Troop Operation Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

This document provides Scouts and their parents with information about the Scouting program in general and about Troop 230 in particular. It will serve as a valuable reference that all Scouts and their parents should refer to frequently. Of course, if you have a question about something not covered in this package, please call one of the Scoutmasters or Troop Committee members. This will contribute to the goal which we all share, that of having the best Scouting program possible.

2. THE SCOUTING PROGRAM

Objectives

The objective of the Scouting program is to provide for young men an effective program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop in them personal fitness. This involves developing a high degree of self-reliance. a sense of responsibility, a keen respect for the basic rights of others. the desire and skills to help others. leadership skills. a desire to be a good citizen of our community and Nation, and physical-mental-emotional fitness.

Methods

A number of methods are used to achieve this objective. Scouts strive to live according to the principles of the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, Motto, and the outdoor Code (Scout Spirit). The structure of the Troop and the nature of its activities provide many opportunities for Scouts to develop leadership skills and to help others. The advancement program provides opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills. The objectives of Scouting are achieved in a program that is fun for the Scouts.

3. PARTICIPATION

Registration

The Troop is required to re-charter with B.S.A. once a year in December. The chartering organization, St. Peter's United Methodist Church, reports to the B.S.A. on what the Troop did during the past year, and what is planned for the coming year. All members of the Troop, are required to register for the coming year at re-charter time. (Registered parents can serve as Scoutmasters, on Troop Committee, &/or as Merit Badge counselors). Additionally, at least one parent of the scout is also expected to register and assist with the running of the troop in what ever capacity they can. Each Scout pays a fee to cover registration with B.S.A.. Troop fees, and the cost of Boys Life magazine. Troop fees are set by the Troop Committee on a yearly basis.

Active Membership

In order to maintain membership in Troop 230, Scouts must actively participate in the Patrol and Troop. Active Membership includes the following:

A. Participation in Patrol and Troop meetings, including fulfilling requirements of elected/appointed positions

B. Paying Troop Dues:

C. Participation in Patrol/Troop activities such as campouts. service projects. fundraisers. etc.

D. Working toward advancement requirements;

E. Practicing the principals of the Scout Law and Scout Oath.

When a Scout does not actively participate in these activities. he misses opportunities to work on requirements toward advancement. Additionally it diminishes the functioning of his patrol. and of the Troop as a whole.

A Scout will be considered inactive if he:

1. Misses four or more consecutive Patrol/Troop weekly meetings without notifying the scoutmaster in advance of a valid reason. OR

2 Allows his Troop dues to become overdue by more than six weeks. and does not pay them in full by the next regular meeting after being notified that he is in arrears. Dues accrue even though the Scout does not attend a meeting; OR

3. Willfully and repeatedly fails to follow the Scout Law and Scout Oath.

If a Scout meets the criteria of being inactive as defined above. he and his parent(s) will be notified by the Scoutmaster and/or Membership Committee. If a Scout does not become active within 3 weeks of being notified his name will be removed from membership in Troop 230.

Exceptions: A Scout may have personal or other reasons for being inactive for a period of time, without wishing to resign. The Scout should discuss this with the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster. at his discretion may grant the Scout temporary inactive status for a specific period of time. not normally to be longer than three months. During this time. the Scout may be removed from his Patrol roster and any Scout office he holds. Although the Scout is excused from participation and paying Patrol dues, he must still follow the Scout Law, Oath, and Promise. If the Scout does not become active after his term of temporary inactivity, he will be withdrawn from membership in the Troop.

Uniforms

Classes of Uniform are as follow:

CLASS A: Formal. full dress official Boy Scout uniform. This consists of dress shoes or boots (no tennis shoes), B.S.A. pants, B.S.A. uniform shirts, B.S.A. belt, merit badge sash or Order of the Arrow (O.A.) sash as applicable. Only troop Neckerchief and B.S.A. or scout related hat are optional permissible for this uniform. Eagle Neckerchief may be worn, as applicable. Proper insignia and patches should be correctly worn on the uniform. Note: Regulation uniform long or short stockings must be worn if short pants are worn. Class A are to be worn at Courts of Honor and other formal scout functions.

CLASS AB: Full-dress Boy Scout uniform with long pants or short pants style or blue jeans. neckerchief, and closed toe shoes. Only troop hat or related scout hat is optional and permissible for this uniform. Note: Regulation uniform long or short stockings must be worn if short pants are worn. The Scout Class A uniform is to be worn by all Scouts. Scoutmasters. and Assistant Scoutmasters at the Troop meetings and during transportation (to and from outings). In addition. the Class AB uniform is encouraged at Boards of Review. daily flag ceremonies at all campouts and other certain special functions.

CLASS B: Informal Boy Scout uniform. Boy Scout long or short pants. blue jeans. or solid color shorts are worn with current Scout Troop tee shirt. Scout related hat is optional. Note: Regulation uniform long or short socks should be worn with short scout pants. This is the proper uniform for Troop/Patrol fund raising activities, and campouts after travel. and work projects or other activities requiring strenuous physical activity.

Advancement

The ranks of Scouting are Boy Scout (a joining requirement), Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The requirements for these ranks are in the Boy Scout Handbook. The ranks up to First Class involve learning various skills. and the ranks above First Class focus on earning merit badges and leadership skills. Each Scout's progress is recorded in his personal copy of the Handbook. although the initiative for advancement should come from the Scout, with assistance from the Scoutmaster. and other adult leaders, It is especially vital that the scout's parents take an active interest and part in their son's advancement. It has been noted that parents who "don't care" produce scout's that "don't care".

Advancement is a four step process: Learning, Testing, Review, and Recognition. The Scout first studies the requirements either on his own or in a skills session class held periodically by the troop or at Summer/Winter Camp (Learning). He then asks a Scoutmaster or Merit Badge counselor to work with him on passing the requirements ((Testing). Each Scout must show the Scoutmaster or Counselor that he has passed all the requirements. Even though many Merit Badge classes are taught at summer and winter camps. the Scout should ensure that a number of his Merit Badges are earned by working with a buddy in a non-camp setting. Upon completion of all requirements for each rank, the Scout has a conference with the Scoutmaster to discuss Scout Spirit. review rank requirements, set advancement goals, and prepare for the Board of Review (Review).

Announcements for completion of rank and merit badges will be made at the earliest Troop meeting possible (Recognition). Scouts are recognized again at a formal ceremony held quarterly called the Troop Court of Honor. where they receive rank and merit badges and rank pins for their mother. New Scouts are inducted and officers are installed at the Courts of Honor. Families are encouraged to attend the Courts of Honor.

Conduct

Appropriate conduct is essential for our Scouts to obtain significant benefits from the Scouting program. Each Scout is expected to participate in the planned activities. to conduct himself such that he does not cause disturbance or interfere with other Scout's participation in the activities, and to obey the Scout and adult leaders. The Scout Law provides very specific guidelines of how Scouts are expected to behave.

Troop parents have expressed desire to participate in any corrective actions needed in their sons conduct. Therefore. when a Scout engages in unacceptable behavior. his parents are notified and are expected to ensure that the necessary corrections are made. The Scout will first be counseled by a Scoutmaster. He will be reminded that upon joining, he agreed to live by the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code. If the behavior is not corrected but instead continues he will be brought before a Board of Review. He will be reminded again to live by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and Scout Promise. He will also be warned that the next time his behavior is a problem, he will phone his parents to either come sit with him for the remainder of the meeting/outing or take him home. If necessary, after the third occurrence of a problem, his parents will be required to accompany the Scout to any future Troop functions, until the Scoutmaster feels the problem is resolved.

Parent Responsibilities

Clearly, many active adults are required to ensure that a Troop has the kind of high quality program we desire. All parents are expected to help with tasks which must be done by adults. These include filling the adult leader positions, providing adult supervision on outings. driving to and from outings, serving as Merit Badge Counselors, supervising fund raising and service projects. bringing something interesting for a meeting program, etc. No matter what his/her interests and aptitudes, every parent can contribute something to make the Scouting experience more beneficial for all our sons.

Campouts provide many special opportunities for both Scouts and their parents. On a campout we need a minimum of at least 3 adults and a ratio in the range of one adult for every 5 Scouts. Parents should appreciate these opportunities to spend some quality time with their sons and his/their friends. Most parents have as much fun as the Scouts on these outings.

All parents should attend the Parent Meetings and generally get involved with the Troop. They may contact the Committee Chairman or one of the Scoutmasters to find out about needs or to express interest in a particular area.

Parents should review the Troop calendar sent home with the Scouts on the first Troop meeting of the month. especially for activities in which they can participate.

Families are encouraged to attend Courts of Honor as well as any other family activities held by the Troop.

As parents, you should understand how Boy Scouting works and help your son to achieve his goals. If you have any questions, you should talk to any adult leader or, better yet, come along to the next meeting or outing. Remember that the biggest cause for scouts not advancing in the organization is the lack of parent interest.

4. TROOP ORGANIZATION

Elected Officers (Patrol Leader Council)

Troop activities are coordinated and directed by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), who is elected by Scouts registered in the Troop. Likewise. Patrol activities are coordinated and directed by the Patrol Leader (PL), who is elected by members of the Patrol. Troop elections are held every 6 months. A Scout may not hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms unless no other Scout is eligible for the office. A Scout must be at least Star rank to be SPL. and must be at least First Class rank to be a PL.

The elected officers and appointed Troop officers comprise the Patrol Leadership Council (PLC). The PLC meets at least once a month to plan future Troop activities and to handle other Troop business.

Patrols

Scouts are assigned to patrols by the PLC and adult leaders. Assignments are made to maintain a balance of scouting skill levels. a variety of personality types. and in general to build patrols which function effectively. The Patrol Method is very important in Scouting. Each Scout should form the habit of going to his patrol leader with questions and suggestions; the Patrol Leader is then responsible for follow-up action. The patrol leaders then relay information to the Senior Patrol Leader and the PLC.

Appointed Officers

The Senior Patrol Leader appoints a number of officers after consulting with the adult leaders. These offices include an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, a Scribe, a Quartermaster, Librarian, Historian, and Bugler. These appointments are based on interest, ability, participation in Troop activities, and advancement needs. Likewise, each Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader. Additional positions can be appointed by the Patrol Leader as needed.

Officer Responsibilities

Regular attendance at Troop meetings and activities is required so that elected and appointed Troop and Patrol officers can fulfill the responsibilities of their offices. If an officer cannot be present at a function he is to appoint another Scout to act in his place (which will be approved by the SPL) and to otherwise see that the duties of his office are not neglected. However, this does not relieve him of the planning, organizational, or any other responsibilities associated with his office. A written job description is available for each office. The Troop is run by these officers - not by adults.

Troop Committee

The Committee members consist of the adults who have registered as such with the B.S.A.. It is led by the Committee Chairman. The committee's primary responsibilities are supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program. and handling troop administration. The Committee meets once a month or at special meetings when required.

Other Adult Leaders

Other adult leaders consist of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters who work with the scouts to run the program.

Merit Badge Counselors

Adult Merit Badge Counselors are required to register with B.S.A. for each Badge they wish to counsel. They should follow the guidelines and procedures presented in the B.S.A. pamphlet entitled "Merit Badge Counseling" (no.6517). A parent may serve as their own son's Merit Badge Counselor only if the following conditions are met:

The parent is registered with B.S.A. to counsel that Merit Badge.

The Merit Badge is publicly offered to other Scouts in the Troop.

All work sessions for the Badge are available to the other Scouts working on it.

5. TROOP ACTIVITIES

Troop activities consist of program planning, meetings, outings. service projects, and fund raising. Scouts must participate actively in all these activities in order to derive the maximum benefit from Scouting.

Program Planning

Each Scout participates in the Program Planning process by submitting ideas for the next years' activities to the PLC through his elected representative. the Patrol Leader. This is done once a year and is guided by the SPL with assistance from the Scoutmaster.

Meetings

Troop meetings are held every Monday at 7:00 P.M. at our sponsoring institution, St. Peter's United Methodist Church. The SPL is responsible (with the help of the PLC) for organizing and running each meeting. This includes setting up for the meeting; conducting the opening/closing ceremonies. coordinating the skills session and game or interpatrol activity; and restoring the room to its initial condition.

Patrols meet during Troop Meetings and other times as needed, normally at the home of a patrol member. Meetings are an integral part of the scouting program and are important for communication planning and individual scout advancement.

Outings

The Troop strives to have one outing per month. and most of these are one or two night campouts. Patrol Leaders will contact Patrol members approximately two weeks before the campout for a commitment about whether they plan to attend. This information is required in advance by the Transportation Committee, by the PLC and Scoutmasters making program arrangements. and by the Patrols for planning purposes.

At Troop Meetings preceding the campout, each patrol plans its meals, and makes a duty roster. One Scout is assigned the job of Grub master. preferably a Scout who needs First Class cooking req. #4; if no one attending needs req. #4. the position will be on a rotation basis. The Grub master buys and brings the patrol's food to the outing. He receives a cash advance from Patrol funds of $10.00 per Scout going on the campout. He will be reimbursed out of pocket expenses as soon as possible. The cost of food is shared in each Patrol by all Scouts attending. Any Patrol member who signs-up for a campout and later cancels after food and supplies have been bought is still required to pay his share of the costs.

Items that Scouts are not permitted to bring on campouts or any other scout functions are; sheath knives. flammable liquids (except as specified by the Sam Houston Area Council Policy), fireworks. firearms. slingshots. electronic and games. Soft drinks, radios with headsets, and other electronic communicating devises are only permitted in the vehicles transporting the scouts to and from outings and must be left in the vehicle after arriving at the location. Matches, folding blade knives, axes, and hatchets can only be brought and used at appropriate outings by scouts who carry active tot'n and fireman chits.

Every summer the Troop will attend a week-long summer camp. A variety of activities are available at Summer camp, and include: overnight backpacking trips, skills classes for rank advancement; Merit Badge classes; aquatics: field sports (archery. rifle and shotgun); nature and environmental sciences. Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for the boys to advance in rank!

Equipment (Troop, Patrol, & Personal)

The Troop has some camping gear and trailers to transport it. Presently, Troop gear includes dining flies. lanterns. axes. etc. Each patrol is assigned a chuck box containing patrol gear. including a stove. cooking utensils. a griddle. propane tree and First Aid kit. The patrol is responsible for keeping this gear in good condition and each Scout does his share to keep the general Troop gear in good condition. Each Scout brings his own sleeping bag,, change(s) of clothes, and personal items (Soap, towel. toothbrush/paste. etc.).

Service Projects

Periodically, the Troop does service projects to benefit a community organization or Scouting function. Most service projects also fulfill requirements for various rank advancement and Merit Badges. Examples include: Food Drives & Conservation projects on Corps of Engineer properties.

6. TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Registration Form

All parents are needed to help in transportation. Upon joining the Troop, all parents are required to turn in a Transportation Registration Form. Parents who are unable to assist with transportation will be called on to help in other ways.

In addition to the rules and regulations set by the Boy Scouts Of America (copy available from Transportation Committee). Troop 230 has adopted the following policies regarding transportation to and from Troop events.

Vehicles and Distribution of Scouts

Boy Scouts will be transported in parent vehicles. Vehicles must not be overcrowded and individual seat belts must be used by all passengers and drivers. If only one passenger can ride in a vehicle. that passenger must be another adult or the son of the driver.

Designated Telephone Contact

An adult will be designated as phone contact for each function. This person will notify all parents of changes in ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) -- after notification from the function leader. Prior to the function, the Transportation Coordinator will give the contact person a list of all Scouts and adults participating in the function, including home phone numbers. The designated contact person will be indicated on the bottom of the permission slip.

Travel

While en route, effort will be made to keep the vehicles together (when possible to do so safely). The following measure(s) will be in effect to facilitate this effort:

Prior to departure. each driver will receive a map of the designated route. This map will identify designated points for re-grouping.

Two copies of Consent to Treat/medical forms must be available for any trip; one will be kept by the Scoutmaster and the other by the driver with whom the boy is riding.

These are to be returned to the Scoutmaster or Transportation Coordinator(s) upon arrival at the destination or drop-off point, so that they may be transferred to the next driver.

In the event of an accident, insurance carried by the owner of the vehicle is the primary applicable insurance.

Transportation Planning

Scouts and adults planning to attend a weekend activity must commit by the Monday Troop meeting preceding the activity (see TROOP ACTIVITIES - Outings). This is important to determine the number of drivers required and to obtain a Tour Permit from the downtown Scout Office. Patrol Leaders report the names/phone numbers of those attending from their patrol to the Transportation Committee at the Monday Troop meeting preceding the activity.

If a parent has committed to be a driver for an activity, and subsequently is unable to drive. it is his/her responsibility to find a qualified replacement from the list of Troop 230 parents and to inform the Transportation Committee of this change. Please call if you need the names of eligible drivers. On long trips, the troop may be asked to defray the cost of transportation by assisting the drivers with money for gasoline.

7. FINANCES

Troop Expenses

The Troop Committee will approve budgeted expenses for the Troop and the methods for raising funds to pay these expenses. Part of the funds will be provided by monthly dues and part by special fund raisers. Normal expenses include money for training materials, merit badges. and B.S.A. membership fees. The Troop will also need to purchase a variety of camping equipment and maintain the equipment over time.

Dues

Dues will be collected annually by the Troop Scribe to cover the more routine costs of the Troop (membership, registration. 1 copy of Boy's Life per family, training materials. advancement awards, for example). The Troop committee will approve the amount of the dues. Dues are owed regardless of attendance and are not refundable.

Campout Fees

Scouts participating in campouts and other outings will be required to contribute to their Patrol fund to pay for food and other outing fees. Approved food for campouts will be purchased by a Patrol member (Grub master) designated by the Patrol Leader. The Grub master will account for all money provided for food purchases. The nominal cost of food will be about $10.00 per scout per campout, but may vary based on menu and duration of the outing. As needed, the other fees will be collected to provide for admissions. training, and similar costs. Any Patrol member who signs up for a campout. and later cancels after food and supplies have been purchased, is still required to pay his share of the costs.

Fund Raising

Fund raising can be used to cover the cost of purchasing and repairing Troop equipment and defray the cost of summer camp and other Troop activities. The Scout Leaders and Committee will identity appropriate fund raisers. All scouts are expected to actively participate in the fund raising activities in order to benefit from the use of the funds. All proceeds from fund raising will go into the Troop operating account and be spent in line with budgets approved by the Troop Committee.

7. ADDENDA

Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review

Scoutmaster Conference FAQ
Board Of Review FAQ

Scheduling Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review
(Approved by Scoutmaster and Advancement Committee 09-05-2002)

It is the Scout's responsibility to schedule Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review when he has completed requirements for a rank advancement. The steps are as follows:

1. First: Ask Mrs. Ferley, Mrs. Martin, or Mrs. Taylor (Advancement Committee Co-Chairs) to make sure your Active Participation, Merit Badge, and Leadership Position requirements are recorded and complete.
2. Second: For all rank advancements, put your name on the Scoutmaster Conference Signup Sheet at the back of the room at Troop Meetings.  The Scoutmaster does all Tenderfoot and Eagle conferences.  For the other ranks, the Scoutmaster will contact you and advise you on scheduling your conference with an Assistant Scoutmaster.
3. Third: Wear your Class A uniform to the conference. Show up on time and prepared.
4. Fourth: Ask Mrs. Ferley, Mrs. Martin, or Mrs. Taylor for a Board of Review Appointment.
5. Fifth: Wear your Class A uniform to the review. Show up on time and prepared.

Criteria to be Considered "Active"
(Status: Approved by Scoutmaster 09-05-2002)

Rank advancements require a scout to be "active" for a minimum period of time, e.g., 4 months for Star, 6 months for Life, etc. Troop 230 defines "active" as 1. attends greater then 50 percent of scheduled Troop Meetings, and 2. attends 50 percent of scheduled Troop Campouts. It is during these activities that scouts interact with and learn from and teach other scouts. Exceptions to this guideline may only be made by the Scoutmaster, subject to appropriate mitigating circumstances.