Parent Guide

TROOP 383

Chartered by St. Josephs Catholic Church

Parent Guide
Arrowmoon District
Sam Houston Area Council

9/8/2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS BOY SCOUTING ALL ABOUT?
ORGANIZATION
Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
Troop Committee
Patrols and Patrol Leaders
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters
Troop Meetings
Troop Parents
ADVANCEMENT AND RECOGNITION
Younger Age Program: Advancement through First Class
Advancement from First Class To Eagle
Merit Badges
Boards of Review
Courts of Honor
Summer Camp
Order of the Arrow: The Honor Society of Scouting
ADMINISTRATION
Rechartering and Fees
Annual Registration Fees
Fees for Outings and Activities
Fund Raising
Friends of Scouting
SAFETY – ADULT AND SCOUT
Two-Deep Leadership
Safety Rule of Four
Transportation – Automobiles
Sleeping Accommodations
Knives
Axes
Guns and Firearms
Restricted Activities
Unauthorized Activities
BEHAVIOR – ADULT AND SCOUT
Swearing and Jokes
Hazing, Initiations, Snipe Hunts, Harassment
UNIFORMS AND SCOUT SHOPS
Uniforms
Camouflage
Scout Shops
AND FINALLY
PARENT FORM

All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind are convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth. –Aristotle

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 383! By becoming a parent of a Boy Scout, you are setting your son out on the grand adventure of Scouting. This is a tremendously important and rewarding endeavor that you will be able to share with him.

The following pages describe what the program is all about, how much it will cost, and the organization of our Troop. Reading this guide will help you understand how, with your help, your boy can progress through the Scout ranks. This guide is also designed to help you understand how you can be of help to your son and the Troop, and what the various adult volunteers are doing to help the Troop. There is a form for you to fill out at the end of this guide, please return it to a troop leader.

WHAT IS BOY SCOUTING ALL ABOUT?

There are three aims to Boy Scouting:

• To build moral strength and character:
We may define this as what the boy is – his personal qualities, his values, his outlook. We want to build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect.
• To foster participating citizenship:
Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, and to the government that presides over that society. We want to foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles.
• To develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness:
Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect). We want to develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.

These three aims are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement. They represent the long-term outcomes desired for every boy.

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916 to provide an education program for boys and young adults. Boy Scouting was modeled after the Scouting movement founded by Robert S.S. Baden-Powell in England in 1908.

The BSA’s National Council is led by a volunteer board of directors, the National Executive Board. The administration is performed by a staff of professional Scouters. Among its major functions, the National Council develops programs; sets and maintains quality standards in training, leadership selection, uniforming, registration records, literature development, and advancement requirements; publishes Boys Life and Scouting magazines.

Since 1910, these principles have been taught in an atmosphere of recreation and fun, which allows young people to develop self-confidence, leadership and moral character.  More and more men, trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today’s world as responsible adult leaders. Men, who earned badges as Scouts, sit on the Supreme Court of the United States. Others hold important offices in our government, business and industry. Most of the members of the present U.S. Congress were Scouts. Of the 214 pilots and scientists selected as astronauts since 1959, more than 125 were Scouts or have been active in Scouting, as well as most of the astronauts who have walked on the moon. The long list of famous Scouts includes:

The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth oriented organization in the United States. More than 4 million young people and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America.

Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-led organization. The boys learn responsibility and how to organize and lead the Troop. Sometimes these lessons are hard however we try to make sure that all challenges we place before the Scouts are challenges they can, with a little effort, overcome. After training, and with adult supervision, the boys run the show.

To accomplish these aims, Boy Scouting has developed its program using the following eight methods, and at Troop 383 we concur.

1. Ideals - Each Scout commits himself to the personal behavior guides and standards in the Scout motto, the slogan, the Oath and the Law. The scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.
2. Patrols - Patrols give Scouts experience in teamwork, democracy and leadership. The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.
3. Outdoors - Scouting emphasizes outdoors activities, which foster an appreciation of nature and our ecology. Along the way, Scouts practice and learn new skills and develop confidence in their own abilities to cope with obstacles. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Scouting is outing! Your son will advance and enjoy Scouting if they go on the outings, otherwise there is a very good chance they will loose interest in the program.
4. Advancement – The advancement program provides Scouts with a ladder of skills to climb at his own pace. On the way up, he has many opportunities to learn and to be recognized for his achievements. Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at this own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.
5. Personal growth - All of the other methods contribute to the personal growth of a Scout through experience. The quest for growth is a method, too. As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. The religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method.
6. Adult association - Troop leadership may be male or female, and associations with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man’s development. They set a good example to Scouts of the high character they should strive for in their personal growth. Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders.
7. Leadership development - Making boys get leadership experiences is one of the most valuable things Scouting does. Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared leadership and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
8. Uniform - The uniform reminds a Scout of who he is and what is expected of him. It identifies him as part of a patrol, troop, council and worldwide youth movement. He can take pride in being a Scout, and in the achievements shown on his uniform and sash. The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.

The boys in the Troop will be working towards their 1st class and then Eagle ranks. As they travel on their trail to Eagle and beyond, they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, they will actually lead teams of Scouts in a number of challenging situations. This is all done in the spirit of fun and adventure!

Our youth must make mature decisions about many things that their limited experience with life has not prepared them for. Many of these decisions will have long-term consequences.

Boy Scouting has successfully assisted more than 98 million members since 1910 to develop the character and peer group associations to make ethical decisions and become role models in their communities.

The Scouting movement has also developed special programs to educate our youth regarding drugs, child abuse, literacy, the new world of careers, and hunger in America.
Working as a team in support of the troop and its Scoutmaster, you can help your youth members to develop the confidence, skills, character, and mental fitness that will allow them to give quality leadership to a changing society.

Please take a few minutes to read Chapter One and Two of your son’s Boy Scout Handbook.

For families to achieve the full benefit from the program, parents should realize that Scouting is as educational as sitting in a classroom.

ORGANIZATION
Troop 383 is a participating member of the Arrowmoon District of the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop’s organization consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, the Troop, and the Troop’s Parents.

Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
Every Troop belongs to an organization called a Chartered Organization or Sponsor. The Chartered Organization for Troop 383 is St. Josephs Catholic Church. The church shares our objectives for the boys, provides service opportunities and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. A Chartered Organization Representative acts as liaison between us and the church. Major changes in adult leadership are approved by the pastor. St. Josephs Catholic Church has been our Chartering Organization since the 1950s. Everything the troop has, (Trailer, stoves, lanterns, etc….) technically belongs to St Joseph Church.

Troop Committee
The Troop Committee functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of the non-program issues surrounding the Troop. For example: newsletters, Troop funds, fund raising, membership drives, discipline board of reviews, coordination with local Packs, tour permits, advancement records, procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment. Each position on the committee is a one-year commitment. At charter renewal time, a manpower inventory should be conducted to identify leadership needs. No one, including the troop committee chair, automatically retains the same position beyond the one-year life of the charter.

The Troop Committee meets monthly. The meetings are open and all parents and other interested adults are encouraged to attend. Contact the Troop Committee Chairperson for more information (see the last page of this guide).

Patrols and Patrol Leaders
The Troop is a group made up of several patrols. Each Patrol usually consists of a Patrol Leader and no less than four Scouts and no more than eight to ten Scouts. The boys in a patrol elect their Patrol Leader who in turn appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader. (Note, for Rank Advancement only the Patrol Leader position qualifies for a leadership role. The Assistant Patrol Leader, although a very needed position is not considered a leadership role for rank advancement).

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Patrol Leaders and other youth officers, run the troop. Troop 383 holds elections for Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders and other youth offices, every six months. The Senior Patrol Leader with approval of the Scoutmaster appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders.

The Patrol Leaders, ASPL, and Scribe with the Senior Patrol Leader as their head, form the Patrol Leaders’ Council, which plans the activities and runs the Troop meetings. They meet every month to plan the following months meetings.
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters

Troop 383 has one Scoutmaster and a number of Assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmasters’ job is to teach the Senior Patrol Leader and other youth leaders how to run the troop, overall safety and to watch over the advancement of the Scouts. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters should not run the troop.
The Scoutmaster is the adult responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of his guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the troop.
The Scoutmaster can be male or female, but must be at least 21 years old. The head of the chartered organization appoints the Scoutmaster.

The Scoutmaster’s duties include:

General
• Train and guide boy leaders.
• Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to boys.
• Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.

Meetings
 • Meet regularly with the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
• Attend all troop meetings or, when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
• Attend troop committee meetings.
• Conduct periodic parents’ sessions to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
• Take part in annual membership inventory and uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

Guidance
• Conduct Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements.
• Provide a systematic recruiting plan for new members and see that they are properly registered.
• Delegate responsibility to other adults and groups (assistants, troop committee) so that they have a real part in troop operations.
• Supervise troop elections for the Order of the Arrow.

Activities
• Make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year.
• Participate in council and district events.
• Build a strong program by using proven methods presented in Scouting literature.
• Conduct all activities under qualified leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.

Assistant Scoutmasters
To fulfill his obligation to the troop, the Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant Scoutmaster is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They also provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America. An Assistant Scoutmaster may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so he can serve in the Scoutmaster’s absence.

Types of assistant Scoutmasters include:
• Assistant Scoutmaster for each patrol
• Assistant Scoutmaster–New Scout patrol

A troop should recruit as many assistant Scoutmasters as possible. it has been found that many successful troop have three or more.

Membership
The flow of new Scouts is an essential element of a healthy Scout troop. Boys joining a troop bring fresh enthusiasm and energy to the entire program. Many troops assign an assistant Scoutmaster to be responsible for troop membership growth such as the Webelos-to-Scout plan, recruiting new Scouts, and troop rallies for new members.
Membership should be a shared concern of all adult leaders, but someone should have the specific responsibility of steady new boy recruitment. If there is no assistant Scoutmaster handling this important duty, a troop committee member should be responsible.

Troop Meetings
Troop 383 will hold its meetings weekly. Meetings currently are held every Monday, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Changes to the meeting schedule will be announced as early as possible to allow for proper planning. It is expected that the Scouts will communicate changes among themselves; parents should be told by their Scouts of any changes. Patrol Leaders will contact their Patrol on Sunday prior to Monday’s meeting. There is also a Monday morning email that updated the parents on changes from the Scoutmaster

Troop Parents
The role of parents within Troop 383 is to be supportive of the Troop’s efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents are encouraged and should try to:

1. Get involved. Register as a leader.
2. Read their son’s handbook, especially chapters 1 and 2, and understand the purpose and methods of Scouting. Parents should attend an informal Boy Scout Fast Start conducted by the Troop Committee.
3. Read and go through the activities in the parent pullout at the beginning of the Boy Scout Handbook.
4. Actively follow their Scout’s progress (or lack thereof) and offer encouragement and a push when needed.
5. Show support to both the individual Scout and the Troop by attending all Troop Courts of Honor.
6. Assist, as requested, in all Troop fund-raisers and other such activities. All such assistance lowers the cost of the program we offer to the Scouts and, therefore, lowers each family’s cash outlay for their Scout(s).
7. Be aware of the Troop program and annual calendar.
8. Parents are encouraged to attend one or more Troop meetings or activities a quarter. (Why let the boys have all the fun?)
9. Consider serving as Merit Badge Counselor in areas in which they have specialized knowledge and skills.
10. Attend committee meetings to assist with direction or provide constructive criticism.

ADVANCEMENT AND RECOGNITION
There are many definitions of advancement, but the Scouting definition might well be, simply, “the art of meeting a challenge.” For that is exactly what the Boy Scout advancement program asks the boys to do. The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these skills, he moves up through a series of ranks called: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. . The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks — and the more rewarding. Unlike in Cub Scouts, a Boy Scout must accomplish the requirement exactly as written, simply ‘doing your best’ will not satisfy a requirement. All Boy Scout requirements are designed to be challenging to a Scout, and age is taken under consideration when the requirement was written. The program is written to take 12 months to advance from Tenderfoot to 1st Class.

Achievement Goals include:
• Learning skills that qualify for Scouting’s more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges.
• Developing body and mind, growing self-confidence, and helping younger Scouts climb the advancement ladder.
• Discovering how it feels to go further — in so many ways — than he ever thought he could.

We don’t look at advancement as a goal, but as a natural outcome of a planned, quality Troop program and it is integrated with our outdoor activities. Advancement happens on campouts.

Younger Age Program: Advancement through First Class
Until a Scout reaches First Class, he should bring the Scout Handbook to every meeting and campout. From the time the Scout enters the Troop through the time he earns advancement to First Class, he is learning basic Scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team. With those first steps, the Scout begins to build himself physically, mentally, and morally. He will start to live with the Scout Oath and Law. Soon he will learn the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; he will learn that there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to yourself. The goal of this Troop is for the Scout to achieve the rank of First Class within his first year in the Troop. This is a sign that the Scout has mastered the fundamentals of Scouting and can begin to start the long process of learning to lead others, refining the learned skills and learning more advance skills. It is important that parents realize that this is a goal, not a requirement. There is a lot to Scouting besides earning rank, and some Scouts take longer to earn First Class, than others. That does not mean they are not benefiting from the program. The leaders understand this and will work with each boy accordingly.

Advancement from First Class To Eagle
From the achievement of First Class through Eagle, the Scout will be demonstrating leadership, performing service projects, earning merit badges and using the skills learned while achieving the rank of First Class. The next ranks he will earn are Star and Life. These ranks are harder to obtain than the earlier ranks but are also more interesting for the older Scouts. Upon completion of all the requirements for Star and Life, the Scout will be eligible to work for Eagle. The original principals, the Scout Oath and Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and the understanding of them is much greater. The final steps towards Eagle are filled with leadership experiences.

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 2.5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than one million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting-citizenship: training, character development, and personal fitness-remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank. After obtaining Eagle, the Scouts go on to take senior leadership responsibilities in the Troop, eventually to become Junior Assistant Scoutmasters.

Details for advancement are contained in the Boy Scout Handbook, which every Scout should obtain as soon as possible after joining the Troop. Look at Chapter 1. This short chapter has an advancement summary through First Class.

Merit Badges
A Scout is responsible for earning his own merit badges. The goal of the merit badge program is to expand a Scout’s areas of interest and to encourage the Scout to meet and work with adults in a chosen subject. A Scout working with a registered merit badge counselor earns merit badges. It is not the role of the troop or the parents to get a Scout through a merit badge. A Scout wishing to start a merit badge must go to the Scoutmaster (or Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scouts) and request to begin the badge. The Scoutmaster will determine if the Scout has initiated too many merit badges, and really should complete one before starting an additional one. If the Scoutmaster agrees that the Scout should begin the new badge, he will recommend a merit badge counselor. Normally, the merit badge counselor will not be the Scout’s parent. The Scout is required to contact the counselor to arrange for times and places to meet with the counselor. All work on the merit badge is supposed to start after the Scout meets with the merit badge counselor. When the Scout completes the work on the merit badge the counselor will inform the Advancement Chairman by signing a certificate known as a ‘blue card’. Merit Badges earned will be presented to the Scout at the next Troop meeting; they will also be recognized during the Troop’s Court of Honor. There are over 100 different merit badges. All parents of Troop 383 Scouts are encouraged to become Merit Badge Counselors. Please fill in the attached Troop Resource Survey and return to a Troop Leader.

Boards of Review
When a Scout has completed all the requirements for a rank, he schedules a Scoutmaster conference. After the approval of the Scoutmaster during the conference he contacts the Advancement Chairman and schedules a Board of Review to occur during the next Patrol Leaders Council. This needs enough advance warning to the Advancement Chairman so they can verify service hours and camping days. The board of review is composed of members of the Troop Committee. The purpose of the review is not an examination. Rather it is to determine the Scout’s attitude and acceptance of Scouting’s ideals; to ensure that the requirements have been met for advancement (but he will not retest), to discuss the Scout’s experiences in the Troop and the Troop’s program, and to encourage him to keep working towards advancement. A Board of Review may also be held to counsel a boy about his lack of progress toward advancement.

Courts of Honor
Troop 383 will conduct a Court of Honor every four months. The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor. Adult recognition may be presented before the opening of the Troop Court of Honor. It is the responsibility of the Troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council to plan and conduct the Troop Courts of Honor. The Troop Committee will support the Courts of Honor as requested.
The Court of Honor is a public ceremony, and is a chance for the Scouts to be publicly recognized for their achievements. Parents and all other interested individuals are encouraged to attend. All scouts are to be in Full Class A uniform with the addition of their Merit Badge sash. Note: This is not a time to wear the OA sash, only on authorized OA activities is that sash to be worn.

Summer Camp
We have found that it is very important for new Scouts to attend summer camp the first year or two that they are in the program. Not only does a summer camp provide a number of advancement opportunities for your son, it also provides a weeklong team building activity for your son’s patrol. We have found that patrols are much stronger after summer camp than they were before the experience.

The summer camp for the first year Scouts will be a base camp. We have some of the best council camp programs in the nation and we know your son will enjoy the experience! There are camperships available for Scouts who cannot afford to attend summer camp on their own. Contact the Scoutmaster for more information.

Winter Camp
This is an optional camp that is held at Camp Strake every year. It is the largest Winter Camp in all of BSA. Adult leaders teach scouts their merit badges and if they really try the scouts can earn up to 5 merit badges. It is always held Dec 26th through the 31st. At this time Troop 383 has not participated in winter camp but if enough interest arises it could definitely be considered.

Order of the Arrow: The Honor Society of Scouting
A member of the Order of the Arrow is a recognized by their distinctive red-arrow-on-white sash and right pocket-flap patch. The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:

1. To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
2. To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
3. To promote Scout camping
4. To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others

The Order of the Arrow is open to both Scouts and adults, and has strict entrance requirements. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of camping during the two-year period before his election. The fifteen days and nights must include six consecutive days (including five nights) of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Their fellow unit members, following approval of the Scoutmaster, elect scouts to the Order. Their fellow Troop or Crewmembers elect Scouts to the Order. Scouts and adults must have at least 15 nights Scout camping, and they must have one long-term (six nights or more) camp. The other nine nights must consist of overnight and short-term outdoor camping. The Scouts must be at least of First Class rank. The unit committee elects adults. The sash given to the OA member is to be worn only during OA activities.

ADMINISTRATION

Rechartering and Fees
The process of rechartering is the annual collection of registration fees for the Scouts and Leaders. The Troop also makes a formal visit to the chartering organization to renew their commitment for the coming year. The process of rechartering the Troop must be completed by the end of January of each calendar year, in order to get all the paper work processed and the fees turned into council.
Annual Scout Registration Fees
How much does Boy Scouting cost? The annual fee for each regular scout in Troop 383 is: $175.00

$7.00 for national BSA membership
$3.00 insurance
$53.00 for Scout Troop membership (Pays for badges, awards, and other expenses incurred by the Troop as a whole.) Note: Eagle Scout Troop Membership is $20.00 (Until the age of 18).
$12.00 for Boys Life magazine
$100.00 for campout transportation cost to reimburse leaders for travel expenses.

Optional: $100 activity fee – this fee covers the majority of the activities we will have over the next year. You are welcome to pay this in advance or just pay the fees as we go. The amount is there as a general guideline to let you know approximately how much you might spend over the next year in Scouting activities. If you pay this fee, you can apply this fee towards any Scouting fees in any way you see fit. It is not enough to cover summer or winter camp but you can apply it towards either of those fees if you like. Any amount not used by the end of the year will be rolled over in your account towards any of the next years’ dues or fees.

Annual Adult Registration Fees
The annual fee for each adult in Troop 383 is: $11.00

  • $10.00 for national BSA membership
  • $1.00 insurance
  • $12.00 for Boys Life magazine – (Optional)

This fee has been paid by St. Joseph Church in the past.

Activity Fees for Outings and Activities
Individual activities may have fees associated with them. (i.e. Tube rental, food for the way home).

Before a boy can be signed up for summer camp the financial commitment must be met. We will not allow attendance without full payment having been received.

Fundraising
Troop 383 raises funds primarily by BSA Popcorn sales. Profit from popcorn sold by an individual scout goes towards his account. We do not do the popcorn prize program that is available through Council. This allows for more dollars to be returned to the individual scout.

Additional popcorn is also purchased for sales at the masses on a selected Sunday. The profit from these sales is distributed among the boys that participate in the sales.

Additional fundraising has occurred in the past and ideas are always welcome. If you have a creative idea please suggest it at a committee meeting.

Each January 31st, the scout will need to have $175.00 in his account. This will pay his dues for the following year. If for some reason, he does not have that amount, his parents will need to make up the difference. There really is no reason why the scout cannot fund his entire scouting experience.

Every scout will have an account, and each time he participates in a fundraiser, troop or scout, his earnings will be placed into his account. Each year the amount of fund raising will vary depending on the interest and adult leadership available to head those events up. Besides paying for his annual dues, the scout may purchased scout related items, and bring the receipt to the Treasurer for reimbursement from his account, (e.g. tent, backpack, scout socks).

Friends of Scouting
Each year, the Council operates its Friends of Scouting (F.O.S.) campaign to raise money for the Council operations. The Council is responsible for maintaining the Council Camps, the Council Programs, the Council Camporees, as well as other Council activities, Local BSA administration, Leader materials and local advertising. Contributions are voluntary, but the Troop has a good record of support for this activity, and in some years has ranked among the top 3 troops in total amount given to SHAC. As years go by, F.O.S. is becoming a critical source of BSA funding.

SAFETY – ADULT AND SCOUT

Two-Deep Leadership
Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. Coed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older.

Safety Rule of Four
No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.

Transportation – Automobiles
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. BSA regulations are as follows :

  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. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons, including the driver (more than 10 persons, including the driver, in California), the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  3. An adult leader (at least 21 years of age) must be in charge and accompany the group.
  4. The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Youth member exception: When traveling to an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity or any Venturing event under the leadership of an adult (at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following conditions:
    • Six months’ driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a learner’s permit or equivalent is not to be counted)
    • No record of accidents or moving violations
    • Parental permission granted to the leader, driver, and riders
  5. Passenger cars or station wagons may be used for transporting passengers, but passengers should not ride on the rear deck of station wagons.
  6. Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab.
  7. All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight.
  8. All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended that coverage limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of $100,000/$500,000/$100,000.
  9. Do not exceed the speed limit.
  10. Do not travel in convoy.
  11. Driving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours and must be interrupted by frequent rest, food, and recreation stops. If there is only one driver, the driving time should be reduced and stops should be made more frequently.

Sleeping Accommodations
• Male and female leaders require separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available.
• Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility.
• When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian. This is NOT allowed for Boy Scouts of Troop 383 but is allowed for siblings. Boy Scouts of Troop 383 are expected to share tents with and camp using the Patrol Method.
• If separate shower and latrine facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. The buddy system should be used for latrines by having one person wait outside the entrance, or provide Occupied and Unoccupied signs and/or inside door latches.

Knives
A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. After earning the Totin’ Chip a Scout should keep one with them on all outings. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish. Youth members will not be allowed to carry large sheath knives. Since its inception, Boy Scouting has relied heavily on an outdoor program to achieve its objectives. This program meets more of the purposes of Scouting than any other single feature. We believe we have a duty to instill in our members, youth and adult, the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned knives with the highest concern for safety and responsibility. Butterfly knives are not allowed in the troop. As a rule the blade of the knife should not be longer than the width of the scouts palm.

Axes
1. There is limited use for hatchets and axes. Scouts are discouraged from buying one for personal use. It is the responsibility of the Troop to provide hatchets or axes as necessary.

2. Scouts without a Totin’ Chip card may use a hatchet only under instruction.

3. Scouts with a Totin’ Chip card may use a hatchet without supervision.

4. Scouts with a Totin’ Chip card and Paul Bunyan Axeman Award may use a 3/4 axe without supervision.

5. Otherwise Scouts with a Totin’ Chip card may use a 3/4 axe under instruction for the Paul Bunyan Axeman Award.

6. Full Axes and double bladed axes are prohibited.

Guns and Firearms
Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except if specifically announced by the troop and planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified BSA or National Rifle Association firearms instructor. If the troop does not officially notify you that you can bring your own firearms, keep them at home.

Electronics
The troop does not allow any form of electronics on campouts, (cell phones, cd players, gameboys, dvd players, mp3 players, etc). We want the scouts to interact with each other and form lasting relationships, and enjoy the outdoors for what it has to offer. The exception to this is when the scoutmaster lifts the ban for certain activities (e.g. Rock Gym, or other lock-ins).

Beverages
The troop has found that water is the best drink there is. At times we make “bug juice” for the scouts to drink, but at all times water is available. Each scout is to have his own cup with him to use for the entire campout or activity. Troop 383 does not allow soft drinks such as Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, etc. on any of its campouts or activities. If an event we attend serves such drinks, the scout is asked to use good judgement and limit the amount of soft drinks he consumes.

Restricted Activities
A number of activities are restricted, for safety reasons, to Venturing Scouts 14 and above. There will be no exceptions made please do not ask.

Unauthorized Activities
There are a number of activities that are not authorized in Scouting. They include, but are not limited to the following. Before planning any activity, please consult with the Scoutmaster.

All-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) Boxing, karate, and related martial arts – except judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi Exploration of abandoned mines Flying in hang gliders, ultralights, experimental class aircraft, or hot-air balloons; parachuting

All motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition derbies, and related events, are not authorized activities for any program level. Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events; The activity commonly referred to as “War Game” or “Paintball” – in which individuals shoot paint or dye at one another Motorized personal watercraft, such as jet-skis
Parasailing, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, or other device towed by a motorboat or by any other means
All activities related to bungee cord jumping (sometimes called shock cord jumping)

BEHAVIOR – ADULT AND SCOUT
A Scout lives by a strict moral code. It is outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. Every Scout and adult participant is expected to live by this code at all times. Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave the activity (no matter how late at night), having a parent pick up the Scout, and a restriction on future activities until the behavior changes.

Swearing and Jokes
At every meeting, Boy Scouts promise to keep themselves “morally straight” and “clean.” The Boy Scout Handbook advises boys that being “clean” goes beyond washing off dirt; it means getting in with a “clean crowd,” having a “clean outlook on life” and staying away from “swearing and telling dirty stories.” Adults and Scouts are asked not to participate in swearing, lewd behavior or telling dirty stories.

Part of the Scout Law is that a “Scout is Reverent”. This is defined as also defending another person’s right to their beliefs. No jokes or skits related to a person’s faith, handicap, orientation, race or creed will be tolerated in the troop.

Hazing, Initiations, Snipe Hunts, Harassment
All forms of hazing, initiations, ridicule, or inappropriate teasing are prohibited and will not be allowed. Snipe hunts are a form of hazing and are not allowed in the troop. Hazing is defined as any activity that causes the discomfort or harm of another for the enjoyment of the perpetrator.

*Please note that if a scout is misbehaving on a campout or outing, his parent will be called and asked to come pick him up.

UNIFORMS AND SCOUT SHOPS

Uniforms
The Scout uniform is one of the eight methods used to achieve the three aims of Scouting. The uniform by itself cannot make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its use has been proven to improve both the Scout and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity. Each Scout is required to have and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform items:

Field or “Class A” Uniform (must be worn to Eagle Court of Honor, Troop Court of Honor, Troop meetings and to other Troop activities unless instructed otherwise by Troop leadership). The uniform is to be worn anytime the scout travels to and from a scouting campout or activity. It includes:
• Tan Scout shirts with appropriate insignia and patches (Sam Houston Area Council strip, red shoulder loops, and patrol emblem.)
• Troop number
• BSA red neckerchief for new scouts(Troop 383 neckerchief will be furnished upon Tenderfoot rank)
• Neckerchief slide (obtained from Troop or made by Scout).
• Blue denim pants or shorts(Olive BSA pants are optional).
• Boy Scout socks (Optional).
• Boy Scout Hat (Optional).
• Scout web belt and buckle, or leather Scout belt.
• Tennis shoes or hiking boots. Socks are required. No Sandals.

Note: When the scout is in Class A, only BSA hats are allowed, none other, no exceptions.

Activity or “Class B” Uniform (may be worn to the Troop meeting following a campout, to keep the parents from having to quickly wash and clean the Class A or Field uniform. (Please use good judgment; if you did not attend the activity, then you should wear your Class A to the meeting). Class B is not allowed at Courts of Honor. It may be worn as instructed by Troop leadership, when activities may cause damage to the field uniform). It includes:
• Troop 383 T shirt (obtain from Troop 383 for $8.00), tucked in.
• Tennis shoes or hiking boots. Socks are required.
• Solid color pants or shorts.

Uniforms and insignia are worn a certain way. The Troop Leaders and Scout Shop staff will be able to answer any questions you might have on where to put what badge. Inside the cover of the Boy Scout Handbook, there are guides for badge placement.

Uniform wear in Scouting is similar to uniform wear in sports activities. Unless specified otherwise, Scouts must arrive in at least troop T-shirt for ALL Troop activities, including campouts. Parents and Scouts should not be surprised if a Scout is sent home to change into the proper uniform. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

Camouflage
National BSA policy, and its Congressional Charter forbid the imitation of US Army, Navy, or Marine uniforms by members of the organization while participating in a BSA activity. The wearing of camouflage gear, fatigues, or jump suites is strongly discouraged.

Scout Shops
Burdett and Son Outdoor Adventure Shop at 1055 S Texas Ave in College Station is our local supplier of Scout uniforms and supplies. Kathy Burdett is very helpful and will order anything she might not have in stock.

There are two Scout Shops on the northwest side of the Houston Metropolitan area where you can purchase Scout uniforms and supplies:
Champions 1960 Scout Shop
6512 FM 1960 W
Houston, Texas 77069
281-444-1152

Houston Scout Shop (Scout Service Center)
2225 N. Loop West, Suite A
Houston, Texas 77008
713-865-5190

AND FINALLY

You are joining a great organization that includes tens of thousands of adult leaders, interested parents, and the BSA professional staff. Scouting is much more than enjoying the outdoors. Troop 383 has been charted since the 1950s, which is more than 50 years, and has been very active earning a good reputation for teaching leadership skills and community skills. Scouting also shows the boys how they can keep themselves strong and healthy and make the most of school. With hard work and dedication, your son will be able to serve as a leader in the Troop and advance in rank along the trail to Eagle, and beyond!

Beyond anything else said in this package, the boys and us “big kids” are also in Scouting to have fun!

The web site for Sam Houston Council is http://www.shac.org or http://www.samhoustonbsa.org .
The web site for Arrowmoon District is http://www.arrowmoondistrict.org

To join the Troop mailing lists, please follow the link below:

http://web25.gkg.net/mailman/listinfo/scoutlist_troop-383.org

This guide has been adapted and modified from a original guide from Troop 878.

PARENT FORM

PARENTS PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO A TROOP LEADER

____  I have read and understand the Troop 383 Parent Guide
____ I would like to volunteer for the Troop Committee
____ I would like to volunteer to be an Assistant Scoutmaster

Parent’s Name: ____________________________________

Telephone #: ________________

Email Address: __________________________________________

Parent’s Signature:

________________________________________________________

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