Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement
Health Information/Medical Forms/Tour Permits
General Leadership Information
Termination of Leadership Position
Advancement / Scoutmaster Conference / Boards of Review
Policy Revision, Review & Approval
The unit charter of Troop 212 is granted by the Last Frontier Counsel, Boy Scouts of America to the 97th Security Forces Squadron in accordance with the requirements of the bylaws, rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. Scout participation from other troops must meet troop 212 requirements to participate with the troop and have their Scoutmaster's approval.
Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and 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 Scout Law.
The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.
Special community, Council, District, and Troop activities are held throughout the year. ALL SCOUTS are expected to attend as a Troop. These activities include, but are not limited to: Campouts, Camporees, Scout-O-Ramas, Good Turn Projects, Service Projects, Patrol Leaders Council Service Projects, Courts of Honor (parents also participate), and fund raisers (parents also participate).
A parent or guardian should accompany his/her son to a troop meeting at the time the decision is made to join Troop 212. A membership packet will be given to the parent for review and for completion of the necessary forms. The parent, with son, will meet with the Scoutmaster. The boy will not be permitted to participate in any Scouting function (other than troop meetings) until he is properly registered and all his fees are paid. He may visit up to three troop meetings before joining.
The Membership Packet includes:
Each Scout's parent or guardian is asked to contribute to the Troop and its activities in some way. Many resources and talents are required to operate a Troop and to have a quality program. The Troop is in need of your help. If the Troop Resource Questionnaire does not address your abilities, discuss with the Scoutmaster ways you can assist the Troop. It is expected that each Scout's family unit will contribute to the Scout's Troop and its program.
Parent Obligations
Each family member is expected to assist in the troop program in one or more of the following areas by:
Active membership in Troop 212 means that a Scout is participating in 60% of all Troop and Patrol activities (Troop meetings, outdoor activities, and scheduled service projects) and in required uniform. To be excused from an activity a Scout must coordinate and receive approval prior to the event by the Scoutmaster. A Scout can be moved to inactive membership if he does not meet the definition of active membership at any time during the year. An inactive Scout can be restored to the active roll by demonstrating his desire to be an active member of the Troop. The Scout's attendance at Troop meetings, fund raising projects, service projects and other special activities, will allow him to request reinstatement to active definition of active membership status.
When in inactive status, Merit Badges may be earned but will not be presented at a Troop meeting or CourtofHonor until the Scout is restored to active membership. An advancement report of badges earned will be sent to Council Office only after restoration to the active rolls. The movement of Scouts from active to inactive membership and vice versa is left to the discretion of the Scoutmaster in consultation with the Assistant Scoutmasters and Troop Committee. The Scoutmaster may use a single factor or multiple factors in his decision.
Every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. sharp! Please be punctual. Meetings are year round. This meeting is for all Scouts registered with the unit. Merit Badge classes will normally be held on Saturdays. Boards of Review and Scoutmaster Conferences are scheduled during the regular meeting from 7:30 p.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m., as needed.
The Troop will follow and incorporate all the policies, rules, procedures and bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America in the implementation of this Scouting program.
Each Scout must complete a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) registration form which the parent or guardian must sign, prior to participation in any Scout activities other than the three meetings a boy may attend to visit the troop. Annual registration occurs every February. Adults will pay their registration fees the first time and the troop will pay the fees after that as long as the adult is registered and active in 80% of the unit activities. Fees must be paid every year prior to February. Registration fees are updated by the Troop Committee. Dues are $4.00 per month.The cost of food for outings will be shared equally by the Scouts participating in the activity. This money needs to be paid the Thursday (8 days) prior to the outing and needs to be paid in cash to the Grubmaster so that he can purchase the food and supplies for the outing. All other fees and moneys will be paid to the Troop Committee Treasurer. At times there will be special events that will incur cost for the Scout (i.e., camporees, special outings, etc.). These fees will be collected on an individual event basis. At times there may be Unit moneymaking projects to defer these costs.
Each parent or legal guardian is encouraged to have health/accident insurance on their Scout in addition to the accident insurance purchased by the unit. Unit insurance is purchased at the time of registration. All vehicles used to transport Scouts will have the minimum insurance required under B.S.A. Policy.
Health Information/Medical Forms/Tour Permits
Each Adult Scouter will have a annual Class III medical form on file with the unit. Each Scout will have a Class II medical form on file complete with a physician's signed physical that has been completed within previous three years. The parent and/or legal guardian will complete a health questionnaire yearly and update information as needed. Every Scout joining the Troop must have a physical examination on file with the unit. (see Health and Safety Guide Book).
Tour permits will be required for all camping trips as well as all other activities that take the Scout out of the Council.
Outings are the heart of Troop 212's Scouting Program and the Troop usually takes between 6 - 9 outings per year, RAIN, SNOW or SHINE.
Scouting requires that a boy learn to live in the outofdoors. In order to advance in Scouting, a boy must go camping regularly. A Scout who does not advance soon loses interest. Special trips are planned and the Troop participates in District and Council events. Scouts are also encouraged to attend Summer Camp, National and World Jamborees, and Philmont Expeditions.
All outings require at least two adult leaders to be present. The BSA "twodeep leadership" policy will pertain to all troop functions.
Scouts and adults from other troops who are invited to participate in troop activities or outings must have approval in advance and abide by Troop 212 policies during the event.
All Scouts and Scouters will adhere to the "Outdoor Code".
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE CAMPING GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
General Leadership Information
The Troop's primary leadership is provided by the boys in the unit and is to be run by the youth. The senior youth leader is the Senior Patrol Leader and all other youth leadership is subordinate to this position. The Scoutmaster and his Assistants serve to provide a quality program for the Scouts. The Troop Committee is comprised of adult members and parents who provide administrative and other support to the Scouts, Parents, Scoutmaster and Unit. All Adult Scouters serving in this program are BSA TRAINED VOLUNTEERS, age 18 and over and serve in advisory positions and are to ensure that all activities of the unit follow the rules, regulations and policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
Will be held annually, in January for election of Patrol Leaders and the Senior Patrol Leader. A scout must hold the rank of 1st class or above to hold these positions. Other positions may be held by scouts holding the rank of 2nd class. Special elections may be held as necessary to ensure the functionality of the troop. Elections will be overseen by the Scoutmaster. Troop members will be notified in advance to attend the meeting and its purpose. Ballots will be made secret. The Senior Patrol leader must be elected by a majority of the youth members present at the election. No adult leaders may vote.
Termination of Leadership Position
As it is vital to the smooth operation of the Troop, all Scouts in leadership positions are requested to attend ALL meetings. In the event of three unexcused absences, that Scout will be removed from the position he is currently holding, and an appointment will be made or in case of a Senior Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader will then immediately fill the position until the next election. Any Scout caught using any drugs, tobacco or alcohol during any Scouting event or activity will be removed from the leadership position he is currently holding, and may not run for any leadership position again until approved by the Scoutmaster after consultation with the Troop Committee.
Advancement / Scoutmaster Conference / Boards of Review
Advancement is the process by which Scouts progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program. The purpose of advancement is to strengthen character, body, mind, and the concept of being a participating citizen. The Boy Scout requirements for rank are the basis for advancement. The Scoutmaster and Advancement Chairperson or their designees will sign all advancement forms concerning the Scouting program.
As each Scout completes the requirements for the next rank, his progress is reviewed by the Scoutmaster during a Scoutmaster's conference. The Scoutmasters conference helps the Scout evaluate his accomplishments and set new goals. Once this conference is complete, the Scout is prepared for his Board of Review. The Boards of Review for the ranks of Tenderfoot to Life is the responsibility of the Troop Committee Advancement Chairperson. A periodic review of the progress of Scouts is vital in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Scouting Program. The purpose of the Board of Review is as follows:The review is not an examination. The Scout has learned and has been examined prior to the review. The Scout reviews what he did for the rank. From this review, it can be determined whether he did what he was supposed to do.
Reviews should be scheduled with the Troop Advancement Chairperson. Boards of Review are conducted by members of the Troop Committee. It is expected that each Scout appearing before a Board of Review for advancement will present himself in uniform with proper insignia and current badges of rank and office permanently and neatly affixed to the uniform. Scouts not wearing a uniform as described above will not be reviewed and will forfeit their opportunity for advancement until the next scheduled Board of Review.
An Eagle Board of Review is conducted by the District Eagle Board Chairman and/or his designee in attendance.
Note 1: Should a scout and/or parents not agree with an adverse board of review an appeal may be filed. The first appeal will be made with the troop committee, then the district executive and finally at the council level.
Note 2: Advancements will be monitored to ensure each scout is progressing satisfactorily by the advancements committee member.
Boy Scout Rank Requirements are set forth in the current Boy Scout Handbook, Boy Scout Requirements or Scoutmasters Handbook. They are also viewable at this URL www.meritbadge.com.
Through the Merit Badge Program, a Scout learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.
When a Scout is interested in earning a Merit Badge, he must first, contact the Scoutmaster or an assistant Scoutmaster and obtain the requirement tracking form. The Scoutmaster will give the Scout the name and phone number of the Merit Badge Counselor who is registered with the BSA for the Scout to contact. The Merit Badge counselor only will certify progress and completion of a Merit Badge. The Advancement Chairman will also be notified of the merit badge activity (Scouts name, date begun, progress and completion). Scouts will utilize the buddy system when working on Merit Badges with a counselor. After the Scout completes the Merit Badge and returns the signed documentation to the Scoutmaster, the Merit Badge data will be entered in the Scout's records by the Advancement Chairman, and the Merit Badge will be awarded to the Scout. The Scout will be formally recognized at the next Court of Honor.
Scouts are encouraged to complete any Merit Badge requirements within 6 months. This includes any partial done at summer camp.
Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements are set forth in the current individual official BSA Merit Badge Books, or Merit Badge Requirements. They are also viewable at this URLwww.meritbadge.com.
Steps to earning/receiving a merit badge:
Note 1: All merit Badge counselors are required to be registered with the BSA prior to working with any scout. Work accomplished with a non registered counselor will not count toward a merit badge.
The Troop will have a quarterly ceremony to give peer recognition as well as parental and Troop Committee recognition to those Scouts/Scouters who have earned awards, advanced in rank or attained a leadership position. These ceremonies will be announced and invitations will be issued. All parents, family members, Troop Committee members and friends are encouraged to attend and support their Scout. Scouts receiving awards and recognition, in addition to those Scouts attending the Court of Honor, are expected to be in complete uniform (see "Boards of Review"). Scouts who are not in uniform will not receive their awards, rank advancement, or recognition and will forfeit such recognition for their accomplishments until the next regular scheduled Court of Honor.
A Major emphasis of the most religious faiths and Scouting is SERVICE, doing something for others. (Note: 60% participation rule applies.) A minimum of 4 service projects will be scheduled per year.
NOTE: District approval must be obtained before any Eagle project is begun.
Eagle Service project plans must be presented to the Troop Committee. The committee will ensure that current Eagle guidelines for Districts and Units have been followed and completed. The Eagle Candidate must notify the Troop Committee Chairman prior to the regularly scheduled committee meeting to make arrangements for presentation to the Troop Committee. The Committee Chairman will sign the Eagle application once it is approved by the Troop Committee.
Service hours utilized for rank advancement requirements (2nd Class, Star and Life) must be approved in by the Scoutmaster.
Along with the opportunities that Scouting offers comes to each Scout the obligation to conduct himself during Troop meetings and activities in a manner that is consistent with the characteristics called for by the Scout Law. Among other expectations of the Scout will be a display by him of courtesy and helpfulness to others and obedience to Junior and Adult Leadership. Also, compliance with safety and troop operation rules will be emphasized and required.
Parents are encouraged to remind their Scouts that his behavior during Scouting activities will reflect on his Patrol, Troop, his family and all who contribute their time and attention in support of the Troop. If a Scout finds himself unable to obey the Scout Law during Troop Meetings and activities his parents will be notified and his opportunities to participate in future activities may be restricted.
Scouts unable to follow the Code of Conduct or policies of the Troop will be brought before the Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leaders Council for disciplinary action. Normal disciplinary action will be removal from the activity (parents will be contacted to pick the member up) or suspension from meetings/outings. Depending upon the length of suspension this could place the scout in an inactive status. All suspensions will be brought before the Troop Committee for review as soon as possible after the incident.
If any infraction cannot be handled by the Scoutmaster and/or the Patrol Leaders Council, a special disciplinary Board of Review may be held for further action and disposition.
Use of the chain-of-command within both the youth and adult leadership is encouraged whenever possible. For minor grievances, Scouts should first talk with their Patrol Leader, who may take the matter up with the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol leader, in turn may utilize the Patrol Leaders' Council and/or the Scoutmaster as resource to settle disputes or resolve issues. Similarly, Assistant Scoutmasters are encouraged to bring issues to the Scoutmaster's attention for resolution. The Scoutmaster may utilize the Committee Chairman or any member of the Troop Committee as necessary.
For major grievances, disputes, and infractions of the "Code of Conduct", the Scout may go to any adult Scouter directly for resolution.
Parents who perceive inequities or any infractions of the "Code of Conduct", or wish to discuss any issue, are encouraged to speak with the Senior Patrol Leader and an Adult Leader to resolve any concerns. Committee members may also be contacted for issues the parent feels is not being handled properly by the Senior Patrol Leader or an Adult Leader.
Policy Revision, Review & Approval
Any revision and approval of troop policies and procedures will be done by the Troop Committee with input from the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders. These policies, procedures and information will be reviewed annually by the Troop Committee.
Note: In the event of any contradiction to policies and procedures in this operations manual, the rules, regulations and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America will prevail over that which is written here.