Troop 319 Bylaws For Scouts and Parents Established March 19, 2005

Revised March 19, 2009 Amended September 11, 2009

1 Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview and Troop Goals 1.1 Welcome 1.2 Troop Information and History 1.3 Statement of Faith 1.4 History of 1.5 The Aims and Methods of Scouting 1.6 Troop 319 Goals 1.7 Getting Started – Membership Requirements 1.8 Troop Expectations 1.8.1 Active Service Standard 1.8.2 Advancement Standard 1.8.3 Uniform Standard 1.8.4 Behavior Standard 1.9 Worship

Chapter 2 Troop Organization 2.1 How the Troop Operates 2.2 Charter Organization 2.3 Patrol Leader’s Council 2.4 Patrols 2.5 Leadership Positions 2.6 Adult Leadership 2.6.1 Scoutmaster 2.6.2 Assistant Scoutmasters 2.7 Troop Committee 2.8 Parents Role

Chapter 3 Financial Responsibility 3.1 Boy Scout Funding 3.2 Registration and Dues 3.3 Scholarships 3.4 Fundraising 3.5 Tithing 3.6 Scout Accounts

2 Chapter 4 Troop Activities 4.1 Troop Meetings 4.2 Troop Outings 4.3 Summer Camp 4.4 Biennial Wilderness Trek 4.5 Court of Honor 4.6 Biannual Planning Conference 4.7 Activity Policies 4.7.1 Adult Presence at Activities 4.7.2 Medical Forms 4.7.3 Sign-up and Payment Deadlines

Chapter 5 Uniform 5.1 Significance of the Uniform 5.2 Scout Uniform 5.3 Field Uniform 5.4 Standard Uniform Insignia

Chapter 6 Advancement 6.1 General 6.2 Rank Advancement 6.2.1 Standards 6.2.2 Basic Scout Skills 6.2.3 Merit Badges 6.2.4 Leadership 6.2.5 Service Projects 6.2.6 Eagle Scout Leadership and Service Project 6.2.7 Scoutmaster Conference 6.2.8 Board of Review 6.3 Catholic Religious Medals 6.4 Other Awards

Chapter 7 Resources 7.1 7.2 Boy Scout Fieldbook 7.3 Boy Scout Requirements Book 7.4 Troop 319 Website

Appendices Appendix A Troop 319 Member Roster Appendix B Troop 319 Merit Badge Counselor List Appendix C Troop 319 Discipline Policy

3 Chapter 1 Overview and Goals

1.1 – Welcome Congratulations on joining Boy Scout Troop 319! We hope you will have a rich and blessed experience working in this program. Like anything else in life, your family will get as much out of Scouting as you put into it. We hope the information and troop policies provided in these bylaws will assist you in becoming a well-oriented, active family in Troop 319. We realize that not everyone comes to the troop with a background in Scouting; therefore, we have tried to provide you with a statement of our troop’s philosophy and history, as well as to provide answers to some commonly asked questions regarding the operation and life of our troop. We hope new Scouts and parents will read this together and discuss, as necessary, the various topics. The troop leadership welcomes your specific questions, comments, and suggestions. We value your input. Although the troop is led by the Scouts, it is governed by the committee. Therefore, any changes or modifications to these bylaws will be made by due process of the committee and its governance. The input of the Scouts and the parents is welcome.

1.2 – Troop Information and History Troop 319 was founded on March 19, 2005 with ten boys and four adult leaders. The Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO) is the chartering organization and St. Peter Catholic church agreed to provide facilities for meetings and storage of some equipment. Members of Troop 319 must also be members of CHAO and show evidence of homeschooling at the time of joining. Our meetings are held on Thursdays, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and usually lasting until 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2807 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE. Meetings may also be held during regularly scheduled school hours at various times throughout the year. Special activities and campouts may also begin at hours that conflict with regularly scheduled school hours. These meetings and activities will be at the discretion of and troop committee and will be planned in advance. Troop 319 is a local unit of the Lewis and Clark District, Mid-America Council, of America. The Lewis and Clark District is made up of over six thousand Boy Scouts in 275 troops located generally in the eastern areas of greater Omaha, Nebraska. The Mid-America Council, whose headquarters is in Omaha, covers parts of a three-state area including Northeast Nebraska, Western Iowa and Southeast South Dakota. The council provides professional support, program information, troop camps and training opportunities for both boys and adult leaders.

4 1.3 – Statement of Faith We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead, and on the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father the Almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Troop 319 is placed under the patronage of St. Joseph, the protector of the Holy Family, whose feast day is March 19th (3/19) and St. Peter, the rock and foundation of the Church, whose feast day is June 29. The patron saint of all Boy Scouts is St. George.

1.4 – History of Scouting In 1907, an English military leader by the name of Lord Robert Baden-Powell invited a group of boys to Brownsea Island in England. For several days the boys divided into patrols and worked on many different outdoor skills under Baden-Powell’s supervision. It was on this campout that the Boy Scouts were founded. However, it would not be until February 8, 1910 that a group of political, business, and wilderness men led by William D. Boyce founded the . Since 1910, it has been the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetimes and to achieve their full potentials. The Scouting experience helps boys become men. Scouting is, of course, only one of many influences in life, including the family, church, and others, that shape the boy as he grows into manhood. Many important leaders, both past and present, credit their Scouting experience as one of the most important positive influences in their youth. Some famous Eagle Scouts include: Gerald Ford - U.S. President, Neil Armstrong - first man to walk on the moon, Henry Aaron - baseball home run king, William Bennett - former Secretary of Education, H. Ross Perot - self-made billionaire, Mike Johanns - U.S. Senator from Nebraska, Sam Nunn - U.S. Senator from Georgia, William Sessions - former FBI director, Thomas Foley - Former Speaker of the House, Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. - Former Secretary of the Treasury, Hal Daub - U.S. Congressman from Nebraska.

1.5 – The Aims and Methods of Scouting The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are character development, citizenship training, and building physical, mental, and moral fitness. It is the objective of the Scouting program to accomplish these aims with every Scout. A successful program yields not a boy but a man who fears God and who lives by God’s Word with a proper self- discipline, self-confidence, and self-respect. He is a patriot who loves his country, understands its heritage and history, participates in its democracy, and accepts his obligations as a citizen. The courage to do what is right and to refuse to do what is wrong is something he knows in his head and his heart. A healthy body and mind allow him to adjust to conditions that are beyond his control. He has the capacity to achieve his full potential. The “Aims of Scouting” are the foundation of Scouting whereas the “Methods of Scouting” are the building blocks and are designed to achieve the aims. There are eight methods used.

5 Methods of Scouting

Ideals The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. Patrols The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they easily can relate to each other.

Outdoors Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and mankind’s place in it. Advancement Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and, by participating in the troop program, progresses as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. Adult Association Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Association with men of good Godly character at this stage of a young man’s development helps build a stable foundation from which Scouts may grow and mature. Personal Growth As Scouts plan their activity and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. The religious emblems program is also a large part of the personal growth method. Leadership Development Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Uniform The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The khaki Scout shirt should be worn for Scout meetings, to and from all campouts and other Scout sanctioned activities. A Scouting T-shirt should be worn during all campouts after arrival and before departure.

These aims and methods are designed to instill the values found in the Scout Mission Statement, Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.

6 MISSION STATEMENT of the BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes in achieving their full potentials. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

SCOUT OATH On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the ; 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.

1.6 – Troop 319 Goals

Scouting is a program built on a code of values and qualities, which are consistent with the Christian faith and lifestyle. The main purpose of Troop 319 is to complement and reinforce the efforts of parents to build those Christian values and qualities in our sons as they develop into young men. The program emphasizes the moral law and godly character, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, physical fitness, and, above all, our duty to honor God, as our Creator, Redeemer and Spirit. The aim of the troop is to develop quality leadership skills, to provide an educational program and teach community service, with duty and reverence to God. We seek to build up young men so that they may have a scriptural foundation on which to stand as they mature into men who will one day lead their own families and the communities in which they live.

The Scouting program of the troop provides an ideal setting for a boy to learn and practice leadership skills. Scouting is a boy run program and probably is a boy’s first experience in dealing with peer supervision and leadership. Troop 319 will strive to impress new Scouts with the quality of the unit as a whole and with the importance of each boy doing his part in maintaining the reputation of the troop.

7 1.7 – Getting Started

To become a member of Troop 319 a boy must meet several requirements. These requirements are:

1) You must be a boy who is at least 11 but not yet 18 years of age. A boy who is ten and has completed the fifth grade may join, or a boy who has completed the Arrow of Light Award and has been a Webelos Scout for at least six months may also join. 2) Upon initial membership or transferring from a previous troop, you must be a member of the Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO), and present documentation indicating you are currently being homeschooled. Members of Troop 319 must retain membership in CHAO in order to remain a member of the troop. 3) If a Scout ceases to be homeschooled, he may continue as a member of the troop, as long as the family remains a member of CHAO. The Scout will be subject to the same discipline policy as all other boys. See section 1.8.4 4) If a non-homeschooled brother of an active member of the troop would like to join Troop 319, his parent(s) must show evidence to the committee that the brother had been wholly homeschooled for at least two of the last three years. Membership will be granted at the discretion of the committee. 5) If transferring from another troop, you must provide records in order to retain your current rank. 6) The adult troop leaders must be satisfied that you understand and intend to live by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, , and Scout slogan. 7) You must present the Scoutmaster with a completed BSA application and appropriate medical forms signed by your parents along with any Troop 319 dues and BSA membership fee. 8) Dues for all Boy Scouts of Troop 319 are $10/month. Dues are not required in August. Dues must be current before rank advancement will be awarded. 9) It is highly recommended and encouraged that at least one parent/guardian join the troop leadership and attend training for either assistant Scoutmaster or committee member. Parental involvement is essential to your son’s success in Boy Scouts and to the success of the troop.

1.8 - Troop Expectations

Our troop strives to maintain a group of active Scouts. We are not “sunshine” Scouts: we are “all- weather” Scouts, and as such we hike and camp in all types of weather. A boy cannot derive the full fun and benefits of the Scouting program if he does not meet certain standards set by BSA and the troop committee. These standards are listed below.

1.8.1 – Active Service Standard A Scout must be active to reap the full benefit of the Troop 319 program. A Scout who attends Scouts only sporadically will soon be left behind by his rapidly advancing, more skilled and knowledgeable contemporaries who attend regularly. We realize that the demands of family, church, school, and other activities are heavy, but, experience dictates that boys who have good parental guidance and who learn to budget their time DO have time to be active, to attend campouts and to advance within the Scouting program. Most Eagle Scouts are young men who had many additional outside interests and skills. All Scouts are expected to attend at least 50% of all meetings and activities. Holding a leadership role in the troop may require greater participation.

8 1.8.2 – Advancement Standard (See Chapter 6) A Scout needs to advance regularly to learn the skills and leadership that are central to the Scout program. Troop 319 encourages all Scouts to earn First Class within one year of joining, and to continue to advance at least one rank per year after that. While adult leaders will assist and provide learning opportunities, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Scout to achieve advancement. The Scoutmaster may restrict certain activities to Scouts holding specific ranks or merit badges as appropriate to the activity or as a reward for advancement.

1.8.3 – Uniform Standard (See Chapter 5) Troop 319 requires a complete and correct Scout uniform for all Scouts and uniformed adult leaders. Scouts and adults may have a reasonable time to acquire a complete uniform or to replace worn or outgrown components. The Scoutmaster may exclude Scouts without proper or complete uniforms from uniformed activities. No Scout may appear before any board of review without wearing a complete uniform. (The Scoutmaster may make certain exceptions). The board of review may deny advancement to those who consistently wear less than a full uniform. Boys and leaders will wear the Scout uniform to and from all Scouting events. T-shirts for Scouting activities will be Scout related.

1.8.4 – Behavior Standard Troop 319 expects reasonable behavior in accord with our Christian principles and the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts in Troop 319 are constantly reminded of the Christian ideals set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. They are expected to live up to these high ideals first and foremost as Christians and secondly as Scouts. The Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmasters will counsel any Scout whose behavior is disruptive or inappropriate. If the behavioral problems continue, they will be handled according to the policy approved by the troop committee as explained in Appendix A. The adult leadership of Troop 319 will use this plan fairly, consistently, and impartially in all troop/patrol operations. This plan is not intended to be all encompassing. The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters shall have the right and responsibility of dealing with individual discipline problems on a case-by-case basis. We recognize that for our boys to grow into responsible men, they need to be held accountable for their actions. Therefore, any Scout who behaves in an un-Christian like manner or intentionally participates in an activity that has the potential to cause harm to himself or to others, or behaves in a manner that reflects negatively upon Troop 319, the Boy Scouts of America, or the chartered organization (CHAO), or intentionally participates in any activity that may cause damage to public or private property, will be disciplined.

1.9 – Worship

The religious obligations of a Scout should be an important part of his everyday life. This is a part of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Troop 319 will begin and end each meeting and activity with prayer and Scouts are encouraged to participate. The chaplain aide should attempt to incorporate Catholic devotions into our practices of reverence.

Troop campouts will commonly begin on Friday evening and last until Sunday morning. Every attempt will be made to insure that church attendance is available for campers by returning early enough to attend a 10:00 am or 5:00 pm service. On occasions where a troop outing extends to Sunday afternoon, all attempts will be made to ensure the Scouts will have an opportunity to participate in Holy Mass.

Each Scout is also encouraged to work on the applicable religious award for his age group. More information on this program is found in section 6.3 9 Chapter 2 Troop Organization

2.1 – How the Troop Operates Though the troop program is adult supervised, our troop is run at the base level by the boys. Leadership is one of the methods of Scouting. Every boy will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. The patrol leader assigns all duties for patrol activities. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership of others and helps him to grow into a more responsible adult. The troop organizational chart outlines the complete organization of the troop. 2.2 – Charter Organization A Boy Scout Troop is organized and administered by a sponsor called the charter organization, which is granted a charter annually by the Boy Scouts of America. The charter organization agrees to provide an adequate meeting place, and to select adults of good character to serve as Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, committee members, and merit badge counselors. The charter organization selects a charter organization representative (COR) to be the key liaison between the troop and the charter organization. Troop 319 is chartered by the Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO). St. Peter Catholic Church, Omaha, NE, provides facilities and spiritual assistance under the direction of Fr. Damien Cook.

2.3 – Patrol Leaders’ Council The boys who run the troop are known collectively as the patrol leaders’ council or PLC. The PLC is made up of the senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and the patrol leaders. The PLC usually meets once a month (usually prior to the last troop meeting of the month) to plan the troop’s meetings and activities for the coming month. The Scoutmaster always has veto power over the PLC. Members of the PLC must wear their uniform correctly at all times. The PLC will demonstrate Scout spirit by representing themselves as an example to the troop at all times.

2.4 – Patrols The Patrol Method is the most important and distinctive characteristic of Scouting. Each patrol has a patrol leader, who represents the patrol on the patrol leaders’ council. Regular patrols function as described in The Boy Scout Handbook and Scoutmaster Handbook.

10 2.5 – Scout Leadership Positions - See the Troop Leadership document in the website for greater details of duties in these positions.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster - 1. Appointed by the Scoutmaster as merited by his leadership ability. Scouts interested in the position apply to the Scoutmaster and serve as he directs. 2. Serves in the capacity of an assistant Scoutmaster. 3. Must be at least sixteen and not yet eighteen years of age. 4. Must be an Eagle Scout.

Senior Patrol Leader - 1. Elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top junior leader in the troop. 2. Leads the patrol leaders’ council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, assigns specific responsibilities as needed. 3. Leads all troop meetings and manages the troop’s outdoor activities. 4. Must be a Life or Eagle Scout. 5. Serves a term of six months.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader – 1. Selected by the SPL to represent the troop as the second-in-command junior leader of the troop. 2. Fills in for the senior patrol leader in his absence. 3. Responsible for training and giving direction to other junior leaders in the troop. 4. Must be a Star, Life or Eagle Scout. 5. Serves a term of six months.

Patrol Leader - 1. Elected leader of his patrol. 2. Provides leadership to members of his patrol and represents them on the patrol leaders’ council. 3. Must be a First Class, Star, Life or Eagle Scout. 4. Serves a term of six months.

Assistant Patrol Leader - 1. Appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. 2. Serves a term of six months. (This position DOES NOT count for leadership credit.)

Instructor - 1. Teaches one or more Scouting skills to troop members. 2. Authorized to initial The Scout Handbook on left side for accomplishing rank requirements.

Scribe - 1. Serves as troop secretary and maintains the attendance records for troop meetings, campouts, and courts of honor. 2. Encouraged to submit articles for publication on the troop website.

11 Librarian - 1. Maintains a library of all troop-owned publications; duties include labeling and placing cards in new books. 2. Checks out merit badge books to Scouts on request and assures their return or replacement. 3. Maintains a current list of all merit badge books and counselors.

Historian - 1. Keeps a record or scrapbook of troop activities. 2. Collects and maintains troop memorabilia and information on former troop members. 3. Encouraged to submit articles for publication on the troop website.

Guide - 1. Advises and guides new Scout patrols. 2. Helps the new Scouts with rank advancement and keeps track of their advancement. 3. Authorized to initial The Scout Handbook on left side for accomplishing rank requirements.

Den Chief - Works with Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Den Leaders in a pack.

Chaplain Aide - 1. Works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. 2. Works to promote the religious emblems program (Ad Altare Dei, Pope Pius XII).

Bugler - Performs duties of bugler as directed by the Scoutmaster. (Leadership credit only good towards Star & Life ranks; not Eagle Scout rank.)

Order of the Arrow Troop Representative - 1. Serves as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop. 2. Encourages Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members. 3. Helps coordinate troop Elections.

Quartermaster - 1. Responsible for troop/patrol equipment and sees that it is in good working order. 2. Maintains the patrol box and tents on camp outs, and inspects them on their return. 3. Responsible for loading and unloading to troop trailer for campouts. 4. Purchases consumable items as necessary.

12 2.6 – Adult Troop Leadership

The uniformed adult troop leadership consists of the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster and assistants have full responsibility for all program decisions of the troop. These are men who administer and facilitate the Scouting program of Troop 319. While the Boy Scouts of America allow the adult troop leadership to consist of both men and women, Troop 319 believes that allowing only men to serve as Scoutmaster & assistant Scoutmaster provide a better example of Biblical leadership. We require Scoutmaster & assistant to take the Basic Training offered by the BSA and to read The Boy Scout Handbook and Scoutmaster Handbook. The following is an outline of the duties of the key troop leaders.

2.6.1 – Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include training and guiding boy leaders, working with the other adult leaders to bring the Scouting program to the boys, and using the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of the Scouting program and the goals of the troop. The Scoutmaster is a non-voting member of the troop committee.

2.6.2 – Assistant Scoutmasters Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster, with coordination of the COR, and assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters operate under the direction of the Scoutmaster and are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster. They provide training and guidance to the boy leadership and work to achieve the aims of Scouting and the goals of the troop. They should pay close attention to new Scouts to ensure they are incorporated into the troop and begin advancement. They also provide the required two-deep leadership (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity). The assistant Scoutmasters are non-voting members of the committee.

2.7 – Troop Committee

All committee members must be registered and trained with the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to providing the troop with much needed services, the charter organization representative and the troop committee is responsible for securing new adult leaders as vacancies occur.

The troop committee is composed of a chairman and several members. It is made up of Scout parents, both mothers and fathers. The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters cannot vote on the troop committee. Only committee members can vote. The purpose of the committee is mainly one of service. The committee does not direct the meeting, outings or other activities of the troop, but does offer advice, sets policy, serves on boards of review, participates in planning courts of honor, and volunteers with the paperwork, accounting, and logistics. The various functions are listed below:

Charter Organization Representative – 1. Is a member of the chartering organization. 2. Serves as a liaison between the troop and the chartering organization. 3. Is responsible for appointing the Scoutmaster and approving assistant Scoutmasters. 4. Is a voting member of the troop committee. 5. Does not hold the position of Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster. 13 Committee Chair - 1. Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed. 2. Interpret national and local policies to the troop and implement necessary changes. 3. Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster. 4. Prepare troop committee meeting agendas. 5. Call, preside over, and promote attendance at the troop committee meetings and any special meetings. 6. Ensure troop representation at monthly roundtables. 7. Secure top-notch, trained leadership for camps and outings. 8. Arrange for charter review and recharter annually including Quality Unit application. 9. Plan the charter presentation with the unit commissioner and charter organization representative. 10. Casts the tiebreaker vote on the troop committee. 11. Does not hold the position of Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster.

Secretary - 1. Keep minutes of meetings and send out committee meeting notices. 2. At each committee meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting. 3. Handle publicity and provide information for newsletters, the monthly CHAO newsletter, and newspaper bulletins. 4. Maintain troop membership and medical forms and ensures the SM has a copy of the medical forms. 5. Input information to the “Do a Good Turn for America” program. 6. Assist committee chair with the annual rechartering of the troop. 7. Is a voting member of the troop committee. 8. Does not hold the position of Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster.

Treasurer - 1. Handle all troop funds. Collects receipts and pays bills on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the troop committee. 2. Maintain checking and savings accounts. 3. Keep adequate records of expenses and income. 4. Supervise the camp savings plan. Update the Scouts on their individual accounts monthly or upon request. 5. Lead in the preparation of the annual troop budget. 6. Lead the Friends of Scouting campaign. 7. Is a voting member of the troop committee. 8. Does not hold the position of Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster.

The following positions are voting members of the committee, provided they are not filled by an assistant Scoutmaster.

14 Membership/Recruitment Chair – 1. Assist with the recruitment of new Scouts and leaders as needed. 2. Receive new members into troop, instructing families on : • Completion of the application process/Boy's Life subscription. • Introduction to The Boy Scout Handbook and The Boy Scout Requirements Book. • Uniform requirements and purchase. • Offer option to purchase troop package of patches and scarf. • Review of Troop 319 Bylaws for Scouts and Parents. • Introduction to Troop 319 website. • Completion of Parent Interest Survey. 3. Secure payment and submit new Scout member applications to council. 4. Receive adult member applications, ensure all signatures, and submit to council. 5. Ensure the Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, committee chair, treasurer, and senior patrol leader have current roster, email addresses, and contact information for each Scout and his family. 6. Ensure the Scoutmaster has a copy of the Scout’s medical form 7. Forward the Scout membership form and medical form to the secretary. 8. Coordinate participation in bridging events. Advancement Chair - 1. Encourage Scouts to advance in rank, especially those under the rank of Star. 2. Work with the Scoutmaster to maintain all Scout advancement records and coordinate campouts which are specifically for advancements. 3. Arrange troop boards of review (BOR). 4. Submit online advancements to the Mid-America Council after a troop board of review is held. 5. Secure and print award certificates and badges after BORs and for courts of honor. Court of Honor Planning - 1. Work with the advancement chair, Scoutmaster, and Communications merit badge counselor. 2. Secure location for the court of honor. 3. Ensure Scouts are assigned in planning of the court of honor (preferably two Scouts who are working on the Communications merit badge). 4. Oversee the Scouts responsible for planning of the court of honor (COH) in  Preparation of the agenda for the court of honor (awards, announcements, speakers, entertainment, etc.)  Assignment of patrols in food preparation, setup before, and cleanup after the COH.  Communication to troop regarding details of the court of honor.  Preparation and printing of written program. Chaplain - 1. Provide a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities. 2. Give guidance to the chaplain aide. 3. Promote regular participation of each member in their religious activities. 4. Visit homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need. 5. Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems and fill out appropriate applications. 6. Assist senior patrol leader in choosing appropriate service projects. 7. Coordinate Scout Sunday program (generally the first Sunday in February.) 15 Fundraising Chair – 1. Supervise money-earning projects, including obtaining proper authorizations. 2. Present options to the Scouts for fundraising events. 3. Organize fundraisers or appoints an organizer. 4. Serve as or appoint the popcorn kernel and attend all required meetings.

Training Chair - 1. Inform and ensure troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training. 2. Maintain an inventory of up-to-date training materials, videotapes, and other training resources. 3. Work with district training team in scheduling New Leader Essentials training for all new leaders. 4. Are responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop. 5. Encourage periodic junior leader training within the troop and at the district and national levels. 6. Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets. 7. Maintain records pertaining to merit badge counselors, including: • Collection and submission of forms • Submission of data for entry into Troopmaster and the Troop 319 Website • Ensure annual renewal of MB counselors to council in preparation for each new year.

Camping/Outdoor Activities Chair - 1. Work with senior patrol leader in securing permission to use camping sites. 2. Work with the senior patrol leader to ensure a monthly outdoor program. 3. Promote the National Camping Award. 4. Promote, through family meetings, attendance at troop campouts, camporees, and summer camp to reach the goal of one outing per month. 5. Secure tour permits for all troop activities. 6. Maintain a log of campsites used with pros and cons.

Equipment Chair - 1. Supervise and help the troop procure camping equipment. 2. Work with Scouts on the inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment. 3. Make periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear, and encourage Scouts in safe use of all outdoor equipment. 4. Annually register the trailer with the county.

Activities and Service Chair – 1. Determine special activities for Troop 319 through monitoring of the BSA Bugle and Mid-America Council websites as well as other sources. Disseminate this information to the Troop 319 Scoutmaster and Committee Chair for approval and the Webmaster for publication to the troop. 2. With the assistance of other parents, coordinate designated activities other than camping, e.g., color guard details, council events, merit badge opportunities. 3. Promote and organize service projects for the chartered organization, St. Peter Church, and the community. This includes the annual Scouting for Food campaign held in March/April.

Webmaster - 1. Maintain and update the Troop 319 website. 2. Act as gatekeeper for all input from authorized personnel.

16 2.8 – Role of Parents

The Scoutmaster and his assistants work together with the troop committee to ensure a quality program for our Scouts. Fathers, who wish to participate on a regular basis at troop meetings, campouts, etc., are urged to become assistant Scoutmasters or committee members.

Every troop requires a strong troop committee in order to be successful. Troop 319 has a committee of dedicated parents but can always use additional volunteers to ensure the success of the troop. Scouting is a family-oriented program. Parents, you WILL be asked to participate in the life of the troop and are expected to give of your time and talents to the extent possible! Those parents who can’t participate on a regular basis can participate by helping with our fundraising efforts, formal courts of honor, providing transportation and assisting at campouts, counseling merit badges, assisting with special events, and driving to activities. You CAN be of vital help. Many of our best ideas have come from parents who have just spoken up and voiced their thoughts.

The local Mid-America Council provides a variety of training for all interested parents several times a year. Basic courses are available on-line and take a short time to complete. Courses include: Fast Start, Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, Leader Specific Training, and University of Scouting. We encourage all parents to become involved in learning more about the program in which they have entrusted their child’s emotional, physical, and mental development.

Chapter 3 Financial Responsibility

3.1 – Boy Scout Funding

The BSA National Headquarters and the Mid-America Council are supported mainly by the Friends of Scouting Campaign, the Capital Campaign, and the Endowment Campaign. The troop is supported by one primary fundraising activity, popcorn sales, and by troop dues. Additional fundraising must be approved by the committee and application to the council. These funds are used to provide for council rechartering, camping equipment, advancement badges for the Scouts, and other needs. Each Scout and his parents have an EQUAL responsibility in participating in fundraising activities. Most fundraising activities also allow the Scout to receive monetary credit for dues, summer camp, and other Scouting activities.

3.2 – Registration and Dues

Troop 319 collects monthly dues of $10, except for the month of August. These may be submitted to the treasurer in monthly or quarterly installments. These dues are intended to be covered by the major fundraiser held in October. This includes the registration fee for the Scout, BSA insurance, and Boy’s Life subscription. This amount can be changed by approval of the committee.

Other fees may be collected by the Troop to cover the costs of individual trips and activities. These range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars for more expensive trips. Additional fundraising may be conducted to help defray the costs of major trips. 17 3.3 - Scholarships

It is the intent of Troop 319 that all members be able to participate in all activities. Any family with a hardship relating to dues, uniforms, or other activity fees should notify the Scoutmaster or committee to see if some kind of assistance can be arranged. If you are aware of any situation where the cost of a trip or activity may pose a problem to any Scout or family, please speak in confidence with the Scoutmaster or committee chair so that arrangements may be made to address the situation.

3.4 – Fundraising

The troop committee shall approve all fundraising activities. These fundraisers are held in an effort to provide a steady source of operating funds and to help our Scouts to be thrifty and earn their own way to high adventure outings, various camping trips, and pay for monthly dues, uniforms and equipment. Each Scout is expected to participate in these events and sometimes criteria for going on a high adventure outing may be based on participation in Troop fundraisers. Troop 319 normally holds one major fundraiser for the year, though more may be authorized. Monies from major fundraisers will be dispersed as follows:

1) Each Scout is expected to participate in at least one fundraiser per year. A minimum revenue amount may be set, and will be announced by the committee. 2) Profits raised will be split between the Scout and Troop 319 on a 75/25 % basis. This is to cover the cost of equipment, rechartering, operating expenses, training, and activities. The profits earned by a Scout will be deposited to the Scout’s individual account. 3) If at the end of the calendar year, a Scout fails to generate a minimum of $100 in profits ($25 for the troop), he will pay an additional $25, prorated to reflect the amount of profits he did generate. 4) Families with two or more sons in the troop must only meet the fundraising participation requirement for one son. 5) Any Scout not earning enough profit from fundraising activities to cover a monthly dues assessment of $10/month will still be responsible for paying the troop before participating in activities. Monthly payments are allowed. See the treasurer for details. 6) For a Scout to raise his summer camp fee of $150, he would need to raise $200 in profits. Based on recent fundraisers, this would translate into approximately $530 in revenue sales. 7) Dues are not collected during the month of August.

For a Scout to raise his summer camp fee of $150, he would need to raise $200 in profits. Based on recent fundraisers, this would translate into approximately $530 in revenue sales.

3.5 – Service

Service to the Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha and St. Peter Church for providing the use of their facilities is highly encouraged. Boys planning Eagle Scout Leadership Projects should consider these charitable organizations ahead of others in gratitude for their sponsorship.

18 3.6 – Scout Accounts

When Scouts have a share in the money they earn, they learn how to handle money and be thrifty (the ninth point of the Scout Law). To accomplish this goal,

1. Each Scout will have an individual account with the troop. 2. Money will be deposited into the account via fundraisers or by the individual. 3. Money may be used for any troop- related activity, Scout uniform or Scouting equipment. 4. A request for reimbursement must be signed by the parent and approved by the Scoutmaster, and then returned to the treasurer. 5. For equipment reimbursement, attach a copy of the receipt to the request letter, and submit it to the troop treasurer. 6. Balance information will be provided monthly or upon request by contacting the treasurer. 7. If a Scout leaves Troop 319 to join another troop that maintains individual accounts, the Scout’s account balance will be sent to the new troop for his new account. If the new troop does not maintain individual accounts or the Scout quits, the money is returned to the operating budget. Any monies not spent or transferred within 90 days will be returned to Troop 319. If the Scout has a brother in Scouting, he may transfer the money to the brother for his use. Cub Scouts’ accounts from a pack will transfer with the Scout at crossover if allowed to do so by the pack’s bylaws.

3.7 - Camping

Camping fees will vary by campout. Weekend trips are generally $10.00 for camping, food and gas. Generally, men assisting on these campouts will not be charged a fee for their food. This will be a troop paid expense. Parents who drive to the summer camp may be reimbursed, if not claiming a charitable deduction, by submitting a request to the treasurer.

Chapter 4 Troop Activities

4.1 -Troop Meetings

Boy Scout Troop 319 meets on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (although meetings may sometimes go longer). Scouts are expected to arrive PRIOR to 6:30 p.m. and are required to wear their uniform unless otherwise directed. The Scout uniform includes the Boy Scout Handbook and Scouts should be prepared to take notes. We typically follow a regular format during the weekly meetings. This format consists of a Pre-opening Activity, Opening, Primary Activity, Patrol Meetings, Skills Lesson, Inter-patrol Activity, Scoutmaster’s Minute, and Closing. The only activity by a committee member at a troop meeting should be a board of review or announcements, unless scheduled by the PLC for training or activities.

19 4.2 – Troop Outings Troop 319 has an active outdoor program and all boys are encouraged to participate. Each year we try to camp six times. We also attend summer camp, hike, hold fundraisers, and have a high adventure trip every other year.

All patrol campouts must be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster or an assistant Scoutmaster. For the patrol campouts, Scouts must submit a duty roster, a menu, and a list of the boys attending.

4.3 – Summer Camp Our troop spends one full week camping under skilled adult leadership at a each summer. These summer camps are sponsored and staffed by a council and usually begin on a Sunday evening and run through the following Saturday. It is essential that our Scouts participate regularly in the short and long-term camping experience. During long-term camping, a boy will often earn four to six merit badges. The cost of camp is about $150. Some merit badges may require additional fees; additional spending money not included.

4.4 – Biennial Wilderness Trek Troop 319’s biennial high adventure outing is known as the wilderness trek. The wilderness trek will not take place unless a sufficient number of Scouts have advanced in rank and adults are available. Wilderness trek activities may include canoeing, sailing, or backpacking in one of the National Parks or one of the BSA’s high adventure bases such as Philmont or Boundary Waters. Normally, high adventure trips are limited to Scouts who have attained a certain rank and/or age of 14. These limitations may be due to physical demands of the excursion or may be used as an incentive or reward for harder working, more motivated Scouts. Each camp will have particular rules for attendance delineated by troop leaders and the camp. The cost of a high adventure camp will be twice or more than a local summer camp.

4.5 – Court of Honor The accomplishments of our Scouts and leaders are formally recognized at courts of honor, each September, January and May. These are formal ceremonies where the Scouts receive their merit badges, rank advancements, and other awards and recognition. Parents, other family members, and friends are welcomed and encouraged to attend the courts of honor. The attendance of parents at our courts of honor is especially important, and is a very easy way to demonstrate an interest in the Scouting progress of your son. Scouts will wear the full uniform including sash, scarf and Scout pant or slacks. Award forms must be submitted at least one week prior to the court of honor.

4.6 – Biannual Planning Conference Twice a year, the troop meets to plan a program under the direction of the patrol leaders’ council. Planning includes monthly theme ideas, merit badges to work on as a troop, dates/places/ideas for outings, and special events. Parents are welcome to submit ideas through the Scoutmaster, but the patrol leaders’ council will make program decisions under the guidance of adult leadership.

20 4.7 – Activity Policies

4.7.1 – Adult Presence at Activities In accordance with current BSA Youth Protection and adult leadership policies, at least one adult must be present at all non-overnight troop or patrol activities, and a minimum of two qualified, registered adults must be present at all overnight troop or patrol outings. A minimum of one registered adult and one other person at least eighteen years of age must be present at all troop meetings, patrol meetings, and merit badge sessions. When an adult needs to talk privately with a boy, either a second adult must be present or they must be in plain sight of other Scouts/adults. If the Scoutmaster is not present on an overnight activity, the Scoutmaster must approve of the adult in charge. One adult and one boy may not tent together (unless father and son, although we recommend that adults and boys camp separately to support the patrol method). 4.7.2 – Medical Forms - 2010 Beginning in 2010 a new medical form will be required by the BSA. Parts A and C are required to be completed annually. Part B is to be completed in order to participate in any activity which exceeds 72 hours or is of a strenuous nature. Part B requires a medical examination by a licensed health-care provider (MD, DO, NP, PA). It is recommended that boys have their physical around May when a troop physician is available at a meeting for physicals. A date will be announced after arrangements are set. 4.7.3 – Sign-up and Payment Deadlines Some outings will have sign-up and payment deadlines, which Scouts are responsible to meet. Those who miss the sign-up deadline may be excluded from the outings. Those who sign up and then cannot go are obligated to notify the Scoutmaster and their patrol leader immediately. Scouts who cancel too late may forfeit the cost of food and other non-refundable expenses.

Chapter 5 Uniform

5.1 –Significance of the Uniform Scouting is a uniformed movement. Throughout our society, only certain special people are entitled to wear a uniform. Just as a sports uniform proclaims one’s membership on a team, the Scout uniform proclaims one’s allegiance and dedication to the ideals of Scouting—Duty to God and country, self, and others.

When properly worn, a uniform: 1. Helps build good troop spirit. 2. Diminishes the importance of an individual’s financial, social, or ethnic background. 3. Makes the troop visible as a force for good in the community. 4. Displays a Scout’s achievements. Each rank has a requirement to “show Scout spirit” and this requirement is signed off at the Scoutmaster’s conference. Our Scouts are required to wear either the Scout dress uniform or the field uniform depending on the activity. Both uniforms must be worn completely and in correct fashion. Failure to wear the uniform properly will indicate lack of Scout spirit and could be reason to disallow participation in Scout functions.

21 5.2- Scout Uniform (Class A) The standard Troop 319 Scout dress uniform consists of the following components: 1) The Boy Scout Handbook 2) Official BSA shirt with appropriate insignia (older version is acceptable) 3) Troop 319 neckerchief (red with gold embroidery) 4) Official BSA or an appropriate handmade neckerchief slide 5) Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle Scout have the option of wearing an appropriate BSA Eagle bolo tie 6) Official BSA pants or shorts or any dark khaki-green shorts or trousers in good condition (no camouflage or sweatpants). Blue jeans may be worn to troop meetings if the above are not available. 7) Official BSA belt and BSA or Order of the Arrow buckle 8) Official BSA socks, especially when shorts are worn 9) Any appropriate shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots (for safety - NO sandals) 10) Merit badge sash (only required at courts of honor and special functions) 11) Official BSA hat (optional) 12) Green epaulets The Class A Scout dress uniform will be worn at the following times: 1) Weekly meetings (sash and neckerchief are not required unless noted otherwise.) 2) All Scoutmaster conferences 3) All boards of review 4) All courts of honor 5) Traveling to and from campouts (sash is not required) unless stipulated otherwise 6) At long-term camp, for the evening meal (sash, neckerchief & slide are not required) 7) Special Scout functions

5.3-Scout Field Uniform (Class B) The Troop 319 field uniform consists of the following components: 1) Troop 319 T-shirt or other Scout T-shirt if Troop 319 shirt is not available 2) Official BSA pants or shorts or any dark khaki-green shorts or trousers in good condition (no sweatpants). Blue jeans may be worn if the above is not available. 3) Official BSA belt and BSA buckle (with pants that have belt loops) 4) Official BSA socks 5) Any appropriate shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots 6) The Boy Scout Handbook (required for weekly meetings and summer camp) The field uniform may be specified to be worn at campouts and all other activities where the Scout Class A dress uniform is not required (e.g., service projects).

22 5.4 – Standard Uniform Insignia

The following insignia are required on the official BSA shirt, and must be sewn in the correct position according to the appropriate BSA publications: 1) Shoulder tabs - green shoulder loops 2) Left sleeve—Mid-America Council shoulder patch, numerals 319 (red is acceptable on old uniforms, but new ones may only have green), badge of office (if applicable) 3) Right sleeve—American flag, patrol medallion, quality unit 4) Left pocket—badge of rank, award emblems (if earned)

Other insignia are optional, but must be sewn in the correct position, if worn. See the BSA Handbook or an Insignia Guide for the correct positioning of insignia.

5.5 -- Military Clothing

Military clothing of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines may not be worn in conjunction with the Boy Scout Class A uniform. It is essential that the integrity of the Boy Scout Uniform be observed. Military surplus items such as camouflage pants, boots, field jackets, etc., may be worn on campouts and service projects as long as they do not display military branch, name, rank, or other insignia.

Chapter 6 Advancement

6.1 -General

Scouting is designed to be fun, but to get the full benefit of the Scouting program, the Scout must advance. The climb up the Eagle ladder is designed to broaden a Scout’s outdoor skills and his awareness of his duties as an American citizen, in addition to exposing him to a wide variety of potential career ideas. The parent is urged to take their son’s Boy Scout Handbook and read and study the ascending requirements that permit him to progress through the ranks. Each rank demands more of him as he builds on his Scouting skills! Discuss your son’s progress and urge him on, regularly.

It is the responsibility of each Scout to retain ALL of his advancement records from Tenderfoot to Eagle. He must NOT rely on someone else to do it for him. These records are the Scout’s primary backup in case of a loss of troop records. While advancement records are computerized in our troop, each Scout is expected to carefully retain all of his rank and merit badge cards and emblems. It is also each Scout’s responsibility to take his Handbook to the troop advancement person each time a new requirement is signed off by the Scoutmaster or (junior) assistant Scoutmaster so the troop records can be kept up to date.

23 6.2 -Rank Advancement

Advancement is the way you grow as a Scout, and become eligible for troop leadership positions and other honors. A member starts as a Scout and progresses to Eagle Scout through the ranks in the following order:

Scout Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle

Scouts learn by advancing. Advancement is one of Scouting’s eight methods because it teaches useful skills and because it teaches leadership and service. The first three ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class) emphasize basic skills. The higher ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle) emphasize the earning of merit badges, leadership and service. The Scoutmaster may require a specific level of advancement for some activities, due to the nature of that activity or as an inducement to encourage advancement. Troop 319 encourages each Scout to advance regularly and to achieve First Class within one year of joining. Advancement through the six ranks consists of performance in the following seven categories.

6.2.1 – Standards A Scout must meet the troop’s stated standards for active service, uniform, and discipline for meetings and campouts to be eligible for any advancement. A Scout must meet the standard for at least the minimum period of active service required for each rank.

6.2.2 – Basic Scout Skills From the time a Scout enters the troop through the time he advances to First Class rank, he is learning basic Scouting skills to enable him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors and to work as a member of a team. These basic skills must be certified (signed off) by the Scoutmaster or (junior) assistant Scoutmaster.

6.2.3 – Merit Badges Once a Scout reaches First Class, merit badges become the main advancement tool. Many badges include work he may already be doing in his schoolwork or other activities. To earn a merit badge, each Scout must study the appropriate pamphlet and then satisfy the requirements with a qualified adult examiner called a merit badge counselor. All merit badge counselors must be registered with the council on an annual basis. Parents may counsel their son on a badge only if they are the approved troop counselors for that badge. We highly encourage parents to become merit badge counselors. The sign-up procedures are very simple and no registration fee is required. Appendix B is a list of merit badge counselors available to Troop 319.

24 Merit badge blue cards must be obtained from the Scoutmaster and signed by him before any merit badge is started. This ensures the Scout completes the merit badge in a timely and focused manner. A Scout is encouraged to complete the merit badge in one year although he has until he is eighteen to complete any merit badge he has started. The completed blue card with the signature of the counselor should be returned to the Scoutmaster for recording in Troopmaster, and is further recorded at the council level by the advancement chair or designee. The Scout should retain and store his portion of the blue card in a safe place, as this is his record of achievement of that particular merit badge. The badge is presented to the Scout at the next court of honor. The merit badges are worn on a sash over the shoulder and are only worn on special occasions, such as a court of honor or public ceremonies such as a flag raising. The merit badge sash is not worn to a regular troop meeting or a campout.

There are 121 diverse merit badges to choose from. Twenty-one are needed to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. Twelve badges are from a list of required badges while the remaining nine are electives. Although a Scout below First Class can work on a merit badge, he really should concentrate on the basic Scout skills that he needs for basic rank advancement. Boys who concentrate on those skills and reach First Class by their first anniversary in Scouts tend to stay in Scouting longer.

6.2.4 - Leadership A Scout must hold an approved troop office and execute it in an acceptable manner for at least the minimum period of active service required for Star, Life, and Eagle. For Star or Life, a Scout may also carry out a Scoutmaster assigned specific leadership project to help the troop.

6.2.5 – Service Projects This is useful service to the church, school, community, or Scouting, performed under the direction of troop leaders and with the Scoutmaster’s prior approval. It is important to future citizens to develop the habit of service to the greater community.

6.2.6 - Eagle Scout Leadership and Service Projects An Eagle Scout candidate must be the leader in charge during his project, and the Eagle project must benefit the community outside of Scouting. For this reason Troop 319 will give priority to Eagle Scout projects for service hours, thus encouraging a team approach. We highly encourage service to the Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha or St. Peter Church in gratitude for their assistance.

6.2.7 – Scoutmaster Conference After completing all requirements, and prior to the board of review, a Scout meets with the Scoutmaster or an assistant Scoutmaster to review basic skills and to discuss past progress and future plans. These will be conducted during the weekly meeting or at some other time agreed upon by the participants. A Scout must be in a Class A Scout uniform and have his Boy Scout Handbook in order to confer with the Scoutmaster unless the situation warrants otherwise.

6.2.8 – Board of Review Our troop maintains high standards of achievement. Beginning with the Tenderfoot rank and extending through Eagle, each Scout who has satisfactorily completed the requirements for his next rank and who has had a personal conference with the Scoutmaster will meet a board of review. Scouts should expect the BOR to thoroughly examine their attitudes toward citizenship and personal goals for the level to which they are advancing. We expect our Scouts to be exemplary citizens and to learn and retain their skills and knowledge. Our Scouts should be forever proud of the ranks they earned in Troop 319, because none are given.

25 Boards of review for all ranks except Eagle will consist of at least one committee member from the troop and two other people connected to the troop. Parents of other Scouts may serve on a BOR. Life and Eagle Scouts may serve on a BOR for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Scouts. A parent/guardian is not allowed to sit on his son’s board of review.

The board will check to make sure your Boy Scout Handbook and other records are up-to-date. They will also ask you what you learned while working on the badge or rank, and what you think about our troop in general. Scouts should save all written work and projects for merit badges and rank. These may be requested at the BOR. A Scout must be in full uniform and have his Handbook, in order to participate in the review process.

Dues must be up-to-date for a Scout to advance in rank. Extenuating circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.

The Eagle board of review is specially constituted and may be held on other than a meeting night. It has adult representation from the district/council. A troop BOR for Eagle will be given at the discretion of the committee and with advice from the SM. This two-step process insures the committee that the boy is well qualified to be an Eagle Scout for the rest of his life.

6.3 -Catholic Religious Emblems

A Scout is expected to be faithful in his religious duties to increase and grow in knowledge of the things of God. The twelfth point of the Scout Law says “A Scout is reverent”. There is a religious emblem program in the Boy Scouts that allows a Scout, under the direction of his pastor or other leader, to earn a special religious award called Ad Altare Dei. Recipients of this award explore the sacraments of the Catholic Church. They will also examine how we as Christians promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our lives, being salt and light in the world in which we live. A second religious Catholic award program is the Pope Pius XII award that is designed for older boys. Upon completion, the Scout is awarded a medal to be worn on his uniform for special occasions, such as courts of honor. A knot is worn on the uniform to indicate he has earned the religious emblem when he is not actually wearing the medal. See the troop chaplain for additional information on these programs.

6.4 -Other Awards

There are several other awards that Scouts can earn. The Recruiter Badge can be earned by recruiting another boy into the troop. The 50-Mile Award is given to Scouts who travel at least 50 miles either on foot or afloat during a single outing and meet other requirements. The Paul Bunyan Award is given to those who demonstrate and teach axemanship skills. The Hornaday Award is presented to Scouts who have done exceptional service in conservation. The requirements for these and other awards are available in the Scout Requirements Book or at the Mid-America Council Office.

26 Chapter 7 Resources

7.1 –Boy Scout Handbook (Required)

The first item a new Scout needs is an official Boy Scout Handbook. The Boy Scout Handbook is available at the Mid-America Council Scout Shop located in Omaha. Book covers are also available to help keep the book clean, dry and in one piece. This book is the Scout’s textbook, part of the uniform, and his record of achievement, so it should be with him at every Scouting event. He should be sure to put his name clearly on the inside cover so he can identify it. Any Scout that does not have his Handbook will not be able to participate in a Scoutmaster conference or attend a board of review for his next rank. Scout leaders may need to purchase up-to-date versions later in their Scout experience to teach new Scouts.

7.2 – Boy Scout Fieldbook (Optional)

The Fieldbook is a supplement to The Boy Scout Handbook. It contains a great deal of additional information on the basic Scout skills such as navigation, first aid, camping, hiking, wilderness survival, and nature study.

7.3 – Boy Scout Requirements Book (Optional)

This publication contains all the requirements for each rank advancement, merit badge, and many of the additional awards and badges that can be earned. It is updated approximately every year.

7.4 – Troop 319 Website

The troop website is www.troop319.synthasite.com . This website contains an updated calendar with information of upcoming events, messages from the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, uniform requirements, leadership information, a list of merit badge counselors, library resources, troop bylaws, camping checklists, adult training information, and links to related Boy Scout websites.

Troop 319 maintains a photo website at Walgreens. This can be accessed through the troop website or directly at www.walgreens.com .

Both of these sites are secure and must be accessed with a password. Contact the webmaster or the Scoutmaster for the password for the troop website. For the safety of our Scouts, please help keep these sites secure by not sharing the password.

27 Appendix A – Troop 319 Member Roster - Ask the Scoutmaster for a current copy.

Appendix B – Troop 319 Merit Badge Counselor List - See troop website for a current copy.

Appendix C – Troop 319 Discipline Policy

Troop 319 expects reasonable behavior in accordance with our Christian principles and the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts are expected to live up to these high ideals first and foremost as Christians and secondly as Scouts. The adult leadership of Troop 319 will use this plan fairly and impartially in all troop/patrol operations. We recognize that for our boys to grow into responsible men, they need to be held accountable for their actions. Therefore, any Scout who behaves in an un-Christian like manner or intentionally participates in an activity that has the potential to cause harm to himself or to others, or behaves in a manner that reflects negatively upon Troop 319, the Boy Scouts of America, or the charter organization (Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha), or intentionally participates in any activity that may cause damage to public or private property, will be disciplined.

Troop 319 chooses to use the Biblical model for discipline given in Matthew 18:15-17:

15”If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

When a Scout sees another Scout acting inappropriately, he should lovingly confront him and tell him what he is doing is wrong. If he agrees and apologizes, you have a great brother. If he disagrees, you should gather a patrol leader, assistant and/or senior patrol leader and confront him. If after this visit he refuses to be accountable, you should contact an assistant Scoutmaster AND the Scoutmaster.

Level 1 –The Scout will be counseled by the Scoutmaster and an assistant Scoutmaster (maintaining two- deep leadership).

Level 2 –The Scout, Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster will have a conference with his parents.

Level 3 –The Scout will be placed on probation for four (4) troop meetings. During this time, ONLY troop meetings will be open to the Scout and then only when accompanied by a parent/guardian. If this offense occurs on a campout or in a troop meeting, the parent/guardian will be called to come and immediately pick up their son.

Level 4 –The Scout will be suspended from the troop and all activities for an appropriate period of time. Re-instatement can only be achieved with a conference of the discipline committee, the parent/guardian(s), and the Scout.

Any Scout on Level 2, 3, or 4 will be suspended from leadership positions and will not be allowed to have a board of review or have the Scout Spirit Requirement signed off for any rank advancement during his discipline period. 28 This plan is not intended to be all encompassing. The Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters, under direction of the troop committee shall have the right and responsibility of dealing with individual discipline problems on a case by case basis. Cause for disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Not following Scoutmaster’s or leader’s (adult or youth) orders/instructions. 2. Engaging in significantly unsafe actions endangering him or others (e.g., drinking out of creeks, throwing rocks, fighting, etc.). 3. Exploring physical hazards without permission and supervision (lakes, creeks, cliffs, etc.). 4. Leaving designated areas without the Scoutmaster’s permission, or not telling the Scoutmaster or the senior youth leader of their whereabouts at all times, going to another area other than that requested, entering property marked “No Trespassing.” 5. Using profane or vulgar language (if you are not sure, ask the Scoutmaster). 6. Exhibiting unruly, loud, disrespectful, disobedient, disruptive, or excessively rowdy or foolish behavior (including both words and actions). 7. Engaging in physical or verbal hazing, harassment, or abuse of another person. 8. Uncontrolled displays of anger or lost temper. 9. Displaying a lack of respect for others and/or their property. 10. Use of any controlled or illegal substance.

We expect that with the policy clearly stated, Scouts will know where they stand and be comfortable with an atmosphere of tolerance toward other’s rights that helps build a secure feeling of trust and brotherhood in Scouting. Any Scout requiring any level of disciplinary action will need to be reported to a committee member so that proper documentation can be in place should any of the next levels be necessary.

29 Statement of Scout and Parental Understanding

I have read and understand the Troop 319 Bylaws. To the best of my ability I will abide by the rules and guidelines provided in the Bylaws.

Scout Date

Parent Date

Parent Date

Please sign and submit to Scoutmaster.

30