I. Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to present a set
of rules and bylaws for governing the operations of TROOP 275, BSA, Peachtree
City, Georgia. The rules are not intended to be all encompassing, but rather
are to supplement the established rules and regulations as put forth by
the Boy Scouts of America, and further by the Flint River Council. These
rules are to enhance the rules and regulations of the BSA, and in no case
shall they be intended to be contrary to or conflict with the established
rules of the BSA.
These rules are subject to change and/or waiver as deemed appropriate by the Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster. These rules are written and approved by a majority of the members of the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster. Changes must be approved by a majority of the Troop Committee.
II. Organization:
The TROOP is organized into a TROOP COMMITTEE, SCOUTMASTER
CORPS, LEADERSHIP CORPS, and PATROLS.
A. The Troop Committee
The Troop Committee will consist of a Chairman,
all registered adult Scouters, and all interested parents as organized
by the Chairman to support the needs of the Troop. The Chairman shall appoint
a Finance Chairman, and Advancement Chairman, and any other Chair that
the Committee feels is appropriate to the needs of the Troop. The Scoutmaster
is not a voting member of the committee. Several positions in the Committee
will be appointed. A member of the committee may also serve as an "Assistant
Scoutmaster" if he so desires. The Scoutmaster can not, and is not to be
expected to handle all Scout activities by himself. It is therefore desirable
that two or more adults act as "Assistant Scoutmasters". Any interested
parent is welcome to attend Troop Committee meetings, but only registered
Adult Scouters may vote in decisions. Any parent may register as an Adult
Scouter.
B. The Scoutmaster Corps
The Scoutmaster is approved by the Committee and
shall appoint various Assistant Scoutmasters.
C. The Leadership Corps
The Leadership Corps members shall be appointed
by the Scoutmaster.
D. The Patrols
A Patrol will normally consist of a Patrol Leader
(First Class, if possible), Assistant Patrol Leader, and up to six additional
scouts. A scout will be placed in a patrol of his own choosing, if possible.
However, a balanced organization is desirable, and scouts may be moved
between patrols at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.
E. Other Leadership Posts
Additional Scout Leadership positions, including
Troop Guide, Quartermaster, Librarian Historian, Scribe, Chaplain's Aide,
and Bugler, shall be appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader at the discretion
of the Scout master. It is permissible, but not desirable, for a Scout
to hold more than one leadership position at any one time.
A. Troop Meeting Time
Troop 275 will normally meet at 7:00 P.M. each Monday
evening (holidays excluded at the discretion of the Scoutmaster) unless
canceled by the Scoutmaster. Meetings will normally last until 8:30 P.M.
The Troop meeting will be conducted by the Senior Patrol Leader and/or
his Assistant. Troop meetings will be conducted throughout the summer months
as well as the remainder of the normal school year. The Troop Meeting following
an outing will not be a required attendance meeting. Rather, the purpose
of this meeting shall be to enable Scouts to have Scoutmaster conferences
and boards of review, as necessary to their advancement. This time may
be used for any type of advancement activity, and the Troop Advancement
Chairman will normally be available to Scouts during this time frame.
* Please see the Amendment to the Troop Rules & By Laws conerning
attendance.
B. Troop Meeting Site
The Meeting will be held at a site designated by
the sponsoring Organization.
C. Meeting Proceedings
The Troop meeting will be conducted by the Senior
Patrol Leader and/or his assistant.
D. Troop Committee Meeting
The Troop Committee will meet at the call of the
Committee Chairman, but not less than once a quarter, for the purpose of
discussing plans, programs, projects, and policies in support of the Scout
Troop and its activities. Additionally, the Committee must approve individual
outings and proposed outing plans. Agenda items will be proposed to Committee
Chairman prior to the called meeting. As a minimum the agenda will contain
financial and advancement reports. Policies or other items requiring a
vote will be passed by a simple majority of the members present.
E. Troop Leadership Corps Meetings
The Troop Leadership Corps, (hereafter referred
to as "TLC") will meet at the call of the Scoutmaster and the Senior Patrol
Leader to discuss and plan Troop activities and programs. The meeting will
normally occur monthly to plan the next month's activities. The meeting
will be chaired by the Senior Patrol Leader or the Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader.
The TLC, along with the Senior Patrol Leader, and under the direction of the Scoutmaster, will formulate and draw up six-month plans, which the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster will submit to the Troop Committee for approval.
Additional Patrol Leader Meetings will be held at the end of each Troop Meeting to discuss the details of the following meeting or Troop activity. These should not exceed 5-10 minutes in length.
F. Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings, while not required at other than
the weekly Scout meetings, are encouraged. The may meet at the call of
the Patrol Leader to plan and conduct advancement classes or other patrol
activities. Any activity away from the Patrol Leader's home, or the home
of a patrol member, will be supervised by an adult, such as a patrol dad
or Assistant Scoutmaster.
G. Special Meetings
Special meetings will be announced as far in advance
as possible to allow for maximum participation.
A. Finance Chairman
One member of the Troop Committee will act as Finance
Chairman. The Troop will operate on monies collected as yearly registration
fees and monies obtained through fund raising projects approved by the
Troop Committee.
B. Dues
Dues will not be collected from scouts on a monthly
basis. While dues are still assessed to each scout, they will collected
as part of the yearly registration payment. This payment will include such
items as individual registration fees, Boy's Life subscription, a red T-shirt
bearing the Troop Logo, a red hat bearing the Troop logo, the cost of normal
operations, including patches, equipment purchases, and expendables (such
as lantern fuel). This payment does not cover such items as travel expenses,
food for outings, or the price of admission or overnight stay at any campground
or other facility.
C. Fund Raising
Fund raising projects will be limited, and only
considered in the event of the need of extraordinary funds. Such funds
might be used to cover a very special type of unique outing, or equipment
required for such an outing, that is far outside the realm of ordinary
scout outings. Such projects will be mutually agreed upon by all interested
parties - that is, Troop Committee members, Troop scout members, and scout
parents.
D. Troop Accounts
Troop monies will be maintained in a checking account,
savings account, and Council charge account. The accounts will be maintained
by the Finance Chairman. (It is anticipated that the Advancement Chairman
will use the Council charge account, and inform the Finance Chairman of
any required deposits). The Finance Chairman will render financial reports
at each scheduled Troop Committee. Checks must be signed by the Finance
Chairman, or any registered Adult Leader, as approved by the Troop Committee.
The Council charge account will have a target balance of $75.00.
E. Disbursements
Disbursements will be limited to: Registration,
Advancement awards, Administrative forms and records, Leadership and Patrol
patches, Troop camping equipment, camping expenses as approved by the Troop
Committee, and other expenses as approved by the Troop Committee.
All re-imbursements will be paid through the Finance Chairman only. The Finance Chairman will keep the only checkbook in his possession. Two signatures will be required on the checking account - the Finance Chairman and any one of three other people: The committee Chairman; the Scoutmaster; or one other Troop Committee member, to be selected by the Troop Committee.
F. Transfer of Accounts
Transfer of accounts from one Troop Committee member
to another, i.e., change of the Finance Chairman) will be accomplished
only after an audit of Troop Accounts has been completed.
G. Scholarship Fund
An amount (to determined by the Troop Committee)
will be set aside on a regular basis to serve as a "Scholarship" Fund.
This fund is established in the consideration that no boy will be denied
membership to the Troop, or denied participation in Troop activities (to
include Summer Camp), due to the financial circumstances of the boy's family.
In the belief that people are fundamentally honest, and further, that pride
often inhibits a request for help of this nature, a rigorous investigation
will not be required to determine a family's financial need. Further, a
boy who receives the benefits of such a "Scholarship" will be given the
opportunity to help replenish the "Scholarship" fund. Approval of the "scholarship"
will be by a majority of the regular Committee members.
A. Advancement Chairman
One member of the Troop Committee will be designated
as the Troop Advancement Chairman. He/she will be responsible for the maintenance
of the Scout records and reports dealing with all aspects of advancement.
The advancement chairman will present an advancement report at each Committee
meeting.
B. Merit Badge Counselors
An additional Committee member will be assigned
to maintain the Merit Badge Counselors List and to assign counselors to
Scouts who request them. An attempt will be made to list any new counselors
that the Scouts use, and to periodically ensure that the counselors are
qualified and desirous of being listed. The Committee member will also
ensure that a particular scout does not use an individual counselors for
an excessive number of merit badges. When merit badge counselors are assigned,
the committee member will make every attempt to assign to or more boys
to the same badge at the same time from the same counselor. This is in
line with BSA policy of avoiding the one-on-one situation of adult and
boy. Parents may not, as a rule, act as Merit Badge Counselor for their
own child. The basic exception to this is when a class of several Scouts
is being taught the merit badge in question, and the boy is participating
with the class.
C. Rank Achievements
1. TENDERFOOT, SECOND CLASS, FIRST CLASS
a. Requirements
A scout may earn the ranks of TENDERFOOT, SECOND
CLASS, and FIRST CLASS by completing the requirements as presented in the
new (1990 Edition) Boy Scout Handbook. Patrol Leaders, assistant Patrol
Leaders, or members of the Leadership Corps may pass scouts on these basic
requirements.(As of 1993 - only adult leaders may sign off requirements
in the Boy Scout Handbook)
b. Asynchronous Completions.
Requirements for the ranks may be completed out
of order, but each rank is progressive. That is, FIRST CLASS may
not be earned prior to completing the requirements for SECOND CLASS,
and SECOND CLASS may not be earned prior to completing the requirements
for TENDERFOOT.
c. WEBELOS/Arrow of Light
In some cases, particularly with scouts who have
been WEBELOS, and have earned the Arrow of Light Award, many of the requirements
of these ranks can be passed by showing proof of completion in the latest
WEBELOS handbook. Those items which are transferable are so indicated by
a "fleur-de-lis" in the WEBELOS handbook.
d. Boards of Review
In accordance with the BSA Policy, in order to earn
one of these ranks, a boy must have a board of review by three or more
ADULT LEADERS, and must complete a scoutmaster conference.
2. STAR, LIFE, EAGLE
a. Requirements/Authority
In accordance with BSA Rules and Policy, the ranks
of STAR, LIFE, and Eagle may only be completed after a)Completing the time
requirement, b) completing a board of review comprised of no less than
three (3) Committee members, c) exhibiting behavior in accordance with
"Scout Spirit" as observed by the Scoutmaster, and d) by completing a number
of hours of community service as prescribed by the Boy Scout Handbook.
b. Scoutmaster Recommends
The Scoutmaster may, at his discretion, defer a
Scout's board of review, and recommend (or not) a Scout for a given rank.
The Scoutmaster will not participate in the board of review.
c. Completion of Requirements
Upon completion of all requirements for a Progress
Award (Rank Advancement), a Scout will obtained the required Conference
Form from the Advancement Chairman.
d. Personal Growth Agreement Conference
The Scoutmaster will hold Personal Growth Agreement
Conferences by appointment only. The completed form will be returned to
the Advancement Chairman, after it has been signed by the Scoutmaster.
e. Boards of Review
Following a Personal Growth Agreement Conference,
the Committee will call for a Progress Review Board Meeting as previously
outlined.
D. Merit Badges
1. Applications
A Scout wishing to work toward earning a merit badge
will obtain a blue merit badge application card from the Scoutmaster, or
Advancement Chairman. If he needs a counselor, he will request one from
the Troop's List of Merit Badge Counselors. Once the Scout knows who his
Merit Badge Counselor will be, he will obtain the Scoutmaster's signature
of approval on his card. The Scout is encouraged to meet with his counselor
prior to actually beginning work on the badge in question. He should ensure
that the Merit Badge Counselor has a Merit Badge Pamphlet by bringing a
Troop copy to his first meeting with the counselor. The Scout is required
to wear his Class 'A' uniform to merit badge sessions.
2. Completion of Requirements
After completing the requirements, and obtaining
the signature of the Merit Badge Counselor on the Application card, the
Scout will return the application card to the Advancement Chairman. The
award will be recorded in the Scout's advancement record. The Advancement
Chairman will ensure that the Scout is aware of all entries in his records.
E. Recognition
All Merit Badges, Recognition's, and Rank Advancements
(except EAGLE) will be presented within 10 days to the Scout after he has
completed the requirements for the award. An Award Card will be presented
at the next Court of Honor.
F. Courts of Honor
The Troop Committee will plan four or more Courts
of Honor per year. It is suggested that Scouts who wish to earn the Communications
Merit Badge be utilized for the Court of Honor.
A. Equipment Chairman
One member of the Troop Committee will be designated
as the Adult Quartermaster (Equipment Chairman). He will be assisted by
the Troop quartermaster (Scout), and by an assistant scoutmaster. The Equipment
Chairman will maintain an inventory of all Troop Equipment and will be
responsible for making recommendations to the Troop Committee with reference
to equipment purchases.
B. Troop Quartermaster
The Troop Quartermaster (Scout) and Patrol Leaders
are responsible for maintenance of assigned Troop equipment. Equipment
will be kept clean and in good repair at all times. Scouts will be responsible
for gear that has been signed out to the Patrol and kept at private residence.
Patrol leaders will have the responsibility of keeping and maintaining
the Patrol box for their patrol.
C. Equipment Purchases
The Troop Committee will retain final approval of
purchase of major items of Troop equipment such as tents, axes, and cooking
items. Purchase of expendable, such as paper plates, cups, and foodstuffs,
is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman, and
do not require approval of the Troop Committee.
A. Transportation Chairman
One member of the Committee will be designated the
Transportation Chairman. It will be his responsibility to ensure that adequate
transportation is available to complete each Troop outing.
B. Troop Outings
The Scoutmaster will determine the transportation
needs for a given outing and communicate this with the Transportation Chairman.
C. Troop Meetings
Transportation to regularly scheduled Troop meetings
will be the responsibility of the individual scouts.
A. Outings Chairman
The Troop Committee will appoint an Outings Chairman
to submit the necessary travel permits to the council, and make any necessary
arrangements for the outing.
B. Outings Plan
The camping schedule will be part of the long and
short term goals of the Troop, as submitted by the Scoutmaster, along with
the Senior Patrol Leader, to the Troop Committee. The Scoutmaster and the
Senior Patrol Leader will plan the goals with the Troop Leadership Corps.
The Troop Committee will approve all outings as planned prior to any outing
taking place. The Scoutmaster will inform the Troop Committee of any assistance
needed as far in advance as possible.
C. Insurance
The Troop Committee will ensure that Scouting Accident
insurance is in effect and covers any planned outing.
D. Parental Release Forms
The Scoutmaster will be responsible for obtaining
all parental release forms. The Advancement Chairman will assist by maintaining
a permanent file of the Scout's applications containing parental consent
form and medical release.
E. Designated Drivers
The sponsoring organization requires that any person
driving it's van be in possession of a valid operator's permit and be registered
with the chartered organization as a van driver. Registered adults may
drive their own personal vehicles providing they carry at least 100/300
Liability Coverage.
Vehicles used to transport Scouts to and from outings are subject to standard safety inspections, and must be in good operating order. A seat belt is required for the driver and each passenger in the vehicle in question.
A. Scout Librarian
The Scout Librarian will maintain the Troop Library
under the supervision of the Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairman, or Committee
Member appointed to maintain the Merit Badge Counselor List.
B. Library Contents
The Library will consist primarily of Merit Badge
Pamphlets and other Scout Literature.
C. Loan Policy
Scouts may check out books from the Librarian at
Scout Meetings. They may use the book for a period not to exceed one month.
The Librarian will maintain records on Loaned books.
D. Lost Books
Lost books will be replaced by the responsible Scout.
E. MB Pamphlet Buy Back
The Troop will purchase used Merit Badge Pamphlets
in serviceable condition from Scouts when they will complement The Library.
The Troop Committee will authorize a buy back at 50 cents on the dollar.
A. Troop Advancement Chairman
The Troop Advancement Chairman will maintain individual
Scout records, Advancement Reports, Transfer Reports, Medical Records,
and Attendance records.
B. Finance Chairman
The Finance Chairman will keep the Finance Records
and maintain the Troop checking account.
C. Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster will keep Emergency Data Cards,
and the Troop Roster. The Scoutmaster will also have access to the Troop
Insurance Policy, or make access available to a responsible adult Scouter
that is accompanying the Troop on an outing.
D. Committee Chairman
The Committee Chairman is responsible for the Troop
Bylaws and minutes of the Troop Committee Meetings. He will also maintain
the Troop Charter.
A. Troop Discipline
Discipline within the Troop is the primary responsibility
of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Leadership Corps. Other adult members
will assist as required and when necessary.
B. Infractions
Infractions of the rules and laws of Scouting and
the bylaws of the Troop will be dealt with appropriately.
C. Disciplinary Measures
The Scout members of the Troop will draft their
own set of disciplinary measures with approval of the Scoutmaster to handle
discipline problems within the Troop.
A. Attendance
All scouts will be encouraged to attend all meetings
and Troop activities. If a Scout fails to attend four (4) consecutive meetings,
a verbal inquiry will be initiated. A Scout failing to attend eight (8)
consecutive meetings without notifying the Scoutmaster or Senior Patrol
Leader, will be contacted and notified of the Troop's intent to drop him
from the rolls. The Scout may be re-instated upon his oral pronouncement
of his wish to continue as a member of the Troop.
B. Dues
As stated under the Finance Section, dues are assessed
for each Scout. However, monthly dues will not be collected, but are included
as part of the annual registration fee.
A. Meetings/Activities
Scouts shall wear their uniforms to all Scout meetings and activities, unless requested otherwise by the Scoutmaster. The Class 'A' uniform is appropriate for Scout Meetings during the general course of the school year (roughly September through May). Class 'B' uniforms will be appropriate for Troop Meetings June through August.
The Class "A" Boy Scout uniform consists of:
First Offense - Scout is warned
Second Offense - Parent will be called to
bring the Scout's uniform, or take the Scout home.
Third Offense - Parent will be called to
take the Scout home. * See Amendment to By-Laws
B. Merit Badge Conferences
Scout are required to wear their uniform (Class
'A') when visiting a Merit Badge Counselor.
C. Fund Raisers
Uniforms will not be worn for fund raising events,
except when they are in conjunction with a council-wide project, such as
Scouting for Food.
D. Inappropriate Clothing
Inappropriate articles of clothing will be disallowed
at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.
E. Travel/Troop Outings
The required uniform for travel to and from Troop
Outings will be the Class 'A' uniform. The uniform must be worn properly
will traveling, and at any stops that may be made for lunch breaks. After
arrival, for campouts, and most other activities, the Class 'B' uniform
may be worn.
XIV. Registration:
A. Troop Activities
Prior to participation in any Troop activities,
a boy must be registered as a Scout. Registration forms are available and
may be obtained from the Advancement Chairman. The Advancement Chairman
will retain the Troop copy of the completed registration form.
B. Fees/Breakdown
Registration fees are due at the initial registration
of the Scout, and thereafter annually at Troop Re-Charter time. The amount
of the Annual Registration Fee will be set by the Troop Committee. The
Registration Fee covers the following:
A. Reasons
Scouts and Adults may be dismissed from the Troop
as a result of serious violation of a Scout Law, rule , or regulation.
B. Hearings
No Scout or Adult Scouter will be dismissed without
a full hearing of the members of the Troop and the Registered members of
the Troop Committee.
C. Scoutmaster/Adult Leaders
The Troop Committee retains the right to dismiss
the Scoutmaster or any Assistant Scoutmaster, or member of the Troop Committee
in accordance with BSA Policy, rules and regulations.