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SCOUT PARENTS/GUARDIAN
TROOP GUIDE
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
TROOP 161
ST. RITA PARISH
RACINE, WI
St. Rita Catholic Church has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 161 since 1950. Since that time, hundreds of young adults have had the rewarding experience of learning skills, enjoying fellowship and gaining very useful knowledge that has assisted them in becoming leaders of our community and valuable contributors to our society.
The following material has been written to assist new Scouts and their families in learning some of the Policies, procedures, and rules that have helped our Troop remain successful and enhance each Scouts enjoyment of the program.
The program is for the Scouts and is as successful and rewarding as each of us makes it.
Troop 161 has gained its success by being flexible and adapting to the changing times and interests of its members. Everyone's thoughts and suggestions to make this a better program are always welcome.
MISSION STATEMENT OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
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.
SCOUT LAW
A Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
WELCOME TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 161, ST. RITA PARISH!
6. REQUIRED CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
12. DAMAGE TO TROOP EQUIPMENT/PROPERTY
15. PARENT/GUARDIAN PARTICIPATION IN SCOUTING
16. GUIDELINES FOR TROOP 161 PARENTS/GUARDIANS
17. YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING PROGRAM
18. LEADER/DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
20. PRIVACY POLICY – February 2003
Appendix A – Uniform Information
Appendix B - Uniform Insignia Guidelines
Appendix D - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Appendix E - Auto Expense Policy
Appendix F - TROOP FINANCIAL POLICIES
Appendix H - SCOUT ACRONYMS/LANGUAGE
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IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, OUR YOUR UNIT’S MEDICAL RECORDS CURRENT? |
Troop meetings are held every Monday, Labor Day to Memorial Day (except for the fourth Monday of the month), 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the St. Rita Church Hall (beneath the church, enter the East door immediately around the corner from the Church’s main entrance). During “Super Summer” (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meetings are generally held 6:30 to 8:00 PM, though sites and times may differ depending on the activity.
Exceptions due to outings, holidays, etc. are noted in the Quarterly Calendar of Events published and distributed at the Court of Honor program. We share our facilities with many other groups at St. Rita, at times things will come up and we may have to change/cancel a meeting with very short notice, for example, funerals. We will do our best to notify everyone prior to the meeting, but please understand that we may only have a very short period of time and we will do our best.
TROOP MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
It is the expectation of the Troop for the Scout to participate in the full scout program. If attendance by a Scout falls below 30% during a three-month period, the Scout will be considered "going inactive." If attendance remains below the 30% margin for an additional 3-month period the Scout will be deemed inactive and dropped from the Troop Roster. If you need or would like to be excused for some reason, be sure to inform the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster. Scouts serving in leadership positions have as higher expectation for attendance and should refer to the Leadership Position Handbook for these attendance requirements. If you have been dropped from the roster, you may be added back by requesting enrollment with a Boy Scout Membership Application obtained from the Scoutmaster or the Boy Scout Office.
Advancement Nights are held periodically. These nights are designed to allow Scouts to come to the designated meeting place (usually the Church Hall) and work on advancement. For those Scouts that have not completed the rank of First Class, we attempt to have some adults/Scouts present that can help them complete some of the advancement requirements. For those Scouts above the rank of First Class, we invite the Scout to make arrangements with a Merit Badge Counselor to work on a Merit Badge. This meeting is only for those who want to work on advancement. These meetings do not count for attendance and they are optional.
Once each three months, presently in March, June, September and December, the Troop Court of Honor meeting is held to recognize and award each Scout with achievements earned during the prior three months. This is a formal/ceremonial type of meeting and parents/guardians plus family are expected to attend in support of their sons. This also provides an opportunity for each parent/guardian to learn more about the upcoming Troop events, as well as hear details of these events. We also try to show a slide presentation of the past three months activities. Scouts are expected to be in full Scout uniform for Court of Honor.
In addition to regular meetings, the Troop attempts to provide at least one additional activity per month that will enable each Scout to enhance his learning experience and to utilize and enjoy the rewards of the skills learned. Some examples of past and potential future activities are:
- Campouts - State Parks in the States of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana are used, along with facilities of various BSA Councils.
- One-Day Outings - Museums, Hikes, Sporting events (Admirals, Wave, Brewers game), etc.
- Week long summer camp at Robert S. Lyle Scout Reservation, located near Elcho, WI (north of Antigo).
- High Adventure Program (for First Class Scouts 13 years or older by January 1 of the year the event is scheduled) - Flambeau River Canoe Trip, Rock Climbing at Devils Lake, Whitewater Rafting on Pesitgo River, Porcupine Mountain Backpacking, and the Troop's most exciting program the two week trip to Philmont Scout Ranch on the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains (Philmont is for Scouts who are First Class and 14 years old on January 1 of the year the event is scheduled).
- Periodic service projects and Eagle Scout Projects.
- All programs are based on Scout and parent/guardian input. If you would like to see something new, please bring it up to the Patrol Leaders Council, Troop Committee, or Scoutmaster.
Permission slips must be turned in two weeks prior to participation in each and every outing. Permission Slips are to be returned to the Scout Incoming Mail Envelope present at each meeting or event. Turn in slips separately from all other incoming Scout mail/payments/etc. A parent or guardian must sign permission slips. These slips authorize the adult leader in charge to seek medical assistance should a Scout incur an accident or become ill. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents/guardians may be notified. If for some reason you misplace the permission slip, a handwritten substitute will be accepted provided it is signed, dated, and is worded as follows:
Parental/Guardian Authorization
I give permission for my son(s)_______ to accompany Boy Scout Troop 161 on the ______(Name of Outing)________ outing. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I give permission to the physician selected by the leader in charge to hospitalize, secure proper anesthesia or order injection or surgery for my son.
A permission slip that is signed by anyone other then the parent/guardian will not be accepted.
Any Scout not furnishing this permission slip will have to be left behind, and any consequences resulting from this action will be the responsibility of the Scout and/or parents/guardians. Permission slip forms for each outing and activity are attached to the Court of Honor handout.
There is a place on the permission slip for the parent/guardian to indicate if they will be available for transportation to or from the event and whether or not they will participate in the outing. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take part in several (or more) of these monthly outings yearly. See the Parent/Guardian Participation section of this Troop Guide.
UNIFORM:
All Scouts are required to wear the basic Scout uniform to all scouting activities. The uniform is described in Appendix A of this guide. Insignia guidelines are located in the inside cover of the Boy Scout Handbook or at the Scout Council Office Trading Post. Official scout trousers are not required. All items are available at Scout Council Office located at 2319 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI. During "Super Summer" Scouts are permitted to wear the red Troop T-shirt and Cap (See description in Appendix A) which can be obtained through the Troop Trading Post Manager.
CAMPING GEAR:
Camping Gear to be provided by the Troop:
· Tents
· Cooking Pots and Pans
· Cookstoves and fuel
· Coolers
· Waterbuckets
· Dining Flies
· Lanterns for night use and fuel
· Various staples and cleaning products
The Troop does not allow Scouts to use their own tents on campouts because it is our responsibility to maintain quality shelter for the youth members. We do not want to support many different tenting options so we require the Scouts to use our Tents. Adults may use their own tents providing the leadership of the Troop approves it and the tents meet the standards of the Boy Scouts of America.
See Appendix B for items and gear to be provided by the Scouts for each outing.
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON OUTINGS - SCOUTS AND ADULTS:
The following items are NOT PERMITTED:
· CELL PHONES, Radios electronic games, etc. (unless they remain in the transportation vehicle at all times AND are used only on the trip to and from the event AND are approved by the driver of the vehicle (i.e., it is preferred that you don't even bring them).
· Sheath Knives.
· Matches and pocket knives UNLESS the Scout has earned his Totin Chip.
· Alcoholic beverages.
· Firearms, ammunition or fireworks OF ANY KIND.
· Drugs OF ANY KIND. Required prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs must be given to the outing leader by parent/guardian prior to departure with persons name and written instructions for use. All medicines should be in the original container. Please see Troop Safety and Health Section of this Handbook
· Excessive amount of snack food or candy (unless willing to share with the entire Troop).
In the interest of the safety of all Scouts, as well as the enjoyment and success of the scouting program and learning experience, common sense and good conduct is required at all times.
The following special rules should be noted and adhered to and apply to both the Scouts and the Adult Scouters:
· NO tree or fence climbing without specific leader permission.
· NO participating in waterfront activities without proper supervision.
· NO throwing of any objects except as part of an organized activity.
· NO use of cutting tools (ax, knife, etc.) or matches without successful completion of Totin Chip Training (This rule applies to Scouts and adults).
· NO food in tents.
· NO flame in tents.
The Troop operates on a Patrol system. Each Patrol is comprised of approximately eight (8) to ten (10) Scouts. Each Scout is assigned to a given Patrol, with a patrol emblem to be worn on the uniform. Patrols are encouraged to operate as independent units for many of their activities, such as camping trips, summer camp, etc. Patrol meetings, in addition to regular meetings, are encouraged and recommended. Each Patrol will periodically elect their Patrol Leader. Scouts desiring to change from one Patrol to another may do so with the approval of the Scoutmaster.
GENERAL
As boys develop into adults, it is essential that they assume certain responsibilities of listening to announcements and taking necessary notes to insure that the Scouts are aware of upcoming activities and other pertinent information. At each Troop meeting various announcements are made pertaining to updated information that may be additions or changes from the most recent Court of Honor handout and Quarterly Calendar of Events. If a Scout is unable to attend a regular Troop meeting, he is responsible for contacting his Patrol Leader or another patrol member to obtain any information from that meeting.
Communications outside of a regular meeting will be passed by telephone through the Senior Patrol Leader to each Patrol Leader and subsequently to each Scout. If a Scout has questions about meetings or an outing, they should first consult their Quarterly Calendar of Events. If they should still need more information they should call their Patrol Leader.
If you find you are not receiving required information, first discuss it with your Scout and their Patrol Leader. If you need additional assistance, contact the Scoutmaster or a member of the Troop Committee so any problem can be corrected on a timely basis.
If any parent/guardian or Scout has a concern for safety, please contact the Scoutmaster or a Troop Committee Member immediately.
WEEKLY BOY SCOUT BROADCAST (BSB)
The Troop uses Yahoo Groups, an electronic e-mail communications system, to distribute information to all Troop members. On a weekly basis, Mr. F generates an electronic e-mail broadcast referred to by the Troop as the “Boy Scout Broadcast (BSB).” It is very important that you look for this communication as it will contain up to the minute information about Troop plans and more importantly any last minute changes to the current week’s planned event or schedule. Our present supplier of this newsletter is “Yahoo Groups.”
Upon joining the Troop, we ask that each family provide at least ONE (but more is fine) e-mail address to become a member of the group. Shortly thereafter, you will receive an invitation to join the group. It is important you respond to this e-mail in order to complete the registration process. This private e-mail newsletter group only has two people who can post and we try our best to only send one e-mail per Troop meeting. This e-mail newsletter is not used for any non-scouting purposes and all messages are to enhance your Scouting experience. If you do not have e-mail access it is your responsibility to make sure you read these newsletters that are posted on the bulletin board at the entrance of the meeting location.
TROOP COMMITTEE – YAHOO GROUPS
This group is similar to the weekly broadcasts (BSB’s) but is a TWO-way communication channel to be used by the Troop Committee Members to discuss issues of the Committee to reduce time at meetings.
The Troop desires that all boys be able to participate in the scouting program regardless of their personal financial situation. Because of this, various fundraising projects are a regular part of the Troop activities. Some of the past and current activities are:
- Popcorn Sales,
- Christmas Wreath Sale,
- Miscellaneous sales or other activities.
Some of the money earned from these events goes towards supporting the general operation of the Troop in addition to providing the Scouts with Merit Badges, awards, Troop meeting supplies, camping equipment, etc. The balance of the earnings from a fundraiser is allocated as a credit to individual Scout Accounts, maintained by the Troop for the Scout, based on their individual participation in the event. Parent/guardian participation may also effect funds distribution. All Scouts are required to participate in various fundraisers in order to insure that the financial requirements of the Troop are met.
Credits accumulated in a Scout Account can be used by a Scout to pay event/outing/camping fees (the cost of an outing). Funds may not be withdrawn in cash or for any other purpose. Scouts leaving the Troop or graduating to Adult Leader (at age 18) will have their Scout Account credit balance expire. Account balances are published individually with each Court of Honor handout.
EVENT FEES/COSTS
Normally the cost of each outing is published in the Quarterly Calendar of Events. Discounts are often provided for early payment. Early knowledge of which Scouts will be participating in an activity greatly helps in the event planning stages. Scouts who sign up for an event and later are unable to attend must notify the Scoutmaster (or an Assistant Scoutmaster) PRIOR to the event. In order to get a refund for the fees paid for the event the Scout must make a written request to The Troop Committee. The request should include the name of the event, the date you notified Scoutmaster, and the reason for not attending. The Troop Committee reserves the right to determine the refund amount, if any, since various registration fees must be paid and supplies must be obtained in advance.
Besides the outing cost, some events require the purchase of food or supplies. The event/outing fee does not cover these (unless otherwise stated). Normally each Patrol plans it's own menu for an outing and one Scout from the Patrol is elected to purchase the food. It is the duty of each Patrol member to promptly reimburse the Scout buying the food/supplies for the Patrol. PLEASE make sure that whoever purchased these supplies gets repaid. For those Scouts that cancel out of an outing and where food has already been purchased, the Scout is obligated to pay for this food. If the Scout who purchased supplies is having trouble collecting the money, please inform the Scoutmaster.
Based on the length and timing of the travel for an event, there are times, as determined by driver (or by consensus of the passengers in a vehicle), the vehicle will stop for gas, supplies, ice cream, or other vital necessities. It is suggested, however optional, that a Scout carry with them on an event $5 to $8 to be able to purchase miscellaneous food or supplies during these stops.
MONEY COLLECTION SYSTEM
When the Troop collects funds we ask that all moneys be turned in via a "Money Collection Envelope". These envelopes are provided by the Troop and may be obtained at any Troop meeting or event. If you do not have one available, you may use an alternate envelope and place your name, purpose, amount paid, and method of payment (i.e. cash, check or from the Scout's account) on the outside of the envelope. We ask that payments, to the extent possible, be made in the form of a check or from the Scout Account to avoid having large amounts of cash on hand on the payment due dates. Checks should be made out to "St. Rita's Boy Scout Troop 161".
Our Scouts have reached the age where they should have enough responsibility to fill out a Money Collection Envelope. Our Scouts know what outings and events they want to attend, and should sign up for them. This greatly helps eliminate the confusion the Scouts have as to whether or not they have signed up for an outing. Many times a Scout will think that their parents/guardians have signed them up, so they don't. They end up signing up late and paying extra or missing the event entirely because they didn't sign up at all. Most of the time the Scouts are reminded at Troop meetings, the parents/guardians are not. Parents/guardians, please encourage the Scouts to take this responsibility to do this themselves. Scouts, please let your parents/guardians know that you have taken care of the Money Collection Envelope and let them just fill out the permission slip.
When complete, return the Money Collection Envelope to the Scout Incoming Mail Envelope available at each Troop event. When returning permission slips, DO NOT place them in a Money Collection Envelope, rather place them separately and directly into the Scout Incoming Mail Envelope.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial Assistance is available for any Scout who is unable to be fully involved in Scouts because of financial need. Please let the Scoutmaster or a Troop Committee member know if this help is necessary. Use of this assistance is STRICTLY CONFIDENTAIL.
OTHER
The Troop financial records are always available for review by interested parents/guardians. If you have any comments or concerns about the financial management of the Troop don't hesitate to contact the Troop Treasurer or a member of the Troop Committee.
Since the Scout Advancement Program is an integral part of the learning experience, each Scout is encouraged and expected to set certain attainable advancement goals and achieve them in a reasonable time. All Scouts are required to fulfill the requirements to progress to the next Scout Rank.
Responsibility for monitoring advancement progress rests PRIMARILY with the Scout and then the Scout’s parents/guardian. While the Scoutmaster monitors advancement, it is not the Scoutmaster's primary responsibility to see that advancement is achieved.
Scouts encountering difficulty in attaining their goals are encouraged to discuss any specific problems with the Scoutmaster. Parents/guardians are welcome to join in these discussions. A Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review may be requested at anytime to address an issue of concern.
Remember that the rank of First Class is required for High Adventure Outings!
PARENT/GUARDIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM:
We ask that the parent/guardian work with their son on their rank advancement from the time they join the Troop through the rank of First Class. The requirements for these ranks are outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook and the parents/guardians should read through these and test their son on what they know. If your son understands the requirements, then you may sign them off with the exception of Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference, and the Board of Review.
MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS:
Scouts that are First Class or above are required to seek out Merit Badge Counselors. Merit Badge Counselors are adults that have knowledge of the particular skill the Merit Badge is focused towards; for example, the Personal Management Merit Badge Counselor may be a Banker, Accountant, or participant in some other area of the financial services industry. The Troop maintains a list of counselors that are available, both within our Troop, and outside our Troop. The parents/guardians' responsibility is to ENCOURAGE their son to achieve the next rank. The SCOUT should contact these counselors and make arrangements with them to get the Merit Badge requirements completed.
Parents/guardians, if your hobbies or employment fall under one of the Merit Badge titles, please let our Advancement Committee know and they will give you the necessary information needed to become a Merit Badge Counselor. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED and you HAVE a skill.
SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE AND BOARD OF REVIEWS:
After the scout completes all the requirements for the Rank Advancement they should request a Scoutmaster Conference. Conferences can be requested one week before any Troop Meeting or Advancement Night by contacting the Scoutmaster.
After the Scout completes the Scoutmaster’s Conference they may request a Board of Review. Board of Review Night’s are established by the Advancement Committee and published in the Troop's Quarterly Calendar of Events distributed at each Court of Honor. Contact the Board of Review Chairperson to make an appointment.
It is Troop policy that the Scout must wear Class A Uniform (see Appendix A) for the Scoutmaster’s Conference and Board of Review. Any Scout not attending in a complete Class A uniform will be asked to reschedule their appointment when they can attend in a complete Class A uniform.
Once the Scout completes any advancement the Scout must turn in this information to the Advancement Chairperson/or designee. Failure to turn in advancement to the Advancement Chairperson will cause the Scout not be recognized at the next Court of Honor. The responsibility to turn in the information is that of the SCOUT and NOT the Board of Review staff, Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor or any other person that has assisted in the advancement process. Once again let it be restated, turning in advancement to the Advancement Chairperson is the responsibility of the Scout!
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS:
Awards for advancement, achievements or other special recognition will be distributed as follows:
· The actual Merit Badge, award, or other special recognition will be procured and awarded to the Scout at the earliest possible Court of Honor following the fulfillment of the requirements.
· A formal recognition and written certificate will be awarded for each achievement earned at the Court of Honor, providing the Scout is in full and proper uniform.
· Scouts are required to keep track of any documentation (Merit Badge and Rank Advancement Cards) issued to them from the Advancement Committee. In the past, these documents have been critical in resolving unforeseen errors in achievement records when processing advancement requests. This may be extremely important at the time an Eagle Scout Application is processed.
The Troop Committee wishes to make the point that full parental/guardian support and attendance is very vital at each Court of Honor. Scouting is a family function/organization. Please make all efforts to be in attendance. All of the family (and friends) are welcome.
Scouts are reminded that notification must be given to the Advancement Chairperson for all achievements so they can be recorded and awarded. This must be done at least two weeks prior to the Court of Honor. The Troop does reserve the right to withhold any advancement if the Scout is not in full uniform.
Since the Troop has invested a great deal of money in equipment for the use of many Scouts, each Scout is expected to use and care for it better than if it were his own. Deliberate or negligent damage by any Scout will be cause for such Scout to be responsible for the repair, replacement or reimbursement to the Troop for the cost of such repairs/replacements.
At Troop 161 we consider safety of each and every Troop member to be very important. At times the Troop will participate in activities with slightly higher risk than the average activity. Before you sign any activity permission slip you should fully understand the scope of the activity. If you are concerned or uncertain, ask!!
The health of the Scouts is very important to us. In order to attend activities and outings as a Troop, we require a completed Class 2 Medical Form be on file for every Scout dated within the last three years, accompanied by a Class 1 Medical Form which must be updated annually (this is consistent with the documentation required by Boy Scouts of America for camping at council camps). These forms will be distributed via the Troop and the deadline for update is the first Monday of June each year. Adults 40 and older must complete a Class 3 Medical Form on a yearly basis. If you have any questions please contact the Troop’s Medical Coordinator for the latest information.
Medical Forms are maintained for all Troop activities. Scouts participating in Council events like Order of the Arrow, Jamboree, Philmont should maintain a copy to be handed into the leaders of these events (which may not be a member of our Troop). Our medicals are stored locally within the troop and not at other levels of the Boy Scouts America. The information on these medicals is confidential but for the sake of safety of the Scout/Adult this information may need to be shared with the leaders of the Troop to provide the quickest and most accurate treatment for the Scout/Adult in emergency situation.
By policy of the Boy Scouts of America no Scout/adult may self medicate themselves on outings. All MEDICATIONS must be turned in to the person in charge of the outing for safekeeping. This would include prescription medications as well as ALL over the counter medications (i.e. aspirin, cold medication, and allergy medications). All medications should be given to the leader in charge, in their original containers, prior to departure. Please make sure that complete instructions are included with these medications.
For the safety and health of each member of the Troop we will use (but are not limited to) the rules described in this booklet as a guide. Disciplinary action will be taken for failure to adhere to these rules, the severity of which will depend on the infraction that occurred.
During all events and activities the Scouts are expected to live up to the rules established by the Boy Scouts of America, the Troop, and the leaders. In the event any Scout (or adult) does not follow these rules or threatens the health or safety of any of its members, the leader in charge may take immediate remedial action, including but not limited to immediate suspension from that activity. The leader in charge of the specific event may reinstate the individual. If the Troop Committee authorized the suspension, a reinstatement request must be made to and approved by the Troop Committee. Should such actions reoccur by the same Scout or adult they may be subject to permanent dismissal from the Troop upon the decision of the Troop Committee. ALL POLICIES OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA WILL BE ADHERED TO AND STRICTLY ENFORCED.
It is recognized that parent/guardian interest in scouting varies, for many reasons. The benefits that the Scout receives are directly proportionate to both the QUALITY and QUANTITY of parent/guardian support and participation. Please keep this in mind when your help is requested. In addition, encourage and assist your Scout in obtaining the most out of scouting. He needs your support!
Any suggestions or questions that parents/guardians may have are more than welcome, present them to any Troop Committee member or send a note with your Scout to any meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to become a Troop Committee member and/or attend Troop Committee meetings.
In order to insure a successful program, parents/guardians will be required to occasionally participate in an outing and/or provide transportation. A minimum of two adult leaders and a minimum ratio of 1 adult per 8 Scouts is required on every outing.
Parents/guardians are expected to help with transportation at least a couple times each year. If adequate transportation cannot be arranged for an event some Scouts may not be able to attend. Those Scouts that are at the top of the list for attending will be those Scouts whose parents/guardians have participated the most in previous Scout activities.
Periodically, Troop parent/guardian meetings are held to solicit suggestions, comments and ideas on how to enhance the program. Troop financial information, as well as future Troop plans, are normally available at these meetings. PLEASE BE THERE - The Troop needs the support and input from all its Scout parents/guardians.
When adults participate in a leadership position or program we strongly encourage that a Boy Scout uniform be worn. This sets the example for the Scouts and demonstrates support for the boys and the program.
In addition to uniforms, adult troopwear is available from the Troop. See the Troop's Trading Post Manager.
Over the years we have observed some things that help support the objectives of our Troop and also help our young men to understand the ideals of scouting. This is an effort to help everyone (Scouts and adults) to have a common understanding the basic working of a successful Scout program. Please feel free to contact the Troop’s Committee Chairman or Scoutmaster if you have any questions.
DO:
· Mothers and fathers are encouraged to get involved in the activities of the Troop.
· Keep abreast of Troop activities; this would include meetings as well as outings.
· Provide an email address to enhance communications between the Troop and your family.
· Read the weekly Boy Scout Broadcasts.
· Attend quarterly Court of Honor’s to recognize our Scouts/sons for their advancement, regardless of whether your son is getting advancement or not.
· Drop in on the Troop meetings once in a while and see what is happening.
· Encourage, not only your son(s), but other ones too.
· Fill out a Troop resource survey.
· Assist in helping with Scout advancement and Board of Reviews.
· Serve on the Troop Committee:
* Volunteer to go on scout outings, including campouts.
* Volunteer to help with transportation to and from scout events.
* Volunteer to be a merit badge counselor.
* Be a role model for all the youth.
· Praise in public, criticize in private.
· Ask your son what he is working on in scouts, and what help he needs.
· When you are participating with the Troop on any activity (campout, field trip, etc.) you can take appropriate action to correct any Scout’s behavior that is not “scout like”. In other words, do not wait for the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or Scout Leadership to correct a Scout who is acting in a manner that is not supporting the scouting ideals. Here are some examples of behavior that any adult can and should comment on immediately:
* Any unsafe activity.
* Disrespect for the uniform (including inappropriate wearing of the uniform, hats, etc.).
* Behavior that is disrupting an activity.
DON’T:
· Don’t confuse support with “doing” a task your son needs to do/learn.
· Avoid making decisions, or providing direction when Scout leadership (Patrol Leaders, leadership corps, Assistant Scoutmasters, Scoutmaster) should be making the decisions. When in doubt about this, consult the Scoutmaster or experienced adult troop leaders.
· When on troop outings (especially campout and in particular long-term campouts) it is a temptation to be too much of a parent. You need to be there as a roll model and resource for all of the scouts. Problems like homesickness are only complicated by a parent who is “mothering” or “fathering” his or her Scout.
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ARE ALL LEADERS YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINED? |
Troop 161 is an all-volunteer organization chartered by Boy Scouts of America Southeast Wisconsin Council and sponsored by St. Rita Catholic Church. As part of the youth safety guidelines mandated by these organizations, adults that wish to participate in the program (including simply driving youth to events) must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training Program (YPTP).
It should be noted that the training conducted by Boy Scouts of America is the only recognized training program for this subject conducted outside the Catholic Church that is recognized as meeting the Church’s requirements.
Our Troop requires certification that an adult has completed this training within the three proceeding years from the beginning date of an activity.
Training may be received in one of two ways:
1. In-person training (3-hour class) as offered from time to time by SEWI Council.
2. On-line self-directed training through the SEWI website www.sewisbsa.com.
The program is completed on-line and within a few days of completion a certification is returned by e-mail to the successful participant.
Upon completion of the YPTP, a copy of your certificate of completion must be presented to the Troop’s Training Coordinator to be recognized as YPTP trained.
If you do not have Internet access, please contact the Troop Committee Chairman or Mr. F. We can arrange for computer time at CBTL. Internet service is also available at the library but you will need to submit the e-mail address of mrf161@metalworkingsysytems.com so that you completion certificate will be forwarded to a valid e-mail address.
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HAVE YOU CONDUCTED A VEHICLE SAFETY REVIEW? |
First, we want to thank you for volunteering to help transport the Scouts of Troop 161. Without you, we would not be able provide a quality program to your youth. THANK YOU.
The Troop uses the resource of the parents/guardians to provide the transportation and the leadership for our outings. When accepting this responsibility we ask that as a leader you do your best to be an example of good scouting and act according to the Scout Oath and Law as well as (but not limited to) the rules of this Troop Guide. You are being looked at as a role model for our Scouts. As a driver we demand that when you show up to drive for an outing that you and your vehicle are in good driving condition. We cannot take the risk of anything less. The Troop cannot tolerate an impaired driver due to alcohol or drugs and a driver may be asked by the Troop Leadership not to drive if there is ANY concern that this may be a problem. If any parent/guardian has a concern that one of our drivers may be impaired please bring it to the attention of the leader in charge of the activity. Your son’s safety is our first concern. We live by the motto "SAFETY FIRST"!!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
1. Drivers must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid drivers license.
2. A member of the Transportation Committee will confirm with the driver that he/she will be needed.
3. Boy Scouts of America requires that a Tour Permit be submitted two weeks prior to an event requiring transportation. This document includes the driver’s name, driver’s license number and insurance coverage information. Only the drivers shown on the tour permit will be covered by the Boy Scout’s insurance policy.
4. Scouts, drivers, or adults who leave a scouting event prior to its’ conclusion must “check-out” with the event leader (Scoutmaster) or the assistant event leader (Assistant Scoutmaster or Transportation Committee Member).
5. Drivers are expected to obey all traffic laws at all times.
6. Drivers are to be sure that all passengers wear seatbelts at all times.
7. Drivers may not be under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or any medication that would impair their ability to drive.
8. Drivers will adhere to the smoking policy of BSA, including the time they are in their vehicles and transporting youth.
9. Drivers will be eligible to attend the event at a reduced rate (usually free).
10. Drivers may receive reimbursement for mileage, tolls, and parking fees. Use the Money Collection Envelope process to submit expenses. See Appendix E of this Troop Guide for additional information.
All vehicles MUST be covered by a public liability and property damage liability insurance policy. The amount of this coverage must meet or exceed the insurance requirement of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended, however, that coverage limits are at least $100,000/$250,000/$100,000 or $250,000 combined single limit.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY (February 2003)
Policy of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as published in Guide to Safe Scouting:
It is essential that adequate, safe, and responsible transportation be used for all Scouting activities. Because most accidents occur within a short distance from home, safety precautions are necessary, even on short trips:
1. Seat belts are required for all occupants.
2. All drivers must have a valid driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason.
3.
