TROOP GUIDE
TROOP
601
Troop Guide Book
First Presbyterian Church
Apopka, Florida
Table of Contents
Welcome to Troop 601
This Guide Book was put together to let you know a little about our troop. The First Presbyterian Church of Apopka sponsors troop 601. We meet every Monday night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM unless there is a camp-out or other special circumstances. Our Dist is Wekiva and our Council is Central Florida. This guidebook is meant to be a brief summary of need-to-know items. If you have any questions about this guidebook, please contact the Committee Chair. The Troop Committee reserves the right to amend any part of this guidebook.
Membership in the troop is open to all boys regardless of where he lives or church affiliation. The requirements for any boy to join the Boy Scouts of America are:
Eleven (11) years of age or older
Completed fifth (5th) grade
Completed and parental signature of an official BSA registration
Registration
New boys must turn in the following forms to the Advanced Chairman, Scout Master or Committee Chair:
The official BSA registration form, that must be completed and signed by the parents or legal guardian(s)
Parent Interest Survey Form
Medical form
Registration due of no more than ?? or amount set by the council
A yearly Council registration fee of ?? is due in September of each year or pro-rated if a scout joins after January. Scouts that cross over must pay a $1.00 transfer fee along with the above forms.
Dues
Current dues are 40.00 per year. They are to be paid in September or can be paid in two (2) installments of 20.00, once in September and again in January. Scouts will not be re-registered until dues are made current. The dues amount is subject to change at the discretion of the committee.
Scout Handbook
Within the BSA Handbook are sections for each Rank. Each Rank has special requirements. As these requirements are met, they will need to be signed off by an ADULT LEADER.
Every cross over Scout will receive a Boy Scout Handbook upon joining the Troop. Scouts are expected to bring their BSA Handbook to each troop meeting, camp out, Patrol Leader conference, Scout Master conference and their Boards of Review. This will allow his books marked off in a timely manner.
Once your son has received his BSA Handbook, it is his responsibility to write his name is on the first page and his name is along the top edge of his Handbook. This will insure easily identified.
Red Notebooks
Each Scout with Troop 601 will receive a RED 3-ring Notebook. Scouts are expected to bring their BSA Handbook to each troop meeting, camp out, Patrol Leader conference, Scout Master conference and their Boards of Review. Inside the notebook are places to store items such as:
Merit Badge cards
Merit Badge Information sheets
Rank cards
BSA Handbook
BSA Membership cards
Toten Chip
Fireman Chit
Campout Information
Pencils, Pens or other writing utensils
Etc
Scout Uniforms
Scouts are expected to wear their Field Uniform at all troop meetings, while traveling to and from activities, campouts and other special functions UNLESS requested to wear an Activity Uniform. Field Uniforms should be kept in clean and neat condition at all times.
Field Uniforms:
BSA Scout short or pants
BSA Scout shirt *
Red topped Scout socks
Baseball style meshed Scout cap
BSA Scout belt
Field Uniforms:
Troop 601 activity shirt or BSA T-shirt
BSA Scout short or pants
Red topped Scout socks
Baseball style meshed Scout cap
BSA Scout belt
*BSA Scout shirts, when worn should be buttoned and inside Scout shorts or pants. Shirts should have the following patches:
American Flag
Council shoulder strip
Troop number
Scout Rank
Patrol
Leadership patches
Equipment for Camping and other Activities
A list of suggested camping items can be found in the BSA Handbook. If there is a campout or other activity scheduled, look for a list of items needed on the Parental Signature Form. Other items to consider would be hike boots, back packs, a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear and a sturdy tent. We encourage scouts to purchase their own tents, as they will be using them as much as 12 times a year. If you need guidance on what type or kind of equipment to purchase, please contact the Scout Master or Assistant Scout Masters.
The troop has tents, stoves, lanterns, patrol box, cooking equipment, tarps and such. This equipment is to scouts but the scout(s) will be responsible for any damaged or lost of such equipment.
Camping or other Activity Etiquette
Scouts activities need to run smoothly. Following these reminders will help the troop have a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone involved.
Eat before you arrive unless you are told other wise.
Wear Field Uniform unless told to wear your Activity Uniform.
ALWAYS arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Activities are timed schedules and leaving on time is necessary. If you think you will be late, call your Patrol Leader (PL), Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), an Assistant Scout Master, the Scout Master or another member that will be attending the activity as soon as possible.
Read and sign the Parental Signature Form. If there is no Parental Signature Form, directions are needed or think you will be late call your Patrol Leader (PL), Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), an Assistant Scout Master PRIOR to the activity.
ALWAYS use the BUDDY SYSTEM before, during and after activities or until a parent or guardian picks you up. Safety first!!
If you need to cancel, call your Patrol Leader (PL), Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), an Assistant Scout Master as soon as possible.
Use appropriate language at all times. This is important and required. This is true for adults and scout.
Parental Support
There is a Parent Committee Meeting scheduled each third (3rd) Monday of each month. This meeting is used to advise parents of the upcoming scouting activities such as fundraisers, camp outs, Eagle Scout Projects, Scout advancements, Merit Badge weekends, changing troop policies and other activities. The troop cannot function without Active Parental Support. Good parental support consist of the following:
Insuring Scout attends and is prepared for each Boy Scout meeting, campout or activity.
Encourage Scout to advance.
Attend and join Parent/Committee meeting, Court of Honors, Family activities and such.
Become a Merit Badge Counselor, either for the troop or for the council.
Support Fund Raiser and other activities.
Fundraising
Scouts will be advised of any fundraising activity and should attend all fundraisers. Fundraisers are important to the troop, as it is the main source of incoming for the troop.
Financial Assistance
Troop 601 has limited amount of funds available for scouting assistance. Please contact the Scout Master or the Committee Chairman if scouting assistance is needed.
What is expected of a Scout?
Besides wearing the scouting uniform, abiding by the Troop rules and using etiquette, a scout is expected to be an active scout by Demonstrates Scout spirit. Attending meetings and other activities are part of Scout spirit and make an active Scout. This means a scout who attends the troop meetings 50% or less and does not participate in camping for three (3) consecutive months is considered an inactive scout. If a scout is considered inactive, he may be removed of any position of responsibility and will not be considered for any addition positions while he maintains an inactive status. Scout spirit is a requirement to pass in ranks Second Class to Eagle.
We realize there are times when scouts cannot attend due to illness, family issues or school functions. Contacting the Patrol Leader is encouraged as vital information is given at each scout meeting.
Troop Organization
The troop is organized into the following groups:
Troop Committee Composed of parents and other adults who set troop policy.
Adult Staff Scoutmaster, Assistant Scout Masters and Junior Scout Masters.
Youth Staff Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) and Instructors.
Patrol Staff - Patrol Leaders (PL), Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL)
Patrol - A group of 5 to 8 scouts including a PL and APL.
Troop Meetings
Troop meeting are held every Monday night from 7:00PM to 8:30 PM. If there is a campout the weekend prior, usually the Monday meeting will not be held. If there is a meeting, the scout will be notified of the meeting by a member of the Patrol Staff, Youth Staff or Adult Staff. The meetings are run by various boys in the troop under the leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader. A normal troop meeting consists of:
Gathering game
Opening
Announcements
Skill instructions
Patrol meeting
Skill competition
Final announcements
Scout master minute
Closing
Patrol Method
Troop 601 operates under the Patrol Method of Scouting as developed by Sir Robert Baden-Powell in England. A patrol consists of 5 to 8 boys under the leadership of a Patrol Leader. The boys within the patrol elect the Patrol Leader. His primary responsibility is to represent and make known the wishes of his patrol at the Troop Leadership Council (TLC). The Patrol Leader is also responsible for relaying information for the TLC to the patrol, ensuring people are assigned to he required tasks. Patrol members participate in all activities as a team. The boys run the troop and the adults provide guidance. Scouts need to follow the chain of command. It is as follows:
Scout
Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader
Senior Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Scout Master or Assistant Scout Master
Advancements
This is an important part of the scouting experience. You can refer to the BSA Handbook for more details. The troop has adult leaders and Merit Badge counselor to advise scouts on advancements. Scouts are responsible for completing advancement requirements on their own and for maintaining a complete record of their own advancement. Opportunities for completing advancement requirements will be provided to the scouts by the troop. It is the scouts responsibility to take advantage of those opportunities.
The Advancement Chairman is responsible for maintaining advancement records, scheduling boards of review, approving merit badge counselors and ordering patches. The Advancement Chairman reserves the right to disallow any advancement in the BSA Handbook or merit badge signed off by an unapproved individual. Below are the basic advancement rules and steps.
Rules of Advancement
Scouts will be encouraged to advance but will not be pushed to advance.
Scouts must obtain a merit badge card from the Advancement Chairman prior to starting a merit badge.
Advancement Chairman will tell the scout who is the counselor(s) is for the merit badge requested.
Scouts will be given credit for completing a merit badge when he returns the counselor signed merit badge card to the Advancement Chairman.
Scouts will be responsible for maintaining written proof of their advancement records such as merit badge or rank cards.
Possession of a patch is not considered proof of completion of said merit badge.
Parents CANNOT sign off advancements in BSA Handbook or merit badge requirements for their son unless they are working with a group of boys.
Steps of Advancement
The Scout learns
The Scout is tested
The Scout is reviewed
The Scout is recognized and awarded advancement
Court of Honor
Every effort will be made to present scouts wit a merit badge or rank patch within a week of the requirements being completed. This is usually done at the Troop meeting or at a Court of Honor. This is a special troop meeting where all family members are invited, even if your son has not earned any recognition. The meeting is held for the purpose of providing extra recognition to those scouts having earned rank advancement, merit badges, troop accomplishments and future activities
Discipline
Scouting activities are meant to be learning experiences in an atmosphere I hat is fun for everyone involved. Scouting and Troop 601 have rules that must be followed in order for everyone to enjoy himself or herself. The rules of Scouting can be found in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Troop specific rules are listed in Appendix A of this guidebook.
The spirit of Scouting dictates high expectations for the behavior of troop members. Self-control and self-discipline are attributes expected from all scouts in Troop 601. In order to ensure the health and safety of troop members and the effective operation of the troop, disciplinary actions may be necessary. Discipline and control must be treated as an individual matter, realizing that basic discipline is preventative in nature rather than regulatory or restrictive. Scouts will receive positive reinforcement when exhibiting appropriate behavior. Trop adult leaders are ultimately responsible for the behavior of troop members and therefore will be expected to enforce a fair and consistent disciplinary plan.
Disciplinary action will consist of four levels. Certain conduct will result in immediate escalation of the disciplinary level. Smoking, alcohol and/or drugs will automatically be a level 3 action.
Level 1: Personal Conference. Used for first offence of less serious rules, consisting of counseling session between adult leaders and scout(s).
Level 2: Letter to parents. Used when Level 1 actions are not successful or for breaking certain more serious rules, consisting of a written letter to parent(s) with a copy going to the troop Committee Chair. This letter will contain a description of the inappropriate behavior, immediate disciplinary action, request for parent(s) cooperation in the matter, offered to counsel with both scout and parent(s) and notification to scout and parent(s) if improper behavior continues, disciplinary action will be raised to level 3.
Level 3: Disciplinary Hearing. Action taken in Level 1 and 2 actions have not been successful at correcting the problem or for extremely serious rules, consisting of meeting between the adult leadership, scout(s), parents(s) and the Troop Committee. Disciplinary action may include such items as active probation (scout continues to participate in activities), inactive probation (scout does not participate in troop activities for a specified period of time), service project, reimbursement of damages, and /or termination from troop.
Level 4: Termination. If the above actions fail to correct behavior problems, the Troop Committee will be notify the scout(s) and parent(s) the scout(s) are no longer welcome to participate in any troop functions. This action will require the majority vote of all registered adult leaders and committee members.
Appendix A:
This is the Troop Rules of Conduct. Each Scout is expected to know and abide by these rules. Ignorance will not be considered an excuse for breaking the rules. Common sense will prevail in all situations and interpretations of these rules.
Each Scout will have a phone number where their parents or a designated individual may be reached in case of an emergency or disciplinary action is required.
Each Scout is subject to discipline for any behavior that is unbecoming a Boy Scout. These rules are not meant to be all-inclusive Situations will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Level 1:
(A scout may be sent home from any activity if Level 1 disciplinary actions are not successful.)
Scouts will respect other people property and not touch anything that is not their own without permission from that individual.
No running in camp.
No sheath knives, radios, televisions or tape players at troop activates without prior approval. Said items will be confiscated until the end of the activity to be return afterwards.
Uniforms are expected at each troop activity. Leaders are expected to set an example.
No littering.
No bare feet around campsites.
Members of a Patrol will not give directions unless appointed by the patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, other junior leader or adult leader.
Troop members will follow the directions of both adult and junior leaders without argument.
Patrol Leaders will not give directions to another patrol member, unless he has been left in charge of the group.
No fires in or near tents.
Scouts will not play with fire.
Obscene language, gestures and/or subjects deemed inappropriate will not be tolerated.
Malicious teasing or put-downs will not be tolerated.
Fighting will not be tolerated for any reason. This could be a level 2 depending upon the circumstances.
Cooking items will be cleaned, sanitized and stored right after meals and prior to starting any other activity.
Wild animal will be left alone.
Scouts will not leave the campsite without checking with the person(s) in charge. Scouts will tell the person in charge where they are going, who is going with them and return time. This could be a level 2 depending upon the circumstances.
Level 2:
Stealing will not be tolerated. Any scout caught stealing will be sent home. This could also be a level 3 depending upon the circumstances.
Troop equipment will be respected. Equipment damaged or destroyed through carelessness or horseplay will be repaired or replaced by the offending individual(s) before being allowed to attend another troop function. This could be a level 3 depending upon the circumstances.
Scouts will not play with fire, second warning.
No scout will engage in any type of water sport without the permission of a registered adult troop member. This could be a level 3 depending upon the circumstances.
Fighting will not be tolerated for any reason. This could be a level 1 depending upon the circumstances.
Scouts will not leave the campsite without checking with the person(s) in charge. Scouts will tell the person in charge where they are going, who is going with them and return time. This could be a level 1 depending upon the circumstances.
Vandalism will not be tolerated. The scout will pay financial damages.
Level 3:
Stealing will not be tolerated. Any scout caught stealing will be sent home. This could also be a level 2 depending upon the circumstances.
Troop equipment will be respected. Equipment damaged or destroyed through carelessness or horseplay will be repaired or replaced by the offending individual(s) before being allowed to attend another troop function. This could be a level 2 depending upon the circumstances.
Scouts will not play with fire, third warning and sent home.
No scout will engage in any type of water sport without the permission of a registered adult troop member. This could be a level 2 depending upon the circumstances.
Use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs is strictly prohibited. This could be a level 4 depending upon the circumstances.
Adult leaders will not use tobacco in presents of scouts.
Possession of firearms or explosive devices will result in the item being confiscated and the scout being sent home.
Level 4:
Use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs is strictly prohibited. This could be a level 3 or 4 depending upon the circumstances.
