TROOP 167

CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY

WHITE HORSE DISTRICT, GARDEN STATE COUNCIL

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

October 2017

Rules and Guidelines

 

Troop 167 operates under the rules set forth by Boy Scouts of America.  In addition, specific rules and guidelines have been developed for the Troop to operate efficiently and to ensure that the Scouts receive the maximum benefit from the program. 

General

Structure and Leadership

Boy Scouts of America, and our troop program, stress youth leadership.  As much responsibility as possible is given to the youth leadership in the Troop, under the guidance of the adult leaders.  The youth leader with overall responsibility for the Troop is the Senior Patrol Leader.  The Troop is segmented into patrols of six to 10 boys.  Each patrol has a Patrol Leader who is responsible for the members of his patrol, and reports to the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL).  The Senior Patrol is made up of older Scouts referred to as Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, usually retired Patrol Leaders.  One of the members of the Senior Patrol will act as the SPL in his absence.  The Scouts elect the Senior Patrol Leader for a term of one year. The Scouts elect Patrol Leaders for a term of six months.  Details of the Troop structure and of leadership positions can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook.

The Troop leadership (Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders)  plans the Troop program, including meetings and outings, with guidance from the adult leaders.

Meetings

The Troop meets at Sharp Elementary School, 400 Old Orchard Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on each Thursday evening that Cherry Hill schools are in session.  Parents are expected to pick up their Scouts at 8:30 PM.  If the meeting is cancelled for any reason other than the school being closed, such as inclement weather, Patrol Leaders will notify their Scouts.

Attendance and Uniform Policy

Scouts are expected to make a recognizable commitment to Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Troop 167 through consistent participation and wearing the Scout uniform.  Class A (Full Uniform) dress except neckerchief or Class B (Troop 167 T-Shirt) is required for all meetings.  Scouts will be excused from the meeting if not properly dressed.  Complete Class A uniforms, including neckerchiefs, are required at Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, Awards Banquets, and other formal functions.  Troop 167 T-Shirts ($15.00) are available from the Scoutmaster.

Annual Registration Fee

The annual fee is $50.00 per Scout.  This fee covers BSA registration, Boy’s Life subscription and Troop operating expenses. There are no meeting dues.

Camping and Special Activities

Scouting is an outdoor oriented organization.  Troop 167 generally camps 11 months a year.  Weekend trips are scheduled each month, September through May.  Weeklong Summer Camp is in June, and the High Adventure trip, for more experienced Scouts, is in July.  Additional camping opportunities are available through district and council functions, and the Order of the Arrow.  Members of Troop 167 should plan to camp regularly, as it is the core of our program.  The schedule of events is provided to all Scouts at the beginning of the Scouting Year (September - August).  A trip fact sheet will be provided prior to each event identifying the location of the event and any special fees, releases or requirements.

Equipment and Clothing

Troop 167 camps throughout the year.  Scouts are expected to dress accordingly and have basic personal camping gear.  Personal equipment lists can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook.  New Scouts should discuss equipment needs with their Patrol Leaders, the Senior Patrol Leader, and/or Adult Leaders.  Extensive meeting time is devoted to ensuring Scouts are properly outfitted.  As a general guideline, sneakers are inappropriate for winter camping, and boots are required.

The troop supplies all Group/Patrol equipment, including stoves, tents, etc.  It is Troop 167's objective to include all Scouts in events.  Scouts in need of equipment for specialized events, such as a backpack for backpacking, should discuss with their patrol leader.  In most cases, arrangements can be made to borrow equipment from other Scouts.

Food

As part- of the "Patrol Method" of Scouting, menu planning, shopping, and cooking is done by patrol.  Each patrol member attending the event is responsible for his share of the cost of food.  A typical weekend menu costs approximately $10.00 per Scout.  The Patrol Leader will assign patrol members food shopping, preparation, and cooking duties.  It should be noted that completion of these tasks is required for advancement in several areas (refer to Boy Scout Handbook for details).  If a Scout, who had signed up for a trip, cancels later than the last meeting prior to the event, he must still pay his share of the food costs.

Fees

All Troop camping trips will have a $5.00 registration fee.  Special events (rock climbing, skiing, etc.) may have a user or rental fee.  All fees and food charges are due two meetings prior to the event.

Permission Slips

Master permission slips are maintained in the Troop records for the Scouting year.  These provide authorization for your son to participate in Troop events and authorize medical personnel selected by specified adult leaders to make emergency medical care decisions on behalf of Scouts during trips, should it be necessary.  Signed permission slips must be on file before a Scout can participate in any events.

Advancement

Details concerning rank advancement can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook.  Boy Scout Handbooks are provided to all Scouts upon joining Troop 167.

Scout to First Class

Scouts at the rank of Second Class and below should bring their to all meetings and activities (except backpacking trips).  Patrol Leaders, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Senior Patrol Leader, and Adult Leaders may sign off advancement requirements up to and including First Class. Parents do not sign off Boy Scout handbooks as they did for their Cub Scouts.

Merit Badges

Merit Badge counselor lists are available on-line via the Troop website. The Scout should obtain a blue merit badge card from the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairperson for the specific merit badge he is going for.  It is the Scout's responsibility to contact the merit badge counselor.  When all requirements are completed, and the counselor signs the blue card, the Scout returns the portion entitled "Application for Merit Badge" to the Scoutmaster, who will record the achievement and order the badge.

Scoutmaster Conference

A Scoutmaster Conference is conducted with a Scout prior to the advancement Board of Review once all other requirements are met.  The purpose of the conference is to provide the Scout an opportunity to reflect on what he has learned, gauge his understanding of Scouting, and solicit feedback from the Scout regarding Boy Scouts and the Troop.

Boards of Review

Boards of Review are conducted on the Thursday of the month, or more frequently if needed.  See uniform policy.  The boards consist of a minimum of three adults, usually committee members and parents, but not the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters.  The purpose of the board is to verify that a Scout has met the requirements for advancement, and possesses the skills and knowledge commensurate with that rank.  If a Scout does not pass his board of review, he may take another at the next regularly scheduled board of review.  Scouts can return as many times as necessary.

Discipline

Scouts are expected to conduct themselves according to the Scout Oath and Law.  Behavior problems are the direct responsibility of the Patrol Leaders and Senior Patrol Leader.

Offenses by Scouts at Troop meetings or activities will be dealt with.  The Patrol Leader will decide the seriousness of the offense.  If it is a minor issue, the Patrol Leader will handle it. Corporal punishment and/or hazing are PROHIBITED by Boy Scouts of America and Troop 167. In the case of a more serious offense, the Scout will be brought before the Scoutmaster.

Financial Support

Troop 167 strives to provide the Scouting experience to as many boys as possible.  Financial assistance for activity fees, uniforms and equipment is available from the Troop Committee on a confidential basis.  Any such needs can be discussed with the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson or Charter Representative.

Adult Responsibility

The effective operation depends on parental involvement and support.  Although Troop 167 strives to have Scouts be as self-sufficient as possible, adult support is needed in many different areas.  All parents are expected to participate in the fund-raisers and volunteer for at least one of the following: serve as member of Troop Committee, as an Assistant Scoutmaster, or as a Merit Badge counselor.  Parents are invited and encouraged to participate on the camping trips, especially Summer Camp.

Adult Scouters

In recognition of the contribution of adult leaders, without whom the Troop could not function, annual registration, camping fees, and food charges for adult participants are funded by the Troop Committee.