Troop 21 Membership Guidelines

Recharter

All boys and adults who want to become a Scout/Adult member or renew their membership will do so in January of each year. On the scheduled date, each boys' parents will fill out all car insurance forms, health forms, and troop survey sheets. All dues, recharter fees and Boy's Life magazine subscription monies will be due at this time. A late fee of $20.00 will be imposed. No one will be allowed to recharter if his or her account is delinquent. Account balances will be held for 3 months for anyone not rechartering at this time, in the event that they might change their minds. After the 3-month grace period is over, the account monies will be put into the Troop 21 account.

Fundraisers

All boys will be required to participate in the Fall Festival and the spaghetti dinner. They must work at least one shift per event. If scout refuses to participate, a fee will be imposed and disciplinary action taken. There are many other opportunities throughout the year to earn money for your personal account.

Personal Accounts

All boys will be given a personal account. Payments from work days and a percentage of the profit from fundraisers will be added to your account. Monies from your account can be used for camp fees, recharter fees, and any other Scout related activity or item, provided there is enough money in the account to cover it. If you buy a Scout-related item at a store, save your receipt, give it to the committee treasurer and you will be reimbursed from your personal account.

Policies

All Scouts are expected to follow policies for recharter, fundraisers, uniforms, attendance, conduct and advancement as outlined in this booklet. A discipline policy is also outlined in this booklet and will be enforced.

General BSA membership guidelines:

Member Responsibilities

All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, theft, verbal insults, drugs and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit.

Unit Responsibilities

Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of a scout who misbehaves will be informed and will be required to assist in dealing with the scout.

The Discipline Committee will review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action. If a problem behavior persists, we may revoke a Scout's membership in our unit. When we revoke a scout's membership, we will promptly notify the council and the Charter Organization of the action.

This unit must inform the Scout executive about all incidents that result in a physical injury or involve allegations of sexual misconduct by a youth member with another youth member.

The BSA does not permit the use of corporal punishment by unit leaders when disciplining youth members.

These actions are enforced to provide a "safe haven" in scouting.

Attendance

All boys are required to attend and participate in at least 2 complete* Scout meetings and at least one other Scout activity (such as weekend campouts, camporees and fundraiser activities) per month to retain their active status. * A complete meeting includes arriving on time, helping with set-up and tear down, participation in the program, the games and the closing. A Scout must show up in proper uniform to get credit for his attendance. Attendance is considered when applying for any Rank Advancement. If a Scout is unable to attend for an extended length of time, he must notify the Scoutmaster. It is expected that any Scout ranked First Class (or higher) will demonstrate his abilities and fulfill Troop positions of responsibility. Greater attendance and participation to demonstrate leadership qualities are also expected of the Scout.

Uniforms

A full Class A uniform consists of a Class A shirt, official Scout pants, a Scout belt, socks, neckerchief with slide and a merit badge sash, worn properly.

A Class B uniform consists of a Class B Troop T-shirt and appropriate pants for that activity.

First year Scouts are required to have a Class A shirt only, however, all others will be required to have full Class A uniform.

All Scouts are required to have a Class B T-shirt, which may be purchased through the Troop.

Each Scout is required to wear his Class A shirt unless told otherwise.

Full Class A uniforms are required at scout camps and camporees and at all formal events such as Court of Awards, Board of Review, Scout Sunday, Flag Day and other special events.

Class B uniforms are required during competitions at a camporee, summer camp or when directed to be worn by the Troop leadership.

Uniform inspections are conducted twice a year.

If a Scout shows up at a meeting or event and is not in his proper uniform, his attendance for that activity will NOT be counted toward his active status. NO EXCUSES.

A Board of Review will not be conducted if a Scout is not in his full Class A uniform.

Scouts will not be recognized, if not in their Full Class A uniform, at a Court of Awards.

Advancement Guidelines

Note: These guidelines do not apply to the Eagle Board of Review, as there are other more specific guidelines for this rank.

Preparations for a Board of Review

• Read and review written material in the Scout Handbook for that rank.
• Be sure that all requirements in the Scout Handbook are signed off and dated for that rank.
• Schedule a Scoutmaster conference.
• Participate in a Scoutmaster Conference.
• Be prepared to answer general questions about scout skills and service projects required for that rank.
• Schedule your Board of Review with the Advancement Chairperson.

To schedule a Board of Review

Boards of Review are held on the third Tuesday of each month (Advancement night).

Only three scouts will be scheduled each month, unless Scoutmaster states otherwise.

Call Advancement Chairperson to schedule your Board of Review.

Leave a message stating your name and the rank you are advancing to.

You will be scheduled in the order your phone call was received.

If there are too many scouts needing Boards of Review for a month, the extra scouts will be notified and rescheduled for the next available time slot.

Board of Review Guidelines

Arrive in full Class A uniform with your Scout Handbook.

Conduct yourself in a Scout-like manner and attitude.

Be prepared to recite the Scout Law, Oath, Slogan and Motto from memory.

Be prepared to answer general questions about scout skills, scout spirit and service projects required for that rank.

In the event that a Scout is not advanced

The scout and his parents, as well as the Scoutmaster, will be told specifically what needs to be accomplished to advance.

The Scoutmaster and the Advancement Committee will be available to answer any questions that will help the scout advance.

When the scout has completed those necessary requirements to advance, he will begin the process over by scheduling another Board of Review.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

A key element in maintaining and improving the quality of Troop 21's program and insuring active participation of Troop members, is active parental support. Good parental support consists of all of the following:

· Make sure your son attends all activities and is ready for them

· Encourage your son in his Scout advancement

· Attend all parents' meetings and Courts of Honor

· Become active in the Troop Committee

· Support and participate in fundraisers set by Troop 21

· Become involved actively with the Troop

BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES

We have established a three-part behavioral guideline for all Scouts and adults. This will maintain the integrity of our program and insure the safety and well-being of all who participate.

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR is shown by:

· Following the Scout Oath and Law in all parts of our lives

· Maintaining active status

· Wearing the Scout uniform, properly

· Arriving on time to Troop meetings and activities

· Respecting yourself, others, and your surroundings

· Listening to those in charge and responding to reasonable requests the first time

IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR includes, but is not limited to:

· Not adhering to BSA guidelines

· Not fulfilling required duties such as fundraiser shifts

· Name Calling

· Disrupting Troop meetings and activities

· Using abusive language

· Leaving the room without permission during Troop meetings

· Leaving the Troop meetings early without permission

· Not helping with clean-up after meals and meetings

· Not completing assigned duties

· Misusing others' equipment and property

· Hazing

NON-NEGOTIABLE BEHAVIOR includes:

· Arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

· Possessing alcohol or drugs (approved medications must be controlled by adult leadership)

· The use of tobacco products

· Possessing a weapon (firearms and archery equipment must remain under the supervision of an adult leader. Pocket knives are not considered weapons, however, Troop 21 requires that our youth use lock back knives. Fixed blades are not acceptable)

· Stealing

· Sexual misconduct (verbal or physical)

· Vandalizing property

· Possessing fireworks

· Repeated irresponsible behavior

CONSEQUENCES OF IRRESPONSIBLE AND NON-NEGOTIABLE BEHAVIOR will be addressed through one or more of the following actions:

· Scout will meet with the Discipline Committee

· Scout's parents will be notified of situation by the Discipline Committee

· Scout will meet with parents and the Discipline Committee

· Scout will be suspended from Troop activities and advancement opportunities.

· After suspension period and prior to readmittance, the scout, the parents and the Discipline Committee will meet to discuss the scout's intentions regarding pursuit of the scouting program at Troop 21. Following this meeting, the scout will resume participation in troop activities for a probationary period of 3 months during which time any additional infractions will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

· The Troop Committee terminates the Scout's membership in Troop 21 and ALL monies belonging to the scout will be transferred into the Troop account.

CHURCH GUIDELINES

GENERAL USAGE RULES FOR SCOUT UNITS

· In general, treat the facility, equipment, and the grounds as if they were yours. We are guests here,so make every effort to treat the facility with respect. Leave it and its contents in the same or better condition than you found them (If you open it...close it, unlock it...lock it, mess it up...clean it up, use it...replace it, turn it on...turn it off, etc). Remember that use of the facility is a privilege we can lose by abuse.

· Proper conduct and manners are expected. No profanity, no wearing of hats indoors, no sitting or laying on tables/counters, no running indoors, no smoking, and no disrespect for other groups using the facility, are some examples.

· Events should be coordinated with the office and placed on the activity calendar as soon as possible. This includes regular weekly and monthly meetings as well as special events like family nights and dinners.

· The sanctuary is a place of worship, please treat it with due respect, adult supervision must be present.

· Do not move the furniture in the narthex area, meetings should be held in a classroom or the Fellowship Hall.

· Report problems to the church office or a member of the church.

· FOR EMERGENCIES: Call the Jerry Eisley, 433-2607

USE OF THE FELLOWSHIP HALL/KITCHEN

· No food or drink is allowed outside of these areas.

· padded chairs should not be used when food or craft activities are taking place. USE METAL CHAIRS.

· Pick up trash, dry mop the floor, and spot wipe/mop any spills on the floor after use.

· Note initial arrangement of tables and chairs and restore them after an activity.

· If a dinner is held, a member of the congregation must be present. Usually, the Charter Organization Representative or one of the unit's leaders, if a member.Otherwise, arrangements should be made to have a member present.

USE OF THE PICNIC AREA

· No open fires without adult supervision.

· No open fires except in the fire ring and only if conditions are favorable for having an open fire. Have a fire bucket handy, water is available at the pump near the pavilion.

· Use only charcoal in the fireplace or charcoal pit. NO WOOD FIRES.

· Pick up the trash and leave the area in the same or better condition than you found it.

· The church's property line is within the area that is mowed. Do not trespass on adjacent properties.

· Poison ivy is commonplace, beware.

· Vehicles can use the grassy area for parking if the area is not needed for activities. Access is via the Pastor's driveway. Drive at 5 M.P.H. and watch for children and adults in the area.

SAFETY

· Sports-like games, such as soccer, football and baseball should not be played before or after meetings. Modified games were the risk of breaking glass, causing property damage, or injury must be supervised by a scout leader.

· Driveway/parking lots have a great potential for accidents. At no time should scouts be left unsupervised in these areas. Encourage parents to come into the church to pick up their children.

· Insure that all scouts have departed from the church for home before the leaders leave. Do not leave a scout stranded after the meeting.

· Require the use of the "buddy system" at all times.

CLOSING/LOCKING THE CHURCH

· Turn off ALL lights except the night light in the office- the section closest to the hall.

· Turn all thermostats back to 60 degrees; close doors and windows.

· Lock ALL outside doors before leaving.