B.S.A. Troop 332

 

 

Established 1997

 

 

Chickasaw Council

 

Eastern District

 

 

Chartered Organization: Covenant United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Rules, Policies, And Guidelines:

 

For Scouts

 

 

 

 

 

Revised 03/01/03

 

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.         

C.                 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.          

D.                 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.

E.                  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.                   The assigned Duty Patrol will be responsible for cleanup activities and campsite duties.

K.                The assigned Service Patrol will be responsible for program activities and ceremonies.

 

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.

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/chapstick
        10.  Map and compass (liquid filled compass is best)
        11.  Non-aerosol bug repellant
        12.  Whistle (very important)
        13.  Scout Handbook (always!)
        14.  Hat (for sunscreen)
        15.  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 to double 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 ScoutHandbook and/or other special lists for additional gear needed
                11.  Watch
                12.  Hiking boots and extra pair of camp shoes (NO BARE FEET)                  

 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.

 

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.
            3.  These events are held to recognize the accomplishments of the Scouts and the Troop. The Scouts deserve to have their peers and the Troop’s families share in their achievements.
            4.  Each and every Scout and at least one family member should attend each Troop Court of Honor whether or not they are receiving a rank advancement or merit badges. Much important information is delivered to parents during these meetings, i.e. summer camp information, High Adventure information, and other troop information.

C. Eagle Scout Project Work Sessions

1.  These sessions are needed for the Eagle candidate to accomplish the service project required for the Eagle rank. He cannot do the work alone, he needs many hands to assist. His greatest resource is his fellow troop members and their families.
            2.  These sessions are not entirely optional. Every effort should be made to participate in as many as possible. There will be many different kinds of projects during each  Scout’s “career” and many new skills can be learned. Also - if and when your Scout leads an Eagle service project, he will want to be able to count on the other Troop members for support. If he has been supportive in the past, his peers are more likely to support him.
            3.  If transportation to the work site is required, adults must do the driving. BSA regulations prohibit teenage drivers. Please be willing to assist with this activity  when asked. Better yet, VOLUNTEER!