Welcome to Troop 2 of the Boy Scouts of America. We are a member of the Iron Hill District and the Del-Mar-Va Council. Our charter organization and sponsor is The Independence School of Newark, Delaware.
This document is to provide guidelines by which we run our Troop. You and your son are encouraged to read the by-laws thoroughly. If you have any questions about the Troop’s programs or by-laws, please contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman.
The Troop is assisted by a group of adult volunteers called the Troop Committee. The Committee meets once a month to help implement activities that the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) has selected. The Troop Committee assists the Scoutmaster with logistics for scheduled activities. The Committee will also supervise fund raising projects, keep records of advancement, finances and registrations.
Use alphabetical index to jump to specific topics:
Activities and monthly trips | Advancements | Adult leadership | Attendance | Boards of Review | Conduct and discipline | Contact information | Dues | Fundraisers | Handbook | Leadership | Medical and accident insurance | Medical records | Meetings | Parent issues | Privacy rules | Removal of Troop 2 leaders | Scout-led troop | Smoking and alcohol use | Tolerance | Uniforms
TROOP MEETINGS
The Troop meetings are held every Thursday from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm (summer meetings 6:30pm-8pm). We ask that each Scout arrive no later than 6:45 pm so that the meeting can begin promptly at 7:00 pm.
Parents who remain at Independence during the Troop meetings are asked to stay out of the meeting area unless asked to participate. Leaders are to remain with the Scouts and work with any Scout as needed or as directed by the Scoutmaster.
UNIFORMS
Scouts are to be in Class A Uniform for all meetings, special activities, and trips. Class A is to be worn for arrival to any BSA Scout reservation. (Not sure what constitutes Class A? See the BSA uniform inspection sheet.)
The Class B Uniform is worn on summer camping trips. The Class B uniform is the red Scout “golf” shirt, Scout pants or shorts, Scout socks (red stripe must be visible with shorts) and sneakers or shoes.
The Modified Class B Uniform may be worn for summer meetings only. This uniform consists of the red Scout polo shirt, with any shorts, socks and shoes.
Scouts who have attained the rank of Eagle may wear the Eagle bolo and/or the BSA leather belt with buckle.
The adult leaders will wear the same uniform as the Scouts for all Troop functions.
HANDBOOK
Handbooks are part of a Scout’s uniform and should be brought to every Troop meeting. The handbook serves as the Scout’s personal record for advancement and it is his responsibility to keep it current. The Scout is also required to carry a small notebook and pen.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is critical to a boy’s growth in Scouting. A minimum attendance level of 50% is necessary to remain in good standing with the Troop. An attendance level of 70% is necessary for a Scout to advance or to hold a position of responsibility. To be credited with full attendance at a meeting, the Scout must arrive on time, be in full uniform and participate in closing ceremonies. Attendance points are also earned for participation in other Scouting activities such as camping, fund raising, Eagle projects, etc.
SCOUT-LED TROOP
Our troop is primarily a Scout-led organization with the adult leadership acting as advisors, mentors and facilitators.
The PLC is made up of scouts holding leadership positions. They meet to plan the programs for scout meetings, camping trips, community service projects and fund raising activities. They also make decisions concerning the operation of the Troop. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) chairs the council and runs the meeting. Semi-annually the troop votes on the SPL. He chooses his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) and the two of them choose the Patrol leaders (PL). Each PL chooses his Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). Other leadership positions are filled at the discretion of the Scoutmaster based on input from the PLC and Adult Leadership.
ADULT LEADERSHIP
The adult leadership of the troop includes the troop committee members, Scoutmaster and Assistance Scoutmasters.
The Troop Committee’s primary responsibilities include supporting the Scoutmaster in delivering a quality troop program and handling troop administration such as ensuring adult leader training, advising on Boy Scout policy, and being responsible for finances and the annual budget. The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmasters and the Assistant Scoutmasters have direct interaction with the scouts and they assist the Scout leaders with the running of the troop.
All adult leaders in the troop will be trained in the Fast Start Orientation and Youth Protection. Additional required training for leaders who assist at troop meetings and weekend outings are New Leadership Essentials and Leader Specific Training (based on position, i.e., SM and ASM or Committee). The “TRAINED” badge is given for being trained from Fast Start Orientation all the way through Leader Specific Training.
Troop committee meetings are held at least once per month. All adult leadership is encouraged to attend and all are considered to be voting members of the committee. New committee members are always welcome. If you would like to volunteer for any special troop event or committee, please contact the Committee Chair. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with the troop please let us know.
RANK ADVANCEMENTS
A Scout completing requirements for advancement is responsible for getting his Handbook signed by the adult leader who tested him. He must then have this completed requirement entered into the TroopMaster computer program by the Scoutmaster or Adult Troop Record Keeper. Boys with parents that are leaders are required to have another Scout leader sign their book for requirements.
BOARDS OF REVIEW
Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review (BOR) are done on an on-going basis. Scouts are responsible for requesting their BOR once they have completed all the requirements needed for advancement.
A scout must attend his BOR in complete Class A uniform with his uniform in presentable condition and all patches in place. He must have on his person his Scout Card and his Scouting Handbook. The scout will be responsible for all requirements in the rank they are pursuing along with any previous rank requirements.
Scoutmaster Conferences are a confidential discussion between the Scoutmaster and the Scout concerning scout spirit and other scouting or leadership issues. The content of these meeting will not be discussed with anyone else.
DUES
The Troop working budget is based on income from dues and fund raising activities. The funds are used to purchase badges, registration and Boys’ Life magazine, and to cover other troop expenses. Scout’s dues will be $40.00 per year, payable by September 15th. Dues in arrears may prohibit a Scout from attending Troop functions. All checks should be made payable to “BSA Troop 2”.
ACTIVITIES AND MONTHLY CAMPING TRIPS
Overnight camping is an important part of the Scouting experience. Participation in the Troop campouts will be considered part of the “Scout Spirit and Leadership” necessary for advancement in rank. Scouts are expected to participate in at least 10 days and nights (in addition to summer camp) of camping each year.
Trips will be announced well in advance, and the announcements will include a permission slip and the date the permission slip and fees are due. It is the Scouts’ and parents’ responsibility to follow through with activity arrangements. If we do not receive the permission slip and fee by the due date, we will assume the scout will not be attending that function.
A tour permit is required to any trip activity. This must be filed with the District Council two weeks prior to the scheduled date for the trip.
On troop camping trips we use the buddy system for tent assignments. In the case of an odd number, a three man tent will be used. Scouts having attained the rank of Eagle may elect to tent alone. The Troop requires that a minimum of 5 Scouts participate in a camping trip or the trip will be cancelled.
BSA requires a minimum of “two deep” adult leadership for all Scout activities. Most trips need more than two adults to be successful, so we invite Committee member and parental involvement.
Activities and monthly camping trips are paid separately; these fees are not included in dues.
FUNDRAISERS
We will be holding fundraisers to support the Troop and we expect all Scouts to participate in these fundraisers. Participation in Troop fund raising for advancement. A Scout may be assessed additional dues to compensate for the lack of participation in fund raising activities at the discretion of the Scoutmaster or Committee.
The money earned from the fundraisers is used to help off-set the cost of camping trips, summer camp, new camping equipment, and other activities. A portion of the profits will go into the boy’s “Scout Account” and can be used for scouting events.
If a Scout does not use his monies earned in a year, it will be carried over to the next year and will accumulate until he leaves. If a boy leaves the Troop, the money in his account will remain with the Troop.
MEDICAL RECORDS
Scouts’ and Leaders’ medical records must be updated each year. Scouts that do not attend summer camp must still have an updated medical record each year. All medical information will be kept strictly confidential and only registered leaders and the committee member maintaining the records will have access to this information. Other parents or Scouts will not be privy to any information contained on the forms.
Medical information will be available to the Adult Leadership at all troop functions to aid in the event of a medical emergency.
CONDUCT
All Scouts must conduct themselves according to the BSA Scout Oath and Law. A Scout must obey all reasonable orders or instructions of the adult leaders or parents. Hazing, initiation, fighting, touching of another Scout’s person or property, bullying, use of profanity, etc., will not be tolerated. Disruption of a Troop meeting will not be allowed. A Scout should not bring non-scouting materials to Troop activities, such as electronic games, trading cards, magazines, cell phones, etc.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Disciplinary procedures will be taken any time the Troop by-laws or conduct policies are violated. Minor offenses will be addressed immediately by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters. During a Scouting activity, a warning will be given for the first offense, and a second offense will earn a “time out” away from other Scouts. A third offense will result in the removal of the Scout from the activity and the notification of his parents.
Any conduct that may be harmful to life, health or property; and/or disrespectful or physical behavior directed toward an adult leader or another Scout, will be considered a serious offense. Serious offenses will be reviewed by the adult leaders, Committee members, and the Scoutmaster at a Review Board. The Board will consider the facts surrounding the offense and will decide on disciplinary action.
Types of discipline may include: (1) special assignments or duties; (2) writing assignment regarding the expectations of scouting; (3) suspension from troop meetings or upcoming events; (4) suspension from outdoor activities; (5) dismissal from the Troop. The parents and the Scout will be notified of a meeting date and time to discuss the decision of the Review Board.
Parents are responsible to the charter organization, The Independence School, and to other Scouts for payment of any damages caused by their son.
PARENT ISSUES
Any parental concerns should be addressed to the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman. If the concern is with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman, the parent should address the Charter Organization Representative. For the protection of the person(s) involved, we ask that you refrain from discussing the matter until the issues have been addressed. Scouts should not witness confrontations between adults or hear discussions about other Scouts, parents, or leaders.
TOLERANCE
Scouts come to our Troop with a wide and rich variety of religious, social, political, and cultural beliefs. As Scouts, leaders and parents we will be tolerant to all views and beliefs.
REMOVAL OF TROOP 2 LEADERS
The Troop Committee Chairman serves at the pleasure of the Headmaster of The Independence School. The Committee Chairman may be removed with or without cause by the Headmaster or his/her designee.
Any member of the troop Committee or any adult leader of the troop may voluntarily resign from his or her position as an adult leader at anytime for any reason.
The Troop Committee Chairman, after consultation with the Headmaster or designee, may permanently or temporarily bar a leader or parent from having any contact with any Scout or from participating in any Troop 2 Scouting activity.
If any adult associated with the Troop is arrested for a crime against a child or violates BSA Child Protection Policy, he or she will be removed immediately.
If an adult leader is removed from his position, the Council will be informed of such action by letter, signed by the Troop Committee Chairman and the Headmaster.
PRIVACY RULES
According to BSA privacy rules, Troop 2 will set-up camp as follows: a male leaders’ area; a Scouts’ area; and a women’s area away from the boys.
SMOKING & ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Troop 2 policy does not allow smoking or the consumption of alcoholic beverages during troop activities. This is consistent with BSA Rules and Regulations.
MEDICAL & ACCIDENT INSURANCE
We pay as a troop for Accident and Sickness Insurance for all scouts and volunteers. The Del-Mar-Va Council through the carrier, Health Special Risk, Inc, provides this insurance. HSR pays the first $300 of medical costs, whether or not the family has other medical insurance. In addition HSR will pay those benefits not paid by other insurance, up to $15,000. For claim forms, or more information contact the Troop Treasurer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Scoutmaster Bill Fincher Email
Boy Scouts - Troop 2 