Troop
Arlington Heights, Illinois
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Arlington Heights, Illinois |
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TROOP OPERATION & POLICY FORWARD: Troop 32 is the oldest, continuously-chartered Boy Scout Troop in the North Woods District. It has been and continues to be successful because of standards, a code of conduct and operating procedures that are in accordance with national BSA policies. PURPOSE: It is the intent of this document to state simply the basic operation of Troop 32. By knowing the policy, scouts and parents should have no misunderstanding of what the troop expects and accomplishes.
Youth Protection (Child Abuse) Procedures Troop 32, in accord with National, Council and District policies, operates with the following requirements and restrictions:
COMPLETE UNIFORMS are to be worn:* Back to contents - at ALL patrol and troop meetings - TO and FROM all campouts and other outdoor activities - at Merit Badge Counseling Meetings, Boards of Review and Courts of Honor - at Scout Service Projects - at any public, District or Council event. THE BOY SCOUT UNIFORM consists of: - Scout shirt (long or short sleeve) with red loops on shoulder epaulets - Scout pants (long or short with stockings) - Webbed belt and appropriate buckle of choice - Neckerchief with slide - Appropriate insignia - Hat as specified by the Troop - Shoes (leather or canvas -- neat and clean) ADULT INVOLVEMENT: Back to contents -The Adult Troop Committee will carry out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, including: . Final approval of the Patrol Leaders’ Council-developed annual and monthly program . Responsibility for finances, adequate funding and disbursement in line with an approved budget plan . Ensure that the troop meets the "Quality Unit" national standards . Rechartering by December 15 . Conduct an annual review of the Troop Policy - The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters will hold current "Trained" Certificates. - Committee Members will be encouraged to attend and complete adult Leader Training courses - A minimum of two (2) adults will be present at all troop events, including Merit Badge counseling sessions. (It is recommended that a parent accompany his/her son and be present during Merit Badge consoling sessions.) - Parents of Troop 32 are expected to participate in the troop program, i.e., committee positions, fund-raising, driving and attending Campouts and summer camp.
* Unless a valid excuse is accepted by the Scoutmaster. With the permission of the Scoutmaster or the Venture Assistant Scoutmaster, Venture activity shirts may be substituted for the regular scout uniform only DURING a Venture activity. TROOP COMMITTEE: Back to contents The function of the Troop Committee simply is to support the Scoutmaster to ensure a successful execution of the scout program for the boys. The Committee handles the administration of details, i.e., finances, equipment, recruiting, safety, advancement, etc., which the Scoutmaster cannot and should not handle. All registered committee members are expected to attend the monthly Committee Meeting, held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1st Presbyterian Church. The Vice-Chairmen will give reports regarding their various sub-committees’ activities. Committee members are encouraged also to attend District/Council training courses, i.e., Adult Leader Training, Committee Training, Okpik Winter Camping Training, etc. DISTRICT ROUNDTABLE: Back to contents Troop 32’s Scoutmaster is required to attend the North Woods District Roundtable held on the 2nd Tuesday each month at St. Simon’s Church in Arlington Heights. In the event the SM cannot attend the meeting, he must secure a substitute as the Troop’s representative. The Committee Chairman, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Members and the Senior Patrol Leader are encouraged to attend also.
PATROL STRUCTURE:* Back to contents Troop 32 recognizes the benefits of tiered patrol system and supports three types of patrols which group boys with similar ages and achievements. - "New Scout" Patrol: Is made up of boys who have just joined the Troop. Assisted by an older, experienced Scout, called a "Guide"; and an Assistant Scoutmaster, this patrol learns the basics of Scouting as they earn ranks of Tenderfoot, Second and First Class. - "Regular" Patrol: Once a Scout has earned the rank of First Class or has entered the 7th grade, he is eligible to join a "regular" patrol. These Scouts have learned the basic patrol structure and the benefits of working together as a team to accomplish patrol tasks. -"Venture" Patrol: Consists of older, experienced Scouts who are looking for even more adventure. Membership is voluntary. A Scout may join the "Venture" Patrol if he is age 13 by September 1 of the program year and has earned the rank of Star; or is age 14 by September 1 of the program year. "Venture" Patrols are called "crews". They elect a Crew Chief who represents the patrol at the Patrol Leader Council. They choose also their own outings, i.e., backpacking, survival, canoeing, whitewater and snow camping. The Crew Chief’s office term ends upon completion of an outing. The crew then chooses a new outing and Crew Chief. *Additional information may be found in the "Scoutmaster’s Handbook" Troop 32 is an "outdoor" troop. The National BSA Program of 1989 put "outing" back into Scouting and reinforced a long-standing Troop 32 goal by requiring certain Merit Badges to be earned on campouts. The program, developed by Patrol Leaders’ Council (Greenbar Meeting) with the Scoutmaster’s guidance, is submitted to the Troop Committee for final approval. Such considerations as safety, finances, logistics, practicalities, and calendar conflicts are discussed before approval is granted. A Troop Calendar (Planned Program) and Policy will be published and given to each family at a "kick-off" meeting in August, following the North Woods District Roundtable. Scheduled Troop events may be altered, if necessary because of unforeseen conflicts, by the Troop Committee. Fun campouts and weekly meetings are the backbone of a successful scout program. Our annual program consists of: -Patrol Leaders’ Council (Greenbar Meeting): The Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders and other Scouts will attend a "kick-off" meeting to plan the Troop’s Program, under the supervision and guidance of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster will submit the PLC’s suggested program to the Troop Committee for approval. Subsequent monthly meetings by the PLC. are held to plan the weekly Troop Meeting Program. These meetings are held generally in the church on Saturday mornings. Time and location may be changed by the Scoutmaster. - Patrol Meetings: Should be held weekly, either at the home of a Scout or at the weekly troop meeting. The patrol members work as a team: to help each other learn skills, plan patrol activities, menus, practice 1st aid, etc. In line with the Troop Program, patrol meetings are necessary for preparation of a specific demonstration at the weekly troop meeting. - Weekly Troop Meetings: Troop 32 meets every Thursday evening in the Youth Lounge of 1st Presbyterian Church, located at Eastman and Dunton Sts. The meetings start at 7:00pm. Attendance by each Scout is expected at every meeting for his personal fun and growth with Scouting. and, for his contribution and leadership in helping his fellow Scouts. As one element of "Scout Spirit", attendance is a requirement for rank advancement. Complete uniforms are required. We are Troop 32 and we’re proud of it! Non- uniformed scouts, without a valid excuse, will be asked to take a position at the rear of their patrol (or will be asked to leave the meeting). No personal games, balls or other equipment are to be brought to the meeting unless such items are a planned part of the program. -Monthly Activities: Weekend campouts, Friday PM through Sunday PM, are within approximately 150 miles generally. ALL Scout parents are expected to assist with driving and/or food-buying for their son’s patrol on one or more campouts. Each patrol must submit a menu and a duty roster for Leader approval prior to the campout. Patrol food costs are shared equally by patrol members. If a cancellation is necessary after food is obtained and registration fees paid, the boy must still pay his share. Complete uniforms are required to and from each campout. A non-uniformed scout will have the option of getting his uniform and wearing it or remaining at home. -Annual Summer Camp: The Troop attends a one or two-week summer camp at our Northwest Suburban Council’s Camp Napowan near Wildrose, WI. This experience provides numerous opportunities for a Scout to have fun and learn camping, water/boating, craft skills, nature, etc. This summer activity is open to all Scouts and is scheduled generally in the latter part of July. Without adult commitment, summer camp may be limited to one week. Parent permission slips, adult and youth medical exams, or certificates of health, are required by the Council. Summer camp briefings for parents and Scouts are given by Troop Leaders re.. logistics, schedules, fees., etc. A deposit is due at the Council early in March. -High Adventure Trips: Since 1976, the Troop has scheduled special outdoor camping experiences for qualified Scouts. They have included 10-day canoe/backpacking treks to the Canadian Quetico National Forest, West Virginia’s Monhongahela National Forest and Kentucky’s Land Between The Lakes Region. These trips are separate events from those of the Venture Patrol. Troop-required Scout Qualifications: . Must be 13 years of age by Jan. 1 of the year in which the trip is planned. . Must be STAR rank or above . Must have completed Committee-designated Merit Badges applicable to the specific activity, i.e., canoeing, first aid, cooking, camping, wilderness survival, swimming & lifesaving for a canoe trip. . Parent permission slips and medical forms are required. . Must meet National/Council requirements per tour permit re: Child Abuse, Safety Afloat, CPR, appropriate physical examinations, etc. -District/Council/National Events: These events may vary annually in theme, purpose and scheduling. The Troop has participated traditionally in many of these activities which are reviewed and scheduled as part of the Troop Planned Program. Some of these events are: .District Camp-O-Ree -- A semi-annual event for all Troops. Patrols compete against each other in various fun events which feature Scout skills. Troops attempt also to win a "Top Camper" Award based on their campsites’ safety, cooking hygiene, neatness and other scout camping requirements. .District First Aid Meet -- A competitive event stated in early December for all patrols. Practical problems are presented to patrols for solving within a time limit. .Scouting For Food -- An annual food drive for the hungry as part of a National BSA Good Turn Project. RESTRICTIONS: Back to contents - Radios, tape/CD players. electronic games, etc., are prohibited at troop functions, unless authorized by the Scoutmaster for a specific scout-related event. Such items will be confiscated by troop Leaders and returned at the event’s completion. (For emergency weather announcements, it is recommended that Leaders carry a portable radio.) - Fixed-blade (sheath) knives, firecrackers, firearms or weapons of any classification are prohibited (unless part of an approved demonstration or event). Discovery of such items may result in (scout or adult) expulsion from the troop. - Illegal substances of any kind are prohibited and will be confiscated. The finding of such substances will be reported to the Troop Committee, the Northwest Suburban Council and local law enforcement officials for further action. - Unauthorized Use of Troop Equipment: No person (adult or youth) or scout patrol will use any article of troop-owned equipment for personal, family or group use unless authorized specifically by the Troop Committee. Any person or patrol violating this policy will be subject to a Committee review for possible disciplinary action. - Unauthorized Changes in the Troop Planned Program: Any changes in the Troop Committee-approved Planned Program, i.e., rescheduling patrol or troop activities, change of locations, etc., must be proposed and approved by the Committee Chairman and two (2) Committee Members before plans for such changes are implemented. The Planned Program is reviewed by the Committee from many aspects, safety, costs, logistics, other schedule conflicts, etc. The Committee alone may authorize such Program changes. - Unauthorized and Restricted Activities:* - Use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) - Boxing, karate and related martial arts - Chain saws/log splitters - Exploration of abandoned mines - Flight training, hang gliding, microlite & ultra-lite flying, parachuting, hot-air ballooning and experimental aircraft flying. - Rodeo participation - Motorized go-carts/motorbikes - "War Games" (paint ball shooting) - Hunting - Motorized personal watercraft (jet skis) - Parasailing - Bungee jumping
TOUR PERMITS: Back to contents It is mandatory that proper Tour Permits be filed with the Northwest Suburban Council prior to any "outside" patrol or troop activity. A permit grants official Council and National sanction to Committee-approved activity and provides additional or "back-up" insurance. Without a Tour Permit, a patrol or troop activity is unofficial with the Troop, the local Council and the National Council, and the Troop’s insurance is void. For patrol or troop activities within 500 miles, a "Local Tour Permit" will be filed at the Scout Service Center at least 24 hours before an outing. For patrol or troop activities over 500 miles, a "National Tour Permit" will be filed not less than 4 weeks before the event. Since January 1, 2003, National BSA rules make it mandatory that at least one adult trained in Youth Protection be present on any troop outing.
TRANSPORTATION: Back to contents All parents and Leaders are expected to share the responsibility of driving to and from campouts. It is responsibility of each patrol to secure its own drivers. A report, listing the number of Scouts and drivers, will be given to the Transportation Chairman and/or Scoutmaster no later than the Wednesday before the event. All vehicles MUST be covered by a liability insurance policy, which meets or exceeds the Illinois insurance requirement. BSA recommends that $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 be carried as a minimum. Seat belts are to be worn. *As listed and described in the BSA publication, "Guide to Safe Scouting". All Leaders and parents are urged to be familiar with this document.
PERMISSION FORM: Back to contents No boy will be permitted to take part in an outing unless a permission form has been signed and returned to the Scoutmaster by the boy’s parent or legal guardian. The permission form requirement applies to all Troop 32 functions. It must contain an emergency phone number where the parent/s or guardian may be reached. It is the parent/s’ responsibility to notify the Troop Leaders of any alternate phone numbers. Copies of the Permission Form will be filed with: - the Scoutmaster - the Committee Chairman A copy of the form will accompany the Scoutmaster or Leader in charge on each campout. If you need a Permission Form form, click on the appropriate link. T32 Permission.PDF MEDICAL FORMS: Back to contents A physical examination, resulting in a completed, doctor-signed Class II medical form, is required for a Scout to attend summer camp. Such an exam must take place within 3 years prior to the camping period. All Scouts participating in High Adventure activities, athletic competitions and National or World Jamborees are required to have a CLASS III physical completed within the past 12 momths. Adults attending summer camp/high adventure camps are required to have a completed CLASS III medical form. This is an ANNUAL National Council requirement. Copies of the medical form will be filed with: -the Scoutmaster or Leader in charge -the Committee Chairman A copy of the medical form will accompany the Scoutmaster or Leader in charge on each campout. If you need a health form, click on the appropriate link. Class 1.PDF Class 2.PDF Class 3.PDF TROOP ACTIVITY NOTIFICATION: Back to contents The Troop Planned Program (calendar) is the primary notification. Unforeseen changes in the schedule will be made known to the Scouts at Troop Meetings. It is the Scouts’ responsibility to notify their parents of such changes, and let their Patrol Leader know of their intent to go on the outing. ADVANCEMENTS: Back to contents -Scoutmaster Conference: Each Scout will have a minimum of two Scoutmaster Conferences per year to review the the Scout’s goals and to encourage progress. Between conferences, parents are asked to encourage their son’s advancement toward EAGLE, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting. -Boards of Review: Following his Scoutmaster Conference, a Scout will appear in full uniform before a Troop Board of Review. For the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second and First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the Board will consist of Troop Committee Members. Awards will be made as soon as possible. Formal recognition will be made at the next Court of Honor. -Eagle Projects: Having attained the rank of Life, a Scout may immediately start the planning and execution of his Eagle Project. When satisfied with his concept, he will present a written plan of his proposed project to the Troop Committee for review. The plan must detailed sufficiently to enable the Committee to make a determination if the concept qualifies as a worthy Eagle Project. The Scout must appear in full uniform and be prepared to answer questions regarding his project. This is an opportunity for the Scout to gain communications experience before an adult group. He alone must explain his project. If the project is rejected by the Committee, the Candidate must be given suggestions or advice, encouraging him to make improvements in this plan or to select a different project. Although the Candidate may contact a District Eagle Coordinator for advice on Eagle Advancement Procedures, he must have Troop Committee approval before he presents formally his Eagle Project to his Eagle Coordinator. Upon completing his Eagle project and documentation, the candidate will appear in full, Class A uniform before an Eagle Board of Review, consisting of a minimum of three troop Committee Members and a representative from the Council Advancement Committee. (The candidate’s Eagle Coordinator is an automatic member of the Council Advancement Committee.) If the candidate is approved by the Eagle Board, his Eagle application and documentation is sent to the National Council for approval. Upon approval and return of the documentation, an Eagle Court of Honor is convened to bestow Scouting’s highest award to the Scout. -DUES: (To be determined at the October Committee Meeting) Annual dues for both Scouts and adults are paid at the time the Troop completes its recharter application, no later than the 15th of December. The Boy Scout registration annual fee is $70.00, and consists of: -BSA National Registration -Boys’ Life Magazine -Troop Insurance -Awards, Courts of Honor expenses and misc. troop expenses.
The Troop will pay the $1.00 fee for adult committee position transfers, as well as the Webelo-to-Scout transfer fee. -ACTIVITY/EVENT PAYMENT: (Pay up front) If Troop funds are to make final payment for an activity or event, ALL money will be collected from participating individuals PRIOR to the activity or event. The responsible adult will make known each individual’s cost at the announcement/commencement of the activity or event. In addition, a deadline for payment will be determined and made known. Any youth or adult not making payment to the Troop by the deadline WILL NOT be a participant. Such activities/events include camp ground registration, possible gasoline expenses*, summer camp/high adventure trips, popcorn and wreath sales, and District/Council costs, i.e., membership, camp-o-rees, first aid meets and district dinners. A troop check will be issued only for the amount of money received! Schedule --- Budget --- Promote --- Collect --- Have Fun
-TROOP FUND RAISING: The Troop will participate in successful fund-raising. All Scouts are expected to participate to raise funds for replacement equipment, etc. Currently, the Troop participates in: - Popcorn Sales --- An October-November Council-wide activity which as proven to be the Troop’s best source of income. Deliveries and collection are completed early in December. - Christmas Wreath Sales --- Also an October-November activity. Deliveries are completed in late November.. * Reimbursement of gas, oil and toll costs will be made to any parent who may need help. Reimbursement will be made by the Troop Treasurer based on a confidential request by the parent to the Committee Chairman or Scoutmaster, the submittal of receipts and the parent’s honor. DISCIPLINE AND EXPULSION: Back to contents Discipline problems of a repetitive or serious nature will not be tolerated. The Troop Committee and the boy’s parents will meet to resolve the problem. "Casual" discipline problems will be resolved by the Patrol Leaders’ Council. Serious discipline problems occurring during a campout will require the parents to drive to the campout and take their son home. -Procedures: 1. The Scoutmaster will notify the Committee Chairman that a discipline problem exists. 2. The Committee Chairman will convene a Discipline Board of four (4) Troop Committee Members. One member may be the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster who is not the reporting Leader. 3. The Scoutmaster or reporting Leader will present the case to the Board. 4. The Board may recommend: A. No action be taken at the time. B. Send the problem to the Patrol Leaders’ Council for action. C. Notify the parents of the problem and set up a time to meet with the boy and the parents. The accusing adult and one member of the Discipline Board will attend the meeting. 5. At the Board’s recommendation, following the parent meeting, one of the following actions may be taken: A. Send the problem to the Patrol Leaders’ Council B. Put the Scout on probation. C. Require the parent to attend activities until the problem is determined not to exist. D. The Scout is expelled from the Troop. E. Other penalties as determined by circumstances and the Board. YOUTH PROTECTION Back to contents Reporting Suspected Cases of Child Abuse In January 1987, the Illinois State "Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act" (ANCRA) was expanded to include "all persons in charge of a child when a case of abuse occurs. Leaders of Scout activities are now included in this interpretation of the law. Scout Leaders are therefore required by ANCRA to report to the IL Dept. Of Children and Family Services all SUSPECTED cases of child abuse. The law provides that anyone participating in such a report shall be presumed to be acting in good faith and in so doing, "shall be immune from liability, civil or criminal," that otherwise might be incurred or imposed. Any suspicion of abuse must be reported regardless of severity or circumstances. Further, this suspicion of abuse is not an issue requiring professional judgement. It is a mandate of the D.C.F.S., which in turn, determines whether the suspicion was "founded" or "unfounded". If suspicion of abuse or neglect occurs, Scout Leaders should take the following measures: 1. Write down all the facts as you know them. 2. Immediately call the Northwest Suburban Service Center (847) 824-6880, and report your suspicions to a member of the Council Professional Staff, preferably the Scout Executive, Mr. Bill Fisher. If, on evenings or weekends, there is no answer, consult your Emergency Procedures card to find the number to call. 3. The D.C.F.S. will be notified within 24 hours by a Pro. Staff member. It is recommended strongly that ALL parents and Leaders view the B.S.A. Youth Protection video tape for adults and become familiar with the booklet, "Child Abuse, Let’s Talk About It" (BSA #3943); as well as the video tape for Scouts, "A Time To Tell". All are available at the Service Center. All Leaders should be trained in Youth Protection. Since January 1, 2003, National BSA rules make it mandatory that at least one adult trained in Youth Protection be present on any troop outing.
ANNUAL RE-CHARTER PROCESS Back to contents A charter is a contract between the Boy Scouts of America, and a unit sponsoring organization, that must be renewed annually. Within the North Woods District, this process must be completed every December. During the re-application, the troop's roster, youth advancement ,and adult training status is updated; reviewed and approved by the Charter Organization Representative, and the troop's Unit Commissioner; and submitted to the Northwest Council by December 15th. To ensure the on time re-chartering of Troop 32, the following procedures have been implemented. On or about October 15th of each year, a Re-chartering Sub-committee is activated. This sub-committee will consist of:
These members will meet within five days after receipt of the Re-Charter Application from the Unit Commissioner to:
Failure of youth and/or adult members to forward their dues to the Treasurer by December 1st will result in the forfeiture or their Troop 32 membership. After December 1st you will be required to submit a new BSA membership application along with your dues check should you wish to be re-instated. The above mentioned dates will appear on the troop's annual calendar as scheduled events.
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