Troop 39 Handbook and Guidelines

On behalf of the Adult Troop Leadership and the Youth Troop Leadership, we wish to welcome you and your family into what we consider an outstanding program.  We are glad that you have chosen Troop 39 among all those available in the Revolutionary Trails Council to pursue your “Trail to Eagle.” Our highly trained and experienced staff is here to make this experience a rewarding challenging time in your life. We will be here to guide your journey that will lead to adventure, mastering skills and providing you with a great sense of accomplishment.  The following pages will provide you and your family some of the basic information regarding Boy scouting with our troop.  Please keep in mind that this is just a brief overview and that any Adult and Youth Scout Leader in the troop will always be available to answer any questions that you have

Scout Master: Sean McMahon

 

Dear Parents and Scouts,

We are glad you will be joining our troop.  Scouting is the largest and one of the oldest organizations around.  It is also one that is immediately known and respected by many people throughout the world.  You will find that you will get out of scouting and Troop 39 what you put into it.  This handbook is to help you learn about scouting and our troop.  We hope this booklet will be useful to you, our new parents and scouts.  Please read it together, along with the first pages in the scout handbook.  Please do not hesitate to ask one of our leaders if you ever have a question now or anytime in the future.  Both parents and the scout should read this handbook and return the completed signoff sheet at the end of the booklet to a committee member at your next troop meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction and Membership

Boy Scouting, one of the traditional membership divisions of the BSA, is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade, or are 11 through 17 years old.  The program achieves the BSA’s objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a vigorous program of outdoor activities. Any changes to the age requirements by the BSA will be mirrored by Troop 39. 

Troop 39 also accepts transfers from other troops as long as the transferring scout is leaving in good standing with the previous troop.  Any scout who has been expelled from or membership in another troop has been cancelled, will not be considered for membership in Troop 39.

The most exciting for the scout (and challenging for the parents) is the initial differences between Cub scouting and Boy scouting.  Cub scouting is an adult run program. Boy scouting is a boy-run program with the oversight and guidance of the adult leaders.

Adult membership in Troop 39 is open to all parents of youth members, members of the sponsoring organization, and any other person interested in serving the youth of the troop.

The Chartered Organization Representative and the Troop Committee Chairman must approve all adult membership.

Aims and Methods of the Scouting Program

The scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting”.  They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.

Ideals

The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan.  The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve.  The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes.

Patrols

The patrol method gives boy scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship.  It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it.  The patrol method allows scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other.  These small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives.

Outdoor Programs

Boy scouting is designed to take place outdoors.  It is in the outdoor setting that scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another.  In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose.  Being close to nature helps the boy scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.  The outdoors is the laboratory in which boy scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of the nature’s resources.

Advancement

Boy scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method.  The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge.  The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence.  The steps in the advancement system help a boy scout grow in self-re3liance and in the ability to help others.

Associations with Adults

Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves.  Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop.  In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.

Personal Growth

As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth.  The Good Turn concept is a majorly part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting.  Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others.  Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn.  The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method.  Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determining his growth toward Scouting’s aim.

Leadership Development

The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills.  Every Boy Scout ha the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations.  Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

 

 

BSA Mission Statement

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

Boy Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY

A scout tells the truth.  He keeps his promises.  Honesty is part of his code of conduct.  People can depend on him.

 

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout Leader, friends, school, and nation.

 

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people.  He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

 

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all.  He is a brother to other Scouts.  He seeks to understand others.  He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

 

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.  He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

 

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle.  He treats others as he wants to be treated.  He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

 

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school and troop.  He obeys the laws of his community and country.  If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

 

 

 

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things.  He cheerfully does tasks that come his way.  He tries to make others happy.

 

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and help others.  He saves for unforeseen needs.  He protects and conserves natural resources.  He carefully uses time and property.

 

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid.  He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

 

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean.  He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals.  He helps keep his home and community clean.

 

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others.

 

Boy Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

And to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

Mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Scout Slogan

Do a good turn daily

Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to

Be Clean in my outdoor manners,

Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors, and

Be conservation-minded

Troop Committee 

There are many varied tasks on the committee.  Some duties involve few man hours each month but are year round, while other duties involve a more focused action over a one or two month span.  Additionally, Troop Committee members are needed to serve on the Board of Reviews.  A simple majority of the committee member’s presence is required for a motion to be passed.  Committee members must be registered adults, and complete Youth Protection training.  The committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm.  Some of the committee positions are listed below.

Chartered Organization Representative

Serves as liaison between troop and R. Parkhurst American Legion.  Helps recruits adults and assists with the annual re-charter. Responsible for appointing and/or removing Committee Chair position.

 

Committee Chairman

Runs the Troop Committee.  Secures individuals for Troop Committee positions.  Arranges for annual re-charter.  Performs annual audit of Troop’s bank account.

 

Assistant Committee Chairman

Duties as assigned by the Committee Chairman.  Oversees the troop volunteer positions.  Recruits parent volunteers.

 

Secretary

Records minutes of committee meetings and distributes to committee members.  Oversees publicity, troop newsletter, and troop resource survey.  Handles assorted tasks such as copying and maintaining troop inventory list.

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer

Handles all troop funds.  Maintains checking account and pays bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Troop Committee.  Trains and supervises troop scribe.  Supervises money earning projects.  Leads preparation of annual troop budget and reports to the troop committee.

 

Membership Coordinator

Maintain troop membership records, including applications and medical records,  Organize and carryout annual re-charter for troop.

 

Advancement Coordinator

Maintains all troop advancement records and awards.  Arranges for Board of Reviews for rank advancement.  Arranges quarterly Court of Honor ceremony.  Secures badges and awards.  Keeps track of all activities attended.

 

Outdoor Activities Coordinator

Provides advance planning and support for monthly campouts and activities.  Secures all required tour permits for troop activities.  Secure permission to use camping sites.  Work with quartermaster on inventory, storage, and maintaining troop equipment.  Serve as transportation coordinator.  Promote National Camping Award.  Attain the goal of one outing per month.

 

Equipment Coordinator

Keep a current inventory of troop equipment.  Supervise and help the troop procure equipment.  Work with the youth quartermaster on inventory, storage and maintenance of equipment.  Make periodic safety checks on troop equipment.

 

Grub Master

Overseas meal plan for campouts/activities.  Maintain balanced meals, Help Patrol Grub Master with quantity of food and shopping suggestions.

 

Training Coordinator

Coordinates the training for the troop’s adults.  Is responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop.  Encourages junior leader training within the troop and at the council level.

 

Summer Camp Coordinator

Promotes and coordinates our troop summer camp program. Keep parents informed of updates.  Help schedule the scouts’ activities at camp.  Required to be a detailed orientated person.

 

 

Chaplain

Provides a spiritual tone for meetings and activities.  Gives guidance to the Chaplain Aid.  Visits homes of Scouts when they are sick or in times of need.

 

Fund Raising Coordinator

Coordinates any fundraisers that may be instituted.

 

Fund Raising Committee Member(s)

Assist chairman in fundraising events

 

Newsletter Coordinator

Consolidates troop information, publish and distribute/e-mail newsletter to parents.

 

Publicist

Promotes troop activities within church, community, Boy Scout district and council

 

Court of Honor Reception Committee

Carry out the plans made by the scouts for a reception held after each Court of Honor (3 to 4 per year)

 

Troop Leadership Positions

Scoutmaster

The Scoutmaster is the adult in charge of the guidance and oversight of the boy run troop.  The Scoutmaster is responsible for the training and oversight of the Patrol Leaders Council.  The Scoutmaster gives his input and guidance to the Patrol Leaders Council and works with the Senior Patrol Leader to ensure a well run program.  The Scoutmaster gives his report to the Troop Committee at regular meetings.  The Scoutmaster also conducts Scoutmaster Conferences (SMC’s).

 

Assistant Scoutmaster

The Assistant Scoutmaster also plays a strategic part, for they support the Scoutmaster and share the challenge.  Assistants should be assigned specific program responsibilities.  A Scoutmaster may have as many assistants as desired, depending on the needs of the troop.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is assigned by the Scoutmaster.  He must meet the minimum requirements of Eagle Scout and have a minimum age of 16 years old.  He is given direct oversight of the Troop Guides and the Den Chiefs. 

Youth Leadership

A major goal of Scouting is developing leadership in our youth.  Boy Scout troops are actually run by its boy leaders.  Youth leadership is also a key aspect of rank advancement for Boy Scouts once they achieve the rank of First Class.  The highest youth leader is the Senior Patrol Leader, or SPL.  The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, or ASPL, assists the SPL and is the second highest ranking junior leader in the troop.

 

Junior leaders make up the patrol leaders council (PLC).  The PLC is the organizing body of the troop, planning all of the activities and meetings of the troop.  With the advice of the Scoutmaster, the SPL, as the top junior leader, leads this monthly meeting.  The adult leaders are present only as advisors and facilitators.  The PLC also meets in the summer to develop the program for the upcoming year.

 

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The SPL is the elected scout leader of the troop.  He is responsible to the Scoutmaster for all troop functions and operations.  He conducts monthly PLC meetings for planning and review of the troop’s activities and meetings.  

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

The ASPL is the right hand of the SPL.  He is willing and able to fill in during the absence of the SPL.  He is also responsible for the guidance of the support roles within the Scout structure. 

Patrol Leader

The Patrol Leader is the elected Scout for a group of 8 – 10 scouts.  He is responsible to the SPL for the operation of the patrol.  He helps his patrol members with training and advancement.  He is also responsible for the planning and communication within his patrol. 

Assistant Patrol Leader

The Assistant Patrol Leader is the right and of the Patrol Leader. He takes his direction from the Patrol Leader.  He is willing and able to fill in during the absence of the Patrol Leader.  

Troop Guide

The Troop Guide is responsible to the Junior Assistant Scoutmasters or Assistant Scoutmasters if no junior is present in the troop.  He is responsible for the guidance and training of the Patrol Leaders to ensure a fully functioning patrol. 

Scribe

The Scribe is responsible to the ASPL.  He is responsible for the troop record keeping.  This includes taking minutes at the monthly Patrol Leaders Council meetings.  He is also responsible for keeping track of attendance at all meeting and activities.

Quartermaster

The Quartermaster is responsible to the ASPL.  He is responsible for the troop’s equipment.  He will work with the adult Equipment Coordinator in making sure that all equipment needed for activities is provided and returned in good condition.

 

Librarian

The Librarian is responsible to the ASPL.  He is in charge of the troop’s library of merit badge books and reference material.

Chaplain Aide

The Chaplain Aide is responsible to the ASPL.  He is responsible for the spiritual tone at meetings and functions.

 

Instructor

The Instructor is responsible to the ASPL.  He is responsible for specific training to the scouts as directed.

 

O.A. Representative

The O.A. Representative is the liaison between the Order of the Arrow Lodge and the Troop Order of the Arrow members.

 

Webmaster

The Webmaster is responsible to the ASPL.  He is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Troop 39 webpage.