1.0 Purpose of the Troop 428 Handbook

 

The purpose of this handbook is to provide general information about Troop 428 including objectives, organization, responsibilities and policies and procedures.   This handbook can be an introduction to Troop 428 for prospective Boy Scouts and their families as well as a reference to the Boy Scouts and families that are already a part of Troop 428.  Prospective Scouts should also read The Boy Scout Handbook as it provides a clear picture of the entire Scouting program.

 

Each Scout is required to read the entire Troop 428 Handbook, agree to abide by its policies and rules, and return the signed Affirmation and Agreement form within 30 days of being provided a copy. Also, each Scout must discuss with his parents “How To Protect Your Child From Drug Abuse: A Parent’s Guide”, located in the front section of the Boy Scout Handbook.

 

 Our Troop 428 handbook is subject to modification.  Therefore, any suggestions or recommendations as to the content and format are welcome.  Please use the reader comments form found at the end of the handbook to make those suggestions and recommendations.

 

2.0 Objectives and Methods of Boy Scout Troop 428

 

The objectives and methods of Troop 428 parallel the objectives and methods of the Scouting program as set forth by the Boy Scouts of America. As with most organizations, the BSA has a mission statement that outlines who and what they are as an organization. The Boy Scouts mission Statement is as follows:

 

"The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth. Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to the American society."

 

The objectives of the Scouting program are to build character, foster citizenship, and develop fitness. These objectives are achieved through a series of Scouting methods that consist of the Ideals of Scouting, the Patrol Method, the Outdoors Program, Rank Advancement, Personal Growth, Adult Association, Leadership Development, and the Uniform.

 

2.1 Ideals of Scouting

 

The ideals of Scouting are found in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan. All Scouts are expected to live by these   ideals.

 

            Scout Oath or Promise                                   Scout Law

 

            On my honor I will do my best              A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal,

            To do my duty to God and my country  Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind,

and to obey the Scout Law;                              Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave,

To help other people at all times;                       Clean, And Reverent.

To keep myself physically strong,

Mentally awake, and morally straight.

 

Scout Motto                                                   Scout Slogan

 

Be Prepared.                                                    Do a Good Turn Daily.

 

2.2 The Patrol Method

 

The patrol method develops leadership and teamwork skills in a small group setting before it is applied on a larger Troop setting. Patrols have their own meetings, elect their own officers, and plan and carry out their patrol activities.

 

 

 

The Patrol Method offers five major benefits for the Scout:

 

·         Promotes friendship by grouping scouts together,

·         The small size allows each Scout to get involved because he is needed in helping the patrol function,

·         Develops responsibility as each member of the Patrol takes on a leadership position within the patrol,

·         Introduces a democratic process to decision making, and

·         The Patrol Method is proven to work.

 

 

2.3 The Outdoors Program

 

The outdoors is the key setting where the Scouting objectives and methods are achieved.  Weekend camping as well as the annual summer camp help the Scouts develop self-reliance as they learn to work together and survive on their own.

 

2.4 Rank Advancement

 

Advancement creates a challenge to all Scouts by providing them with a series of goals to achieve and lessons to learn. Furthermore, rank advancement provides a rewarded sense of accomplishment for the Scout’s hard work, determination, and skills improvement. 

 

2.5 Personal Growth

 

A Scout’s personal growth is developed through community service, rank advancement, and working as a team. All these activities provide an opportunity for the Scouts to grow as individuals and members of their community and religious organizations.

 

2.6 Adult Association

 

Adult association provides role models for the Scouts to observe and also creates a setting where adults and boys work together to achieve common goals while having fun.

 

2.7 Leadership Development

 

Leadership development takes place as each Scout assumes a Junior Leader position. Development starts with patrol positions, and fully develops as Scouts assume Troop junior leader positions that are essential to the operation of the entire Troop. Remember, your sons as leaders, run the Troop.

 

2.8 Uniform

 

The uniform gives Scouts an identity with the Troop and with the larger Boy Scouts of America organization.

 

3.0 Sponsorship

 

The Knight’s of Columbus Council 10525, Saint Michael’s of Poplar Springs, sponsors Troop 428.  As the sponsoring organization, the Knights of Columbus help Troop 428 by screening adult leader applicants, providing a meeting place for the troop and its adult leadership and by assisting with fund-raising.

 

 

4.0 Parental Responsibilities

 

As we work on providing a Scouting program for your son, there is a lot of hard work and time that goes into planning such a program. 

 

·        Submit an Adult Application. At least one adult from each troop family is required to complete and submit an adult application so that they can participate in Troop committee duties, participate in the Board of Review process, and other troop roles.

 

·        Attend all Courts of Honor. The Court of Honor is a very important event in your son’s Scouting career as he is awarded and recognized for his hard work and determination. In addition, important information about the Troop is relayed at these special ceremonies. Please make every effort to attend; your son needs your support.

 

·        Participate in Troop fund-raisers.   Every Scout and his family benefit directly from Troop fund-raisers and therefore every Scout and his family should participate in each fund-raising effort.

 

·        Meet deadlines and scheduled times. When we set a deadline on permission slips, payments, or any other item it is done to allow sufficient time to plan logistics for the outing or activity. Failure to meet deadlines will therefore make the scout ineligible to participate in that outing or activity. If a financial reason arises, please see one of the adults and we can work something out within the Troop. Under no circumstances should a family be priced out of Scouting.

 

·        Provide transportation to and from outings and activities.  If for any reason you prefer not to drive, there will be an extra charge per activity or outing in order to reimburse those adult leaders that do drive.

 

·        Encourage and support your son as he advances in Scouting.

 

In addition to the above, we encourage all parents to get involved, even if you only have a limited amount time to volunteer. Parents can serve on the Troop committee, become a merit badge counselor, or serve the Troop in some other capacity. Periodically, we announce special needs in our Troop newsletter or the Troop Committee meeting minutes.  Upon joining Troop 428, and on an annual basis around the time of the Troop Re-charter, parents are asked to complete a Troop Resources Survey so that the Troop’s Adult Leadership can learn a little more about you and what resources you might be able to make available to the Troop.  If you have any questions about serving the Troop in some position, please contact the Troop Committee Chairperson or the Scoutmaster.

 

5.0 Adult Leadership Responsibilities

 

Troop 428’s adult leaders are committed to providing a high-quality Scouting program to all members of the Troop in pursuit of two major goals:

 

·         Training and guidance of the Scouts consistent with the Objectives and Methods of the Boy Scouts of America;

 

·         Providing a safe outdoor program to all Scouts.

 

By assuming these two key responsibilities, we provide the Scouts with the tools to actually deliver the Scouting program to themselves and their fellow Scouts.

 

6.0 Troop Organization

 

This section of the handbook outlines both the Adult and Scout organization associated with Troop 428.

 

6.1 Adult Organization

 

The adult organization of Troop 428 consists of two distinct components: the Troop Committee and the Scoutmasters. The Troop Committee supports the Scoutmasters in their mission of delivering the Troop Program.  The Scoutmasters are responsible for direct oversight of the operations of the Troop and delivery of the Troop Program.

 

6.1.1 Troop Committee

 

Currently, the Troop Committee consists of a Committee Chairperson, Chartered Organization Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Coordinator, Outdoors/Activities Coordinator, Fund-raising Coordinator, Equipment Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, and Social Coordinator.  The responsibilities of each of these committee positions, as well as the individuals holding those positions, are outlined below.

 

Committee Chairperson: oversees the entire Troop committee.  The Committee Chairperson has the following duties:

 

·         Organizes the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed.

·         Prepare troop committee meeting agendas.

·         Call, preside over, and promote attendance at monthly troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called.

·         Arrange for charter review and re-charter annually, including the charter presentation.

 

Chartered Organization Representative: responsible for maintaining a close working relationship between Troop 428 and Knights of Columbus Council 10525.  

 

Secretary: responsible for assembling and mailing the minutes of every committee meeting and coordinating any Troop correspondence.  The duties of the secretary include:

 

·         Keep meeting minutes and send out committee meeting notices.

·         Maintain the troop calendar of events.

·         Conduct the troop resource survey annually.

·         Maintain the troop roster.

 

Treasurer: responsible for maintaining and reporting on the financial resources of the Troop, while insuring that the troop’s financial resources are sufficient and available to meet planned troop expenditures.      Duties of the treasurer include:

 

·         Handle all troop funds.  Pay bills with the authorization of the troop committee.

·         Maintain troop savings and checking accounts; reconciling balances with bank statements once a month.

·         Maintain records of individual scout funds, earned through scout-incentive fund-raisers.

·         Lead the preparation of the annual troop budget.

·         Lead the Friends of Scouting Campaign.

·         Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

·         Train and supervise the Troop Scribe’s record keeping.

 

Advancement Coordinator: responsible for coordinating all Boards of Review and maintaining advancement records for all Scouts.  The Advancement Coordinator’s duties include:

 

·         Encourage scouts to advance in rank.

·         Work with troop scribe to maintain all scout advancement records.

·         Maintain the merit badge counselor list.

·         Make a prompt report to Baltimore Area Council at the completion of a Board of Review. 

·         Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets and other advancement literature.

·         Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

 

 

 

 

Outdoors/Activities Coordinator: promotes, oversees and coordinates the outdoors program.  The duties of the Outdoors/Activities Coordinator are:

 

·         Arrange and coordinate the use of campsites and other facilities by the troop for each monthly outing/activity, including summer camp.

·         Coordinates transportation for monthly outings/activities, including summer camp.

·         Files tour permits for each monthly outing/activity, including summer camp.

·         Promote and support the troop objective of one outing/activity per month.

·         Generate the Information Sheet and Permission for each monthly outing/activity, including summer camp.  See “9.1, Outing Sheet and Permission Slip” for more information.

 

Fund-raising Coordinator: responsible for the evaluation and oversight of all Troop fundraisers.  The Fund-raising coordinator is not responsible for coordinating each individual fund-raiser, as each fund-raiser will have its own fundraising coordinator. 

 

Equipment Coordinator: oversees the purchase, maintenance and storage of Troop equipment.  The Equipment Coordinator’s duties include:

           

·         Supervise and help the troop procure equipment.

·         Work with the troop quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment.

·         Make periodic safety checks on all troop equipment and encourage troops in the safe use of all equipment.

·         Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

·         Maintains Troop inventory in coordination with the Troop Quartermaster.

 

Social Coordinator: responsible for refreshments at all Courts of Honor and other recognition dinners.

 

Publicity Coordinator: responsible for advertising troop fundraisers and publicizing troop activities.  Publicity Coordinator should also maintain Troop display case in Parish Hall of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. 

 

Webmaster:  Responsible for maintaining troop website, including updates of troop calendar, handbook, and directory.

 

Troop Apparel Coordinator:  Responsible for ordering and distribution of troop apparel.

 

 

 

 

 

6.1.2 Scoutmasters

 

The scoutmasters are responsible for overseeing the operations of the troop.  According to the Boy Scouts of America, the Scoutmaster is responsible for:

 

·        Training and guiding scout leaders to run their troop,

·        Work with and through the assistant scoutmasters to bring the scouting program to the troop,

·        Help the scouts to develop by challenging them and encouraging them to learn new things,

·        Guide the scouts in planning the troop program,

·        Help the troop committee to recruit new assistant scoutmasters,

·        And conduct scoutmaster conferences.

 

The Scoutmaster can have one or more assistants to help him develop the scouting program. One key job of an Assistant Scoutmaster is that of monitoring the progress of the new Scouts. The assistants in the Troop also alternate responsibilities on the planning activities and outings, which encompasses primarily the reservations, transportation, and food shopping for the adult leaders.

 

 

6.2 Scout Organization

 

A scout is expected to participate in troop activities 75% of the time.  This includes green bar meetings, scout meetings and scout outings.  A Boy Scout troop is organized into one or more patrols consisting of up to 10 boys.  As new scouts join Troop 428, the Scoutmasters initiate the addition of patrols, with the objective of maintaining the patrol size of up to 10 scouts.  Each patrol elects a patrol leader that acts as the head of the patrol. The Patrol Leader is responsible for appointing a Patrol Staff, consisting of an Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Scribe, and Quartermaster.  The recommended duties of the patrol leader and patrol staff are outlined below.

 

·         Patrol Leader: guides and represents the patrol on the Patrol Leaders' Council and on all Patrol activities. Appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader and other Patrol positions. Knows the advancement needs and outing interests of all Scouts and works to satisfy those needs and interests. Also, coordinates Patrol activities, equipment, and camping arrangements at a Patrol level.

 

·         Assistant Patrol Leader: trains the Patrol Staff and is responsible for filling the role of the Patrol Leader in the absence of the Patrol Leader.

 

·         Patrol Scribe: keeps a patrol log and keeps patrol attendance records.  The patrol log is a record of what goes on in each patrol meeting.

 

 

·         Patrol Quartermaster: keeps track of the patrol’s equipment and works with the troop quartermaster to keep an inventory of the patrol’s equipment.  The patrol quartermaster also notifies the troop quartermaster if the patrol’s equipment is misplaced or damaged.

 

The troop consists of the patrol(s) and the senior patrol leader. Every April, the troop elects a senior patrol leader. The SPL is responsible for the overall success of the Troop and appoints the troop staff. The staff consists of members in the patrols that also assume a troop junior leader position. The troop staff consists of an assistant senior patrol leader, a troop scribe, troop quartermaster, troop historian, and troop librarian. The following is a list of troop junior leader positions and brief job descriptions:

 

·         Senior Patrol Leader: runs all troop meetings, events, activities, annual program planning conference, and Patrol Leaders' Council meetings. He also appoints Troop Junior Leaders and assists in their training and assignment of duties.  Finally, he helps train and supervises the Troop Scribe, Troop Quartermaster, Troop Historian, and Troop Librarian.

 

·         Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: trains the Troop Staff and is responsible for taking over in the Senior Patrol Leaders absence.

 

·         Troop Scribe: attends and keeps logs on the Patrol Leader's Council meetings, records attendance and advancement records, collects permission slips and payments, and interfaces with the Troop Treasurer

 

·         Troop Quartermaster: works with the equipment coordinator in the maintenance and inventory of troop and patrol equipment.  Issues all equipment needed for weekend outings. 

 

·         Troop Historian: gathers pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in a historical scrapbook.

 

·         Troop Librarian: sets up and maintains the Troop library. Oversees the loan out process of troop literature and makes suggestions on material to be purchased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.3 Patrol Leader’s Council

 

The Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) or Green Bar is the executive board of the Troop, making the decisions concerning the direction and agenda of the troop.  At a minimum the PLC consists of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol, Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide, and Troop Instructors.  The Troop Scribe attends to record and publish notes of the meeting.  He is not a member of the PLC. The PLC meets monthly, as announced, during a regularly scheduled troop meeting. At these Green Bar meetings, the PLC plans the monthly meetings and the weekend outings and activities.  Planning the monthly meetings entails coming up with a pre-opening, opening ceremony, skill session, game, patrol meeting topic, inter-patrol activity, and closing session. The outing provides the Scouts with an outdoor experience in which they can have hands on practice with the skills they learned during the month. The Patrol Leaders' Council is ultimately responsible for the functioning of the entire Troop and without their hard work; there would be no meetings or outings.

 

7.0 Rules and Policies

 

7.1 Rules of Conduct

 

All Scouts are expected to live by the Scout Oath and Law. Those ideals should dictate all Scouts behavior. Any behavior that goes against the Scout Oath and Law disgraces the Scout, his parents, the adult leaders, and the Troop. Please, have fun, but behave appropriately.

 

7.2 Discipline Policy

 

While we anticipate no problems with inappropriate behavior, it is important for all Scouts and their parents to understand the Troop discipline policy. Behavior problems are first to be dealt with by the Patrol Leader. In the event that the Patrol Leader is having a problem with a patrol member and it cannot be resolved, he should report it to the Senior Patrol Leader. If a behavior problem continues to escalate, the Scoutmaster or an Assistant will step in to determine the appropriate discipline in conjunction with the Senior Patrol Leader.   Disciplinary actions might include, a time-out area, suspension from a Troop game, Troop chores, etc.  For major behavioral problems that occur, any of the following actions may be appropriate:

 

·         Parental contact and pick-up from the meeting or outing;

·         No participation in Troop meetings or outings;

·         Withholding rank advancement because a Scout’s inappropriate behavior does not demonstrate the last requirement of living by the Scout Oath and Law.

 

We hope that we will never have to use such discipline actions, however, it is important for all Scouts and parents to know what courses of action will be taken.

 

 

7.3 Meeting, Weekend Outing, and Summer Camp Attendance and Participation

 

All Scouts in Troop 428 are involved in other activities or have family activities that conflict with Troop meetings, as well as weekend outings and summer camp.  Attendance at all meetings, outings, and summer camp is NOT mandatory.  However, infrequent attendance and participation in these events, WILL affect the rate of the Scout’s advancement.

 

Scouts participating in a troop outing may not leave to attend a sports or extra curricular activity. Once a Scout is committed to a troop activity, he must remain with the troop and scoutmasters for the outing duration, unless he is unable due to illness, emergency, or behavioral problems.

 

7.3.1 Weekend Outing Participation Requirement

 

Each Scout is required to attend at least half of the weekly Troop meetings for the month prior to the monthly weekend outing in order to participate in that monthly weekend outing.   The purpose of this policy is to insure that each Scout is fully involved in the planning, preparation, and skills training for every weekend outing that they attend.

 

7.3.2 Summer Camp Participation Requirement

 

Each Scout is required to meet the Weekend Outing Participation Requirement for at least 75% of the months leading up to Summer Camp (not more than 12 months).  As with the Weekend Outing Participation Requirement, the purpose of this policy is to ensure that each Scout  is fully involved in the planning,  preparation, and skills training for summer camp.

 

7.3.3 Exceptions to the Weekend Outing and Summer Camp Participation Requirement

 

Exceptions may be granted to the Weekend Outing and Summer Camp Participation Requirements by the Scoutmaster and are dependent upon the individual Scout’s overall knowledge, the type of weekend outing, and the circumstances of that Scout’s absence from the weekly meetings.   Scouts requesting an exception to this policy must do so prior to the deadline for the completion of the Summer Camp or Weekend Outing Information and Permission Slip.

 

7.4 Rank Advancement Policy

 

Rank advancement is an important part of every boy’s Scouting career.  Unlike the Cub Scout program in which the den advances together based on age, Boy Scout advancement relies on personal self-motivation. The requirements for each rank; Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle; are listed in The Boy Scout Handbook.  Note, the Boy Scout Handbook contains the Advancement Record for each rank. The Scout is responsible for bringing his handbook to all Troop meetings and outings. If a Scout loses his Boy Scout Handbook, the troop Advancement Chart will be used to determine his advancement status. This may mean that some requirements, not yet recorded on the Advancement Chart, will have to be redone. The Troop has adopted an advancement policy that will insure that all Scouts are knowledgeable in the given requirements needed for advancement. The policy consists of skill instruction, demonstration and practice, and a testing period. All skills that are taught to Scouts should be practiced immediately by those Scouts; however, requirements are not to be signed off immediately. At least one day must elapse between when a Scout is taught a skill and when they are tested and signed off for knowledge of that skill. In Troop 428, any Scout First Class or above can sign off another Scouts handbook. If any questions arise regarding certain requirements, the scoutmaster should be seen before the requirement is signed-off (parents do not sign off requirements). The purpose of advancement is knowledge.   Signing off requirements that are not completed not only cheats the Scout who is getting the requirement signed off but undermines the ideals of Scouting. If any Scout signs off a requirement that a Scout does not have knowledge about, the Scout signing off the requirement will have his signing privileges revoked.

 

7.4.1 Board of Review

 

The final requirement for each rank is a Board of Review (BoR).  A Troop 428 Board of Review consists of three Adult Leaders, not including the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or a parent of the Scout, that convene to interview the Scout.  An Eagle Scout Board of Review will also include at least one representative from the Carroll District or Baltimore Area Council.  The purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest the Scout, but to insure that all other rank requirements have been met and to evaluate Troop 428’s Scouting methods.

 

A Board of Review can be requested and scheduled at any time during the year.  However, in order for a Scout to be recognized for rank advancement at a Court of Honor, that Scout must request the Board of Review at least four weeks prior to that Court of Honor.  The four-week lead-time is required to provide sufficient time to coordinate the Board of Review and to insure that awards are available for the Court of Honor.   The process to request and obtain a Board of Review is provided below.

 

a)      After the Scout completes all other requirements of a rank, the Scout requests a Board of Review with the advancement coordinator.  At that time the Scout should also notify the advancement coordinator of any date within the next four meetings that the Scout would not be available for a BoR. This request should be made by the Scout directly with the advancement coordinator, in person or by phone.

 

The expectation is that the BoR will occur within two weeks of the notification of the advancement coordinator, but no longer than four weeks after the notification.

 

b)      The advancement coordinator coordinates the necessary paperwork, schedules three Adult Committee Members and sets the date for the Board of Review.

 

c)      The advancement coordinator notifies the scout of the date for the Board of Review.

 

d)      The Board of Review is completed.

 

e)      The advancement coordinator notifies the scoutmaster that the scout has completed the Board of Review.

 

f)        The advancement coordinator completes the paperwork and sends it to Baltimore Area Council.

 

 

7.4.2 Court of Honor

  

A Court of Honor is a formal ceremony to recognize the achievements of the Scouts, including rank advancement.   All Scouts, Scout families, and Troop Committee members are invited to attend.  There are two Courts of Honor per year: one in April and one in October.   Consult the Troop 428 Calendar for the actual dates for the Courts of Honor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.5 Troop Elections

 

The only two positions within the Troop that require an election process are the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader.  Elections will be held on the second Thursday of April. All votes in Troop elections are cast by silent ballot with the winner being that individual with the majority of votes. In the event of a tie, a run-off will be held that same evening to determine the winner.

 

The entire Troop votes in this election of the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader then appoints his Staff, with the approval of the Scoutmaster, consisting of an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Scribe, Quartermaster, Historian, and Librarian.

 

Only those members within a particular Patrol will vote for their Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader then appoints his Staff, with Scoutmaster approval, consisting of Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Quartermaster.

 

All Troop Junior Leader positions, both those that are elected and those that are appointed, run for a one-year term starting May 1st and ending April 30th. A Scout must have attained the rank of First Class to be eligible to be elected Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, or Patrol Leader. A Scout cannot be elected to the same position consecutively.

 

7.6 Travel Policy

 

When traveling to and from campsites, all Scouts are to be in seat belts at all times. Not only is it a good idea, it is the law. All vehicles are always to be left cleaner than you found it. Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If any Scout behaves in such a way that is disruptive to the driver, he will be asked to be picked up by a parent when we arrive at the campsite.

 

7.7 Uniforms

 

The Scout uniform is important because it identifies the scout as a member of Troop 428 and should be worn with pride by all Scouts at all Scouting functions.  In Boy Scouts Troop 428 there are two different uniforms, a Class A uniform and a Class B uniform.

 

The Troop 428 Class A Uniform consist of a Scout shirt with proper insignia, a Troop 428 neckerchief, Scout pants or shorts, a Troop 428 cap, a scout belt, scout socks, hiking boots or casual shoes (not tennis shoes), Scout Handbook, and a pad and pen. 

 

The Troop 428 Class B Uniform is considered more of an activity uniform and consists of a Troop 428 t-shirt, a Troop 428 cap, Scout pants or shorts, Scout Belt, tennis shoes, Scout Handbook, and a pad and pen.

 

Most of the Scout uniform items can be purchased from a retailer like Sunnys or the Council Scout Store. However, three of the uniform items, specifically the neckerchief, the cap, and the t-shirt can only be purchased through the Troop.  All three have the Troop logo: the neckerchief and cap have an embroidered logo and the t-shirt has a silk-screened logo.  Optionally, there is a scout sweatshirt and knit cap which includes an embroidered troop logo.  All of these Troop uniform items are sold at cost, no profit is made by the Troop or anyone associated with the Troop.

 

Uniform inspections will be held periodically and will reflect the standing of the entire Patrol.

 

Uniform requirements for Troop Outings Class A on the day of departure and the day of return.

 

Scouts are asked to be in full uniform at all scouting functions, unless otherwise indicated.

 

7.8 Equipment Replacement Policy

 

Troop 428 owns a substantial amount of camping equipment that was purchased with Troop funds. As a result, we have a strict policy regarding the use and care of all camping equipment. Any equipment in a Patrol Box is the responsibility of the Patrol. Periodically, throughout the year, an inspection and inventory of the Patrol Box will be taken.  Any equipment that is lost on weekend outings becomes the responsibility of the entire Patrol to replace. If equipment is damaged, through no fault of any Patrol member, the Troop will replace the equipment. However, if any equipment is damaged through fooling around or direct abuse, it becomes the Patrol's responsibility to replace. Periodically, Patrol members will take equipment home after weekend outings in order to clean the equipment. All Patrol equipment taken home must be returned the following Thursday.

 

8.0 Meetings

 

Our Troop meets every Thursday, 7:30PM - 9:00PM.  When available the Troop will meet in the St. Michael’s church hall, otherwise the meeting place will be announced at Troop meetings or published in the Troop Newsletter or Troop Committee Meeting Minutes.  Every effort will be made by the Patrol Leader and Patrol Scribe to communicate meeting locations and times, but ultimately it is the responsibility of each Scout to know when and where the Troop will meet.

 

Prior to the official opening of the Troop meeting, pre-opening business may be conducted beginning at 7:15PM.  Pre-opening business could include skill reinforcement demonstrations and practice, short knowledge quizzes, and permission slip and payment collection. All Scouts are encouraged to show up early to take part in the pre-opening. At 7:30PM the Opening Ceremony takes place. The Opening Ceremony will be led by a different patrol each week.  After the opening is a 20-25 minute skill session based on the monthly feature. The skill sessions may be divided into two different groups based on level of experience.

 

Experienced Scouts work on more advanced and challenging skills, while the new Scouts will concentrate on the basic skills. At 8:00PM all Scouts take a 15-minute break to play a game. Games usually include Ultimate Frisbee, Football, Steal the Bacon, etc. After the game is over the Scouts meet in Patrols to discuss any Patrol-related issues. They may work on advancement within the Patrol, planning a Patrol meeting or activity, planning Patrol menus, etc. After they meet in Patrols, the Scouts take part in friendly competitions with the objective of working on improving skills. Finally, the meeting officially concludes with the Closing Ceremony. After the Closing Ceremony, the meeting room is cleaned up and put back into order.

 

9.0 Outings and Activities

 

 

Troop 428 is active in the outdoors. The Troop plans about 10-12 weekend outings or activities per year as well as one weeklong summer camp. In addition, we have Troop day hikes or other activities throughout the year. Occasionally, the troop participates in competition Camporees throughout the year. Camporees provide the opportunity for Troops from around the District and Council to get together and demonstrate

their proficiency in learned Scouting skills. Troop 428’s weekend camping trips normally run from Friday to Sunday. Departure and pickup times and locations will be noted on the Weekend Outing Information Sheet and Permission Slip.

 

9.1 Information Sheet and Permission Slip

 

The Troop will provide a “Weekend Outing Information Sheet and Permission Slip” to each scout about one month before the scheduled outing or activity.  The scout is responsible for providing this to his parents and meeting any due dates associated with that weekend outing.  There are two parts to the one-page Weekend Outing Information Sheet and Permission Slip.  The top part, Information Sheet, will provide essential facts about the outing/activity, such as, drop off and pickup times and locations, location of the outing/activity, costs, contact information, the due date for the permission slip, uniform requirements, whether a bagged dinner is needed for Friday evening and objectives of the outing/activity.  The bottom part, Permission Slip, will request: permission for the scout to attend requiring a signature of a parent or legal guardian, insurance information, parental contact information, and emergency contact information.

 

The signed and completed Permission Slip part will be due to the Troop Scribe at the Troop meeting two weeks before the activity/outing.  If for any reason you are unable to attend a camping trip after payment is made, the Troop will refund whatever portion of the cost has not been committed to site fees, food, or registration fees. Permission Slips and payments that are turned in after the deadline will be subject to the Scoutmaster’s discretion.

 

A Medical Information Form that provides personal medical history information (i.e. allergies, health issues, family doctor information, and other pertinent medical information) is required to be on file with the Troop before any Scout can attend outings. In accordance with the BSA guidelines, all scouts should have a complete medical examination every three (3) years.

 

No Scout is permitted to carry medication during Troop outings. Medical Authorization Forms and dosage schedules must be turned in to the Scoutmasters two weeks prior to the outing. ALL medications and any changes or additions to the medical information must be turned in to the Scoutmasters on the day of departure. The Troop stocks Advil, Tylenol, and Pepto Bismol in the first aid kit. If you would like to your child to have access to these medications on an as-needed basis, please include this information on your Medical Authorization Form. Note: If there are medications that a Scout must carry (i.e. inhalers, allergy medications, etc) please indicate this on the Medical Authorization Form. The form Medical Authorization Forms are available from the Scoutmasters.

 

9.2 Weekend Outing Routine

 

Preparations for all campouts begin two weeks in advance when permission slips and payments are due. Around the same time, Patrols will plan their Patrol Menu and Grocery List during a Troop or Patrol meeting. After the menu is planned and approved, the Patrol may go shopping. The patrol may go shopping the week before the camping trip; however, all shopping must be done by the Thursday before the camping trip. Each Scout responsible for shopping should purchase butter, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise in squeeze bottles if required. Also, make sure your Patrol has dish soap, brillo pads, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. The Patrol should also work on completing the Patrol Duty Roster, which outlines each Patrol member’s responsibilities on the weekend, including site setup. Site set-up includes pitching all tents, dining fly (if needed), and setting up the Patrol cooking and eating area. 

 

On Friday, before departure for the weekend outing the Troop should assemble at the specified departure location at the specified time. The Quartermaster will take over and insure that all equipment is properly loaded into the vehicles. The Patrol should pack the Patrol coolers with their Patrol's food. Any meat or other items that could bleed or get water logged should be packed in zip-lock storage bags. Each Scout should bring a bag meal to eat as dinner Friday night. Ice in coolers should be kept as clean as possible so that it can be used for drinks also. Upon arrival at the campsite, the Senior Patrol Leader and an adult will check into the site. At this time, all Patrol and Troop equipment gets moved into the site before personal gear. Patrol leaders are then responsible for picking out a patrol site and setting up camp for the weekend.

 

Upon returning, all personal gear should be packed before the Patrol eats breakfast. To reduce the risk of forest fires, no wood campfires should be started. Tents should be aired out, cleaned, and dried before being packed away. The Troop Quartermaster must inspect all tents before they get packed. All Patrol equipment should be properly packed and loaded onto the vehicles under the Quartermaster’s direction. Once back at the Troop equipment storage area, no Scout will leave until all equipment is properly stored, unless previous arrangements have been made with an adult leader. Again, the Quartermaster is in charge of seeing that all Patrol and Troop equipment is signed back in and properly stored. A patrol member may take any equipment that is dirty home provided that it is marked down on the Equipment Checkout sheet. That equipment must be returned the following Thursday regardless of whether the Scout taking home the equipment is present at the meeting. No exceptions! Upon returning from trips, scouts shall not be released to the parent until they are released by the troop. After all the equipment is signed in and properly stored, the Senior Patrol Leader will dismiss the Scouts.   

 

 

10.0 Equipment and Resources

 

10.1 Patrol Equipment Box

 

 

Each patrol in Troop 428 will be responsible for the maintenance and care of the equipment needed for weekend camping trips and summer camp. All Troop equipment is purchased with funds generated during fund-raisers. Each patrol’s equipment costs in excess of $1,000, which is one reason why the Troop is extremely strict with their equipment use and abuse policy. All Scouts are expected to treat troop equipment as if it were their own personal equipment.

            

Each Patrol will be equipped with the following equipment:

·        tents

·        dining fly

·        patrol box

·        double burner propane stoves

·        double mantle propane lanterns

·        propane lamp mantles

·        propane tanks

·        propane rod/post

·        propane distribution T

·        propane hose

·        propane tank wrench

·        cook kits and utensils

·        plastic table cloths

·        5-gallon spigot coolers

·        Dutch oven

·        patrol first aid kit

·        ax, hatchet, and bow saw

·        dishwashing supplies

 

10.2 Personal Equipment

 

Scouts are responsible for purchasing and maintaining some personal equipment. In order to help those that are just purchasing equipment, the Troop has the following recommendations on specific equipment. While we do not recommend going out and purchasing all the equipment at one time, the list is intended to provide parents with specific types of equipment that has been found to be usable or appropriate for Troop camping trips. All personal equipment should be marked with the Scout’s name.

 

1.      All Scouts are strongly encouraged to have a junior size external frame backpack. Most camping done by the Troop will use backpacks. Backpacks can range in price from $75 to $125 for junior packs, but offer a great way to consolidate and store all personal gear.

 

2.      Sleeping Bags with stuff sacks are necessary for all camping trips. The Troop recommends a three-season sleeping bag rated for 15-degree weather. Sleeping bags can get a little expensive. The warmer the rating on the bag, the more expensive. Most sleeping bags will run anywhere between $70 and $300 depending on your budget (You will never need a $300 sleeping bag, we can assure you of that).  As an example, a Slumberjack mummy sleeping bag rated for +15-degree weather with a 4lb. carry weight is $69.99 at Sunnys.  If you have an adequate sleeping bag currently, do not purchase a new one; consider purchasing a better quality at a later date if your son really enjoys Scouting.

 

3.      Hiking boots are essential on all Scouting outings. Inexpensive hiking boots are sufficient for the average growing Scout. As your son stops growing, you may wish to purchase better quality, more expensive boots.  

 

4.      Weather Gear is a must on all camping trips. One thing we have learned is that $.99 rain ponchos are worth exactly what you pay for them.  Consider purchasing a Backpacking Poncho. They cost approximately $30, but will last for years to come.

 

5.      Pocketknives are used by all Scouts when they earn their Totin' Chip card, which shows they have been trained in the use of knives and other ax yard equipment. Most Scouting pocketknives run under $20 and are more than adequate for your son’s use. Fixed blade knives are not permitted.

 

6.      All Scouts should carry flashlights. The best buy on flashlights is the mini-maglite. It comes with a carrying case and attaches to a belt. The cost is about $12.00, is lightweight, and gives off a lot of light. There is no need for a larger flashlight on camping trips.

 

7.      Compasses are important on all camping trips and something every Scout should eventually have. As with the pocketknives, there is no need for an elaborate compass. Silva makes an excellent compass that costs around $12.

 

8.      Foam Pads are extremely important for a good night’s sleep. Closed cell pads are inexpensive and more than adequate. The 48-inch pads cost about $15.

 

9.      Water bottles are necessary on all backpacking trips and most camping trips where water is limited. The Troop recommends that each Scout have two 1-quart water bottles. Please do not buy any water bottles that are odd shaped or have straps. The straps become a safety hazard.

 

10.  A Scout is clean. All Scouts should have a small toiletry kit containing travel size toothpaste, deodorant, soap, toothbrush, and towel. All toiletries can be kept in a small zip-lock bag.

 

11.  Every Scout should carry a small first aid kit with them. Requirement 6b for Second Class requires that all Scouts make a personal first aid kit.  Scouts can use zip-lock bag or old Band-Aid container for storing their personal first aid kit. On page 289 in the Scout Handbook there is a list of suggested items that a Scout can include in his personal first aid kit.

 

12.  Personal Mess Kit including a cup, plate, and eating utensils (fork, knife and spoon). In the past, some Scouts have brought along travel coffee mugs that can serve as a cup or bowl if necessary. The best plates would be plastic ones made by Tupperware or Rubbermaid. As for eating utensils, either a heavy-duty plastic set, or an old kitchen set will do. Most sporting stores now carry the non-breakable, lightweight plastic eating utensils.

 

The above list represents specific, suggested equipment for camping trips.  While every Scout should eventually have the equipment, please do not go out and purchase all the equipment at one time. Ask around, you’ll be surprised at how many people have some of the equipment you could borrow.

 

The following personal equipment is not permitted: radios, tape players, TV’s, handheld game systems, etc.

 

The following list is a personal equipment checklist of all items that should be brought on a camping trip. In addition, the Scout Handbook also has clothing and equipment checklists that should be reviewed for all camping trips.

 

·        Backpack

·        Sleeping Bag

·        Foam Sleeping Pad

·        Scout Handbook

·        Scout Outdoor Essentials:

§         Pocketknife

§         First Aid Kit

§         Change of Clothes

§         Rain Gear

§         Water Bottle

§         Flashlight

§         Trail Food (Granola Bars, Trail Mix)

§         Matches and Fire Starters (Saw Dust, Lint, Candles)

§         Sun Protection

§         Compass

·         Boots

·         Mess Kit

·         Toiletry Kit

·        Warm-Weather Clothing                

§         Short-sleeve shirt

§         T-shirts

§         Hiking shorts

§         Long pants

§         Sweater or warm jacket

§         Socks and underwear

§         Hiking Boots

§         Cap or Hat

§         Bandannas

 

 

 

·        Cold-Weather Clothing

§         Long-sleeve shirt

§         Wool shirt

§         Long pants

§         Wool sweater

§         Polypropylene long underwear

§         Wool socks and sock liners

§         Insulated Coat

§         Wool Cap

·         Extras

§         Watch

§         Camera

§         Notebook and Pencil

§         Insect Repellent

§         Sunglasses

§         Swimsuit