B.S.A. Troop 332

 

Established 1997

 

 

Chickasaw Council

 

Eastern District

 

 

Chartered Organization: Covenant United Methodist Church

 

General Rules, Policies, and Guidelines:

 

For Parents

 

 

 

 

 

Revised 03/01/03

The Adventure of Scouting

 

Scouting is a game with
A purpose.
Fun is the game.
Values are the purpose.
Learning is the process.
It is easier to build a boy than to repair a man.

A Scoutmaster trains boys to be leaders,
makes available to them the resources
and guidance they need to lead well,
and then steps into the background
and lets them do their jobs.

 

Boys joining the Boy Scouts of America have high expectations. They can hardly wait to go on hikes, sleep in tents, and cook meals in the open. They are eager to master the skills of Scouting and to put into practice what they are learning. They want to share experiences with their friends. They anticipate challenge, adventure, and recognition for their achievements. Boy Scouting revolves around a boy-lead troop. The boys themselves take on leadership positions in order to plan troop activities, run meetings, organize adventures, and take advantage of opportunities that fit their interests and needs.

Scouting is a values-based program. Scouting offers boys an environment in which everyone can feel secure both physically and emotionally. That sense of security comes from the adult leaders. A goal of the Boy Scouts of America is to help boys develop into honorable men. Every scouting activity moves boys toward three basic aims: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

The Boy Scouts of America uses eight fundamental methods to meet boys’ hope for fun and adventure, and to achieve Scouting’s goals. A Scout troop functions best when all eight methods are employed. These fundamental methods are: the ideals, the patrol method, the outdoors, advancement, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform.

 

Troop Leadership

A.  The Boy Lead Troop

Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their patrols and their troop. The boys themselves develop the troop’s program, then take responsibility for figuring out how they will achieve their goals. Only through real hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.

A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster’s direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop’s program, and make it a reality. In order for that to happen, a troop relies upon Scouts serving in positions of responsibility. The key boy leaders of the troop make up the patrol leaders’ council (PLC). They are the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and troop guides of any new-Scout patrols.

B.  The Boy-led Patrol

“The Patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop,
it is the only way. Unless the patrol method is in operation
you don’t really have a Boy Scout troop.“ 
 -Robert Baden-Powell

“Scouting is a game for boys under the leadership of boys under the direction of a man.”
-Robert Baden-Powell

Patrols are the building blocks of a Boy Scout troop. A patrol is a small group of boys who are more or less similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility of making the patrol a success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievement of the patrol and of each of its members.

There are three kinds of patrols - new-scout patrols, regular patrols, and venture patrols. A new-scout patrol includes 11-year old boys who are just joining at troop. The new Scouts function together as a patrol during their first year in the troop, working toward their goal of completing the requirements for the First Class rank. As boys earn their First Class rank, they may move into a regular patrol if they so choose. Regular patrols usually are composed of Scouts who have completed the First Class requirements or who are in at least the seventh grade. They are groups of peers similar in age, achievement, and interests. A Venture patrol is an optional older-boy patrol (ages 13-17) within a troop. These boys have the maturity and experience to plan and take part in more challenging high-adventure outings and sports activities. Boys in Regular patrols upon turning 13 may elect to move into a venture patrol.

 

C.  Troop Meetings

Scouting is three-quarters -outing

The troop meeting is the glue that holds the Scout troop together. Well-planned meetings that the boys run themselves can be full of excitement and satisfaction. Troop meeting time devoted to learning new skills and organizing future campouts, service projects, and other activities will keep interest levels and enthusiasm high.

Troop meetings serve many purposes, including motivating boys, strengthening patrols, promoting patrol spirit, learning and practicing Scouting skills, and exercising leadership. The seven step troop meeting plan is: preopening, opening, skills instruction, patrol meetings, interpatrol activity, closing - Scoutmaster’s minute, and after the meeting.                

Each month the troop centers its meetings and events around well-planned activities that Scouts will find challenging and exciting. At the annual planning conference in August, the patrol leaders’ council selects program features for the coming year.

 

D.  Training Junior Leaders

“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.” 
“Never do anything a boy can do.”

Leadership is a vital part of the Scouting program. Scouts in positions of leadership run their patrols and the troop. They take care of the many tasks required for troop meetings and activities to run smoothly and well. By accepting the responsibilities of troop and patrol leadership, they are preparing themselves to be leaders throughout their lives.

Leadership experiences can be frustrating and disappointing if a Scout is not given the basic knowledge, skill, and encouragement he must have in order to lead. It is the Scoutmaster’s responsibility to provide these basics through coaching and mentoring. Opportunities to develop leadership skills are every bit as important to Scouts and to Scouting as are any requirements for advancement.

 

Troop Safety Policy

The Troop’s Safety policy is to conduct all Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner and to follow the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting. A copy of the Guide to Safe Scouting must be taken on every troop activity which requires travel. These policies/guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect troop members from known hazards that have been identified through past experiences. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures. Adult leaders should be aware of state and local government laws.

The general information is to help everyone to have as much fun as possible as soon as possible. Also, this is not a substitute for The Boy Scout Handbook. The Handbook is the best source of general and how-to information. Other books, such as the B.S.A. Fieldbook and the numerous merit badge books, are excellent reference materials.

There is no substitute for good common sense. Scouts and adult leaders enter into many different adventures in Scouting. The information contained here, including the rules, guidelines, and general information, can never cover every situation that may arise. Troop 332 follows BSA rules in Scout Handbook. Two rules which must always be followed are two deep leadership and the buddy system.

 

Uniforms

A. Types of Uniforms   
     1. Dress Class A
        a) All awards and merit badge sash (NOT the OA sash)
        b) Proper Troop neckerchief (no bolos)
        c) Plus Regular Class A (see #2 below)
    2. Regular Class A or field uniform
        a) Trouser or shorts
        b) Scout belt
        c) Socks (proper green Scout socks to be worn with BSA shorts)
        d) Khaki shirt with proper markings and insignias
        e) Neckerchief:
             (1) Bolo can be worn to troop meetings
             (2) To be worn at scout camp, jamborees, special functions with other troops
    3. Class B or “activities” uniform
        a) Troop t-shirt or BSA knit shirt
        b) Scout shorts or long pants
        c) Scout socks or hiking socks
B. When to Wear Which Uniform
    1. Eagle Scout Court of Honor - Dress Class A
    2. Troop Court of Honor - Regular Class A
    3. Any Scout function- Class A - unless otherwise announced
    4. Troop meetings during the school year - Class A
    5. Troop meetings during the summer - Class B
       a) Date to begin summer uniform will be announced
       b) Date to return to Class A will be announced
    6. Board of Review - Class A
    7. Travel to Campouts - Class A
    8. Summer camp dinner - Class A, with neckerchief (not bolo)
    9. Summer camp, weekend campouts - Activities uniform
C. When NOT to Wear Uniform
    1. Work functions such as painting/cleanup - wear very old clothes!
    2. Fund raisers - unless told otherwise
        a) Class A only if a national Scout fundraiser/activity or if sanctioned by Chickasaw Council

General Conduct to be Followed

A. Scout Oath
B. Scout Law
C. Scout Motto
D. Scout Slogan
E. Outdoor Code

Disciplinary Problems

A.                 If a Scout becomes disruptive or is a behavioral problem at troop meetings, campouts, outdoor activities, or any other Troop activities, the problem will be turned over to the Senior Patrol Leader to be handled at the next Patrol Leader’s Council in consultation with the Scoutmaster.
B.                 If a Scout becomes a consistent disciplinary problem, one parent or adult guardian will be asked to attend all functions with the misbehaving Scout and to remove him from the function at the first serious offense, until such time as the Scout learns to behave according to the troop’s guidelines.         

A.                 If a Scout becomes a serious problem during a campout or a troop meeting, a parent or adult guardian will be called and asked to come and get the Scout immediately.          
B.                 A Scout may be asked to leave the troop if a serious disciplinary problem cannot be resolved based on agreement of the Scoutmaster and the Committee.
C.                 Parent/Scoutmaster conferences will be called as needed to attempt to resolve any problems before they become serious enough to warrant  (B), (C), or (D) above.       

Advancement

A.                 There are few moments in life when a parent or guardian is prouder than when their boy (now a young man) earns the Eagle rank, but for this to happen, it takes three key items (in order of importance):
    1.                  Boy’s level of desire and hard work; not quitting when there is a failure or the Scout has a difficult time.
    2.                  Consistent parent/guardian support and guidance of the boy.
    3.                  Participation in a Quality Troop with active parents and trained leaders.
B.                 Scout craft skills, merit badges, and listed items under each rank in the BSA Handbook are to be signed off or approved by the trainer, an approved adult leader, or a Scout who is Star or above.
Parents wanting to run a merit badge class should:
    1.  Be qualified and get general approval from the advancement chairperson.
    2.  Have a minimum of two scouts present during each merit badge class session.
C.                 Parents may not sign off on rank advancement or merit badge requirements for their son.
D.                 Save ALL rank advancement and merit badge cards! These are your receipts and may be needed as proof of completion. (HINT: create a scouting memory-book using plastic pages designed for baseball cards to hold BSA membership cards, rank advancement cards, and merit badge blue cards; and clear plastic page covers to store award certificates, pictures, and other adventure memorabilia.)
E.                  Before rank advancement:
    1.                  Each scout will complete the skills/requirements outlined in the Scout Handbook.
    2.                  Show scout spirit.
    3.                  Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
    4.                  Each scout will obtain proper paperwork from the Advancement Chairperson. This paperwork is a MUST before entering a Board of Review.
    5.                  Reminder to wear Class A uniform during Board of Review.
    6.                  Successfully complete a Board of Review
        a)         Comprised of troop committee members and other trained troop leaders.
        b)                  Purpose is not to re-test the scout, but to make sure he has met all of the requirements for the new rank and to be sure he knows the
                                    skills required by that rank.
    7.                  Special requirements and boards of review are required for the Eagle rank:
        a)                  Please see the “Life to Eagle” packet for specific requirements for the Eagle rank.
        b)                  Eagle projects are to benefit others, promote Scouting, and teach additional leadership skills.
        c)                  There is no such thing as a “required” number of hours of work for an Eagle project.
F.                  Merit badges
    1.                  Merit badges must be completed within one year of their iniation.
    2.                  It is recommended that scouts should have attained First Class rank prior to working on merit badges with two exceptions:
       a. Summer camp
       b. The merit badge does not conflict with or take priority over rank advancement.

Preparing for a Campout

A.                 At the meeting before the campout, we generally prepare the menus and check out the equipment. Reminder/Warning - those who do not help prepare the menus have little to say, and no right to complain, about what is served!
B.                 Scouts are highly discouraged from bringing their own food/snacks for campouts unless:
    1.                  There is a special dietary/medical condition involved, or
    2.                  The scout is participating in a special cooking demonstration.
    3.                  NOTE: Adults are encouraged to eat the same foods as the Scouts when possible.
C.                 We ask that all campout fees be paid in advance so that food/supplies can be purchased. There is no such thing as a free campout!    
D.                 Troop Cooking: In general, all Scouts are asked, or one/two scouts from each patrol are designated, to show up on the Thursday evening before the weekend campout to do the shopping. Reminder - those who do not help have little to say and no right to complain!
E.                  Patrol Cooking: Each patrol is responsible for collecting the money and doing their own shopping prior to the campout. Each scout in the patrol may also have a troop fee for other costs such as campsite fees, patches, entrance fees, or miscellaneous troop supplies.
F.                  If a scout fails to sign up and pay for a campout in advance, they will not be allowed to participate in that event.
G.                 If a scout pays for a campout and does not cancel before grocery shopping, no fees will be refunded. (The people doing the grocery shopping as well as the adult in charge of the event must be notified.). There are also no refunds on advance fees paid by the troop that are non-refundable. The troop treasury should not lose money because someone does not show up.
H.                 It is the individual scout’s responsibility to obtain any telephone numbers he might need, i.e. fellow patrol members, adult leaders, etc.                                             
I.                    A permission slip signed by the custodial parent is required prior to departure for each troop campout and selected activities that require travel.
J.                   Parents are not allowed to remove a scout, including their own child, from a scouting activity without notifying the Scoutmaster or other adult leader.
K.                Parents should sleep in the area reserved for adult leaders and are not to sleep with the scouts, including their child.

Travel to and from the Campsites

A.                 Members of Troop 332 always travel to campouts in Class A uniform (summer, fall, winter, spring - No exceptions)
B.                 Please be courteous to others - Be on time and have all fees paid!
C.                 Unless told otherwise, bring a sack lunch/dinner for the first leg of travel to camp.
D.                 All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
E.                  Drivers must use the buddy system (two or more cars traveling together, but no caravans).
F.                  If a driver allows, scouts may be able to use electronic items while traveling (GameBoy, GameGear, Walkman, laptop computers, hand-held
            games, etc.).        
G.                 Proper conduct is expected at all times.
H.                 Eating in vehicles only after asking permission of the driver.
I.                    It is a good idea to bring along a little extra spending money (emphasis on a little!) - many times we stop for food (real food - not candy/cokes) on the
            way home from camp.
J.                   Trashing a vehicle will most likely mean you will help clean the vehicle upon return to CUMC (inside and/or outside as needed).
K.                NO One leaves the church until EVERYTHING is put away/all leftover food is taken care of.
L.                  Items that are wet/dirty will be distributed among the scouts to take home to clean/dry as needed. These items are to be returned to the troop ASAP (no more than one/two regular meetings after the campout). This is VERY important - the Troop cannot afford to purchase new equipment because scouts fail to take care of troop equipment that they have used.
M.               Avoid the risk zone, be aware of killer fatigue.

General Rules of Campouts

A.                 NO running in camp.
B.                 DO NOT enter someone else’s tent without permission.
C.                 ALWAYS ask permission to enter another Troop’s campsite: Proper procedure is to stop at the edge of their camp and ask permission to enter.
    1.                  Question: “Permission to enter camp?”
    2.                  Response: “Permission granted.”
D.                 Respect the basic rights of all people.
E.                  It is EVERYONE’s responsibility to help others and teach others skills they do not know.
F.                  Maintain general conduct that makes the outing fun for others.
G.                 No food in tents. Repeat - NO FOOD IN TENTS! You could have an unwanted guest such as a squirrel, a skunk, or even a bear! Remember - NO FOOD IN TENTS!  
H.                 Refrain from bringing junk food on any campout. With special permission, you may bring special food(s) to be cooked that will show your camping/woods skills.
I.                    Label ALL personal items where it can be seen (books, hats, socks, sierra cups, eating utensils, etc.). If you lose something and it is labeled, you have a much better chance of getting it back. Unlabeled items may never be returned.
J.                   Scouts are responsible for their personal gear (not the leaders but the scouts).   
K.                Permission MUST be given before leaving camp or any group activity. You must have a buddy.
L.                  Cleanup Procedure
    1.                  Scrape as much as possible into a slop bucket (#1)
    2.                  Wash in detergent bucket (#2)
    3.                  Rinse in clean water bucket (#3) (words to the wise - if you do not get all the soap off your dishes, it can give you diarrhea the next time you use them.)
    4.                  Sterilize rinse (with a capful of Clorox) in final bucket (#4)
    5.                  Dry/Use drying rack
M.               Scouts to wear proper footwear in and around camp. (NO BARE FEET!)                   
N.                Never use soap on the cast iron cookware (Dutch ovens and skillets). Clean cast iron ovens immediately after using. Do not let them sit overnight with food in them. 
O.                Proper dress.
P.                  No electronic devices in camp (tape players, games, radios, cellular/mobile phones, etc.)
Q.                Each scout is to maintain good hygiene.
R.                 It is not the general practice to allow scouts to call home on outings. Exceptions to this rule would include a need for special medications/medical care/emergencies and during campouts lasting over three days.
S.                  Scouts to use proper restroom facilities. If no restroom available, use proper woods skills methods (cat holes or latrines). NO peeing in or near camp or on trees.
T.                  Do NOT use insect spray in tents. It removes the water proofing! Cream/Lotion preparations are recommended.
U.                 NEVER cut a rope without adult supervision.
V.                 Maintain the Troop’s equipment. Equipment damaged through negligence by a scout or a group of scouts will need to be replaced/repaired by those involved at their expense.
W.               We will ALWAYS leave campsites better than we found them.
X.                 The campsite will be policed AS A GROUP before we leave.
Y.                 Adult leaders will always maintain two-deep leadership on all scout activities.

Personal Outdoor Equipment

A.                 Scout Outdoor Essentials (day hikes) (LABEL EVERYTHING with your name!)
        1.  Pocket knife (ONLY if the scout has earned his Totin’ Chip card!)
        2. First aid kit
        3. Extra clothing - appropriate for season and planned activities - Remember:
                a)                  Wick
                b)                  Warmth
                c)                  Wind
                d)                  Water
            4.  Rain gear
            5.  Water bottles (plastic water bottles preferred over canteens)
            6.  Flashlight (headlamps work great!)
            7.  Trail food
            8.  Matches and fire starters
            9.  Sun protection
           10.  Map and compass (liquid filled compass is best)
           11.  Non-aerosol bug repellant
           12.  Whistle (very important)
           13.  Scout Handbook (always!)
           14.  Chapstick
           15.  Hat (for sunscreen)
           16.  Hip/Fanny pack is very useful

B.                 Personal Overnight Camping Gear (LABEL EVERYTHING with your name!)

1.  All items on Scout outdoor essentials list plus:
            2. Clothing appropriate for the season
            3. Backpack
            4. Sleeping bag suitable for the season/type of weather predicted (may need two bags todouble in cold weather) - bring them in a plastic bag or protective cover/stuff sack NOTHING is worse than a wet sleeping bag. Air-activated hand, foot, and/or sleeping bag warmers are great in cold weather.
            5. Closed-cell foam pad or self-inflatable sleeping mat. (NO egg-crate foam pads).
            6. Ground cloth for under sleeping bag inside tent
            7. Rain cover for backpack
            8. Personal eating gear (2 sierra cups OR 1 plastic plate, and 2 lexan spoons). If a scout does not provide these items for himself, he will have to wait until someone else finishes so that he can borrow theirs - this means he will eat last!
            9.  Personal hygiene/cleanup items:
                a)  Biodegradable soap
                b)  Toothbrush (be sure to know how to use this in the woods - NOT like at home!)
                c)  Toothpaste
                d)  Dental floss (multiple uses!)
                e) Comb
                f)  Bandanas (double as wash cloths/towels)
                g)  Toilet paper (aka “ALL-Purpose” or “AP” paper)
           10. Personal extras (optional):
                a)  Camera/film
                b)  Notebook/pencil
                c)  Sunglasses
                d)  Binoculars
                e)  Swimsuit
                f)   Bible/Prayer Book
                g)  Small stool on which to sit
                h)  Walking stick
                i)   For Philmont, Appalachian Trail or other backpack/canoe trips, see Scout
                    Handbook and/or other special lists for additional gear needed
           11.  Watch
           12.  Hiking boots and extra pair of camp shoes (NO BARE FEET)                  

  

Homesickness

Homesickness DOES happen. General treatment is to get the Scout involved in an activity. It is NOT a general practice to let the Scout call home. Calling home usually makes matters worse. Every case is different and the leaders involved will use their best judgment.

 

Hiking

A.                 Stay with the group.
B.                 Walk on the left, facing traffic.
C.                 Walk single file, by patrol, patrol leader in front and assistant patrol leader in rear.
D.                 NO darting into the road or crossing it except on sign after checking for traffic.
E.                  At night, a white cloth is tied to each person’s lower right leg. Use reflective material when possible.
F.                  NO hitchhiking
G.                 Watch for physical hazards and warn others.
H.                 Drink extra liquids, even in cold weather. (Drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are hungry and if you don’t need to “pee” every two hours, you are not drinking enough. Dehydration is the greatest problem when hiking.)

 

Fire

A.                 NO fire in or near tents.
B.                 MUST have fire bucket near tent.
C.                 Do NOT play in the fire.
D.                 ALWAYS extinguish campfires and flame sources before you go to sleep. DEAD OUT with water.
E.                  Camp fuels are to be handled ONLY by adults (white gas, Coleman fuel, Propane, LPG, etc.)
F.                  NO horse play.

 

Wood for Campfires and Where to Find It

A.                 NEVER use vines, for ANY reason!
B.                 NEVER use green wood.
C.                 NEVER cut green/live wood
D.                 Use dead wood that is on trees - dead wood found on ground is usually wet/buggy.
E.                  Tinder - fine dry grass, weed tops, bark, mouse nest, paper, etc.
F.                  Kindling - 3" split logs
    1.                  Hardwoods are the best - hickory, oak, ash, dogwood, cherry, ironwood
    2.                  Softwoods - are okay but are not the best choice

 

Knives

A.    Knives to be used under adult supervision until the BSA Totin’ Chip card is earned.
B.        Only folding blade knives of reasonable size (one or two blades for cutting and special blades for opening cans, driving screws, and punching holes are recommended).
C.         In order to use a knife on his own, a scout must have earned and have in his possession a Totin’ Chip card.
D.    Breaking of any Totin’ Chip rule can mean temporary loss of the knife and/or loss of Totin Chip card corners or complete card. If a card is lost because of “cause,” it must be re-earned.
E.    Axes are ONLY to be used by scouts with a Totin’ Chip card and ONLY in the ax yard. Reminder - the preferred method of cutting wood is with a sharp saw.     

General Chain of Command

(Listed in decreasing order of importance)

A.                 Troop Committee
B.                 Scoutmaster
C.                 Assistant Scoutmaster(s)
D.                 Junior Assistant Scoutmaster(s)
E.                  Senior Patrol Leader
F.                  Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
G.                 Patrol Leader (s)
H.                 Assistant Patrol Leader(s)

Youth Leadership Positions/Requirements and Elections

See Scout Handbook and Junior Leader Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook for Position Descriptions

A.        Junior Assistant Scoutmaster – A Scout at least 16 years of age, but not yet 18, who has shown outstanding leadership skills, may be appointed by the senior patrol leader with the   advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.
B.         Senior Patrol Leader - should be Star rank or above. The senior patrol leader is elected by majority vote by the troop at a regular troop meeting.
C.        Assistant Senior Patrol Leader – should be First Class rank or above and is appointed by Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.
D.        Patrol Leader - elected by the members of each patrol. The patrol leader should be First Class or above for regular and venture patrols. In new scout patrols a Troop Guide will be asked to assist.
E.         Assistant Patrol Leader – Each patrol leader appoints an assistant patrol leader.
F.         Elections are held each March and September for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders.          
G.        Order of the Arrow Elections.
    1.  Fifty percent of the active troop must be present at the election.
    2.  Scout must be at least First Class in rank to be a nominee for election.
    3.  Within the most recent two years have camped for a minimum of fifteen days and nights, which included six days and five nights of resident camping approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. (Weekend campouts count as three days).
    4.  Scout must have Scoutmaster’s approval to be a candidate. Scout cannot be disqualified after the election by Scoutmaster   
    5. Scout must receive at least fifty percent vote of those voting at the election (a blank ballot is the same as a “no” vote. If a person is not sure of the candidate, they should not cast a ballot. Each person is voted upon separately.
    6. The election must be run by a Scout OA member.
    7. Give the OA member a Unit Election Report Form (available from Scout Office).
    8.  Elections will be held once a year.

 Other Scout Positions

A.                 Troop Level Positions
    1.  Bugler
    2.  Scribe
    3.  Quartermaster
    4.  Guide
    5.  Historian
    6.  Den Chief
    7.  Librarian
    8.  Instructor(s)
    9.  Chaplain Aide
    10.   Order of the Arrow Representative
    11.  Webelos Den Chief

B.                 Patrol Level Positions
    1.  Quartermaster
    2.  Cheermaster
    3.  Scribe
    4.  Grubmaster

 

Attendance

 A.                 Monday Night meetings/Troop Activities - Good attendance is expected from the Scout in order for the Troop to function properly. Illness, family vacations, emergencies, excessive homework, or tests are considered reasonable excuses for absence. If your scout holds a position of leadership and he will not be able to attend a (ANY) function, it is imperative that he contact the Senior Patrol Leader with the greatest amount of advance notice possible. This will allow time to adjust and/or call upon someone else to cover the workload.        

B.                 Troop Courts of Honor
    1.  Troop Courts of Honor are held four times a year.
    2.  Attendance is EXPECTED by EVERY member of the Troop and as many parents as can possibly attend.