Policies and Procedures
TROOP 93 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
(THESE ARE NOT FINAL JUST SO EVERYONE CAN VIEW FOR NOW)
Policies and Procedures of
BOY SCOUT TROOP 93
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
CHARTERED TO
Tazewell Presbyterian Church
The purpose of these policies and procedures of Troop 93 is to provide guidance to the Senior Patrol Leader, Scout Leadership, and the Scoutmaster on the proper operation of Troop 93 activities. The Scoutmaster is responsible and has the authority to enforce these policies and encourage compliance by using the tried and true advice available in BSA publications and policies. In addition to these policies and procedures The Boy Scout Handbook, the Scoutmaster Handbook, and the Guide to Safe Scouting will guide Troop 93.
The Troop Committee will also abide by the policies set forth.
I. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
1. All applicants must be eleven years old, or have completed the fifth
grade, or 10 and ½ years old and earned the Arrow of Light at the time of registration.
2. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fees, which
include registration, troop dues, and a subscription to Boys Life magazine.
(The subscription is recommended but not required.)
3. A parent or legal guardian (“parent”) must accompany each applicant at
the time of registration.
II. PARENT PARTICIPATION
1. Parents are encouraged to attend quarterly Courts of Honor, the Scoutmaster is to notify parents of when this event will be held.
2. Parents are encouraged to attend and assist with Troop meetings, if necessary, when asked and activities, including campouts and service projects.
3. Parents are encouraged to participate as adult leaders and are welcome at
Troop committee meetings. Only registered Committee members may
vote on issues before the Committee.
III. UNIFORMS
1. All Scouts are encouraged to wear the official “Class A” uniform at all Troop
meetings and activities. The Scoutmaster may designate the wearing of
other clothes for Troop activities when it is deemed to be appropriate.
2. The “Class A” uniform consists of the scout shirt, green trousers or shorts,
Belt, and socks.
3. The “Class A” uniform shall be worn for all advancement conferences,
boards of review, and courts of honor.
4. The “Class B” uniform consists of a BSA-related T-shirt.
5. Scouts should be prepared to stand a uniform inspection at any Troop
meeting or activity without receiving prior notice.
IV. MEETING, ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION
1. Troop meetings will be held weekly at a time and place to be determined
by the Troop Committee Chairman and the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster may designate a different meeting night to accommodate special circumstances.
3. All Scouts registered with the Troop are encouraged to participate in all
fundraising activities.
4. Each Scout will have a Scout Handbook, notebook and pen or pencil in
his possession at all Troop meetings and activities unless instructed to the
contrary.
5. Scouts who make commitments to participate in Troop activities are encouraged to faithfully keep all such commitments.
V. DISCIPLINE
1. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout
Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. As such, Leaders of Troop
93 will not tolerate and will report incidents of the use of foul or
obscene language, unruly or disruptive behavior, harassment, name calling,
or fighting at Troop meetings or activities to the Scoutmaster.
2. The Scoutmaster has the authority to discipline a scout, including either
temporary or permanent suspension, for conduct inconsistent with
Scouting ideals. This can include, cursing, harassment, disrespect to
leadership, dangerous behavior that involves the health, safety, and
welfare of other scouts, or any policy that is not followed by the Scout.
In the event that an offence warrants suspension from the Troop, The Scoutmaster, the Scout in question, along with his parent/guardian will attend a meeting with the disciplinary committee.* However, before a Scout will be brought before this committee all chain of commands should have been executed, unless the offense is dangerous enough to warrant skipping the chain of command procedures. Scoutmaster and SPL should be prepared to explain what procedures were followed and what the outcome of those procedures occurred.
* Disciplinary committee will consist of 3 committee members who are familiar with the Scoutmaster, and the Scouts in Troop 93. The members of this sub committee are to be approved by fellow committee members.
The disciplinary committee will always consider the opinions of the SPL, and Scoutmaster, and consider what plan of action the Scoutmaster would deem appropriate in the given case. The disciplinary committee should always have an open mind, and hear all facts being brought before them, and discuss the situation at hand before making a decision. That decision will then be brought before the committee, and the Scoutmaster.
VI. TROOP ELECTIONS AND LEADERSHIP
1. Troop and Patrol elections will be conducted every six months.
2. The scoutmaster has the authority to override this decision if he deems it necessary. This is usually very rare that this would have to be done.
3. A new Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
(ASPL) will be elected every six months.
3. The SPL and ASPL are elected from current and former Patrol Leaders
(PL) only. This will allow continuity within the Patrol Leaders Council
(PLC
4. Scouts leaders must attend the majority of troop meetings and the
majority of troop outings during his leadership time to qualify for his
leadership rank requirement. With advance Scoutmaster approval, other
BSA-sponsored outings may count toward this majority total.
5. Failure to properly fulfill the duties of his leadership position may cause
the Scout to be dismissed from that position.
VII. PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL (PLC)
1. The PLC consists of one Patrol Leader or representative from each patrol,
the Troop Guide(s) from the new scout patrol(s), Troop Scribe, SPL,
ASPL, and all Scouts holding Troop-level leadership positions. The
Scoutmaster attends as a coach and informational resource. The SPL may
invite other Scouts or adults to attend monthly PLC meetings.
2. PLC meetings will be conducted regularly to evaluate and plan the
current month’s activities and to plan for the next month’s activities,
including Troop meetings, activities, camping programs, duty rosters, and
service projects. The Scout and adult in charge of the current and next
month’s programs will be required to attend.
3. The PLC will work with the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster to
develop the annual Troop calendar.
4. The Troop Scribe will complete records of which Scouts attended PLC
meetings. A Scout who misses two or more PLC meetings without a valid
excuse may be dismissed from his leadership position, and another Scout
will take his place in the PLC.
5. All PLC members will be required to complete Junior Leader Training
within a reasonable time after their election, to be established by the
Scoutmaster.
VIII. TROOP EQUIPMENT
Troop 93 and Crew 93 shall share the trailer and gear on the trailer. Either Unit shall have access to the gear when needed, and is not in use by the other unit.
1. The Troop may make equipment available for use during Troop activities.
This equipment may include items intended for group use, special
purpose items, or items with sharp cutting edges.
2. The Troop will not normally provide any personal gear.
3. Entry to the Troop equipment storage area will be restricted to the Troop
Quartermaster, his assistant(s), the Scoutmaster, and such other
individuals who are authorized by the Quartermaster or Scoutmaster.
4. No Troop equipment, gear, or other items may be removed from, added
to, or placed in the Troop equipment storage area without the prior
knowledge and permission of the Troop Quartermaster, or Scoutmaster.
5. Only Scouts or adult leaders who are active members of the Troop may
check out equipment, and only for use during Troop activities or BSA
training activities. Personal use of Troop equipment is not permitted.
6. The Troop Quartermaster shall be given a signed receipt for any
equipment checked out. The receipt will show the name of the borrower,
the check out date and time, a description of the equipment borrowed and
its condition at that time.
7. The Troop Quartermaster shall use the check out receipt to verify that the
proper equipment is returned and to verify any change in the condition of
the equipment.
8. The Troop Quartermaster may refuse to accept the return of any
equipment that is dirty, damaged, or deemed to be unacceptable in his
opinion.
9. The individual checking out the equipment will be responsible for the
proper care and prompt return of the equipment, and for the replacement
cost of any lost, destroyed, or abnormally damaged equipment
.
10. The Troop will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of
equipment due to normal wear.
IX. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
1. Each individual will be responsible for the safety and care of that
individual’ s personal equipment.
2. Each camper is required to provide his own backpack, personal mess
gear, canteen, bedding, and any other personal camping equipment he
requires for outdoor Troop activities. Adult leaders may use their own
saws, axes, hatchets, cooking utensils, etc.
3. Scouts are not permitted to carry sheath knives, hatchets, axes and saws as
part of their personal equipment. Each Scout should possess a scout knife
or its equivalent. A Scout may not use a knife, saw or axe unless he has
earned the TOTE’N CHIP.
4. Any person who damages or destroys another’s personal equipment will
be required to replace or repair it, at the owner’s option.
5. Scouts and adult leaders may carry any equipment they deem necessary
for their comfort on outdoor activities, as long as it is not excessive, can be
suitably packed, and is not otherwise disallowed.
6. Scouts are not permitted to use personal electronic devices (i.e., radio,
television, player/recorder, electronic games, personal computer, etc.) at
Troop activities or on campouts, in a disruptive manner.
X. MEDICAL/HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Scouts will be required to have on file with the Troop, the Troop 93
record of emergency data and the Boy Scout physical on the appropriate
form required for participation in the scouting activity.
2. The Scoutmaster or his designated assistant will retain all medicines and
drugs at all Troop activities, whether they are prescription or over-the counter
medications. Medicines and drugs must remain in original
container, and parents must provide written directions for administration
to the Scoutmaster.
3. Scouts who have physical or mental disabilities will be encouraged to
participate in all Troop activities to the extent they are able to do so.
Parental support or assistance may be required.
4. The National Council, Boy Scouts of America, prohibits the
use of sheath knives by Scouts. All Scouts will comply with this policy.
Axes, saws and hatchets will not be allowed at regular Troop meetings
unless prior permission is received from the Scoutmaster.
5. Scouts and adult leaders will maintain personal cleanliness at all Troop
Activities
6. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages
and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property
owned and/or operated by the BSA or at any activity involving
participation of youth members.
7.Scouts may not go swimming, nor use any type of boat, unless prior
approval has been received from the Scoutmaster. Scouts shall comply
with the rules and regulations governing aquatic safety contained in the
most current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting published by the Boy
Scouts of America.
9. All Scouts are required to pass the BSA swim test annually in order to
participate in Troop sponsored water activities.
10. All drivers transporting scouts must be at least twenty-one years of age
and have a valid operator’s license in their possession. All vehicles will
be insured for the minimum amount of insurance required by the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
11. Scouts will obey the rules established by the drivers of vehicles used for
transportation. Seat belts are required for all occupants and must be in
use when the vehicle is operated. Scouts are not permitted to ride in open
truck beds. Scouts are not permitted to hang out of vehicle windows,
throw anything from a vehicle or yell at pedestrians or drivers of other
vehicles.
XI. CAMPOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Scouts will not be permitted to participate in campouts without a current
permission slip that has been signed by his parent or legal guardian prior
to the campout. Scouts are also required to have on file with the Troop the
record of emergency data and Boy Scout physical on the appropriate form
required for participation in the scouting activity.
2. The parent or guardian of a Scout who misbehaves or disturbs a campout
will be called to come and pick him up from the campsite.
3. No Scout is permitted to leave the campsite unless he has received prior
approval from the Scoutmaster or SPL. Scouts leaving the campsite will
use the buddy system.
4. Scouts will maintain the campsite in a clean and orderly manner at all
times.
5. Scouts will use fuels as permitted by, and in accordance with, the
procedures and policies set forth in the most current version of the Guide
to Safe Scouting.
7. No fires will be built at a campsite unless prior approval has been
received from the Scoutmaster. No fires, heaters or candles are permitted
inside tents. Flame-lit hand warmers are also prohibited from use in tents.
8. Each patrol will set-up its tents in the site selected by the SPL or the
Scoutmaster.
9. Scouts will not borrow or use another Scout’s or adult’s equipment
without first receiving their permission. Scouts will not go inside another
Scout’s tent unless permission has been received. Scouts must ask for
permission to enter the adult leaders’ campsite.
10. The points and times of departure and return for campouts shall be as
announced for that activity.
11. No Scout is permitted at anytime in the tent of an adult leader… No adult leader will enter a Scouts tent at anytime unless a medical emergency has occurred and in this instance 2 deep leadership policy needs to be adhered by.
.
XII. FINANCE
1. Each Scout will have a special account that is maintained by the Troop
Treasurer. Profits earned by the Scout in fundraising activities will be placed in his personal account. A Scout may used the funds in his personal account to
defray camping costs and fees.
2. The treasure is to prepare a financial statement every month to be presented at the monthly committee meeting.
3. Authorized signatures on Troop checks shall include the Troop Treasurer,
and Scoutmaster.
There shall be discretionary funds available to the Scoutmaster and Treasurer for camp related fees, camp supplies, advancement and recognition , awards.
The Troop Scoutmaster shall be allocated a petty cash fund in the amount of $150.00, for small purchases that need to be made in the event that he can not get in touch with the treasure to obtain a check. Receipts shall be kept and turned in when any purchase is made to be reviewed by the treasurer, then and only then will the petty cash fund be replenished.
Troop Committee Meetings and Voting Requirements
Troop Committee meetings will be held as designated and agreed upon by the committee. The meetings are open for all to attend and make suggestions to be voted on, but ONLY THOSE LISTED AS REGISTERED COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL HAVE VOTING AUTHORITY.
XIII. AMENDING POLICIES AND TROOP PROCEDURES
1. The Troop Committee may establish troop procedures as necessary to
govern Troop 93 administration of the BSA program. Such procedures
must be approved by a majority vote of the voting members present at the
Troop Committee meeting.
2. The PLC or the Troop Committee may recommend changes or
amendments to these Bylaws. Changes and amendments to these Bylaws
must be approved by (a) a majority of the voting members present at the
PLC meeting and (b) a two-thirds vote of the voting members present at
the Troop Committee meeting.
3. These Policies and procedures are effective on the date when the Troop Committee votes on a are approved by a majority vote.
If for any unintentional reason these policies set forth violate any BSA Policy, Procedure, or Bylaw , BSA policies and procedures supersede, and the part of the policy that is in violation will be changed.
Scoutmaster Signature / Date
________________________________________________________________
Troop Committee Chair Signature/ Date
________________________________________________________________
Secretary Signature/ Date
________________________________________________________________