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Boy Scout Troop 993 is sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church and has been chartered by BSA since 1958. Since that time hundreds of young men have had the rewarding experience of learning skills, enjoying fellowship and gaining very useful knowledge that has assisted them in becoming leaders of our community and valuable contributors to our society.
The following material has been written to assist new Scouts and their families in learning some of the rules and procedures that have helped our Troop remain successful and enhance each Scout's enjoyment of the program.
The program is for the Scouts and is as successful and rewarding as each of us makes it.
Troop 993 has gained its success by following the program provided by the Boy Scouts of America. Everyone's thoughts and suggestions to make this a better program are always welcome.
The Troop Committee has adopted the following Mission Statement for Troop 993:
Boy Scout Troop 993 exists to serve boys by instilling values, preparing them to make ethical choices over their lifetime and to enable them to achieve their full potential.
We accomplish this by working towards three aims -- Participating Citizenship; Moral Strength and Character; and Development of Physical, Mental and Emotional Fitness. Our values are based upon the Scout Oath and Law.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
JOINING
REQUIREMENTS
2.
TROOP MEETING
3.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
4.
COURT_OF_HONOR
5.
TROOP OUTINGS
6.
PERMISSION SLIPS
7.
REQUIRED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
8.
SPECIAL RULES
9.
PATROL SYSTEM
10.
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
11.
COST OF SCOUTING
12.
ADVANCEMENT
13.
DAMAGE TO TROOP EQUIPMENT/PROPERTY
14.
TROOP HEALTH AND SAFETY
15.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
16.
LEADER/DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
17.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
1. JOINING TROOP 993
To join Troop 993, you must
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be at least 10 and half years old, but not yet 18 years old, or
·
have completed the fifth grade, or
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have earned the Arrow of Light
In addition, by the time of your induction into Troop 993, you must be able to
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repeat the Pledge of Allegiance
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demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake
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demonstrate tying the square knot (joining knot)
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understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the motto, the slogan, and the Outdoor Code
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describe the Scout badge
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complete the exercises in the pamphlet in the front of your new Scout Handbook
·
participate in a Scoutmaster conference
If you earned the Arrow of Light, you have mastered most of these requirements. If you have not earned the Arrow of Light, the Troop Guide, one of our Scouts, will teach you the joining requirements to earn your Scout badge. Afterwards, the Troop Guide will help you learn the Scout skills you will need to earn your Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class badges.
The following items are required before we can register you in Troop 993:
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Completed and signed Boy Scout Application
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Class 1/2 Medical Form
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Check for $ 50.00, made out to Boy Scout Troop 993
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Please note that summer camp requires a Scout to have had a physical examination by a doctor within 3 years. If you have had a physical, please have the doctor fill out the back of the medical form. If not, please have your Parent or guardian fill out the front of the form anyway and turn it in; it provides us with a medical release for any troop outing. Before your physical, we can provide you with an additional form for the doctor to fill out.
In addition to the above items, we also require that your parent or guardian fill out the following items:
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completed and signed Adult Application
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vehicle Insurance Information
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Troop Resource Survey
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Merit Badge Counselor Application
These forms will allow us (and the Scouts) to know what special talents your parent or guardian can bring to the Troop and the program they will be planning.
To become a member of Troop 993, you will need to obtain a Scout uniform. At your induction, the Troop will provide you with a neckerchief, hat, BSA handbook and all of the insignia you will require.
2. TROOP MEETINGS
Troop 993 meets every Monday, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Meetings are held from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Exceptions due to school holidays, outings, holidays, etc., are noted in the Calendar of Events published and distributed by the Troop Committee. Parents are REQUIRED to drop off and pick up the Scouts on time. We share our facilities with many other groups at Wesley so times may come up when we have to change or cancel a meeting with very short notice.
The Senior Patrol Leader will notify Scouts through the communication system (see section 9) when meetings are unexpectedly changed for some reason.
3. ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The majority of advancement opportunities occur on Troop camp outs and outings, although some opportunities are provided during the meetings. These nights are designed to allow Scouts to work on advancement, skills or merit badges. For those Scouts who have not completed first class, we will try to have some adults or Scouts who can help them to complete some of the advancement requirements. For those Scouts above first class we invite the Scout to arrange with merit badge counselors to work on their badges. While these evenings are provided to help the Scouts with SOME of their merit badge requirements, the majority of the work must be done by the Scouts outside the meeting.
4. COURT OF HONORS
Once each three months, presently in March, June, September and December, a Troop Court of Honor meeting is held to recognize and award each Scout's achievements during the prior three months. This is a more formal type of meeting. Parents plus other family members are strongly encouraged to attend in support of their sons. This also provides an opportunity for each parent to learn more about the upcoming Troop events, as well as hear details of the past three months activities. Scouts are expected to be in full class A uniform for the Court of Honor.
5. TROOP OUTINGS
Along with regular meetings, the Troop attempts to have some type of activity monthly to enable each Scout to enhance his learning experience and to use and enjoy the rewards of the previous skill(s) he has learned. Some examples of past and future activities the Troop anticipates are as follows:
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Camping Trips
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Caving
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Marksmanship training
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Canoeing
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Hiking
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A week at Boy Scout camp during the summer
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Visits to military installations and historical sites
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Rock climbing ( qualified Scouts )
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Rappelling ( qualified Scouts )
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White water rafting ( qualified Scouts )
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Periodic community service projects and Eagle Scout Projects.
All programs are based on Scout, Scouter, and parent input, but are planned and conducted by the Scouts. If you would like to see something new, please bring it up to the Committee.
General Regulations for Troop Outings
There must be at least two registered adults present at all times on any Troop or Patrol event, whether it is a meeting, a day trip or an overnight. If the group is split (e.g., a strenuous hike for the older boys, and a somewhat easier hike for the younger boys), there must be two registered adult leaders with each group.
A tour permit is required for any activity away from the regular meeting place, which is the Wesley Fellowship Hall. The Committee Chairperson and the Scoutmaster in charge of the event must sign the tour permit. The tour permit is then mailed or faxed to Council at least two weeks prior to the outing.
Transportation must be in insured vehicles with a functioning seat belt for every passenger, and seat belts must be worn whenever a vehicle is moving. A Scout who will not wear a seat belt may be returned home immediately and may be limited to traveling with his parent, and only when his parent is a driver. Vehicle insurance information must be on file with the Troop and with the Council.
Camping
The camping fees
are due at least two Troop meetings before the outing, except for summer camp when the first deposit is due in February, and the final payment in March.
Scouts camp and cook as patrols. They are in charge of their own planning and cooking of meals. One or more Scouts will be assigned by the Patrol Leader to purchase patrol food for the campout; before purchasing food, however, they should check to see what food is available from the previous trip(s). This avoids multiple bottles of mustard, syrup, and the like. Each member of the Patrol should bring to the meeting two weeks before a trip approximately $7 per day (3 meals car camping; backpacking food may be higher) to cover the cost of food. This allows the purchaser to buy the food without having to nag people for reimbursement; after the food has been purchased, there may be some adjustment required. Leftover perishable food reverts to the purchaser;
non-perishables go back to the Patrol box. Avoid buying extra large economy size packages; the savings in bulk are usually negated by the loss to spoilage, spillage, and lack of keeping track of what they have already.
Scouts do not share tents with adults (except during certain high adventure outings -- in such case, a Scout may tent with his parent but not with any other adult); or a Scout may share a tent with another boy in his Patrol. More than two Scouts per tent are permitted only at the discretion of the adult Tour Leader.
Adults may plan to cook together or separately; make sure that you know what is planned. The same suggestions about the purchase of food apply to adults cooking together.
6. PERMISSION SLIPS
Permission slips and fees must be turned in at least two weeks prior to participation in each outing, whether one day or longer. If the permission slip is not turned in on time, the Scout will NOT be allowed to go on the outing. These slips must be signed by a parent or guardian and will be collected two meetings prior to leaving. These slips authorize the adult leader in charge to seek medical assistance should a Scout incur an accident or become ill. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents may be notified. If for some reason you misplace the permission slip it may be handwritten provided it is signed and dated and is worded as follows;
Parental Authorization -- I give permission for my son(s)_______ to accompany Boy Scout Troop 993 on the above outing. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I give permission to the physician selected by the leader in charge to hospitalize, secure proper anesthesia or order injection or surgery for my son.
Any permission slip that is unsigned or signed by anyone other then the parent or guardian will not be accepted.
If your child is on any medication, you must authorize a Scouter to dispense it. This medication authorization is on the back of the release form. NO Troop leader is allowed to dispense ANY medication, (prescription or non-prescription) without prior parental authorization. There is a place on the permission slip for the parent to indicate if they will be available for transportation to or from the event and whether or not they will participate in the outing. Parents are encouraged to take part in several of these outings each year.
Any boy not furnishing this slip will have to be left behind, and any consequences resulting from this action will be the responsibility of the boy and/or his parents.
7. REQUIRED
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
UNIFORM: All Scouts are required to wear the basic Scout uniform to all Scouting activities, meetings and traveling are two examples. The uniform includes the official BSA shirt, official Scout trousers, neckerchief and proper insignia on the shirt as shown in the Scout Handbook. (All items are available at Scout Headquarters in Bethesda, Sunny’s Surplus, and Peebles.
If you cannot afford the uniform, please talk to the Troop Committee Chairman about borrowing one from the Troop uniform locker. CAMPING GEAR: All Scouts are required to have the following equipment:
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Sleeping bag rated to at least + 20 degrees This should be your # 1 priority (a mummy type bag is preferred- do not buy a down bag, a synthetic is lighter and will keep warm even when wet)
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Backpack (external or internal frame, properly sized to the Scout)
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Eating utensils (i.e., knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl and cup)
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Clothing appropriate for the season to include an extra pair of shoes or boots and socks.
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Raincoat or poncho (A Must)
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Flashlight with extra batteries ( small AA type preferred)
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Tent, at least 2 or 3 man rated, this is optional.
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From time to time, other gear may be necessary depending on the type of outing. (All gear and clothing are required to be labeled with Scout name for easy ID)
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT:
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Official Scout Handbook
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Notebook and pencil or pen
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Scout Field Book (optional)
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON OUTINGS FOR SCOUTS OR ADULTS
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Radios, electronic games, etc.
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Sheath Knives
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Pocket knives UNLESS the Scout has earned his Totin' Chip
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Alcoholic beverages
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Firearms, ammunition or fireworks
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Drugs OF ANY KIND. Required prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs must be given to the outing leader by parent prior to departure with the Scout's name and written instructions for use. All medicines should be in the original container.
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Excessive amount of snack food or candy
8. SPECIAL RULES
In the interest of the safety of all Scouts, as well as the enjoyment and successful learning experience of the Scouting program, common sense and good conduct is required at all times.
The following special rules should be noted:
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NO tree or fence climbing without specific leader permission
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NO participating in waterfront activities without proper supervision
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NO throwing of any objects except as part of an organized activity
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NO use of cutting tools (ax, knife, etc.) without successful completion of Totin Chip Training (This rule applies to Scouts and adults)
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NO food in tents (Scouts and adults)
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NO flame in tents (Scouts and adults)
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NO running in camp at any time
The provisions contained in the BSA Health and Safety Guide (a copy is available upon request) will be followed at all times by the Troop.
9. PATROL SYSTEM
The Troop operates on a patrol system. Each patrol is comprised of approximately six (6) to ten (10) Scouts. Each Scout is assigned to a given patrol, with a patrol emblem to be worn on the uniform. Patrols are encouraged to operate as independent units for many of their activities, such as camping trips, summer camp, etc. Patrol meetings, in addition to regular meetings, are encouraged and recommended. Each patrol will periodically elect their Patrol leader.
10. COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
As boys develop into adults it is felt essential that they assume certain responsibilities of listening to announcements and taking necessary notes to insure that the Scouts are aware of upcoming activities and other pertinent information. At each Troop meeting various announcements are made pertaining to updated information that may be additions or changes from the most recent Calendar of Events. If a Scout is unable to attend a regular Troop meeting, he is responsible for contacting his patrol leader or another patrol member to obtain any information from that meeting.
Communications outside of a regular meeting will be passed by telephone through the Senior Patrol Leader to each Patrol leader and subsequently to each member. If a Scout has questions about meetings or an outing, he should first consult his Calendar of Events handout. If he should still need more information, he should call his Patrol Leader.
Parents, if you find you are not receiving required information, first discuss it with your Scout and then contact the Scoutmaster or a member of the Troop Committee so any problem can be corrected.
11. COST OF SCOUTING
The Troop does not charge dues but does charge for material used during camp outs. It is the Troop's desire that all boys be able to participate in the Scouting program regardless of their personal financial situation. Because of this, various fund raising projects are a regular part of the Troop activities. Parents are required to participate in fund raising activities. Some of the past and current fund raising activities are:
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Fruit Baskets
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Candy Sales
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Car Washes
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Yard Sales
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Spaghetti Dinners
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Miscellaneous sales
The money earned from these events goes toward Troop equipment, awards, camperships and Troop materials
All Scouts are required to participate in various fundraisers in order to insure that the financial requirements of the Troop are met. The Troop Financial Records are always available for review by interested parents. Normally the cost of each outing will be published in the permission slip. The early knowledge of which Scouts will be participating in an activity greatly helps in the planning stages, (food and transportation needs). Scouts who sign up for an event and later are unable to attend must notify the Scoutmaster at least one week PRIOR to the event. The committee reserves the right to determine the refund to be returned since various registration fees must be paid and supplies must be obtained in advance.
Besides the outing cost, some events require the purchase of food or supplies. These are not covered by the fee (unless otherwise stated in the permission slip). Normally each Patrol plans its own menu for an outing and one Scout from the patrol purchases the food. PARENTS, PLEASE make sure that whoever purchased these supplies is repaid. For those Scouts that cancel out of an outing when food has already been purchased, the Scout is obligated to pay for this food. For the Scout who bought these supplies; if you are having trouble collecting the money let the Scoutmaster know.
Assistance is available for any Scout who is unable to be fully involved because of financial difficulty. Please let the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman know if this help is necessary. The Troop will at all times keep this request confidential.
12. ADVANCEMENT
Since the Scout Advancement Program is an integral part of the learning experience, each Scout is encouraged and expected to set certain attainable goals. All Scouts are required to fulfill the requirements to progress to their next Scout rank in a reasonable time.
Scouts encountering difficulty in attaining their goals are requested to discuss any specific problems with the Scoutmaster. Parents are welcome to join in these discussions.
Remember, First Class Rank is required for High Adventure Outings!
PARENT'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM:
We ask that the parent work with their son on rank advancement from the time they join through the rank of First Class. The requirements for these ranks are outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. Parents should read these and test their son on what he knows.
Scouts planning to pursue merit badges are required to seek out Merit Badge counselors. Merit Badge counselors are adults who have a knowledge of the area they have signed up for (example Safety Merit badge counselor may be a Police Officer, a Fireman, etc.). BSA requires ALL Merit Badge Counselors be REGISTERED with the local Council. Registration is free; simply fill out a Merit Badge Counselor application and a BSA adult application. The Troop maintains a list of counselors who are available, both within our Troop and outside our Troop. The parent's responsibility is to ENCOURAGE their son to achieve the next rank. The SCOUT should contact these counselors and arrange with them to get the badge requirements completed along with
a buddy.
We would like to keep our Merit Badge Counselors List within the Troop up to date. If your hobbies or employment falls under one of the merit badge titles, please let our Committee or Advancement Chairman know and he/she will give you the necessary information needed to become a merit badge counselor. For your son's benefit, we suggest that you not serve as a merit badge counselor for your own Scout.
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS:
Awards for advancement, achievements or special situations will be distributed as follows:
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The actual badge, patch, etc. will be procured and awarded to the Scout at the earliest possible Troop meeting following the fulfillment of the requirements.
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A formal recognition will be awarded for each achievement earned at the Court of Honor, providing the Scout is in full and proper uniform.
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Scouts are required to keep track of any documentation (Merit Badge and Rank Cards) issued to them.
The Committee wishes to make the point that full parental support and attendance is very vital at each Court of Honor. The Troop does reserve the right to withhold any advancement if the Scout is not in uniform. Please make every effort to attend. All the family (and friends) is welcome. For rank advancement, Mother's pins will be provided
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13. DAMAGE TO TROOP EQUIPMENT/PROPERTY
Since the Troop has invested a great deal of money in equipment for the use of many Scouts, each Scout is expected to use and care for it better than if it were his own. Deliberate or negligent damage by any Scout will be cause for such Scout to be responsible for the repair, replacement or reimbursement to the Troop for the cost of such repairs/replacements.
14. TROOP HEALTH AND SAFETY
At Troop 993, we consider the safety of each member to be very important. At times, the Troop will participate in activities of slightly higher risk than the average activity. When you sign any activity permission slip, you should fully understand the scope of the activity. For the health and safety of each member of the Troop we will use (but not be limited to) the rules described in this booklet as a guide. The action taken to enforce these rules will depend on the infraction that occurred.
The health of the Scouts is very important to us as well. In order to attend activities and outings we require a completed Class 2 medical form be filled out for every Scout every three years, with a Class 1 form updated every year the same forms required by Boy Scouts of America for camping at council camps) These forms are available from the Troop, see an adult Scouter for a copy. Forms must be updated by the first Troop meeting in February each year. This is essential since we carry medical records with us on all outings.
15. DISCIPLINE POLICY
The Troop Committee and Patrol Leaders Council have agreed to follow a consistent discipline policy within the Troop. The Troop rules are handed out to each new Scout and are available on the Troop’s web page. The best way to follow the Troop rules are simple,
Remember the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
In the event a scout violates any rule of our troop, the following steps will be taken. The steps will be taken with each instance. If the severity of the problem warrants, the scout may be skipped ahead one or more steps.
1.
The Scout will be warned by the Patrol Leader
2.
The Scout will be warned by the SPL and the Patrol Leader
3.
The Scout will be required to write and sign a note acceptably explaining his inappropriate behavior.
4.
The Scout will meet with the PLC for counseling.
5.
The Scout, his parent(s), the SPL and the Scoutmaster will meet.
6.
The scout will not be allowed to participate in the next 3 Troop activities.
7.
The Scout will be expelled from the Troop.
16. LEADER/DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
The Troop uses the resource of the parents to provide the transportation and the leadership for our outings. When accepting this responsibility we ask that as a leader you do your best to be an example of good Scouting and act accordingly to the Scout Oath and Law as well as (but not limited to) the rules of this guidebook. You are being looked up to as a role model for our Scouts. As a driver, we demand that when you show up for driving for an outing you and your vehicle are in good driving condition. We cannot take the risk of anything less. The Troop cannot tolerate an impaired driver due to alcohol or drugs. A driver may be asked by the Troop leadership not to drive if there is ANY concern that this may be a problem. If any parent has a concern that
one of our drivers may be impaired, please bring it to the attention of the leader in charge of the activity. Your son's safety is our first concern. We live by the motto SAFETY FIRST!
17. PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
It is recognized that parent interest in Scouting varies, for many reasons. The benefits that the Scout receives are directly proportionate to both the QUALITY and QUANTITY of parental support and participation. Please keep this in mind when your help is requested. In addition, encourage and assist your boy in obtaining the most out of Scouting. He needs your support!
Any suggestions or questions that parents may have are more than welcome. Present them to any committee member or send a note with your son to any meeting. All parents are welcome to become a committee member and/or attend committee meetings. All parents are requested to fill out and return to the Committee a Troop resource survey and volunteer request form. These forms are available from any Committee member.
In order to insure a successful program, parents will be required to occasionally participate in an outing and/or provide transportation. A minimum of two adult leaders and a minimum ratio of one adult per six Scouts is required on every outing.
Parents are expected to help with transportation at least a couple times each year. If adequate transportation cannot be arranged for an event, some Scouts may not be able to attend. Those Scouts who are at the top of the list for attending will be those Scouts whose parents have participated the most in previous Scout activities.
Parents are encouraged to join the Troop Committee and/or the uniformed staff
.
The Troop needs the support and input from all its Scout's parents.
Additionally, we encourage you to read the parent's guide "How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse" a supplement that can be found in the front of your son's Scout Handbook. This booklet tells you what you can do with your child to prevent drug and/or child abuse along with an explanation about what Scouting is also doing. The prevention of Drug Abuse and Child Abuse are topics that the Boy Scouts of America and the Committee of Troop 993 take very seriously.
Thank you | 