BYLAWS

Intent  

The intent of this document is to broadly define and formalize how Troop 2015 functions. It also serves to help guide what is expected of the Scouts and their guardian(s) and to supplement the normal Boy Scouts of America rules and guidelines. This document follows terminology found in Boy Scouts of America documentation. 

  

Program Purpose 

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide youth an effective program designed to build  the desirable qualities of character, to train them in citizenship, and to develop in them personal fitness. The objective is to help develop American citizens who: 

  

  

Organization of the Troop 

The Troop consists of the Scouts, Scout Leadership, Troop Leadership (adult) and the Troop Committee. General information about troop committee guidelines can be found at https://troopleader.scouting.org


Troop Committee 

All registered adults are members of the Troop Committee and have voting privileges. Any adult may apply for a leadership position. After approval of the committee, the position will be granted. 


A Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Troop Committee member who is not fulfilling his/her obligations or not abiding by the Troop bylaws may be asked to resign by vote of the Troop  Committee at a meeting fully and openly advertised at least seven days in advance and to which all committee members have been invited. 

  

The Troop Committee responsibilities are to: 


The Troop Committee Chairman 


Troop Leadership 

All Troop Leaders are expected to provide an excellent program for their Scouts. They will not segregate themselves with other Leaders leaving the Scouts without assistance and programming  for advancement. Having been appointed a Leader; all will work together in unity as a Troop.   


Program development is the task of the Scoutmaster. The planning and conduct of Troop meetings  and other activities is left to the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), made up entirely of Scouts with  guidance and counsel of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. 

  

Scoutmaster 

  

Assistant Scoutmasters 

Assistant Scoutmasters are typically assigned to a Patrol or Venture Crew and are responsible to  the Scoutmaster in the following capacities: 


Merit Badge Counselors  

Any adult approved by the District Advancement Committee may be a merit badge counselor.  Scouts / Leaders are encouraged to ask adults with special skills to become counselors to assist the Troop. 

  

The primary responsibility of the counselor is to ensure that each Scout has met all the requirements  of the merit badge before approving the merit badge application (“blue card”). There is no time requirement for completing any merit badge other than before the Scout’s 18th birthday. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated – no more and no less than is stated. On the other hand, the counselor may suggest, encourage and help the Scout perform more, but must not require it.  

  

Merit badge counselors must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and  recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to teach. All persons serving as merit badge counselors must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America.    


There is no restriction or limit on the number of merit badges an individual may be approved to counsel for, as long as that individual is deemed qualified to teach said badges by the District Advancement Committee.  

  

An approved merit badge counselor may counsel his or her own son, ward or relative, if the badge is part of a Troop or Patrol activity. Merit Badge completion may only be approved by another adult leader.


Youth Membership 

Any scout who has completed fifth grade or is 11 years old or has earned the Arrow of Light Award but has not reached his eighteenth birthday may apply for membership in Troop 2015. If troop  membership grows to a level where it strains the facility or leadership resources, then the Troop Committee will be consulted for approval.  


Youth Leadership Positions  

Leadership is required for advancement above First Class rank and the Troop offers several leadership opportunities for the Scouts. Each Scout should meet with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Scoutmaster to determine in which leadership position he can best serve the Troop.   


Any scout First Class or above may run for election to Senior Patrol Leader after obtaining the Scoutmaster approval. He is elected by a majority of the Scouts registered in the Troop. 


Patrol Leaders are elected by majority vote of their patrol. The SPL appoints other youth leaders with the concurrence of the Scoutmaster and will preside over the Patrol Leaders' Council.   


Uniform Requirements 

Every newly registered Scout will receive his Troop number patch, neckerchief, epaulets, and handbook upon payment of entrance fee.

Each Scout will wear his uniform to Scouting functions as instructed. 

  

Within 3 months of membership, it is expected that a Scout will have his partial Field Dress uniform. The Field Dress uniform consists of a tan BSA uniform shirt with proper patches/insignias and Troop neckerchief. An Activity uniform will consist of an informal Scouting shirt sold by the troop.   


First Class Scouts and above set the example and are required to wear full Field Dress uniforms as instructed/required. The full Field Dress uniform will consist of a tan BSA uniform shirt with proper patches/insignias, Troop neckerchief, and green BSA or similar pants.    


Participation  

Troop Meetings and Activities   

Each Scout is expected to attend Troop Meetings and required activities regularly. Attendance at non-required events will be added to the attendance records. Records will be kept and Scouts notified of their attendance monthly. 

  

BSA Policy requires that for the Rank of Star, Life, and Eagle the Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for a specified amount of time. The scout must attend 65% of meetings and outdoor activities unless extra absences are pre-approved by the SM and the scout is working on requirements during those absences.   

  

Religious Services 

When religious services are held at Scouting events (e.g. District Camporee), all Scouts are expected to attend unless the parent has made prior arrangements for supervision during these services. The Troop will try to arrange a religious service whenever an event will prevent attendance  at usual Sunday church services. The event coordinator and chaplain’s aide(s) are responsible for planning a non-denominational service.  

 

Code of Conduct 

Code of Conduct for Scouts 

Introduction

Many scouts are committing their time and energy to Scouting in Troop 2015 with great expectations of gaining knowledge, skills, and completing the path to becoming an Eagle Scout.  Many adult volunteers are donating their time to help the Scouts of Troop 2015 achieve their individual Scouting goals. Accomplishing these tasks will require an environment free of disruptive behavior. To this end, each Scout will follow the Troop 2015 Code of Conduct. 

  

The Troop Code of Conduct is a Scout and leader generated set of guidelines that help enforce the principles and values of Scouting. It is the responsibility of the Scout leaders and the adult leaders to ensure the Troop follows the principles and values of Scouting found in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan (shown below). 

  

Troop 2015 will abide by the following Code of Conduct

Scout Oath: 

On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to  help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.   


Scout Law: 

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave,  Clean, and Reverent. 

  

Scout Motto: 

Be Prepared 

  

Scout Slogan: 

Do a Good Turn Daily 


Scout Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, be conservation minded.  

Additionally: 

Technology Policy

  

Discipline

If any Scout is disciplined at any of the Troop or patrol activities, the following progressive discipline procedure will go into effect. If a Scout needs to be disciplined, there will be at least two adults  present. At no time will a Scout be abused by anyone. 

  

Any Scout found to be: 

will be reported to the adult leader in charge immediately (or as soon as practical) and may be  removed from the Scouting activity. Also, at the discretion of the Scoutmaster and the Troop  Committee, a Scout may be disallowed from attending Scouting events for a period of time  commensurate with the severity of the infraction.  

Additionally, a Scout will be immediately removed from a Scouting event and his parent(s) or  guardian(s) called to pick him up, with no expectation of any monetary refund, if any one or more of the following infractions occur: 

  

Progressive Discipline

The Scoutmaster or registered adult event leader and the Committee Chairman (or designee) will: 

The Scoutmaster and/or the Committee Chairman will make an entry in the Scout’s permanent  records, detailing the infraction, pertinent dates, and a brief summary of the resolution. A copy will  be given to the Scout / Parent.  

The Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman (or designee) will: 

The Scoutmaster and/or the Committee Chairman will make an entry in the Scout’s permanent  records, detailing the infraction, pertinent dates, a brief summary of the resolution, and the  acknowledgement that further misconduct will lead to potential dismissal from Troop 2015.   

 

Acknowledgement of the meeting and its outcome will be documented in duplicate, signed and dated  by all participants before adjourning. One copy will be kept with the Scout’s permanent record and one copy will be given to the Scout / Parent. 

  

The Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairman (or designee) will: 

 The Scoutmaster and/or the Committee Chairman will make an entry in the Scout’s permanent  records, detailing the infraction, pertinent dates and a brief summary of the resolution.   


Acknowledgement of the meeting and its outcome will be documented in duplicate, signed and dated by all participants before adjourning. One copy will be kept with the Scout’s permanent record and one copy will be given to the Scout / Parent.  


1 If it has been more than nine (9) months from the First Offense, the infraction is then classified as a First  Offense. 


2 If it has been more than twelve (12) months from the Second Offense, the infraction is then classified as a  Second Offense. If it has been more than eighteen (18) months from the Second Offense, the infraction is then  classified as a First Offense. 

  

Code of Conduct for Adults 

All adults will show respect for Scouts, approaching them as young leaders with an expectation of achievement and an assumption of character. The primary role of adults is to encourage Scouts to follow the Scout Oath and the Twelve Points of the Scout Law, while observing rules of safe  conduct. 

  

All activities will follow the guidelines of the Youth Protection Program of the BSA. This policy includes two-deep leadership, which states that whenever a Scout is meeting with an adult, that  meeting must be visible by one or more additional adults.


All interactions between adults and Scouts must be on a positive basis, being careful to keep comments on a constructive level.  

  

Any adult observing unsafe behavior should take immediate action to stop said behavior. Any other inappropriate conduct should be addressed with the Scout privately as soon as is reasonable. If the  behavior continues, or is a safety issue, the adult leader in charge should be notified.   


Safety 

  

 


Program

Objectives 

The program is designed to achieve objectives in character development, citizenship training and mental and physical fitness based on the Patrol system using youth-oriented leadership under adult guidance. 

  

Troop Meetings 

Troop Meetings are scheduled weekly. The Patrol Leaders Council will assign responsibility for Troop Meeting planning to the various patrols. 

  

Activities 

Activities are events in which the Troop participates other than Troop Meetings. This includes  campouts, hikes, service projects, fundraisers, etc. Attendance is required at these activities to ensure that the Scout receives the full benefit from his Scouting experience. Even activities that are  strictly for "fun" help the Scout gain confidence and acceptance in the group. Most activities are  specifically planned for the accomplishment of advancement requirements; naturally the Scout must  be present to meet these goals. Ideas for the activities come from the Scouts themselves and new ideas are encouraged. 

  

The overall program is developed annually at a planning conference directed by the Senior Patrol  Leader. Monthly themes and events are chosen at this time. This program is submitted by the Scoutmaster, in calendar form, to the Troop Committee for approval. The Patrol Leaders Council  makes changes and additions, and the Committee is notified. 


Activities away from the usual meeting place are to be coordinated by at least one Youth Coordinator under the guidance of an Adult Coordinator. The adult is responsible for registrations, adult supervision, tour permits, transportation arrangements, necessary medical forms and for advising the Youth Coordinator. The Youth Coordinator is responsible for program planning, equipment, attendance, plans for religious services, permission slips, and menus.    


Advancement 

Purpose 

Education is the chief function of the Scouting movement and the basis of the advancement  program. A fundamental principle of advancement is that the scout’s progress is a natural outcome of  his activities. Rank requirements furnish the basis of Troop activities. In Scouting, recognition is  gained through leadership in the Troop, attending and participating in its activities, living the ideals of Scouting, and proficiency in activities related to outdoor life, useful skills, and career exploration.   


Rank Advancement 

Scout requirements for rank are the basis for the Scout’s advancement. The four steps in Scout advancement procedure are learning, testing, reviewing and recognition.   


It is the responsibility of the Troop Committee to make sure that the program of the Troop is  conducted in such a way that Scouts have an opportunity to advance. 

  

To become a Scout, a child need only complete the initial joining items listed in The Scout Handbook. When this has been done, the Scoutmaster / Senior Patrol Leader presents the Scout  badge to be worn proudly on his uniform. Following that, there are six ranks: Tenderfoot, Second  Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.  

  

Scout Responsibilities 

  

Scoutmaster Conference 

The Scoutmaster Conference is a meeting between the Scoutmaster, or designee, and the Scout.  The intent is to review progress, solicit feedback, and to set goals for the future. The Scoutmaster or designee has the option to withhold approval if it is deemed that specific requirements for rank have not been met.  

 


Board of Review 

A Scout advances by doing things with his Patrol and with his Troop; with his leaders and on his  own. The four steps of advancement are: 

  

The purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest the Scout, but to: 

  

The Board of Review is also not just a rubber stamp. A scout must pass the Board of Review with a  unanimous vote. If the review is halted, the board members will discuss (that night) with the scout  and Scoutmaster about the specific issue. The Scoutmaster and scout will work on a plan of action  to overcome the issue. The Board of Review members and Scoutmaster will also communicate to  the parents of the scout explaining why the board of review was halted and the plan to resolve any  issue. 

  

Merit Badges 

Merit badge counselor responsibilities are outlined in the Merit Badge Counselor Section of these  Bylaws. Earning merit badges gives a Scout the kind of self-confidence that comes from overcoming  obstacles to achieve a goal. The detailed steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined in  the current “Boy Scout Requirements” book. The following summarizes those steps: 


Patrols 

Purpose 

The Patrol is the basic unit of Scouting. It is more important than the individual because teamwork  and cooperation are necessary to develop leadership skills. It is more important than the Troop  because the Troop cannot function without strong Patrols. Its purpose is to find the best way to help  Scouts achieve their goals by providing friendship, support, and encouragement. Each Scout has an  important role within the Patrol; each Patrol has an important role within the Troop. Leadership and  teamwork are also promoted by the Patrol method.

  

Membership 

Each Scout is assigned by the Scoutmaster to a Patrol unless he is the Junior Assistant  Scoutmaster or Senior Patrol Leader. Each Patrol will elect, from its  members, a Patrol Leader. These elections are held every 6 months.  

  

SPL, Patrol Leader and Troop Guide Requirements 

The SPL (and/or his assistants) and Patrol Leaders (and/or their Assistants) and Troop Guides  (and/or designee) are required to attend monthly Patrol Leaders Council meetings. With Scoutmaster approval, the Senior Patrol Leader may remove Scouts from Troop Leadership positions.  


Food Purchases 

Prior to any outing, each Patrol will prepare a menu to be approved by the Patrol Advisor. All participants will pay their share of the food costs to the troop prior to the event. Should a participant fail to attend and not notify of cancellation before the food is purchased, he will still pay his share of the cost.  Patrol member(s) responsible for purchasing food for the event must provide a receipt or picture of receipt to be  reimbursed by the troop either with a check or as a credit on their Scoutbook account. 


  

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities 

 


Finances  

Financial Responsibility  

The Troop reserves the right to recover any processing fees due to returned checks or insufficient funds. If the scout family is experiencing financial hardship, discuss the following  options with the Committee Chairperson and Scoutmaster:


If a scout’s account is over $200 in arrears, the scout may be denied participation in non-scout specific skill events (i.e. snow ski trip, whitewater rafting, etc)  until the account is paid in full.


Budget 

The Troop Committee shall develop / approve the troop budget. The Committee members must be  notified at least one month in advance of the meeting to approve the budget. Approval of this budget  requires a majority vote of Committee members present. The Treasurer is the executor of the budget  and reports monthly to the Troop Committee. 

  

Discretionary fund 

A discretionary fund is established for expenditures that occur without enough time for Committee  approval.  

  

The Troop Committee establishes the amount of this discretionary fund. This occurs annually as part  of the Troop’s Budget. Additional monies may be authorized throughout the year and are subject to  the same advance notice and level of approval required for the Budget. 

  

The Scoutmaster, Adult Quartermaster, and the Advancement Chairperson are authorized to expend  these discretionary funds. The Committee may at any time elect to add or remove authorized  individuals by majority vote and inform the Treasurer. An authorized requestor need not ask the Committee for permission provided the expenditure: 

  

  

If used for reimbursement, it is the requestor’s responsibility to check with the Treasurer ahead of  time to ensure the funds are available. 

  

Dues 

Quarterly Troop dues are $25 due by 1st of January, April, July, and October. The Troop Committee annually reviews this amount and adjusts as needed.  

 

The troop Treasurer is authorized to recover dues from an individual's Scout account. At the  discretion of the committee, a Scout who has not paid his dues may be ineligible for advancement or  participation in outings until the dues are paid,  

  

ReCharter Fees  

Annual BSA Recharter fees are due December 1. These fees are dependent on annual rates as  determined by BSA. Troop will fully cover adult membership for Key 3 (Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson & Chartered Organization Rep) and will cover half of all adult leaders that actively participate in at 3 troop activities (campouts, service projects, etc).

Troop Fundraisers 

The purpose of Troop fundraisers is to buy equipment and supplies for the Troop, and to meet other  budget requirements as established by the approved budget plan. The Troop Committee will establish a target for fundraiser profits when the fundraiser is approved. Each scout is expected to  meet the target fundraiser profit. The target will be the Troop General Account, Individual Scout  Accounts, a designated special expenditure or some combination of the above.   


Fundraisers may be used to provide Scouts with the opportunity to earn money for their Individual  Scout Accounts. Fundraiser profits will be tracked in a scout’s Scoutbook account. The actual  money will be kept in the Troop checking account. The Individual Scout Accounts are treated as Troop liabilities as they are payable from the Troop to the Scouts. Individual Scout Accounts will also be maintained for adult leaders who participate in approved fundraisers and Troop events. 

Individual Scout Accounts
The money in Individual Scout accounts may be used to cover individual costs associated with Scout camp or any Scout activity. Donations (even in the form of fundraisers) are tax deductible to the giver. The tax laws dictate that any funds collected in this way must be used within the umbrella of the charitable organization or they become income to the recipient. What this means is that the money can be used for almost anything Scout related but cannot just be handed over in the form of cash or a check. The exception to this rule is that direct payments can be made to reimburse Scout related expenses the individual has already paid.    


If an individual leaves Scouting, the Individual Scout Account balance reverts to the Troop General  Account. If a Scout transfers to another Troop, he can request the Treasurer send the Scout account  balance to the new Troop for deposit into his Individual Scout Account in the new Troop. If his new  Troop does not maintain individual Scout Accounts then he may request his account be donated to his new Troop. If no request is made within two months, the monies revert to the Troop General Account. 

 


Troop Equipment 

General 

All Troop equipment must be signed out by the Quartermaster or the Quartermaster's Assistants  prior to being used by a Patrol. The Quartermaster will maintain a list of Troop owned equipment and  will check to see that all equipment is in proper working order. 

  

Troop equipment may be used only at Scouting events without approval from the Troop  Committee. 

  

Other