Chapter 1: Parent Participation
· General
· Personal Growth Agreement
· Funding
Chapter 2: New Scouts
· General
· Information Packet
· Troop information/permission requirements
· Troop Uniform Policy
· Dues Policy
· Annual Calendar of events
Chapter 3: Troop Organization
· General
· Organization
· Forming New Patrols
· Intra Troop Transfers
Chapter 4: Adult Leader Policy
· General
· Adult Leader Positions
· Adult Leader Training
· Adult Leader Meetings
· Adult Leader Conduct
Chapter 5: Boy Leader Policy
· General
· Available Boy Leader Positions
· Troop Elections
· Qualifications
· Junior Leader Training
·
Patrol Leaders Council
Chapter 6: Advancement
· Advancement Program Defined
· Advancement Policy
· Merit Badges
· Service Projects
· Position of Responsibility Requirements for Star, Life and Eagle
· Requirements for Participation
Chapter 7: Discipline
· General
· Obedience
· Enforcing the Discipline
· Troop Reinstatement Review Board
· Drugs, Alcohol and/or Tobacco
· Do's and Don'ts
Chapter 8: Outdoor Activities
· General
· Planning for activities
· Support for activities
· Funding for activities
· Troop Camping
· Visitors on Outings
Chapter 9: Equipment
· General
· Categories of Equipment
· Control of Equipment
· Duties and Responsibilities
· Safety Considerations with Equipment
· Damage to Equipment
· Gear Needs for New Scouts
Welcome to Troop 13, Boy Scouts of America.
Every Scout needs to know what is expected of him. The success of having an adventurous and safe outdoor program rests in the ability of the Boy Scout to take responsibility for his own behavior. Boy Scout accident, medical and liability insurance depends upon planned activities conducted with regard for safety and protection of property. All Scouts need to know what is "OK" and what is not. In order to guarantee acceptable conduct all adult Scouters need to know what is expected of them. The policies outlined in this document establish the procedures for running Troop 13's program.
The emphasis of the Boy Scout program is to promote and encourage boy leadership. In support of this program Troop 13 adult leaders are present as advisors, insuring safety and keeping the program oriented toward scouting ideals. Troop, patrol and patrol council meetings, camping trips and day trips shall be run by boy leaders, not by the adults.
But, boys are "boys," and there may be many times when you will question, "Why are they so disorganized?" "Why are the meetings so noisy and unproductive?" and "Why don't the adults step in and do something?"
In Scouting we believe that the best way to develop leadership is to let the boys have as much freedom as possible; applying just enough adult authority to keep them safely focused on the task at hand. As long as they are sincerely trying to accomplish the duties of their positions they are learning the rudiments of leadership.
This booklet outlines the application of general BSA policy to specific situations regarding Troop 13.
BSA policy is written in various official publications and is the final authority for resolving questions of policy. The troop committee is the final authority for implementing BSA policy in Troop 13. Proposed changes to Troop 13 policy can be submitted to adult leaders, the troop committee chairman or a committee member for review at a troop committee meeting.
Once again, Welcome to Troop 13. Keep in mind, Scouting is a family activity and we encourage parents to be involved in their Scout's development.
1. General: The adults who provide supervision, support and time to make Troop 13 a success are volunteers. They will need your help. How you support your son's troop depends on your talent and available time. Both mothers and fathers can give a few hours to provide transportation, help maintain troop equipment, be a merit badge counselor, serve on our troop committee or serve in some other leadership positions. Whatever your volunteer role, our troop needs you to keep operating as a quality unit which makes our troop worthy of the fine Scouts it serves.
2. Personal growth agreement: The scoutmaster will discuss with your son his strengths and interests and recommend ways he can use these in his Scouting activities. It will be up to your son to decide the goals he sets for himself as a growth agreement. The scoutmaster will encourage and counsel your son along the way. Your interest in his growth in Scouting is vital in helping him to realize his personal responsibilities.
3. Funding: Each Scout may be asked to share the cost of camping trips. Encourage your Scout to look for jobs where he can earn his own money for the cost of activities. "A Scout is thrifty."
1. General: Troop 13 is a relatively small troop with a dynamic membership. Currently, the troop enrolls 2-3 new Scouts per year. While a majority of the new members advance from the Webelos program, the troop does acquire boys transferring from other troops, districts and councils.
a. The scoutmaster, senior patrol leader or representative members from Troop 13 will attend Webelos bridging ceremonies of those Dens giving advance notice of boys intending to join Troop 13. Each Webelos who has stated his intent to join Troop 13 will be presented a Scout neckerchief from the troop and will be officially welcomed to the troop.
b. Boys, ages 10 years and six months, advancing from Webelos will form a "new Scout" patrol. To give these new Scouts the initial attention they deserve the troop committee will designate an assistant scoutmaster to work directly with them.
c. If the new joiner is older than 10 years 6 months or has previous Scouting experience he will be placed in a patrol with others of his age or skill level.
2. Information packet: The information packet is designed to give a new Scout and his parents details about Scouting and Troop 13. The packet will be issued when the new scout joins and includes the following:
· Policy Booklet
· BSA Medical Release Form (Parents authorization for emergency treatment)
· Annual Calendar
· Roster of troop Members
·
BSA Unit Accident Insurance
Information (this insurance is mandatory and is paid annually during Troop 13's
rechartering)
3. Troop information/permission requirements: Prior to any Scout participating in his first Troop 13 event, the following shall be returned to the scoutmaster or one of his assistants:
· Completed BSA application including Boys' Life subscription and insurance
· BSA Medical Release Form (Parent's authorization for emergency treatment)
· Permission slip for that activity (includes medical release for that activity)
4. Troop Uniform Policy.
a. Wearing a uniform "shows Scout spirit." It is not the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between boys or make them feel they are all the same. Scouts come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. They have their own religious beliefs and family traditions. Scouting wants boys to take pride in these differences rather than to hide them or be ashamed of them. There is one way all Scouts are alike. Whenever a Scout sees another Scout in uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed to the principles of the Scout Promise and Scout Law. This is important in a time when there are too many things dividing people. The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts, the world over, in a common purpose. The Scout uniform identifies Scouts openly with someone of the same beliefs and values. By wearing the uniform Scouts are taking an open stand for their convictions.
b. BSA policy allows a troop several options regarding uniforms. Troop 13 has elected the following:
(1) Class A
· Scout shirt (long or short sleeve)
· Scout neckerchief, BSA Troop 13 neckerchief (presented to new Scouts at the bridging ceremony) with any slide
· Scout hat is optional; however, should the Scout elect to wear a hat, the baseball-style mesh Scout hat is the only hat authorized for BSA events, i.e., troop meetings, merit badge sessions, etc.
· Any closed-toe shoe or boot including socks (as a safety precaution Troop 13 policy precludes the wearing of sandals at Scouting events.)
Note: Order of the Arrow (OA) sash is only worn at OA functions, not at regular troop meetings.
(2) Class B (may be prescribed for summer events/meetings or travel to/from Scouting events.)
· Scout T-shirt
· Any closed-toe shoe or boot including socks (as a safety precaution troop policy precludes the wearing of sandals at Scouting events.)
· Only exception for wearing sandals is the swimming area and showers
c. Scouts should wear their uniform for all Scouting activities. Encourage your Scout to comply. An entire uniform will be required for courts of honor, some district, council and out-of-council events, e.g., summer camp. A merit badge sash will be required. (Up to six merit badges can be worn on the right sleeve of the long-sleeve shirt.) The merit badge sash is a required uniform item for special occasions.
d. New uniforms are available for sale through Northwest Texas Council's district office located at 3604 Maplewood, Wichita Falls.
e. If for any reason a Scout is unable to afford such a uniform the troop will help arrange for one. A note, signed by the Scout's parents or guardian, stating financial circumstances shall be presented to the scoutmaster or troop committee chairman. Personal details will remain confidential.
e. Uniform inspections will be conducted by the boy leaders at least once a quarter.
5. Dues policy: Troop dues are $5.00 a month. Dues are collected on the first Tuesday of the month. Scouts who are delinquent in their dues will not be permitted to advance or participate in troop camping trips or events. As with any organization activities require money. Financial problems are understood. If such occurs let us know so we can work out an agreeable payment plan and keep your Scout active. Dues include badges, camping fees and administration cost.
6. Annual calendar of events: Troop meetings and monthly events are planned for a 12-month period from September 1 through August 31.
a. Meetings: Meetings are held weekly at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday unless otherwise denoted on the annual calendar. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation for their Scout. Scouts should not arrive any earlier than 6:50 p.m. and should be picked up by 8:35 p.m. unless otherwise directed by the scoutmaster. Parents are responsible for their own child's safety before and after Scout meetings. Do not leave your Scout at the meeting place if no adult leader is present. Loitering is not permitted. Scouts are not permitted to loiter outside during meetings. If the Scout does not report to the Scout meeting, Troop 13 is not responsible for him.
b. Courts of honor: Troop 13 conducts courts of honor to recognize our Scouts' hard work. Courts of honor are family affairs and parents and families are encouraged to attend to honor the boys for their achievements. A troop court of honor will be decided on when advancement is needed.
Eagle courts of honor are conducted separately from the regularly scheduled events for individual Scouts as needed. The scoutmaster will not be master of ceremonies. The scoutmasters roll in the court of honor is the presentation of awards.
c. Summer camp: To give Scouts the opportunity to achieve BSA goals for long-term camping, Troop 13 attends at least one week of camp at an approved BSA facility during the summer. It has been a Troop 13 policy not to repeat summer camp at the same facility two summers in succession. This assures variety in the troop's objectives for long-term camping and affords Scouts the opportunity to experience different camp programs. Scouts who attend less than 40% of troop campouts will not attend summer camp.
d. Short-term camping: Troop 13 conducts a camping trip or special event each month. When possible these events will take advantage of events planned by the district or council. Short-term camps promote advancement opportunities, fun, fitness and comradeship.
e. In preparing the annual calendar the senior patrol leader will canvas the troop for desired events. The senior patrol leader will then hold a meeting of the Patrol Leaders' Council with the troop's Scout and adult leadership and prepare a proposed calendar for approval by the troop committee. The troop committee will consider the boys' desires for an annual program with respect to the ability to support the program. Once the calendar of events is approved by the troop committee the scoutmaster will arrange for printing and distribution of the calendar.
1. General: Troop 13 is organized in accordance with BSA guidelines. The following descriptions highlight areas within the troop's organization.
2. Organization
a. Chartering organization: Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus are the chartering organizations (CO) for BSA Troop 13. The charter allows the Church to host a BSA troop for its community and youth objectives. In turn the Church agrees to support the troop by providing a safe meeting place with adequate facilities.
b. Chartering organization representative: A member of the church who serves on the troop committee and acts as a liaison between the troop and the chartering organization.
c. Troop committee: The troop committee is a group of adults, generally parents of the Scouts, who support the troop by insuring that the troop's adult leadership is adequate, by providing various support functions, delivering quality troop program and handling troop administration and by insuring that the troop is functioning according to official policy. Committee meetings are held quarterly. The troop committee consists of a chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, an outdoor activities coordinator, an advancement coordinator, a fund-raising coordinator, a court of honor coordinator, a transportation coordinator and equipment coordinator. (See BSA Troop Committee Guidebook for further information.)
d. Troop committee chairman: The committee chairman serves as the "chairman of the board," the board being the troop committee.
e. Scoutmaster: The scoutmaster is responsible for overseeing the operations of the troop. The scoutmaster serves as the "chief executive officer." His main responsibility is the Scouts of the troop and all assistant scoutmasters assigned. The scoutmaster attends troop committee meetings and reports the status of the troop and the annual program of events.
f. Assistant scoutmaster: Aside from being responsible for a particular function each assistant scoutmaster acts as an advisor to a pre-assigned patrol.
(1) Assistant scoutmaster (new Scout patrol): Insures that all new Scouts are properly oriented to the troop by providing the boys with necessary information, forms and counseling. Also maintains new boy tracking sheets.
(2) Assistant scoutmaster: Provides guidance to the troop's Venture crew by insuring all their intended functions are being carried out in accordance with BSA policy.
(3) Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: A scout 16 or older who supervises and supports other boy leaders as assigned.
g. Senior patrol leader: The senior patrol leader is the boy leader of the troop elected by his fellow Scouts. He sets the agenda and presides at all Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, runs the weekly troop meetings and appoints other boy leaders assigning specific responsibilities as needed.
h. Assistant senior patrol leader: The assistant senior patrol leader, also elected by the troop, assists the senior patrol leader in conducting meetings and acts as the senior patrol leader in the senior patrol leader's absence. He is responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, troop historian, librarian, chaplain aid and instructors.
i. Patrol leaders: Patrol Leaders are responsible for their individual patrols at all times. They preside at patrol meetings, as well as control their patrol during troop functions. They represent their patrol at Patrol Leaders Council meetings and report to the senior patrol leader for all matters concerning their patrol.
j. Instructors: Older Scouts who have advanced in rank and training provide a corps of skills and knowledge on which the senior patrol leader can develop training programs in support of the troop's annual training objective.
k. Venture Scouts: To insure the continued interest and participation of our senior Scouts, Troop 13 will participate in BSA's Venture program organizing a troop affiliated Venture patrol to pursue activities of interest to older or more senior Scouts. Older and more experienced Scouts may form a Venture patrol that operates much the same as a Patrol. Scouts shall be at least 13 years of age and must have attained the rank of Life Scout. Venture allows concentration on high adventure activities. Members will continue with regular Scouting advancement programs, troop activities and troop leadership responsibilities. Venture patrol activities should be planned and performed in addition to the regular troop requirements. An assistant scoutmaster will be appointed to oversee activities. Membership in the group will be at the recommendation of the adult leadership and will be based on maturity and skill ability. No more than 25 percent of the troop membership will be in the Venture program. Membership may include Scouts who have held the position of senior patrol leader or assistant senior patrol leader and who desire to serve as instructor or junior assistant scoutmaster and troop guides. Due to the risk involved with some of the advanced skill activities parental permission is required for participation in Venture patrol activities.
l. Troop guide: An older, experienced Scout appointed by the scoutmaster and the assistant scoutmaster. He will help younger Scouts progress through the ranks of Scouting as assigned by assistant scoutmaster (New Scouts). Usually two are assigned to each patrol to help the patrol function.
m. Other appointed jobs: For additional job description see the Junior Leader Handbook.
3. Forming New Patrols
a. The "patrol method" gives Scouts an experience in group living and citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method builds patrols into strong active units. This is best accomplished through long-term association with shared, common experiences from camping or special events. Troop 13's goal is to maintain a patrol's integrity through as much of a Scout's career as possible. Given the dynamics of the people of our community that is not always possible. If it becomes necessary to reorganize patrols as a result of attrition then the scoutmaster and adult leadership will determine new patrol organization.
b. Troop 13's goal is to maintain patrols of approximately eight Scouts each. There will be no more than 10 Scouts per patrol. When one of the patrols reaches more than 10 members and the others have eight or more members, a new patrol will be formed as follows:
· An interim patrol leader is elected by members of the Patrol Leaders' Council to temporarily lead the new patrol.
· Each of the existing patrol leaders chooses three members who cannot be drafted by the interim patrol leader for the new patrol.
· The interim patrol leader chooses the same number of members from each existing patrol to bring the total in the new patrol to seven.
· Patrol elections in the new patrol will be held at the next scheduled Patrol Leaders Election.
4. Intratroop transfers: After troop elections a Scout may request to change patrols. The decision will be made by the senior patrol leader and the scoutmaster.
1. General: The adult leadership of Troop 13 has two major goals:
· Provide an environment for the boys to live the ideals of Scouting, including a chance to develop and demonstrate leadership abilities.
· Provide an adult organization structure that can adapt to changes in its staffing requirements.
In keeping with these goals the adult leaders will act primarily as advisors giving maximum opportunity for the Scouts to show responsibility.
2. Adult leader positions:
a. The following positions reside at the committee level:
· Committee Chairman -- Responsibilities are as stated in paragraph 2.d chapter 3 above.
· Secretary -- Attends all committee meeting, takes minutes and types and distributes minutes for approval.
· Chartering Organization Representative -- Responsibilities are as written in paragraph 2.b in chapter 3 above.
· Treasurer -- Responsible for the entire troop's financial records (this includes the recording of all incoming and outgoing moneys) and provides a monthly written report on troop finances to the troop committee. The yearly projected troop budget is to be compiled and submitted to the committee for review at the January committee meeting.
· Advancement -- Responsible for the administration of the troop advancement program, keeps records and prepares reports for submission to the Council.
· Fund Raising -- Researches and recommends fund raising project to meet the troops financial requirements. Organizes volunteers to assist in fund-raising. Obtains approval from Tidewater Council.
· Equipment coordinator -- Responsible for working with the troop Quartermaster in the organization, control and maintenance of troop equipment.
· Outdoor activities coordinator -- Works with the scoutmaster to determine transportation requirements for camping trips/special events and organizes drivers and vehicles for events. Prepares tour requests and submits to council.
· Chaplain – Provide spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities.
b. The following positions reside at the troop level:
· Scoutmaster
· Assistant Scoutmaster (New Scouts)
· Assistant Scoutmaster (Venture Patrol)
· Assistant Scoutmasters (assigned to individual Patrols)
Positions will be filled as supported by the number of adult volunteers. If the number of adult volunteers isn't sufficient to fill all requirements the committee chairman and/or the scoutmaster may combine committee or troop positions after gaining approval of the committee.
3. Adult leader training: Any adult who becomes involved with the troop is strongly encouraged to take advantage of Leadership Training courses offered by the Northwest Texas Council, BSA. This training insures the troop's adult leaders remain on target with the aims of Scouting. Until leadership training can be arranged adult leaders will be familiar with the Youth Protection Program guidelines for Boy Scout leaders.
4. Adult leaders' meetings: Adult leaders are encouraged to become involved with all aspects of the Scouting program. The following is a list of some of the suggested meetings that adult leaders may attend:
· Troop committee meetings
· Adult district roundtables
· Special "called" troop committee meetings
· Weekly troop meetings
· Training sessions
5. Adult leader conduct: Adult leaders shall exhibit the ideals of Scouting when working with boys. They will strive to set the example in their handling of the boys. Standards of conduct in personal habits, language, hygiene and interaction with Scouts will be in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law. The scoutmaster is responsible for the conduct of adult leaders.
1. General: Like any other activity, a leadership role within Scouting requires an extraordinary commitment. A leadership role with Troop 13 demands time and sacrifice of the Scout. Although Scouting is open to any boy at least 10 years and six months of age, Troop 13 leadership positions should only be considered by those boys who:
· Demonstrate the proper example
· Are willing to give to the troop more than they receive
· Are willing to put troop activities on a higher priority than other comparable activities.
2. Available boy leader positions:
a. Elected positions:
· Senior Patrol Leader -- Elected by the troop
· Patrol Leader -- Elected by patrol
b. Appointed position:
· Assistant Senior Patrol Leader – Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Scribe -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Chaplain's Aide -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Quartermaster -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Librarian -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Historian -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
·
Assistant Patrol Leader -- Appointed by Patrol Leader
·
Patrol Scribe -- Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader
· Patrol Quartermaster – Appointed by Patrol Leader
· Junior Assistant Scoutmaster -- Appointed by the scoutmaster
· Instructors -- Appointed by the scoutmaster
3. Troop elections: Troop elections are held semi-annually in April and October at the regular meeting, except in the New Scout Patrol where the patrol leader will be elected every two months. Newly elected leaders will take effect after the election.
a. A general election of the entire troop will be conducted for senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. The outgoing senior patrol leader will preside over the election, accepting nominations and supervising the collection of ballots. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot. Election for senior patrol leader will be conducted first to allow candidates not
elected to run for assistant senior patrol leader and/or patrol leader. The scoutmaster or an assistant scoutmaster and the outgoing senior patrol leader or a junior assistant scoutmaster will count and verify the vote. The candidate receiving a simple majority of the members present will be declared winner. If more than two boys are running for a position and no one receives 50 percent of the votes a revote will be taken between the two candidates getting the most votes until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.
b. Individual Patrols will elect their Patrol Leader. A patrol leader election will be held immediately following the election of the senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. Only patrol members will vote for their respective patrol leader. Votes will be by secret ballots. Ballots will be counted and verified by the outgoing patrol leader and a troop guide or assistant scoutmaster.
c. All other leadership positions will be elected on or recommended by the senior patrol leader and approved by the scoutmaster. All leadership positions will be rotated every six months to give each member of the troop maximum opportunity to serve.
d. An attempt will be made to get 100 percent of the troop's membership in attendance during the night of the election. No election will be conducted if less than two-thirds the general membership is present.
4. Qualifications
a. Senior patrol leader: Each Scout running for the office of senior patrol leader must be a First Class Scout.
b. Assistant senior patrol leader: Each Scout running for the office of assistant senior patrol leader must be a First Class Scout.
c. Patrol leader: Each Scout running for the office of patrol leader must be at least Second Class Scout except in the New-Scout Patrol.
5. Junior Leader Training: The scouts running for Senior Patrol leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is highly encouraged to attend Junior Leadership Training.
6. Patrol Leaders' Council
a. The Patrol Leaders' Council is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The troop committee interacts with the Patrol Leaders' Council through the scoutmaster. The Patrol Leaders' Council comprises the following voting members:
· Senior patrol leader -- Leads the Patrol Leaders' Council
· Assistant senior patrol leader
· Patrol leaders -- One for each patrol
· Venture crew chief
· Troop guide for new Scout patrol
· Scoutmaster and assistant scoutmasters
· Other Scouts in leadership positions (i.e. scribe, quartermaster, etc.) who may be required by the senior patrol leader as approved by the scoutmaster.
b. The Patrol Leaders' Council meets monthly to:
· Plan the annual calendar of events
· Plan monthly events
· Plans and organizes weekly meetings and assigns responsibility for planned events in accordance with the monthly activity
· Completion of the weekly meeting plan for each weekly meeting.
· Discuss problems
· Make recommendations on improving troop operations
1. Advancement program defined: Advancement is the process by which youth members progress from rank to rank, a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is designed to help the boy have an exciting and meaningful experience.
a. Education is the chief function of the Scouting movement and the basis of the advancement program. A fundamental principle of advancement is that the boy's progress is a natural outcome of his activities in his patrol and troop. The rank requirements shall furnish the basis of the activities of the unit. Recognition is gained through leadership in the troop, attending and participating in its activities, living the ideals of Scouting and proficiency in activities related to outdoor life, useful skills and career exploration.
b. All advancement procedures shall be administered under conditions that harmonize with the aims and purpose of the BSA; to strengthen character, body, mind and the concept of being a participating citizen.
c. The Boy Scout requirements for rank advancement shall be the basis for the Scouts' advancement. There are four steps in the procedure: learning, testing, reviewing and recognition.
d. Ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. Eagle Palms may be awarded for additional merit badges until the Scout's 18th birthday.
e. The responsibility of the troop committee is to ensure the troop's program is conducted in such a way that the Scouts have an opportunity to advance on the basis of learning, testing, reviewing and recognition.
f. The responsibility for merit badge qualifications shall rest with the counselor. Merit badge counselors shall be registered adult members of BSA. The merit badge counselor shall prepare and qualify youth members. There is no board of review procedure for merit badges, but public recognition may be given at a court of honor.
2. Advancement policy: Advancement in BSA, is totally dependent upon the boy. Each boy is expected to pursue the various advancement requirements, awards, badges and ranks at his own pace. We encourage him to involve his family, other Scouts, the scoutmaster and any other sources to help him.
a. The troop's routine program will emphasize Scouting skills and leadership training; both at weekly meetings and at camping trips. As a matter of routine, merit badges will not be taught as part of Troop 13's regularly scheduled meetings. Some meetings may focus on a particular merit badge as a means of introducing Scouts to the subject, but completion of the badge is an individual effort by the Scout. The troop will provide guidance and assistance in completing merit badges outside the weekly meetings, i.e., classes prior to meetings or on camping trips. (On occasion, a merit badge may be taught in the regular meeting if for a unique reason.) The extra effort and experience gained by pursuing merit badges through approved counselors is important in maintaining the quality and maturity of the upper ranks of Star, Life and Eagle.
b. Advancement requirements for the first three ranks are listed in the Chapter 1 of "The Boy Scout Handbook." Advancement to Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class concentrate on Scouting skill rather than merit badges. Skills shall be taught by other Scouts and adult leaders. The scoutmaster will hold scoutmaster conferences on completion of the rank. A board of review shall be conducted before a court of honor as organized by the troop committee's advancement chairman with the assistance of other committee members.
c. Advancement requirements for Star, Life and Eagle ranks are covered in Chapter 27 of "The Boy Scout Handbook." These higher ranks emphasize merit badge work only after a boy has a solid foundation of basic Scouting skills.
d. Eagle advancement: An advancement packet discussing Eagle requirements can be obtained from the scoutmaster upon completion of the Life Scout award. The packet contains the following items:
· National BSA application
· Letters of recommendation (four required)
· Eagle service project work book
· Other guidelines for Northwest Texas Council's requirements.
3. Merit badges
a. Earning merit badges give Scouts self-confidence by teaching them to overcome obstacles to achieve a goal. The Scout also learns career skills, develops socially and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation. To earn merit badges the following sequential procedures shall be followed:
· Obtain merit badge application ("blue card") from the scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster. The card must be signed by the scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster showing his approval
· Contact the merit badge counselor and arrange meetings
· Complete the merit badge requirements under the guidance of the counselor
· Ensure the counselor signs the card verifying completion of all requirements
· Return the card to the scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster and obtain his signature to indicate completion of the merit badge requirements
· Present the completed card to the advancement chairman for forwarding to the council for registration and procurement of the badge.
b. Youth Protection Program: The BSA Youth Protection Program policy requires that a Scout must have at least one other person with him at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. BSA policy prohibits one-on-one situations between adults and Scouts. The buddy can be a parent or guardian, brother, sister, relative, friend or another Scout.
c. Group instructions: While merit badges may be earned in group instruction this method is discouraged for most merit badges as it bypasses one of the key purposes of the merit badge plan; working closely with a qualified adult. Group instruction is most practical when special facilities, expert personnel and/or limited counselors make individual instruction inappropriate. When the group method is used as much individual attention as possible should be afforded each candidate's project and his ability to fulfill all requirements.
d. Merit badge counselor: A counselor working with a Scout acquaints the boy with an adult knowledgeable in one or more fields, an experience invaluable to a Scout. The counselor introduces subjects that may lead to a career choice or to a lifetime pursuit. The troop advancement chairman and the scoutmaster will maintain a list of approved merit badge counselors. The troop has approved merit badge counselors other than those on the council's approved list. Merit badge counselors, even those parents only serving one unit (Troop 13) must be approved by the council and district advancement committee. Counselors must register as Scouters. In all cases the advancement chairman must have a completed Merit Badge Counselor Application on record for each applicable person.
e. Merit badges will not be offered as part of the regular troop annual calendar as a matter of routine; however, to spark an interest in a subject area the troop may use merit badge counselors to make presentations covering the highlights of a merit badge. Scouts are then given an opportunity to try a skill related to the badge. Also, work on some merit badges may be arranged at some camping trips.
f. No Scout, parent, assistant scoutmaster or committee member will arrange for a merit badge class to run concurrent with the regularly scheduled troop meeting unless specifically approved by the Patrol Leaders' Council. Troop meetings are reserved for conducting skill and leadership training and general troop business. With the approval of both the scoutmaster and advancement chairman, merit badge classes may be scheduled prior to the regular meeting. Scoutmaster approval will insure reservation of a meeting place. Approval of the advancement chairman will ensure approved counselors, "blue cards," merit badge books and other administrative requirements.
4. Service Projects
a. Star and Life: Work on service projects for credit toward advancement to Star and Life ranks shall be approved by the scoutmaster in advance of starting the project. Only adult leaders are authorized to sign-off service project requirements. If there is any doubt as to the validity of the project the matter will be referred to the troop committee for resolution.
b. Eagle: Eagle service projects shall be of lasting value to the community rather than completion of routine upkeep and preventive maintenance. The troop committee and the District Committee in advance of beginning any work shall approve the project. The Troop 13 Committee requires that the Eagle candidate brief the troop committee on his project at a regularly scheduled committee meeting. The Eagle candidate must take into consideration the lead-time required for troop and district committee approval in planning work schedules. The brief shall outline the scope, scale and requirements of the proposed project. The committee will review the candidate's plan for completeness in planning and ability of the troop to support the project to completion. The schedule of work should be examined in detail to ensure there are no major conflicts with other planned troop activities. Upon completion of the service project, The Eagle candidate shall provide the advancement chairman with a written description of the project and, where appropriate, a schedule of participants and hours worked.
c. Scouts of any rank can arrange for service projects that benefit the community. However, if the project will require Troop 13 resources then the project should be presented to the Patrol Leaders' Council for discussion, scheduling and scoutmaster approval.
5. Requirements for Star, Life and Eagle Rank
a. One or a combination of the following positions will be accepted as fulfilling the leadership requirements for the above ranks:
(1)
Star and Life ranks -- one or more
positions with six months in office
·
Patrol Leader
·
Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader
·
Patrol Leader
·
Troop Guide
·
Den Chief
·
Troop Scribe
·
Troop Librarian
·
Troop Historian
·
Troop Quartermaster
·
Troop Bugler
·
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
·
Troop Chaplain Aid
·
Instructor
·
Approved leadership project
(2)
Eagle rank -- one or more positions with
six months in office
·
Patrol Leader
·
Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader
·
Senior Patrol Leader
·
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
·
Den Chief
·
Troop Chaplain Aid
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Troop Scribe
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Troop Historian
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Troop Quartermaster
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Troop Librarian
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Troop Guide
6. Requirements for Scout Spirit and Participation
a. Scout Spirit -- In order to fulfill the requirements for Scout spirit, the Scout must demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and the Law in his everyday life.
b. Participation -- All Scouts of Troop 13 are welcomed and encouraged to take advantage of all troop activities. Scouts who attend less than 50% of troop meeting, campouts, troop fu