Troop 325 Handbook

• Introduction
• What is Scouting All About?
• Joining Troop 325
• Troop Parents
• Uniform
• How Our Troop Works
• Troop Organization
• Meeting Times
• Dues
• Troop Calendar
• Advancement
• Outdoor Program
• Youth Protection
• Behavior
• Fund Raisers
• Scout Fund Raiser Accounts
• Troop Communications
• Appendix A: Merit Badge Procedures
• Appendix B: Importance of Attending an Eagle Court of Honor

The following pages are designed to help you understand the basics of the Scouting program here at Troop 325. Reading this will acquaint new Scouts and parents with information and rules on how our troop operates.  Please contact Scoutmaster John Combs at XXX-XXX with any questions or comments you might have.

1. are physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
2. have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
3. have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
4. have the desire and skills to help others.
5. are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
6. have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
7. are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society.
 
 

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts Of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

To become a member of Troop 325, you need to turn in the following items to the Scoutmaster:

1. Completed membership form with parent/guardian signature
2. $27.00 registration fee
3. Completed Personal Health and Medical Record with parent/guardian signature
4. Completed Troop Resource Survey sheet (please fill out both sides)
5. A Troop 325 Needs Your Help sheet with a task indicated. Our troop requires the help of all parents so that it may provide a quality program.  One of the things that makes our troop great is the quantity and quality of our adult volunteers!

A boy may visit our troop meetings as many times as he wishes without joining.  However, he must join the troop to participate in special activities and camping trips.

1. Read their Scout's handbook and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting. Parents can also borrow the Boy Scout Fast Start  video tape from the troop library to familiarize themselves with the basics of Scouting.
2. Actively follow their Scout's progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when needed.
3. Show support to both the individual Scout and the troop by attending all Courts of Honor.
4. Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. All such assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the Scouts and, therefore, lowers each family's cash outlay for their Scout(s).
5. Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.

Whenever a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed themselves principles of the Scout Oath and Law.  The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose.

By wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength and support.  It helps them to feel like part of the team.

Beyond accenting the common bond between Scouts, by wearing the uniform Scouts are declaring their faith and commitment to some important beliefs that bind them to all people. It is a way of making visible their belief in God, their loyalty to our country and their commitment to helping other people who need them.

How the uniform can help the troop:
1. When smartly worn, the uniform can help build good troop spirit.
2. By investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are really making a kind of a commitment to take Scouting seriously.
3. The uniform makes the troop visible as a force for good in the community.
4. Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, youth image in the neighborhood, thus helping to counteract the negative feeling some adults have about youth.

The troop uniform:
Our troop believes that a Scout does not have to buy a uniform immediately.  He should buy a uniform after he has been with the troop for several months and has decided to stick with it.  The Scout Shop carries all necessary items.  The Scout uniform must be worn on all troop activities and events unless otherwise specified.
We also have a bank of "experienced" uniform items in our equipment storage room.  Parents can get free uniform items from this bank.  However, we ask that you donate your "experienced" uniform items to the bank whenever possible.  Let's help save each other some money!
The following is the official uniform of Troop 325 is:
 
 

Provided by the Scout:	Provided by the troop:
Hat ( ball cap style)	Neckerchief
Shirt (official tan w/red shoulder tabs)	Registration
Flag, Council and Troop 325 patches	Rank badge and badges of office
Belt (official khaki web belt)
Pants/Shorts (official khaki)
Socks (official khaki)
Handbook

Official placement of insignia may be found on the inside front and back cover of the Scout Handbook.

The troop committee implemented a policy that a Scout cannot attend a camping trip unless he has worn his uniform (minimum of a official shirt or troop T-shirt or Venture activity shirt) to 75% of the troop meetings over the past three months.  This rule is enforced!  However, Scouts with troop membership of less than six months are exempt from this rule.  A report of uniform wear is posted on the troop's bulletin board every Monday night.

The leaders are the Scoutmaster and his assistants and the troop committee.  All are unpaid volunteers; some are the parents of boys in the troop.

Within the troop, a Scout will be assigned to a patrol - a group of six to 10 boys.  His patrol will be his team for games and contests, his closest buddies in camp, and his teachers as he works on advancement.  A new Scout will be placed in our intermediate patrol.  Once he masters some of the basic skills (approximately one year), he will move up to our advanced patrol.  Upon turning 13 and a half and completing the requirements for his First Class badge, he will move into the exciting world of the Venture patrol.

Troop meetings are planned and conducted by boy leaders under the coaching and guidance of the Scoutmaster.  This is part of the plan to help the Scout grow; to make decisions and take an active part in making the troop program successful.

A typical troop meeting includes a game or two; work on outdoor skills, first aid, fitness, citizenship, or some other aspect of Scouting; a brief patrol meeting for advancement progress or planning a future event; and ceremonies highlighting Scouting's ideals.

At troop meetings, and working on his own, the Scout will have a chance to earn many badges and awards.  He will get his Boy Scout badge as soon as he has his first talk with the Scoutmaster.  After that he will work on various progress awards and any of more than 100 merit badges.  As he earns these awards and badges, he will progress from Tenderfoot through Second and First Class ranks into the more difficult requirements for the Star and Life Scout badges.  Finally, he may earn the most distinctive of all - the Eagle Scout Award.

Every month our troop will conduct a special event.  It may be a weekend campout, a visit to some location of special interest, or a troop service project.  Scouts are encouraged to participate in these events and to prepare for them on his own as much as possible.

The sections that follow explain some of the guidelines and rules as they pertain to "how our troop works."

The following is an outline of the duties of the key leaders within the troop:

Scoutmaster:
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his or her assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:

Assistant Scoutmasters:
Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved by the troop committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He or she also provides the required two deep leadership (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity).

Senior Patrol Leader:
The senior patrol leader (SPL) is the top boy leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader:
The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) fills in for the SPL in his absence. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian and instructors.

Patrol Leaders:
The patrol leaders (PL) are responsible for giving leadership to the members of their patrols. They are their representation on the patrol leaders' council. The PL is also responsible for holding monthly patrol meetings outside of the regular troop meetings.

Assistant Patrol Leaders:
Assistant patrol leaders help the PL run the patrol and fill in for him in his absence.

Committee meetings:
We meet the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at John and Terry Combs' home.  Parents are always welcome to attend these meetings, but they should confirm the meeting by phone before coming.  The committee also holds several social gatherings throughout the year.

The calendar also includes the dates for summer camp as well as high adventure.  Summer camp is a week long camp that has an incredible variety of activities as well as work on advancement.  The high adventure trip is intended for older Scouts and has  special requirements that must be completed to attend.

Also, our troop conducts a cycling program, which typically runs from late spring to early, fall.  On various Saturdays and Sundays he leads the Scouts on 25 and 50 mile bike hikes.  Dates and times will be announced at troop meetings.

1. The Boy Scout learns.
A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested.
A Scout may be tested on requirements by his Senior Patrol Leader, Instructor, Troop Guide, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or a troop committee member.  The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to test and pass candidates.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.
After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle board of review is conducted by members of the district advancement committee.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized.
When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his next rank will be presented to him at the next troop court of honor.

From the time the Scout enters the troop through the time he advances to First Class rank, he is learning basic scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team.  With those first steps the scout begins to build themselves physically, mentally, and morally.  He will start to live with the Scout Oath and Law.

Later ranks such as Star, Life, and Eagle are earned by serving in a leadership capacity, performing community service work, and earning merit badges (see Appendix A for complete information on how to earn a merit badge).  These ranks are harder to obtain, but are also more interesting for the older Scout.

The goal of the merit badge program is to provide an avenue for lifelong hobbies and possible job interests.  Although some of the merit badges are required, there are others that are electives.  Each Scout can earn merit badges in subjects that are of interest to him.  This should be the start of a very exciting trail of fun, achievement, adventure, and knowledge.

Advancement is the responsibility of the Scout. Parents and other adults are encouraged to help, but it is not the troop's or the parents' obligation to ensure progress.  For those new Scouts who are bridging Webelos, this will be quite a change for you.  For more information on Scout advancement, refer to the Boy Scout Handbook.

Our troop conducts a Court of Honor once a quarter. The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor.  The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements. Parents and all other interested individuals are be encouraged to attend.

A special Court of Honor takes place whenever a Scout earns the rank of Eagle.  We expect all Scouts and their parents to attend this very important ceremony.  Please see appendix B for more information.

1. The outdoors is the best place for learning outdoor skills. How could it be otherwise?  Can a Scout learn to swim by reading a book?  No way!
2. The outdoors is a great place for learning something about living with others. When Scouts walk on the same trail, cook and eat together, and share triumph and troubles together, they are going to find out some important things about, say, patience, respect for other points of view, doing their full share, making a friend more easily, and saying no without losing one. Skills like these are among the "personal growth" skills we want from every Scout. The outdoors is where they grow up best.
3. On the trail or in camp, the boy's leaders will be challenged by the real thing getting their patrols fed and sheltered, keeping them warm and safe, solving the problems they can solve, and knowing how to get help for those they can't. It's a time when leadership skills can deepen, patrols grow closer, and the troop grows stronger.
4. The outdoors is also a place where a Scout can get closer to the natural world around him - the land, the forests and their wildlife, the lakes and rivers, the mountains and the seas. Here, in the outdoors, he will learn of the "land ethic" the understanding and respect for the environment we all share, and he will develop an active concern for it's health and a willingness to work to keep it healthy.

What to bring on a campout:
 

Sleeping bag	Mess Kit	Sewing Kit	Do Not Bring
Foam Pad	Cup	Flashlight	Snack Food
Sweater	Soap	Scout knife	Radios
Rain gear	Toothbrush	Watch	Electronic Games
Clothes	Toothpaste	Personal ID	Firearms
Canteen	Comb	Notebook	Sling Shots
Eating Utensils	Washcloth	Pen / Pencil	Lighters
Plate	Boy Scout Handbook	Towel	Laser Pointers

 The twelfth point of the Scout Law is a Scout is reverent.  Therefore, our troop holds non-denominational services on every Sunday that we are camping.  Each Scout is expected to help out with the service in some way.  Our troop's Chaplain Aide is responsible for overseeing this process.

There usually will be no specification of campout return time. This is to insure proper storage of troop equipment and adequate tear-down at the designated campsite.  Scouts will call for a ride when they are ready.

Camping fees are to be paid two Monday nights before the trip.  This gives the troop adequate time to make proper arrangements.  Fees are based on food costs, site fees, program costs, gasoline used, and other miscellaneous costs.  The fee also includes a nominal charge for troop van/trailer usage.

The troop also carries a cellular phone on its trips.  The phone number for it is (937) 572-1440.  This enables adult leaders to get help quickly in the event of an emergency.  It also gives parents an opportunity to contact the troop in event of an emergency at home.

Program Summary
Child abuse is a major problem affecting our society. Each year more than 2 million cases of suspected child abuse are reported. This means that 1 percent of American children are experiencing physical abuse, 1 percent are experiencing sexual abuse, and 2 to 5 percent are experiencing emotional maltreatment or some form of neglect. Because of the significance of this social problem, The Boy Scouts of America has declared child abuse as one of the "unacceptables" to receive special attention by those involved in the Scouting program.

The BSA has developed a five-point plan to combat child abuse and to improve the environment in which young people live. The key elements of this strategy include the following points:

Parents guide
The Boy Scouts of America has developed materials for use in the Scouting program that provide essential information to members and their families. A detachable booklet in the front of The Boy Scout Handbook, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parents Guide," provides information to help families to increase self-protection skills.

Troop 325 and the Youth Protection Program
Troop 325 is committed to following all guidelines of the Youth Protection program. Any suspected offenses of the Youth protection program must be reported to the Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster or the Council Executive. All incidents reported to the Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster will be reported to the Council Executive. All reports are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety of the youth.

 1. pornographic materials
 2. open blade sheath knives
 3. any knife without possession of the "Totin' Chip" (Scouts only)
 4. lighters and other similar devices
 5. striking or pushing another individual
 6. lying
 7. name calling or unfriendly behavior
 8. stealing (which includes "hiding" an item)
 9. damaging another person's belongings
 10. other areas which are not Scout-like

Scouts who are repeatedly involved in inappropriate behaviour will undergo the following action:

 Incident #1: Verbal warning
 Incident #2: Conference with the Scoutmaster
 Incident #3: Scoutmaster conference with the Scout's parents
 Incident #4: Membership termination with the troop

If a Scout is on the receiving end of inappropriate behavior, he should report it to an adult leader at once.  A Scout who retaliates will not be exempt from disciplinary action.

The following items will result in immediate termination from the troop for Scouts and adults:

 1. alcoholic beverages
 2. tobacco products (Scouts only; adults may use with proper discretion)
 3. illegal drugs

Also, if leaders hear profanity from a Scout then this Scout will buy a soda for all adults who heard the profanity.  The type of soda purchased will be commensurate with each adult's preference.
 

The profits from troop fund raisers is divided in two ways.  Ten percent of all profits goes to the operating budget of the troop, while the remaining 90% goes into a troop account which is tallied for each individual Scout.  Scout accounts are posted on the troop bulletin board each Monday night.

Money Scouts earn through troop fund raisers belongs to Troop 325.  The amounts each Scout earns will be individually tallied for each Scout, but it must be spent on Scout functions or equipment.  If a Scout quits or transfers to another troop, "his" money is returned to the operating budget of the troop.

Since fund raisers are primarily for funding major troop trips, a Scout must have at least $100.00 in "his" account before he is permitted to spend money on other Scouting items.  If he has over $100.00, he may purchase Scouting equipment with anything in excess of that $100.00.  The Scoutmaster must approve the purchase prior to spending the money.

Prior to tallying money in individual accounts, ten percent will be taken out of the total profits of all fund raisers for the troop operating costs.

Scout account sheets are posted on the troop's bulletin board at each Monday meeting.

Currently, the Scoutmaster is maintaining a recorded phone message with the same information issued to the patrol leaders/crew chiefs.  To receive this information, call xxx-xxxx on Sunday from 6:00-11:00 p.m. only.

The troop also maintains a site on the World Wide Web.  The address is /troop325/

Our troop publishes a newsletter containing information on current and upcoming events.  This is mailed to your house monthly at no extra cost.  You should read this newsletter carefully since it also includes any changes in dates, fees, etc.  If you arenÌt getting a copy of  the newsletter then call __________.

Our troop has an annual parent's meeting in January to distribute important information for the year.  It is extremely important that a parent attends this meeting.

The Scout should bring a small note pad and pen to each troop meeting to take notes on "end of meeting" announcements.

1.  Review the list of badges, keeping in mind those required for Eagle.  Become familiar with the listed requirements. If you have any questions ask  other Scouts who have completed the badge, your parents or Scoutmaster.

2.  Once you and a buddy have selected a badge, let the Scoutmaster know. Remember, you must visit the Merit Badge Counselor with a buddy.

3.  Your Scoutmaster will give you the name of a Merit Badge Counselor to contact. You will also receive a blue card authorizing you to proceed. Next, contact the Counselor and review the badge requirements. Your Counselor must approve your plan.

4.  It is the your responsibility to pursue the badge not the Counselor's. The Merit Badge Counselor will provide instruction, support materials, where possible, and advice regarding completion of the requirements.

5.  Keep your finished merit badge cards in a binder (baseball card sleeves work well). When you apply for your Eagle badge, you may be asked for records of your badges if there are any problems with the Council's records.  Be Prepared.

6.  A large part of the troop may work toward an Eagle badge during the year.  In some cases, meeting time will be devoted to these badges.  Typically however, troop meetings are not for the specific purpose of earning merit badges.

7.  Some badge requirements coincide with everyday school, scout or sporting activities.  You should take advantage of this.

8.  The Scout Shop has books for each of the badges. Books associated with the Eagle badges and many others are worthwhile reference books which you might find useful to own. Other badge books are less useful. Your Counselor may have an opinion regarding the books.  Also, make sure to check the troop library to see if it has a book you need.

9. Remember, some badges take time to finish the requirements.  Family Life and Personal Management merit badges take a minimum of three months to completed.

10. Some merit badges are listed in groups such as "personal fitness or swimming or sports".  This means only one of these badges can be used as a required merit badge towards the Eagle rank.  For example, if you earn swimming and sports then one counts as a required merit badge while the other counts as an optional merit badge.

As Scoutmaster of Troop 325 I would like to take a moment of your time and share with you what an Eagle Scout Court of Honor is all about.

First, let me point out that the Eagle rank is the highest award Boy Scouting has to offer.  A young man spends three to seven years working on the requirements for this rank.  He must earn at least 21 merit badges on topics such as Swimming, Lifesaving, Environmental Science and Citizenship in the Community.  He has to serve in various leadership capacities within the Troop, an example would be Senior Patrol Leader.  He must also participate in several service projects for the community.  Finally he must plan, organize, and complete a service project for the community that has been approved by BSA as an Eagle service project.  After completing all this the young man presents himself before a review board whose sole purpose is to ensure that he has completed all the requirements and is of good character as well as being a good citizen.

The Eagle rank is a prestigious award.  Only about one percent of all Boy Scouts world-wide ever complete all the requirements necessary to attain this high award.  It is usually the most important event he has experienced to this point in his life.  Once an Eagle Scout the young man will be considered an Eagle Scout for life.  The significance of attaining Eagle Scout is recognized by job interviewers and college scholarship boards as well as by military organizations, business communities, and political groups.

As you can see, an Eagle Court of Honor is a very important event.  I am soliciting your support and ask that your entire family attend, if possible.  Why?  The most important reason is it shows our support and recognition for this young man who has put forth such a great effort.  It also serves to strengthen the Troop through parent involvement.  Moreover, it emphasizes to your son how important you feel the Boy Scouting program is.  Through your involvement, your son may catch the enthusiasm and one day he too may become an Eagle Scout.

Make it a priority to attend and support this Eagle Scout, our Troop, and your son.