New To Boy Scouts

Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 219

I. Troop Organization

The Troop will be organized by patrols consisting of a hierarchy of scout rank. This will allow the senior, more experienced scouts to train and lead the juniors. A Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) will be elected by the Troop and should be of Star Rank or higher, attend 90% of ALL troop activities (meetings, camping trips, Courts of Honor). The SPL will pick his assistant (ASPL) who should also be Star or higher, and follow the same attendance policies. The SPL and ASPL will run the troop by planning with the Patrol Leaders and coordinating with the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders. The SPL/ASPL will coordinate Courts of Honor with the assigned adult leader.

II. Patrol Organization

The Patrol Leader (PL) will:

  • Be elected by the patrol.
  • Serve for six months.
  • Normally be First Class or higher.
  • Make suggestions for training and projects for the patrol to prepare the patrol for special events and camp outs
  • Help the junior scouts advance.
  • Select an Assistant Patrol Leader [APL), Patrol Quartermaster and Patrol Scribe.

Patrol member assignments includes the following duties:

  •  TBD

The Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) will:

  • Lead the patrol in the absence of the PL.
  • Keep the patrol flag.
  • When the scribe is absent, take notes at meetings.

The quartermaster is responsible:

  • For the patrol box.
  • For inventory of supplies.
  • To coordinate the purchase of campout meals.
  • Advise the Troop Quartermaster when other supplies are required.
  • Collecting money for trips.

The scribe will keep all patrol information. Duties include taking notes, keeping track of patrol members going on events, filling out the menu, etc. The scribe should bring paper and pen/pencil to all scouting events. The Patrol Leader (PL) is in charge of the patrol and all scouts in that patrol will follow his direction. A patrol notebook is part of each patrol's property. This notebook will aid the PL and all members with administration and patrol organization. The PL is responsible for everything that happens in the patrol and answers to the SPL/ASPL and the adult leaders. When the PL is not available or not in attendance, the Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) will be responsible and take charge of the patrol. One of the adult leaders, normally an Assistant Scout Master (ASM), will be assigned to a patrol to help guide the PL and be available to answer questions regarding the running of the patrol. The patrol ASM will allow the PL and scouts to conduct business and run their patrol on their own as much as possible. However, the patrol ASM will provide guidance and direction when asked or if that adult leader deems appropriate. As the patrol develops into a team, the patrol ASM should have fewer hands on interaction. Senior ranking scouts within a patrol should help the PL and APL learn the job of PL and APL. Also these senior scouts should assist in training the new scouts in the required skills for advancement and in learning how to be a Boy Scout. Patrols will need to come up with a patrol notebook. This book will have all the forms (menu, camp out duty roster, meal feedback, etc.), copy of the most recent newsletter, troop telephone list and any other important information for the patrol. The PL’s will keep the book neat and up to date. Normally the notebook will be stowed in the troop locker and brought on camp outs. If the PL needs it between meetings, he should let the Scoutmaster or patrol’s ASM know. Al1 members of a patrol going on a camp out or hike will plan the meals and if possible, should shop together. Normally the quartermaster will coordinate this responsibility. He should train all those scouts not yet completing the meal planning and shopping requirement by showing them the proper steps. When a scout does not have this requirement completed and is ready for sign-off, that scout should be responsible for food buying for a camp out. Each patrol notebook will contain copies of the menu planner, a sample menu, the meal feedback forms and a camp out duty roster. The Troop will purchase patrol patches. A patrol call or yell must also be chosen and a flag with flagpole and stand made. Patrol members will sleep together (tent site), eat together (same patrol box), do cleanups together and participate in all Troop events as one.

III. Camp Out Meal Program

Camp out meals will be eaten or sampled by an adult leader and the SPL/ASPL. Patrols will be informed on how many extra guests per meal and will receive money to cover the costs. Each meal will be reviewed constructively for any areas to improve and any potential patrol competitions. The guests will review the meal and submit a feedback sheet to the PL with an opportunity to discuss the areas for improvement. The Scoutmaster, ASM or SPL/ASPL may review these sheets and grade them for any patrol competitions. The first meeting after a camp out the SPL/ASPL should review these forms and provide feedback to let each patrol know how they are doing and if/where improvements are necessary before the menu is planned for the next camp out.

IV. Sample Troop Meeting

Opening:

  • Presentation of Colors (as required)
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Opening Prayer
  • Scout Oath

SPL--general business Scoutmaster--general business Troop Training-all scouts, merit badge, etc. Patrol Training-for patrol business-camp out planning, rank sign-off, etc. Patrol Competition-skills or games Closing:

  • Scout Law
  • Taps
  • Closing Prayer
  • Scoutmaster's Minute

During the meeting, scouts should recite together the prayers, pledge, oath, etc. in a loud enough voice that each can be heard. The ceremonial conduct of the meeting is fairly formal. Respect for God and country is mandatory. Below are the definitions for some of the commands that may be given during the meeting. All scouts should be familiar with them. Protocol Definitions

  • Fall In: Scouts should form up quietly by patrols in their designated place. Scouts should be at attention.
  • Scout Sign: This is the standard scout sign [right hand, three fingers, and arm at a 90 degree angle].
  • Two: This command means to drop the salute or scout sign and place the arm/hand alongside the body.
  • Hand Salute: This is the standard scout salute [right hand, three fingers to the brim of the scout hat] to be used for the pledge of allegiance or national anthem. The salute is only appropriate when in uniform and wearing a scout hat. If wearing a non-scout hat it should be removed. If not wearing a full scout uniform [class A or B], the right hand shall be placed over the heart when this command is given.
  • Signs Up: This is ordered by one of the leaders or a scout in charge of an event when the attention of all scouts is needed. When raising the scout sign and/or announcing, "Signs Up", all   scouts should raise their hands to a scout sign, close mouths and direct their attention to the person ordering the signs up. The Scout Sign will remain up until all scouts have complied by raising the scout sign, becoming quiet and directing their attention appropriately.
  • A Scout is Reverent: This is the signal that a prayer is about to occur, and Scouts should remove hats, and bow their heads

V. Uniforms

The scout uniform should be worn proudly. This means all the proper pieces, shirt tucked in, neckerchief rolled properly, scout socks with shorts, etc. Wearing it to scout functions and in public enhances our image as a good youth organization and is good advertisement for recruiting more scouts. Each scout is required to own a complete Field (or class "A") uniform. This includes all patches properly sewn, clean and in good condition. The scout shop across from the Seminole Mall, and in the Scout Magazine, provides the required scout uniforms and accessories. A more economical means of obtaining a uniform is to look in Thrift shops or from an ex-scout or as a scout out-grows his old uniforms. Of course this is acceptable only if the uniform is in good condition. Field (Class "A") Uniforms not including neckerchief/bolo are required at Troop meetings. It should be brought or worn to all campouts per Scoutmaster's direction. Scout long trousers or Scout shorts with the correct scout socks are authorized. There will be no wearing of any hat, other than the scout hat during the meeting/activities. Scouts will be required to wear/bring uniforms (class "A" and/or Troop T-shirt) to all events. In the event that uniforms or Troop T-shirts are not required, it will be specifically announced, otherwise assume uniform.

VI. Troop Discipline Policy

Parents are required to escort their scout into the Parish Center and the escort them out after the meeting this way, Parents can get important information passed on to them at the end of each meeting (8:30 pm). Parents, in attendance, will also join scouts in their patrols, as watchdogs. If a scout is disruptive, rude to others, misbehaving outside of the Scout Law and Oath, the parents of that scout will be called and asked to come to our meetings to provide parental supervision for their son.

VII. Advancements

Upon joining the Troop, each boy is required to earn the Scout Badge by completing the requirements with the Scoutmaster. Scouts are then encouraged to advance to First Class Scout [via Tenderfoot and Second Class Scout] in their first year of scouting. The Troop through the SPL and PL's will provide the training and encouragement. However, it is up to each individual scout to learn the requirements and seek out an adult leader or scout authorized to sign-off requirements. The Troop does have some adult leaders who are qualified Merit Badge Counselors. All parents are encouraged to become Merit Badge Counselors based on their own background, experience and areas of expertise.

VIII. Order of The Arrow

Candidates must be elected by the Troop. Candidates must be First Class Scout or above, 15 nights of camping (of which 6 must be long-term camp), and must show potential to meet the ideals of the Order of the Arrow with Scoutmaster approval. If the candidate successfully completes the ordeal and is inducted into the Order, he must continue to participate as a representative of the Troop and remain a member in good standing within this OA chapter.

IX. Youth Protection

All adults, who plan on volunteering to attend, drive, assist in troop activities, and need to have this training. There is the Boy Scout of America Youth Protection training and the Catholic Church’s Safety Environment Protection (SEP) training. The BSA Youth Protection is offered on-line. The SEP course is offered at St. Raphael's once a year though offered at other parishes on a periodic schedule. These programs are designed to protect you as well as our scouts.

X. Web Site (http://www.bsa219.org)

Our Troop web page is where all the information you will need within the scouting program. You will find camping permission slips, packing lists, Calendar of events, and much more. We also need each parent/Scout to submit an Annual Medical Health form every year either giving permission or denying the use of their picture/information to be shared to the media including the internet. Troop Information The Troop meets on Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30PM in the Parish Center at St. Raphael's Church. We meet every week except the weeks we attend summer camp or notice is given in the newsletter. Families are requested to bring their scout into the Parish Center and come in to get them. This is done to protect the scout and the Church. Please cooperate. The troop goes camping every month, tentative for November & December because of our Christmas Tree Lot and holidays, June and July when we go to Summer Camp. We will go to Boy Scout Summer Camp each year. This may be at Sand Hill or out of council if the boys and parents agree with a location and we have support. We may do both. Recently we have been going out of state for one week. A scout must attend the local summer camp or have eight nights camping with the troop or have an adult accompany them in order to be eligible for a long distance camp. Scouts must wear their Field Uniform (Class “A”) when traveling to/from camp. The action of wearing the Scout Uniform promotes the visibility of Boy Scouts and helps keep track of our Scouts during breaks along the way. The Buddy System must be adhered to at all times. The boys need to have their own camping gear as listed in the Boy Scout Handbook. It does not need to be Boy Scout Issue but should be good quality as it will be utilized during campouts and meetings. The boys need to provide their own tents. They can buddy up if you do not have one, but the troop does not provide tenting as it seems to get abused. It is their responsibility, not the troops, to arrange tent space. The boys are required to be in uniform at each meeting. This includes scout shirt with proper insignia and Red shoulder loops, scout shorts or pants, belt, Bolo, socks and shoes. They are Boy Scouts and should be in uniform. We will have “surprise” uniform inspections each month. They need to bring the Boy Scout Handbook to each meeting. We consider the Handbook as part of the uniform. They should also have a note pad and writing instrument to take notes. Advancement We will provide activities and training for each skill required to reach First Class within one year of joining the troop, but it is the responsibility of the scout to advance. He should read the material in the book as a start, he should try things on his own, he should get help from home to learn the skill, and he should ask a youth leader to help demonstrate the skill. When the boy feels he is ready to be passed off on a skill it is his responsibility to ask a youth leader in the troop to check him on the skill. After he has completed all the requirements for a given rank the boy will sit with the Scoutmaster to review his progress. Then the boy will attend a Board of Review, which are held when scheduled by the Advancement Chair, or Adult in charge of review committee, where he will talk to other adults registered or adult volunteers with the troop and discuss the requirements of the rank and his progress in the troop. These talks and discussions are in place to assure the boy knows the material, that the Scoutmaster and other leaders are doing their job, and to provide the boy with the experience of meeting with adults. What Can Parents Do?

GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boy Scouting should be a rewarding and fun experience for the scout. We will do all we can to provide this but we will need your support. Come to the troop meetings, go on camp outs, come to committee meetings, officially register as an adult, attend training courses. The troop is only as good as the adult support behind the Scoutmaster. We will be looking for volunteers during the year, please be available, and say yes when you can. The Troop Committee Chairman organizes the adults in our Troop. We have Adult/Committee meetings the second week of every month in the Art Room at St. Raphael's at 7:00PM. Be there and get involved. Finances Registration is $65 for new scouts. There are no dues, however each boy is responsible for meals on camp outs. We have set a cost of $15 and due once a Scout has signed up for a camping trip, this is non-refundable. This will be discussed later. Registration occurs every year before March. The cost of this is $65 a scout, and $60 for each additional Scout in that family. We announce and publish what it will cost your scout, around February. The Troop holds an Annual fund raiser, it is the Christmas Tree Lot that we have in November/December. This provides the troop with funds to operate and attend camping activities, acquire equipment, patches, and to train boys and leaders. You will get more information on the tree lot and times will be scheduled to cover this operation. The boys earn on the average $5.00 - $8.00 for each hour they work which is used towards summer camp or other high adventure activity. Purpose of Incentive Program The purpose of the incentive program is to provide an equitable way that youth can earn credit towards Summer Camp Fees or High Adventure Fees. The way the program will work is the Committee will decide as to the appropriate amount that the youth can earn toward their account for these fees from a given fund raiser. Any additional fundraisers may be added with the approval of the Committee and submission and approval of a Fund Raising Form as required by BSA. The boys will earn credit to their account and this credit will be used as listed above. Any credits remaining when a boy goes inactive will revert to the troop account. Any credits remaining if a boy transfers or moves from our troop will revert back to the troop account. If a boy goes inactive, moves out of town or transfers out of our troop and then returns to our troop his account is at zero and he starts anew. Christmas Tree Lot There will only be two paid positions for each scheduled period. If you cannot cover your assigned period YOU are responsible to find a replacement. The person who actually works the shift is the person who will receive credit for the time worked. Other Fund Raisers These fundraisers must have prior approval. At that time the Committee will determine the shares, but generally 50% of the profits will be credited to the boys account and 50% will be for the troop account. Camp Outs In order to have a successful camp out it requires adequate planning. The first aspect of this is: "Who is attending?" The dates for camp outs are set months in advance and are mentioned in the monthly newsletter. Boys and Adults are requested to sign up for the next camp out two meetings prior (two weeks) to the camp out weekend. Adults should inform their Patrol Leader at the beginning of this meeting. This is the only way that we can adequately plan. A tour plan must be applied for 2 weeks in advance, with the number of scouts and adults attending. This is the reason for needing to know the number attending camp in advance. The boys have to purchase food for their patrol and need to know how many people to plan on having in attendance. All Campers pay for themselves. The boys & adults should bring the $15 (turned into the Treasurer) for the food to the sign up meeting indicating their commitment to attending the camp out. If they cannot be in attendance they should notify the Patrol Leader or the Senior Patrol Leader of their intention to attend the camp out. If the food is more the buyer will let the boys know what else is owed, if it is less the funds will be returned to the youth. Once a Scout has signed up for a camp out they are committed and responsible for their portion of the food, if they cannot go they may try to find someone who wants to go but did not sign up in time.