|
A. REGULAR
MEETINGS
1. Meetings are
every Tuesday night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
at the Bushkill Township Firehouse unless
otherwise noted.
2. Troop meetings will run from the first
Tuesday school day of the Nazareth Area
School District (NASD) school year calendar until the Troop Picnic in June. If
NASD cancels school or closes school early
due to foul weather, there will be no
meeting. On dates that school is scheduled
to be closed, the Green Bar will determine
if there will be a meeting.
[Top]
B. UNIFORMS:
Field (Class A) Uniform:
1. The Class A uniform
is the complete Boy Scout uniform as mandated by
BSA, including the Scout tan shirt, Scout green
pants and Scout neckerchief (the Troop 44 blue
neckerchief) with slide. All Scouts at the rank of
1st class or above are expected to
wear the official scout pants or shorts; the
troop accepts either tan or khaki, or olive drab
pants as part of the class A uniform in ranks
lower than 1st class.
2. When to wear: The
class A uniform is worn to all meetings, Court
of honor ceremonies, Scoutmaster Conferences,
boards of review, while traveling to and from
camping trips, at devotions and flag ceremonies.
Utility (Class B) Uniform:
1. The Class B uniform for the Scout is a
any current or past Troop 44 designed T-shirt and any type of pants or
shorts. A troop polo shirt is available for
adults.
2. The class B is typically worn when the
class A is not required. The class B is worn
during camping trips and work activities.
The troop sells class B T-shirts for the
boys and polo shirts for the adults.
[Top]
C. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Troop dues
are $50.00 per Scout, $20.00 per Registered Adult per year. Dues are due by
December 1st of the preceding calendar year for
the following calendar year. This enables us to
re-charter in January, as required by BSA
and Minsi Trails Council.
2. Monies from Troop dues will be
put into the Troop fund and used to pay for
re-chartering with BSA including the
registration fee, insurance and Boy’s Life
magazine. The Troop Neckerchief, eppiletts and Boy Scout Handbook
are provided to new
Scouts. Dues also provide for badges, pins, stationary supplies,
camping necessities, and any other
supplies/equipment deemed necessary by the Troop
Committee. Troop dues are non-refundable.
3. Scouts joining the Troop mid-year will have
the Troop dues pro-rated.
4. In addition to the Troop dues,
Scouts will be
asked to participate in at least one troop
fundraiser per year. Participation in
these events is encouraged for both Scouts and
Parents.
5. The annual
Popcorn Sale is voluntary. Scouts who
participate will receive all monies given to the
troop by Council, put into the Scout account
by the Troop 44 Treasurer. These monies can be
used to pay for camping and other Scouting
related expenses.
[Top]
D.
INDIVIDUAL SCOUTING ACCOUNTS
1. In the event that a
Scout, for any reason, decides he no longer
wants to be a member of Troop 44, no money will
be handed to the Scout, regardless of the amount
of money in his account.
2. If the Scout is
transferring to another Troop, leaders of the
new troop will be contacted by leaders of Troop
44, and a check will be written to the new
troop, not to the individual scout.
3. If a Scout quits scouting completely, then
any money left in the Scouts account will be
transferred into the Troop Account, and
considered a donation to the Troop.
The
Scout may request that the money in his account
be transferred to another Scout within Troop 44
as an alternative.
4. If a Scout quits scouting completely, or
leaves scouting due to age requirements, but has
a brother in Troop 44, any funds in the scout’s
account may be transferred over to the account
of his brother.
[Top]
E. CAMPING TRIPS:
1.
The troop typically
plans an outdoor trip every month of the year.
Sign-up sheets for the trips are out at every
meeting. We require that Parents look at the
sign-up sheet to see what trips their Scout has
signed up for, to verify that he will be able to
go on that date. Sign up sheets are posted on
the Troop website for convenience. Sign up
sheets will also be emailed out periodically to
assist Parents with this requirement.
2. The scout is
responsible for his portion of the trip
expenses. The expenses typically include food,
campsite fees, rentals, entrance fees and a
travel fee when necessary. Scouts can use the
money in their troop account to pay for these
expenses.
3. Parents must leave
us with a contact number that they will respond
to.
4.
Any
medications that the Scout is on, both OTC and
prescription must be given to an adult in charge
of the trip along with written dosing
instructions. Even if the Scout’s
Parent/Guardian is in attendance all medicines
will be turned in as previously described.
If your son is on a medication, it is best that
he not discontinue that medication during a
overnight outing with the Troop.
5. Should it be
necessary for a Scout to be picked up at camp
due to illness, disciplinary problem, or
unresolved homesickness, it will be the
responsibility of PARENTS to pick their scout up
from camp. This is to ensure adequate leadership
and the safety of the remaining scouts.
6. Electronic devices
such as mobile phones, radios, tape players, CD players, MP3,
iPods, DVD players, electronic games, etc. are
not allowed while camping, but may be used in
the car while traveling to and from camping
trips. All unauthorized devices will be
confiscated for the duration of the trip.
7. No sheath knives or
double bit axes are allowed at any scout
function and they will be confiscated. No
firearms, tobacco, fireworks, aerosol cans, or
incendiary devices (other than matches or
approved fire starters), illicit drugs or
alcohol are allowed at any scout function by
either Scouts or Adults. Individuals will be
immediately expelled from the function. Parents
will be called to pick up the Scout. Additional
action may be taken.
8. Attendance on
camping trips is at the discretion of the
Scoutmaster or trip leader.
9. Fees and
costs are expected to be paid for outings if you
have signed up for the outing and you cancel
after the Tuesday before the outing.
Exceptions will be approved by the Troop Committee Chairman.
10. The BSA Guide to
Safe Scouting will be followed.
[Top]
F. ADVANCEMENT
1. All requirements
for advancement are tracked using the Boy Scout
handbook. Individual requirements for the ranks
up to First Class are signed off by the Patrol
Leader, other senior Scouts (First Class or
above), or an Adult Leader. All requirements
must be initialed and dated in order for the
advancement to be awarded.
2. Advancement
information for each Scout in Troop 44 is
maintained through the use of computer software
by the Advancement Chairperson. The Scout
must bring his handbook to all meetings and
activities in order for requirements to be
initialed and dated. Advancement cards, received
upon completion of requirements for ranks and
for merit badges, should be kept in a safe
place, as they may be necessary to document the
Scout’s advancement.
3. Scouts start by
earning the Scout rank. The requirements can be
found in the Boy Scout Handbook. These
skills must be demonstrated to the Scoutmaster,
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Guide, or another qualified
Scout, who will then initial and date the
Scout’s handbook. The initials or signature and
date are required for the rank or badge to be
rewarded.
4. The ranks of
Tenderfoot Scout, Second Class Scout, and First
Class Scout require skills learned at campouts,
hikes, other troop activities and troop
meetings, and service hours (given to the
community or chartering organization). Please
ensure all service hours are documented if not
done as a troop activity. The Scoutmaster (SM) or
Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) or a
qualified Scout will initial and date
requirements as they are completed. The Scout
may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot,
Second Class, and First Class in any order, but
they will receive the ranks in order (i.e.,
Tenderfoot before Second Class, Second Class
before First Class). Therefore, it is advisable
to place emphasis on completing the requirements
for the next rank.
5. Since the Scout
skills required for lower ranks have already
been learned, the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle
are achieved by being active in the troop,
demonstrating Scout spirit, taking part in
service projects, completing merit badges and
serving in positions of responsibility within
the troop.
6.
The
last two requirements for all ranks are a
Scoutmaster’s Conference and a Board of Review.
Prior to the Scoutmaster conference for the
ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First
Class there is knowledge review conducted by 3
Scouts who are at least the rank of First Class.
The Scout’s Patrol Leader or Troop Guide is
responsible for arranging the review and should
be a member of the review panel. The results of
the knowledge review will be communicated to the
Senior Patrol Leader. Upon successful completion
the Patrol Leader will recommend the Scout for a
Scoutmaster conference. Any reviews that do not
result in a recommendation for a Scoutmaster
conference will be communicated to the
Scoutmaster by the Senior Patrol Leader so an
appropriate course of action can be arranged to
assist the Scout in question.
The
purpose of the review is to ensure basic
knowledge and skills have been learned and to
ensure consistency in the program standards for
knowledge and skill signatures. The ranks of
Star, Life and Eagle will have no Scout
administered knowledge review prior to the
Scoutmaster conference. At the Scoutmaster’s
Conference, the Scoutmaster and Scout review the
requirements for that rank and previous ranks.
If the Scoutmaster feels confident that the
Scout demonstrates the knowledge and skills
required, he will initial and date the handbook
and arrange for a Board of Review.
7. The Board of
Review is to be comprised of at least three
Committee Members but never more than six. The
Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and the
Scout’s parents cannot be on the Board. The
Scout must present himself in a neat, clean
Class A uniform and have his handbook. Upon
completion of the Board of Review, the Board
confers and announces the results to the Scout
and Scoutmaster.
8. For the Eagle rank,
a Life Scout appears before the Troop Committee
as part of the Eagle Project planning process,
and when his project is completed, has a
Scoutmaster conference and an Eagle Board of
Review before a District Committee.
[Top]
G. ATTENDANCE
1. In order to fulfill
Rank Advancement Requirements and derive the
most benefits from the Scouting program, a Scout
is expected to be active in the Troop,
participating in both weekly meetings and
camping trips, and to demonstrate Scout Spirit.
2. Scouts are
required to participate in Community Service
projects performed throughout the year to
advance in rank per BSA requirements.
3. Scouts will never be told that "they can not
advance', because of poor attendance, only that
their new rank will be delayed until ALL
requirements are met, including "Be Active"; and
"Demonstrate Scout Spirit".
[Top]
H. DISSEMINATION OF
INFORMATION
1.
All schedules, schedule changes, forms,
information and reminders will be sent to Scouts
and Parents via e-mail or available on the Troop
website. All scheduling and future outings
will also be available on the Troop website.
Printed hardcopies of the schedule will not be
provided.
2. On certain occasions, the Scoutmaster, Senior
Patrol Leader or Patrol Leaders, may phone
Scouts to remind or notify of any schedule
changes.
3. Troop 44 will make every effort possible to
maintain an updated Internet Web Page with
updated reminders and any schedule changes.
Comments and recommendations for website
improvements should be directed to the
Webmaster or Committee Chair.
[Top]
I. MEMBERSHIP -
GENERAL
1. Any person wishing
to become an Adult Leader must complete the BSA
Adult Application, and have it approved by the
Committee Chairperson, Chartered Organization
Representative, and Council.
2. Any boy wishing to
join Troop 44 must complete the BSA Scout
application, and have it approved by the
Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson.
[Top]
J. ADULT LEADERSHIP
1. Although BSA
provides and recommends an extensive list of
titles to be filled, as per the BSA Troop
Committee Guidelines (e.g.: Outdoor Activities
Coordinator, Advancement Coordinator, Training
Coordinator, Equipment Coordinator, etc.), the
following will be the absolute minimum amount of
leaders/titles retained by Troop 44:
Charter Representative
One Scoutmaster
At least one Assistant Scoutmaster
One Committee Chairperson
At least two other committee
members, including a Treasurer
2. Committee meetings
will be held once a month at regularly scheduled
times, unless cancelled by the Committee Chair. Additional committee
meetings may be held if needed.
3. If any existing
Adult Leader is negligent in fulfilling his or
her duties, or is deemed to have an adverse
affect on the boys in the Troop, or operates
contrary to the teachings of BSA, or is
obstructive in any way towards the general
steady, successful operation of the Troop, a
vote can be taken by Committee
Members,
as to whether that leader should be asked to
relinquish the position.
4. In general, decisions by the committee are
reached by a consensus of opinion, but a formal
vote may be asked for by any committee member.
The Charter Representative or Committee Chairperson can veto a vote if found
to be contrary to BSA policy and/or the Guide to
Safe Scouting.
5.
All registered Adult Leaders in Troop 44 are
welcome to attend committee meetings, however,
the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are
not permitted to vote on issues brought before
the Committee as per BSA rules.
While they cannot vote their
opinions will be given strong consideration in
matters directly related to the program.
[Top]
K. DISCIPLINE
The pre-existing
"TROOP 44 RULES AND
REGULATIONS as OUTLINED BY BSA"
will be used to govern any
disciplinary problems that may occur. Discipline
problems may also be dealt with by the Greenbar,
under advisement from the Scoutmaster.
[Top]
L. SCOUT LEADERSHIP
POSITIONS
1. Elections for Scout
Leadership positions will be held in September
and March. The Scoutmaster will determine the
Scouts’ eligibility for elected and appointed
positions.
2. In order for a Scout to fill any elected
office, scouts must be first class or above and
should:
A. Have a good attendance record
B. Show Scout Spirit
C. Be responsible
D. Take the initiative
E. Be attentive
3.
Leadership training is expected to be completed
by all Scouts in Leadership positions as soon as
practical after appointment. This requirement
can be fulfilled in a variety of methods as
agreed with the Scoutmaster including National
Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), Council and
Troop offered classes.
4. Other requirements are as follows:
Senior Patrol Leader
(SPL) -
Twelve month term elected in March. The SPL must have been a Patrol Leader,
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or a Troop Guide,
is Star rank or higher. Scoutmaster nominates
boys eligible for the position. SPL is
responsible for supervising all other boy
leaders and running all troop activities.
Assistant Senior
Patrol Leader (ASPL) - Twelve month term, appointed by
the Senior Patrol Leader in March. Must meet the
requirements to be SPL. Assumes all SPL duties in
the absence of the SPL.
Patrol Leader
(PL) -
Six month term elected in September and March.
First Class rank or higher. Responsible for leading a patrol of scouts
during troop meetings and trips.
Assistant Patrol
Leader (APL) - Six month term, appointed by the
Patrol Leaders. Assumes all Patrol Leader
responsibilities in absence of the Patrol
Leader.
Scribe - Six month
term elected in September and March. Responsible
for tracking attendance at all events, posting
sign-up sheets and distributing the calendar of
events. NOTE:
Scribe must have access to a computer in a
secure locations such as your home, and have
Internet access.
Quartermaster
(QM) -
Six month term elected in September and March.
Responsible for distributing and tracking all
troop gear for trips and for distributing gear
to be cleaned up after trips.
Six Month Positions
Nominated by the Scoutmaster (Boys can accept or
reject):
Troop Guide
(TG)
-
Is First Class rank or higher. Responsible for training the scouts and leading
new scout patrols.
Librarian
-
Responsible for organizing troop books and
videos and checking out books to boys.
Historian
- Keeps a
scrapbook of troop activities and photos.
OA Representative
- Must be OA member. Represents the Troop at OA
meetings.
Assists
with the Troop annual OA election.
Chaplain Aide - Helps
run religious functions such as Vespers and
prayers at the troop meetings.
Den Chief
- Is First Class rank or higher and must
complete Den Chief Training. Works with a Cub
Scout den. Develops a list of responsibilities
with the Den Leader and performs those duties.
Junior Assistant
Scoutmaster - Assist the Scoutmaster and SPL in
their duties.
[Top]
M. GREEN BAR
1.
The positions that constitute membership in the Troop Green bar patrol are
Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader,
and Troop Guides.
2. There will be a Green Bar meetings held periodically in order to
plan the weekly troop meetings and other events.
In additional a review of patrol activities and
advancement requirements will be completed. The
Scoutmaster and other representatives of the
Adult leadership attend in an advisory and
resource capacity. Adult participation is at the
discretion of the Scoutmaster; two deep
leadership will be enforced.
3. Scouts in positions of responsibility are encouraged to attend
Green Bar meetings, but are not permitted to
vote in Green Bar decision. All Scouts are
strongly encouraged to add suggestions and
recommendations for outings and activities to
the Green Bar members however.
4. Once a year, or as needed, Leadership training will be held. The
Scoutmaster and other representatives of the
Adult leadership will conduct the training; two
deep leadership will be enforced.
[Top]
N. PROGRAM PLANNING
See Green Bar above.
[Top]
O. ADDITIONS AND
CHANGES TO BY LAWS
1.
Leaders of Troop 44 acknowledge that there may
be a need to make a change or create additions
to the BY LAWS at any time in the future.
2.
Additions that are required due to changes by
local or national council are not to be voted on
and will be communicated to the Troop Adult
Leadership by the Committee Chairperson and
implemented immediately.
3.
If a suggested change and/or addition is not
agreed upon unanimously, then a vote will be
cast with majority passing the motion. More than 50% of the
registered Committee Members must be
present for this vote.
4. Matters not covered
by these by-laws will be decided upon by the
Troop Committee, using past precedent or
majority opinion.
5. The bylaws will be
made available to anyone who wishes to see them.
They will be posted on troop website -
www.troop44bushkill.org They are
also available as a .pdf format for
download.
[Top]
|
