IntroductionThis handbook is designed to serve as practical guide to the operation of Troop 1776. Scouts, adult troop leaders, and parents are asked to read and be familiar with its contents. Questions should be directed to any of the adult leaders. This handbook is used as a companion to the Troop Committee Guidebook, the Scoutmaster Handbook, the Boy Scout Handbook, and other appropriate Scout publications. The policies contained in this handbook will be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary. IndexClick on the topic to be taken directly to it. You may also scroll through the document. Chartered
Organization Chartered OrganizationTroop 1776 is chartered to the Plano Rotary Club. The troop renews its affiliation with the Chartered Organization and with the Boy Scouts of America each September. This process is known as rechartering. Troop PhilosophyTroop 1776 is boy run. Our goals are (1) to help the boys to develop moral strength and character; (2) to learn and practice good citizenship, (3) to develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness; and (4) to have fun These goals will be accomplished in the following ways: Ideals. The ideals of Scouting are explained in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan. The Scouts measure themselves against these ideals and continually try to improve. Patrols. The patrol method gives Scouts experience in group living and citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on the boys and teaches them how to accept it. Outdoors. Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that the Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive. Advancement. Scouting provides challenges and recognition through rank advancement. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. He is rewarded for each advancement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Adult Association. Boys learn from the positive examples set by their adult leaders. Association with adults is an important element in a boy's development. Personal Growth. As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. Doing "Good Turns," by helping others, is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Leadership Development. Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared leadership and total leadership situations. Uniform. The uniform makes the Scout troop visible and creates a positive youth image. Wearing the uniform shows a commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. Joining RequirementsEach boy joining Troop 1776 must complete the following:
In addition, the full Scout uniform and certain equipment items must be purchased. FinancesNew Member Fees For new members, a fee of $75.00 is charged. This covers the following:
*Includes Boy Scout registration fee, insurance, a subscription to Boys' Life magazine, a troop uniform numeral, and miscellaneous expenses. Annual Registration Fee Each September 1, the yearly registration fee of $50.00 is due. For Scouts joining the troop between June 1 and August 31, this fee does not have to be paid the first year. Financial Hardships No boy will be denied admission to the troop due to an inability to pay the registration fee. In addition, no youth member of the troop will be denied the opportunity to participate in troop activities due to an inability to pay the activity fee. If such a situation exists, please contact the Scoutmaster. Adult Leader Fees Registration fee for adult leaders is $10.00 per year. Dues In addition to the registration fee, troop dues of $1.00 per troop meeting are charged for each Scout. (Dues are not charged for activities other than troop meetings.) Dues are payable even if a Scout misses a troop meeting. Dues are used for awards, badges, and meeting activities. Dues must be kept current , if they are not, the Scout will not be allowed to participate in monthly activities. Activity Fees A small fee may be charged for camping trips and other activities to help defray costs. In addition, Scouts will pay for their share of the patrol's food. Troop Finances Troop finances are managed by the Troop Treasurer, appointed by the Troop Committee Chairperson. The Treasurer maintains records of all troop revenues and expenditures. In addition, the Treasurer is responsible for managing the troop checking account and other bank accounts as may be established. The troop banks at Legacy Bank. The Treasurer, Scoutmaster, and an Assistant Scoutmaster have signature authority for the account. Only one signature is required for transactions; however, in the case of expense reimbursements, no person is permitted to write a check to himself. Fees charged for troop activities are established to cover the cost of the activity. Any revenues in excess of actual costs are used for other troop expenses. ActivitiesTroop 1776 provides a variety of activities for its members. A semi-annual calendar is published which list all troop activities. Meetings Troop meetings are normally held on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Murphy City Hall, 205 N. Murphy Rd. Outings The troop holds monthly outings. These are usually weekend camping trips to a variety of exciting destinations. Summer Camp Attendance at summer camp is a troop tradition. The troop usually attends one of the Circle Ten Council's camps during the month of June. Service Projects Service to others is a Scouting hallmark. The troop regularly participates in community and camp service projects. Courts of Honor Courts of Honors are special ceremonies to recognize the members of our troop for their rank advancements and their accomplishments. They are usually held every three to four months. Parents and other family members are encouraged to attend. UniformsBoth Scouts and adult leaders are required to have a FULL Scout uniform. A full uniform consists of the following:
In addition, Scouts and adults are required to have a minimum of two Troop 1776 T-shirts. The uniform must be kept clean and neat. Patches are to be sewn on in the correct locations according to Boy Scout specifications. Shirt tails must be tucked in. Non-Scout caps should not be worn with the uniform. As a rule, the full uniform is to be worn to troop meetings, Courts of Honor, ceremonies, and other special occasions. Troop T-shirts are to be worn on camping trips, service projects, and other events requiring active participation. In most cases, the Scouts will be notified about what to wear in advance of the activity. AdvancementRank Advancement Scouts will advance through the six Boy Scout ranks at their own pace. Troop activities are provided to help the Scouts learn the skills required to advance. There are four steps in advancement:
Merit Badges Merit badges are awarded to Scouts for fulfilling requirements in specific fields of interest. Merit badges can be earned through classes conducted by the troop, at summer and winter camps, at merit badge camp, and individually. There are twelve merit badges that are required for the rank of Eagle. As a rule, these merit badges are taught by the adult leaders of the troop or by other qualified Scout representatives. Parents with knowledge and skills in a particular merit badge are invited to become merit badge counselors for any of the many other merit badges. Please contact the Scoutmaster for details. All merit badge counselors must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. EquipmentPersonal Equipment Upon joining the troop and prior to attending his first camping trip, each Scout will need the following:
For summer camp, each Scout will need:
For first year Scouts, the Troop provides tents. After the first year, each Scout will be required to purchase the standard troop tent. Information on the type of tent and where to purchase it will be provided at the appropriate time. Other equipment such as backpacks, hiking boots, and personal cook kits will be needed for older Scouts. Troop Equipment The troop maintains an inventory of equipment including tents, dining tarps, cooking equipment, and other camping gear. This equipment is purchased from the proceeds of troop fund-raising activities, such as the sale of popcorn. BehaviorYouth Behavior Scouting activities are fun, memorable experiences, and the troop leaders want the Scouts to enjoy themselves at all times. Their fun and enjoyment must, however, stay within the boundaries of proper behavior. Not only does inappropriate and disruptive behavior ruin the Scouting experience for others, it can also be dangerous. Examples of misbehavior and inappropriate activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
The consequences of misbehavior will vary depending upon he severity of the activity. These consequences can include warnings, sitting out during an activity, parent conferences, being sent home from an activity, and expulsion from the troop. In most cases, a progressive form of discipline is used. This means that the Scout would be first be given a warning. If the misbehavior continues, he would be required to sit out during an activity. Continued misbehavior would include the other consequences listed above. If the misbehavior is severe enough, however, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, without regard to the use of progressive discipline. Scouts are responsible for paying for the repair or replacement of any troop equipment that is lost or damaged as the result of misbehavior. All. Scouts and their parents are required to sign a behavior contract with acknowledges their understanding and acceptance of the troop behavior policy. Adult Behavior All adults working with the troop are required to conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Adults are expected to lead by example and to be a proper role model for the Scouts. MedicationsThe Scoutmaster must be notified of any medications that a Scout must take while on a troop activity. The type of medication to be taken and the type of outing will determine whether the Scout will keep his medication himself or give it to one of the adult leaders. A Scout should continue his regular medication while attending troop activities. Medication should be discontinued only on a doctor's orders. This is especially important for Scouts who take medication for hyperactivity. Any medication sent with a Scout must be in the original prescription bottle. In addition, written instructions must be sent with the medication. The instructions must be signed and dated by a parent and must include the following information:
SafetyScouts are expected to follow safe practices at all times and especially when working with axes, knives, and saws. In addition, Scouts are required to follow safe procedures around fires. Failure to follow safe practices will result in disciplinary action. Prior to using an ax, knife, or saw, each Scout must obtain a "Totin' Chip" card. The card must be kept with him when using an ax, knife, or saw. Also, prior to building a fire, each Scout must obtain a "Firem'n Chip" card. Due to safety reasons, Scouts are not allowed to bring the following items on any troop activity:
PatrolsTroop 1776 will have as many patrols as necessary to accommodate the number of Scouts in the troop. The maximum size for a patrol is ten Scouts; the minimum size is five Scouts. Changing patrols is discouraged. However, a Scout may be allowed to switch patrols upon approval of the Scoutmaster and with the concurrence of the patrol that the Scout wishes to join. Patrols may not change their name, unless special permission is granted by the Scoutmaster. New patrols are allowed to choose their own name, subject to approval of the Scoutmaster. Junior LeadersA variety of leadership positions are available to the Scouts of Troop 1776. Leadership development is an important part of the overall troop program. Senior Patrol Leader The Senior Patrol Leader is the top junior leader. He must be at least a First Class Scout. He is elected by the members of the troop for a six month term, and he may serve not serve more than two terms. The Senior Patrol Leader is not a member of a patrol. Other Troop Officers The Senior Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Scribe, Quartermaster, and other troop officers as he deems necessary. Troop officers, except for the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, continue as members of their patrols. Patrol Leaders Patrol Leaders are elected by members of their patrol for six month terms. A Patrol Leader must be at least a First Class Scout, except for the new Scout patrol(s). Patrol Leaders serve only one term, unless all eligible members of the patrol have been a Patrol Leader. Patrol Leaders appoint an Assistant Patrol leader and other patrol officers as needed. Den Chiefs Den Chiefs must be at least a First Class Scout, unless a special exception is granted by the Scoutmaster. Their service as a Den Chief requires the approval of the Scoutmaster and the Cubmaster of the pack where they wish to serve. Junior Assistant Scoutmasters Junior Assistant Scoutmasters must be at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old. They are appointed by the Scoutmaster. The troop may have more than one Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Patrol Leaders Council The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leaders make up the Patrol Leaders Council. The council usually meets monthly to plan troop activities. Junior Leader Training All troop officers, Patrol Leaders, and Assistant Patrol Leaders are required to attend Troop Junior Leader Training. In addition, troop junior leaders are encouraged to participate in district and council training programs. Elections Elections for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders are held in February and August of each year. Adult LeadersThe adult leaders of Troop 1776 are committed to delivering the promise of Scouting (Boy Scout Handbook, page 1). Adult leadership functions in the following ways. Troop Committee All interested parents are invited to serve on the Troop Committee. Their responsibilities include supporting the troop program and handling troop administration. Specific duties include troop finances, fund-raising, record keeping, troop communications, and handling boards of review. The committee annually selects a Troop Committee Chairperson. The chairperson then appoints other committee officers. Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster is appointed annually by the Troop Committee with approval of the Chartered Organization. Minimum qualifications include one year of experience as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 1776 and completion of Wood Badge training. Assistant Scoutmasters Assistant Scoutmasters are selected by the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee. There are no minimum qualifications other than a desire to work with Scouts and to be a proper role model. Trained leaders are one of the keys to a successful Boy Scout program. To that end, the troop has established the following minimum training requirements for its adult leaders. The time frames denote the number of months after beginning the troop leadership position that the specified training must be completed. Scoutmaster Prior to becoming Scoutmaster, the following training is required:
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop Committee Chair
Troop Committee Member
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