This page was last modified on Thursday, August 28, 2008 08:01 AM
Throughout the years, past and present Troop Committees have established our Troop Guidelines which allow us to give what we feel are the best options to our scouts, and to help the unit run as best as possible. They are not set in stone, but the Scoutmaster and his committee and have found them to be extremely useful in the day-to-day running of the Troop.
Dues – The troop does not collect dues. Annually we collect just the cost of registration in the BSA. Since this changes annually, the exact figure cannot be stated here. There has traditionally been a “Family Rate” to allow as many siblings and adult volunteers to be registered with the BSA. Typically, adult volunteers pay an additional amount above the registration fee to pay for incidental costs throughout the year (coffee, patches, training, etc.).
Patches/Historic Medals – The troop purchases patches for all Scouts and adults who participate in the related activity. This avoids cases where the scout may not have brought money for the patch or whether they can go to the Trading Post at the allotted time. Historic Trail Medals are also purchase for all scouts. Due to their cost, they are not purchased for the adults from the troop funds, but can be purchased along with the Scout’s medals at the time of the order.
Trip Costs – Normally this is paid for by the Troop. There are cases where this cost may be too high, and all those attending pay part of the cost. From time to time on moderate cost activities, the adults are asked to pay for themselves rather than incurring the cost to the troop.
Transportation Fee – Due to the high cost of fuel and lack of drivers for Scouts,
a $10 transportation fee will be charged to all Scouts going on trips, which will be pooled and evenly distributed to the drivers of the trips.
Medications – BSA rules require that ALL medications, even over the counter, must be under the control of the Scoutmaster or adult in charge. No medications can be in the scout’s possession, they must be handed to the Scoutmaster at the start of the trip. The BSA medical form requires that all medications and allergies be listed. In the case where a doctor adds a permanent prescription, the scout’s medical form must be updated. In cases where a temporary prescription, such as for a cold, viral infection, etc., a signed note from the parent must be given to the Scoutmaster at the start of the activity listing the dosage and the duration. BSA rules are strict in regards to Leader responsibility for medications and the medical forms. Failure to follow these rules will exclude the scout from that activity and the parent/guardian will immediately be called to pick up the scout.
Camping Trips – There is to be absolutely no electronic equipment brought on any camping trip (radios, iPods, video games, cell phones, etc.), except with the explicit prior permission of the Scoutmaster. Soda is not permitted on any camping trip. Shoes and socks must be worn on the trail and in camp at all times – unless in a tent. No open toe shoes of any form are permitted on the trail or in camp. No Scout may leave the presence of the Troop without the explicit permission of the Scoutmaster; this includes walking, rowing or cycling, etc. at a speed that distances the Scout from the Troop, which moves at the pace of the slowest Scout. Having received permission, no Scout may leave the presence of the Troop without a buddy. A Scout is Helpful and all Scouts are expected to do their fair share of the duties of the Patrol. Any issues are to first be brought to the attention of the Patrol Leader.
Camping Trip Attendance – Troop camping trips are the principal learning environment in Scouting. A well-planned program for the camping trip cannot be done if the Scoutmaster does not know who will be attending. Therefore, all scouts are required to make a firm commitment the Monday before the trip if they will be attending or not. In the case where the scout committed to attend the trip but cannot attend, the scout (or their parent) is still required to drop off any food items they were assigned to supply no later than Friday night prior to the scheduled departure time. Please note the scheduled departure time is just that, not an estimated time to arrive at the school.
Adult Registration – We require that any adult who participates on Troop Activities register with the BSA and take the basic training as required by BSA and the Scoutmaster. This insures that BSA guidelines have been followed with regards to character, backround checks, insurance, and qualified leaders.
Training – We ask that each adult receive the proper BSA training regarding his or her position in the Unit. While we all have our own positions in the normal running of the troop, on outdoor activities we are all there to assist the Scoutmaster. For that reason, we also request that all adults participating in outdoor Troop activities receive training relative to the role of an Assistant Scoutmaster. This serves a number of reasons - the adult knows exactly what the BSA policies are regarding the activity; there will be a qualified adult if for any reason the Scoutmaster is not with the group or a portion of it; and all BSA guidelines are properly followed for both the Scouts and your protection. Normally, the costs of the training are paid for by the troop. There may be cases where we do ask the adult to pay for the course, such as CPR beyond a certain number of adult leaders, Woodsman’s Thong, etc. Please check with the committee before signing up for any training to determine whether we have subsequent plans for that course.
Graduated Scouts – For scouts who have graduated to an adult and are in college, the troop will pay these fees for those who maintain a presence in the Troop. These are the young men the younger scouts most look up to, nearer to their age and examples of what the BSA offers to them.
Summer Camp – The troop pays for the cost of any fully trained leader attending summer camp. We understand that vacation time and time with the other members of your family is at a premium and these adults have given this up to aid the scouts in this vital activity. While there, we ask that those adults take the opportunity for any training that is available. The Scoutmaster or his representative will coordinate this training with the camp.
Fireworks and Alcohol – BSA rules – Absolutely NONE Allowed