2016 TROOP 292 PARENT S GUIDE

Transcription

1 2016 TROOP 292 PARENT S GUIDE Boy Scouts of America Mobile Area Council ~ Spanish Trail District Chartered by: Providence Presbyterian Church 2320 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36695

2 TROOP 292 PARENT S GUIDE 2016 P R E F A C E Thank you for your interest in BSA Troop 292. We are proud to be one of the best troops in an area of many fine troops. The purpose of this pamphlet is to advise the parents of the scouts and potential scouts of Troop 292 of the policies and practices of the troop. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Questions, suggestions and comments about this Parent s Guide should be referred to the Troop Committee Chairman, or Scoutmaster. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Troop History II. III. IV. Troop Meetings and Program Registration and Dues Scout Uniform V. Troop Trailer & Equipment VI. VII. VIII. IX. Transportation Advancement Fund Raisers Troop Leadership X. Personal Camping Gear XI. XII. Miscellaneous Policies and Practices Glossary of Abbreviations

3 I. TROOP HISTORY Troop 292 was chartered in February of In fact, Troop 292 got its number from the date of its original charter (Feb 92). The troop has been sponsored by Providence Presbyterian Church since its inception. Troop 292 is a very active troop where the scouts camp at least once a month. In its twenty year history, the troop has been fortunate to have 7 skilled scoutmasters. As of 12/31/2016, forty eight scouts have obtained the Eagle rank in Troop 292. We have many Life scouts who are working to earn their Eagle rank. II. TROOP MEETINGS AND PROGRAM Regular troop meetings are held every Tuesday at Providence Presbyterian Church, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced. All scouts are expected to attend in full uniform and be prepared with their scout handbook and pen. Whenever possible a Scout should attend all meetings. If a Scout cannot be present at the weekly meeting or other scouting event, the Scout should call their Patrol Leader (or Assistant Patrol Leader if the Patrol Leader is unavailable) and tell him that he cannot be present. As with everything in life, there are circumstances that are beyond the Scout s control and which necessitate his presence and require that the Scout be absent from the Troop activities. Further, though it is understood that as a Scout matures there are other activities that will conflict with his participation in Scouting. However, the leadership of Troop 292 believes that, while we encourage each Scout to grow and reach their potential in all areas of life, the Scout needs to ensure that he supports the Troop s activities and program. This might require him to negotiate with leaders of other events and activities to ensure that he can participate in the Troop scouting program. The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, Scribe, Junior Assistant Scoutmasters and all other scout leadership positions attend this meeting to plan the upcoming troop meetings and troop activities. Scoutmaster Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters attend this meeting. Troop Committee meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. All Committee Members, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are encouraged to attend this meeting. If you have any issue that you would like the Committee to consider, please contact the Committee Chairman for inclusion in the

4 meeting agenda. The purpose of the committee is to support the troop with fundraisers, board of reviews, and overall support of the troop s programs. The Program: The Scoutmaster's Handbook states "if it's not fun, it's not Scouting". Troop 292 scouts have fun while they are learning and building character. We emphasize the scouting basics (e.g., camping, hiking, cooking, etc.). We also emphasize a scout-run program and the patrol method so scouts can learn leadership skills. New scouts are grouped together in a new scout patrol in their first year, by the end of which many will have attained First Class rank. A patrol is a team of six to twelve scouts who make decisions and carry out their plans. With the leadership of their Patrol Leader (PL) and Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), they plan together, learn together, and all of them pitch in to turn their plans into action. At every scout meeting, a portion of their time is devoted to meeting with their patrol. At that time they plan campouts, work on skills, and work on advancing in rank. New Scout Patrols are assisted in learning basic scouting skills by an older experienced scout (Troop Guide) assigned to work with the new scouts during their first year. Camping: Camping is one of the mainstays of Boy Scouting and Troop 292. There is a major outing each month with a scout-related theme. Scouting is basically an outdoor experience and this is one of the ways that Troop 292 builds outdoor activities into our program. The Troop owns sufficient cooking stoves, pots and utensils for use on these monthly campouts. The Troop charges fees to the Scouts for each of these camp outs; these fees cover any campground fees, transportation costs and the cost of the Scout s food for the camp out. Camping fees (Cash preferably) are collected from the Scouts before the campout so the expenses can be paid up front. As required by the BSA National Council, an informed consent form must be signed by the parent/guardian for the Scout to be able to participate in events and campouts. Scouts are not allowed to bring any electronics (i.e. Game Boys, C.D. players, DVD players, radios, cell phones) on campouts. Aerosol spray cans are not allowed (hair spray, bug spray, deodorant, silly string) on campouts as well. Non-aerosol pumps are readily available for items needed. Knives (lock blade only) can only be carried by a scout who has earned his toting chip and has it in his possession. We also go to Summer Camp, most often to the Camp Maubila Scout Reservation near Jackson, AL, usually the first or second week of June. Some years we may choose to attend a camp that is out of council. Winter Camp is also available through our local council to our scouts. Venture Crew 292 Since 2010, High Adventure activities have been carried out through Troop 292's brother unit, Venture Crew 292. The Troop/Crew has had high adventure summer activities for our older scouts each year. In 2006, the Venture Patrol

5 went white water kayaking on the Ocoee in TN. In 2007 and 2010 our Scoutmaster led the Council contingent to Philmont Scout Ranch. In 2008, Venture Patrol scouts participated in a high adventure trek during Summer Camp that included Rock Climbing, kayaking, and hiking. A scout in Troop 292 must be 13 years old and First class to join the Venture Crew. Higher age requirements may be set for Crew 292's trips depending on the event. All scouts are expected to memorize and live by "The Scout Promise", "The Scout Slogan", and "The Scout Law". All of our scouts are expected to respect others and themselves and to behave and project a good scout image at all times. SCOUTS WHO DO NOT BEHAVE WILL BE SENT HOME, regardless of where we are, including campouts and summer camp. If the parent(s) is/are not already at the troop event, they will be called to pick up their scout. Courts of Honor are formal ceremonies held to recognize the accomplishments of our scouts during the previous 6 months. Advancement in rank is acknowledged; merit badge cards are presented, new leaders are inducted for a period of 6 months; as well as, special awards (Mile Swim, 50-Miler, etc.). Parents are expected to attend the Courts of Honor. Please show your scout that you support them. III. REGISTRATION AND DUES The Troop policy on registration fees and dues is as follows: 1) Scouts dues are paid in advance for the entire year. 2) At least one parent from each family is encouraged to register and participate as a Troop Committee member (or Assistant Scoutmaster if needed). These monies are due in October of each year to coincide with the recharter of the Troop. No scout can be registered with the troop or participate in any troop activity until all fees are paid in full. Prorated Fees for joining Mid-Year Join In Pay Join In Pay January $58.00 July $29.50 February $53.25 August $24.75 March $48.50 September $20.00 April $43.75 October $15.25 May $39.00 November $10.50 June $34.25 December $ 5.75 Any scout that has not paid NationalDues (as a Webelos bridging over) will pay an additional amout of $24 for National Dues and $12 for Boys Life.

6 Prorated Fees also applies to scouts that are bridging into the Troop and Scouts that are transferring from another Troop. Adult Registration is $24.00*. (Scout leaders, committee members, parents who wish to camp or provide transportation). A Volunteer Leader form is required by BSA. Adults who are transferring from another BSA unit only pay $1.. *Adults who are registered in multiple units (i.e. Cub Scouts, Venturing) only pay registration in one unit. A Volunteer Leader form is still required. Troop dues provide a portion of the Troop budget that pay for troop equipment, advancement badges, and other expenses. IV. SCOUT UNIFORM Troop 292 is a full uniform troop. The official scout uniform is an important and key aspect of Troop 292 and its activities. All scouts are required to obtain a full field uniform, referred to hereafter, as a Class A" uniform within a reasonable time after joining the troop (2-3 months). The Class A uniform is worn at all meetings, special events, and during travel to and from camping trips. The troop also has a uniform T shirt, referred to as the Class B uniform that is worn when the Class A uniform is not required. The troop hat with Troop 292 on it is the only acceptable hat and must be removed inside the building. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters will wear the uniform prescribed for the scouts. Members of the Troop Committee are encouraged to wear the uniform also. Class A" Uniforms: Official BSA shirt with green epaulets, Mobile Area Council shoulder patch, troop numeral patch "292", appropriate patrol patch and current insignia. (Patches are worn as shown on the Boy Scout inspection sheet). Scout long pants or scout shorts with BSA belt. Closed toed shoes with BSA socks (official socks are to be worn). Scouts are required to wear a merit badge sash to their Board of Reviews for ranks 1st Class and above and are encouraged to wear their sash to meetings. Class B Uniforms: 292 Troop T-shirt, shorts or pants of their choice, closed toed shoes. The Scout Shop is in the Scout Service Center at 2587 Government Blvd. And as a BSA National Scout Store carries an inventory all BSA items. V. TROOP TRAILERS & EQUIPMENT The troop has two troop trailers (6X12) that are used to transport troop and scout equipment to campout and events. A sizeable investment has been made in the equipment and in the trailers. The equipment in the troop trailer is available for all of the

7 scouts to use. The Troop Quartermaster must be informed of the items borrowed and the equipment must be signed out. All equipment must be returned to the Troop Quartermaster in a clean and proper condition. In 2005, The Troop Committee decided to purchase a larger troop trailer to haul the troop s equipment in. The majority of the funds to purchase the new trailer came from the Tom Baker fund. Tom Baker was an assistant scoutmaster in troop 292, when in late fall of 2001 he passed away. Tom was a great leader and a favorite of the scouts. In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be given to the troop in Tom's name to be used as the troop needed. The new trailer is dedicated to the memory of Tom. VI. TRANSPORTATION Troop Meeting Transportation - Each scout's parent is responsible to provide transportation for their scout to and from weekly meetings. Scouts should arrive early enough to be prepared to start the meeting at 7:00 P.M. sharp. Scouts should be picked up no later than 8:30 P.M. We encourage parents to arrive by 8:15 P.M. and attend our closing ceremony. This is the time that many important announcements are made and scouts are recognized for merit badge completion and rank advancement. Monthly Campout & Event Transportation - The Campout/Event Leader is responsible for filing tour permits, and making certain that transportation is available for campout and activities. The troop maintains a roster of parent s vehicles available. The tour leader in conjunction with the Treansportation Coodinator will obtain drivers for the troop's transportation requirements. Most of the time the leaders who wish to go camping are able to provide sufficient transportation and no additional parents are required. However, there may be times when it becomes necessary for parents to volunteer to transport scouts. VII. ADVANCEMENT Troop 292 encourages advancement in all scouts. We offer opportunities and a program which supports the trail to Eagle. The goal of new scouts should be to obtain 1st Class Rank by the end of their first year. Scouts who go to summer camp have a decided advantage in attaining rank (and earning merit badges). For the rank of Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class, the ranks must be awarded in order; however, individual requirements within each rank can be done in any order. That is, individual First Class requirements can be met before Second Class is earned. Scout ranks through 1st Class requirements may be signed off by any non-parental scout leader (Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster, Committee Member) or a scouts who holds the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle. However, only the Scoutmaster or his designee will sign

8 off "Scout Spirit", Leadership/Position of Responsibility and "Scoutmaster Conference" advancement requirements prior to the advancement "Board of Review". For all ranks, the Scoutmaster conference and Board of Reviewcan be held on a campout unless the Scoutmaster determines otherwise. Troop Committee members conduct a "Board of Review. Boards review the administrative paper work and ask the scouts general questions to determine that the scout has completed the requirements (e.g. where did you take your hike? What did you find the most difficult/enjoyable? etc.) A uniform inspection will take place to check that all insignia is current and properly attached. Remember that a pen is part of the scout uniform and shows preparedness. Scouts reviewing for 1st class and above must present themselves with their sash and appropriate merit badges attached. It is the scouts responsibility to request a Board of Review from the Advancemant Chairman/Board of Review Coordinator a week in advance of the requested Board. This allows time for the candidate s records to be printed for the Board members to review. Boards of Review do not retest skills. Calm your scout if he gets nervous; "Boards" are not something to "sweat". (A parent is not allowed to sit on his/her son s Board of Review.) Scouts are responsible for presenting their scout handbook and merit badge blue cards to the Advancement Chairman, so that he can record completed rank requirements or merit badges requirements as they are finished. If a scout loses his handbook or merit badge blue card without the information being recorded by the Advancement Chairman, all work on requirements must be redone. There are more than 100 merit badges. A scout can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers and all are encouraged to participate in badges that represent new skills to them. The scout must obtain a Merit Badge Blue Card from the Advancement Chairman. The scout must then ask a Merit Badge Counselor to council him on the badge before he can begin work. A list of approved counselors is available from the Advancement Chairman. All merit badge work completed outside a troop setting (Summer camp, Winter Camp, Camporees, Jamborees, etc.) are subject to review by the Troop Leadership. All Eagle Required Merit Badge work done outside a troop setting MUST be reviewed and approved by a Troop 292 approved counselor. As noted in the Court of Honor, scouts are presented with official BSA cards attesting to completion of requirements. We cannot urge too strongly that the scout keep these cards in a safe place a folder, envelope, baseball card holder, etc. These may be needed at Eagle Board of Reviews

9 VIII. FUND RAISERS Troop 292 participates in several fundraisers each year. The troop committee approves all fundraisers and decides if and how the proceeds will be split; if split, what percentage goes to the troop operating funds and the individual scout accounts. The committee may approve for 100% of a fundraiser to go to the individual scout accounts or 100% to the operating fund, or any split it determines. Special fundraisers may only include certain groups of boys (Philmont/Jamboree participants, Summer Camp attendees) who can participate. Scout accounts are established for boys to help defray the cost of scouting so that parents do not bear the total cost. Scouts who participate in a troop/scout fundraising project will have funds credited to their individual scout account in an equitable manner as approved by the troop committee. These funds in the Scout Account are for any expense related to Scouting (Camping fees, Equipment Cost, Uniforms). If a Scout leaves the Troop, receipts are due no later than 60 days from his departure for any reimbursement from his account. Any funds not used will revert to the troop general/operating fund. The troop will credit a scout s account $1.00 per book for used, current Merit Badge Books. Scout Accounts are held as part of the Troop 292 checking account. It is the responsibility of the Scout to ensure he signs in and signs out at fund raising events, and that his participation records are updated. It is the responsibility of the Troop Scribe under the direction of the Scoutmaster or his designee to ensure participation records are passed to the Troop Treasurer. It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to calculate the amount to be accounted to each Scout participating in a project and to maintain the records of the Scout Account. IX. TROOP LEADERSHIP Boy Scouts of America provides support for a scouting program (e.g., training, summer camps, program guides, books, and administrative support). At the troop level, BSA does not provide any bodies. The Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmasters and Troop Committee are made up mainly of parents of the scouts (or former scouts) in the troop. Troop 292 asks for at least one parent (mother or father) from each scout family be registered as a member of the troop leadership. (Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Members) Every family is expected to contribute to the success of your troop. "Many hands make light work." We strongly encourage each family to have a parent join at least one monthly outing and the weekly meetings during the scouting year. The needs and opportunities within the troop are many and varied. Experience has shown the greatest need within the troop is in "Support", those positions require several

10 hours per month or less. Here is a listing and a description of some of the adult positions in the troop. SCOUTMASTERS We are fortunate to have a great Scoutmaster and well qualified Asst. Scoutmasters. We can always use more. No background? No problem! Training and help abound. Troop 292 has a number of qualified leaders who have helped train other leaders at the district and council level. They will be willing to help you. All of Troop 292 Scoutmasters and Asst Scoutmasters are required to attend be fully trained. The Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmasters attend weekly meetings and monthly outings. They work directly with the Scouts. (We also have FUN but don t tell the boys) Many scouters continue long after their sons have gone (we have several in Troop 292). TROOP COMMITTEE There are many varied tasks on the committee. Some duties involve few manhours each month but are year-round, while other duties involve a more focused action over a one or two month span. Additionally, Troop Committee members are needed to serve on Boards of Review. In Troop 292, the Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmasters are voting members of the Troop Committee (but do not serve on Boards of Review). A simple majority of the committee members present is required for a motion to be passed. Some of the committee positions are listed below: Committee Chairman Runs and organizes the Troop Committee. He recruits new committee members. He prepares the monthly troop committee meeting agenda. Presides over the committee meetings. Works closely with the Scoutmaster to determine troop needs and helps to fulfill those needs. Arranges for recharter on an annual basis. Advancement Chairman/Board of Review Coordinator - Coordinates Boards of Review - Maintains all troop advancement records. Helps arrange Courts of Honor. Encourages scouts to advance in rank. Develops and maintains a merit badge counselor list. Promptly reports advancement of rank and merit badges earned to the Council Service Center (Scout Shop). Secures badges and certificates for presentation. Secretary Keeps minutes of committee meetings. Contacts members. Handles publicity. Prepares family letters about troop events and activities. Heads hospitality committee by helping plan family night programs and activities. Treasurer Handles all troop funds. Maintains the troop bank accounts and scout accounts. Provides a report to the troop committee each month. Supervises money earning projects. Leads in the preparation of the annual troop budget. Chaplain Provides a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities. Gives guidance to the Chaplains Aide. Encourages scouts to earn religious emblems.

11 Training Coordinator Encourages troop leaders and committee members to obtain appropriate training. Is responsible for BSA Youth Protection Training within the troop. Encourages periodic junior leader training within the troop and at the council level. Transportation Coordinator Helps events/campout leader to coordinate transportation to events and campouts. Risk Management Advisor Risk management BSA Ready and Prepared Award advisor. Camping/Outdoor/Activities Help secure permission to use camping sites. Work with transportation coordinator. Promote National Camping Award. Equipment Coordinator Supervise and help the troop procure camping equipment. Work with quartermaster on inventory, proper storage and maintenance of troop equipment. With Risk Mgt Advisor make safety inspections on equipment. Webmaster - Maintains the troop website by posting information/photos/ etc. Assigned Committee Member Committee member works as subcommittee with one of the positions listed above. (Examples: Secretary hospitality, help with events, Transportation drivers. Treasurer Popcorn chair, other fundraising activities.) We have planned a varied and exciting program for the scouts of Troop 292. To make any program successful, however, we need parental support and involvement. ADULT PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Since Troop 292 is a Scout led troop, all troop activities are run by the scouts. Guidance and supervision are given by the Scoutmasters to the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and the Patrol Leaders (PL), and the direction to the scouts is given by the SPL and the PL. The rules of parent conduct during troop activities including campouts are structured to support the scout-led concept: First: Observe the Rule of Two : No adult is to be alone at any time with a scout and the Rule of Two is to be observed at all times. Basically, this rule requires that a minimum of two adults be present when any single scout is in a car, in the camp ground, or in any scout activity. When engaged in one-on-one counseling of scouts or when conducting a Scoutmaster Conference and it is not appropriate for another adult to be present, Scoutmasters should ensure that they are under continuous observation of another adult or adults. Sometimes, the Rule of Two requires that two scouts are permitted with one adult rather than two adults with one scout. Typically, this occurs when an adult is driving to or from a scout activity, or when an adult is engaged in merit badge counseling. Second: Parents should not instruct or discipline their sons at scout activities:

12 It is troop policy that there are no moms or dads present during scout activities. Parents should not work with or discipline their own sons. Allow the Scoutmaster to handle it through the SPL. If a scout approaches a parent with a What do we do? or When do we eat? question, the only correct response is Please check with your patrol leader (or Senior Patrol Leader). No parent should ever direct, discipline, scold, grab, or touch any scout except for the most flagrant health and safety issues. Third: On camping trips, tent pitching and eating is organized by patrol: The adults (leaders and parents) function as an Adult Patrol and pitch their tents near each other and eat together. Scouts are not allowed in the Leadership area, and no parent is allowed in the scout area unless agreed to by the scoutmaster. X. PERSONAL CAMPING GEAR Shortly after a scout joins a troop he will need to get some camping gear. This will consist of a tent, sleeping bag, foam sleep pad/ self-inflating sleep pad, canteen/water bottle, and personal mess kit (plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon). A backpack and other items can be added later (don't forget Christmas, birthdays, etc.). Please ask the Scoutmaster or Asst Scoutmasters if there are any questions about what to buy, before you buy it. XI. MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES AND PRACTICES No Smoking - Smoking is not permitted on any troop activity (including camping trips). Knives Knives (lock blade only) can only be carried by a scout who has earned his toting chip and has it in his possession. No Knives except a small lock blade pocket knife are permitted at any scout activity. No sheath knives, switch blades, or knives with blades over 4 inches in length are permitted on any troop activity by anyone (scout, leader, guest or parent). Scouts will not be permitted to use any knife, ax or saw until they earn their "Tote 'n Chip". No Firearms - No firearms are permitted on any troop activity by anyone (scout, leader, guest or parent). If firearms are required on any troop activity, they will be under the strict control of the Scoutmaster or his designee. No Alcohol - No alcohol will be permitted by anyone (scout, leader, guest or parent) at any troop activity. No Hazing Troop 292 never has, and never will tolerate any hazing. No Profanity - This applies to both youth and adults. No Radios or Electronic devices - Scouts are not to bring any radios, portable video games, or other electronic equipment, etc. on any troop activity.

13 No saws or axes are to be used outside an ax yard. (Totin Chip Required) Scouts cannot build or tend fires until they earn their "Fire 'n Chit". Scouts will not be allowed to swim at any troop activity unless there is trained leadership available and Safe Swim Defense is being used. Scouts are not permitted to ride in the rear of pickup trucks. NEW SCOUT BUYER'S GUIDE (SUGGESTIONS) If you're planning to buy anything major (i.e., expensive), it makes good sense to bring along a catalog (Campmor, for free catalog call or at campmor.com) for price comparisons. Always bring your son's scout card and ask for a discount! Alabama Outdoors - Across Dauphin Street from Springhill Hospital Spoke and Trail - Corner of Old Shell & I-65 Beltline, Mobile, AL Academy Sports Festival Center Wal-Mart Mobile Area Council Service Center National Scout Store ON LINE SHOPPING REI: Cabelas: Campmor: BSA Supply: OTHER HELPFULE WEBSITES Troop 292's Website Mobile Area Council Merit Badge Information XII. GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS APL - Assistant Patrol Leader ASPL - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader JASM - Junior Assistant Scoutmaster OA - Order of the Arrow ASM - Assistant Scoutmaster FOS - Friends of Scouting JLT - Junior Leader Training PL - Patrol Leader

14 PLC - Patrol Leaders Council SPL - Senior Patrol Leader SM - Scoutmaster TC - Troop Committee