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Boy Scouts of
Troop 333 Bylaws
I.
PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Joining Troop 333. Parents or Guardians of all applicants must meet
with the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman for a
personal interview before a boy will be registered with the Troop. The purpose
for this meeting is to explain how Troop 333 functions, what the boy’s and
parent’s responsibilities are, and allow the parents and boy to ask questions
about the Troop. The Troop
cannot function without the active involvement of every parent. Accordingly, the
Troop must ask each parent to volunteer for a committee or adult leader
position, participate in at least one outing or activity annually in a
supervisory capacity and sit on monthly Boards of Review for the scouts on a
rotating basis. 2. Scout Commitment. On an annual basis, by being registered with Troop
333 we encourage every family to meet the
following :
a. Each Scout attend at least four monthly camp outs
during the year.
b. Each Scout attend all Courts of Honor, Scout Sunday,
Scouting for Food, and all Troop required functions. 3. Monthly Parent’s Meeting/Annual Meeting The Troop Committee Chairman
will convene an Monthly Parents
on the First Tuesday of the Month. Parents and Guardians
of the scout are encouraged to attend. Annually, the Troop will have a special kickoff meeting
to review the year’s goals and calendar. The meeting will be scheduled in
Mid-September. The purpose of
the meeting is to present plans for the next year, including the
year's Activity Calendar, proposed budget and associated fund-raising
activities, approve Committee Members, adult leaders and Troop By-Laws. This
meeting is mandatory for the parents/guardians of all boys currently registered
with the Troop. Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting must notify the
Committee Chairman in advance. 4. Transportation to Outings. Parents are responsible for transporting
their sons Troop activities( Troop Meetings, Court of Honor, etc.) For campout and other away
activities, carpools will be coordinated by the Camping/Outdoor Coordinator. All
carpool drivers must carry at least liability insurance of at least $50,000
(each person), $100,000 (each accident) and $50,000 (property damage). All
riders must wear seat belts while traveling as required. Parents and adult leaders must provide
updated information about their vehicle(s) and associated insurance to the Troop
annually. All drivers who take Scouts in their vehicle must be 21 years of age
or older, on all Troop outings, no exceptions. 5. Transportation Home. Parents are responsible for picking up their
sons promptly after a Troop activity, or make other arrangements with
another Troop Parent. II.
TROOP COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Troop Committee Organization and Responsibilities The troop
committee is the troop's board of directors and is sponsored by the
a. Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and
trained. In case the Scoutmaster is absent, a qualified Assistant Scoutmaster is
assigned. If the Scoutmaster is unable to serve, a replacement is recruited.
b. Provides adequate meeting facilities.
c. Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy
Scouting and the chartered organization.
d. Supports leaders in carrying out the program.
e. Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and
disbursements in line with the approved budget plan.
f. Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop
property.
g. Ensures the troop has an outdoor program (minimum 10
days and nights per year).
h. Serves on boards of review and courts of honor.
i. Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual
boys and problems that may affect the overall troop program.
j. Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys
may require.
k. Helps with the Friends of Scouting campaign.
l. Assists the Scoutmaster with handling boy behavioral
problems. 2.
Committee Positions include the following:
a. Troop Committee Chairman b. Treasurer c. Secretary d. Outdoor
Program Coordinator e. Advancement
Coordinator f. Fund-Raising
Coordinator (Spaghetti Dinner Chair) g. Membership
Coordinator h. Leader
Training Coordinator The Committee
Chair shall nominate persons to committee positions and the Committee shall vote
on the nomination. The Chartered Organization Representative shall have final
approval authority over all leadership positions. 3. Other Important Positions and Subcommittees.
In addition to
the Committee Positions, the Troop Committee
will seek persons to carry out numerous other tasks such as: a. A
Refreshments/Court of Honor Subcommittee b. Troop
Equipment Coordinator c. Uniform Exchange
d. Merit Badge Counselors
4. Committee Meetings. The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss Troop
Business. Meetings shall be
scheduled by the Troop Committee Chairman who will provide a written agenda. A quorum will exist when any four or more of the committee officers are
present at a committee meeting. Meetings are
permissible without a quorum; however, no matters requiring a vote may be
decided. All Troop
parents and other adults registered in Troop 333 have the opportunity to express
their opinions and input at monthly parent meetings.
5. Expedited Approval. Should a need arise
to obtain committee approval of an
expedited basis, the Committee Chairman shall be authorized to contact
the other Committee Members by telephone or electronic mail to discuss the
matter and conduct a vote. In any such instance where a telephone or e-mail vote
has been conducted, the results of that vote shall be ratified at the next
regular Committee meeting.
6. Amending the By-laws. Interim amendments
to the By-laws may be made by majority vote of the Committee after introducing the amendment at
one Committee meeting and/or publishing the proposed amendment in the Troop
Newsletter or by Electronic Mail. The amendment will be voted upon at the next
Committee meeting.
7. Boards of Review. It is the
responsibility of the Troop Committee and the Advancement Coordinator to arrange
timely Boards of Review for Scouts who have completed all of the requirements
and Scoutmaster’s Conference for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star,
Life, Eagle and Eagle Palms. It is the Scout’s responsibility to contact the
Advancement Coordinator to arrange for a Board of Review. Boards of Review shall also be held for
Scouts who are not advancing, to determine how the program is working for the
Scout.
III. SCOUTMASTER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
The Scoutmaster
is the adult leader responsible for the public image and program of the troop.
The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The
importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of
guidance will affect every youth and adult
involved in the troop. The Scoutmaster is appointed by the head of the chartered
organization. The Scoutmaster's duties include:
the troop and
the Council.
2. Assistant Scoutmaster Positions: The primary
role of the Assistant Scoutmaster is to help the Scoutmaster carry out his
responsibilities, and to take over as Scoutmaster in the absence of the
Scoutmaster. In addition, Assistant Scoutmasters
may carry our specific duties assigned in support of the Scout Program, as well
as serving as merit badge counselors.
The ASM may hold other positions in the troop, and on committees. The process to become an Assistant
Scoutmaster is as follows: a. The person
will show an interest, or be nominated as a potential leader. b. Nominees
will be discussed and will be approved by the troop committee and scoutmaster.
c. The candidates will then fill out the application and
submit to the committee. References on the application will be
checked by the troop committee.
They committee will process the application and send to council. This step is primarily to have the
criminal background check performed prior to having the candidate working with
the scouts.
d. The candidate has a 6 month probation period in which
he/she will be given assignments.
He/she is responsible for attending Youth Protection Training offered by council
as soon as possible. The candidate will be given a variety of
tasks and assignments which support the troop program. His or her performance will be
evaluated by the Scoutmaster and current Assistant Scoutmasters, and he will be
given feedback. Candidate
progress will be reported by the Scoutmaster at the Troop Committee meetings.
e. At the end of the 6 month probation, and
upon recommendation of the Scoutmaster, the candidate will be welcomed in the
troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster.
If a candidate is not suitable, he/she will be told the reasons why.
Registered
adult leaders working with the scout program must acquire the training required
the Boy Scouts of America. The
troop committee Leadership Training Coordinator is responsible for arranging and
tracking participation. Training includes, but is not limited to: a. Youth
Protection Training (required by all) b. Fast Start
Training ( required by all) c. Scoutmaster
Fundamentals (required for SM, ASM) d. Safe Swim
Defense (required for all water activities) e. Safety
Afloat (required for all boating/canoeing activities) f. CPR
(required for swimming/boating activities, highly recommended) g.
First Aid (highly recommended )
The Troop
supports the BSA goal of encouraging a “boy-run” troop. In August of each year,
the Scoutmaster shall arrange meetings with the youth leaders of the troop with
the goal of establishing a Program for the next year. This program will include
monthly campouts, monthly themes for the meetings and upcoming Summer Camp
options. The Scoutmaster is encouraged to discuss the financial issues related
to the Scouts’ chosen activities.
5.
Disciplinary Actions. Every Scout is required to live by the Scout Oath and
Law at all times when wearing the Scout uniform, or present at any Troop 333
outing or event. In particular, Troop 333 has a “zero tolerance” policy
regarding the following:
a. The use of foul or vulgar language, sexual innuendo,
calling people names, ethnic jokes or disparaging remarks.
b. The use of matches or flammable chemicals for other
than there intended purpose.
c. Bullying, hazing, or any action that could result in
injury to the scout or anyone else. It is the
discretion of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters to determine if a
violation of the zero tolerance policy has occurred. Violation will result in
the following, in order of severity or recurrence: a. A verbal
reprimand.
b. A conference with a scoutmaster, in order to work out
the problem, and set a course of better behavior.
c. Notification of the Committee and a conference between
the parents, scout and scoutmaster to discuss the problem.
d. The Scout is sent home from the activity (including
Summer Camp). In the event this occurs, the parents/guardians of the boy will be
required to make arrangements to take custody of the boy. The Troop shall not be
liable for any costs involved; these will be solely the parents/guardians'
responsibility.
e. A Board of Review, with the purpose of discussing the
problem and setting a course of better behavior.
f. The Scout is suspended from the Troop. Should this
action be taken, the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chair will work with the
parents with the goal to integrate the youth back into the Scouting program. Disciplinary
actions will be dealt with in strict confidence. The Scout’s parents will be
fully informed of the issue. Together, the Troop Committee, parents, and
Scoutmaster will work toward a solution with the Troop’s best interest in mind. With regard to
the above guidelines, the Committee Chair is empowered to act on behalf of the
Committee, so that disciplinary actions can be dealt with on a timely basis. The
parent of a Scout involved in a disciplinary action, who is the Scoutmaster,
outing leader involved, or the Committee Chair, shall defer to another leader or
Committee member during problem resolution.
IV. SCOUT EXPENSES
Annual Dues/Escrow Account
Troop 333 annually engages in fund raising activities to
provide an opportunity for the Scouts to raise money for annual dues as well as
Scouting opportunities such as Summer Camp, National Jamborees, Philmont, Junior
Leader Training and special events. In addition, this is their opportunity to
support the Troop as a portion of the proceeds go to the Troop general fund.
This money is used to subsidize each Scout's registration, Troop insurance,
equipment purchases, administrative expenses (merit badges, forms, and rank
patches), and operational costs (gas when required, meals, refreshments) of the
Troop. Therefore, it is critically important and required for the successful
operation of the Troop for each Scout and parent to participate fully in the
spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
Troop 333 dues are
established to support the activities of the troop including registration, Boys
Life Magazine, camping, camping
supplies, advancement badges, training courses, and periodic special programs.
For existing Scouts, dues are $300.00 per year due February 15th. All monies raised by the Scout for the
Spaghetti Dinner will be credited towards the $300.00 dues. Monies raised above the $300.00 of
Spaghetti dinner will qualify for escrow for an annually approved schedule
by the Committee. If the Scout
leaves the Troop during the course of the year, there will be no refunds of paid
dues or escrow account funds.
For new Scouts, joining prior to or after the Spaghetti dinner, dues are $75.00
per quarter, due at the time of enrollment. New Scouts (Crossover, first time Scouts) are
encouraged to participate in the Spaghetti dinner sales, prior to joining Troop
333. The monies raised prior to
joining will be credited towards their annual dues and escrow account with the
Troop. Troop 333’s goal is
for each scout to earn at least $300 each year of membership
during the annual spaghetti dinner fund raiser to meet the annual
financial budget of the troop. Where
scouts are unable to raise $300 during the spaghetti dinner ticket sales, the scout will be expected to submit dues
to make up the difference between actual sales and $300. The outstanding balance due by the Scout
will be paid to Troop 333. Payment is due by February 15tht of
that year.
IV. SCOUT EXPENSES
Annual Dues/Escrow Account (cont.) It is the Troop 333
position that NO SCOUT should be prevented from participating in Troop 333
activities for financial reasons.
The amount the Scout raises for the Spaghetti dinner will be subtracted from the
annual dues obligation. If the
$300.00 is not met with Spaghetti dinner ticket sales, the Scout will be
responsible to meet the balance due. Other opportunities maybe provided to the
Scout to meet their financial obligations.
It is for this
reason we provide opportunities during fundraising events which can be
reasonably meet the financial needs for the troop.
Where a Scout or family feels an exception is needed, all discussions should be
first through the Treasurer or the Troop committee Chairperson and will be held
in the utmost confidentiality. Troop
dues are deposited in the Troop treasury and accounted for by the Treasurer, who reports to the Troop Committee. The Troop encourages the
Parents/Guardians to have their sons pay their own way by participating in the
troop fundraisers. This will
emphasis the 9th
tenet of the Scout Law – A SCOUT IS THRIFTY.
2. Uniform. It is the parent’s
responsibility to provide a complete uniform for the Scout, including shirt,
pants or shorts, socks, hat, insignia and green web belt. The Troop maintains a
uniform exchange. Parents and scouts are encouraged to donate used uniform items
to the Troop uniform exchange. If the Council Service Strip, troop number and
World Brotherhood of Scouting patches are left on the shirt, the Troop will
supply those patches for the new shirts. When a Scout
joins Troop 333, the Troop will provide him with his Boy Scout Handbook. When a
Scout bridges into Troop 333 from Weblow Scouts, the Troop will provide him with
his Boy Scout Handbook and his red loops. 3.
Summer Camp. Summer camp costs are always increasing. Each Scout should be encouraged to
earn this money himself through participation in Troop fundraisers or his own
enterprise. Each year the Outdoor Program Coordinator will provide parent’s with a cost breakdown of the Summer Camp as
early as possible. At the Committees discretion, one or more camperships may be
given each year to
help Scouts attend summer camp who would not otherwise be able to go.
IV. SCOUT EXPENSES
Annual Dues/Escrow Account (cont.) 5. Outing Costs. The cost of the monthly Troop Camping is paid for by
the Troop’s general
fund. Each Scout shall pay for his own food and activity fee (if applicable) for
each campout or activity. Each Patrol will assign a grubmaster for the campout.
The gurbmaster will be responsible for establishing the menu, shopping and
collecting the funds from each Scout. Camping permission slips and activity fees
(if applicable) shall be collected by the Outdoor Program Coordinator for that
event and turned into the appropriate Adult-In-Charge at least one week prior to
the activity. The Scout is
responsible for personal spending
money for trips . 6. Additional Expenses. Each Scout is expected to provide their own
cup, sleeping bag, ground pad, flashlight and necessary personal articles for
each outing. Until a Scout has a backpack he
should pack his gear in a duffel.
V. TROOP EXPENSES
1.Major Expenses. The Troop shall
be responsible for paying the following expenses from the general fund:
a. Troop Registration (annually)
b. Boy's Life (annually).
c. Troop Insurance (annually)
d. Troop equipment, storage facilities, and trailer.
Maintenance for
(as needed - Committee Approval required if above $150.00)
e. Advancement pins, merit badges, rank patches, etc.
f. Summer Camp fee for adult leaders, as approved by the
Troop Committee.
g. Leadership Training Costs for selected Scouts from the
Troop. (Committee Approval required)
h. Leadership Training Costs for selected Troop Adult
Leaders. (Committee Approval required)
i. Troop camping expenses for camping, activities, food,
tolls, parking, and gas.
j. All food, consumable, and equipment
expenses associated with the spaghetti dinner.
2. Routine Expenses. In addition, the Troop has ongoing expenses, which
are normally paid from the general fund:
a. Bank charges and check printing
b. Office Supplies
c. Propane, first aid kits, rope, wood, bait, etc
and other immediate outing necessities
d. Court of Honor expenses
e. Copying, postage and refreshment expenses associated
with the annual parent’s meeting.
3. Expenditure Approval. A vote of the
Committee members will be necessary to approve any expenditure of Troop funds
beyond the expenses described above or identified in the Troop Budget. Approval must
occur prior to the expense, or the individual runs the risk of non-approval and
non-reimbursement.
VI. TROOP FINANCING AND FUND RAISING
1. Goals of the Troop Financing Program.
The Troop Financing Plan has been designed to provide funds to operate the Troop
on an annual basis. The program is intended to encourage the parents to have
their sons participate in fundraising events with the goal of having them pay
for 100% of the costs of operating the Troop. The program is intended to reward
those scouts that participate in Fundraisers by having the funds collected
reduce their contribution to the program. 2. Fiscal Year. The Troop 333 Fiscal Year corresponds to the Calendar
Year.
3. Annual Budget. A proposed budget for the
coming year will be prepared by the Scoutmaster during the Troop’s Annual
Planning meetings in August. The budget should provide an itemized
month-by-month breakdown of all expected expenses needed to support the program
for the next year. The Annual Budget will be reviewed and approved by the
Committee. 4. Fundraisers. The primary fund raiser for the Troop is the Spaghetti
Dinner. This enables
the Scouts to pay for annual dues, and earn additional escrow amounts to cover
costs of Scouting related programs(summer camp, uniform purchases, etc.) All parents and
Scouts are required to participate in the fundraising process. Additional
fundraising opportunities may be available depending upon Scout/Parent interest,
Troop need, and Committee approval.
VII. Questions and Suggestions 1. All
questions or feedback shall be directed to the Committee Chairman or
Scoutmaster.
VII. RATIFICATION The By-laws as
set forth above were reviewed by the Troop Committee and approved by a majority
vote. References: The Boy Scout
Handbook
The Troop
Committee Guidebook The Junior
Leader Handbook Guide to Safe Scouting The Scoutmaster
Handbook
Boy Scout Field
book Boy Scout Requirement, 2003
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