Handbook
Handbook
HANDBOOK TROOP 37
Quinsigamond District Mohegan Council Christ the King Church Chartered Organization
Worcester, Massachusetts
Rev. August 2011
Table of Contents
WELCOME TO BSA TROOP 37................................................................... 3 Entrance Requirements .............................................................................. 4 BSA Registration ........................................................................................ 4 KEY FACTS................................................................................................... 5 MISSION AND VISION ................................................................................. 6 Mission Statement ...................................................................................... 6 Scout Oath .................................................................................................. 6 Scout Law ................................................................................................... 6 Vision Statement ........................................................................................ 6 Scouts ......................................................................................................... 6 Parents Help By.......................................................................................... 7 Code of Conduct......................................................................................... 7 ADVANCEMENT ........................................................................................... 9 Rank Advancement .................................................................................... 9 Merit Badges ............................................................................................ 10 UNIFORMS AND MEETINGS ..................................................................... 11 Uniform and Scout Handbook .................................................................. 11 Patrol Meetings ......................................................................................... 12 Troop Inspections ..................................................................................... 12 Attendance and Activity ............................................................................ 12 HIKING AND CAMPOUTS .......................................................................... 13 Rules ......................................................................................................... 13 Transportation .......................................................................................... 13 Outdoor Essentials ................................................................................... 14 Medications .............................................................................................. 14 HIGH ADVENTURE .................................................................................... 16 Basic Requirements: ................................................................................ 16 Youth ........................................................................................................ 16
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Adult .......................................................................................................... 16 FINANCIAL .................................................................................................. 18 Scout Fees ............................................................................................... 18 Adult Leader Fees .................................................................................... 18 Refund of Fees ......................................................................................... 18 Payment of Fees and Expenses .............................................................. 18 Financial Hardship .................................................................................... 18 Fund-Raisers ............................................................................................ 19 RESOURCES .............................................................................................. 20 Adult Leadership....................................................................................... 20 Committee Meetings ................................................................................ 20 Links ......................................................................................................... 20
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Entrance Requirements
A boy must be 11 years of age or have completed the 5th grade to join a Troop. It is not necessary to have been a Cub Scout. A Cub Scout who is 10 years of age, and has been awarded the Arrow of Light may join the troop, but will not receive advancement recognition until the above age requirement is met. He may participate in earning his skill and merit badge awards, and attend Troop functions during this period. Applicants must complete an application form and pay the application fee. Current Scouts from other troops must complete a new Boy Scout application form when transferring into the troop, but are not required to pay an additional fee. Refunds are not available after payment for BSA registration has been made to the council. Applicants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the first troop meeting.
BSA Registration
Upon completion of the Scout requirements, the boy will be officially registered with the Boy Scouts of America through the Mohegan Council office and will also be assigned to a Patrol (smaller group of boys, within the Troop).
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KEY FACTS
The following is general information about Troop 37. For complete contact info, please see Adult Leadership (p.20). If you have specific questions concerning the troop, please feel free to contact any of the following: Chartered Organization: Christ the King Church 1052 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA 01602 Joel Hidenfelter Email: [email protected] Jay Eager Email: [email protected] Meetings are held on Wednesdays from the beginning of the school year to the week before summer camp.* Scouts should plan to arrive at Christ the King Church by 6:50 PM. Opening ceremony begins promptly at 7:00 PM and end at 8:30 PM.
Scoutmaster:
Scouts are expected to wear Full Class A Uniforms at all meetings. Please see exceptions to this rule under Uniform and Scout Handbook (pg.11) * RULE OF THUMB: If the Worcester Public Schools are closed, there is no meeting that night. Please refer to the website for the most up to date information about meetings and locations (www.37troop.com). Scouts and parents should subscribe to the troop mailing list to receive updates on the website regarding Troop activities, campouts, etc, including date changes for specific events and activities. Please inform Troop Leadership in writing if you do not wish to have your sons picture on the Troops website.
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Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent
Vision Statement
The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
Scouts
Establish their own goals and rate of advancement. Help plan programs and make decisions that affect their troop. Participate in special good turn projects. Are divided into groups of about 8 called patrols. Meet weekly at Troop meetings and/or Patrol Meetings. Participate in monthly outdoor hikes or overnight campouts and attend yearly summer camps for a week. If eligible, participate in a yearly High Adventure outing. Participate in various fund-raisers to fund their activities. Assist fellow Scouts with advancement, training and their Eagle Scout Projects. Learn to recognize and accept others with varying degrees of disability and assist fellow scouts with special needs.
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Parents Help By
Getting involved! Please see any adult in uniform to learn how you can help. Providing continuous encouragement and support for your sons as they progress in scouting. Participating in special Troup Courts of Honor where scouts receive advancement recognition. Participating in parent meetings and scheduled outside activities and campouts. Providing transportation for scheduled activities. Lending special skills and abilities as a Merit Badge Counselor or program consultant. Serving on the Troop Committee or in a direct leadership role.
Code of Conduct
Scouts are expected to observe the Scout Oath and Law, BSA and Troop policies and regulations and Church building rules in order to: Gain the most positive value from their scouting experience. Protect the health and safety of all persons. Maintain the rights of others. Respect and protect Troop program equipment and facilities.
Scouts are expected to attend Troop and Patrol Meetings on a regular basis, be prompt to the meetings, and devote their energies to learning under the direction of all Troop Leaders. MISCONDUCT shall be regarded as those actions which do or may interfere materially or substantially with the operation of the Troop. Acts of misconduct in any of the following categories will result in disciplinary and/or corrective action to the Scout. Examples of potential misconduct are as listed below (this is not an all inclusive list it is for reference only): Intentionally causing loss or destruction of equipment and/or facilities will result in the Scout and parents being responsible for reimbursement. Habitual tardiness. Scouts will be punctual in attending scheduled meetings and activities. Not being in specified uniform at Troop meetings or functions. Non-payment of dues. Disobeying Adult Leaders or Scouts in a position of leadership. Causing disruption of Troop program. Infringing on the rights of others. (HAZING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED) Endangering the health, welfare or safety of any person. Inappropriate behavior.
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Once a Scoutmaster or other Adult Leader has witnessed and/or been advised of inappropriate or unsafe behavior by a Scout, the Scoutmaster, in consultation with the Troop Committee, will determine a course of action. The Scout could face a jury of his peers, including the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) or other group as required. This group will define the actions to be taken to reinforce appropriate behavior. Any boy, whose actions during Scout activities pose a perceived danger to himself or others, will be sent home. It will be the Scouts Parents responsibility to supply transportation home for the Scout. The Scoutmaster, or designated representative, will contact the boys parents and/or guardians to discuss what has happened and to discuss ways the family and the Troop can work together to better integrate the boy into the Scouting program. Serious safety issues and/or inappropriate behavior by a Scout may also require notification of the local Council Office and BSA National Office. Review and disciplinary actions will involve the boys parents or guardians.
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ADVANCEMENT
Advancement is the process by which scouts progress through the ranks. Personal growth thru self confidence is the prime consideration in the advancement program. There are four steps in the Boy Scout Advancement Process: learning, testing, reviewing and recognizing. To recognize what a young man is able to do, the program is divided into two categories: Rank Advancement and Merit Badges.
Rank Advancement
There are a total of seven ranks that Scouts can attain during their scouting career: Scout (when you join) Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle
The advancement journey ends when a Scout turns 18!!! During the process of earning these ranks, you will learn many things that will stay with you all your life. Each of these ranks has their own list of required activities to attain that particular rank, and requires progressively more work and knowledge as you advance. Your Scout Handbook is one of the most valuable tools you can use. Not only does it list the requirements, but it tells you how to complete them. Advancement is done at the Scouts own pace. Scouts must be encouraged to advance steadily and set their own goals with guidance from their parents and Troop Leaders. Many of these requirements can be completed during weekly meetings, camping trips or at summer camp. After a Scout demonstrates that he has met the requirements, his Scout Handbook will be signed off. At this point, Scouts must complete a Scoutmaster Conference. This is a brief meeting with the Scoutmaster to ensure that all the requirements have been properly completed and the Scout is truly ready for advancement to the next rank. After the Scoutmaster signs the Scouts Handbook, a Board of Review is convened to interview the candidate and confirm his preparedness for advancing in the program. The Board of Review consists of members of the Troop Committee and the Troop Advancement Chairperson. NO Board of Review will be conducted without the Scouts BSA handbook, Troop notebook and Class A uniform.
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Merit Badges
Another part of the Scouting program is earning Merit Badges. There are currently over 130 merit badges available to Scouts, it takes 21 merit badges to attain Eagle Scout; 12 are required and 9 are elective. The Scout may earn merit badges at any time, not just during summer camp. Merit Badges are earned by the Scout working with a registered Merit Badge Counselor who will lead the workshop and oversee the Scouts progress towards completion. All scouts and Merit Badge Counselors working on a badge must follow the principles of youth protection and two-deep leadership. See the Advancement Chairperson to obtain the name and contact information of a Merit Badge Counselor and subsequent blue card for the merit badge you want to work on.
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Neat green or khaki pants or shorts may be substituted for official pants or shorts for Troop Meetings only, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are jeans or sweatpants acceptable. If coming directly from organized sports games or meets, Scouts can wear their official Scout shirt with the rest of their sports uniform. Official BSA hats only. A Scout Handbook should be acquired immediately by the Scout after joining the Troop. The Scout Handbook is used as reference and record of the boys advancement through the scout ranks. We encourage Scouts to obtain and maintain a notebook to keep records of advancement and other accomplishments. Three ring binders with baseball card sized clear pocket inserts work best. In the event of any discrepancy regarding awarding of rank or merit badges, it is the Scouts responsibility to produce documentation showing completion of the work. The notebook is a simple way to be sure that all documentation is in one place and can be readily produced in the event of a problem.
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Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings are held at the discretion of the Scouts in the Patrol (minimum suggested frequency of 1 Patrol Meeting per month).
Troop Inspections
Inspections are held at regular Troop meetings at the discretion of the Scoutmaster and adult leadership. These inspections covers individual and Patrol check-ups. The main items required for inspections are attendance, proper uniform, Boy Scout Handbook and patrol flag.
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Transportation
Only adults at least 21 years of age, having a valid drivers license and proper liability insurance on their vehicle, will be allowed to transport Scouts (per BSA policy). Each person in every vehicle must be secured with a proper seatbelt, thus limiting the maximum number of occupants to the number of seatbelts. Each adult must have at least two Scouts in their vehicle, no single Scout with a single adult, unless they are related. (BSA policy) Most camps do not allow vehicles at the campsite. Personal gear should be stowed in the Troop trailer, or you may have to carry it a long way to the campsite.
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Lights on while traveling for safety. All emergency paperwork, permission slips, and health forms will be in the Scoutmasters (or his designees) possession during travel. As such, groups should try to stay together during travel. Most campouts will start at Christ the King Church. Scouts will return to the Church and be expected to be picked up there by their parent or guardian. NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN VEHICLES, unless approved in advance by the vehicles owner. Adult Leaders and parents who volunteer to drive to activities generally assume the cost of gas and other operating expenses for their vehicle. Exceptions are often made for long trips or other special circumstances. Arrangements will be made prior to the trip.
Outdoor Essentials
Scout Handbook Compass Plate, bowl, knife, fork, and spoon and mesh bag to allow contents to air dry. Flashlight and spare batteries Sturdy footwear (hiking boots if possible), plus extra pair of shoes (NO SNEAKERS IN WINTER MONTHS OF CAMPING) Good raingear (poncho or rain suit) Pen or Pencil and paper Personal First Aid kit (Troop has a larger, well-stocked kit available for use by the Troop) Washcloth, soap, towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste Extra clothes (as dictated by the weather) Knife (NOTE: Scouts can only use their knife if they have earned their Totin Chip and can produce this Chip if requested to do so) NOTE: HATCHETS ARE NOT ALLOWED (BSA POLICY) NOTE: GUNS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT TO BE BROUGHT BY SCOUTS (any rifles or shotguns will be supplied by the camp, and supervised by a certified instructor, no handguns are used)
Troop 37 supplies tents, propane stoves, and patrol cook kits. Scouts will use Troop tents for all outings unless specifically approved by the Scoutmaster. This is to protect your personal equipment from damage. The Troop also owns a trailer for hauling Troop and personal gear to events. Remember to bring a sense of humor and your scout spirit on all campouts and events!
Medications
It is not uncommon for Scouts to require medications at longer duration activities. Doctor-prescribed medications required by Scouts will be administered to the Scout by
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a designated Adult Leader and will remain with the Adult Leader for the duration of the campout. Should medications be required by a Scout, they MUST BE provided by the Parent / Guardian, in original pharmacy containers, to the Campout / Event Troop Leadership with written instructions for proper administration. Medication containers must be placed in a clear, plastic, sealable storage bag or container, and must include the Scouts name, and the phone number of the Parent / Guardian.
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HIGH ADVENTURE
Older Scouts need more from their Scouting program than newer Scouts do (as after a few years, the monthly campouts may not be a challenge for the older Scouts). High Adventure can help fill that need. Most High Adventure Trips are expeditions with one or more purposes, sometimes involving a week or more in remote outdoor settings. Many High Adventure program opportunities exist for experienced, older Scouts. This is the culmination of all the things that Scouting should have taught the boys, including: skills, character development, citizenship, and personal fitness. Participants of a High Adventure trip should have mastered all of the basic outdoor skills and be ready for an outing that will offer new challenges. Adequate personal preparation and conditioning is required for all participants of High Adventure trips. Some High Adventure trips the troop has taken or are planning to take include: White water rafting (Massachusetts, Maine, West Virginia) Mountain climbing Housatonic River canoeing trip Horseback riding Rock climbing
Basic Requirements:
All participants in a High Adventure trip must: be registered Scouts (or Adult Leaders) in good standing; be in good physical condition; meet all BSA requirements for the nature of the outing if they are stricter than the Troops requirements; must have completed the required training for the trip as determined by the Scoutmaster (some trips require specific training). In addition, the following requirements must be met:
Youth
Must be 14 years old at the time the trip starts (or 13 if the boys father is a qualified leader and is participating in the same crew / adventure; the scoutmaster has ultimate approval if a scout younger than 14 wishes to participate in the outing) Must have completed the First Class Rank requirements Must have completed any Merit Badges required for the trip as determined by the Scoutmaster
Adult
Must have completed 10 days and nights of camping as a leader with the troop per year Must make 80% of prep outing and meetings prior to the trip
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FINANCIAL
Scout Fees
BSA Fees/Subscriptions The Troop will pay BSA registration fees and Boys Life subscriptions for all active Scouts from Troop dues. Troop Dues Annual dues are $60.00 to be paid as soon after the beginning of regular meetings as possible. Scouts in arrears after November 1 will not be allowed to attend Troop meetings or other functions until they are paid up. A $10.00 penalty will be added for payments after 11/1. Payment plans are available in cases of financial hardship (see below). New or transfer members joining after January 1 will be charged $5.00 per month for the remaining full months during the calendar year. Payments must be made at the time of application. Scouts will not be registered by the troop if dues are not paid for the year. If membership in BSA has expired, the Scout must re-enroll as a new member.
Refund of Fees
Refunds are not available after payment for BSA registration has been made to the Council. Troop Dues are non-refundable.
Financial Hardship
Financial assistance for fees and expenses is available. It will be up to the Scout and his parents to contact the Scoutmaster and/or the Troop Committee Chairperson to discuss the matter privately. All requests will be held in strict confidence.
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Fund-Raisers
All fund raising activities must be approved in advance by the Troop Committee. This includes activities performed collectively as a Troop and as individual Scouts.
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RESOURCES
Adult Leadership
The following is a list of the current Adult Leadership for Troop 37. If you are uncertain where to direct a question or concern, please feel free to contact any one of us and we will point you in the right direction. Again, please consider joining us in some capacity. We are all dedicated to delivering the best possible program for the boys, and many hands lighten the load. We will be happy to provide you with information on how you can help. Name
Jay Eager Mark Anderson Joel Hidenfelter Brian Binnall Rob Lanava Bob Benoit Shane Bernard Harrison Palatucci Gary Gagne Bill Kilmer Chris Palatucci Mark Pearlstein Greg Root Michele Thorne
Title
Committee Chairperson Chartered Org. Rep. Scoutmaster Treasurer Advancement Chair Assistant Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmaster Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member
Email
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Phone
(508) 847-0300 (508) 395-9225 (508) 450-1088 (508) 797-4884 (508) 340-2168 (508) 688-9863 (508) 845-0891 (774) 437-1258 (508) 756-0619 (508) 791-3340 (508) 755-8128 (603) 661-4798 (508) 873-3438 (508) 757-9233
Committee Meetings
The Troop Committee is the main policy making body of the troop. Meetings are held monthly to conduct Troop business and plan upcoming activities and events. Attendance is required for all members of the Troop Committee, and is strongly encouraged for other Adult Leaders and parents. Committee meetings are usually held at Christ the King Church at 7:00PM, the 3 rd Monday of every month (see the Troop website for the exact dates and times of Committee Meetings).
Links
Troop
http://37troop.com/ http://groups.google.com/group/troop37worcester/
BSA
http://www.scouting.org/
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Merit Badges
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp
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