PARENTS HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

This booklet explains the general principles by which we hope to effectively run Troop 506 and ensure a positive experience for the boys and their parents. Everyone involved should be familiar with the contents so we’re all on the “same page”. The Parents Handbook is intended to help the Scout and his family to understand Scouting and have a better Scouting experience. This booklet should serve as a reference document, but it cannot hope to cover everything that will come up as we go forward on the Scouting trail. If any issues or questions come up at anytime in your time in Troop 506, please do not hesitate to bring them up to any of the adult volunteers or boy leaders.

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND SCOUTING

Scouting is a boy-run organization.

That needs to be stated first and foremost. Scouting uses the experiences of outdoor adventures, wilderness living and physical activity as an environment in which boys can develop leadership, responsibility, teamwork, confidence and self-reliance. If parents or adult Scout leaders do everything for the boys, they may have fun, but it will not bring out any of the other traits that Boy Scouting is designed to develop.

Adult volunteers, called “Scouters”, provide guidance and supervision, ensuring safety at all times. Scouters are like coaches on an athletic team. They watch the boys “practice”, and correct the mistakes or commend the positives. A coach will sometimes allow a boy to make a mistake. Many things can be learned through trial and error. The Scouter can then come in and point out what happened and coach the boy to prevent it from happening again. Of course, Scouters will not knowingly allow mistakes that would endanger a boy mentally or physically.

As much as possible, we will communicate directly to your sons. They must learn to communicate with you. No one expects this process to go smoothly all of the time. The Troop 506 leadership will communicate directly to parents a few times a year, primarily at Courts of Honor and Summer Camp preparation meetings. If you aren’t getting good communication about events and activities from your son, ask him to bring back the information.

YOUR SON IN TROOP 506

The first time a new Scout registers and pays his dues, the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader will assign him to a PATROL. The patrol is a grouping of boys, usually about eight in number. The patrol is the basic, working Scout unit. When each member of the patrol carries his share of the workload, then the patrol can function smoothly.

The patrol members elect Patrol Leaders. The Patrol Leader guides the patrol in all activities. The Patrol Leader, or the “PL” as he is known, is responsible for task assignment, keeping the patrol members informed, helping patrol advancement and leading his patrol in the Scouting patrol method. He represents his patrol at the monthly Patrol Leaders Council (PLC ) meeting where boy leaders plan activities and formulate troop policy.

SCOUT BEHAVIOR

Each Scout is expected to act according to the promises he makes in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Developing good character, leadership, and positive attitudes are the primary goals in Scouting. While most boys have good behavior habits, occasions may require disciplinary action. Gross misbehavior by a boy while involved in a troop activity can result in immediate dismissal from the activity. This may require that parents will have to pick up their Scout son from the activity including camp-outs. Severe cases or continued misbehavior can result in expulsion from the troop by the Troop Committee. If necessary, the Scoutmaster and members of the Troop Committee meet with the parents to review the boy's behavior and set up a constructive remedy.

ALWAYS:

· Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

· Remain in our assigned Scout activity areas, indoors and out of doors.

· Scouts should eat, tent and participate in tasks with their own patrol.

· Patrol Leaders have the right to ask anyone not a member of his patrol to leave his patrol site.

Troop meeting behavior also forbids:

· Disturbing and disrupting Troop meetings.

· 1st Offense: Warning.

· 2nd Offense: Sit out 15 minutes.

· 3rd Offense: Must go home.

· Radios and personal electronics at Scout meetings and outings.

· Homework at Scout meetings.

· Rowdy behavior.

· Abuse of Troop or Church property.

SAFETY RULES OF TROOP 506

In all things, safety of the Scouts and the Scouters is the first priority. By the nature of the activities of the troop, boys will be exposed to things that, if used improperly, could constitute a safety hazard. Troop 506 takes very seriously the trust and confidence that parents demonstrate when you give us your sons, whether at a weekly meeting or a high adventure-backpacking trek. Acts that endanger a Scout or Scouter will not be permitted. The safety rules below are the MINIMUM standard to ensure a safe environment. It’s impossible to list any and all safety concerns, but the list below is a good place to start.

Playing in and/or with fire is not allowed. Fire is a tool to be used, not a toy for playing. Use fires only for heat, light and cooking. Playing in and/or with fire is prohibited. Use fires safely. Any other activity is literally “playing with fire” and is not tolerated.

Items and activities not permitted at Troop 506 activities:

· Fireworks, sheath knives, bullwhips, throwing stars, nunchuks, slingshots or any other item that could potentially harm another person or animal.

· Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs.

· Candles, unless used as emergency fire starters in inclement weather or as part of an approved device such as a Candle Lantern.

· Sticks as weapons, real or imaginary.

· Liquid fuels / accelerants. Exceptions include adult-supervised use with cook stoves or under special camping conditions such as high adventure or low impact camping.

· Fire in tents EVER.

· Shoes worn in tents.

· Eating in tents

· TVs, radios or other personal electronics.

· Fighting and unsupervised physical contests, such as wrestling.

· Lighters, except as part of a patrol cook kit

· Rock and stick throwing.

· Cutting of live trees unless specifically approved by adult leaders.

· Using, borrowing or otherwise disturbing another person’s property, for example sitting on someone's cot or camp chair without permission.

· Cruelty to animals.

· Disturbing property of other individuals or patrols

· Entering another person's tent without specific permission

· Sexually explicit materials and magazines

· Teasing, hazing, pranks, crudeness or similar acts at the expense of others.

· Vulgar language.

PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

When a boy joins Scouting in Troop 506, his parents also became part of the program. Parents are bound to give their support and help to the troop. This will vary from serving as a Scoutmaster, or merit badge counselor, to holding a Troop Committee office, or serving as a chairman or leader of a particular event. There is a place for everyone. Parent participation is the best way parents can demonstrate that they support Scouting for their son. It makes Scouting go and their son grow.

In addition, every parent must be willing to:

· Be aware of their son's progress in rank advancement and provide encouragement and support to continue advancement.

· Help with the troop program as requested.

· Attend all troop parents’ meetings.

· Attend troop Courts of Honor.

· Occasionally help provide refreshments for Courts of Honor.

· Serve on the Troop Committee or help with adult leadership of the troop.

· Pick up their son at 8:30 PM on troop meeting nights.

· Drive to or from weekend camp-outs and summer camps attended by their son.

· Work on all fund-raisers that benefit their son and the troop.

· Know the troop adult and boy leaders.

· Complete a Troop Resource Survey questionnaire.

PROCEDURE FOR EARNING MERIT BADGES

Boys may begin work on a Merit Badge at any time with Scoutmaster approval. The Scoutmaster will make certain that boys are ready to begin by following the procedure described below. Boys don’t need to reach a certain rank to begin MB work, however, they should concentrate on achieving the rank of First Class before devoting a lot of time to MB’s.

Boys should not overwhelm themselves by trying to complete too many badges at one time. We recommend that they actively work on no more than two at one time until they reach the rank of First Class and no more than five at one time thereafter.

Tracking boys completion of a Merit Badge will be done using official BSA Blue Merit Badge Cards. These cards have 3 sections and are printed on both sides. The front of the card has a bar code in the lower left corner. Looking at the card on the front, the sections are from left to right, the counselor copy, the Scout’s copy and the Troop copy.

Here are the Steps to Earning a Merit Badge:

1.	Get a BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD from the Advancement Coach or Scoutmaster. Fill in your name, address, Troop number, district, council, name of the merit badge and name, address and phone number of the Counselor that will be working with you on the badge. The Scoutmaster will be sure that this person is qualified to serve this role and can possibly help you find a Counselor if you need one. The Scoutmaster must sign the BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD before you can begin.
2.	Obtain a copy of the Merit Badge Pamphlet for the Merit Badge you’re beginning by purchasing it or borrowing a copy from the Troop library if it is available. You may also ask the Advancement Chairman for a copy of a Merit Badge Worksheet for the Merit Badge you’re beginning. This worksheet is multiple pages and will provide you with a convenient way to make notes about each requirement and to keep track of all the information you’ll gather while earning the Merit Badge.
3.	Contact the Counselor and set up an appointment to discuss the requirements of the badge, how you can get started and ways to meet the requirements. Unless the Counselor is a member of your family, you should always meet with the Counselor with another person present. ** The "buddy system" is always used in Scouting, as per the requirements found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.**
4.	Work on the badge requirements until you complete them, meeting with the Counselor as needed. NOTES: It’s a good idea to keep in close contact with the Counselor and as you complete requirements get them signed off and initialed on the BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD by the Counselor. You must complete the stated requirements and satisfy the standards of each Merit Badge. YOU keep the BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD until you have completed the requirements and the Counselor has signed the card. If you lose this card, you will have to start over unless the Counselor is willing and able to remember what you already completed. If you change Counselors for any reason you must demonstrate to the new Counselor the work you’ve already completed with the previous Counselor.
5.	After you complete the merit badge and the Counselor signs your BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD, he or she will keep the Counselor’s section and return the rest of the card to you.
6.	Turn the rest of the card in to the Advancement Coach who will sign and date both sections, keep the Troop section and return the Scout section to you. Keep this card in a safe place even after you have been awarded your merit badge. It serves as proof that you earned the badge and you just might need it for your Eagle application.
7.	You will receive your Merit Badge shortly after you turn in the BLUE MERIT BADGE CARD.

CAMPING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Scouting is designed to be carried out mainly in the outdoors and in all four seasons. Troop 506 has a camping program that takes the Scouts camping or out of doors almost every month. The traditional camping trips usually incorporate other outdoor adventures. This broadens Scouting skills and keeps the fun in Scout outings. In the outdoors, a boy can meet the natural world face to face and begin to develop a keener sensitivity toward our wildlife, forests, rivers, mountains and open space.

Information on these activities is typically sent home with your sons. Our goal is to provide timely information on the outings to help you plan your activities while maintaining active participation in the troop. We encourage you to ask your sons, OFTEN, whether they received any information on upcoming activities.

Parents should be aware that outdoor activities entail some degree of risk. These risks are minimized when Scouts are prepared with the right equipment, behave in a safe manner and are properly supervised. Every outing requires at least two registered adult leaders to be along. This is BSA policy and good common sense.

At each camp-out, the patrol prepares its own menu, buys its food and cooks as a unit. It is recommended that the boys do all of this by themselves in order to develop responsibility, self-confidence, outdoor skills and earn advancement. The patrol lives as a group on a camp-out. Usually boys do not sleep or eat with anyone not belonging to their patrol or alone. You are welcome to assist your son as he acts in the role of “grub master”, by looking over the menu, offering suggestions and asking to assist at the grocery store. However, don’t do it yourself! In many cases, the boy must do it in order to receive advancement. If errors are made in the process that causes a meal to be less than expected, that’s part of learning. Remember, “No Scout ever starved on a weekend campout.”

The following lists indicate general equipment that a Scout should have for camping. Review the list and make an effort to outfit according to your own good judgment. You need not buy everything at once. Some items can be makeshift until the next birthday or special occasion. A good sleeping bag and a good pair of hiking boots are a must, however. Check with troop adult leaders for advice on your needs.

CHECKLIST FOR OUTDOOR CAMPOUTS

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS: q Pocketknife q Personal First Aid Kit q Extra clothing q Rain Gear q Canteen or Water Bottles q Flashlight q Trail Food q Matches and Fire Starters q Sun Screen q BSA Handbook	PERSONAL OVERNIGHT CAMPING GEAR q Back pack q Seasonal Clothing q Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F or below) q Sleeping pad / Air Mattress q Plastic Ground cloth q Eating Kit with plate, cup,knife,fork,spoon q Toiletry Kit with soap, towel, washcloth, toothbrush, tooth paste, dental floss q 2-man tent
WARM WEATHER CLOTHING q BSA or Trp. 506 T-shirt q BSA Class A shirt q BSA socks q BSA Shorts q Hiking Boots q Tennis shoes/moccasins q Cap w/brim q Bandanna q Underwear q Long pants q Sweater/sweatshirt/jacket q Rain Gear	COLD WEATHER CLOTHING q Trp. 506 Long Sleeve T-shirts q Wool Flannel / fleece shirt q Long pants q Heavy duty wool socks q Wool sweater or fleece top q Long underwear q Wool stocking cap q Mittens q Insulated parka with hood q Boots/mukluks
PERSONAL q Watch q Camera and film q Notebook/pencil-pen q Bird/plant ID books q Insect repellent q Sunglasses q Swimsuit q Bible/Prayer Book	SUMMER CAMP q Merit Badge pamphlets q Electric lantern q Mosquito Net q 8’X10’ tarp q Spare batteries q $$ for trading post, MB supplies q Mattress pad & pillow q 5X Plastic Coat hangers
Please refer to these lists when you prepare for outings.

TROOP EQUIPMENT

The troop has a towing trailer, which is used to store and haul much of the troop equipment. Each patrol has the use of this equipment with the troop Quartermaster checking out the equipment to the patrol. Keeping this equipment clean and in good condition is the patrol's responsibility. The patrol uses a patrol box, cook kits and supplies. The patrol boxes and cook kits are to be cleaned and gear properly stored at the end of each camp-out when checked back in with the Troop Quartermaster.

Troop 506 is always interested in accepting donations of “pre-used” cookware and utensils, or accepting donated newly purchased items in order to maintain Patrol Cook boxes. See the Troop Quartermaster if you have any items you would be interested in donating.

TENTS

The troop does own a limited number of 2-man tents. Many individual Scouts have tents they share. Before each camp-out, the Patrol Leader assigns tenting partners based on the available tents owned by the members of the patrol. Maintenance of tents is important to their useful life and to the comfort of the Scout. When a Scout returns from a camp-out, he must set it up immediately, outdoors or in the basement or garage. The tent is frequently wet or damp and will need drying. Wash mud from the tent by hand before it dries. Make sure the tent is aired and dried before mildew grows and ruins the fabric. After drying, fold tent and store in cool dry closet or space. If it is borrowed, return it to its owner.

COOK KITS

Each patrol needs a cook kit with pots and pans. The Scout should rub liquid soap on the outside before using it on a fire. If this advice is forgotten, the utensils will have black carbon deposits on the outside after cooking that will not easily wash off. A "Brillo" pad and hard work will then be required to clean it off. This is the Scout's responsibility in the patrol. The patrol will clean all contents of the cook kit, reassemble and store in the patrol box. All this equipment should be cleaned before leaving the campsite. Otherwise, extra time will be used at camp or on return to get it clean and stored properly.

FOOD BUYING FOR OUTINGS

Each Scout shares the food costs for camp-outs and other outings. At the troop meeting before the outing, each patrol plans its meals and assigns a Scout (“Grub Master”) to purchase the food. The patrol should limit food costs to less than $12.00 per person. Each Scout going on the campout must bring $12 to the troop meeting before the camp-out designated on the Troop calendar as the sign-up deadline (usually 2 weeks prior to the trip). If there are additional costs, look for information on the permission slip. The Scout who purchases the food is then reimbursed for the costs after the food is purchased. Once the patrol purchases food, those Scouts who have paid go camping. If a Scout decides not to go, he cannot receive a refund.

UNIFORMS

“The Boy Scout uniform is a tool with many edges.” Whenever a Scout wears his uniform it reminds him that he is a Scout and that people will expect him to act like one. The uniform is an outward sign that he believes in certain values and is willing to stand up for them. His uniform gives him a reason to take pride in the way he looks, and in the badges and awards he displays that testify to his achievements in skills and leadership. A well-uniformed troop can build a sense of troop identity and spirit. It can attract new members, leaders and parents.

Parents should note that the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders set the example and wear their own uniform. The fact that a boy is participating in a sport or other event just prior to a meeting does not remove his obligation to wear his uniform to Scouts. Consider this: A boy who shows up for sports practice in his Scout uniform, without bringing his athletic uniform, will probably not be allowed to participate that day. The same holds true in reverse. Parents can be a big help to the Scoutmaster by supporting this policy.

Troop 506 is beginning to build a uniform bank to provide a resource to recycle "experienced" uniforms. We ask that members donate outgrown uniforms to the uniform bank and obtain "experienced" good condition replacement pieces that are available at a nominal cost. All moneys go to the troop treasury.

UNIFORM WEAR

Scouts must wear the Class "A' uniform (see below) to the following Scouting events.

· First Meeting of each Month

· Evening Meals at Summer Camp

· Camporees and District/Council events

· Patrol Leader’s Council (for members of the PLC)

· Scoutmaster Conference (required for each rank advancement)

· Boards of Review

· Courts of Honor.

The Field, or “Class B" uniform may be worn to the other troop meetings during the year. Insignia and patches are to be worn only in the proper places as shown inside the cover of The Boy Scout Handbook.

q CLASS "A" -- Scout Shirt with Scout shorts or Scout pants, Scout belt and socks.

q CLASS "B" (Field Uniform)– Troop 506 or other BSA T-shirt with Scout shorts-or Scout pants or other shorts.

For all events, the Troop 506 uniform ALWAYS includes the following items:

· BSA Handbook

· Notebook

· Pen or Pencil

A suggestion to help a boy meet this requirement is to have a separate bookbag or small backpack that contains these three essential items. If the boy keeps them in one place, it makes it more likely that he will be able to lay his hands on them in the rush out the door on Monday evenings!

The cost of maintaining a boy in a Scout uniform is not insignificant. However, participation with many groups, such as ball teams or bands, requires the participants to be willing to wear the uniform of the group. Boy Scouting is no different. If costs are an impediment to the proper wearing of the BSA uniform, please see a Scoutmaster or Committee member. Scouters, boys and parents can work together to address the issue.

ADVANCEMENT IN TROOP 506

Advancement is the process by which a boy demonstrates his progress in Boy Scouting. It takes the form of ranks that are earned, as well as Merit Badges. A rank does not indicate “superiority” of one boy over another. In the Boy Scouts of America, ranks and Merit Badges reflect that the boy has accomplished certain things during his time as a Scout. The Patrol Leaders Council, working with the Scoutmaster and his assistants, build an activity calendar that, if well attended, will naturally move a boy forward in his ranks of advancement. The requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot through First Class prepare boys to take full advantage of all that Scouting has to offer. Star, Life, and Eagle requirements focus on service to others and developing leadership skills.

The Boy Scouts of America has a very specific advancement plan. Leaders encourage Scouts to participate and master a challenging series of skills that prepare them to enjoy the outdoors. It is a progressive series of learning experiences leading to achievement by advancement in ranks and completion of merit badges. The plan also provides a specific means of measurement and recognition. This plan is specified in detail in the rank advancement record section of the Boy Scout Handbook. Boys can work on advancement requirements with their parents or other family members, with other Scouts and with adult Scout leaders. Many requirements can be done on your own, others require time in patrol and troop meetings, and during other troop functions such as campouts.

Scout skills cannot be mastered by performing them just once. You will have many opportunities to practice each skill, and you will be thoroughly tested on each requirement before it is "signed off". In addition, boys should expect to practice each skill repeatedly, even after it has been signed off. As they progress, they will also have opportunities to teach these skills to less experienced Scouts, which will further reinforce their knowledge and skill.

If a boy does not regularly participate in the weekly meetings, monthly outings and summer camp, he will lose precious opportunities to do the things he needs to do to move ahead. If a boy falls behind his buddies, he may become discouraged and want to leave Scouting altogether. Boy leaders and Scouters hate to see this happen, and will work very hard to keep every boy moving forward in advancement.

The key to advancement is participation in Troop activities. Parents play a vital role in encouraging their sons to participate in everything the troop does. The steps to advancing in Rank can be summed up as:

1. Learning by doing.

2. Being tested.

3. Participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and appear before the Board of Review.

4. Being recognized.

1.	Learning by doing. It’s up to you to take advantage of the advancement opportunities available to you and to take initiative to ask for someone to test you when you are ready. Your Boy Scout Handbook is your official document to record your achievements. The troop also maintains a troop advancement data base and hard copy records that tracks each Scouts work, however, it may not contain all records of completed work that are in your Handbook. It is worthwhile for you to review your Handbook occasionally with the Advancement Chairman and Advancement Coach to make sure that the database and hard copy records are up to date. You are responsible for keeping your own personal advancement record in your handbook. You should also record your service hours, campouts, troop activities, and leadership positions in your handbook. When you feel you have mastered a requirement, ask the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster to test you on the requirement.
2.	Being tested. If the tester feels that you have through knowledge of the requirement/skill, they will sign off the requirement in your handbook.
3.	As you have requirements signed off in your book, give this information to the Advancement Chairman or the Scoutmaster so the Troop can keep up with the requirements that you have completed.
4.	From time to time the SPL will meet with you regarding your Rank Advancement progress. During this meeting you and the SPL will review your next Rank requirements and discuss a plan to complete outstanding items.
5.	You must earn the ranks in order, but you may complete any requirement for Tenderfoot through First Class at any time. (For example, you may complete a First Class requirement before finishing your Tenderfoot requirements, but you must earn Tenderfoot rank before you are awarded Second Class and First Class ranks.)
6.	Participate in a Scoutmaster Conference. At any time you may ask for a Scoutmaster conference to discuss your goals and accomplishments. However, for a Scoutmaster conference to count toward Rank advancement it must take place after all other requirements are complete and before the Board of Review. At this required conference the Scoutmaster will also help you determine whether or not you are ready to go before the Board of Review.
7.	Participate in a Board of Review. Now you should prepare yourself for your Board of Review. The purpose of the Board of Review is not to retest you but rather to ensure that you have completed all of the requirements, to determine the quality of your troop experience, and to encourage you to advance toward the next rank. You need to have your Boy Scout Handbook and must be in your Class “A” uniform when you appear before a Board of Review. During the review the board will ask you questions about skills that were required for your particular rank and evaluate you in terms of troop activities and readiness for the next rank. At the end of the review you will be asked to leave the room while the board discusses your qualifications. The board will then call you back into the room and inform you either that you have been approved for the next rank or what additional actions you must take to qualify.
8.	Being recognized. After passing the Board of Review, you will be formally recognized for your rank advancements and merit badges in front of family and friends during a ceremony at a Court of Honor. At this time you will be presented with your wallet-sized certificate card and a rank pin ("mother’s pin"). Your parents, other family members, and friends are invited and encouraged to attend all Courts of Honor.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES AND BOARDS OF REVIEW

As mentioned above, during his completion of requirements for advancement in rank, the Scout meets with the Scoutmaster for a conference. The purpose:

1. Involve the Scout in a review of his progress to date.

2. Have the Scout and his Scoutmaster work together in setting goals for further development.

The Scoutmaster does not determine if the boy should advance in rank during this meeting. It is the responsibility of the Board of Review to make that decision.

As a final step in the completion of a rank advancement, the Scout appears before a Board of Review. He must have completed all requirements for the rank before the review. Troop dues must also be paid current, then he signs up for a board of review with the Advancement Chairman. The board is held monthly usually at the same time as the PLC meeting.

At least three members of the Troop Committee make up the board. The Board of Review has three goals:

1. Determine the extent to which the boy has had a positive and effective troop experience.

2. Make certain that the Scout meets all advancement standards.

3. Encourage further progress.

Their review is not an examination. The Board does not test the candidate. Rather, they try to determine the Scout’s attitude and his acceptance of the Scouting ideals. The Board will determine how the Scout meets good performance in all phases of his life. A discussion of the Scout Oath and Scout Law is in keeping with the questioning. This helps the candidate recognize and understand the value of Scouting in his home, school, church and community.

Advancement in rank is not automatic. If the Board feels that the Scout is not ready for advancement, members of the Board will give specific and constructive suggestions so he may strengthen areas of weakness and satisfy rank requirements. For example, a Scout who has been frequently absent without excuse, or attending out of uniform, may be held on advancement until he demonstrates appropriate “Scout Spirit”, and commitment to the Troop. Also, if a Scout is not paid current in Troop dues, he may be held for advancement until appropriate arrangements can be made to secure his dues.

TROOP FUNDING

Scouting is not free, and it is not cheap. There are several financial sources contributing to Scouting. The United Way provides a major portion of the funds to operate the Great Smoky Mountain Council. The Friends of Scouting campaign also directly benefits the Council and thus indirectly the troop. However, Troop 506 must provide its own operating funds. Basically the troop, and the boy, must pay its own way. If a boy and his parents put a fair and full effort into Scouting, however, the short-term costs are more than outweighed by the long-term benefits to the boy.

Boy Scouts of America requires that each boy and adult in the organization register every year. When registering, a national registration fee is due. The first time a boy registers with Troop 506, the family will pay these registration costs. Each subsequent year the boy re-registers, the Troop will pay the registration costs including a Boy’s Life magazine subscription. Additionally, once a boy achieves 1^st Class rank, the Troop will reimburse his initial registration fees.

Effective January 1, 2004, Troop 506 requires yearly dues of $65. Dues can no longer be paid weekly, but only annually or semi-annually. This is the primary source of funding for awards and incidental items throughout the year, such as badge costs, registration and some administrative costs. Approximately 6 weeks before the beginning of each year, parents will be asked to select how they will pay Troop dues for the upcoming year (Jan – Dec). A notice will then be mailed to remind parents of the upcoming payment.

Please be mindful that if any boy becomes delinquent in paying dues, his rank advancement will be delayed until his dues are caught up.

Each monthly outing will have a cost to it. There may be registration fees, campsite fees, and of course, food costs for each event. Usually the cost does not exceed $10 - 15.00 per person per event. Some events, such as a ski trip, etc., may require higher fees.

Summer camp typically costs between $125.00 and $150.00 per person. This covers transportation, food and lodging, as well as most activity and merit badge costs, but does not consider any additional spending money. Some merit badges, such as rifle shooting, leather craft, etc. have an additional material costs. See a Scoutmaster for additional details on camp cost during the parents meeting held before camp.

Most boys did not join the Scouts so they could wash cars. However, weekly dues will not address the financial needs of the troop. Troop fundraisers support camping equipment purchases and offsets part of long term camping or outing costs. Troop 506 primarily focuses on the sale of BSA popcorn in the fall to raise all of its other funds. Historically, the Troop has always tried to make a big push, once per year, rather than doing a series of small fund-raisers throughout the year. However, because of the new Individual Scout Fund Accounts policy (See next section) more fundraisers throughout the new will likely become necessary.

The Troop Scribe accounts for the dues for each Scout. He reports to the Committee Chairman, who maintains accountability for other funds earned by the troop, and all troop expenditures. All troop funds are kept in a separate troop checking account.

INDIVIDUAL SCOUT FUND ACCOUNTS (ISFA)

Effective September 31, 2003, Troop 506 will maintain a separate “account” for each Scout in the Troop. Scouts will have the opportunity to defer a portion of their fundraising profit into this account for their own personal Scouting use.

The amount that will be deferred to Scouts will vary depending upon each fundraiser. This amount will be decided by the Troop Committee prior to the beginning of each fundraiser and the ISFA specifics will be announced with all the other information for each fundraiser. The percentage will typically be between 20-30% of the profit that the Scout is directly responsible for. If, because of the nature of the fundraiser, it is not possible to determine each Scout’s profit, each Scout that participates will receive an equal portion of the profit designated for individual Scout accounts.

EXAMPLE: Scott Scout participates in the fall popcorn fundraiser and brings in $200 in profit for the Troop. It was decided, prior to the beginning of the sale, that the ISFA percentage amount for this fundraiser would be 25%. At the end of the sale, Scott Scout’s ISFA would be credited for $50.

GUIDELINES AND RULES CONCERNING THE ISFA

1. The account has no monetary value to the Scout or his family except to credit the Troop for approved uses of the money or to reimburse the Scout family for pre-approved Scout purchases.

2. If a Scout leaves the Troop with a value in his IFSA, he forfeits that value to the Troop account.

3. Funds can be used only by permission from both the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chair.

4. An ISFA transaction form must be completed for each debit from the account and the Scout must obtain the signature of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chair and then forward the form to the Troop Treasurer.

5. Approved use of the funds includes, but may not be limited to:

o Yearly Troop dues

o Fees for monthly Scout outings

o Fees for Summer Camp, High Adventure excursions or Jamboree 2005

o Family purchase of Scout uniform articles, Scout equipment, Scout supplies.

6. The IFSA is cumulative with no expiration date, however it does not bear interest.

7. Semi-annual IFSA statements will be provided to each family but the current balance can be obtained at any time from the Troop Treasurer.

Please remember that all uses of the IFSA must be pre-approved. Be mindful that spontaneous purchases of “Scouting equipment” MIGHT NOT be reimbursed if it was not pre-approved and is not deemed necessary by both the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chair.

THE TROOP STRUCTURE

Troop 506 is organized according to the structure determined by the Boy Scouts of America. It has three primary supervisory bodies. One is comprised of boys, the other two of adult Scouters.

The Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC) consists of the elected and appointed boy leadership of the troop. Under the leadership of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), they meet monthly to conduct planning for all future events, and to monitor the progress and operation of the troop.

The two adult leadership bodies are:

· Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmasters

· Troop Committee

The Scoutmaster supervises the safe and proper execution of the Troop Program, as determined by the Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC). The Scoutmaster and his Assistants focus primarily on the week to week activities of the troop.

The Troop Committee is a group of adults, usually parents, who register with Scouting and function to:

· Establish Troop Policy

· Review and approve troop program

· Support Scoutmaster and Scouters

· Provide administrative support to the troop

Supporting the troop program and leaders involves giving final approval to monthly and long-term plans of the PLC; informing parents of the troop program; providing support for organizing transportation.

The committee also encourages adult leader training, maintain financial and advancement records, buys and maintains quality troop equipment, and improves troop membership through outreach and recruitment.

The troop committee usually meets the weekend prior to a troop camp-out or major outing or special event. This is to assure that all plans are complete and supported. Officers are selected and positions filled at the beginning of the Scouting year in September. Parents are welcome to attend troop committee meetings and may speak specifically to a topic that interests them. The meetings are business-like in form. Please contact the Scoutmaster or other committee members if you wish to join this important group.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER

Scouting is all about the boys. It is run by the boys and designed to build their character through leadership in many different circumstances. It is not a camping club. It uses camping as a learning tool to teach much more important skills that can be used every day of the boys youth or adult life.

The Scouters and boy leaders of Troop 506 encourage you to be involved in the adventure. Ask lots of questions, get involved in troop activities, and donate your skills and expertise. Make sure that you send a message to your son that Scouting is important to you, the parent. If it’s important to you it will probably be important to your son. Monitor advancement, and be sure to attend the recognition ceremonies. Listen to your son when he talks about the mistakes he made along the trail. Help him see how to do better and encourage him to do so.

Your sons will come back from every outing, every meeting with some learning they did not have before. Ask them about their experience. When they tell you about their outing, most of it will be good and some will be not-so-good. A great question that should be asked often in Scouting is this:

“What did you learn from that?”

The answers to this question, whether asked of a boy who has just made a 70-foot climb or of a boy who came back from a backpacking trip a little on the hungry side, will make all the difference in the world between a positive or a negative Scouting experience. Boys are expected to learn by doing in the Boy Scouts. They learn in triumph and in trial. The sincerest hope of the Troop 506 Scoutmasters, Troop Committee and Patrol Leader’s Council is that your son will have ample opportunity to answer that question over and over again.