Boy Scouts of America
Troop 410
Pomfret, Maryland
Welcome to Boy Scouting, Troop 410, and a great new adventure! Scouting is participating in outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and camping while growing into responsible manhood, practicing good citizenship, and learning to be of service to others. But most importantly, Scouting is FUN!
I hope that you will find the following information helpful in understanding Troop 410's policies:
All Scouts are expected to wear the proper uniform, attend meetings regularly, participate in outdoor events, advance in rank, assist in fund raiser sales, and abide by the rules and regulations. Each Scout must be supported by an adult who serves on the Troop Committee, becomes a trained leader, or helps the Troop on special assignments. Scouting is like everything else in life. You only get out of it what you put into it. So come on! Be active in your patrol and in your Troop! You will have some of the best times in your life! If you have any questions or need help, please do not hesitate to talk to me or to any of the other leaders or committee members. Yours in Scouting, J. Michael Hunt, Jr. Scoutmaster Troop 410 Our Web Site Address is: http://www.troop410.org BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide for boys an effective program to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop in them personal fitness, thus to help in the develop of American citizens who: AIMS OF SCOUTING To develop character METHODS OF SCOUTING RULES OF SCOUTING INFORMATION ABOUT TROOP 410 Meeting Place: White Plains Baptist Church JOINING REQUIREMENTS Age to Join: 11 years or older or 10 1/2 and completed 5th grade. MEETING RULES Uniform: Class "A" (including scarf and shirt tucked in) must be worn at all meetings, unless the Scoutmaster has authorized Class "B" (Scout T-shirt). TROOP 410 REGULATIONS AND GOALS The main fund raiser of the Troop is the sale of Christmas trees. Each Scout is expected to volunteer for the tree sales. The amount of time required will be determined each year. A parent/adult must be present with each Scout for his entire time. No other children should attend this activity. If so, then the parent/adult may not receive credit for his/her time. A Christmas Tree Fund Raiser Committee will be set up and will establish new guidelines for each year. These guidelines will be approved by Troop 410's Committee and each year they will be explained to the Scouts at a Troop meeting. Parents will be encouraged to attend this meeting. The Troop Committee realizes that scheduling a fund raiser during the holiday time can be difficult for many families. However, over the years this fund raiser has provided to be very successful. Therefore, the Committee has made many opportunities for the flexible scheduling for the Scouts and adults to work. The Troop does not schedule or encourage participation in any other Scouting activities at this time. A Scout participating in any fund raiser may earn only credit which may only be used towards Troop 410's summer camp programs, dues, Scouting equipment or a Scouting related activity. In some cases, it may be used to purchase personal Scouting equipment. The percentage of profit earned by any fund raiser will be determined by the Troop Committee. At no time will the Scout receive cash. The credit is non-transferable to any other Scout Troop. (Receiving cash will negate the Troop as a non-profit group.) It usually takes until late January, or early February, for the Troop to calculate the profit from the Christmas Tree Fund Raiser. The profit will be reported at the next Court of Honor. All Scouts will receive notice of the amount of credit, that they, as individuals, have earned. All fund raising activities must be approved by the Troop Committee. All proceeds from Troop 410's fund raisers remain in the Troop. Listed below are items that each Scout will ultimately need listed in order of priority. *********************************************************************************** NOTE Please ensure that all clothing and equipment is marked with the Scout's name or initials, especially the cap! Wear your complete uniform proudly and correctly at all Scouting events: Violation of this policy is unacceptable. Scouts will not be allowed to advance in any way at Troop meetings and will be refused the opportunity to participate in any outing, if they fail to wear their complete Class A Uniform. The only individuals authorized to make exceptions from this policy are the Scoutmaster or the acting Scoutmaster in charge of the event. Wearing of the Scout uniform builds team spirit and wearing of the red Troop 410 neckerchief demonstrates PRIDE in YOUR TROOP. I am soliciting the support of all leaders to enforce this policy and the help of all parents to ensure your Scout complies. J. Michael Hunt, Jr. Scoutmaster Troop 410 TROOP 410 OUTDOOR POLICY TROOP 410 CAMPING GEAR CLEANING POLICY Scouts and adults of Troop 410 frequently are asked and expected to assist in cleaning Troop equipment following Troop outings. Without the proper care provided by those who use the equipment, the Troop would not be able to afford the cost of replacement. The whole Troop outing program would suffer as a result of such neglect. Sometimes the neglect of the equipment sent home for cleaning results in permanent damage to the equipment; rust on metal equipment and mildew and rot to wet tents is common. Similarly, if the equipment sent home for care or cleaning is not returned in a timely manner, the Troop will not have it to use on the next outing. Either reason for non-availability produces the same undesirable result. Troop 410 will continue to ask and expect those who use Troop equipment to provide cleaning and return to the Troop. Since most of the equipment is cleaned on the spot as it is used, the amount of equipment sent home for care is minimal. Troop 410 asks that the equipment be cleaned promptly and returned cleaned and in good repair at the next Troop meeting. If there is not to be a Troop meeting before the next outing, return is expected before that outing. Often times, Scouts and their parents become distracted from return of that equipment. Our Troop Quartermaster will notify Scouts when they miss the next Troop meeting return date. There will be no penalty if return is then made within the next week. However, if the equipment is not returned by the next meeting or outing date after that reminder, the following graduated sequence of actions will be taken: After the notification by the Troop Quartermaster, the Scout responsible for the equipment will have to perform 2 hours of equipment cleaning service for each additional week of later return of equipment. Two weeks after reminder notification the penalty is 4 hours, 3 weeks is 6 hours service, etc. If return is still not made within one month of the reminder, the Scout will be asked to purchase an identical replacement item or pay the purchase price to the Troop. The Scout will not be allowed to participate in any advancement activities until the mandated cleaning service is performed and all delinquent equipment is returned or payment made. Fund raising credits earned by the Scout will be reduced by the amount of unpaid financial liability. In the event that the Scout has left the Troop or Scouting, the family will be held liable for any missing or damaged equipment. New Family Welcome Statement September 14, 1998 Dear Scouting Parents, The $20 camping fee is calculated in the following manner. Sincerely,
J. Michael Hunt, Jr TROOP 410 POLICY FOR INDIVIDUAL FUND RAISING ACCOUNTS Scouts and Scouters participating in Troop 410 fund raising activities are sometimes credited with a prorated share of the profits. The Troop Committee will decide when and how much of the profits will be credited to individual participants. Those credits are placed into individual accounts for each Scout. The account balance represents credit, not money. Our non-profit status requires that we not make cash payments to members from fund raising activities. Account credits may be used only for the following purposes:
When a Scout(er) does not re-charter with Troop 410 at the regular time, he is no longer in good standing with Troop 410. When a Scout(er) formally transfers out of Troop 410 to another Troop or Post, he is no longer in good (or bad) standing with Troop 410. The account balance of a Scout(er), no longer in good standing with Troop 410, will be transferred to the Troop 410 general fund. The only exemption from this transfer to the Troop 410 general fund is for the case when a sibling, parent, or spouse remains in good standing with Troop 410 at the regular re-chartering time. In that case, the fund balance from the departing Scout(er) may be transferred to the account of the family member still in good standing with Troop 410. RESPECT FOR RELIGION WITHIN TROOP 410 Scouts officially recognize God every time they say the Scout Oath: ..... my duty, to God....... In fact, this is the highest priority of all statements in the oath. They promise to .....obey the Scout Law... In that Law, Scouts again recognize the need for a religion in scouting. Specifically, the recognize Reverence (for God). Every Scout signs a pledge on joining scouting to obey the Scout Law and honor the Scout Oath. Every Scouter, on joining, signs a pledge to honor the Religious Principal of Scouting. We, as a Troop, cannot ignore our commitments. And we as Scouters cannot rescind our promises. In this line, we agree that the policy of Troop 410 shall be that: We eliminate passive pressures which would weaken a Scout's intention to observe his religious life. The atmosphere of the Troop shall be that religious services are the normal event on the Sabbath. No impediments shall be placed in the way of a Scout's (or Scouter's) observance of his religious life. The ideal is that Sabbath day activities will not be planned during normal family worship times. We will actively foster religious observance. When feasible during weekend Troop trips, opportunities shall be made available for a Scout's attendance at a church service of his choosing. Otherwise, there will be a reasonable plan to conduct a non-denominational Scout religious service on Sunday morning, or on Saturday evening. A Scout Grace before the evening meal during Troop activities is part of this also. We will support the Religious Emblems program. This includes participation as a Troop in the Annual Scout Religious Retreat sponsored jointly by the NCAC Catholic Committee on Scouting and the NCAC Protestant Committee on Scouting. Note: any parent who wishes their son to attend a religious service of their particular faith which differs from troop plans must make arrangements to transport the Scout to and from the service. TROOP 410 DISCIPLINARY CORRECTIVE ACTIONS Troop 410 regulations state all Scouts are required to abide by the "Rules of Scouting" and those who refuse to conform to the standards will be suspended from Troop 410. As leaders, parents, and Scouts, we're all responsible for ensuring Scouting standards are maintained and correcting any disciplinary problems. Problems left unchecked may lead to the removal of a Scout. To ensure Scouts understand and follow rules such as the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, etc., it is often necessary to correct a potential or existing problem. The guidelines on how the Troop will deal with minor, moderate, and severe disciplinary problems are described below: A repeat disciplinary problem is elevated to the next higher level and handled accordingly. That is, repeat minors become a moderate offense; repeat moderate offenses become a severe offense. The emphasis should be on understanding why such behavior occurred and how to help the Scout learn from his mistakes. Ample use of suspending or reducing the punishment should be used if the Scout's actions and attitude warrant it. In all cases, it is important to remember the overall goal is to help build the Scout's character and citizenship skills. Transportation Information September 14, 1998 Dear Scouting Parents, If you are willing to assist with transportation, please take the time to complete the requested information on the attached form for any vehicle you might drive. The form should be returned at the next Troop meeting. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. Yours in Scouting, J. Michael Hunt, Jr. Scoutmaster Troop 410 We have read and understood Troop 410's Information Packet and have discussed it with our son. We agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Troop 410. A copy of these rules and regulations has been given to us for our retention. Scout's Signature _____________________________________________ Date: __________________ Parent Signature _____________________________________________ Date: __________________ We understand that each Scout must have the active support of a parent who will serve on the Troop Committee or will help with special assignments. I, _________________________________________________ pledge to volunteer to serve Troop 410 by__________________________________________________ Information Scouts need to have a special place to put all Scouting awards, badges, rank cards, merit badge cards, or special patches earned. These individual records are important when the Scout reaches the rank of Eagle. Elements of Indian tradition are used in OA ceremonies for dramatic effect. However, the Indian aspects of the Order should never obscure its objectives. Document Created: March 1999 - Posted on Web Site: 6/28/99 Notice: This is a web-based version of the actual document. For an updated version, please contact Troop 410's Scoutmaster. Every effort has been made to provide up-to-date factual information. Some forms may not have available for posting. Press the BACK button on your browser window to return to previous page
STATEMENT OF
To develop citizenship
To develop fitness
Scouting Ideals
Patrols
Advancement
Adult Male Association
Outdoor Program
Leadership Development
Personal Growth
Other Program Elements
Scout Oath
Scout Law
Scout Motto
Scout Slogan
Outdoor Code
Time: Tuesday Night, 7:30 to 9:00
Sponsoring Organization: White Plains Baptist Church, Pomfret, Maryland
Scoutmaster: J. Michael Hunt, Jr.
Dues: $14.00 per quarter or $50.00 per year. Dues must be current before boy is allowed to go on a Troop outdoor activity. Eagle Scout dues are $25.00.
Scoutmaster's Conference: Each boy wishing to join the Troop will participate in a conference with the Scoutmaster. At least one parent or guardian must attend this conference.
Application Form: A JOIN BOY SCOUTS application form must be filled out and signed by the boy and the parent.
Registration Fee: $15.50 (includes subscription to "Boy's Life") or $1.00 transfer fee, if coming from another Pack or Troop.
Webelos Crossover Fee: $26.40 (includes a Troop neckerchief, slide, transfer fee, patrol patch, Troop cap, insurance, dues until September, merit badges and awards earned at camp.)
Commitment: Each boy must promise to abide by the "Rules of Scouting" and the regulations of the Troop.
Class "A" Uniform: Class "A" uniform (including scarf, red Troop hat, solid-colored pants) must be worn at all meetings unless Scoutmaster has authorized Class "B" (Scout T-shirt, solid colored pants).
Food/Drinks/Gum: Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed at Troop meetings.
This information was taken out of the Scout Handbook from pages 566 and 567. The only exceptions that are made by Troop 410 are the wearing of jeans or solid, dark-colored pants and a brown or black leather belt versus the green web belt.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome new families. I also want to explain to the new families, and to remind the 'old' families, of the way we are calculating and charging for Troop 410 weekend camping expenses. We have set a flat fee of $20 per Scout as a planning figure for the cost of a camping weekend. Half of this amount, $10, is to be paid at least two weeks in advance of the event and is non-refundable. The reason for this non-refundable deposit is that the food costs about this much per Scout and the food has to be bought in advance of the event. Perishable food constitutes a significant portion of that purchased and cannot be saved from one event to the next, if not used. Similarly, an empty seat in arranged transportation still costs us money; the same with campsite fees. Camping fees may be paid by check; make them out to Troop 410.
$2 - $5
Transportation including your Scout, his equipment and food; transportation of troop equipment and supplies in the trailers.
$2 - $6
Park/Campground/Registration fee for the event.
$10 - $12
Food for your Scout for average of 5 meals.
$1
Troop fee for equipment replacement, propane, etc.
$15 - $24
Total
As you can see, the $20 fee is ballpark. Over the course of the year, it will average near $20. If we see that the costs are being held down and equipment is holding up, the fee could be reduced.
Scoutmaster Troop 410
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________________________________
Scout Signature
Parent(s) Signature
Our Troop is required to file a Tour Permit Application each time we take the boys on an outing. A part of this application is a statement of insurance coverage for all vehicles. We will be depending upon many of you parents to assist with transportation of the boys. It will save us time and effort for each trip, if we have on file the necessary insurance information for drivers. This will avoid the necessity of asking for the information each time we take an outing.
Decide on a place in your home where your Scout can post information on Scouting. Scouts receive a calendar with important activities listed. They also receive monthly bulletins on what the Troop will be doing at the meetings so they will come prepared. Ask your son for this information.
Court of Honor
A Court of Honor is held every 3 - 4 months. At the Court of Honor, a Scout is recognized for his past accomplishments. Information on past and upcoming events is discussed. All mothers are presented with a red ribbon with a miniature pin of their son's rank. As the Scout advances in rank, the mother receives a miniature rank pin which is presented to her by her son. Mother's ribbons may be worn to all Scout functions. Eagle Courts of Honor are scheduled as needed. They are planned by the Eagle Scout's parents along with suggestions and guidance from the Troop Committee.
Scoutmaster Conference
All Scouts must first have a conference before attending a Board of Review. The Scout should have in mind a personal growth, goal, or a good turn for them to discuss with the Scoutmaster.
Board of Review
In order to advance to the next rank, a Scout must pass a Board of Review. A Scoutmaster's Conference must take place prior to a Board of Review. The Scout must then contact the Advancement Chairperson, who will schedule a Board of Review as soon as possible. The Advancement Chairperson will provide the Scout with a summary of his achievements for presentation at the Board of Review A Board of Review may last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the rank of the Scout. The Scout will be questioned by at least three adults on his skills or achievements. The Scout may be asked where he learned his skills, who taught him, and the value he gained from passing this requirement. The Scout may be asked to demonstrate what he has learned in First Aid, Knot Tying, or Orienteering. The review is not an examination; it is a check to determine that the Scout LEARNED the necessary skills and did not simply do them once and forget them. The Board will also attempt to determine how the Scout feels about the Troop and his participation it. A discussion of the Scout's future goals and the requirements for the next rank will also be discussed. The decision by the Board must be unanimous. The Scout will leave the room while the decision is being made. The Board will either congratulate him on completion of rank requirements or will inform him of the subject areas that need to be strengthened before he can pass the Board. If the Scout passes, each Board member must initial his Handbook on the appropriate page and record the date of review. The Scout must then inform the Advancement Chairperson that he passed. The Advancement Chairperson will then document it in the Scout's handbook and in the Troop's official records. Eagle Scout Board of Reviews are different. A Life to Eagle packet orientation for parents and Scouts will be scheduled as needed. The Advancement Chairperson, Committee Chairperson, and a District Representative must be present.
Transportation
Gear, supplies, and Scouts take up a considerable amount of room. Please consider helping with transportation. There is a form to fill out, if you can transport Scouts. If there are not enough volunteers for transportation, each parent will be responsible for transporting their child.
Scout Handbooks
The books are bound together very poorly. It is suggested that each Scout put his name on the "Progress Toward Ranks" pages. Books should be brought to every Scout meeting or activity unless otherwise stated. It is suggested that books be stored in zip lock bags for camping activities.
Equipment Care
After a camping activity Scouts take turns taking care of the tents which need to be cleaned, dried out, and folded properly. If any equipment becomes damaged while a Scout is using it, that Scout is responsible for a replacement. If equipment has been improperly stored and damage, such as mildew occurs, the Scout is responsible for any costs necessary to repair or replace parts.
Patrol Leadership
Patrol leadership positions change about every 6 months. Scouts may be elected or appointed to office and may hold an office more than once. Scouts are encouraged to take Junior Leadership Training, especially if they hold a leadership position or are 1st Class. The cost is $60.00. Training is usually held on two different weekends. If a Patrol Leader cannot attend an activity, he must contact the adult leadership and the Assistant Patrol Leader. Patrol Leaders make duty rosters for camping activities. Menus are usually approved by an Adult Leader. The Troop is encouraging the use of Baden Powell Patrols. Scouts earn points for their patrols. Patrols compete amongst each other.
Impessa Training
Impessa means "the wolf that never sleeps." It is a challenging seven-day special summer camp for boy leaders. Impessa Training is designed for the top boy leaders who have demonstrated maturity, have been very active in the Troop, and are capable of understanding abstract principles. Boys are expected to learn and practice the eleven skills of leadership, which they must then take back to the Troop. In order to attend Impessa Training, Scouts must be 14 years old, hold the rank of 1st Class, and attend Junior Leadership Training. They must also demonstrate camping and hiking skills through attendance at summer camp and other troop camping events. Those Scouts who may be in the top leadership positions are encouraged to attend. Scouts represent the Troop at Impessa Training. They must be recommended for Impessa Training by the Scout Leaders and approved by the Troop Committee. Impessa Training takes place at summer camp. The cost is $130.00. Transportation costs are $18.00. A $25.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
Merit Badge Counselors
After achieving the rank of 1st Class, boys must earn merit badges in order to advance. However, Scouts may work on merit badges at any rank. A Scout must contact a Merit Badge Counselor before he starts work on a merit badge. Parents usually do not counsel their own son. If a counselor for a specific merit badge cannot be found within the Troop, a District Merit Badge Counselor may be consulted. The Merit Badge Coordinator can provide a list of merit badge counselors. Please consider volunteering in this area. There is a book that can be purchased which provides a brief summary of all Merit Badges. It is suggested that each Scout purchase a copy for quick reference. The Troop maintains a merit badge library for Scout use. Contact the Troop Librarian for assistance.
Venture Program
The Venture Program is mostly for the older, more experienced Scouts. Each program has a series of activity sessions that culminate in the "ultimate adventure." Rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, backpacking, hiking, white-water canoeing, and wilderness survival are a few areas that Scouts may choose to participate in. There are also several sports programs available. The Troop will endeavor to provide the programs selected by the Scouts. The Venture Program is constantly being broadened by BSA. Health History Forms
Each Scout must have an updated health history on file with the Troop. This important information is taken to all Troop functions. Each summer camp has an additional health form that must be used. In most cases, a physical examination by a doctor is required. The Class II Health Form is the most often used. For high adventure camps or events, the Scout must use a Class III Health Form.
Acknowledgment Form and Disciplinary Form:
The Acknowledgment Form and Disciplinary Form are required for all Scouts. They must be on file with the Troop Committee for the Scout to participate in Troop functions.
Active Member
A Scout who is registered, whose dues are current, who obeys the Scout Law and Oath, and who participates in or attends 50% of the Troop's meetings and activities is considered an Active Member.
Transferring Out of the Troop:
If a Scout has paid his yearly dues in full, the Scout may receive credit towards rechartering or registration in another Troop. This credit will be sent to the new Troop. Transfer papers may be obtained from the Advancement Chairperson or the Committee Chairperson. Scout identification numbers are located on their membership cards and the Troop's rechartering membership list.
Order of the Arrow - Amangamek-Wipit Lodge 470, NCAC
The Order of the Arrow is known as the Scouting Brotherhood of Honors Campers. It was founded in 1915 and grew out of the desire to emphasize that the Good Scout Camper is not only proficient in Scout craft, but also practices the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. The foremost purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to promote and enrich Scout camping and to make the Scout principles more effective in the lives of Scout Campers. It focuses particular attention on making cheerful service and brotherhood working realities to a boy. Scouts are annually elected to the Order by vote of the Scouts in their troop - not just those who are members of the Order. To be eligible a Scout must be at least 1st Class and be a "Scout Camper" having camped 15 days and nights, no more than seven of which may be at a long-term camp. One becomes a member not so much for what he has done, but what he is expected to do.
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