Troop 83 Handbook and By Laws

Introduction:

The Troop 83 Committee, the chartering organization (the Lionville Methodist

Church) and the adult leadership of Troop 83 prepared and endorse the

information in this handbook.  In some instances, the National Boy Scouts of

America have enacted rules, which we follow and those are noted.  There are

many other rules and practices which are specific to Troop 83.  The rules set

forth in this Handbook are not intended to discourage participation by the

Scout in anyway but are intended to clarify and record the rules to ensure

fairness.

 

The Scout Oath and the Scout Law must guide the Scouts and their adult

leaders in their treatment of each other.  There are many organizations that

boys can choose to belong to; the fact that they have chosen Scouting has set

them apart.  The leadership of Troop 83 is committed to creating a safe haven

for boys to grow in Scouting, to experience the friendship and camaraderie of

other boys and adults, to experience an active outdoor program and to learn

leadership and new skills as they advance in Scouts.

 

Boys participating in the Scouting program of Troop 83 have several rights:

1) to physical and emotional protection,

2) to be treated fairly by adult leaders and other boys

3) to participate in activities (appropriate to their age and abilities)

With these rights also come responsibilities and an expectation that Rules of

Conduct will be followed.  Highlighted below are rules of conduct and

responsibilities of the Scout, his parent and Adult and Scout Leaders.

Rules of Conduct and Responsibilities:

 

Safety:  The Scouting program introduces boys to outdoor activities that

require skills that have the potential for injury to themselves and others.

The strict enforcement of safety rules is essential for the Scout's

protection.

 

Fire Safety: fire can injure or kill or destroy property if misused and the

correct handling of fire is imperative.

·        Matches and lighters are not toys and are to be used to build camp or

cooking fires or light propane stoves or lanterns.  Leaders will confiscate

matches and lighters if they are being misused.

·        Scouts are required to earn a Fire'm Chit Card and to carry this card on

outings and to summer camp.  Leaders may confiscate a Fire'm Chit Card, and

thereby the Scout's firebuilding privileges, if any unsafe activity is

observed.   The Fire'm Chit must be earned back before the Scout is permitted

to carry matches and lighters again.

·        Scouts must not light matches or lighters in tents or cabins/Adirondacks

where bedding or the tent itself could catch on fire.

·        Scouts should not need any flammable liquids (e.g., lighter fluid) for

their personal use.  When charcoal lighter or other flammable liquid is

required by the troop, the Leaders will ensure it is handled safely.

·        Fireworks are illegal in Pennsylvania and Maryland and are absolutely

forbidden on Scout outings.

·        Lighting of pressurized, flammable sprays (i.e., OFF bug spray) is

extremely dangerous.  If a Scout is observed doing this at camp or on an

outing, the Leaders may require the parents to come pick the boy up.

·        Open fires must never be left unattended.

 

Knives/Hatches/Axes/Saws

·        Scouts may carry a pocket knife only if they have earned and have their

Totin' Chip available.  Leaders who observe unsafe handling of a knife may choose to confiscate the knife.  It will be returned to the Scout (or their parent) when the Leader concludes it is safe to do so.

·        The blade of the open knife can be no longer than the width of palm of the

Scouts open hand.  Any knife longer than this will be confiscated by the

Leader and returned directly to the parent.

·        Knives are not to be thrown at any time; they can bounce at peculiar angles

and strike a bystander.  Leaders will confiscate knives from any Scout

observed throwing their knife.

·        Hatches and axes are only to be used in a proper ax yard or under the

supervision of a Leader if used in an open area.

Weapons: rifles, handguns, BB or pellet-guns, bow-arrow, ammunition or

anything which, if used, is readily capable of threatening death or injury.

·        Scouts are forbidden to carry or possess weapons unless these are

specifically required for a sanctioned Scouting activity (e.g., participating

in merit badge work for shotgun or rifle).

·        Scouts found with weapons will have the weapons confiscated and the adult

Leader will ask the parent to come pickup the Scout.

 

Water Safety: in general, the "Buddy System" must always be used when Scouts

are swimming or boating.  Water safety is an extensive topic and cannot be

adequately addressed in the Handbook.  The troop leaders will train and

reinforce the water safety principles in the BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim

Defense programs.

 

General Rules of Conduct

 

1.) In accordance with National BSA rules, the use of alcoholic beverages,

tobacco or illegal drugs during a Scouting activity is forbidden.  Should an

incident occur on a Scout outing or at summer camp, the parents will be

notified.  At the sole discretion of the adult Leadership, the parent may be

asked to pickup the boy and return him home at their own expense.  The

Scoutmaster will make a formal record of the incident to the Troop Committee.

2.) Scouts and Adult Leaders will refrain from swearing or using offensive

language.  Adult Leaders may verbally reprimand Scouts heard using offensive

language.  If this conduct persists, the boy's parents will be asked to

address the problem.  Use of vulgar and offensive language does not display

Scout spirit and persistence of this behavior would require withholding of

privileges (e.g., going on outings).

3.)    Scouts are expected to comply with the reasonable requests of adult

and boy Leaders.  A Scout showing an inappropriate defiance or disrespect of

reasonable requests from a Leader detracts from the smooth running of the

troop.  If the conduct is persistent or severe, the parent will be asked by

the Leader to address this conduct problem.

4.) Hazing, defined as any form of physical, verbal or mental abuse, intended

to frighten, harm or harass another Scout, is forbidden.  This activity is

often meant to shame or belittle a younger Scout or is an initiation rite or

tradition.  The Adult Leaders will halt all incidents of hazing they observe

or that is brought to their attention, regardless of any implied mutual

consent, and assign a punishment to those participating.

5.) Scouts who are observed in a fight or scuffle by mutual consent will be

separated and disciplined by the adult leader.

 

Committee Responsibilities for Enforcement of Rules:

1.) Should the Scoutmaster or Adult Leader be unable to resolve a persistent

behavior problem, he may inform the Committee Chairperson of the issues.  The

Troop Committee may request that the Scout and his parent(s) come before the

Committee to discuss the problem and ways it can be resolved.

2.) The Committee may approve a graded resolution of a problem on a

case-by-case basis.  For example, a Scout may be excluded from the next

outing while in another case, a parent or guardian would need to accompany

the Scout on outings.

2.) If, in consultation with the Scout and his parent(s) the Committee cannot

resolve the problem, the Committee may choose to expel the Scout from the

troop.  The reasons for expulsion will be documented and forwarded to the

Unit Commissioner.

 

Troop Committee Membership

1.)     In accordance with the Troop Committee Guidebook, issued by the BSA,

the Troop 83 Committee has the following organization:

·        Chairperson

·        Secretary

·        Treasurer

·        Advancement Chairperson

·        Chartered Organization Representative (appointed by the Lionville Methodist

Church)

·        Hospitality Coordinator

·        Board of Review Coordinator

 

2)  BSA requires that only those persons who have submitted a BSA application and are on file with Council can be "voting" committee members.   All persons holding the specific Committee positions noted above must be registered as Committee members.   Parents are encouraged to participate in the troop as Committee members. Committee members are encouraged to attend regular Council training sessions directed to Committee membership.

(NOTE: By BSA rules, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters cannot be Committee members.)

 

 3.) The Troop Committee's primary responsibilities are to support the

Adult Leaders in delivering a quality troop program and to handle troop

administration.  The Committee recruits and approves the Scoutmaster.   It allocates the troop funds, oversees scout and leader recruitment, assists the leadership in planning the troop's outdoor program, coordinates the fund raising activities and numerous other activities.  All parents are encouraged to attend and participate in the monthly committee meetings to gain information about the troop program and offer suggestions. 

 

Uniform Requirements - Wearing a uniform in Troop 83 IS NOT OPTIONAL. Scouts, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to meet BSA uniform requirements (below).  The uniform that the Scout wears sets him apart from non-Scouts and should be a source of pride for the Scout. Wearing of the

Scout uniform is a tangible demonstration of Scout Spirit.  Uniforms are to

be clean and in good repair, shirts are to be tucked into pants, buttons

fastened and shoelaces tied.

 

(NOTE: a new scout will be presented with a "generic" blue neckerchief when

joining Troop 83.  When the scout attains the rank of Tenderfoot, he will be

presented with the Troop 83 neckerchief and one Troop 83 T-shirt.  Additional

neckerchiefs or T-shirts must be purchased from the Troop.)

 

Class "A" Uniform - Official Boy Scout Shirt with all proper insignia,

including present rank, official BSA pants or shorts, official BSA socks,

Troop 83 neckerchief and proper neckerchief slide, official BSA belt and

hiking boots or dress shoes (no sneakers or light colored shoes).

Class "B" Uniform - the Official Boy Scout Shirt

 

Class "A" Uniform is required:

·        First Troop meeting of the month (uniform inspection will occur)

·        Boards of Review and Courts of Honor

·        Summer Camp evening retreats

·        Other functions identified by the Scoutmaster

Class "B" Uniform is required:

·        All Troop meetings (other than the first meeting of the month)

·        When traveling on Troop outing

 

(Note: The Blue Troop T-Shirt will be worn on informal occasions (like at summer camp) or at other times, identified by the adult leaders.  The troop T-shirt is not a substitute for the official shirt for troop outings.)

 

Uniforms are not to be worn at the following:

·        Troop or personal fund raising activities (e.g., annual flower sale)

·        Outings that are not official Troop 83 activities

·        Uniform requirements may be waived by the Scoutmaster or trip leader on a

case-by-case basis

 

NOTE: A Scout who is not properly dressed in uniform may be excluded from a

troop activity (e.g., outing, Troop meeting or Board of Review) by any of the

Troop's leaders.

 

(The troop maintains a collection of donated shirts or pants/shorts and some

equipment that scouts have out-grown.  When larger clothing is needed, feel

free to ask a leader about this collection. Perhaps you can save a little by

using some pre-worn scout clothing.)

Troop Meetings

Troop meetings shall be held on Monday evenings and will begin promptly at

7:00PM.  Committee meetings will be held on the last Monday of every month,

beginning at 7:30PM.

 

Scouts shall employ the ideals of the Scout Law during the Troop meetings,

giving due respect and courtesy to both adult and youth leadership.

 

Attendance

Early Departures - Scout must notify an uniformed leader if an early

departure from the Troop meeting is necessary.

 

Active Participation - To be considered an actively participating Scout

within Troop 83 guidelines, the Scout must attend a minimum of 50% of the

scheduled Troop meetings and 50% of the scheduled activities.

 

If because of other temporary activities (i.e., sports, music or religious

obligations) the Scout cannot satisfy the "Active Participation"

requirements, the Scout should meet with the Scoutmaster and discuss a plan

for meeting these requirements in a timely fashion.

 

A Scout must participate in at least two trash pickups a year in our

Adopt-a-Highway program.

 

A Scout who does not maintain "Active Participation" requirements may be

considered to have not demonstrated "Scout Spirit" and may be ineligible for

rank advancement.  Speak with the Scoutmaster about ways that the

participation requirements can be met.

 

Parents/Family Participation

Parent/family volunteer efforts are critical to the success of the Troop.  Each family is responsible for participation in a minimum of 2 troop activities per year, in addition to their participation in the Spring Flower Sale.  This participation can include but is not limited to leadership for event organization, participation in Boards of review and service on the Troop Committee.

 

Advancement

Records - Scouts are required to keep individual advancement records in their

Scout Handbook.  Scout binders shall be checked at the Scoutmaster Conference

for rank advancement. Requirements are not to be signed off by parents but

must be signed off by Scoutmasters (or Patrol Leaders for ranks up to and

including First Class).

 

Service Hours:

Service hours are required for rank advanacement:

Acceptable Activities for Service Hours:

·        Work on Eagle projects

·        Charitable work with church or community organizations

·        Assistance at Special Events or with other BSA units (Cub Packs, Camporees, Handicap Weekends).  

Unacceptable Activities for Service Hours:

·        Trash Pickups

·        Activities for which you get pay

·        Activities for your own family

If you have any questions whether an activity will be acceptable for rank advancement, ask one of the Committee Members or Scoutmasters before performing the service hours.  The Scout should obtain a signed note from the person sponsoring the service hours documenting the work performed and the number of hours.

 

Scoutmaster Conferences - Scoutmaster Conferences should be arranged at least

one week in advance of a scheduled Board of Review, and should not take place

on the same evening as the Board or Review.

 

Boards of Review - will be regularly scheduled for the first Troop Meeting of

the month.  Scouts must ask to appear before the Board of Review at least one

week in advance of a scheduled Board.  A Board of Review can be scheduled

with the Advancement Chairperson, Committee Chairperson or a Scoutmaster.

 

A scout going before the Board of Review shall present himself in Class A

uniform, have his Scout Handbook and Individual Scout Binder.

 

Boy Leadership:

1)         Election of Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Patrol Leaders (PL) is subject to the approval of the Scoutmaster (SM).

2)         The SPL and the PLs must be of First Class rank or higher.

3)         Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) (ASPL) and Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL) are appointed by the SPL and PL, respectively.

4)         All other Scout leadership positions are appointed, in consultation, by the SM and SPL.

 

Adult Leadership:

An active, involved adult leadership is essential for a strong scouting program.  The Troop Committee, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters will actively recruit adults to become registered adult leaders.  While parents are encouraged to participate in outings and troop meetings, when a parent is very active (for instance is on most campouts), it is expected that the parent will become an adult leader.  Adult leader training has become such a necessary part of the program, the Troop Committee must assure that adult leaders have official training.

 

1)  An adult leader must be over 18 years of age and must complete an application.  Starting April 1, 2003, National BSA will require a Criminal and Child Abuse background check is performed before an adult leader application is finalized. 

 

2)  Adult leaders who will lead outings, who participate in long term camping or High Adventure trips must have received Youth Protection Training.   Assistant Scoutmasters are minimally expected to receive Scouter Fundamentals training.

 

3)  When a scout turns 18 years old, he can no longer be a Scout but can become an adult leader.  He should complete an adult application and become an Assistant Scoutmaster.  

 

Courts of Honor - It is expected that all Scouts and parents attend Courts of

Honor.

Rank advancement patches and merit badges may be awarded at a scheduled troop

meeting, but formal recognition will occur at the Court of Honor.

 

Merit Badges

Procedures -- Before a Scout starts work on a merit badge, he should meet

with the Scoutmaster, express his interest, identify the appropriate merit

badge counselor, and identify a buddy.

 

The Scout will then receive a "blue card" signed by the Scoutmaster.  The

Scout should show this card to the counselor at their first meeting.

 

When the Scout has completed the requirements for the merit badge, he will

return the blue card to the Advancement Chairman, signed by the counselor,

for processing by the Advancement Committee. (Or, the merit badge counselor

can hold the blue card for the duration of the badge work.)

 

Various merit badge opportunities will be made available during the year at

troop meetings.  Scouts will be encouraged to work with external merit badge

counselors to develop communications skills.  It is responsibility of the

Scout to call the merit badge counselor.

 

Extensive merit badge work is possible at summer camp for boys who have

achieved first class rank or higher.

 

One merit badge or rank advancement patch will be supplied by the troop.

Replacement of a patch is the responsibility of the Scout.

 

Eagle Projects: the plan for an Eagle project must be presented and approved

by the Troop Committee prior to beginning work.

 

Fund Raising: Troop 83 has only one fund raising activity each year, the

annual Easter flower sale.  This flower sale has be held each year from the

Wednesday before Easter to afternoon of Easter Sunday and the flower tent

must be staffed around the clock during these days.  It is expected that each

Scout and his parent(s) will work the required number of hours.  This is our

primary source of revenue to buy equipment and run the program.  Without this

fundraising event, an extra $100-200 would be needed from each scout to fund

the program

 

A second flower sale is held between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Half of the

money collected for flowers ordered and delivered goes into the individual

scout's account; the Troop receives none of this money.  The Scout can

request money from this account to pay for outings, high adventures and

personal camping equipment.

 

Funds Remaining in Boy Accounts:

If a Scout leaves the troop and has not used the money in their personal account, the funds may be transferred to a sibling.  If not disposed of, funds will be placed into the common troop account after one year.

 

Trip Permission Slips

For each outing, a parent must prepare and sign a form granting permission

for his/her son to participate.  This is REQUIRED as a condition of the

liability insurance offered by the BSA.  Please ensure your son has a

permission slip and the money needed for the trip by departure time.  Also,

trip permits are required for many of our outings, usually those outside of

the council area.  A registered adult is required to take responsibility for

trips for liability insurance reasons.  However, an essential part of making

a trip possible is to have enough parents to drive and to take part in the

trip.   We ask that one of the boy's parents participate in at least one trip

each year.  The adult leadership cannot be expected to provide all the

transportation and all the trip participation necessary to run as busy a

program as Troop 83 attempts to maintain.  All drivers must be over 21 years

old and must have completed a form with details of insurance coverage,

make/model of car, and etc.

 

High Adventure Eligibility Guidelines

The Committee recognizes the unique opportunities that BSA High Adventure Camps offer to scouts.   The crew size is dictated by BSA therefore not all interested scouts may be able to participate.  The following guidelines will aid the scout, crew coordinator and the committee in making decisions on which boys are eligible to participate.

·        BSA establishes minimum age requirements for each HA and these guidelines will be followed.  Scouts younger than the required age are usually not physically or emotionally ready for the demands of the HA experience.  It is recognized that younger scouts will have more opportunities to attend during their scouting career.  Age eligible, "first-timers" will be added to the crew roster on a first-come, first served basis.

·        Due to the limited space on crews, preference will be given to age eligible scouts who have not attended the specific camp before.

·        Scouts and adults on the crew roster are expected to make payments on-time and in-full, failure to do so may result in being removed from the crew roster.  If hardships arise in meeting the payment schedule, the individual should inform the crew coordinator or troop committee, in strictest confidence.

·        The adult crew coordinator(s) may drop a scout or an adult who is not physically or emotionally ready for the challenges of the HA from the roster.  This is not done casually and will be based most often upon performance on shakedowns.

·        Scouts (and parents, when appropriate) are expected to attend all crew meetings and shakedowns.  Scouts making a commitment to the HA must understand this commitment will take precedence over sports or other non-school related obligations.

·        It is understood that HA are primarily for the benefit of scouts.  While adult participation is required, 2-3 adults is the optimal number.  More adults may participate if there are openings on the crew and there are no age eligible scouts on the waiting list.

·        Each individual HA camp will have specific requirements in addition to those above, which must be taken into consideration.

 

Approved by Troop Committee: January 27, 2003