BSA
TROOP 29
BSA
TROOP 29
GREAT SOUTHWEST
COUNCIL
Troop 29 Handbook
Table of Contents
page
Overview of Troop 29 2
Introduction 3
Troop Participation Policy 4
Membership Policy and Attendance Requirements 5
Uniform Policy 6
Troop Organization 7
Meetings 10
Behavior and Conduct 11
Troop Finances 12
Troop Operations 13
Communications 14
Advancement and Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines 15
Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders 20
Troop 29 Organizational Chart back
cover
Third Edition - December 17, 2001
Overview of Troop 29
Troop Goal: To ingrain encourage responsibility, good citizenship and leadership by practicing the ideals of the Boy Scouting Program. To use the camping experience as well as other Troop activities to achieve the above. To have fun and make friends in the process.
Joining The Troop: To join Troop 29, a Scout must complete an official Scout application and pay the registration fees for the remainder of the charter year. Scouts must also purchase a Troop 29 neckerchief, T-shirt and hat.
Uniforms: Each Scout is required to have a complete as outlined in Troop 29 official Class A uniform, consisting of an official Scout shirt as well as the Troop 29 neckerchief. The Class B uniform consists of a turquoise blue Troop 29 t-shirt. The Boy Scout Handbook, and. The Totin' Chip card and Fireman Chit cards are also considered to be part of the Scout uniform and are to be carried on any Troop functions.
Troop Program And Organization: The Troop Program is planned and run by Scout Junior Leaders, with guidance and support from registered adult leaders. The Troop Program includes an outdoor activity or campout once each month, plus a BSA Summer Camp. Scouts are expected to maintain the highest standard of conduct at all times. Please be familiar with the discipline policy under Behavior and Conduct in this handbook.
Equipment: Although the Troop does have outdoor equipment, each Scout is expected to provide the following minimum personal equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, ground pad, pocket knife, compass, personal mess kit, canteen, hiking boots, and rain gear. The Boy Scout Handbook is also a must and is the place to check on other personal camping gear. The Boy Scout Field Bbook is optional.
Meetings: Troop meetings are normally held on every Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at St. Chad?s Episcopal Church. Attendance is very important. Patrol Leader Council is held the last Monday of the month at 6:00 followed by a regular Troop meeting. theThe Troop Committee meeting is held the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm, also at St. Chadís. Meeting times may occasionally be changed for holidays, etc.
Communications: The
Troop 29 website www.xxxxxxand the bulletin board at St. Chad?s
contain the most up-to-date information on activities and announcements.
Please check them frequently.
Troop Address:
BSA Troop 29 Phone: 505-856-9200
St. Chad's Episcopal Church
1717 Tennyson Drive, N.E.
Albuquerque, NM. 87122
Website: http://members.home.net/abqtroop29
2
Introduction
In certain instances it may be in the best interests of the Troop to make exceptions to these policies. Such exceptions will only be made with the approval of the Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster. We hope that this booklet will provide Scouts and their families with an overview of Troop 29 as well as the Scouting Program.
Definition of terms and abbreviations commonly used in Scouting:
BSA: Boy Scouts of America
OA: Order of the Arrow
Scout: A registered youth member of theBSA
Scouter: A registered adult member of BSA
SM: ScoutMaster
SM: Scoutmaster
ASM: Assistant Scoutmaster
CC: Troop Committee Chairman
MC: Member of Troop Committee
CR: Charter Organization Representative
SPL: Senior Patrol Leader
ASPL: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
PL: Patrol Leader
APL: Assistant Patrol Leader
The Purpose of The Boy Scouts of America
To provide an effective program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participatory citizenship, and to develop personal fitness, in order to help in the development of American citizens who:
2. Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
3. Have personal and stable values firmly based on their religious concepts.
4. Have the desire and skills to help others.
5. Understand the principles of the American social, economic and governmental systems.
6. Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
7. Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America's role in the world.
8. Are prepared to fulfill the various responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society and in the forums of the world.
3
Troop Participation Policy
Member participation in any organization is critical and every member has a responsibility to the other members. We encourage our Scouts to participate in other youth organizations as well; however, we expect Scouts to realize that their attendance at meetings and campouts is needed for their patrol and this Troop to function. The Patrol Method, a key to the Scouting Program, will not work if patrols don't have enough members attending Troop events.
Scouting is a family experience. Each parent is expected to carry out his/her responsibilities as a Boy Scout parent so that their son may attain the full value, goals and enjoyment that are his in Boy Scouting. The Troop encourages active participation by parents in both Troop and Patrol activities, because this directly determines the scope and success of our overall Troop Program. Some of the basics we request of all parents are: Read this manual - you are responsible for knowing its contents. Occasionally provide transportation to or from campouts. Keep aware of the Troop's schedule. Read Troop hand-outs sent home with the Scouts. Support your son's leadership position. Be aware of the BSA and Troop 29 Youth Protection Program. Discuss the dangers of using drugs with your Scout as per Second Class Requirement. Provide timely transportation to and from Troop meetings. We would like one parent in each family to become more involved by becoming a Scouter.
Two basic ingredients are essential to assemble and run an active and successful Troop Program: (1) Scouts keenly interested in participating in the many benefits of the Boy Scout program and (2) adult volunteers, willing to give of their time freely and unselfishly for the benefit of not only their boy(s), but also the Troop overall. The depth and success of the Troop Program are directly dependent on an adequate number of willing adult volunteers (Scouters) involved.
Troop 29 offers a variety of opportunities for adult service. Fill out the BSA application for the position(s) and turn in to Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman, pay the appropriate fees, and take Youth Protection Training plus any position-specific training. Applications must be approved by Committee Chairman, Charter Organization Representative, the District & Council Representatives.
As required by current BSA policy, two adults (one of which must be officially registered as an Adult Leader with BSA) must always be present at any and all Troop activities. Under no circumstances should an adult be alone with a Scout. There can be no exceptions to these rules.
4
Membership Policy and Attendance Requirements
Any boy is eligible to become a Boy Scout and join Troop 29 if he meets the following requirements:
2. Completes a Boy Scout Application, a BSA Class 2 medical Form and Annual Parent Permission form.
3. Pays the required BSA and Troop registration fees.
The Troop expects each Scout to do his best, to live by the ideals of Scouting (as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law), and to be involved in all meetings, functions and activities of the Troop. We expect each Scout to advance regularly, to develop self-confidence and to practice good manners and behavior.
To reap the full benefits of the Troop Program, a Scout must be active -- and camping is at the heart of this program. We encourage each Scout to attend overnight campouts, year-round, and to make every effort to attend a long-term BSA summer camp with the Troop.
To be eligible for advancement a certain minimum participation is required as proof that the Scout really takes the well-fare of the Troop seriously.
Caution: Any Scout Junior Leader may be removed from office by the Scoutmaster (after consulting with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scout's parents) for any of the following reasons:
1. Unsatisfactory performance of assigned duties, or
2. Setting a poor example, or
3. Lacking Scout Spirit and enthusiasm for his job, or
4. Attendance not satisfactory to do the job (see Advancement section for guidelines)
5
Uniform Policy
Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization. The uniform shows our unity and pride in the organization. The uniform makes the Scout visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Proper wearing of the uniform is a clearly visible action that shows each Scout's spirit and commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives each Scout a unique identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in and follow the same ideals.
In accordance with those ideals Troop 29 uniform policy is as follows.
2. The Class A uniform must always be worn when traveling to/from Troop campouts. Scouts not in proper uniform as determined by the SM will not be allowed to go on the event!
3. The Scoutmaster shall determine
when wearing of the uniform is necessary and which uniform combination
is appropriate for all other events.
Class A: Consists of Scout shirt (either long or short sleeved, with insignia), Scout pants (optional) or dark solid-colored pants, Scout socks (optional), Scout belt, Scout neckerchief with slide
Class B: Consists of Troop T-shirt and dark solid-colored pants or shorts
Dress Uniform: To be worn at Courts of Honor and other special occasions. Consists of Class A uniform with the exception that the pants must be official BSA or of similar color and style. Also the merit badge sash or OA sash should be worn.
In all cases when outside, the Troop hat is considered part of the uniform. An Official BSA hat is also acceptable. The Boy Scout Handbook, Totin? Chip card and Fireman Chit card are expected to be carried at all Troop events and are considered part of the uniform.
A Note About Pants: Pants must be in good repair and have pockets and belt loops and must fit well (not excessively baggy, no sweat pants). Dark solid-colored pants as referred to for Class A & B means dark green, brown, blue or black. Bright colors such as reds, yellows or pants with designs or patterns or excessive fading are not allowed. While Troop 29 policy permits wearing of pants other than the official khaki when either the Class A or Class B uniform is specified it must be noted that only the Official BSA Khaki or similar styled and colored pants are worth points toward the Honor Patrol competition.
6
Troop Organization
The Patrol Method
The Patrol Method is a major reason the Scouting Program works. A Patrol consists of 4 to 10 Scouts who work as a close team to accomplish whatever task they set out to do. The Patrol has been the basic unit in Scouting since Baden Powell started Boy Scouts. It is led by an elected Patrol Leader who guides his fellow patrol members in their Scouting activities with the help of his assistant Patrol Leader. Each patrol also has an Assistant Scoutmaster and /or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster assigned as an advisor. Patrols are expected to make and proudly display their own patrol flags.
Youth Staff Elected Leaders
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): Junior Leader in-charge of all Troop activities. Runs the Troop meetings. Reports to SM.
Patrol Leaders (PLs): Organize patrol members to accomplish goals, represent members at PLC meetings, ensures members are informed of and prepared for Troop and Patrol activities. Reports to the SPL.
Youth Staff Appointed Leaders
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) & Warrant Officers: Scouts fulfilling the various administrative roles from Scribe to Bugler report to the ASPL, who in turn reports to the SPL.
Troop Guide: Works with new scouts. Reports to SM.
Assistant Patrol Leaders (APLs) and Patrol oOfficefficers: All Patrol Leaders have an assistant and may also appoint patrol members to serve in specific roles such as patrol quartermaster.
About the Patrol Leaders Council
Troop Organization, contíd
Adult Staff
Scoutmaster (SM): The adult "Unit Leader" of Troop 29
Charter Organization Representative (CR):
Troop Organization, contíd
About the Charter Organization
The Charter of Troop 29 is held by St. Chad's Episcopal whichChurch which permits it to include the Scouting Program as a part of its youth work. The Charter Organization, as part of its contract with Boy Scouts of America, provides a meeting place for the troop and is responsible for acquiring adult leaders. It is extremely important that everyone recognizes that the Troop's continued existence is solely dependent on the Troop's ongoing relationship with the Charter Organization. All members of Troop 29, both scouts and adults alike, must be extremely sensitive to the fact that we are "guests in the house" of St. Chad's Episcopal Church and must all conduct ourselves accordingly.
About the Boy Scouts of America
BSA, represented locally by the Great Southwest Council, is responsible for:
2. Registration of Scouting units, Scouts, Scouters and Council personnel
3. Assisting Chartered Organizations in securing and training qualified adults
4. Providing facilities and leadership for a year-around outdoor program, including a long-term summer camp
We must recharter with BSA every year. This involves going over our relationship with our Charter Organization, setting goals for the troop program, making a complete census of all Troop members, youth and adult, and paying annual fees. Our Charter Year runs from April 1- March 31.
Chain-of-Command
Troop 29 carefully maintains the Patrol-oriented structure and uses
the following chain-of -command: Each Scout works through his Patrol Leader,
who, in turn, works through the Senior Patrol Leader. The SPL works with
the Scoutmaster, who, in turn, works with the Troop Committee. The resolution
of any problem will progress through this chain-of-command. In unusual
situations where discretion is required, any Scout may request, through
the Senior Patrol Leader, a private conference with the Scoutmaster. Scouts
who hold certain appointed Junior Leadership positions should consult with
the ASPL first if the issue concerns their job position. They may, they
also work directly with specific members of the Troop Committee (e.g.,
the Troop Guide and Troop Scribe work closely with the Advancement Chairperson).
See the Troop Organization Chart.
9
Meetings
Troop meetings are normally held on every Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at St. Chad's Episcopal Church, except when changed for holidays etc. At troop Troop Meetingsmeetings scouts plan upcoming events, teach each other scouting skills, play games, engage in patrol competition and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of Scouting. Parents, you are welcome to come in and observe the meeting. Remember two adults are required to remain at the meeting place until all Scouts have been picked up. Please make sure your son's ride home is there by the end of the meeting. Scouters who have already devoted much of their personal time to this program are anxious to get home too.
Special Troop Meetings: Parents are expected to attend these meetings
Courts of Honor: Held 4 times a year. Awards are presented for advancement, also special awards. Parents should be present when a Scout is receiving an advancement award. This is a special ceremony to honor the Scouts; please attend.
Rechartering meeting & Pot-luck: Held in early March. It is our Annual Meeting. Annual registration fees due at this time. ?Friends of Scouting? presentation.
Other Meetings
PLC Mmeetingseetings: are held on the last Monday of the month at 6:00pm at St. Chadís Church, immediately prior to the regular troop meeting...
Troop Committee meetingsMeetings: are held on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm also at St. Chad's. Parents are encouraged to join the committee even if they can't attend meetings.
Yearly Planning Meeting: Chose activities, monthly themes and goals for the coming year. Held in November or December. Parents are invited.
Patrols are expected to have at
least one patrol meeting per month. These are usually held in a
Scout's home. This is where Scouts plan their assignments for Troop meetings,
practice their scouting skills for up-coming events and get prepared for
campouts.
10
Behavior and Conduct
Scouts follow the Scout Oath and Law.
We must all be keenly aware that we are highly visible representatives of the Boy Scouts of America and our behavior reflects on all other Scouts. Disruptive or dangerous horseplay, fighting, cheating, stealing, lying, swearing, smoking, vandalism hazing, name-calling, bad sportsmanship and other un-Scout-like behaviors will not be tolerated.
Scouts or Scouters causing disruption of Troop Program at meetings or other events will be told to leave, at the discretion of the Scouter in charge of the event. If the Scout is expelled from an event, the Scout's parents will be required to pick him up as soon as possible regardless of the location of the Troop. If problems continue, a parent conference will be called to discuss the problem. Until the parent conference is held and resolution is reached, the scout will not be allowed to return to the Troop.
If deemed necessary, the Scoutmaster will bring the problem to the Troop Committee for review. The Committee may vote to suspend the scout for up to 2 months, notifying the parents in writing. If problems persist and/or are deemed serious enough, the Committee may vote to expel the Scout permanently from the Troop.
Further, any registered Adult Scouter in the Troop who witnesses Scouts pushing, shoving, using foul language, or behavior not deemed to uphold the Scout Oath and Law should report the incident to the Senior Patrol Leader w Who will immediately address the situation, in consultation with the Scoutmaster if necessary. However, if the incident involves a breach of safety rules or protocol, any Junior Leader or responsible adult has the authority and responsibility to immediately stop the incident and correct the safety infraction on the spot!
The Scoutmaster has the authority to suspend a Scout for up to 30 says, with the Committee's approval. The Committee Chairperson will inform the Scout's parents by letter, of the suspension. Later, after the suspension is lifted, if a scout's conduct and behavior has not satisfactorily improved, the scout may be requested by the Troop Committee to leave the Troop permanently.
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
Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful
Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent
Troop Finances
Troop 29 raises its own funds for purchasing troop equipment and supplies, and for paying certain camping and training fees. The Troop Committee is responsible for approving all expenditures. The Troop Treasurer is responsible for all Troop financial activity.
Annual registration fee:
Paid at rechartering time. When joining the Troop the fee is in proportion to the time remaining in the Charter year.
Fund raisers
Registration fees and dues are but a fraction of the total funds needed to operate the Troop Program. The Troop needs and expects every Scout and his parents to willingly participate in our regularly scheduled fundraisers. Additional fundraising events may be held if the budget warrants. All fundraising activities except the popcorn sale for the council must have an approved BSA fund raising permit and must stay within the BSAwhich guidelines the Troop must stay. The Troop Committee must also approve all fund raising events. Our regularly scheduled fundraisers are as follows:
Popcorn Sale: tThe he Council's annual fund raiser held in September and October.. While we do get a portion of the profit, the Troop participates primarily to show our support for The Great Southwest Council. Combined with your donations to Friends of Scouting, it helps pay for professional staff, summer camp facilities, training, and BSABSA publications. By the way, it is very good popcorn.
Wreath Sale: The Troop's primary fundraiser;. high quality Christmas wreaths and door sprays. Scouts take orders in late October and deliver in early December. Wreaths are ordered from a nationally knownknown company.
In addition to the joy of seeing
their troop acquire new equipment, Scouts can earn incentives, which they
can use to defray personal Scouting related expenses. Additional sales
awards apply to each event as determined by the Troop Committee and PLC.
Troop 29 does not currently maintain individual Scout accounts in the treasury;
incentives are paid directly to the Scout to help defray the various personal
costs incurred in Scouting.
12
Troop Operations
It is the goal of this troop to have the Scouts run this troop and plan all activities.
Scouters (SM, ASMs & MC) act in back up roles, and provide advice as well as logistical support.
Policy on Troop Outings
All Troop and Patrol activities involving transport outside the city limits require a tour Tour Permit to be filed at the Council office. Trips over 500 miles require a national Tour Permit. Scouts must have a parent permission slip on file with Troop 29 as well as an up to date medical form to be eligible to attend activities. Scouts must wear the Class A uniform when traveling. Tour Permits and parent permission slips are also required if a local activity will expose Scouts to extraordinary risk (e.g., a backpack hike off established trails, use of bows and arrows or firearms, etc.). The Scouter in charge of the activity should carry the unit copy of the Ttour our Permitpermit, permission slips, and the Guide to Safe Scouting..
The Buddy System
Scouts are not allowed to go off on their own for any reason. You must have a partner any time you are away from the group (out of sight) and you must inform someone in authority where you are going and how long you plan to be away.
Patrol method on campouts
Patrols function as self-sufficient units as far as accomplishing basic camping duties. The Patrol Leader is responsible for coordinating his patrolís camping preparation and activities. Members plan menus, supply and prepare their own food. They make sure they have all necessary equipment and a way to transport the equipment. Each patrol is issued its own camp kitchen. Other camping supplies may be checked out from the troop Quartermaster as our inventory permits. To foster Patrol spirit and independence, each patrol chooses and sets up their own campsite within the designated Troop site, does all their own cooking and competes with other patrols for points toward Honor Patrol. When less than three members of a patrol are present, those going will be combined with another patrol or will be helped by a member of the youth staff.
Campout Expenses
Scouts that are scheduled to attend
activities requiring the purchase of food are responsible for paying for
their share even if they miss the activity unless they give notification
to the purchaser at least 3 days in advance. On certain other trips there
may be added fees. On especially long trips you may be asked to help with
transportation cost, if you are not providing transportation.
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Troop Operations, Contíd
Policy on Troop outings, continued
Adults required
Adult Staff camp, work and eat as a patrol.
All Troop campouts and hikes require a minimum of two adults on staff; one must be a registered Scouter, the other(s) must be considering registering. An unregistered adult may only serve as staff on one campout per year. If the required number of adults cannot be found to serve on staff the activity will be cancelled!
To register: Fill out application, pay fees, turn in to Committee Chairman.
Family camping, dogs
Families who provide transportation may wish to join us on our campouts.
In order to facilitate the Scouting Program and ensure Scout and Family
privacy we ask that families set up their camp as far as practical from
the Troop, out of sight when possible. Family pets should also be kept
from the Troop campsite, except under special circumstances.
Communications
Troop Website
This is the best source for current information. It is at
www. http://members.home.net/abqtroop29www.xxxxxxxx
Troop Bulletin Board
The Troop Program Schedule, the current Troop Organization Chart, the Honor Patrol point system and special announcements are posted on the bulletin board. The board is also for display of photos of Troop activities. The Troop Scribe and the Troop Historian are responsible for keeping it up-dated.
Hand-Outs
At times Scouts will be given outshandouts
concerning Troop activities or policies (such as the activity schedule).
These are for parentsí information as well as for the Scout, please be
alert for them. Parents are responsible for knowing the Troop Schedule!
14
Advancement And Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines
Note: Requirements for the various ranks are found in the most current issue of the BSA Handbook. To ensure consistency in advancement requirements Troop 29ís policy is:
Minimum Attendance Requirements
To be eligible for advancement, the Scout must be present at 50% of Troop events, defined as Troop Campouts, Troop Meetings and Troop Service Projects. In special cases an individual project (which benefits the Troop) may be used in place of the attendance requirement, but must have prior Scout Master and Troop Committee approval. See below for additional job-based attendance requirements.
Leadership requirement for Star, Life and Eagle - evidence of fulfillment required for Board of Review:
Senior Patrol Leader - attendance or excused absence for all Troop Meetings, Troop campouts & PLC Meetings
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - attendance or excused absence for all Troop Meetings, Troop campouts & PLC Meetings
Den Chief - report from Den Leader on attendance and performance at Den Meetings
Scribe - attendance or excused absence for all Troop Meetings & PLC Meetings; filled-in Troop Record Book
Librarian - written inventory of Troop's publications and record of loan-outs, inspection of library; list of acquisitions while in office
Historian - (Can't be used for Eagle) photos on Troop bulletin board of past Troop campouts and either an article in the Troop Newsletter or a written report on Troop campouts for the past 4 months
Quartermaster - written inventory of the Troop's equipment, record of loan-outs and inspection of the Troop equipment that is stored at St. Chad's
Bugler - (Can't be used for Eagle) attendance or excused absence at all Troop campouts; demonstration of bugle calls
Chaplain aide - attendance or excused absence at all Troop campouts; note from Troop Chaplain confirming conference
Instructor - attendance or excused absence at all Troop meetings; written report on what was taught, when and to whom
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster - attendance or excused absence for all Troop Meetings & campouts
Troop Guide - attendance or excused absence for all Troop Meetings, Troop campouts & PLC Meetings
Get someone to fill in for you and inform your SPL or ASPL and the SM or an ASM prior to the absence and it will be excused. The Advancement Chairman or the Scoutmaster may excuse absences after the fact.
15
Advancement and Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines, contíd
The four steps of Advancement are:
1. The Scout learns/accomplishes
2. The Scout is tested
3. The Scout is reviewed
4. The Scout is recognized
Accomplishment
The Boy Scout Advancement Program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these skills, he advances through a series of ranks. The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks -- and the more rewarding. His rate of advancement depends on his own interests, initiative, effort and ability. The ultimate purpose of the Advancement Program is to spur a Scout to learn, to achieve and to grow and mature. Troop 29 offers numerous opportunities for advancement. It is still the ultimate responsibility of each Scout to seize the initiative to fulfill the advancement requirements. The Scout is expected to meet all requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. If it says "show or demonstrate", that is what he must do. Just telling about it is not enough. The same holds true for such words as "make", "list", "in the field", "collect", "identify", and "label".
Both Scouts and parents are cautioned that Scouts in Troop 29 should not strive to compete with other Scouts for awards and recognition and must not, under any circumstances, be judged by other Scouts or Adult Leaders, in comparison with the faster or slower progress of other Scouts.
Scoutmaster Conference
When a Scout has passed all the requirements for a rank, the Scout will go to the Scoutmaster and make an appointment for a conference. The SM or an ASM assigned by the SM will make sure all requirements have been properly signed off and that he is prepared to face the Board of Review. Discussion should cover the Scout's performance of Troop and Patrol duties, activities outside of the Troop, plans for the future, and what the BSA program means to him. The Scoutmaster's Conference is, in reality, counseling -- informally reviewing the Scout's personal growth and getting the Scout to solve his own problems and set his own goals.
If the SM or ASM feels the Scout
is ready they schedule the Scout for the next available Board of Review.
16
Advancement and Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines, contíd
Advancement Sequence
The requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence. A Scout could conceivably receive all three ranks at the same Court of Honor.
Merit Badges
There are over 120 Merit Badges, which cover subjects from basket making to nuclear energy. A Scout must earn an assortment of these to advance through the higher ranks. See the most current BSA Requirement Book for a list of the requirements for each badge. Scouts should have the Merit Badge Pamphlet for the badge they are taking. This can be borrowed from the Troop 29 library. Occasionally, merit badge classes are offered by Troop 29 Scouters. Take advantage of them! Summer Camp is also a great place to earn merit badges.
When a Scout wants to go for a merit badge he must first get a blue Merit Badge Requirement Card signed by the Scoutmaster.. If the Troop has someone registered to counsel that badge the SM will put them in contact, else the SM will notify the Troop Committee and arrangements will be made to provide one. All Merit Badge Counselors must have the approval of the Troop 29 Committee for each badge they counsel and be registered with the BSA. Upon occasion an opportunity may arise to pass some of the requirements for a merit badge with someone other than the Counselor, such as when on family vacation. To get credit the Scout must get his Counselor's permission prior to doing the requirement and provide proof of completion acceptable to the Counselor.
Service Projects
For Second Class, Star and Life Ranks the Scout must perform a minimum
number of service project hours. To earn credit as a service project, service
must be provided to others (your school, religious, Scouting, or other
worthwhile community activity) and must not involve any monetary gain.
Service may be rendered as an individual or as a member of a group. Service
projects must be accomplished while working on the applicable rank (e.g.,
the Scout cannot "bank" dozens of hours and "cash them in", a few at a
time over two or more future ranks). To receive credit for service hours,
a Scout must first get the Scoutmaster's approval for the service project.
17
Advancement and Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines, contíd
Board of Review
A Scout must be current in his financial obligations prior to meeting with the Board of Review.
Scouts must wear the Class A Uniform when appearing in front of a Board. Boards are held on the last regular meeting of the month. Minimum of three Troop Committee Members are required (see separate section for Eagle requirements). The SM, ASMs and any relative of the Scout may not serve on the Board. The Advancement committee member is in charge of setting up Boards of Review. Members of The Board verify that the Scout has the knowledge indicated by the rank and ask about the Scout's experience in passing various requirements and his Scouting experience in general. The Board will also review the Scout's performance in his troop job positions for Star, Life & Eagle. Scouts also offer their comments to the Board on how they think the Troop is doing and how we all can improve. Scouts who are not advancing may be called into a Bboard oard meeting to see if they are getting what they need out of the program.
Courts of Honor
When a Scout advances, he should be recognized as soon as possible, preferably at the next unit meeting. He is recognized a second time at a public ceremony called a Court of Honor. The main purposes of the Court of Honor are to furnish formal recognition for achievement and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance. All Scouts who have advanced since the previous Court of Honor are honored. Their parents and friends should be invited to attend the ceremony. Courts of Honor are held quarterly. Dates are determined at the annual planning meeting. Parents should be present when their son receives awards!
Your Boy Scout Handbook is your official record of advancement. Keep it in a safe place. It is a good idea to copyphotocopy it as you get things signed off or to keep a second book just for records. You must have it with you everwhenever you go for a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review.
Honor Patrol
In order to promote Patrol sSpiritpirit and active participation, as well as encouraging Scouting ideals, Troop 29 sometimes holds an Honor Patrol competition. The point system covers a large variety of subjects. cChangeshanges to the system require approval of the PLC as well asnd the Troop Committee. The current point system as well as the reigning patrol should be posted on the Troop Bulletin Board. The current PLC should decide when they want to implement Honor Patrol competition.
Honor Patrol competition runs from Court of Honor to Court of Honor with the last day of the period ending on the Monday prior to the Court. The Honor Patrol is represented by a banner that gets passed on from Honor Patrol to Honor Patrol and is attached to the Patrol's Flag.
18
Advancement and Awards Policy, Procedures and Guidelines, contíd
IMPORTANT NOTE TO COUNSELORS AND PARENTS:
BSA child protection guidelines must be followed. An adult can never be alone with a scout. Troop 29 requires that if there are less than 3 scouts in a class a second adult must be present as an observer. Also BSA "two deep leadership? rules apply in all instances, requiring that a second adult be on the premises in the event of an emergency. Parents, we need your services as counselors and observers. You may also put us in touch with acquaintances of yours who would make good counselors. In the interest of expediency and Troop unity it is requested that when possible counselors offer their services to the entire Troop.
Special Eagle notes
Eagle Board of Review: The Eagle Board of Review is composed of a minimum of three members and a maximum of six members. The members do not have to be registered Scouters, but must understand the importance of the rank and the Eagle Board of Review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member of the board.
For the Eagle service project, a boy must plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project for any religious institution, school or his community while he is a Life Scout. The Eagle Scout service project provides the opportunity for the Eagle Scout candidate to demonstrate the leadership skills he has learned in Scouting. He does the project outside the sphere of Scouting.
Choose a project very carefully; it must be "Eagle Quality". Ask the Scoutmaster for ideas and general guidelines. Get approval from a representative of the group or organization with whom and for whom the Eagle Candidate plans to conduct the project. Before any Eagle service project is begun, it must be approved by the Troop Committee and by the district advancement representative.
Don't wait until the last minute, this process may take up to six months to complete. No Eagle Project Application will be accepted if the Scout is less than four months from his 18th birthday.
Read and follow the Life-to-Eagle Pamphlet. Fill in as many of the blanks as you can, answering each question accurately and completely.
Personally contact the Advancement Chairperson and request an appointment to review your Individual Scout Record. You should either have all of your required Merit Badges completed or be working on the last of them. Bring your Boy Scout Handbook and all advancement and Merit Badge cards. When all records have been verified as being complete, the Advancement Chairperson will notify the Scoutmaster.
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Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders
Warning: When using these positions
for advancement purposes the Board of Review requires proof that the Scout
takes his job seriously. The form of this proof is found in the Advancement
section of this handbook under "Leadership requirement for Star, Life and
Eagle".
Senior Patrol Leader
The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the Troop.
The SPL reports to the Scoutmaster.
SPL duties:
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Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is the second-highest-ranking junior leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the SPL or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop.
ASPL Duties:
The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the PLC.
The PLs report to the Senior Patrol Leader. If you're the patrol leader for the New Scout Patrol, you'll also work with the Ttroop roop Guide who is assigned to your patrol.
PLs duties:
Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Assistant Patrol Leader
The Assistant Patrol Leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence.
The APL reports to the Patrol Leader.
APL Duties:
The Ttroop roop Guide helps new Scouts to feel comfortable and earn First Class in their first year.
The TG reports to the Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol.
TG Duties:
Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
The Jjunior unior Assistant Scoutmaster serves in the capacity of an assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18; he must possess leadership ability. . The JASM is appointed by the Scoutmaster.
The JASM reports to the Scoutmaster.
JASM Duties:
The Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Papatrol leaders' trol Leaders' Council and keeps a record of dues (if collected), advancement and Scout attendance at troop meetings.
The Scribe reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Scribe Duties:
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Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Troop Quartermaster
The Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
The Quartermaster reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Quartermaster Duties:
The Instructor teaches Scouting skills.
The Instructor reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Instructor Duties:
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Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Chaplain Aide
The Cchaplain haplain Aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program.
The Chaplain Aide reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Chaplain Aide Duties:
The Llibrarian/ibrarian/Historian takes care of troop literature and keeps a history of troop activities.
They report to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Librarian Duties:
- Adds new or replacement items as needed
- Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing
- Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out
- Follows up on late returns
Historian Duties:
Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Troop Quartermaster
The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.
The quartermaster reports to the assistant senior patrol leader.
Quartermaster Duties:
The instructor teaches Scouting skills.
The instructor reports to the assistant senior patrol leader
Instructor Duties:
Position Descriptions for Junior Leaders, contíd
Bugler
The Bugler sounds the calls that inform Scouts on campouts when to get up or form up.
The Bugler reports to the assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Bugler Duties:
The Dden en Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack.
The Den Chief reports to the den leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol in the troop.
Den Chief Duties:
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Troop 29 Organization Chart
