the Patrol Record Book available to the Senior Patrol Leader for inspection at all Troop meetings and campouts. Failure to produce such Record Book or failure to keep current records will be sufficient cause for disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by the Senior Patrol Leader with the advice and concurrence of the Scoutmaster.

Any Patrol Leader who in not maintaining high standards of leadership by not keeping his Patrol members properly informed of Troop and Patrol activities or not properly conducting Patrol Meetings will be counseled by the Senior Patrol Leader. If necessary, the Senior Patrol Leader may request the Scoutmaster confer with the Scout's parents concerning the situation to seek aid.

Prolonged and consistent failure to provide necessary leadership shall be deemed a dereliction of duty and the Senior Patrol Leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, may declare the office of Patrol Leader vacant and initiate a new election in the affected Patrol. All cases of removal from office of a duly elected Patrol Leader will be promptly reported to the Troop Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The Scout's parents will be informed by official letter.

TROOP GUIDE

The Troop Guide is responsible for working with the new Scouts and those who have not achieved the rank of First Class. He is there to act as a guide and instructor for the Scouts. He attends the Patrol Leader's Council and is a voting member of the PLC. He is there to prevent older Scouts from harassing the new Scouts and show the new Scouts the way the Troop functions at its various activities. This job is appointed by the Scoutmaster and filled by a boy who meets the requirements for Patrol Leader.

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is responsible for coordination with the Patrol Leaders to insure advancement opportunity is taking place for each Patrol member. The ASPL conducts the Troop Meeting in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader. The ASPL will perform other assignments as requested by the Senior Patrol Leader.

The Senior Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the executive officer of the Troop and assists in planning for and presides over meetings of the Annual Planning Conference, the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), and Courts of Honor.

The Senior Patrol Leader plays a role in the Troop analogous to the president of a company.

The Senior Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and the Troop Officers (see section on Troop Officers). The Senior Patrol Leader may make changes in these appointments as he sees fit.

TROOP OFFICERS

Troop Officers are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and serve on his staff. The Troop Officers shall consist of the following:

Scribe
Keeps minutes of PLC meetings
Calls the role and keeps attendance records
Keeps Troop advancement records
Maintains Troop Record Book/Troop Advancement Display Placard and brings them all to all PLC and Troop meetings

Quartermaster
Keeps records of Patrol and Troop equipment
Sets up wood yard at campouts
Responsible for: Troop flags and stands, First Air kit, ropes, and wood tools
Suggests new or replacement equipment as needed to SPL

Troop Historian
Responsible for maintaining the Troop scrapbook and photograph albums
Act as official Troop photographer , taking pictures of Troop campouts and other events, entering the pictures in the photograph albums or scrapbook and displaying them at Open House and Courts of Honor
Act as Troop correspondent by writing up Troop activities for publication in the Troop newsletter
Takes care of all Troop trophies including the Ranch Awards, Leadership Training Patrol Flags, and Summer Camp Banners
Displays Troop trophies at Courts of Honor and Open House
Explains awards, trophies, Troop history, etc. at the Open House

Troop Librarian
Maintains all Troop literature including Merit Badge pamphlets
Advises SPL of needed items for library
Makes literature available for check-out at all Troop meetings
Maintains system of bookkeeping to out literature
Follows up on late returns for one month check-out period (check-out may be renewed monthly as needed)

Chaplain Aide
Assists the Scoutmaster in planning and carrying out religious services at Troop activities
Responsible for informing Scouts of religious emblem program of their faith and how to earn one
Helps Scouts get started on the religious emblem program
Leads Troop in prayer at Courts of Honor and other special Troop activities

Troop Bugler
Keeps and maintains the Troop horn in good condition
Calls the Troop to assembly at direction of SPL
Acts as the SPL's special messenger as needed

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster shall be the chief assistant to the Scoutmaster and will play a role similar to that of an Assistant Scoutmaster. The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster will be responsible for tasks and projects assigned by the Scoutmaster.

LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

Assistant Patrol Leader/Den/Chief: These are entry-level leadership positions. There are no minimal qualifications for these offices other than a sincere desire to serve. The Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader in consultation with the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Vice-Chairman for Membership and Cub Scout Affairs appoints the Den Chief. A Webelos Den Chief may have additional qualifications as determined by the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Leaders: Assisted by the Patrol Advisor and the Senior Patrol Leader, the Patrol Leader is the chief elected leader of his Patrol.

Patrol Leaders must be First Class or above with at least one year of Scouting, preferably with some experience as an Assistant Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader will organize and direct a general election of Patrol Leaders in a Troop Meeting as early in the Program Year as possible (the Program Year runs from September through August to better coincide with the school year).

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader in consultation with the Scoutmaster. He must be at least First Class and have been as active member of the Troop for at least six (6) months.

Senior Patrol Leader: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the whole Troop. The election is organized and supervised by the Scoutmaster.

Candidates for the office are interviewed by the Scoutmaster in private before the election. Only boys who fully understand the heavy responsibilities of the office and who are enthusiastic about serving will be allowed to stand for election. Qualifications of candidates shall be determined by the Scoutmaster but shall include the following as a minimum:

one term as Patrol Leader
Start Scout or higher
Active member for the Troop for at least six (6) months

Should the office of Senior Patrol Leader become vacant for whatever reason, a new election must be held within one (1) month of such vacancy. Other leadership positions should be filled within one (1) month of vacancy.

When a position cannot be filled according to the above criteria, the position shall be filled through an election of a group of boys who closely fit the above criteria. The Scoutmaster will select these boys in cooperation with the Advancement Chairperson. All elections shall be by means of a secret ballot.

Troop Officers: Troop Officers are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: must meet the following additional qualifications:
Must be an Eagle Scout in good standing
Have been a Patrol Leader for two (2) years or One (1) year as Senior Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Sixteen (16) years of age or older

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is appointed by the Scoutmaster and serves as a member of his staff.

Order of the arrow Candidates shall have approval of the Scoutmaster PRIOR to the election. He shall certify the following:
Scout Spirit
Adherence to Scout Oath
Adherence to Scout Law
Active in all Troop activities

The candidate must be a minimum of First Class Rank and have experienced a minimum of 15 days and nights of camping, including six (6) consecutive days and nights of long-term camping under the auspices of the Boys Scouts of America within two (2) years immediately prior to candidate status.

PATROL, TROOP, AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

All official meetings will start promptly at the scheduled time and end in the manner. Contents of the meetings will be determined by the Patrol Leaders Council and will include work on Merit Badges or rank advancements, regular business, and leadership opportunities.

TROOP NEWSLETTER

The official monthly Troop Newsletter will include a calendar of events, which will be as complete and accurate as possible and constitute official notice of all Scouting events.

Patrol Leaders may, at their option or at the request of the Senior Patrol Leader, provide telephone notice of events. Events not appearing on the calendar, as published, will be announced through normal Troop communications as soon as possible.

SCOUTING PROGRAM

Annual Planning Conference:
The Troop's Scouting Program shall coincide with the Program Year, which runs from September through August.

The Program shall be outlined and objectives for the year shall be set by the PLC at an Annual Planning Conference.

The Planning Conference should be help immediately upon election of the new Patrol Leaders for the year.

The agenda for the Annual Planning Conference should include the following:

The Conference should be opened with an address by the Scoutmaster summarizing the accomplishments of the past year and suggestions for improvements in the Program for the coming year. The Scoutmaster may suggest additions or deletions in the last year's Program. The Scoutmaster reviews last year's objectives and to what extent they were met. The Scoutmaster then gives an overall evaluation of last year's Program before turning the meeting over to the Senior Patrol Leader.

With the Senior Patrol Leader presiding, the PLC shall set the overall Troop goals for the coming year in advancement, membership recruitment, special events, District Camporee performance, and any other goals deemed appropriate. At this time the PLC should decide whether they would participate in the Scout Show, any money raising activities, special summer camps out of council, etc.

Once the overall Troop goals are set, the PLC will outline the Program month by month. The following decisions will be made:

Troop meeting schedule
Patrol meeting guidelines for the month
Name the Program and Service Patrols for the month
Name the Program Theme for the month
Name the highlighted Merit Badges and Advancement theme for the month to coincide with the Program Theme
Designate the camping for the month

This Program outline will be filled in by the PLC. The PLC will plan the Troop Meetings and Campout Program following the outline determined at the Annual Planning Conference.

The Senior Patrol Leader will take the Program outline and the year's objectives to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Troop Committee and present it for the Committee's support and final approval. The final approved Program will be published in the next regularly scheduled edition of the Troop Newsletter.

Prior to the Annual Planning Conference, the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster will meet to decide upon the Program they wish the PLC to address in the context of a review of the school and District calendars. Particularly, the Annual Program should accommodate the school calendar to minimize conflicts. The Annual Program should also accommodate the District calendar, especially recognizing the District Camporee theme and District Leadership Training opportunities. This pre-planning conference meeting will make the actual conference a smoother running affair as special conflicts and problems can be anticipated before hand.

The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Chairman, and interested adults are invited to attend the Planning Conference. Only the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and the Patrol Leaders have a vote in determining the Program which will be presented to the Troop Committee for final approval.

PROGRAM EXECUTION

The best-planned programs are only as good as their execution.

The PLC shall meet monthly to, among other things, plan Troop Meetings for the following month.

The Patrol Method will be used in the organization of all events and outings. The Manager of Learning approach as taught by the Boy Scouts of America will be used in all program planning and execution. Activities will begin with a GUIDED DISCOVERY by which the Scout's interest in learning new skills is aroused. Program unity will be maintained by relating all activities to the monthly theme. Their LEARNING will be EVALUATED through games and inter-Patrol competitions featuring the learned skills. Competition against a STANDARD of performance shall be the preferred method of competition as opposed to a "winner take all" situation commonly associated with sporting events. Further TEACHING and LEARNING will take place followed by additional EVALUATION until the skills are satisfactorily mastered.

The program shall be planned according to the official Troop Meeting Plan form supplied by the BSA. The form should be followed explicitly, and one form filled out for every Troop Meeting planned. Each Patrol should have a copy. The Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and the Assistant Scoutmaster for Program should all have copies.

Before each Troop Meeting, the Senior Patrol Leader should call key Patrol Leaders to make sure everything is in preparation for the Troop Meeting. The best planned program can be ruined if one of the Patrol Leaders forgets to bring the equipment he is supposed to bring, or if he forgets to plan the game he was responsible for. Everything must be done to assure the program will be successful.

The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for Program should take an active role in insuring the program proceeds as planned, through phone checks with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader as necessary.

In all cases, the Troop meetings and campouts must be planned in conformance to the designated monthly theme and highlighted Advancement Themes and Merit Badges.

It shall be the duty of the Senior Patrol Leader to invite Merit Badge Councilors to teach the highlighted Merit Badges at Troop meetings as appropriate.

The PLC, the Senior Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmaster for Program have primary responsibility for seeing that the program runs smoothly, according to plan.

The monthly program will contain activities in conformance with the monthly theme. Skills related to the monthly theme will be taught to the Scouts in Patrol and Troop meetings. Games and Patrol competitions featuring these newly learned skills will be used t reinforce the learning experience and evaluate how well the skills are being mastered by the Scouts. The monthly campout will also be planned to reflect the monthly theme and will feature skill teaching, skill testing games and competitions relating to the monthly themes.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

The Troop cannot exist if parents do not participate. Parents are expected to participate and can contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman to determine what help is needed.

Scoutmaster:
The Troop Committee will appoint a Scoutmaster according to the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to the minimal qualifications required by the BSA, Troop 145 designates the following qualifications:
the candidate for Scoutmaster shall be a member of the sponsoring organization
he will have served at least one (1) year in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 145
he will be a fully trained adult leader
he will have the full confidence of the Troop Committee

THE OPERATIONS GUIDEBOOK AND BY-LAWS OF TROOP 145
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
HOUSTON, TEXAS

COUNCIL: SAM HOUSTON AREA
DISTRICT: TATANKA
SPONSOR: WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

CONDUCT

The Scouts of Troop 145 are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Twelve Points of the Scout Law (see the Scout Handbook).

Behavior problems will be handled within the structure of the Troop chain of command, i.e. Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and then the Scoutmaster.

PARTICIPATION

Each Scout of Troop 145 is expected to be an active participant in the activities of his Patrol and Troop. The involvement of each Scout's parent(s) is also expected.

The PLC has the right to call any Scout before them due to irregular attendance.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

It shall be the responsibility of the Scoutmaster to see that all boy leaders are properly trained.

The Scoutmaster shall provide a Leadership Orientation to newly elected Patrol Leaders and Senior Patrol Leaders, as necessary, as soon as possible upon their election.

The Scoutmaster shall plan and carry out an annual Basic Leadership Skills Training course for all Troop Leaders or potential Troop Leaders.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEADERSHIP

DEN CHIEF

ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER

PATROL LEADER

Patrol Leaders will encourage all Patrol members to advance and participate in the Troop Program to the greatest extent possible.

TROOP GUIDE

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

The Senior Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER

The Senior Patrol Leader plays a role in the Troop analogous to the president of a company.

TROOP OFFICERS

Troop Officers are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and serve on his staff. The Troop Officers shall consist of the following:

Troop Bugler
Keeps and maintains the Troop horn in good condition
Calls the Troop to assembly at direction of SPL
Acts as the SPL's special messenger as needed

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

Patrol Leaders: Assisted by the Patrol Advisor and the Senior Patrol Leader, the Patrol Leader is the chief elected leader of his Patrol.

Senior Patrol Leader: The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the whole Troop. The election is organized and supervised by the Scoutmaster.

one term as Patrol Leader
Start Scout or higher
Active member for the Troop for at least six (6) months

Troop Officers: Troop Officers are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is appointed by the Scoutmaster and serves as a member of his staff.

PATROL, TROOP, AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

TROOP NEWSLETTER

The official monthly Troop Newsletter will include a calendar of events, which will be as complete and accurate as possible and constitute official notice of all Scouting events.

SCOUTING PROGRAM

Annual Planning Conference:
The Troop's Scouting Program shall coincide with the Program Year, which runs from September through August.

The Program shall be outlined and objectives for the year shall be set by the PLC at an Annual Planning Conference.

The Planning Conference should be help immediately upon election of the new Patrol Leaders for the year.

The agenda for the Annual Planning Conference should include the following:

Once the overall Troop goals are set, the PLC will outline the Program month by month. The following decisions will be made:

This Program outline will be filled in by the PLC. The PLC will plan the Troop Meetings and Campout Program following the outline determined at the Annual Planning Conference.

PROGRAM EXECUTION

The best-planned programs are only as good as their execution.

The PLC shall meet monthly to, among other things, plan Troop Meetings for the following month.

In all cases, the Troop meetings and campouts must be planned in conformance to the designated monthly theme and highlighted Advancement Themes and Merit Badges.

It shall be the duty of the Senior Patrol Leader to invite Merit Badge Councilors to teach the highlighted Merit Badges at Troop meetings as appropriate.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

The Troop cannot exist if parents do not participate. Parents are expected to participate and can contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman to determine what help is needed.

Assistant Scoutmasters:

First Assistant Scoutmaster:
The Assistant Scoutmaster shall be a fully trained, registered adult leader who will act as Scoutmaster in the Scoutmaster's absence.

Assistant Scoutmaster for Program:
This Assistant Scoutmaster is responsible, along with the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader, for seeing that the Scouting Program proceeds as planned. He may generate new programming ideas in relation to Courts of Honor, Special Events, new camping sites and opportunities and report this to the Scoutmaster.

Patrol Advisors:
Each Patrol will have an Assistant Scoutmaster assigned as its Patrol Advisor. The Patrol Advisor works with the Patrol Leader to help him carry out the Patrol activities in addition to the regularly scheduled Troop Program. Patrol events are encouraged to build a distinct Patrol identity and spirit, and the Patrol Advisor helps to bring this about.

All Assistant Scoutmasters are appointed by the Scoutmaster and must be registered adult leaders. All Assistant Scoutmasters must be fully trained or agree to become fully trained within twelve (12) months of appointment and should be strongly encouraged and advised to obtain Woodbadge training at the first opportunity. All Troop Committee's discretion, the Troop may elect to defray a portion of the expenses related to the Woodbadge training.

TROOP COMMITTEE

Committee Chairman:
The Troop Committee shall elect from its membership a Chairman who will preside at all Committee meetings and facilitate a smooth running of Committee affairs. The Committee Chairman shall appoint all Vice Chairmen, Troop Treasurer, Secretary, and Event Coordinators necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Committee.

The Troop Committee shall be responsible for supporting an active4 Scouting Program for the Troop and Patrols.

The Committee shall meet monthly at a time and place published in the Troop Newsletter. The Committee Chairman shall preside. The Committee meeting shall proceed in a business-like manner according to established parliamentarian rules of order.

The Committee Chairman shall provide a meeting agenda to be handed out to each attendee at the beginning of the meeting.

The agenda will always include a segment no longer than fifteen (15) minutes for the Scoutmaster's report. During this time, the Scoutmaster will report on the state of the Troop, including any changes in leadership assignments, alterations in program, disciplinary problems, suspensions, etc.

Every committee meeting agenda should also include a reading of the minutes of the previous meeting by the Committee Secretary and a report by the Troop Treasurer.

The Committee Chairman shall make the following Committee assignments:
Vice Chairman for Public Relations
Vice Chairman for Outdoor Activities
Vice Chairman for Transportation
Vice Chairman for Membership and Cub Scout Affairs
Advancement Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Newsletter Editor and Publisher
Events Coordinator

And any other assignments the Chairman deems necessary for the continued smooth running of the Troop and Committee.

TROOP REGISTRATION

The Administrative Year shall run from January through December.

The Troop Treasurer and the Vice Chairman for Membership shall work with the Scoutmaster to register the Troop on time each January. They shall collect all applicable fees and accomplish all required paperwork to get the Troop registered accurately and promptly.

The registration fees will be set by the Troop Committee and will include registration with National, insurance, Boy's Life, and Troop fees. Notification of re-registration and statement of applicable fees for registration shall be published in the Troop Newsletter sixty (60) days prior to re-registration in January.

Dues will be set by the Troop Committee. They will be due at the first meeting of each month. Dues help defray the cost of earned badges, troop equipment, transportation, and costs associated with Courts of Honor and other Troop activities.

All dues and other expenses must be current before a boy can schedule a Board of Review or participate in any Troop activity.

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SPONSOR

The Scoutmaster, Charter Representative, and Senior Patrol Leader shall report to the Troop's sponsor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, within three months of receiving the Charter following re-registration in January. Following the report, the Scoutmaster should formally present the Charter to the Church Minister.

PATROL EQUIPMENT

Each Patrol is responsible for maintaining their assigned equipment. The Patrol Quartermaster is in charge of all equipment assigned to his Patrol, its maintenance, safekeeping and readiness at all times.

Any item(s) of Patrol equipment that is lost, destroyed or otherwise rendered unusable on any outing will be replaced by the Patrol members on that outing.

Unacceptable or not allowed items:
Drugs other than prescription
Tobacco in any form
Alcohol
Sheath knifes
Folding knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches
Radios/Walkman
Portable TVs
Tape/Disc players
Playing cards/Dice
Electronic Games
Individual Hatchets or axes

Liquid fuel devices are only allowed with Scoutmaster approval. If you are in doubt as to whether something is not allowed, ask your Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters.

PATROL AWARDS

In recognition of the importance of evaluation in maintaining a sound instructional program for the Troop and the Patrols, the Baden-Powell Awards will be used to recognize good performance and skill mastery. The SPL, ASPL, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters shall rate the Patrols on every campout in the following categories:

Scout Spirit
Cooperation   15
Attitude   15
Leadership   10

Scouting Skills
Roster/menus posted 10
Fire building   10
Cooking/meal preparation 10
Campsite cleanliness 10
Camp safety   10
Program participation 10
      ____
      100 Total Points

For each campout, the PLC shall set the Troop Standard of Performance as the number of points every Patrol is expected to attain or surpass. The Standard shall reflect the level of experience in the Troop and will generally be set low in the beginning of a new year and steadily increase as the competency of the new Scouts increase.

Each Patrol meeting or exceeding the Standard for the month's campout and the other requirements as stated in the Junior Leader Handbook, shall receive the Baden-Powell Patch at the next Troop meeting. Each Patrol is expected to earn a Baden-Powell Patch regularly.

If a Patrol fails to earn a Baden-Powell Patch on three (3) campouts, the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader shall counsel with the Patrol Leader and determine what remedial action may be required to improve the proficiency of the Patrol.

If a Patrol fails to earn a Baden-Powell Patch on three (3) consecutive campouts, the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader shall arrange remedial instruction following the Troop meetings or in a special Patrol meeting.

Each month the Senior Patrol Leader shall name a Patrol of the Month as the Patrol showing the greatest Scout and Patrol spirit and the highest degree of skill mastery compared to other Patrols having earned the Baden-Powell Patch. The Patrol of the Month shall be awarded the Baden-Powell Pennant. The Baden-Powell Pennant Patrols shall be given additional considerations and privileges during the month as deemed appropriate by the Scoutmaster.

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This page was created by Andrew Schaible 5-27-99