Troop 55 Handbook

Parent Handbook

Boy Scout Troop 55

Downers Grove, Illinois

The following guide is designed to provide our Scouting families with a brief overview of our Troop’s structure and operation. We hope that you and your Scout will refer to it often and add additional material as it becomes available. Should you feel that additional information needs to be included, please contact the Troop Committee with any suggestions.

Troop 55 History

The troop was originally charted in 1929 by the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Downers Grove. Troop 55 was first created to serve the expanding needs of the youth in the area, and is the oldest troop in Pathway to Adventure Council. Our first Scoutmaster was L.B. Beardsley. Our troop enjoys camping and the outdoors and plans activities for each month of the year. Troop 55 has an excellent record in advancement and achievements. We take great pride in all of our Scouts especially those that have earned the rank of Eagle in the troop. An engraved plaque in Fellowship Hall recognizes all Troop 55 Eagle Scouts.

Boy Scouts of America

Scouting is a worldwide organization and Troop 55 is a unit of the Pathway to Adventure Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA). As a troop we are as unique as the people who make up our group, yet we adhere to the guidelines of the BSA for methods, programming, safety guidelines, skill instruction and advancement. The Scouting program is very comprehensive and allows us much choice and autonomy in establishing our programs and activities from year to year. We file an annual Charter including all registered Scouts and Adult Leaders which is our fundamental bond with the BSA.

The BSA provides us with a framework for advancement though the ranks of Scouting, as well as a myriad of Merit Badges and other achievement possibilities. The key to a Scout’s advancement is the Scout Handbook. It is a thorough and complete manual that describes the BSA program and advancements necessary to achieve all of the ranks of scouting. The BSA provides Adult leaders with regularly scheduled training, meetings, mentoring, and networking opportunities as well as other published resources. The Pathway to Adventure council staff is always available to answer any questions that may arise.

Troop 55 Vision

The goal of Troop 55 is to allow our Scouts to experience the joys of Scouting within a program that responds to the needs of our Scouts, not necessarily that of Adult Leadership, the program belongs to the Scouts. We believe our troop is “Scout Run”. The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) plans and implements programs, the Adult Leadership simply provides guidance. Scouts choose activities and campout locations at the annual summer planning meeting and the PLC implements the plan. Advancement, while continuously nurtured and encouraged by the Adult Leadership, must be desired by the Scout’s choices. Please be assured however that while we are a “Scout Run” troop the Adult Leadership monitors, assists, teaches, or sometimes steps in if health and/or safety concerns warrant intervention. Our troop strives to provide a supportive environment that allows each Scout to advance in rank as far as he desires. BSA acknowledges that most Scouts will not achieve the honored distinction of Eagle, yet we strive to support all of our Scouts in achieving at least the rank of First Class. With the skills required for this rank, a boy can be a capable and skilled camper.

Troop Organization

As recommended by the BSA our troop is organized as such:

Troop Committee- Scout parents and adults who set policies for the Troop.
Adult Staff- The adult leadership in the Troop.
Senior Scout Leadership- Experienced scouts elected by their peers who hold the positions of the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
Patrol Leadership- Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders these are scouts that have been elected by members from their own patrol.
The Patrol Leaders Council- Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader and the Patrol leaders of the troop. This Council plans and organizes Troop activities and events.
The Patrols- The heart of the Troop.
The Scouts- The individual members of the patrols. They all have a voice to contribute and make a difference.

Troop Meetings

Troop 55 holds its weekly meetings at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Downers Grove, 1047 Curtiss Street on Thursday nights. Troop meetings are organized and operated by the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Wearing the Class A Scout uniform is required at all Troop meetings. Scouts that have not yet achieved the First Class rank should bring their Scout handbook and a pen each week. Typical weekly Scout meetings may consist of the following components:

Opening Ceremony- Post the Colors
Announcements
Rank Advancement
Patrol meetings/corners
Inter patrol activity- Troop Game/ Challenge
Announcements and Awards
Closing ceremony- Retire the Colors
Circle up- Scoutmaster Minute
All scouts are expected to help with cleanup after the meeting.

Committee Meetings

The Troop Committee meets once per month on the first Wednesday of the month and all parents are invited to be a part of the Troop Committee. This is the adult forum for all issues in the Troop that are managed at the adult level. This includes reports from the Scoutmaster, Advancement Chair, Treasurer, Adult Quartermaster, Chartered Organization Representative, reports on Council Activities, and any other business that comes before the Parent Committee.

The Committee positions are:

Committee Chair
Charter Organization Representative
Treasurer
Advancement Coordinator
Secretary
Outdoor/Activities Coordinator
Equipment Coordinator/Adult Quartermaster
Training Coordinator
Recruiting/Membership Coordinator
New Scout Parent Coordinator
Chaplain

Communication

In an organization as large and active as our troop, communication is vitally important. Our goal is for each Scout to participate in weekly meetings and work together using the Patrol method. Each Scout can then take responsibility for his role in the communication process. Important information is distributed at our weekly Scout meetings and posted on our Troop website through “Troop Track” (www.trooptrack.com). Upon joining the Troop, a user name and password to “Troop Track” will be provided to access you Scout’s information as well as all Troop information and documents. The information distributed should be read carefully by the Scout and his parent(s)/guardian(s). In some situations a telephone tree may be used or the Scout may receive a call from his Patrol Leader regarding information about an upcoming event. Most major Troop activities are planned far in advance and the dates are distributed via email and on the annual calendar posted on “Troop Track”. The calendar lists all major outings, troop meetings, Courts of Honor, and any other miscellaneous troop events.

The Troop depends on parental support so that each Scout attends most troop activities. Schedule changes are usually communicated via email. Detailed information on upcoming campouts and outings are typically distributed via email at least one month before the event. This will include information on location, costs, schedule, departure time, etc.

Parents/Guardians- Please let us know if your Scout is not sharing information with you about his meetings. He may be missing out on current events.

Active Participation

All Members of Troop 55 are expected to participate in all phases of the troop program as we need active participation of all Scouts along with the support of their parents to have a vibrant, active scouting experience. Regular attendance is expected at Troop meetings, outings and community service projects as well as active positions of increasing responsibility. If a Scout cannot attend an outing that he has already signed up for, he must communicate with the specific adult in charge. This adult’s name is listed on the permission slip. If a Scout cannot attend and is responsible for any aspect of a meeting or event, he must find a suitable replacement in a timely manner.

For all troop activities be sure your scout is feeling well. Scouts should be fever free for at least 24 hours prior to participation (without the help of fever reducing medications). Any Scout who has an illness that is contagious should not attend Troop activities.

Finances

Our troop has established “Annual dues” to be paid by each active Scout. Troop dues cover many expenses including awards and BSA national registration. The dues also help fund the troop’s basic expenses, such as: replacement, and/or maintenance of troop equipment, supplies, troop operating costs, re chartering fees, and advancement and Merit Badge awards. Annual dues total $150.00 per year per Scout. Dues may be deducted from the Scout’s “Scout Account” or if you prefer, they may be paid by cash or check (made payable to: “BSA Troop 55”). The Troop Treasurer will notify the Scout’s Parents before the funds are withdrawn from his account.

Dues are collected three times a year:

$50.00 in January

$50.00 in June

$50.00 in September

Each Scout in Troop 55 will have a “Scout Account” established in his name. The Troop holds several fundraisers throughout the year, and profits earned by each Scout will be placed in his individual account.

The account can be used for:

Scout activities
Dues
Summer camp
Reimbursement for scouting related equipment purchases

The Troop Treasurer maintains the “Scout Account” for each Scout. If a Scout would like to be reimbursed for a purchase, he must present the receipt and a reimbursement form to the Treasurer. To print a copy of the reimbursement form visit the “Troop Track“ website. If a Scout would like to pay for an outing or campout using funds from his account, check the box on the permission slip signifying “Scout Account” for payment.

All funds in the Scout account can only be disbursed in the ways above for purposes related to scouting. A Scout cannot withdraw funds from a Scout Account for personal non-scout related uses. Once a Scout leaves the scouting program or “Ages out” (at the age of 18) his account is then forfeited and becomes part of the general troop treasury. If a Scout transfers to another troop his balance will then be transferred to his new troop. All Scout Accounts must be maintained with a positive balance. If the balance becomes negative, the Scout will no longer have access to use the account to pay for Scout activities, dues, etc. until a deposit is made to bring the balance back to a positive position. The Troop Treasurer will notify the Scout’s Parents if the balance lowers to a negative balance.

There are some costs associated with most outings. The cost of outings vary based upon distance, camping fees, activity fees, equipment rental, cost of food, supplies, patches, etc. Expenses for individual campouts and outings are divided up among those participate. We request that fees be paid promptly so that reservations can be made and food purchased. Should your Scout cancel or cannot attend; refunds will be made (if possible) contingent on the cost to the troop. Contact the Troop Treasurer to request a refund.

Fundraising

To help offset the cost of the annual dues, each Scout may choose to participate in a Troop fundraiser. Each Scout and their parent(s)/guardian(s) decide on which fundraisers they would like to participate in and how much they would like to sell. The main fundraisers are: Chocolate bars, Wreath sales, and Plant sales. Our goal is to allow the scouts to earn the most from each fundraiser event. At the beginning of sales kick off the Troop will be made aware of percentages that they will earn from their fundraising proceeds.

The division of the funds between the Scout account and the Troop treasury is set by the Troop Committee and is based on the Troop’s need for funds for equipment and upcoming programs. The Committee’s philosophy is to support the Troop only as needed through fundraising and dues, and to allow each Scout to reap the financial rewards of his fundraising efforts. The profit earned by each Scout will be credited to his “Scout Account”. Many scouts look forward to fundraisers as it allows them to earn funds for specific activities.

All Scouts are encouraged to participate in troop fundraisers. We ask that parents/guardians also encourage their sales and help their sons with any sales deliveries. Keeping sales records from year to year can make sales easier. To help increase their earnings Scouts can create sales by telephoning or emailing friends and/or their families.

Outdoor Activity Program

Troop 55 has a complete annual program of outdoor activities. The foundation of the Outdoor Activity Program is an outing every month of the year. These include one and two night outings eleven months out of the year, and a week-long resident summer camp each year. Additional outings may include high-adventure opportunities, or outings specifically related to merit badge activities, including hiking and biking, which have been conducted on a day-trip basis.

The PLC plans each year’s outings at an annual planning meeting. Past activities have included caving, canoeing, biking, skiing, and rock climbing. We participate in the annual BSA “Klondike Winter Competition” in January and host an “Electronics Lock in” every November.

The location of summer camp may vary from year-to-year. A wide variety of Merit Badges and activities are offered and it is a great opportunity for Scouts to learn new skills, gain independence, and travel to new places. The Outdoor Activity Program requires the assistance of many adults to assure a good adult-to-scout ratio for outings and to provide a sufficient numbers of drivers. It is also a good opportunity to get to know other parents in the troop, and contribute to your son’s experience in the troop. Outings require the presence of leaders trained in Youth Protection, Outdoor Leader Skills, Hazardous Weather Training, Driver’s Pledge, and outing-specific training for outings with particular safety concerns such as water sports and climbing. These trips cannot be possible if adults with the required training are not available, so it is to the benefit of the troop that multiple individuals become trained in the necessary skills. In addition to this training, the following guidelines are provided to assist adults in contributing productively to the outing experience.

GUIDELINES FOR ADULT LEADERS

The Adult Leader in charge on any given outing requires the respect of the other adults on the outing. If there are differences of opinion as to the handling of a situation, respect the direction of the Adult Leader first, and raise any concerns in private, if necessary.
All adults participating in an outing are required to take Youth Protection Training.
Scouts should be expected to exercise the buddy system anytime they leave the campsite. All adults should plan to assist in enforcing the need for the buddy system.
When on an Outdoor Campout, each camper’s tent is his/her private space. Entering or interfering with another person’s tent is grounds for dismissal from camp for all Scouts.
Troop 55 is a “Scout-Run” Troop and functions according to the Patrol method. While adults are expected to help guide Scouts in need, a Scout should be expected to do whatever is required for himself rather than have it done for him.
When you attend an outing, you are there to support the Troop as a whole, not as a parent to your son. Scouts should be encouraged to participate with their patrols, and should function as independently as they would need to if their parent was not present.

High Adventure

High Adventure outings will be conducted when the membership of the Troop has a sufficient group of older Scouts able to take advantage of the opportunities, and when those Scouts, Scoutmaster, and Adult Leadership have a sufficient level of commitment to conduct a High Adventure Outing. Traditionally, trips to the National Scout Reservation in Philmont, New Mexico have been conducted as frequently as every three years. Winter camping, backpacking, significant canoe trips, and Sea Base have all been investigated or conducted in the past by the Troop, and remain options for interested Scouts with appropriate available Adult Leadership.

Permission Slips

Each outing requires a permission slip which contains two different sections. The top portion provides specific information regarding the trip or outing. This includes instructions, departure place and time, emergency phones numbers, and if any special equipment is needed. After the bottom portion is signed this permits your Scout to attend the event, including permission to treat or seek medical assistance in case of any injury or illness. Complete and return the bottom portion of the slip by the date indicated. This allows more efficient planning and carpool arrangements. When the permission slips are returned to the chairperson we request that a check is endorsed to “Troop 55” or exact currency is given. Other wises the amount remaining will go into the Scout’s account.

Medical Forms

BSA guidelines require the completion of a three part annual Health and Medical form. Parts A and B of the form may be completed by Adult Scouters or parents/guardians of minor scouts. Parts A and B are required to join the Troop and for weekend camp outs, Part C must be completed by a medical professional and is required for camping trips in excess of 72 hours or high adventure.

All forms are valid for 12 calendar months from the date of completion. To access a current form visit the Boy Scouts of America national website at http://www.scouting.org/ or “Troop Track” at www.trooptrack.com. It is essential that the Adult Leadership of the Troop be aware of any medical concerns, allergies, special needs to help ensure safety for all.

Campout Menus

Menu planning typically occurs at a meeting one week prior to a campout. If a Scout has any special dietary needs he needs to communicate with his Patrol so these needs can be accommodated. Menus should be a group effort and consist of appropriate menu choices. The menu will be reviewed and approved by the Scoutmaster before any food is purchased. Members of the patrol take turns shopping for their patrol and the shopping trip will need parental assistance. The cost of the food is included in the camping fee. The Scout shopper will be informed of the number of Scouts he is shopping for and the budgeted dollar amount. All grocery receipts should be submitted to the Troop Treasurer for reimbursement along with a completed reimbursement form. If your Scout is the shopper, he will be provided with a cooler for perishable items and large Rubbermaid container for nonperishable items.

Campout Equipment

Encourage your Scout to treat his equipment and Troop equipment with care and respect so we may prolong the lifespan for each item. If your Scout notices any problems with any Troop equipment he should bring this issue to the attention of the Troop Quartermaster. Every Scout needs to have his own personal equipment and may need to increase his personal items based on his participation in Troop activities. See the Scout Handbook for items that may be needed in the future and for a complete list for items needed on a campout. If Troop camping equipment is not returned or is lost or severely damaged when in possession of a Scout for a prolonged period of time after the use on a campout or Troop event, this may result in the assessment of a charge for replacement or repair.

The Patrol Method

Troop 55 operates under the Patrol Method of Scouting as developed by Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Great Britain in the early 1900s. This has proven to be one of the best methods for developing leadership and responsibility. A patrol ideally consists of 5-7 members under the leadership of one of the Scouts elected by the Patrol to be their leader. The Patrol serves to organize channels of communication within the Troop and plays a key role in organizing Troop outings and other activities. Through their Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leader’s council, all Scouts have input into the Troop’s program and are able to receive the latest information on upcoming activities.

At a weekly troop meeting the Patrol Leader will draft a patrol duty roster. The duties will be equally divided and the Scouts will rotate through each duty. Every Scout, including the Patrol Leader, is expected to do his share. Patrol positions may rotate frequently so that everyone has an opportunity to lead and learn all duties within the patrol.

Scout Uniform

The Troop 55 Scout Class A uniform consists of a tan Boy Scout shirt with all current patches attached, and a neckerchief or bolo. Any appropriate slide may be worn with the neckerchief. The bolo may be worn when the Scout earns the rank of First Class. For accurate patch and insignia placement, please refer to the inside cover of the Scout Handbook or BSA uniform inspection sheet. The Class A shirt must be tucked in at all times. Scout pants or shorts are optional, pants should be neat, clean and of neutral color (green or tan khakis or plain blue jeans). Scouts should take pride in wearing their uniforms as they represent our Troop and the BSA.

A Merit Badge sash is included with the formal Class A uniform and is to be worn at all Courts of Honor, Parades, Scoutmaster Conferences, and Board of Reviews. Scouts receive their Merit Badge sash when they receive their first Merit Badge. Troop 55 has a tradition of placing all silver Merit Badges in the middle of the sash and all elective Merit Badges on the outer edge of the sash. Troop 55 always travels to and from campouts and other Scout activities in Class A uniforms with the exception of the sash, neckerchief and slide. On campouts, Class A uniforms are required for flag ceremonies, meals, etc. Class B tee shirts are recommended wear during more casual times during camp and outings.

CLASS A shirt= Tan BSA shirt

CLASS B shirt= Scout Logo tee shirt

Scout Handbook

The troop provides one copy of the Scout handbook to a boy when he joins the troop. He is encouraged to use it for rank advancement, Merit Badge completions and for general reference. Scouts that have not yet earned First Class should bring the handbook and pen to each weekly troop meeting, Scoutmaster Conference, and Board of Review. The Scout’s individual advancement record is kept in the handbook.

Advancements

Scouts are able to advance through the ranks at their own pace, and are supported and guided in their rank advancement efforts by the higher ranking Scouts and Adult Leadership of the troop. A structured rank advancement program is provided for the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. This will provide the Scouts with the support necessary to achieve all required skills for the First Class rank within the first year of scouting. For this reason, Scouts who have not achieved the rank of First Class should bring their handbooks to each meeting so that their accomplishments can be recorded. Accomplishments can be recorded by First Class Scouts or higher or by a registered Troop leader. Once the Scout achieves the rank of First Class, rank advancement depends more on accomplishing Merit Badges and service projects, and as such the Scout must take a more individual and proactive approach to rank advancement. Troop leadership is always available as a resource for any Scout, however there is no structured rank advancement program beyond First Class.

Scouting “Chits and Chips”

New Scouts have an opportunity to earn the “Firem’n Chit” and “Totin’Chip” once they have demonstrated the skills and knowledge to handle fire and knives safely and responsibly. One earned, the Scouts must carry the cards with them if they wish to work with fire or carry a knife. If the Scout demonstrates unsafe behavior a corner may be removed. If all four corners are lost then Scout must earn the Chit or Chip again.

Our troop also uses an “Electronics Chit”. If a Scout wishes to use electronics or a cell phone during meetings or camp activities, he must first earn this Chit. The parents/guardians must also agree and provide him with permission to earn the Chit and bring electronics. The Scout must be accountable for his electronics if he brings them to activities, the troop cannot be responsible for loss or damage. Corners can be lost on this Chit as well for failure to abide by the rules.

Service Projects

Service projects are required for certain rank advancements. The troop performs several service projects each year which can be used to satisfy this requirement, or the Scout can perform service duties outside of the troop. Service projects should be approved by the Scoutmaster and documented in writing via an e-mail to the Advancement Chairperson.

Inactive Scouts

Scouts are considered to be inactive if dues are unpaid or if they fail to attend meetings and participate in troop activities for an extended period of time. Troop 55 strives to accommodate Scouts who are active in other activities which may require extended absences from time to time, such as during a seasonal sport. If your Scout will have an extended absence yet intends to return, please advise the Scoutmaster. Also, it is requested that Scouts give thought to seeking and/or accepting positions of leadership within a patrol or the troop if they will have consistent absences due to sports, etc. It is important that Scouts in leadership positions are consistently present at troop meetings and events.

Merit Badges

Merit Badges are listed in the Scout handbook. Merit Badges are an opportunity to learn new skills and broaden the boy’s areas of interest.

There are two different categories of Merit Badges.

Merit Badges that are Elective.
Merit Badges that are required for Eagle. These types of Merit Badges are pictured in the Scout Handbook with a silver edge, sometimes they are referred to as a “Silver Merit Badge”.

When a scout decides he would like to work on a Merit Badge he will need to follow these specific steps:

Choose a specific Merit Badge.
Request a blue card from the Advancement Chairperson.
Fill out the initial portions of the blue card.
Obtain the Scoutmaster’s signature.
Ask the Troop 55 Scoutmaster about a Merit Badge counselor.
Call the Merit Badge counselor to receive authorization to begin Merit badge.
Obtain a Merit Badge book and print a worksheet from the www.meritbadge.org website. The Scout may also check out a Merit Badge book through the Troop Library, purchase a book from the council or at a local bookstore such as “The Chalkboard”, or check the book out from the local public library. Be sure to use a current edition of each book.
After the work has been completed call the Merit Badge counselor for an appointment to discuss your work. At that time the counselor will review your work and decide if it is complete and then he will then sign your blue card. The counselor will keep a preformed section.
Obtain the Scoutmaster’s signature on the blue card.
For your records photocopy both sides of the blue card and give the completed card to the Advancement Chairperson.

Troop Library

The troop maintains a library of various Merit Badge books. It is organized by the Troop Librarian, a Scout position. The troop always welcomes any donations of current editions of Merit Badge books.

Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review

When a Scout completes his requirements for a rank he needs to speak to the Scoutmaster regarding his “Scoutmaster Conference”. The Scoutmaster and Scout will discuss the requirements and then the Scout will be instructed to make an appointment with the Troop’s Advancement Chairperson for a Board of Review. A Board of Review needs to be planned at least one week in advance to prepare the necessary paperwork and request the proper amount of adult volunteers for the interview process. At the Board of Review a Scout is required to wear his Class A uniform, including sash and neckerchief or bolo. He must be familiar with the rank requirements and bring his Scout handbook and pen. The board consists of 3-4 Troop adults and/or interested parents (excluding the scout’s own parents/guardians). The Board of Review has three goals:

To evaluate that all rank advancement work is complete and to review the Scout’s knowledge of the requirements.
To review the boy’s current scouting experience in the troop.
The adults will then encourage the Scout to progress further in the ranks of scouting.

When the review is concluded the Scout will be informed if he has passed to the next rank.

If he did not pass, he will be informed in his area of weakness and is asked to show competence in this area at the earliest opportunity.

Court of Honor

When a Scout fulfills a requirement for a Merit Badge, advancement in rank, or other honor he will be recognized as soon as possible. The Scout will be acknowledged for the rank advancement at the next troop meeting and then be formally recognized at the next Court of Honor. These Court of Honor ceremonies are conducted three times a year and are “Ceremonial Events” to honor the Scouts and their achievements. Scouts should wear a Class A uniform, including sash and neckerchief or bolo. The whole family is encouraged to attend, and following the ceremony we usually socialize and enjoy some refreshments. A separate Court of Honor is held for Eagle Scout presentations.

Parent Role in Supporting Troop Vision

Parental support is vital to the Troop function. Volunteers are always needed for a variety of tasks. We encourage at least one parent of each Scout to become a registered member of the Troop, and take the introductory online “Youth Protection Training”. This level of involvement extends our ability to assure that all of our programs can proceed as planned when circumstances arise that may take our normal leadership out of availability for any reason.

There are roles at many levels, from simply offering a helping hand at Troop events, to attendance at Troop Committee meetings, involvement in Troop fundraising, service projects, or leadership roles in the Troop.

In addition, parents/guardians can also support Scouts in the following ways:

Assist your Scout in preparing for, and attending activities.
Encourage your Scout in his Scout Advancement.
Attend parent’s meetings and Courts of Honor.

Code of Conduct

The Rules of Scouting are found in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, and Scout Slogan. The “Spirit of Scouting” dictates high expectations for the behavior of all Troop members. The BSA Code of Conduct specifically states: “Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program”.

When necessary, the following disciplinary plan will be used:

Step 1: Personal Conference with the Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC): Behavior issues or breaches of the Code of Conduct appropriate to be handled among the Scouts will be referred to the PLC.

Step 2: Personal Conference with the Scoutmaster and Adult Leadership: The Scoutmaster and/or appropriate adult leadership will address a Scout privately (following all recommendations of Youth Protection) making it clear for the Scout what behavior was unacceptable and identifying the desired behavior.

Step 3: Phone call or meeting with parents/guardians and Scout: A request for the parents/guardians’ cooperation will be made. Clarification of the concerns will be communicated to both the Scout and parents/guardians. The desired outcome will be agreed upon with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair and the parents/guardians, and be communicated clearly to the Scout.

Step 4: At this point, if the behavior continues, disciplinary action is clearly required. Depending on the severity of the behavioral issue, the disciplinary action will be referred to the PLC or Troop Committee.

Step 5: If after a serious offense, a Scout demonstrates the desire to remain a member of the Troop and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout may either be suspended from meetings, activities, and/or advancing in rank for 1 to 3 months OR the Scout’s parents/guardians may be required to attend all meetings and activities for a period of 1 to 3 months.

Step 6: Termination Request: It is our earnest desire to support all Scouts to the best of our ability, while maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all members of the troop. If a Scout demonstrates repeated offenses or a pattern of behavior which is unresponsive to the first five steps, or is of sufficiently serious nature as to require acceleration of the disciplinary action, a Termination Request may be presented to the Scout and his parents/guardians. Such a request requires support on the part of 66% of the Troop Committee, Scoutmaster(s), and Adult Leadership of the troop. Such an action will only be taken if the Scout’s behavior puts the well-being of the Troop or any of its members in jeopardy.

Troop Objective

Troop 55 strives to provide a vibrant, outdoor and service oriented scouting experience in which each scout is provided with the structure, guidance and support needed to achieve his Scouting goals. It is our hope that the positive principals of Scouting as outlined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law will lead each Scout to lifelong personal success and fulfillment.

kjg 1/2018