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We are a troop of the Great Plains District of the Dallas, Texas area Circle Ten Council, proud part of the Boy Scouts of America |
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Troop 1812 Handbook Charter Edition
Murphy, Texas Preface This handbook is designed to be a scout and parent’s practical reference guide to the basic operations and expectations of Troop 1812. All scouts and their parents are asked to read and be familiar with its contents. Questions and suggestions about this document should be directed to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair. This handbook is based on the document titled Bylaws of Boy Scout Troop 1812. This handbook is not an official statement of troop policy. The contents of this handbook will be reviewed and revised at least once a year by the Scoutmaster. Troop 1812 is chartered to the Murphy Chamber of Commerce and is the first Boy Scout Troop to be chartered to a Murphy, Texas organization. The troop was originally chartered on November 22, 2005. The troop renews its charter annually during a process called rechartering. Troop 1812 Motto: “Leadership, Adventure, Advancement, Service, Fellowship” Troop 1812 Mission Statement: “Troop 1812 is strictly a boy-led unit. This fosters the growth of the future leaders of our community, our state, our nation, and our world. We believe that an active, varied, and fun monthly outdoor program is essential to the success of our troop and our scouts. Troop 1812 also subscribes to a program that includes a quality advancement regimen and service to the community. Most importantly, we encourage fellowship and the formation of a supportive environment in which all young men can mature during the most definitive period in their lives.” Religious Beliefs Like the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1812 is a non-sectarian unit and respects all religions. When a multiplicity of religions are represented at any troop activity, a non-denominational “Scouts’ Own Service” will take place. “Scout’s Own” services will take place at all troop outings in support of the final point of the Scout Law “A Scout is Reverent,” and the duty to God clause of the Scout Oath. Troop 1812 believes that these pillars of scouting are essential to the growth of fellowship in the troop and the individual development of a boy into a good man. Mentoring Troop 1812 recognizes the importance of caring adults in the life of every boy, and rallies to the call by national leaders to participate in a mentoring initiative. The purpose of this initiative at the troop level will be to provide support to boys whose parents are unable to do so or to boys who simply need extra help and motivation. This goal will be achieved by (1) the troop always striving to provide its scouts with positive male role models as adult leaders and (2) the troop providing the families of scouts in need with moral support and guidance when needed. Each boy joining Troop 1812 must meet all joining requirements set by the Boy Scouts of America and complete the following:
New Member Fees For new members, a fee of $75.00 is charged. This covers the BSA national registration fee, insurance, a year-long subscription to “Boys’ Life” magazine, a Troop 1812 numeral strip, and Troop 1812 apparel. The fee also makes a contribution to the troop’s equipment fund. Dues Troop 1812 does not presently charge weekly meeting dues, but may charge a prorata expenses for certain activities. Annual Registration Fee Before each January 1, the yearly registration fee of $50.00 is due. Financial Hardships No boy will be denied admission to the troop due to an inability to pay the registration fee. In addition, no youth member of the troop will be denied the opportunity to participate in troop activities due to an inability to pay the activity fee. If such a situation exists, please contact the Scoutmaster. Adult Leader Fees Registration fee for adult leaders is $20.00 per year. Activity Fees A small fee may be charged for camping trips and other activities to help defray costs. In addition, scouts will pay for their share of their patrol's food. Troop Finances Troop finances are managed by the Troop Treasurer. Fees charged for troop activities are established to cover the cost of the activity. Any revenues in excess of actual costs are used for other troop expenses or contingencies. Troop 1812 provides a variety of activities for its members. A semi-annual calendar is published which lists all troop activities. All troop activities are planned by the Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders Council with the guidance of the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders. Each “outing cycle” (an outing and all meetings preceding it) is assigned a theme and an adult advisor who will assist the scouts in coordinating troop meetings and the outing itself. These adults are only advisors and are expected to allow the scouts do as much as possible. Meetings Troop meetings are normally held on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Murphy Community Center in the old fire hall located at 205 N. Murphy Road, Murphy, TX 75094. The troop may occasionally decide to have meetings at other locations periodically. Outings The troop holds monthly outings. These are usually weekend camping trips to a variety of destinations. A day-long field trip may occasionally be used as a substitution for a campout when appropriate. Summer Camp Attendance at summer camp is a troop tradition. The troop attends one of the Circle Ten Council's camps usually during the month of June. The Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader coordinate Summer Camp with the council camp staff. Winter Camp The troop sponsors its own annual winter camp that takes place during the three-day weekend in January. Classes for Eagle required merit badges, as well as elective ones, will be offered by the troop during this camping trip. The newly installed Patrol Leaders Council will also hold its Annual Planning Conference to tentatively plan the year and plan the next six months in detail. Service Projects Service to others is a Scouting hallmark. The troop regularly participates in community and camp service projects. Courts of Honor Courts of Honor (COH) are special ceremonies to recognize the members of our troop for their rank advancements and their accomplishments. They are usually held every three to four months. Parents and other family members are encouraged to attend. End-of-Year Banquet Every December, the troop will have a special Court of Honor in which the troop’s scouts and adult leadership present to the Chartered Organization, community, and parents what the troop accomplished during the year. The Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader(s) will present the “Year in Review” with help from other scouts and adult leaders. Junior leaders for the following six moths will be installed during the latter stages of the banquet. Both Scouts and adult leaders are required to have a FULL Scout uniform. In addition, scouts and adults are required to have a minimum of one Troop 1812 neckerchief, one Troop 1812 shirt and one Troop 1812 hat. The varying levels of the uniform are expressed below: Class A Uniform
Class B Uniform
Class C Uniform
In all cases, the scouts must be neat in appearance. Shirt tails must be tucked in, unless otherwise approved. Footwear should consist of tennis shoes, dress shoes, or hiking boots. For safety reasons, open toed shoes are not allowed in any case. Scouts are never allowed to display a body piercing or tattoos. Non-Scout hats should not be worn with any uniform.
As a rule, the Class A uniform is to be worn to troop meetings, all Courts of Honor, ceremonies, and other special occasions. The Class B uniform is to be worn at all troop meetings between May 1 and October 1 of each year. The Class C uniform is to be worn to the departure for all camping trips, service projects, and other events requiring active participation. In most cases, the Scouts will be notified about what to wear in advance of any activity. Rank Advancement Scouts will advance through the six Boy Scout ranks at their own pace. Troop activities are provided to help the Scouts learn the skills required to advance. There are four steps in advancement:
Merit Badges There are three specific ways a scout can earn merit badges as a scout in Troop 1812:
The following is a description of how each option works. For all options, the troop is determined to maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America as defined by the National Council. With this in mind, please note that scouts must consult the Scoutmaster prior to beginning any merit badge outside of troop activities. This is to ensure that all the proper procedures are taken, thus eliminating the possibility of controversy when the scout is in the final stages of completing the Eagle Rank.
Parents with knowledge and skills in a particular merit badge are invited to become registered Merit Badge Counselors for the troop. Please contact the Scoutmaster for details. All Merit Badge Counselors must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Personal Equipment Upon joining the troop and prior to attending his first camping trip, each Scout will need the following:
Other equipment such as backpacks will be needed for older Scouts. Troop Equipment The troop maintains an inventory of equipment including tents, dining tarps, cooking equipment, and other camping gear. This equipment is purchased from the proceeds of troop fund-raising activities, such as the sale of popcorn, annual fees, and contingency funds. Youth Behavior Scouting activities are fun, memorable experiences, and the troop leaders want the Scouts to enjoy themselves at all times. Their fun and enjoyment must, however, stay within the boundaries of proper behavior. Not only does inappropriate and disruptive behavior ruin the Scouting experience for others, it can also be dangerous. Examples of misbehavior and inappropriate activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
In most cases, a progressive form of discipline is used. This means that the Scout would be first be given a warning. If the misbehavior continues, he would be required to sit out during an activity. Continued misbehavior would include the other consequences listed above. If the misbehavior is severe enough, however, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, without regard to the use of progressive discipline. Scouts are responsible for paying for the repair or replacement of any troop equipment that is lost or damaged as the result of misbehavior. All Scouts and their parents are required to sign a behavior contract with acknowledges their understanding and acceptance of the troop behavior policy. Adult Behavior All adults working with the troop are required to conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Adults are expected to lead by example and to be a proper role model for the Scouts. Adults are also expected to not interfere with the scout-led nature of the troop. The Scoutmaster must be notified of any medications that a Scout must take while on a troop activity. The type of medication to be taken and the type of outing will determine whether the Scout will keep his medication himself or give it to one of the adult leaders. Any medication sent with a Scout must be in the original prescription bottle. In addition, written instructions must be sent with the medication. The instructions must be signed and dated by a parent and must include the following information:
Scouts are expected to follow safe practices at all times and especially when working with axes, knives, and saws. In addition, Scouts are required to follow safe procedures around fires. Failure to follow safe practices will result in disciplinary action. Prior to using a hatchet, knife, or saw, each Scout must obtain a "Totin' Chip" card. The card must be kept with him when using a hatchet, knife, or saw. Also, prior to building a fire, each Scout must obtain a "Firem'n Chit" card. Due to safety reasons, Scouts are not allowed to bring the following items on any troop activity:
Troop 1812 will have as many patrols as necessary to accommodate the number of Scouts in the troop. Generally, the maximum size for a patrol is ten Scouts; the minimum size is four Scouts. Changing patrols is discouraged. However, a Scout may be allowed to switch patrols upon approval of the Scoutmaster and with the concurrence of the patrol that the Scout wishes to join. Patrols may not change their name, unless special permission is granted by the Scoutmaster. Similarly, new patrols are allowed to choose their own name, subject to approval of the Scoutmaster. A variety of leadership positions are available to the Scouts of Troop 1812. Leadership development is an important part of the overall troop program. Junior leaders are expected to do what is necessary to ensure that the troop is scout-led. All junior leaders must be approved by the Scoutmaster before they may be considered for office. Senior Patrol Leader The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top junior leader. He must be at least a Star Scout, and 13 years of age, or otherwise be approved by the Scoutmaster. He is elected by the members of the troop for a six month term, and he may serve not serve more than two terms. The Senior Patrol Leader is expected to appoint other junior leaders, run the troop’s program, and preside over all troop meetings, Courts of Honor, outings, and Patrol Leaders Council Meetings with consultation with the Scoutmaster. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six month term. He must be at least a First Class Scout. The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is expected to support the Senior Patrol Leader with the running of the troop’s program, and to take the lead role in the Senior Patrol Leader’s absence. Additionally, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is responsible for the troop’s program for scouts who have completed First Class, but have not yet entered high school. Troop Guide The Scoutmaster appoints the troop’s third junior leader, the Troop Guide (TG). He must be at least a First Class Scout. The Troop Guide is the director of the troop’s “First Year Scout Program.” His primary responsibilities are to get each new scout to First Class within one year of joining and being a friend and mentor to the new scouts. This is a very important position. Venture Patrol Leader The Venture Patrol Leader is elected by the members of the troop’s Venture Patrol for a six month term. He must be at least a Star Scout and 14 years of age. The Venture Patrol is a patrol composed of older scouts (high school aged). The purpose of this special patrol is to provide older scouts with opportunities to engage in more challenging activities too difficult for younger scouts. Patrol Leaders Patrol Leaders are elected by members of their patrol for six month terms. A Patrol Leader must be at least a First Class Scout, except for the new Scout patrol(s). Patrol Leaders serve only one term, unless all eligible members of the patrol have been a Patrol Leader. Patrol Leaders appoint an Assistant Patrol leader and other patrol officers as needed. Den Chiefs Den Chiefs must be at least a First Class Scout, unless a special exception is granted by the Scoutmaster. Their service as a Den Chief requires the approval of the Scoutmaster, Troop Guide, and the Cubmaster of the pack where they wish to serve. Quartermaster The Quartermaster is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six month term, and is responsible for the troop’s equipment. He is also supported by an adult leader designated by the Scoutmaster. Scribe The Scribe is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six month term, and is responsible for taking minutes during Patrol Leaders Council Meetings. Chaplain Aide The Chaplain Aide is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six month term, and is responsible for “Scouts’ Own” Worship Services on Sunday mornings of outings. Historian The Historian is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six moth term, and is responsible for coordinating the publication of the troop’s newsletter, The Troop 1812 Overture, with the Scoutmaster, and other appropriate troop members. Librarian The Librarian is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for a six month term, and is responsible to maintaining the troop’s library of books, tapes, DVDs, BSA publications, and other types of reference media. Order of the Arrow Representative The Order of the Arrow Representative is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader for an indefinite term of office. He must be a member of the Order of the Arrow and be willing to attend monthly Malia’ Cones OA Chapter meetings. Junior Assistant Scoutmasters Junior Assistant Scoutmasters must be at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old. They are appointed by the Scoutmaster. The troop may have more than one Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. This position is intended to honor older scouts for prolonging service to the troop. Patrol Leaders Council The Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Patrol Leaders are all voting members of the Patrol Leaders Council. The council usually meets weekly after troop meetings to plan troop activities under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. Other troop junior and adult leaders are encouraged to come to PLC meetings. Junior Leader Training All troop officers, Patrol Leaders, and Assistant Patrol Leaders are required to attend Troop Junior Leader Training which is held twice a year. The program is planned by the Senior Patrol Leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster or his designee. In addition, troop junior leaders are encouraged to participate in district and council training programs. Elections The election for all troop officers is held twice a year normally in November and May. There is always a period of two or three weeks between troop elections and when the newly elected leaders are installed at a troop Court of Honor. The adult leaders of Troop 1812 are committed to delivering the promise of Scouting (Boy Scout Handbook, page 1). Adult leadership functions in the following ways. Troop Committee Troop Committee members are selected by the Troop Committee Chair and approved by the Chartered Organization. Their responsibility is to support the Scoutmaster and other adult leader that are in direct association with the scouts. Specific duties include troop finances, fund-raising, and handling boards of review. The committee meets the week before troop Courts of Honor. Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster is the troop’s “Unit Leader” and is ultimately responsible for the troop’s program, record keeping, communication, recruitment, and reputation. He is a highly trained individual who is appointed by the Troop Committee. Assistant Scoutmasters Assistant Scoutmasters are selected by the Scoutmaster then approved by the Troop Committee. There are no minimum qualifications other than a desire to work with scouts in a program role, to be a proper role model, and be willing to get trained.
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Written by Rhett Carter, based upon a document written by Don Wendell |
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