Troop 209 Handbook

Troop 209 Handbook

Troop Handbook

Troop Structure

Scout Behavior & Self-Discipline

Fund Raising

WELCOME TO TROOP 209

Formed in December 1939, Troop 209 has a long history of exciting activities that challenge the youth in our community. Our plan is to perpetuate the positive impact this troop has had on its members within the troop, our community and the world. To do this requires cooperation from both youth and parents. The following information will help you understand how youth and adults work together to make Troop 209 a success.

Troop Structure

A Boy Scout troop is made up of patrols of six to eight boys each. A patrol is expected to do everything together, sharing responsibilities. When we camp, they will tent on one site as a unit. They will have planned their menu and duty roster prior to the outing. They will cook their meals, clean up their mess, work on projects, learn and, most importantly, have fun as a team of friends. Every patrol has a patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, scribe, and quartermaster who serve in these roles for six months. Over time, each scout in a patrol will have the opportunity to be a leader.

This concept of patrols is as old as Scouting itself. The first Scout encampment at Brown Sea Island conducted by Lord Baden Powell was organized into four patrols: Ravens, Bulls, Curlews, and Wolves. The patrol method continues today as a key element of the Scouting program.

The patrols receive their direction from the Senior Patrol Leader and his assistants. These boys are Star, Life or Eagle Scouts who have mastered the basic skills of Scouting and have earned the respect of the other Scouts. These are very responsible positions because the troop is led by youth, not adults.

Youth leadership is another key element of Scouting. Sure, Saturday night supper would be better if the adults cooked it, but the boys would never experience the satisfaction of doing the job themselves. Nor would they learn to work together.

Adult Leadership

The adults provide advice, counsel, instruction, and are there to work out problems and to handle emergencies. Responsibility for the health and safety of each youth is ours. While the above may sound like the adults sit watch, nothing could be further from the truth. The Scouts are able to lead themselves because there is a Scoutmaster and several Assistant Scoutmasters. There is a Troop Committee with Advancement, Health and Safety, Fund Raising, Special Events, and other responsibilities. These many people provide the program within which the boys work and have fun. Without them there would be no Troop 209.

Your involvement and support are necessary. Parents have several standing invitations:

1) To attend the monthly Troop Committee meetings. If there s something you believe can be improved upon, this is the place to present it.

2) To visit our weekly Troop meetings. Come see what the boys can do and work with them -everyone has experiences and knowledge to share.

3) Best of all, to come camp with us. Equipment is not a problem. Just bring your personal care and bed items, and we can lend you the rest. We assure that you will be well cared for, eat some great food, and have a fun experience.

Advancement

The following is an overview of the BSA advancement program, which is explained in detail in the Scout Handbook. There are three levels of rank advancement:

	Level l - Scout. This rank requires a general understanding of Scouting principles: Oath, Law, Motto, etc. and review, by the boy and his parent(s), of the Youth Protection booklet found in front of the Scout Handbook.
	Level 2 - Tenderfoot, Second & First Class. These ranks develop basic Scout skills and good citizenship. The outdoor program provides the opportunity for experience and for growth in these areas. A complete understanding and practice of Scouting principles is expected.
	Level 3 - Star, Life & Eagle. Leadership and personal growth are the keys to advancement here.

Leadership, not just in Scouting but also in school, church or community, means involvement in activities and service to others. Personal growth is achieved through the Merit Badge program where the Scout is encouraged to explore many fields of interest, some defined by the rank and others based on personal interest.

Scouts meet the requirements of each rank through self study, working with older Scouts, adult leaders, instructors, attending Troop meetings, campouts, summer camp, and participation in Troop activities. Tests for passing requirements are conducted by older Scouts or adult leaders. This differs from the Cub Scout program where parents sign-off on advancement. After a Scout has met all the requirements for a rank be participates in a Scoutmaster conference and a Board of Review conducted by the Troop Committee members.

The goals of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, and leadership development. To advance, particularly to the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks, a Scout must make adequate progress in these areas as well as meeting the skill requirements.

Troop Activities

Our calendar is usually very full. We hold weekly Troop meetings from the start of the school year in the fall until the end of July. Troop campouts are held every month with July and August. Yearly events include the Father/Son Canoe Trip, Summer Camp, and High Adventure Trips. Also, there are many Council and District events we may include in our schedule. A list of these activities and their general timing are announced in our annual plan outline. Specific event details will be provided in the weekly Troop meetings on on our Troop 209 web site.

Our monthly campouts are held anywhere within approximately one to five hours driving distance of our meeting place. We are always looking for new places to visit: Scout Camps, State Parks & Forest, Federal Lands (National Parks, Forest, Wildlife Refuges, BLM), Corps of Engineer sites, private land, or anywhere we are welcome. Troop 209 usually attends Summer Camp within a days drive of Katy.

Over the years Troop 209 has developed a very active High Adventure program for older Scouts (13 years old and greater). We have sent several crews each year to Philmont (backpacking), Northern Tier (canoeing) and Sea Base (sailing, scuba, snorkeling). We often have an additional High Adventure trip over Thanksgiving or Spring Break. If the Scouts come up with an idea, we will figure out a way to do it.

Cost of these activities varies. A weekend campout will cost each boy who camps about $12.00 to $15.00 for patrol food and supplies. Sometimes there may be an additional fee to use a State Park or other property. While most parents who help with driving on these weekends may not accept it, each boy who is given a ride is to pay the driver ~$2.00 for short trips and ~$5.00 for long trips for fuel.

Summer Camp fees are approximately $15-$200 for a week of fun and advancement. Most boys who work on our fund raisers can earn the cost of a week in camp. Fund raiser proceeds may also be applied to the cost of any Scouting activity: monthly campouts, Summer Camp, Super Trips, etc. It is the boy's option to use his fund- raising credits for the activity he chooses.

While each boy should try to pay his own way, money should not keep a boy from weekend camp, Summer Camp, or Super Trip. Council camperships are available for Summer Camp and, within our Troop, there are unclaimed fund-raiser credits. If a need exists, we will find a way to help whenever we can.

Dues/Fees/Fund Raising

Troop 209 has annual dues payable December 1^st of each year. Boys joining the Troop at other times will be charged a pro-rated amount for the time remaining through November 30^th. Dues are set annually by the Troop Committee and are comprised of National BSA registration, Boys Life magazine, Sam Houston Area Council insurance, and an amount to cover the cost of awards and supplies provided to the boys as part of the annual program.

During our annual fund-raising projects, Scouts earn credits for their participation or, depending upon the fund- raiser, they may receive a sales commission. After proceeds have been finalized, a dollar value per credit or commission is calculated, and the funds are held in the Scout’s account with the Troop Treasurer. Our fund raisers usually involve three or four Saturdays late in November and early December and two weeks in the spring.

Medical Examinations

Current policy of the Boy Scouts of America identifies three levels of medical evaluation. The required level depends upon the activities in which the Scout participates:

	Level I -Covers most activities of less than 72 hours duration (weekend camping, etc.). Requires a health form statement to be completed by a parent along with a release for treatment form. These documents remain in effect as long as the boy is a registered member of the Troop.
	Level II -Covers activities of longer than 72 hours (Summer Camp). In addition to the above, requires an examination by a physician within the last three years. Expires three years from the date of the examination.
	Level III -Required for all BSA National High Adventure Programs (Philmont, Seabase, Jamboree etc.) and may apply to Super Trip. A physician must examine the Scout and sign the form that all health questions have been tested or answered. Expires one year from date of the examination.

We CANNOT take a boy camping or on an outing away from our meeting place unless the appropriate medical certification and the release for treatment statement are on file.

Uniforms

The Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization. All boys in Troop 209 are required to be in uniform at troop meetings and at other activities. We realize that uniforms are costly. Therefore, we try to collect outgrown uniforms for Scouts who need assistance in purchasing (earning) or obtaining one.

Each Scout should have a short sleeve shirt with the proper insignia (first priority). In our climate scout shorts and socks will complete his uniform. To help minimize wear and tear on uniforms, a Troop 209 T-shirt and ball cap, for camping and physical fitness activities, are available for purchase from the Troop at a small cost.

Troop 209 Uniform Policy

Information

At the beginning of each year every Troop should hold a meeting to review their program and its annual goals. One of the goals we set for this year is to encourage the boys to improve their behavior during regular troop meetings. The uniform is a source of both pride and honor for a boy and wearing a uniform can lend itself to better behavior. As such, the Troop Committee encourages all boys to have a complete uniform and to wear it each week.

What does 209 consider a complete "Field Uniform"?

Here at Troop 209 we consider a complete Field Uniform (formerly known as a "Class A" Uniform) to consist of the following:

	Khaki Scout Shirt
	Scout Shorts

	Scout Socks
	Scout Belt or other appropriate belt (Philmont belt, etc.)
	All correct patches, insignias, name tags and numbers properly placed

Optional

	During cold weather, long Scout pants or sweats over Scout shorts
	Neckwear

Wood Beads or other appropriate Scout-oriented items are fine.

Troop 209 does not wear a Troop Neckerchief.

Scout Hat

Not to be worn at troop meetings. Either all patrol members wear a hat or none wear one. Any hat other than a Scout hat is not acceptable

Necessary Items

Shoes

You are not required to purchase special shoes.

What is an "Activity Uniform"?

The Activity Uniform (formerly known as a "Class B" Uniform) consists of the following:

	A Troop 209 T-shirt
	Scout shorts, old shorts or pants appropriate to the occasion
	Old socks
	Old shoes or hiking boots appropriate to the occasion

Optional

	Old coat as needed
	Activity hats, baseball hats, bandanas and the like are acceptable. However, Scouts should refrain from wearing items that display emblems. The rule of thumb is: "If you can't wear it to school, you can't wear it here."
	Sunglasses, as needed

Activity Uniforms are worn for events such as the wood drive, campouts, etc.,where a Field Uniform could become easily damaged or otherwise rendered unattractive and therefore would need to be replaced.

What uniform do I wear at regular Troop Meetings?

The uniform for regular troop meetings meetings is the Field Uniform.

What uniform do I wear to a Court of Honor?

The uniform Scouts should wear to a Court of Honor is the Field Uniform.

Additions:

1. Merit Badge Sash. If the Scout has earned any merit badges, he may proudly wear the Merit Badge Sash displaying the merit badges he has earned.

2. OA Sash if he belongs to Order of the Arrow.

What uniform do I wear to a regular campout?

When traveling to and from campouts, you should wear your Field Uniform while in transit. While at camp the Activity Uniform is approved for all activities.

What uniform do I wear to District or Council events?

You should probably your Field Uniform, but it depends upon the event you are attending. The uniform to wear will be publicized in the flier for the event. If you have any questions, ask your friendly neighborhood Assistant Scoutmaster.

What uniform do I wear at Summer Camp?

At Summer Camp, you will need both a Field and an Activity Uniform.

What uniform do I wear for a Board of Review at a regular Troop Meeting?

The approved uniform to wear to a Board of Review is the Field Uniform.

What uniform do I wear to a Board of Review at a campout?

The Activity Uniform is approved for Boards of Review on campouts.

Statement on Scout Behavior and Self-Discipline

Background

The Scoutmasters and the Troop Committee of Troop 209 recognize the need to maintain and to improve communications related to behavioral expectations and counseling.

Purpose

Boy Scouts worldwide are thought of as courteous and self-disciplined. When a Scout does not live up to this standard, he discredits the name of all good Scouts as well as himself. Therefore, an understanding of what is courteous and self-disciplined behavior and the consequences associated with not meeting these expectations must be understood and acknowledged by the members of this Troop. Without courtesy and self-discipline, Scouting cannot be a rewarding experience.

Expectations

A Scout should be true to the traditions of Scouting. The three duties of the Scout Oath and the twelve points the Scout Law shall guide a Scout's behavior and shall be the foundation of his self-discipline. Below are some examples to show how to put these ideals into practice:

	A Scout shows courtesy to others in word and deed.
	A Scout plays games fairly, by the rules.
	A Scout helps others.
	A Scout respects the property of others.
	A Scout follows the instructions of youth and adult leaders.
	A Scout stands tall and proud for the Pledge of Allegiance.
	A Scout wears his uniform proudly.

Consequences

Actions Youth Leaders, Scoutmasters, the Troop Committee, and parents can initiate to counsel or discipline a Scout include the following:

	Instruction - A request to stop or to change one's behavior or actions because they are not acceptable for the current activity, are discourteous, or are unsafe.
	Warning -Disregard of instructions will put the Scout on notice that a recurrence of the discourtesy or lack of self-discipline will result in a Scoutmaster Conference or a Behavioral Board of Review.
	Scoutmaster Conference -The Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster will counsel a Scout who continues to disregard instructions and warnings that his behavior is not consistent with the principles of Scouting and is unacceptable to the leaders of the Troop. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster will try to reach an understanding with the Scout as to why the Scout's behavior is unacceptable and to receive a commitment from him to change his behavior.
	Behavior Board of Review -Scouts who are continually in need of counseling by Scoutmasters or who exhibit extreme discourtesy or lack of self-discipline will sit before a Behavior Board of Review. The Board will make a decision concerning the Scout’s continued participation in Troop activities based upon the behavioral history and attitude of the Scout being reviewed. Options available to the Board include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Defining a course of action and a time period during which the Scout must demonstrate good behavior. A leadership or service requirement may be part of the action established by the Board.

2. Requiring a parent to accompany the Scout at Troop activities, meeting, campouts, etc.

3. Suspending the Scout from Troop activities, such as campouts or meetings.

4. Dismissal of the Scout from the Troop.

Troop Fund Raiser Information

Troop 209 conducts 2 fund raiser activities during the year. In the Fall we sell fire wood. The money received is deposited into the individual Scout's account. This account money is available for use in any campout expenses. We also have a Flag Display Program that involves setting up and taking down the U.S. flag in from of an individual's home. This service is provided six times during the year. For more information on the Flag Program, click on the Scout symbol below.

This site was last updated 02/04/07