Troop Committee Training

 

Table of Contents

Scouting for Boys 11 through 17……………………..………Page 2

Scouting Ideals & Methods

 

The Organization of Scouting………………..……….………Page 3

The National & Local Organization

Troop Leadership

 

Troop Committee Organization and Responsibilities…….…Page 4

Page 13-18 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

 

The Paperwork of Scouting……………………………………Page 9

Forms

 

Troop Finances…………………………………………………Page 9

Page 23-26 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

Troop Expenses

Financing Troop Expenses

 

Advancement……………………………………..……………Page 10

Page 27-32 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

Who Can Serve on a Board of Review?

Eagle Scout Projects

Eagle Scout Board of Review

Court of Honor

Eagle Court of Honor

 

Troop Committee Meeting……………………………………Page 12

Page 33-34 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

Meeting Agenda

Key Functions of the Troop Committee

 

Adult Scout Training……………………………….…………Page 13

Page 38-41 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

Training

Roundtable

Youth Protection Training & Guidelines

Sexual Abuse

Standards of Youth Protection

 

The Outdoor Program & BSA Policy………………………Page 15

Page 35-39 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

The Program

Tour Permits

Transportation

Types of Troop Camping

Unauthorized & Restricted BSA Activities

 

Rechartering………………………………………….………Page 18

Quality Unit Award

 

Planning the Annual Troop Program………………………Page 19

How the Yearly Scouting Calendar is Achieved

Planning Tools of the Patrol Leader’s Council

Presenting the Plan to the Troop Committee

Items the Troop Committee Must Add to the Calendar

The Calendar is presented at Parent’s Night

 

Needed LDS Resources…………………………..….………Page 21

LDS Safety Manual                                 

Scouting Handbook 

 

Needed Scout Office Resources……………….…….………Page 21

Troop Committee Guidebook

Guide to Safe Scouting

The Chartered Organization Representative

 

Other Helpful Guides & Forms at the Scout Office ………Page 23

Page 40-43 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

 

Appendix……………………………………………..………Page 24

Actual Forms

 

 

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Scouting for Boys 11 through 17

 

Scouting Ideals & Methods

·       Oath

·       Law

·       Motto

·       Slogan

·       Purposes of the LDS Aaronic Priesthood are the reasons the Church supports Scouting. 

o      It helps produces strong, religious, good citizens.  (See Appendix)

·       Advancement

o      The boys work to earn merit badges, which develops competence in knowledge and skills. 

o      An accumulation of merit badges earns the boy rank advancement after passing a Board of Review.

o      Advancement brings recognition, as the boy is awarded his new rank at a Court of Honor.

·       Adult Association – Boys need the good male role models in their lives.

·       Outdoor Program – The fun in the program which is attraction for boys.

·       Personal Growth – Merit Badges makes well rounded boys.

·       Leadership – Boys learn leadership by doing it.

·       Patrols – Give the boy experience in group interaction.  It is used to promote:   group camaraderie, cooperation, and knowledge or skills through competitive activities between patrols. 

·       Uniform – Helps the boy feel he belongs to the group, builds pride, loyalty, and self-respect.  It encourages good behavior and a neat appearance.

·       Patrol Method – Adult leaders counsel boy leaders, and then let them direct the packs.

·       High Adventure – Helps provide older boys with team-building opportunities, new and meaningful experiences, practical leadership application, and life-long memories.

 

 

Troop Leadership

 

 

 

Troop Committee Organization and Responsibilities

 

KEY TROOP COMMITTEE POSITIONS

Pages 13-18 in the Troop Committee Guidebook

•        Chairman

•        Secretary

•        Treasurer

•        Advancement Coordinator

•        Outdoor/Activities Coordinator

•        Chaplain

•        Training Coordinator

•        Membership, Boy’s Life, and Re-registration Coordinator

•        Equipment Coordinator

 

Troop Committee Chairman

 

Troop Committee Secretary

 

 

Troop Committee Treasurer

•        LDS Troops may have one yearly fund raiser, besides ticket sales from Scout Expo.

•        In Non-LDS Troops, dues are used for registration fees, Boy’s Life Magazine subscriptions, and the cost of awards and insignia. 

•        In LDS Troops, dues are not collected from the boys, because the Church covers general expenses, so all boys, rich or poor, can participate in Scouting.  However the Church does not cover the Boy’s Life magazine subscription.  Money for this should be collected from the parents, for each boy in Scouting.

 

Outdoor/Activities Coordinator

•        See:  GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING ($3.00) or http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=xx&c=ds&terms=money-earning+projects+form&x=13&y=10  for 87 pages of downloadable guide 

 

Advancement Coordinator

•        Many of the ranks have a “time in rank” attached to it before the boy can advance to another rank.  It starts from the moment the boy passes Board of Review.  The Scout Office must have these advances to credit the boy with the rank, especially when his record is checked for Eagle.

 

Chaplain

·       Provide a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities.

·       Give guidance to the chaplain aide (boy leader).

·       Promote regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of his choice.

·       Visit homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need.

·       Give spiritual counseling service when needed or requested.

·       Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems.

o      i.e.- LDS Troop:  Duty to God

·       Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

·       LDS Units - Since the chartering organization is the LDS Church, there is no need for a Chaplain.  The Young Men’s Leaders, Scoutmaster, his Assistants, and in some cases, the Bishop, act as a Chaplain.

 

Training Coordinator

·       Ensure troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training.

·       Maintain an inventory of up-to-date training materials, videotapes, and other training resources.

·       Work with the district training team in scheduling Fast Start training for all new leaders.

·       Be responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop.

·       Encourage periodic Junior Leader Training within the troop and at the council and national levels.

·       Assist in orientation of new parents.

·       Be watchful that the troop is taking all steps to ensure the boys' safety.  (See:  BSA’s - GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING.  In addition LDS Units see:  LDS SAFETY MANUAL.

o      In LDS troops, safety is a matter for all adult leaders in Scouting, especially the Training Coordinator.

·       Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

 

Equipment Coordinator

·       Supervise and help the troop procure camping equipment.

·       Work with the quartermaster (boy leader) on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment.

·       Make periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear, and encourage troops in the safe use of all outdoor equipment.

·       Report to the troop committee at each meeting.

 

Membership Coordinator

·       Develop a plan for year-round membership flow into the troop.

·       Work closely with the Cubmaster and Webelos den leader of neighboring Cub Scout packs to provide a smooth transition from pack to troop. Assist in developing and recruiting den chiefs, and assist in the crossover ceremony from Webelos Scouts to Boy Scouts.

·       Plan and coordinate a “Troop Open House” to invite non-Scouts into the troop.

·       LDS troops need not conduct and Open House as their membership in their troop comes from their own Webelos. 

·       Encourage Scouts to invite their friends to join the troop.

·       Keep track of Scouts who drop out of the troop, and develop a plan to encourage them to rejoin.

 

 

The Troop Committee

•        LDS Troop Committee members and adult Scouters are called by the Bishopric.

•        He’s there to tell the Committee what the Troop needs. 

•        This lets the Troop Committee see how well the year-round activity plan is happening.

 

 

TENURE

Like all jobs in Scouting, troop committee members serve for a year at a time. At charter renewal time, a manpower inventory should be conducted to identify leadership needs.

 

The troop committee chair should fill each committee position. Every committee member should be asked to serve in a specific capacity. No one, including the troop committee chair, automatically retains the same position beyond the one-year life of the charter. 

 

In the LDS Church, these positions are callings and are released by the Bishopric.

 

 

The Paperwork of Scouting

FORMS

•        Charter Renewal/Rechartering (Given out yearly by the Scout Office at Round Table)

•        Quality Unit Award (See Appendix)

•        Money–earning Application  (See Appendix)

•        Tour Permit  (See Appendix)

•        Advancement Records

•        Unit Budget Plan (See Appendix)

•        Membership Applications for Boys & Adults (Forms at the Scout Office)

•        Health Forms (Download from www.scouting.org or get from the Scout Office)

•        Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (Download from www.scouting.org or get from the Scout Office)

•        NESA (National Eagle Scout Association) Application (Download from www.scouting.org or get from the Scout Office)

 

 

Troop Finances

TROOP EXPENSES

Expenses are the troop operating budget for:

•        Advancement:  merit badges and rank patches

•        Boys’ Life magazine

-  The magazine is customized by age for each scout, so each Scout-aged boy

    should have his own age appropriate magazine.

- LDS units:  Money comes from the parents

- Non-LDS units:  Money comes from weekly dues.

 

 

FINANCING TROOP EXPENSES

 

The LDS Church Letter on Scout Fund Raising

The increase in the local unit budget allowance is intended to fund activities more effectively and to relieve financial burdens on families.

With this increase, fund-raising activities should be substantially reduced or eliminated.

 

Stake Presidents should be sensitive to financial needs of wards and ensure that they have adequate funds to support a broad scope of youth activities such as:

•        Cub Scout Day Camp

•        Overnight camps for the 11-year-old scouts

•        Scout Summer Camp

•        Boy Scout Awards

•        Duty to God Award

•        Primary Activity Days

•        Primary Nursery

•        Cultural events and activities

•        Combine youth activities

•        Athletic programs and events

•        Young Womanhood Recognition

•        Young single adult conferences

•        Young single adult social activities

•        Dances and socials

 

Advancement

 

FOUR STEPS TO ADVANCEMENT

•        A Scout learns - Doing merit badges

•        A Scout is tested – Signing off on merit badges

•        A Scout is reviewed – The Board of Review

•        A Scout is recognized – The Court of Honor

 

 

WHO CAN SERVE ON A BOARD OF REVIEW?

•        There must be at least four registered people on the Board.

•        These can be:

–       Committee Members or

–       Registered Chartering Organization Representative

•        The Scoutmaster and his Assistants may not serve on the Board or say anything other than the presentation of the boy.

 

 

THE BOARD OF REVIEW (Not including Eagle Scout) - p.10

The scout, to be reviewed, is presented to the Board by the Scoutmaster or his one of his Assistant.

•        All present should be dressed in the Scout uniform, especially the boys who are being reviewed.  The only one on the Board who doesn’t have to be in uniform is the chartered organization representative, if present.

•        Fill out the Advancement Report as the Board of Review progresses.

•        Have those who sat on the Board, sign in the appropriate place on the Advancement Report.  (See Appendix)

•        The Review is not a retest, but a discussion of what the boy learned from the experiences he had.  (See:  Appendix:  Scouting Aims & Methods)

•        Questions should be formed in such a way to cause the boy to reflect on what he learned as it relates to the Scout Aims and Methods, and/or Purposes of the LDS Aaronic Priesthood.

•        There should be an atmosphere of trust and support.

•        Use encouragement and praise.

•        Always:  Set goals with the Scout for further advancement.

 

AFTER THE BOARD OF REVIEW – p.10

•        Turn in the Advancement Report into the office as soon as possible.

•        Pick up the badges and rank advancements patches.

•        Label them on the back with each boy’s name.

•        Put them in a safe place for the Court of Honor

 

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT- p.10&11

 

 

 

EAGLE SCOUT BOARD OF REVIEW – p. 11

 

COURT OF HONOR – p.11 & 12

When a scout advances, he should be recognized as soon as possible – preferable at the next troop meeting. (This does not include the rank of Eagle.)  The boy is recognized a second time, publicly, at a ceremony called a Court of Honor.

 

 

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR – p. 12

 

Troop Committee Meetings

 

The Troop Committee convenes once a month.  Special meetings may be called as needed.

 

MEETING ADGENDA - p. 12

•        Meeting called to order-Chair

•        Welcome and introduction of new members and guests-Chair

•        Approval of previous meeting’s minutes-Secretary

•        Reports

–       Scoutmaster

–       Secretary

–       Outdoors/Activities Coordinator

–       Treasurer

–       Advancement Coordinator

–       Chaplain

–       Training Coordinator

–       Equipment Coordinator

•        Old Business

•        New Business

•        Announcements

•        Adjournment

 

 

The Three Month Meeting Plan

 

Using the three month meeting plan helps you plan for success!

 

Format of the Planning Portion of the Meeting

 

In Committee Planning Meetings, plan 3 months at a time.

 

Start with the events calendared for the furthermost month away - March

 

Then look at the events for the second month away – February.

 

Finally, look at the upcoming events for the next month - January.

 

 

KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE – p.12 & 13

•        Recruitment, selection, and approval of quality adult leaders. In LDS Troops, the Bishopric does this.

•        Ensuring adequate meeting facilities.  In LDS Troops, the facilities are calendared with the Building Coordinator.

•        Advises Troop Leadership on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization (i.e.:  Two-deep leadership, tour permits, adequate & appropriate transportation of the boys, and coverage of insurance policies of BSA and the Church.

•        Supports Scout Leaders in carrying out the program.

•        Responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with approved budget plan.  In LDS Troops, the Bishop & his clerk usually handles disbursements.

•        Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop equipment.  The Quartermaster (boy leader) takes care of this job.  The Troop Committee sees that it is done correctly.

•        Ensures the troop has an outdoor program. (A minimum of 10 nights camping per year)

•        Serves on Boards of Review and Courts of Honor.

•        Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect the overall troop program. 

•        Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys as required.

•        Assists the Scoutmaster with handling boy behavioral problems.  In LDS Troops, the Bishop, Young Men’s Presidency, & parents handle this.

 

Adult Scout Training

 

TRAINING – p.13

·       Fast Start Training can be done in your home or, if you’re a new troop, at your first committee meeting by a district or council representative.

·       The next level of training, the Troop Committee Challenge, which is this training.

 

ROUNDTABLE – p.13

·       Our Roundtable is the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30 PM, at Canyon View Middle School.

·       The district conduct roundtable meetings

·       For adult leaders, including troop committee members

·       Each month has a program feature and a training feature

·       Get information on upcoming events

·       Share solutions to common problems

 

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING – p.13 &14

·       The BSA offers a training program for adults, which explore the various forms of child abuse.

·       It contains a “PG-rated” video presentation and discussion guide, to discuss the causes, signs, and proper response to, and reporting of child abuse incidents are explained in detail.

·       For the protection of yourself, as a leader, and the boys in your troop, every adult associated with the troop, including merit badge counselors, should attend this seminar.

·       To participate in Youth Protection training, contact your local council district executive (at the Scout Office) for the next training session.

 

YOUTH PROTECTION GUIDELINES  – p.14

Child abuse is a critical problem in America, with several million incidents reported each year.   These include:

·       Emotional abuse, which occurs when a young person is continually berated and denigrated.  This causes severely harm is to the youth's self-esteem.

·       Physical abuse involves the bodily injury of a child.

·       Sexual abuse is any sexual activity between an adult and a child or between children when there is an unequal distribution of power, as is the case when one child is significantly older or larger.

 

The Boy Scouts of America recognizes child abuse as an unacceptable, and has

developed a five-point strategy to combat such abuse:

1.     Educate Scouting volunteers, parents, and Scouts to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse.

2.     Strengthen leader selection procedures to prevent offenders from entering the Boy Scouts of America leadership ranks.

3.     Strengthen policies that create barriers to child abuse within the BSA program.

4.     Encourage Scouts to report improper behavior so that offenders can be identified quickly.

5.     Swiftly remove and report alleged offenders.

 

If at any time you suspect an instance of child abuse within the Scouting movement, you must contact your local council Scout Executive immediately. Each Scout Executive has established contacts with local child protective and law enforcement agencies, and is aware of procedures to be followed to ensure that children will be protected from any further abuse.

 

As a volunteer in Scouting, adult leaders are cautioned not to be investigators of allegations of child abuse. Reports of suspected abuse can best be handled by trained professionals working in cooperation with the local council Scout executive. As long as reports are made in good faith, all states provide immunity from liability to those who report suspected abuse.

 

 

SEXUAL ABUSE

·       Child molesters - individuals who sexually abuse children. 

·       They do not fit into any profile.

o      They come from any walk of life, even respected community professionals

o      May be members of their victims' own families.

o      Children also sometimes molest other children

·       With their parents or guardian, all boys joining a Scout troop must complete parents' guide entitled:  How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse.

 

 

STANDARDS OF YOUTH PROTECTION

·       BSA selects the best possible leader.

·       Policies have been adopted by the BSA provide additional security for youth and to protect adult leadership from situations in which they may be vulnerable to allegations of abuse:

·       Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered adult leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings.

·       The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. This requirement applies to the activities of provisional troops and of the Order of the Arrow.

·       One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal interaction such as a Scoutmaster’s Conference, the meeting should be conducted in view of at least one other adult.

·       Adult leadership must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing into swimming suits or taking showers at camp. In similar situations, adults should also protect their own privacy.

·       Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult who is not that youth's own parent or guardian.

·       Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use of showers should be scheduled and posted.

·       No secret organizations. All aspects of Scouting are open at all times for observation by parents or guardians 'and troop leaders.

·       No hazing. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited by the Boy Scouts of America and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.

·       Appropriate attire. Proper clothing is required for all Scouting activities. Skinny-dipping is not condoned by the BSA.

 

 

The Outdoor Program & BSA Policy

 

THE PROGRAM

·       An outdoor experience every month. This is the minimum for a good Scouting unit and for the Quality Unit Award.

·       Two registered adult leaders, or one adult leader and a parent of a participating Scout, who is at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings.

 

 

TOUR PERMITS

·       Are use to establish high standards of health and safety for your troop and assure parents and the council that your tour will be wisely planned, safe, and fun.

·       The Local Tour Permit Application must be filed with the council service center two weeks in advance of a scheduled trip of less than 500 miles.

·       A National Tour Permit Application must be submitted to your local council office for approval at least one month before your departure on a trip of 500 miles or more. The council office forwards it to the regional office for its approval.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Trucks may not be used for transporting boys except inside the cab. Private cars or licensed buses should be used.

 

General guidelines are:

·       Seat belts are required for all occupants.

·       All drivers must have a valid driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons, including the driver (more than 10 persons, including the driver, in California), the driver must have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

·       An adult leader (at least 21 years of age) must be in charge and accompany the group.

·       The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Youth member exception: When traveling to an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity or any Venturing event under the leadership of an adult (at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following conditions:

o      Six months' driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a learner's permit or equivalent is not to be counted).

o      No record of accidents or moving violations.

o      Parental permission granted to the leader, driver, and riders.

·       Passenger cars, station wagons, or sport utility vehicles may be used for transporting passengers, but passengers should not ride on the rear deck of moving vehicles.

·       Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab.

·       All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight.

·       All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended that coverage limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of $100, 000/$ 500, 000/ $100, 000.

·       Do not exceed the speed limit.

·       Do not travel in convoy (See page 4, No.2, in Guide to Safe Scouting.)

·       Driving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours and must be interrupted by frequent rest, food, and recreation stops. If there is only one driver, the driving time should be reduced and stops should be made more frequently.

·       If you use the troop resource survey to identify willing drivers and ask for their help well in advance, you should be able to secure the needed cars.

 

TYPES OF TROOP CAMPING

·