Welcome!

Dear Scouts and Parents,

Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 73 and we are excited to have you joining us.

Since 2005, the boys of Troop 73 have contributed to our reputation as a fun, hardworking and award‐winning troop. One of the major factors contributing to our continued success is the active cooperation and participation of Scouts and parents like you.

When a boy joins a troop, his parents join the troop as well. Experience has taught us that your son’s interest and accomplishments will be in direct proportion to your participation with him. 

This handbook is meant to smooth your transition into Boy Scouting and Troop 73. The following pages will answer many questions you may have. Please review this handbook together and save it as a reference during your son’s Scouting career.

This handbook is not a replacement for the official Boy Scout Handbook. All national policies are not covered here. The information in this handbook is meant to supplement the Boy Scout Handbook and to provide specific information on our troop. Every Scout who joins Troop 73 will get a copy of this troop Handbook and will be expected to know what it says. If you don’t understand something, please ask.

Welcome to Troop 73! We are glad you’re joining us!

Sincerely, 

Mike Hammond
Scoutmaster

Mission

Service, Honor, and Duty on the Trail to Eagle. Troop 73 believes in a program that:

• Emphasizes outdoor experiences and community service.
• Provides opportunities for leadership development and personal growth
• Provides an appreciation of our environment.
• Promotes a life exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law.
• HAVE FUN

Our vision is for Troop 73 to grow and flourish through the next millennium, developing respectful young men who promote participation in Scouting to Cub Scouting as well as to their peers, regularly perform community service projects, conduct themselves according to the Scout Oath and Law, achieve the highest Scout Rank of which they are capable and who, as adults, continue their participation in Scouting.

Boy Scouting Is Different

You may have already noticed some big changes. Throughout Cub Scouts and Webelos, adult leaders planned every aspect of Pack activities and advancement. In Boy Scouts, however, the boys are responsible for almost everything, including communicating with parents. We encourage you to have your Scout ask the troop leadership, following the “chain of command” beginning with his patrol leader, for guidance in any questions he or you might have. This is a very important part of maturing, which builds self‐confidence and teamwork!

Expectations of a Scout Parent

Each young man and his family are important members of our troop. Active, involved parents and family members are vital to a Scout’s advancement and level of interest.

The parent of a Scout should:

• Enjoy the Boy Scout experience of your son!
• Provide the necessary uniform, equipment and transportation for your Scout so that he is properly clothed and equipped to participate in troop and patrol activities.
• Provide encouragement to your Scout and help him set and abide by priorities, which will help further his Scouting experience. The success and enjoyment of the Boy Scout increases as the Scout’s participation increases. Allow time to review, study and practice his rank requirements.
• Provide never‐ending encouragement to your Scout in his advancement, service and commitment to the Scout Oath and Laws.
• Provide Information to the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters regarding problems or concerns you or your Scout may have (medical conditions, learning disabilities, medications etc.).
• Allow your Scout to “learn by doing”. He will make mistakes when trying to accomplish tasks on his own, but this builds character. Remember, there are many older boy and adult leaders present to ensure that new Scouts and their patrols don’t do anything that jeopardizes safety or other basic requirements.
• Encourage your scout to attend troop events. This starts with attending summer camp! Experience proves that new Scouts are much more likely to stay in Scouting, enjoy Scouting more, and advance more quickly by attending summer camp. This also means attending monthly Troop campouts & activities. You Scout will have an increasingly difficult time advancing without attending these campouts. 
• Help your son to find the time to study his advancement requirements, and if possible, test your son on those requirements so that he is more comfortable when reviewed by the troop leadership. In accordance with Boy Scout policy, parents are not authorized to sign‐off Boy Scout requirements for their son.
• Attend and/or support Courts of Honor, campouts, fund‐raisers and other Troop 73 activities as your time allows. We welcome your participation for both the troop’s and your son’s benefit.
• As a parent, participate in the troop’s activity based on your own family and work situation and demands. Troop 73 historically has had an excellent level of adult volunteers and we expect each family to help the troop to the extent possible. 
• We welcome the participation of all parents and guardians in our program in all areas, meetings, departments, training, merit badge counseling and camping. Some levels of participation require registration as an adult leader and BSA training.

The support and involvement of parents and family members in Troop 73 are what has made the troop so successful throughout the years. As a parent, you will have to decide how active you can be based on your family situation and its demands, but there are always positions available in which the troop needs help. Many positions honestly will require only a few hours of your time. Experience has shown that parental involvement, either in a leadership or a support role, has a direct bearing on the motivation a Scout has and the accomplishments he achieves.

Weekly Meetings

Troop 73 meets every Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. During the School year, we follow the School Calendar; if School is out on a Monday, the troop will not meet, unless we need to meet for advancement, trip planning or to make up for a missed meeting. Please check the troop calendar for meeting info.

At troop meetings, Scouts are expected to arrive on time, in uniform, with their Scout handbooks, merit badge books and any worksheets that they need to use as they work on advancement. We are all expected to conduct ourselves as guests of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and leave it in the same condition and order as it was when we arrived.

At the meetings, Scouts:

• Gather for the opening ceremony, hear announcements of upcoming events, make plans by patrol for upcoming activities, and plan for upcoming outings. Sometimes there is a special program planned with a guest speaker or visitors.
• Work on rank advancements, including merit badges, either in class or individually with older Scouts or merit badge counselor.
• Gather for the closing ceremony

It is our hope that meetings will be fun and productive. Some of this is dependent on the boy‐led nature of the meeting as well as the Scouts’ level of participation and behavior during a meeting.

Schedule Conflicts

From time to time, scheduling conflicts will arise. The troop has always held schoolwork, religious education and family responsibilities as a higher priority than Scouting. Be assured there is no penalty for an excused absence from any meeting. If a Scout is unable to attend a troop meeting or make some other troop function due to such a conflict, it is expected that the Scout will contact his patrol leader and Scoutmaster to let him know. This is a responsibility of the Scout and not of his parent.

The Boy Scouts Organizational Structure

Nationally, the BSA is broken down into large regions called councils, and councils are further divided into districts. Districts are made up of Cub Scout units called packs, Boy Scout units called troops, Venturing units called crews, and Sea Scouts called ships.

Our chartering organization, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, sponsors our troop. The chartering organization owns our troop and is responsible for approving leadership and providing us with a place to meet. 

Membership Requirements

Every Scout and adult leader must fill out an official Boy Scouts of America application to join the troop. In addition, each Scout and registered adult leader* must have on file a current Medical Form. Due to the nature of activities the troop participates in, all three sections of the medical form (Parts A, B and C) need to be completed annually. The form can be found on our web site as well as the council and National BSA web sites. The medical information on the form will be kept in strict confidence, but it is very important. It lets the troop leadership know about any medical situations that the Scout or adult may have (asthma, allergies, medical restrictions, etc.) and in the event of an emergency, gives permission for a doctor to treat a Scout (or adult) if a parent cannot be reached. Please be truthful and thorough when completing the medical form. In addition, a copy of a current health insurance card (both front and back) must be on file with the troop.

*Adult leaders must have a medical form on file in order to participate in any outdoor troop activity.

Participation Requirements

In order for a Scout to advance in rank, Boy Scout policy requires him to be active in the troop. Although specific attendance requirements are not required for advancement, Troop 73 encourages Scouts to participate in at least 50% of the troop meetings and events and 50% of the troop outdoor activities unless other arrangements are made with the senior patrol leader and/or Scoutmaster. If a Scout is unable to participate at this level, the SPL or Scoutmaster may ask the Scout to a conference to discuss the Scout’s participation. Troop events are important to the Scout’s development. Every event missed may mean a skill or lesson lost. Scouts are expected to participate in all aspects of the troop program, including high adventure and community service.

Troop Finances / Dues

Dues are paid monthly or quarterly, as determined by the troop committee. Scouts joining the troop mid‐year will pay a pro‐rated portion of the annual dues subject to the committee’s discretion. Payment of dues entitles Scouts to hold positions of leadership within the troop, attend meetings, camping functions and any other Scout function. If dues are not paid by the end of October, the Scout is considered “inactive.” If dues are not paid by the end of November, as we re‐charter our troop, a Scout’s membership is dropped from the BSA and troop rolls. The money generated from dues is used for insurance, advancement material, annual re‐chartering and training classes for adult leaders. A copy of our annual budget with details regarding our fees and expenses is available to all parents and our treasurer provides regular updates on the troop’s finances at our committee meetings. Monthly statements are provided to each Scout and it is his responsibility to pass this information to his parents. If a Scout falls more than 3 months behind in dues or activity fees without talking to the SM, his advancements may be held, until he can catch up on his back dues. 

Camping / Troop Activity Fees

The troop keeps the cost of dues low and collects fees for most camping events or activities that have additional expenses associated with the specific event, such as food costs and transportation. Fees will vary depending on the duration of the campout or activity (2 nights versus 1 night), the distance traveled, whether or not registration fees or park permits are required and any special equipment for the activity. Registration will be done on ScoutBook. RSVP are due by the date indicated in the email and the calendar event on ScoutBook. Fees will be invoiced by the treasurer and can be paid online or at meetings prior to the activity. We do not have troop vehicles to transport Scouts to and from events, therefore we need parents to volunteer to help in this capacity. 

Fund Raising

The troop requires funds to purchase awards materials for Court of Honor, purchase equipment, help subsidize activities etc. The dues collected do not support the troop for the whole year. The troop raises funds through money‐earning activities approved by the troop committee. There may be times that the troop may have a special fundraiser to pay for Summer Camp, high adventure programs and purchase or replace camping equipment. Even if a Scout is not going on a high adventure program, we encourage the Scout to support the other Scouts by participating in the fundraiser.

If a Scout leaves the Troop by any means, the monies earned during his tenure shall remain in the general funds of the Troop. You may petition the Troop Committee to release the funds, but this will be a decision made by the committee and not by a single person.

Fundraising activities have included BBQ Pork sales, pancake breakfasts, community support at local restaurants and selling Camp Cards. In addition, we are always looking for new ideas. We also have received and gladly accept donations of money & equipment from individuals. 

Troop Organization / Scouts

Troop Youth Leadership

The top boy position in the troop is the senior patrol leader, or SPL. Next is the assistant senior patrol leader, or ASPL. Senior Scouts also serve as troop guides, mentoring younger Scouts. Then come patrol leaders, assistant patrol leaders, and other troop leadership positions, commonly called Cabinet positions, like the scribe, quartermaster, chaplain aide, historian and any other position stated in this handbook. The SPL, ASPL and patrol leaders are elected positions; the SPL is a year‐long position and elected before Camporee. The patrol leaders appoint assistant patrol leaders; these positions are elected and appointed every 6 months, at the discretion of the entire patrol. The SPL and Scoutmaster appoint all other troop leadership positions. It is very important to remember that the real leadership in a Scout troop comes from the Scouts themselves. Adult leadership’s role is involved to maintain safety, provide guidance when necessary, and make sure the aims of Scouting are being met. The Scouts should run the troop. Lord Baden‐Powell, the founder of Scouting, said “Never do a thing for a boy that he can do for himself.” Allowing the Scouts to run their troop provides opportunity for personal growth and chances to learn leadership skills.

Patrols

The troop is organized into groups called patrols. Patrols work together to develop pride in their group, learn new skills, go on outings, play games, and compete in inter‐patrol contests. Patrols are mixed with boys of various ages, so that each patrol has older Scouts available to guide and instruct younger Scouts.

Scouts who are newly bridged from Webelos will be assigned a troop guide, an older Scout who will help the new Scout get oriented and begin to learn basic Scouting skills. Each patrol will also be assigned an adult mentor, generally one of the assistant Scoutmasters. The troop structure helps to ease the transition and give the new Scout encouragement and guidance as he learns about Boy Scouts.

It is the Patrol Leader’s responsibility to plan and run meetings & activities with the guidance of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. Having the Scout leadership run the troop meetings is an important part of helping the Scouts grow. A typical troop meeting will include a review of activities that have just occurred, discussion and planning on future activities, some skill development or practice, a patrol meeting, and possibly a brief ceremony or discussion on topics highlighting Scouting ideals. 

The Patrol Leaders Council

The SPL, ASPL, patrol leaders, assistant patrol leaders, quartermaster, troop guides, scribe, and other Senior Scouts, make up the patrol leaders council, or PLC. The PLC will meet once a month, or as directed by the SPL. Its purpose is to plan monthly meetings, trips, outings, and discuss issues that may be arising in the troop. The PLC is the real leadership organization within the troop and is where the real decisions that guide the troop come from. The SPL, ASPL, troop guides and patrol leaders are the members of the PLC that may vote on issues. The other members are non‐voting members. A member of the PLC must make at least 2 of 3 meetings on a rolling basis or risk losing his leadership position.

The Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters and various troop committee members provide appropriate support to the PLC.

Troop Elections

The SPL and patrol leader positions are elected positions within the troop. These are very important leadership positions that are vital to making the troop function well. The SPL is elected by the entire troop. Patrol elections occur every 6 months or at the patrol’s discretion. Patrol leaders are elected by their patrol, with assistant patrol leaders appointed by the patrol leader. The Scoutmaster has the right to remove any leader at his/her discretion.

Junior Leader Job Descriptions

This section details the leadership positions in the troop. Leadership is important to advance in rank, to have a good program, and to develop as a young man. Even if the Scout does not currently hold a leadership position in the troop, he should make sure he understands the responsibilities of those that do. Those being led should take responsibility to make sure that those they choose as leaders do their job.

For all the above positions the Scout must:

1. Set a good example.
2. Wear the uniform correctly.
3. Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Adult Troop Leadership

Parents are encouraged to show support for their Scout as an adult leader with the troop. Many hands make light work; the more adult involvement with the troop, the better program we can provide for our sons.

Only registered troop leaders may accompany the troop on outings, unless the outing is specifically designated as a family outing. To become a registered adult leader an adult must complete and submit an Adult Leader Application that must be approved by the troop committee chair and the chartered Organization Representative. The application is then submitted to the Chickasaw Council for final approval. All adult leaders are required to submit a BSA medical form and have completed the BSA Youth Protection training. All registered adult leaders are expected to have a specific function within the troop.

Before a parent joins the Scouts on an outing, it is important for that parent to remember that Boy Scouts is a Scout led program, not an adult led program. The Scout led troop is one of the most basic and important principles of the Scouting program. If a parent participates in an activity, it is very important that s/he do their best to be adult Scout leaders, not parents. In order for the Scout program to succeed, the Scouts have to be free to make decisions, succeed, fail, and learn by running their own troop. Failure is sometimes the best teacher; success is a reward both for the Scouts and the adults who guide them. Parents should not be offended if the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster asks them not to make suggestions or to help in certain situations and should not worry when the Scout leader appears to be letting the Scouts make a bad decision. Adult leaders are there to guide and maintain safety, and we will never allow a Scout to make a mistake that would seriously compromise their safety. Being a Scout leader is not easy in any capacity and becomes even harder when your own son is involved. Rest assured that the troop adult leaders want parents to participate in all aspects of the troop and they will do anything they can to make the experience fun and rewarding.

All adult leaders serving an active role with the troop must make arrangements for the BSA training class appropriate for their position. This training is offered several times a year and helps to assure that everyone involved in the troop’s leadership understands the goals of Scouting. In addition, trained leaders are one of the requirements for the Troop to earn the Quality Unit Award. Many of the required training courses are available online.

The adult troop leadership consists of two main groups: The troop committee and the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters (also referred to as direct contact leaders).

The Troop Committee

The first group, the troop committee, is made up of concerned adults who meet on occasion to discuss issues and make decisions for the troop. The committee is led by the committee chair and must have a treasurer and secretary. The members of the Troop committee fill other committee positions. The committee makes policy decisions, keeps records, and constantly monitors the program quality. committee members also are welcome to join outings and help with special events. Committee meetings are held as necessary. All parents are encouraged to attend these meetings, however, voting on troop matters is restricted to members of the troop committee.

In order to serve on the troop committee, you need to be a registered adult of the Boy Scouts of America. You must complete the training requirements for your position and have a specific role within the troop committee. The committee may appoint other members to serve on the troop committee as needed.

Troop Committee Positions

Committee Chair: Organize committee to see all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed. Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster.

Interpret national and local BSA policies to the troop. Prepare troop committee meeting agendas. Call, preside over and promote attendance at troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called. Ensure troop representation at monthly roundtables. Secure top‐notch, trained individuals for camp leadership. Arrange for charter review and recharter annually. Plan the charter presentation.

Secretary: Keep minutes of meetings. Send out notices for committee meetings. Secure location for committee meetings. Conduct the troop resource survey; maintain results. Maintain troop records as agreed between committee chair, treasurer, Scoutmaster, and advancement coordinator. Maintain the database of driver and vehicle information for the troop. Complete tour permit applications (with the help of Scoutmasters and activity coordinators) for each troop‐sponsored activity or outing that requires a tour permit. Provide outing or activity leaders copies of approved tour permit. Act as the troop point‐ person for the annual process of troop charter renewal ‐ includes attending district orientation, developing a timeline and plan for our troop recharter, distributing information, collecting fees, updating membership records and submitting charter to the district Scout executive for processing.

Treasurer: Handle all troop funds. Pay bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the troop committee. Maintain bank accounts. Train and supervise the troop scribe in record keeping. Keep adequate financial records. Supervise money‐earning projects, including obtaining proper authorizations. Prepare the annual troop budget. Report status to troop committee at committee meetings as necessary.

Outdoor Activity Coordinator: Ensures that each troop activity is conducted so that it meets a common set of criteria, including adherence to BSA guidelines, participation minimums, and troop standards for organization and coordination. Recruit activity coordinators for each activity planned by the Scouts and acquaint the coordinator with standard methods for making a successful troop activity happen (e.g.: historical records from prior similar activities, promoting the event, sign ups, tour permits, fee collection, organizing transportation, etc.) The activity coordinator’s goal is to have each activity organized and coordinated in a consistent fashion, leading to a level of consistent high quality in our outings.

Training Coordinator: Ensure that troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training. Maintain, as appropriate, an inventory of up‐to‐date training materials. Keep the troop informed regarding the availability of district or council sponsored training opportunities. Be responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop. Encourage periodic junior leader training within the troop.

Advancement Coordinator: Encourage Scouts to advance in rank. Maintain troop Scout advancement records (Scoutbook). Complete and forward troop advancement reports to the Council. Secure badges and certificates for courts of honor. Provide advancement status reports to Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. Oversee troop advancement advisory committee and secure adults to serve on Boards of Review.

Eagle Scout Advisor: Advise Life Scouts as they work toward their Eagle rank. Help the Scout with the process of selecting and preparing his plans for his Eagle project. Guide the Scout through the process of project approval through the district Eagle committee.

Equipment Coordinator: Work with the quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment. Maintain the troop trailer. Make periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear and encourage Scouts in safe use of all outdoor equipment. Report to the troop committee at meetings as necessary.

Cooking Coordinator: Provide assistance to the PLC and Scouts assigned to meal planning for troop activities. Give advice in planning the menu to ensure a healthy balance of food choices. Work with Scout(s) to ascertain the amounts of food needed to meet menus as planned. Assist Scouts in preparing a shopping list. Consult with the grubmaster to ascertain what supplies are already on hand in troop inventory.

Procurement Coordinator: Help the troop procure any necessary equipment. Research prices and report to troop committee. Make necessary purchases upon approval of troop committee and coordinates the purchases with troop committee chair and treasurer.

Health Officer: Collect and maintain BSA Medical Forms for all troop Scouts and leaders. Keep list of expirations of all medical forms and advise troop leadership and individual members when new medical forms are required. Provide a copy of medical forms to trip leaders in advance of any troop outings.

Summer Camp Coordinator: Prepare camp flyer in advance of camp registration. Collect all registration forms and fees for summer camp. Coordinate with health officer to ensure medical forms for all camp attendees are up to date as of the week of camp. Work closely with the troop assigned in‐camp Scoutmaster. Forward any fees and paperwork to camp (usually council office for the chosen camp).

Historian Adviser: Assist the troop historian with research and documentation of the troop history.

Librarian Adviser: Assist the troop librarian maintain the troop library.

Communications Adviser: Work with the troop webmaster to administer the troop web site and other electronic forms of communication. This position requires knowledge of web‐based language, such as HTML and CSS.

Ceremonies Coordinator: Coordinate with event leaders or hosts to develop the guest list for the event. They will maintain a standing list of local dignitaries and district and council Scouting representatives and invite or suggest guests that should be invited to major troop events such as courts of honor or Eagle courts of honor.

New Member Coordinator: Shares the benefits of scouting, coordinates unit recruitment, and guides the joining and welcoming process for youth and their families.

The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters

The second group of adult leaders is the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts and help them advance, learn new skills, and live by the Scout Oath and Law. The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters also accompany the Scouts on outings.

The Scoutmaster is ultimately responsible for a quality program that provides opportunities for advancement, leadership experience, and an exciting outdoor program. He also maintains the safety of the Scouts. The assistant Scoutmasters are responsible for specific areas of the troop program based upon their interests and expertise and the needs of the Scouts. Currently, we have ASMs working with program, troop guides, instructors, community service, new Scouts, den chiefs and high adventure.

The ASM‐Program, or first assistant Scoutmaster, fills the Scoutmaster role at any activity that the Scoutmaster cannot attend.

Adult Activity Leader Responsibilities

Troop 73 will make every effort to share the responsibilities for overseeing the planning and conduct of troop activities amongst the troop adult leadership. Therefore, below is a set of expectations for adult leaders of such activities:

• Work with the Scoutmaster and/or PLC to identify activities during the year that you would like to oversee
• Assure that troop activities are appropriately scheduled on the troop calendar
• Take the lead in making arrangements in advance, as needed, e.g., campground reservations and payments
• Attend a PLC to discuss the event planning at the appropriate time – include coordination of meal planning and shopping
• Assure that adequate adult leadership (e.g., two‐deep) is in place and assure that proper adult training (e.g. Safe Swim, Safety Afloat, etc.) has taken place
• Work with the troop secretary to have a tour permit prepared, if required
• Prepare an activity flyer at the appropriate time and share this with the Scoutmaster and outdoor activity coordinator. Arrange for distribution to the troop. Consult with the troop treasurer, if necessary, regarding event costs
• Discuss the event openly with the troop at a troop meeting
• Communicate all final travel arrangements
• Check with the health officer regarding records of any special medical needs or issues with the Scouts. Obtain medical records and be responsible for them on the event. Return the records to the Health Officer upon completion of the event
• Assure that all Scouts and Scouters attending have a completed permission form
• Oversee the event, assuring that appropriate boy leadership is in place and working properly. Make every effort to allow the boys to run the event, to a reasonable extent
• In lieu of a Scoutmaster, take attendance and give this information to the Scoutmaster
• After the event, document and discuss any performance issues with the Scout, as appropriate. Include praise for any Scout who demonstrated good spirit, leadership, etc.
• In line with the point above, also share this information with the Scoutmaster and the advancement coordinator. This will be valuable information in future coaching sessions.

Adult Registration Requirements

The BSA’s adult registration requirements mandate that all adults accompanying a Boy Scout troop to a residence camp or other Scouting activity must be registered as a leader, including completion of a criminal background check and Youth Protection Training. 

Requiring registration, background checks, and YPT for adults on Boy Scout extended activities adds another dimension of protection. 

• The requirement applies to any adult accompanying a Boy Scout group on a single Scouting activity where they are present for three or more nights (not necessarily consecutive)
• These adults must be registered as leaders, including the completion of a criminal background check and Youth Protection Training before the activity (CBCs cannot be expedited)

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings.  

Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.  

All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant.  Adult volunteers must register in the position(s) they are serving in. Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement. See FAQ for list of approved adult registration fee required positions.

Advancement

Ranks

Through participation at troop meetings, outdoor activities, and working on his own, the Scout will have an opportunity to work on badges and skills that will help him advance through the Scouting ranks. The first of these ranks is the Scout badge, which the Scout will earn by completing the requirements, learning some simple Scouting concepts, and having his first Scoutmaster Conference. After the Scout Badge, the Scout will continue through Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. Finally, he may be able to earn the highest honor in Boy Scouting, the Eagle rank.

The Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks require work mainly on the basic outdoor and first aid skills every Scout needs to know.

The Star and Life ranks require work on merit badges, leadership, and service to the community. The Eagle rank continues to work on merit badges, leadership, and service to the community. The leadership requirement can be fulfilled by actively and satisfactorily fulfilling a formal troop junior leadership job. The requirement may also be fulfilled by demonstrating leadership on special projects as agreed to with the Scoutmaster. An approved Eagle project that provides a lasting improvement for the community must also be completed. The Scout must complete all Eagle requirements before his eighteenth birthday.

All ranks (except Scout) also have a requirement that specifies that a Scout must show Scout Spirit in his daily life. How the Scout behaves at meetings and during outings is usually the greatest measure of his Scout Spirit and will affect the decision of the Scoutmaster to sign off on this requirement and permit advancement. Scout Spirit also includes behavior outside of Scouting. Any pertinent information that the troop receives concerning a Scout’s behavior outside of Scouting may be considered by the troop leadership in assessing Scout Spirit.

As the requirements for rank are completed, the Scout should present himself to a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will make sure each requirement has been met and will initial and date the item in the Scout’s Boy Scout Handbook or mark checked on ScoutBook. The Scout should be ready to prove he really has completed the requirement before he asks someone to sign his book or check him off in ScoutBook.

Requirements can only be approved in the Boy Scout Handbook or on ScoutBook, so the Scout should make sure he has the book with him at all times.

Troop 73 also encourages all Scouts to participate in 50% of all meetings and events and 50% of all outdoor activities. While specific attendance is not a criterion for advancement, participation in troop activities is a measure of Scout leadership fulfillment and Scout Spirit and therefore Scouts are expected to participate in all aspects of the troop program, including high adventure and community service.

After the requirements for a rank are completed, the Scout must schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and board of review. Once the Scoutmaster Conference and board of review are successfully completed, the Scout earns his rank.

Troop 73 uses Scoutbook.com to formally record all Scout advancements, Merit Badges and additional awards that he earns. BSA states that the parent of a Scout should not approve completed work, this needs to be approved by the advancement chair or Scoutmaster.

Scoutmaster Conference

The Scoutmaster Conference is a time for the Scout and the Scoutmaster to sit down and talk about how the Scout is progressing towards his next rank. The Scoutmaster will ask questions regarding how well the Scout has learned the items required for the rank he is completing. The Scout should come to the Scoutmaster conference with his Boy Scout Handbook, wearing his full Class “A” uniform or, if appropriate, his activity uniform, and be ready to talk openly and honestly about his Scouting experiences. The Scoutmaster will be assessing the individual needs of the Scout, helping him to set goals for his next rank, and trying to gauge the success of the troop program.

• Scoutmaster Conferences will be scheduled monthly, as needed. A Scout can request a Scoutmaster Conference at any time by notifying the Scoutmaster in advance. The Scout cannot just ask for a Scoutmaster Conference the night of a meeting.
• Before a Scout can have a Scoutmaster Conference for the purpose of advancement, all the requirements must be signed and dated in his Boy Scout handbook. Unlike in Cub Scouts, a parent is not authorized to sign off on their son’s book. The handbook should also document (event and date) activities in fulfillment of community service hours. If the requirements for advancement were completed at Scout camp, then the Scout is responsible to have the requirements transcribed from any documents given at camp into the Boy Scout Handbook
• The Scoutmaster will notify the advancement coordinator of those Scouts who wish to advance. The advancement coordinator will then convene as well as chair the advancement advisory committee to review each Scout and make a recommendation to the Scoutmaster whether such Scout is ready for advancement. The advisory committee process will be required for the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle, and will be convened as necessary for ranks lower than Star at the discretion of the advancement coordinator.
• The advisory committee will consist of at least three adult leaders of the troop, one of whom shall be the advancement coordinator. The members of this committee will be approved by the troop committee. Members of this committee shall be adult leaders who have demonstrated in depth familiarity with the Scouts of the troop via their participation in troop meetings and outings.
• The advisory committee will make its recommendation based upon the knowledge of the Scouts, including the Scout’s level of participation over the previous six (6) months, and the aspirational ideals set forth below.
• The advancement coordinator will notify the Scoutmaster of the advisory committee’s recommendation as soon as possible, where after a Scoutmaster conference can be held.
• If the Scoutmaster does not sign off on the Scoutmaster conference, the Scout may be asked to review some of the requirements and schedule another Scoutmaster conference when the Scout feels he is ready. The Scout needs to know that if he needs any help he must ask. There are many people, Scouts and adults who are available to help the Scout succeed.
• After passing the Scoutmaster conference, the Scout must schedule a board of review, by contacting the advancement coordinator.

A Scout may request an informal Scoutmaster Conference at any time. 

A Scout may advance at any time once the requirements for the rank have been achieved and the Scoutmaster and board of review have approved the advancement. The advancement will take effect immediately after final approval of the board of review. However, formal recognition of the advancement will take place at the regularly scheduled Courts of Honor.

Board of Review

After completion of the Scoutmaster conference, the Scout will appear before a board of review. A board of review will be comprised of three adult leaders, one of whom shall be the advancement chair (if available). There shall be a pool of committee members available to sit on a board of review. These members will be selected to serve by the advancement chair and approved by the troop committee. Members serving on boards of review will receive training on how to conduct a board of review. Boards of review shall be held for all Scouts who have completed a Scoutmaster conference, regardless of whether they have been approved for advancement. The Scoutmaster is not in attendance. During the board of review, the Scout presents himself to the board. He must be in full Class A uniform. His appearance should be neat, his attitude good, and his manner respectful. He may be asked to repeat the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Outdoor Code, the Scout Motto, or The Scout Slogan. He will then be invited to sit down, and the board will ask him questions about his Scouting life. The questions can range very widely, so the Scout should be ready to communicate openly and honestly. The object of the board of review is to ensure that documentation is present verifying that all requirements for advancement have been met; to examine the attitude of the Scouts in the troop, and to ensure that the program offered by the Scoutmaster is fun, exciting, and meets the goals of Boy Scouting.

The Scoutmaster conference and board of review can be stressful, particularly for the younger Scouts. It is important to remember that this experience is part of the Scout’s development as a young man and helps him to learn to communicate and handle situations.

A Scout being considered for the Eagle rank, in addition to the troop level board of review, must undergo a special Eagle Scout board of review, consisting of officials from throughout the district. The Scoutmaster and Eagle advisor will work with the Eagle candidate to prepare him for the district board of review.

Other Advancement Considerations

Advancement is the responsibility of the Scout! Parents are encouraged to help, but the ultimate responsibility must lie with the Scout. A parent who takes those responsibilities robs the Scout of his opportunity to share in the Scouting experience.

Scouts who do not advance over a long period of time may be asked to participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and/or board of review to see what can be done to help the Scout continue to advance.

The Scouts will be asked to interact and communicate with adults that they may not know very well throughout their Scouting experience, but particularly when working on merit badges. Learning to do this is an important part of the Scout experience. Communication can be face‐to‐face, by phone, or by e‐ mail.

Scouting Skills

Scouts are expected to be proficient in the Scouting skills appropriate for the rank being sought (remember that this includes skills from any previous ranks as well). The Scout should be able to demonstrate and if First Class or above, be able to teach these various skills.

Scouts who are actively participating will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency with map and compass, knots and lashings, fire building and cooking and first aid. At the discretion of the Scoutmaster, a Scout may be asked to teach a specific skill to younger Scout prior to advancing to the next rank.

The Court of Honor

Courts of Honor are special troop meetings held during the school year where awards, badges, and other recognition are presented. Parents, siblings and other family members are encouraged to join the Scout at the Court of Honor to participate and help celebrate the young man’s achievements. It is very important that all Scouts, even those not receiving any award or advancement, attend to support their fellow Scouts. All Courts of Honor are planned well in advance and are on the troop calendar. Typically, Troop 73 holds two Courts of Honor annually.

Merit Badges

Merit badges are awards that concentrate on a particular field of expertise or a specific skill and can be earned by Scouts in cooperation with a merit badge counselor. Each merit badge has an accompanying booklet that can be borrowed from the troop library or purchased at the Scout Shop. There are over 135 merit badges available, and some are required before a Scout can earn his Star, Life, or Eagle rank. The required merit badges can be earned in any order. Consult the Boy Scout Handbook for information on which merit badges are optional and which are required. Merit badge opportunities are also offered on the district and council levels and at summer camp. Announcement of these opportunities will be given at troop meetings or by troop mailings.

The following policies govern troop merit badge work:

• The Scout should approach a Scoutmaster or the advancement coordinator on the committee and ask for the names and phone numbers of merit badge counselors in the area.
• The Scoutmaster must assure that the Scout has met any prerequisites for the merit badge. i.e. pass swimming requirements before canoeing or lifesaving merit badges.
• The Scout is then responsible for contacting the counselor, asking for help working on the badge, and setting up the first meeting time.
• Merit badge work is to be done outside of the troop meetings unless scheduled as part of the troop program.
• When the merit badge is complete, the merit badge counselor will sign the card or worksheet, and the Scout will be given a copy to keep for his records. These records are very important. If something happens to the Council records, the copy of the blue card or worksheet given to the Scout may be the only record that the merit badge was completed. There have been cases where Eagle Scout applications have been turned down because the Council records were not correct and the Scout could not produce the blue card or worksheet to prove he had completed a particular merit badge. The Scout should be very careful to save all the completed blue cards or worksheets and store them in a safe place. Plastic notebook pages used by baseball card collectors are a great way to store the blue cards for safekeeping.
• Meetings with a merit badge counselor must be with a buddy, either another Scout or an adult. Scouts should never meet with a merit badge counselor without someone else being present.
• Maximum time limits to complete a merit badge are directly controlled by the merit badge counselor. Minimum time will be controlled by the merit badge requirements. Every merit badge will have limits to ensure the Scout is learning and displaying the skill necessary to complete the merit badge.
• The Merit Badge will be awarded at the next Court of Honor. Merit badges are worn on the merit badge sash.

The troop appreciates the involvement of parents in the merit badge process. If you have expertise or knowledge of a particular merit badge topic and would like to serve as a merit badge counselor, please contact the advancement coordinator.

A Scout may not use a parent as their merit badge counselor unless the advancement coordinator and committee chair grant approval. This will usually occur only when there are no available counselors within reasonable distance for the merit badge in question. Under no circumstances may a Scout use a parent as the merit badge counselor for an Eagle required merit badge.

Uniform Requirements

The Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization. Our policy is that volunteers and unit members are expected to be in as complete a uniform as financially possible during unit meetings and activities. The Scout uniform is the ONLY PLACE where official insignia that you or your son has received, earned or are entitled to wear is to be displayed. The uniform instills a bit of pride and ownership in the program and the members of our troop. During Scouting activities, it is easy to recognize who is in our troop or other troops or even Scouting members at a distance ‐‐ this also prevents those who desire to do harm  to children to stay at a distance if not away period. Finally, the wearing of the uniform reminds Scouts and Scouters of their obligations to uphold the Scouting ideals and that of service.

We side with the BSA in areas of identification, sense of pride and health and safety in asking that you adhere to this policy. We will work with you to ensure that your son or you are in as complete a uniform as possible. If you have concerns about our uniform policy, we encourage you to talk with us. We are proud of who we are and proud of our troop’s heritage and identity in the community. The Scout uniform is an outward sign of identification with the Scouting program and should be worn with pride. The uniform makes our troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in our community. It gives the Scout an opportunity to practice being neat, take pride in his appearance, display his awards and badges, and feel a part of a group.

The Class A uniform consists of the following items:

• BSA short or long‐sleeved khaki Scout shirt with appropriate patches and insignia properly sewn
• Scout shorts and/or Scout long pants
• Scout socks
• BSA green web belt with Scout buckle or Scout leather belt (unless pants are self‐belted)
• Neckerchief and slide
• Scout hat (optional)

Typically, a uniform shirt and neckerchief if not worn with green pants should be worn with a nice pair of pants.

Class A uniform is required for admittance to a troop meeting, unless otherwise advised. If a Scout comes to a troop meeting when not in uniform, he may be asked to go home to change or may not be able to fully participate. A Scout may not be credited with participation at troop activities if he is not appropriately dressed. It is expected of your son to be in his uniform for Scouting just as well that he needs to be in his uniform for other activities such as sports teams, karate, etc.

Insignia Placement

Correct placement of uniform insignia is shown on the inside cover of the Boy Scout Handbook and in the BSA Insignia Guide. Patches must be placed on the uniform in the correct location and attached in a neat manner.

Merit badges are worn on the merit badge sash. Merit badges are not worn on the Scout shirt. Merit badges may be worn in three columns on the sash; there is no required order. The sash is worn over the right shoulder and only on formal occasions such as Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, special flag ceremonies etc.

Wearing the Uniform

The Class A uniform is required to be worn:

• To all Courts of Honor
• At all troop meetings and functions, unless otherwise advised, as above. (merit badge sash is not required at our general meetings)
• To all Boards of Review
• To District, Council and National Scouting events
• Scoutmaster Conferences (unless the activity uniform is appropriate based upon the location of the conference)
• To other events as specified by the Scoutmaster

For more formal occasions (Courts of Honor, Webelos crossovers, religious worship services and public appearances) the Scout may add his merit badge sash and religious medals.

For members of the Order of the Arrow (OA), the OA sash is to be worn at OA functions and other functions that render service to OA such as elections; camp promotion and OA tap outs. The OA sash is not worn with the merit badge sash at a Court of Honor, nor is it to be worn folded over the Scout belt.

Wearing of military clothing, camouflage and the imitation of United States Military uniforms at any Scouting activity is a violation of National BSA policy (BSA Rules and Regulations, Article 10, Section 4, Clause 4b) and will not be permitted.

A Scout is expected to wear his uniform with his shirt buttoned and tucked in.

The following additional rules apply to clothing worn at campouts or other events when a Class A uniform is not required:

• Clothing items including headgear that display or advertise drugs, illegal controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco, suggestive wording, profanity, gangs or advocate violence are never permitted.
• Grooming or attire, which disrupt Scouting activities, are not appropriate and therefore are prohibited.

“Class B” uniform is the Troop 73 or other BSA T‐Shirt.

Troop Activities

Troop Calendar Development Process

Sometime in the summer before September 1st of each year the troop will schedule and execute a planning conference. At the annual planning conference, the troop calendar for the next 12 months is created by the PLC with the guidance of the Scoutmasters. The plan for the next 12 months will be comprehensive and take into account events as detailed as the theme for weekly troop meetings

Prior to the conference, the patrol leaders will get input from their patrols about activities or outings they are interested in. The patrol leaders will then bring those ideas to the conference for consideration, and the PLC will determine the troop’s schedule for the coming year. After the PLC has determined the year’s calendar, it is submitted to the troop committee for final approval. The purpose for committee review is to ensure that the calendar provides a quality program that meets the goals of the troop and supports the Boy Scout ideals, not to question individual events. Care must be taken to make sure the plans made by the Scouts during the planning conference are not superseded. After the committee approves the plan, it will be distributed to all the Scouts.

The calendar will be reviewed by the PLC periodically to make any needed updates or modifications.

The Scouts should remember that the yearly planning conference is their chance to decide what their program is going to be like. During the conference, it is the Scouts that decide what will be done for the following year. It is the Scouts who have the responsibility to come up with ideas for activities and plan to make them a success. It is the Scouts who take responsibility for their program and make sure they are doing exciting, memorable events. This is the best and greatest chance for the Scouts to take control of their program and make it what they want it to be.

Camping

Camping is an exciting time for the Scout, but it is also a time of great responsibility. The Scouts will be expected to take most of the responsibility by planning the trip, setting up their own camp, cooking their own food, washing their own dishes, and building their own fires. Scoutmasters and other adult leaders will always be available to provide guidance and assistance, but these trips are primarily the responsibility of the Scouts.

There will be minimum amounts of required equipment that a Scout will need. Please refer to the Scout Handbook for a list of equipment. The BSA Fieldbook, an extension of the Scout Handbook will provide an extensive amount of information to help you plan and prepare for a variety of outdoor adventures. It is highly recommended that it is purchased. The troop web site also has lists of suggested gear for various outings.

In order to participate on a campout, the Scout is expected to attend appropriate planning meetings, which help to assure a safe and successful outing.

Summer Camp

Every summer, Troop 73 attends a weeklong summer camp. Summer camp offers each Scout advancement opportunities and outdoor challenges that he will remember for a lifetime. The summer camp program is geared for Scouts for all ages and ranks. The first-year camper program is specifically designed for new Scouts and has them working on many requirements needed for ranks through First Class. There are merit badge sessions for Scouts who need merit badges to attain their rank.

Besides the advancement offered at summer camp, the Scouts have many opportunities to swim, fish, canoe, hike, participate in shooting sports such as rifle and archery, make new friends and have fun.

Attending summer camp is one of the most important highlights of the Scouting year. No Scout should miss attending!!

If he wishes, a Scout has the option to attend camp for provisional weeks. A provisional week takes Scouts who want to attend camp during a week that their troop is not in camp and joins them with other similarly situated Scouts, under the guidance of volunteer campmasters. If you wish additional information you may contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chair.

The troop also has in the past and will continue to explore high‐adventure summer camp options for those Scouts looking for a more challenging summer experience.

Other Outings and Events

During the year the troop will hold some special events. It may be a weekend campout, day hike, a trip to a local event or special location, or a community service project. The Scouts are expected and encouraged to participate in these events.

Outings fall into four types of trips:

1. Family oriented for all.
2. Outdoors adventure for all Scouts.
3. High adventure for advanced Scouts having appropriate skills.
4. Community service activities, including Eagle Service Projects.

There also will be at least one high adventure outing every year. In order for a Scout to participate in a high adventure outing, he may have to meet certain age or rank requirements, usually 13 years of age and/or First Class. High adventures include extended hiking trips, climbing and rappelling, extended canoeing trips, and many other exciting adventures.

All trips have a signup / RSVP deadline. RSVP MUST be done on ScoutBook prior to that deadline to be fair to the other members of the troop there will be no exceptions to this policy. Contact information and proper medical forms are vital in cases of emergency where medical treatment may be required. If you RSVP for an activity and change after the deadline, you may be responsible for the costs.

Fire Building

Scouts must pass specific requirements before they are given the responsibility for working with fires. To work with fires, the Scout must earn his Firem’n Chit by demonstrating knowledge of fire safety and the ability to safely start a fire.

Knives

Scouts must pass specific requirements before they are given the responsibility for working with knives, axes and saws. In order to use woodworking tools, including his personal pocket knife, he must earn the Totin’ Chip by demonstrating knowledge of the safety precautions that are important when using wood tools. The BSA believes choosing the right equipment for the job at hand is the best answer to the question of what specific knife should be used. We are aware that many councils or camps may have limits on the type or style of knife that should be used. The BSA neither encourages nor bans fixed‐blade knives nor do we set a limit on blade length. Additional information is found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

The Whittling Chip, if earned when the Scout was a Cub Scout, does not carry over to Boy Scouts. He must not use any knife, ax or saw until he earns a BSA Totin’ Chip.

The requirements for both of these awards are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook, and the Scout should review them as soon as possible after joining the troop. After a Scout demonstrates his knowledge and satisfies a Scoutmaster or a Scout designated by the Scoutmaster that he has mastered the required skills, he will be issued a Totin’ Chip and/or Firem’n Chit card signed by the Scoutmaster. These cards must be in the Scout’s possession at all times so that he can prove he has mastered the appropriate skills.

If a Scout is observed disregarding the safety rules for fire or wood tools, he may be asked to present his card, and one or more corners may be cut off. If a Scout loses all four corners of any card, he must again demonstrate that he understands the rules and regulations before he will be issued another card.

Throwing a knife at any time will result in disciplinary action up to possible expulsion from the troop. Only a Scoutmaster or his designee may sign or cut corners from a Scout’s Totin’ or Firem’n cards.

Prohibited Items

Absolutely, no radios, electronic games, DVD players, game boys or other electronic devices as well as toy guns, bows and arrows, homemade or otherwise, fireworks or aerosol cans (pump sprays are allowed) will be allowed on any Scout event such as camping trips, troop meetings, Court of Honor, hikes, service projects, summer camp etc. These devices do not support an appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors. If a Scout is found with any of the above items during a trip, it may be confiscated by the Scoutmaster and returned later. Repeated incidents may result in disciplinary action. Cell Phones are permitted and are good tools of communications with parents to arrange for pick up times and the like but may not be used except in an emergency situation or by permission of an adult leader. A personal MP3 player (or similar device) may be used with headphones in a tent or cabin.

Personal Equipment

Very often, our camping trips will include several miles of hiking with backpacks and will almost always involve staying safely outdoors overnight. Good equipment is very important. Scouts should use the personal equipment checklist in the Boy Scout Handbook and at the end of this document when packing for a campout. These checklists are very important. Small items forgotten can make for an uncomfortable trip. If you need help finding equipment to purchase or borrow, please let a Scoutmaster know. There is a list of catalogs and websites at the end of this document that may help when purchasing equipment. All personal equipment should have the Scout’s name on it.

The troop quartermaster is in charge of assigning troop owned equipment to patrols during an outing. Patrol leaders are expected to supervise the use of the equipment and make sure it is returned in good condition. All equipment should be returned and checked in by the quartermaster by the next troop meeting. The person who checked out the equipment is expected to thoroughly clean and dry any troop equipment before returning it to the quartermaster. The quartermaster may refuse to accept equipment that has not been adequately cleaned and may refer repeated problems to the Scoutmaster. The quartermaster should immediately report any damaged equipment to the Scoutmaster and/or the equipment coordinator. Any equipment that is not returned over a period of time will be considered lost. The person responsible for that piece of equipment will also be responsible for the replacement at their cost.

Transportation

In most cases, the troop will need adults to help provide transportation to and from outings. Drivers are expected to obtain drivers’ insurance that meets at least the minimum as defined by State Law. If you ever intend to assist as a driver, you will need to be listed on the troop’s driver list.

Scouting youth under age 18 are not insured under the BSA’s commercial general liability and cannot be allowed to drive to or from Scouting activities. This includes an under 18 Scout or Venturer driving himself to a Scouting event, even if he or she is the only one in the car. This includes short trips across town or long trips across the country.

Driving to or from a standard meeting place isn’t an official Scouting activity or part of any tour planning.

Behavior

Scouts are expected to live their lives in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

There will be no throwing rocks, sticks, or any objects that may cause harm or personal injury.

A Scout is clean in thought, word, and deed. Vulgarity or profanity is not acceptable Boy Scout behavior and will not be tolerated.

Verbal or physical bullying of any Scout will not be tolerated. Fighting and hazing are not permitted; this is not considered Boy Scout‐like conduct.

Each Scout will respect Leadership at all times. Any Scout that refuses to cooperate with either boy or adult leaders at any troop function will be sent home (parents will be called to pick the Scout up). Boy Scouts will not be disrespectful. Scouts who refuse to conduct themselves in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout law will be subject to disciplinary action.

Destruction of troop, patrol, or personal property will not be tolerated. At the Scoutmaster’s discretion, repairs or replacement will be at the Scout’s or Parent(s)/Guardian(s) own expense. All troop equipment will be maintained properly including all tents, lanterns, utensils, dishes, pots, and pans etc.

The youth leaders of the troop will recommend Scouts who are repeatedly involved in discipline issues to the Scoutmaster. The following procedures will be followed:

Incident #1: Verbal warning 

Incident #2: Conference with the Scoutmaster 

Incident #3: Scoutmaster Conference with the Scout’s parents.

Incident #4: Membership termination with the troop.

If at any time, any Scout (or his parents) does not feel safe on any troop activity, he should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the adult leader(s) in charge.

Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must be reported to the Scout executive.

Youth Protection

All activities that include adult leadership will strictly follow the Youth Protection and Safe Scouting guidelines set forth by the Boy Scouts of America in the BSA publication The Guide to Safe Scouting. Adult leadership is always two deep, which means two leaders must be with the Scouts at all times. No Scout should ever be in the company of an adult without being in sight of others, or without having another adult in attendance. Adults may transport a Scout from one location to another without another adult in the vehicle as long as there are at least two Scouts in the vehicle. Other policies as spelled out in the Youth Protection and Guide to Safe Scouting guidelines may apply. BSA policy requires adult volunteers to take Youth Protection Training before they can become a registered leader. All registered adult leaders involved with the troop must take Youth Protection training at least every two years and review these policies before attending a troop event. Youth Protection training is offered at most Boy Scout adult training and is also available online. Other adults who are in close contact with Scouts are required to take this training course. Youth Protection guidelines are for the protection of both the Scout and the adult leader and should be strictly adhered to. If two adults cannot accompany the Scouts on a trip, the trip will be canceled.

Parents and Guardians are strongly encouraged to take the training.

Please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for the most updated rules and regulations.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/

Social Media

First, everyone should review and strictly adhere to the terms of service and existing guidelines outlined by each individual social media channel (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SnapChat, Instagram, etc.) As is true for participation in Scouting activities, all Scouts and adult leaders should abide by the guidelines outlined in the Scout Oath and Law when participating in social networking. As with a Scouting activity, safety and Youth Protection should be a key focus. Staying true to the commitment of the BSA to be an advocate for youth and to keep children and their privacy safe, both online and off, should always be at the forefront of any considerations where social media usage is concerned.

To help ensure that all communication on social media channels remains positive and safe, these channels must be public, and all communication on or through them must be public. This enables administrators to monitor all communication and help ensure there is no inappropriate communication between adult leaders and Scouts or between Scouts themselves. Therefore, no private channels (e.g., private Facebook groups or invite‐only YouTube channels) are acceptable in helping to administer the Scouting program. Private channels and private communication put both the youth and you at risk. If you feel the information you seek to share via social media channels should not be shared in public, you should not share that information via social media.

Abiding by the “two deep” leadership policy that governs all Scouting activities also applies to use of social media. Two‐deep leadership means two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings.

As it relates to social media, two‐deep leadership means there should be no private messages and no one‐on‐one direct contact through email, Facebook messages, Twitter direct messaging, chats, instant messaging (Google Messenger, AIM, etc.), or other similar messaging features provided through social media sites. All communication between adults and youth should take place in a public forum (e.g. the Facebook wall), or at a bare minimum, electronic communication between adults and youth should always include one or more authorized adults openly “copied” (included) on the message or message thread.

While all communication should be public and leaders should follow the two‐deep rule while communicating via social media channels, it is recommended that as you and members of your group create personal social media profiles, the personal information on these profiles should be kept private (e.g., do not display your phone number, address, or personal email address on these profiles). It is recommended that any Scouts with personal profiles for social media make those profiles private so the Scout’s personal information is not accessible by the public. In creating personal profiles, everyone should familiarize themselves with and abide by the terms of service of the sites where they create and maintain personal profiles.

As a parent or uniformed leader, you are representing the BSA or Troop 73, please refrain from derogatory comments about the troop, Scouts or the program. If you have an issue, please bring it up to troop leadership or the committee chair before blasting it across open channels. Remember, what you post in cyberspace doesn’t really go away, it can always be recovered.

Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy

The following policy on smoking and alcohol is quoted from the current BSA Committee Guidebook and Scoutmasters Handbook.

It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.

Health is a most valuable possession. Smoking will dangerously impair a person’s health. The BSA recommends that leaders maintain the attitude that young adults are much better off without tobacco. Leaders are encouraged not to use tobacco products in any form nor allow their use at any BSA activity.

Troop Roster

The troop roster will be developed annually or when needed as determined by the troop secretary. The roster will contain names, addresses, phone numbers, e‐mail addresses and positions for every Scout and Adult leader in the troop. To ensure the safety of our youth, the troop roster should remain with the Scouts, leaders, and their parents, and not given to any outside group or persons.

A Note on Communications

Much of our communication will take place via e‐mail. Depending on the nature of the message, the e‐mail will be followed up by a phone call. It is worth taking a moment to remember that e‐mail is not a replacement for a direct conversation either in person or by phone. If an e‐mail is sent and not acknowledged, it should be assumed it was never received. If a Scout sends important information via e‐mail, he should always follow up to make sure it was received. “I sent you an e‐ mail” will never excuse a Scout who has missed a deadline or not taken some other important responsibility. Your son’s direct line of communication will be with his patrol leader. If the patrol leader does not have the information needed, the Scout will then go through the chain of command and contact an assistant senior patrol leader and then if necessary the senior patrol leader.

Downloads

• Troop 73 Handbook (pdf)
• Handbook Acknowledgement Page
• New Parent Guide