For questions or information about Troop27, Please contact John @ Troop27@hugh

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scout Oath and Law
2. Purpose Statements
3. Uniform Requirements
4. The Importance of Planning
5. Equipment Needs
6. Adults on Outings -Guidelines
7. Typical Troop Organization
8. Advancement Policy and Procedure
9. Advancement Requirements
10. Definition of Scout Spirit
11. Scoutmaster Conference for Advancement
12. Board of Review for Advancement
13. Troop_Elections
14. Patrol Leaders Council Meeting
15. Troop Meetings
16. Adult Leader’s Role’s in the Troop
17. PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TROOP

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Today's youth are the leaders of tomorrow. There is a need to provide our youth with a solid foundation. Scouting can provide this foundation.

THE AIMS OF SCOUTING

• to build character
• to foster citizenship
• to develop fitness

No boy joins Scouting to have his "character built", but he will stay with Scouting because of it. "Character" is defined as moral and ethical quality; qualities of honesty, courage and integrity. There are also qualities of self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-respect.

Citizenship means understanding your duties, obligations, privilege and functions as a member of the group. It is learning to work with others in getting a task done. It's being ready to take leadership responsibilities when your turn comes.

Fitness includes physical, mental, emotional and moral fitness. Physical fitness includes learning good health habits and balanced diets - not just muscle building. Mental fitness is learning how to learn - how to gather needed information. Emotional fitness is the skill and courage to adjust to problems that we have no power to solve. It means being the good loser and a courteous winner. Moral fitness is the courage to do what your heart and head tells you is right - the courage to refuse to do what is wrong.

THE METHODS OF SCOUTING

The second method is the PATROL. A troop is not divided into patrols, but is made up of patrols. The boys learn better to work in a team when the team is small. Each boy in the patrol has a position, or duty, in that patrol. He comes to feel that the patrol belongs to him just as much as he belongs to the patrol.

The third method is OUTDOORS. We can't think of Scouts without a vision of boys carrying backpacks and heading off into the woods. In the outdoors a boy can meet nature face-to-face and understand his responsibilities to the environment. In the outdoors, a boy can clear his mind of school, parents, drugs, and television. He can have the time to find himself.

The fourth method is ADVANCEMENT. This program is a ladder of skills which the boy climbs at his own pace. Each skill leads closer to a new rank. As the boy advances, the skills become more challenging and more rewarding. This is one of the methods which has immediate recognition associated with it.

The fifth method is PERSONAL GROWTH. Personal growth is more than just a desired outcome of the Scouting program, we make a conscious effort to work with the Scouts. We coach and counsel the individual Scouts.

The sixth method is ADULT ASSOCIATION. Association with adults of high character - adults who care - has a very positive effect on boys.

The seventh method is LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. Scouting provides a rare opportunity for boys and men to develop the skills of leadership. Every Scout will experience at least one leadership position in the troop. The formal training available through Scouting is one of the best and least expensive management and leadership training available anywhere. Scouting can even give good leadership experience to boys who are not leaders.

The eighth method is THE UNIFORM. Whenever a boy wears the uniform, it reminds him that he is a Scout. The uniform gives him a feeling of pride in his appearance and the badges he has earned. A well uniformed troop builds a feeling of belonging to the troop and the world brotherhood of Scouting. It builds spirit and attract new members and leaders.

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WHY THE SCOUT UNIFORM

Such is the proud tradition of the Boy Scout uniform. When you wear yours, the whole world recognizes you as a Boy Scout. It is your privilege and duty to wear your distinctive, sharp looking uniform on all occasions.

The uniform helps Scouts to make Scouting better. It reminds them of the Oath, Law, Motto, and the ideals of Scouting. It encourages neat appearance and Scout-like conduct. It helps the Scout advance by offering him a suitable place for displaying awards and other symbols of achievement. And best of all, it builds a fine spirit of teamwork and cooperation in your unit wherein the brotherhood of each Scout is emphasized by the proud uniform he wears.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

When the leadership determines that the dress uniform is inappropriate for an activity, the members of the troop will be notified of the dress code for the event.

It is a tradition for troops to wear the uniform when leaving for overnight camping trips and returning. The Scouts are expected to have their uniforms with them when camping for troop assemblies while camping.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING

Planning is one big difference between having a boy in an athletic program versus Scouting. Athletic programs are run by the old guys from the sidelines. Scouting is run by the boys (in the middle of the field). Having the Scouts run the program does two things for Scouting. First, it ensures that the program is tailored to the specific interests of the boys in the troop. They are doing what they what to do. Second, it provides the Scouts with the opportunity to learn the skills of goal setting, planning and evaluating. Getting the boys to develop the habit of careful planning is probably the most important trait to develop in their character. When the boy knows how to plan, he will develop self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self- respect. His ability to plan will launch him successfully into whatever career he chooses. People who know how to solve problems and how to get where they want to go are the ones selected to become the leaders.

The National Scouting Office provides many tools to help the Scouts plan their troop program. The adult leadership is responsible for showing the Scouts how to use the tools. The Scouts have the final responsibility to make the plan happen.

Scouts also share responibility in planning their advancement. They should meet periodically with their Scoutmaster to review their personal growth and set goals for attaining their next rank. They learn to set achievable goals and the attain that goal. They set the next goal, etc., until they learn that major tasks are accomplished by completing a series of minor ones.

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CAMPING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

=== Carry in your pockets ===
• Pocket knife
• Personal first aid kit (see Second Class requirement 6b)
• Matches in waterproof container (optional)
• Handkerchief

• Compass (optional)

=== Pack containing ===

• Sleeping bag (or 2-3 blankets)
• Pillow (optional)
• Ground sheet (plastic) (optional)
• Foam pad or air mattress (optional)
• Sweater, jac-shirt or jacket (required by weather)
• Poncho OR raincoat and rain hat
• Extra pair of sneakers OR moccasins (optional)
• Shoelaces (extra pair)
• Toilet paper in plastic wrap
• Flashlight (with spare batteries and spare bulb)
• 2-Man tent (optional - may be provided by troop)

-- Plastic bag (inside of pack) containing:

• Extra uniform parts (as required) or extra shirt and pants (one complete change of clothes)
• (1) change of underwear and socks for each day is recommended
• Bathing suit (used for showers and swimming) (optional)

-- Eating kit containing:

• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plate, cup and bowl

-- Toilet kit containing:

• Soap (in box or bag)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Comb
• Hand towels
• Washcloth
• Metal mirror (optional)
• Deodorant

BOLD Indicates minimum required items

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ADULTS ON OUTINGS-GUIDELINES

• Remember Scouting is for Boys--let them do the work, plan the trip, cook the meals, etc. Work as much as possible through the youth leadership. If you take the lead, they will never learn how to do it themselves. It's OK if they don't do it the "right way" or "your way"--they will often learn more by doing it their way. Thus, we try to do everything possible through the youth leaders--but stand ready to support them when necessary.
• Give the Scouts some space. If you are in the middle of everything, you have to deal with everything. It is better to keep your distance and deal only with those issues you wish.
• We emphasize the patrol system. The troop is too large to camp, hike, etc., as one large unit. Also the patrol system is fundamental to Scouting. Thus, all activities are planned around patrols and each patrol should have its own campsite--slightly apart from the others. (But not so far apart that the Scoutmasters can not keep track of them.)
• Safety is paramount--the Troop has incredible inertia and momentum. Thus, you need to take the lead from the Scoutmasters who have experience in Scouting. Scouts will look to you for example. If we tell them not to do something--you shouldn't allow them to do it or do it yourself. Be especially careful with axes, saws and knifes. If you mishandle them, the Scouts will soon follow.
• Do not smoke in the presence of Scouts. Alcohol is never allowed at a Scouting event. An adult may not sleep in a tent with any Scout except his or her own son.
• Dads, Moms and Legal guardians are encouraged to camp with the troop, provided these guidelines are followed.

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ORGANIZATION OF A TYPICAL BOY SCOUT TROOP

A Scout Troop is not divided up into patrols, but is made up of patrols. The patrol has been a natural part of the program from the very beginning of Scouting. Patrols assure that Scouting is run largely by boys rather than by adults. Each boy is important to the patrol.

A patrol offers four special things to its members:

1. Every boy has a say in the doings of the patrol.
2. Boys learn to work together and to do things well.
3. They get a chance to learn and practice the skills of leadership and membership.
4. They learn to take care of each other.

Under the new troop operation plan, 11 year old boys who join a troop should be placed together in a patrol. This patrol is given a special boy leader called a Troop Guide. His job is to instruct the new members on advancement requirements and helps the new Scouts become familiar with the troop operation and the outdoors. When a Scout achieves the rank of First Class, or is twelve years old, he is given the opportunity to change to a patrol of "experienced" Scouts. This national policy was initiated to eliminate an old problem of "hazing" and to keep a Scout with his friends.

The troop can still choose to place new Scouts into established patrols with experienced Scouts and maintain a balance in the sizes of the patrols.

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1. Sign-off of advancement requirements through First Class is done by a qualified Junior Leader (designated by the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader), the Scoutmaster, the adult Patrol Advisor, or a designated Assistant Scoutmaster. This leader signs and dates the Scout's handbook adjacent to the requirement completed.

2. It is the responsibility of the boy to request the Scoutmaster Conference. This request should be made on the Second Monday of the month. Scoutmaster Conferences are held the Third Monday of the month at 6:00 P.M. It is the responsibility of the Scoutmaster to conduct the Scoutmaster's Conference. If the Scoutmaster is not available, an Assistant Scoutmaster will be designated by the Scoutmaster to conduct the conference. The Scout will be reviewed and may be signed off for Scout Spirit at the time of the Scoutmaster Conference.   The boy should come to the Scoutmaster Conference in a complete Class A uniform. He must also have his Scout handbook and have all of the necessary rank requirements marked off.

3. Monitoring and sign-off of merit badges can only be done by qualified, registered Merit Badge Counselors. The Scout should obtain a Merit Badge Application and approval signature of the Scoutmaster before beginning work on the merit badge. The Scout will then work with the merit badge counselor until the requirements are completed. Credit will not be given for completion of the merit badge until the Scout returns the merit badge application (with the counselor's signature) to the Scoutmaster.

4. The Boy must request a Board of Review from The Committee Chair or designated alternate. This request should be made on the Third Monday of the Month. Boards of Review are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M.. The boy should come to the Board of Review in a complete Class A uniform. All Boards of Review, regardless of rank, are conducted by  The Committee Chair and other registered Committee members. One of the purposes of the review is to ensure that all of the requirements have been met by the Scout; therefore, a Scout will not be given a review until the troop records indicate completion of requirements.  The signatures of the adults will be recorded and filed in the Scout's records for future reference.

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ADVANCEMENT FLOW FOR STAR, LIFE AND EAGLE

Keeping track of the records and paper flow is not as easy as it looks!

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See Boy Scout Rank Requirements

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SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE for Rank Advancement

The Scoutmaster Conference is a review of the Scout’s completion of the rank requirements. In order to ensure that boys has completed all requirements The Scoutmaster will look at the Scout’s handbook and check to see that all items for the requirement, with the exception of the Scout Spirit Line, have been signed and dated. then....

1. A Uniform Inspection will be conducted. The Troop Uniform Policy will also be discussed as well as how often the Scout wears his Uniform.

2. The Scout and Scoutmaster will review the “Scout Spirit Worksheet”.

3. The Scout will be asked to explain what he have done to achieve the rank requirements. The Scout should be able to explain all of the items he has done to achieve the rank.

4. The Scout might be asked to tie one of the five basic knots (Square, Clove, Half Hitch, Taut line, Bowline.)

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1. Determine the extent to which the Scout has had an effective experience in the troop.

2. Making certain that advancement standards have been met.

3. Encouraging the Scout to advance further.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF REVIEW

THE REVIEW

On Scout Activities:

• What is the name of your patrol? How many members are in it? Do the other members of your patrol treat you as an equal? Do you think that the members of your patrol are pulling together as a team? If you were the Patrol Leader of your patrol, what would you like to change?
• What do you like most about troop meetings? What do you like least about troop meetings? If you were in charge of the troop meeting for one night, what activity or skill would you want to have presented? What activities do you dislike or find boring?
• What do you like most about troop campouts? What do you like least about troop campouts? If you were in charge of the troop campout, what activity or skill would you want to have them do? What activities would you avoid?
• If you had one wish for Scouting, what would it be?
• Scouting means doing your best. Can you stand before this board and say that you have done your best?

On Advancement Requirements:

• Which of the skills (or merit badges) you learned was the easiest? Why? Which was the hardest? Why?
• What is the use of the ___________ knot/lashing?
• What kind of foods did you help cook to meet the cooking requirements? Was this easy or challenging?
• When you are preparing a cooking fire, how big is the largest piece of wood you would use? Why?
• If you are hiking with your patrol, what would you do if you got a blister on your foot? ... a splinter in your hand? ... a sprained ankle?

On Scout Ideals:

• What do you mean when you say "On my honor, I will do my best"?
• How do you do your duty to God and your country?
• How do you help other people at all times?
• Do you do a good turn each day? (Be prepared for a "No." answer.)
• How do you keep yourself physically strong?
• How do keep yourself mentally awake?
• How do you keep yourself morally straight?
• Do you think that it is ever right to tell a lie? When?
• If you find something that belongs to another Scout, how do you return it to him? How do you treat the other Scout? Do you ever tease your fellow Scouts?
• Do you keep you room clean? Do you help your parents with household chores? Do you take care of younger bothers and sisters?

On Religious Principles:

• What do you think it means when we say "A SCOUT IS REVERENT"?
• How often do you and your family attend religious services?
• How often do you and your family pray at meals?
• Do you ever just sit and pray or talk to God all by yourself?

THE BOARD OF REVIEW DECISION

If the boy is not ready, give him the opportunity to face up to it himself. Praise him on as many points as possible, then ask him whether, considering his entire performance, he thinks his advancement should be approved. In most cases, he will know when he is not prepared. Establish what needs to be done to gain board approval.

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Troop Elections

Troop elections are held every six months. The candidate for Senior Patrol Leader needs to “campaign” to the Troop as to why they (the Scouts in the Troop) should elect him. The Scouts vote for Senior Patrol Leader, and on their Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader then appoints the positions of Assistant Senior Patrol leader, Scribe, Historian, Librarian, and various other Troop level positions. There will also be elections for Patrol leader, with the new Patrol Leader appointing his Assistant Patrol leader. The Scoutmaster has the final approval of all elected leaders.

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Patrol Leaders Council Meeting (PLC)

The PLC is composed of the Senior Patrol Leader and his assistants, Quartermaster, Troop Historian, Librarian, Instructor, Chaplain Aide, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM), Patrol Leader (PL), Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), Troop Guide, Den Chief, Scribe and other appointed positions. The PLC is required to hold meetings once a month. The Troop leaders are required to attend these meetings. The PLC is used to plan the Troop meetings and trip activities. The PLC also decides on the schedule for the following year. It is each Scouts responsibility to talk with their Patrol leader and discuss what items they need for rank advancement and what items they would like to work on in the Troop meetings, as well as what they would like to as a Troop in the upcoming year. The Patrol leader should bring this information from each patrol member to the PLC. The Council also fills out the Troop meeting plan sheet, and will prepare for at least the upcoming month. The Meeting Plan sheets will be given to the Scoutmaster for review and then posted to the Troop website.

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Troop Meetings

Troop meetings are held every Monday at 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Boys should come to the meetings in the proper uniform and with the proper materials needed for the meeting. Material requirements can be found on the Troop Meeting Plan sheets. If a boy is unable to attend a meeting, it is his responsibility to contact his Patrol Leader and let him know he will not be at the meeting. He should also contact the Patrol Leader after the meeting has been held to see if there is any information that he may need for the next meeting.

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Adult Leader’s Role’s in the Troop:

SCOUTMASTER'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TROOP: The Scoutmaster shall be in charge of the program side of the Troop only. He will carry out his expected duties at Troop meetings, attend committee meetings, participate on camping trips and service projects, and sign off a Scout on mastered skills for his rank advancement. The Scoutmaster will work in close association with his assistants to provide a quality program for the boys. The Scoutmaster needs be notified of all program or schedule changes, including all issues or problems that will affect the BSA program within the Troop. The Scoutmaster will also work in close association with the Committee, and shall report to the Committee Chairman.

ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TROOP: The Assistant Scoutmaster's responsibility in the Troop is to support the Scoutmaster by carrying out his/her assigned duties at the Troop meetings, participate in a support capacity on camping trips and service projects, and signing off when a Scout has mastered skills in his rank advancement.

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER’S RESPONSIBILITY: Serves in the capacity of ASM except where legal age and maturity issues take precedent. Position Requirements: Life Scout or higher award. 16 to 17 year old. The position is assigned by the Scoutmaster. Length of Service shall be until the Scout’s 18th birthday, he reports to the Scoutmaster. His responsibilities shall include 1. Function as an ASM except for responsibilities reserved for adults 18 and 21 years or older. 2. Perform any duties assigned by the SM. He shall set a good example by enthusiastically wearing the Scout Uniform correctly, live by the Scout Oath and Law, and show good Scout spirit or attitude.

COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TROOP: The committee's responsibility in the Troop is to support the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality Troop program and handling the administrative areas of running the Troop.

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PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE TROOP

The adult leadership of this Troop donates a considerable amount of their free time to provide a quality program for your boys. We do this freely and with great enjoyment. However, the number of duties involved with properly running a Boy Scout Troop can at times be considerable. You can help us achieve our goal of running a quality Troop by coming forward to participate at some level in the activities of the Troop. Commitments can be small or large, short-term or long-term, but definitely are encouraged. At the very minimum, we would ask you to be available to provide transportation to and from Scouting events. Ideally, we would like at least one parent of each boy to become a registered member of the Troop. Only registered members of the Troop have a vote in the decision making process.

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