Boy Scouts of
Troop 316 Handbook
Chartered by Caring
Christian Parents
Last revised 10/05
The mission of the
Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral
choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath
and Law.
THE SCOUT OATH
On my honor
I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW
A SCOUT IS:
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SCOUT MOTTO
Be Prepared
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SCOUT SLOGAN
Do a Good Turn Daily
SCOUTING — A VALUES-BASED PROGRAM
Camping.......................................................................................................................... 12
Fundraisers..................................................................................................................... 13
SCOUTING — A
VALUES-BASED PROGRAM
Scouting offers boys
an environment in which everyone can feel secure both physically and
emotionally.
That sense of
security comes from Scoutmasters and other adult leaders:
«
Setting an
example for themselves and for others by living the Scout Oath and Law to the
best of their abilities
«
Refusing to
tolerate name-calling, put-downs, discrimination, or any form of physical
aggression
«
Communicating
their acceptance of boys by taking a real interest in each Scout
«
Using the
Scouting program to create a setting based on learning and fun. They seek the
best from each Scout and do all they can to allow him to achieve it
(From the Scoutmaster Handbook)
A goal of the Boy
Scouts of America is to help boys develop into honorable men. Scouting’s values can be
incorporated into a boy’s home, school, and religious community,
adding to all three and, in some cases, filling in where family, school, or
religious support is lacking.
Is Scouting
educational? You bet it
is! Scouts have many
opportunities to learn the skills of leadership, the outdoors, and life. Each
boy decides what he will learn and how quickly he will do it. As he progresses, the value of his achievements will be
reinforced through recognition— advancement in Scouting’s ranks,
positions of leadership in the troop, and accomplishments during outdoor
adventures.
Character encompasses
a boy’s personal qualities, values, and outlook. Scouting strives to
help a boy grow in the following ways:
«
He becomes
confident but is not conceited
«
He is honest
with himself and others
«
His personal
appearance shows that he respects himself
«
He develops
special skills and interests
«
He can take
care of himself, especially in emergencies
«
He can be
counted upon to do his best, even in difficult situations
«
He practices
his religious beliefs
«
He respects
other people regardless of their differences
Character is
what you do when no one is looking
The Scouting program
allows boys to practice good citizenship by living and working among others in
a troop with rules based on the common good. Each Scout is further encouraged to do
the following:
«
Learn about
and take pride in his national heritage
«
Develop an
understanding of the social, economic, and governmental systems of which he is
a part
«
Be of service
to others
«
Have knowledge
of and respect for cultures and social groups other than his own
«
Be aware of
community organizations and their functions
«
Appreciate
the environment and seek to protect it
People get the most
out of life when they are mentally and physically fit. Scouting motivates
each Scout to work toward these goals:
«
Improve his
general physical condition through exercise and participation in vigorous
activities that might include outdoor adventures and sports
«
Eat properly,
get enough sleep, and follow other habits for good health
«
Keep his
weight within a healthy range
«
Reject
experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, or with other
activities that can be harmful to himself or others
«
Strive to be
mentally alert
«
Use good
judgment and make sound decisions
« Train himself to be resourceful in solving problems
The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath,
Law, Motto, and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and
continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them he
has some control over what he becomes.
The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living
and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on
young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows
Scouts to act in small groups where they easily can relate to each other. These
small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
The Boy Scout program
is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share
responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills
and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain
an appreciation for God's handiwork and mankind's place in it. The outdoors is
the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of
nature's resources.
Scouting provides a
series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the
advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own
pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each
achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement
system help a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.
Boys learn from the
example of their adult leaders. In his quest for manhood, every boy needs
contact with men he can copy. The Scoutmaster and his assistants provide a
masculine image of the vitality and virility of the Boy Scout program.
Providing good examples of manhood is one of the methods of Scouting.
As Scouts plan their
activity and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The
Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting.
Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns
for others. There probably is no device so successful in developing a basis for
personal growth as the daily Good Turn.
The Boy Scout program
encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to
participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership
helps a boy accept the leadership role over others and guides him toward the
citizenship aim of Scouting.
The uniform makes the
Scout Troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in
the community. The Boy Scout program is an action program, and wearing the
uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and
purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world
brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for
Scout activities, and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what
they have accomplished.
Chartering
Organization: Caring Christians
Parents
Dates:
« Scouting Morning meetings are generally held twice a month
on Thursday mornings from
« Evening Troop Meetings are usually held the 2nd
Tuesday evening of the month during the school year. During the summer, they
are held the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tuesday
evenings of the month. Time:
« Scouting Morning make-up meetings are held as determined by
the patrol(s) involved. The goal is for these to be held as often as often as
Scouting Mornings.
« Troop Committee meetings and Patrol Leaders Council meetings
are held the 4th Tuesday evening of the month. Time:
Fees include the
following:
Troop dues: Charter Organization membership required.
BSA Registration
Boys’ Life
Magazine (optional)
Check with Caring
Christian Parents for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
Uniform costs: $86.00 –
$101.00 (Approximate price for a full uniform purchased new)
Web Site Address: http://troop316@stir.org
In an attempt to
provide the most up-to-date information on troop activities, please be sure to
add the Web address to your bookmarks or favorite places.
All troop meetings
consist of a Pre-opening, Opening Ceremony, Skills Instruction, Patrol
Meetings, Interpatrol Activity, and Closing. The Scouts plan the meeting activities
each month using the patrol method.
Each meeting has
a monthly theme pre-selected by the boys, such as:
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Backpacking |
Outdoor skills |
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First Aid skills |
Hiking |
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Lashing |
Knot Tying |
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Knife & Axe
Handling |
Scouting Morning
troop meetings generally occur two times a month on Thursday mornings from
1. Official CCP scout
uniform (see Troop Official Uniform, page 11)
2. Boy Scout handbook
3. Notepad and pen or
pencil
4. Merit badge books
(when working on specific badge)
5. Any additional
materials that pertain to the activities planned for the meeting
Courts of Honor are
held at least once per quarter to give special recognition to the boys for
their achievements. These are
family events. We also encourage
younger scouts of pack 316 to attend these events as well. Generally, these Courts of Honor are
held at CCP Family Nights. During
the summer, however, they will be held at Evening Troop Meetings. The Troop
Advancement Chair plans the Court of Honor with the help of the Scoutmaster and
PLC.
Wearing the Boy Scout
uniform symbolizes the high ideals that scouting stands for. The uniform creates visibility for the
troop within the community, and serves as a reminder to the boy that he must
serve as a role model to his friends and peers. Wearing the uniform is a way to make
visible the Scout's belief in God, his loyalty to our country, and his
commitment to "help other people at all times." Wearing the uniform is a reflection of
the pride each boy must have to be a good Boy Scout, and represents the common
bond the boys share that help them to support each other in their beliefs. It is expected that scouts will wear
their uniforms to and from meetings and outings and will keep their shirt
buttoned and tucked in when wearing the uniform.
Class A Uniform
The Class A uniform is worn at Troop Meetings, Scoutmaster
Conferences, Campouts and Activities.
Required parts of the
uniform:
« Long or short sleeve scout shirt with collar
« Patches sewn on shirt (see the Boy Scout Handbook for proper
placement of patches)
We encourage scouts to complete their uniforms with the
following parts:
« Boy Scout pants or olive green pants
« Boy Scout belt
In addition the following requirements are for special
occasions, such as: Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, Flag raisings and
lowering at Northwoods Resident camp, Special Community Events.
Required parts of the
uniform:
« Required parts of the uniform from the above section
« Neckerchief and slide
We encourage scouts
to complete their uniforms with the following parts:
« Scout sash with earned merit badges
« Dress shoes
Class B Uniform
The class B uniform
is worn at camp and other outings where the Class A uniform is not
required.
« “Character Counts” T-shirt or sweatshirt
« BSA cap (optional)
Local Boy Scout Suppliers
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Boy Scout Office,
4000 |
(517) 321-9400 |
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Holden-Reid
Clothiers, |
(517) 351-6969 |
Camping
In addition to the
aims and ideals of Boy Scouting, Troop 316 puts a high priority on Camping!
The troop plans
weekend campouts at least ten months out of the year. Our weeklong resident
camp at Northwoods usually takes place in July, and we usually take advantage
of sunny summer weather for a High Adventure Outing.
In order to camp with
the troop, a boy must attend regular meetings, participate in other troop
activities, have his registration paid in full, and have an up-to-date medical
health form and yearly permission slip on file. A minimum rank is required for
extended backpacking, high adventure outings, or polar bear outings.
The troop will be
forced to cancel an upcoming outing/event if the prerequisites (location
reservations, two-deep leadership, and transportation) have not been met within
two weeks of the date of the outing/event.
Here is a sample
camping agenda for a typical year:
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September |
Car Wash, Swim
Outing |
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October |
Fall District
Camporee |
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November |
Yankee Springs
Orienteering Outing |
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December |
Fundraiser / Polar
Bear Outing |
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January |
Bertha Brock
Sledding Outing |
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February |
Ice Skating Outing |
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March |
Quad Outing |
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April |
Fund Raiser Outing |
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May |
Spring District
Camporee |
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June |
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July |
Northwoods Summer
Resident Camp |
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August |
Biking Outing or
High Adventure Outing |
Cost of Camping
Except for special
activities (climbing or canoeing, for instance) the cost of camping for each
boy includes food. The troop usually pays transportation and camping fees. Campouts at State Parks may cost
a few dollars extra. Most campouts
will utilize the “patrol method” of cooking; however some trips,
such as backpacking or polar bear outings will require each boy to purchase and
pack his own food.
The following is an
estimate of costs:
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Event |
Food ($3.00 per
meal) |
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Weekend campout: |
$12.00 |
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Northwoods Resident
Camp |
$195.00 |
These amounts need to
be paid to the patrol leaders by the week prior to camp. It may be taken from
the scout’s personal account if he has earned enough from selling popcorn
and fundraisers to cover the cost of the outing.
Fundraisers
Just as in any
organization, Troop 316 needs money to function. The troop conducts several fundraisers,
keeping in mind that they should:
- Be community oriented
- Promote leadership skills
- Compliment the scout ideals
Past fundraising
projects have included:
« Popcorn sales
« Bottle/can drives
« Car Wash
« Pancake Breakfast
Fundraising projects
are designed to bring money in to the troop both for troop expenses such as
camping fees and new equipment, and for the individual scout’s account.
The boys receive direct credit into their account based on the amount of their
participation in the fundraisers.
(We are always
looking for good fundraiser ideas!)
For each fundraiser
the total profit will be divided among the troop, the personal account of the
scout, and CCP according to the following rules:
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Type of Fundraiser |
Scout PA |
Troop |
CCP |
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Troop Fundraiser |
60 % |
40 % |
0 % |
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BSA Popcorn |
60 % |
20 % |
20 % |
"The
Boy Scout advancement plan is designed to encourage Scouts to accomplish a
progressive series of learning experiences in the areas of citizenship,
character, and personal fitness objectives of the Boy Scout program. It
provides for measuring and recognizing these experiences."
Advancement
is an integral part of the troop program.
The boys are encouraged to set goals for themselves for
advancement. Merely taking part in
the troop programs and activities will provide the boys with many of the skills
they need to advance. Yet
advancement is a personal and individual thing. Each boy advances according to his own
interests and abilities. It is
important that the boys receive encouragement when needed, yet be allowed
to
advance at their own rate to whatever level they are comfortable.
It
is through rank advancement that the boys learn the skills and values of
scouting and leadership. There are six steps along the trail to Eagle:
In
addition to rank advancement, there are more than 110 different merit badges,
each related to a career, hobby, or scouting skill. They are aimed at helping a boy discover
his abilities and interests as he explores the merit badge subjects. They also help a boy become proficient
in the areas of service to others and personal fitness. Merit badges have often led Scouts into
adult careers. Merit badges can be
earned at any time regardless of rank.
Prior to achieving
the rank of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle, each
boy must successfully complete a Board of Review. The Board of Review is generally
scheduled at a troop meeting, and is conducted by three or more Troop Committee
Members. It is, therefore,
important for as many Troop Committee Members (parents of Boy Scouts) to be in
attendance at the Evening Troop Meetings as possible. The Board of Review for Eagle is
conducted by an advancement committee for the council. The Scoutmaster does not sit on the
Boards of Review. However, he will discuss the qualifications of the candidates
with the Board of Review members prior to the review.
The purpose of the
Board of Review is to be certain that all the requirements for that rank have
been met. This includes "spot
checking" the Scout's technical skills, and examining the Scout's attitude
and his practice of the ideals of Scouting. Scouts are reviewed individually, are
encouraged to wear their complete uniform, and must bring their scout handbook
and other advancement information to the Board of Review.
Boards of Review are
scheduled on a quarterly basis prior to each Court of Honor or as needed to
assist a scout in advancing rank.
Even if a scout is not ready to advance to the next rank he is
encouraged to attend a Board of Review on the scheduled interval. Prior to each Board of Review the
Scoutmaster will make every effort hold a Scoutmaster Conference with the
Scout.
If the Scout is
advancing rank then the Scoutmaster Conference is required.
Except for new scout
patrols, troop leaders are elected twice each year or more often when deemed
necessary by the Scoutmaster.
Elections are generally held in June and December, with the terms of
office beginning the first of July and the first of January. The Scouts elect boys to the positions
of Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders. All other positions are appointed. All boys eligible for and willing to
serve in a position of leadership will be placed on the ballot as approved by
the Scoutmaster.
New scout patrols
will generally hold elections every three months.
In the event that the
Senior Patrol Leader steps down from office the troop will conduct a midterm
election to decide his replacement.
All of the previously appointed positions will remain as they were under
the former Senior Patrol Leader. A
Senior Patrol Leader who takes office at mid term may run again during the next
scheduled election cycle and appoint his own slate of leaders.
In order to be a
troop leader, a scout must have been active with the troop for the preceding
six months. Except for new scout
patrols, a Patrol Leader must have achieved the rank of First Class Scout, and
a Senior or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader must have achieved the rank of Star
Scout. All other appointed
positions must have achieved the rank of Second Class Scout. Any boy in a new scout patrol not having
already served as a patrol leader is eligible for Patrol Leader.
The boy leadership
runs troop 316 within the guidelines established by the Scoutmaster and the
Troop Committee. PLC meetings occur
on a monthly basis. There may be additional
PLC meetings within or following troop meetings as required to help the troop
function. The following elected and
appointed leaders participate in the PLC meetings and are voting members:
Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Troop
Guide, Venture Patrol Leader. The Troop
Scribe attends the meeting but is not a voting member. Decisions regarding meeting agendas,
monthly campouts, and other activities are made at the PLC meetings. In the true spirit of teamwork, the boys
are reminded that they represent the entire troop, not just themselves.
Each of the members
of the Patrol Leaders Council has a set of common duties that is listed in
among the specific duties for each member.
These common duties
include:
« Set a good example
« Wear the scout uniform correctly
« Live by the Scout Oath and Law
«
Show and help
develop Scout spirit
The Troop Committee
supports the troop and the Scoutmaster. Although the troop is actually run by
its boy leaders, its effectiveness is directly proportional to the guidance provided
by the committee. The Troop Committee is responsible for the following:
« Providing adequate meeting facilities
« Advising the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy
Scouting and the chartered organization
« Carrying out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts
of America
« Encouraging the troop leaders in carrying out the program
« Finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the
approved budget plan
« Obtaining, maintaining, and properly caring for troop
property
« Providing adequate camping and outdoor programs
« Assuring that quality leadership is recruited and trained,
and that a qualified substitute is assigned in the event of the
Scoutmaster’s absence
The troop committee
has a formal structure, consisting of a chairman, treasurer, secretary, and
other positions as deemed necessary by the committee. The committee meets
monthly, and must consist of at least three adults, age 21 or older. All parents are invited to join and
participate in the committee.
A key ingredient to
the success of Troop 316 is parental interest and participation. Because of the nature of our troop, with
many homeschooling families, the “work” of the troop must be spread
over all, and so we expect a high level of parental involvement (see CCP
manual). This would include:
« Help with planning and attending at least 2 outings per
year, or as many as needed to split the work evenly between the families in the
group
« Helping with fundraisers
« Possibly serving as a part of the Troop Committee, which,
along with the Scoutmaster, forms the “backbone” of the troop
We strongly emphasize
the team concept to the boys, and practice the team concept with the adult
leadership as well. By working as a team in support of the troop and its
Scoutmaster, the parents help the boys develop the confidence, skills,
character, and mental fitness that will allow them to give quality leadership
to an ever-changing society.
Boys and adults are
expected to adhere to the 12 points of the Scout Law at all times. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs at any
time is strictly prohibited. Any
form of roughhousing, hazing, initiations, or other unsafe behavior is prohibited
and will not be allowed. Any form
of disrespect, dishonesty, ridicule, inappropriate teasing, or the misuse or
abuse of troop or personal equipment will not be tolerated. There shall be no personal electronic
devices brought to troop meetings or on outings. These items include, but are not limited
to, Gameboy games, personal headset type stereos, etc. Any exceptions must be approved by the
Troop Committee prior to bringing the item. Personal communication devices such as
cell phones and two-way radios are allowed for adult leaders and scouts at the
adults’ discretion.
Most infractions will
result in verbal counseling by either the adult observing or investigating the
infraction, or the Scoutmaster or adult-in-charge. However, some infractions may result in
dismissing the boy from the meeting or outing if deemed appropriate. Multiple infractions of this Code of
Conduct may require the boy to appear before a Board of Review panel as deemed
appropriate by the Committee Chair and/or Scoutmaster. Action by the panel can include verbal
counseling, a written warning, probation, or recommended expulsion from the
troop.
Expulsion from the
troop must be approved by the Troop Committee and reported to the Council Scout
Executive. Some infractions are
considered serious enough to immediately excuse the boy from the meeting or outing. Except as noted, the following
infractions shall result in the boy's immediate dismissal from the meeting or
outing:
« Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs of any kind
« Possession of pornographic materials
« Profane language (final discretion by the Scoutmaster or
adult-in-charge)
« Fighting that results in deliberate serious or aggravated
injury to another
« Leaving a campsite location without permission
« Use and/or possession of fireworks, explosives, or a firearm
« Intentional misuse of flammable items
« Repeated acts of unkindness and/or disrespect
A violation of any of
the above infractions will result in a parent being called and required to pick
up their son immediately, regardless of the location of the outing. Additionally, the boy will be expected to
attend a Board of Review panel at the next available opportunity in the company
of his parent or guardian.
All incidents
resulting in death, serious injury or illness shall be reported to the Council
Scout Executive or designee as soon as possible. A serious injury or illness includes:
(1) any period of unconsciousness; (2) any hospital inpatient admission; or (3)
any surgical intervention other than the suturing of the skin or setting of
simple fractures.
No less than two
registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating scout,
one of whom must be at least 21 years of age, are required for all trips and
outings. Patrol activities on outings do not require two-deep adult
leadership. However, adult
supervision should be readily available.
No youth shall stay in a tent with an adult other than his parent or
guardian.
By becoming a member
of Troop 316, the scout and parents agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct.
Parents agree to pay due respect to the decision of the Scoutmaster or the
adult-in-charge pertaining to all disciplinary issues and decisions.