Table of Contents

1.     Scoutmaster Conference's

2.     Troop 333 Policy for Board of Review

3.     Troop 333 Activities and Advancement policy  

4.     Absences

5.     Troop 333 guidelines for troop spirit and leadership

6.     Summer Camp Rules for Troop 333

7.     Troop 333 policy on Medications

Troop 333's Policies and Procedures

1. Scoutmaster Conference

 The procedure will be as follows:

a)      The Scout will be responsible for requesting a conference when he has completed all requirements for his next rank.

b)      The Scout will contact the Scoutmaster to request a conference.

c)      The Scoutmaster will advise the Advancement Chairperson that a Board of Review needs to be held for the Scout after his SM Conference is completed.

d)      The Scout will arrive at the meeting at which the conference and board are to be held with these items:

o        he will be attired in the class A uniform he owns;

o        he will bring his Scout handbook; all dates fro merit badges should be entered.

o        he will bring his scouting records acquired from our troop records advisor;

o        he will bring all rank advancement cards and merit badge cards he has earned to date as a Scout;

o        if the above conditions are not met, the conference will be rescheduled for another date.

e)      Once the conference has been held, the Scoutmaster will have the Advancement Chairperson schedule a board for review the next week, provided that the conference indicates that is the appropriate action.

f)        The above policy will be dependent upon the ability of the Troop Committee to provide a minimum of three members for the Board on the night the review is scheduled. Should this not be possible, the conference will be held as scheduled and the Board will convene on the next available date to complete the review

2. Troop 333 Policy for Board of Review

"Unit leaders, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's board of review." Further, it says: "This board is made up of at least three and not more than six members of the troop committee.

The following is intended as a supplement to the SM conference memo, and is intended to insure Scouts arrive at meetings where they desire a Board of Review properly prepared for that Board.

For a Board of Review, a Scout should:

• a)      Be dressed in the Class "A" uniform he owns.
• b)      Have his official Boy Scout Handbook with all rank requirements properly signed off.
• c)      Have his copies of previous rank advancements and merit badge cards with him.
• d)      Have completed his SM conference in accord with the memo pertaining to SM conferences.
• e)      Scouts not properly prepared for a Board of Review in accord with these items may be refused a Board that evening and would have to reschedule their Board with the SM and/or Advancement Chair for a later date.

3. Troop Activities and Advancement Policy

To advance to First Class Scout, it is necessary to have attended a specififc number (10) of Troop or Patrol activities other than Troop Meetings.  Advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle require evidence of "Scout Spirit".

A prior memo noted that attendance at camp-outs, etc. could be considered in determining "scout spirit", but no specific criteria were given. This policy is intended to clarify what level of attendance is deemed necessary to meet advancement criteria.

Each rank beyond First Class has a tenure requirement (4 months for Star, 6 for Life and Eagle). Attendance at Troop activities during that tenure is what will be considered in the SM conference for those ranks.

A Scout who is active and involved should be in attendance at no fewer than 2/3 of all Troop meetings and 50% of all Camp-outs, activities (including service projects) other functions during the period for which he is requesting a Board of Review. Attendance less than these minimums may still be acceptable provided it: a) is unavoidable, and b) is explained in advance or as soon as possible after occurring. Emergencies and other problems do occur in everyone's life and will certainly be considered.

The main purpose of this policy is to encourage Scouts who have attained First Class rank to continue to be involved in Troop activities. Those who are not involved will be slower to advance than their more active peers, which should be self-evident. What needs to be made clear is that the earning of merit badges and even performance of service projects is not in itself sufficient to warrant advancement. These are needed in addition to active involvement in the Patrol and Troop.

Leadership in a Troop or Patrol position is also necessary to advance beyond First Class. A Scout who does not participate in the activities of the Troop has no opportunity to show leadership in such a position.

4. Absences

Individuals who are part of a group have responsibilities to the group. One of these responsibilities for a Scout is to be present so his patrol can count on him and complete his fair share of the work of the Patrol and the Troop. Occasionally, every Scout will miss meetings, activities and even camp-outs. This is normally not a problem and is understood. It becomes a problem when it is excessive or when the Scout fails to communicate the need to be absent to his patrol leader so plans can be made to proceed without him. Therefore, we are instituting a policy to deal with these types of absences. This policy only applies to consecutive (i.e. repeated absences with no attendance occurring between them). It is expected that one such absence may occur without an opportunity to speak with the Patrol Leader. Therefore, the policy only becomes effective following the second absence. Also, the policy only applies to unexplained absences, i.e. those which are not arranged for in advance by contacting the Patrol Leader (PL). The steps to be taken following the second absence are outlined below:

• 2nd- PL contacts the Scout by telephone to determine what happened.
• 3rd- PL advises SPL, who contacts the Scout by telephone.
• 4th- SPL advises the Patrol Adviser (PA), who contacts the Scout by telephone.
• 5th- PA advises the Scoutmaster (SM), who contacts the Scout by telephone and sends a follow up letter to the Scout and his parent(s). The gist of the letter will be to advise the Scout that a further unexplained absence will result in the removal of his name from the Troop roster. He would have to re-apply to be considered for membership in the future.

While it is anticipated that this policy will be rarely put in place, it is necessary for those cases where individuals "drop out" but don't communicate their intent to do so. Also, it is hoped that the actions taken prior to removal from the roster will encourage the Scout to remain active and involved in the Patrol and Troop. If telephone contact is not possible at any point, a letter will be sent by the SM as soon as he is advised of the situation. This first letter will encourage the Scout to be present or to contact his PL to keep the PL informed of his situation.

5. Troop 333 Guidelines for Troop Spirit and Leadership

As you are aware, rank advancement requirements contain an evaluation of Scout Spirit. Advancement in the higher ranks, especially Eagle, requires an ability to display leadership as well. The purpose of this memo is to list some specific items Troop leaders consider in evaluating these qualities.

SCOUT SPIRIT

1. The Scout is present at meetings, outings, and service projects. When he is unable to attend, he advises his patrol leader of that fact.

2. The Scout strives to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and this is reflected in his conduct.

3. The Scout cooperates with his Troop in accomplishing all necessary work to make the Troop successful in completing its tasks and camping trips.

4. The Scout treats other people, especially his fellow scouts and adult leaders, with courtesy and respect.

5. The scout exhibits cheerfulness and a willingness to do his share of the work without complaint, and to assist others as necessary to complete theirs.

LEADERSHIP

1. The Scout is regular in attendance at all Troop meetings and activities. If an elected Troop or Patrol leader, he makes certain that his work is done, especially in his absence, by delegating his responsibilities and following up to make certain his subordinates have completed all necessary work or preparations.

2. The Scout takes an active role in teaching younger Scouts and working to attract other boys into the Troop.

3. The Scout actively seeks advancement and shows initiative in planning and implementing the Troop program.

4. The Scout strives to be a positive role model for other Scouts in attendance, uniforming, and behavior. He takes his role as a leader seriously, and this is reflected in his conduct.

5. The Scout strives to be an example of maturity, patience, and courtesy. He respects others and resolves conflicts in a positive way, without displays of anger or disrespect.

6. The Scout actively encourages others by his example of helpfulness. He assists others to complete their work and seeks always to teach skills to younger Scouts to encourage them to improve their own skills and abilities.

The above items are guidelines, as stated. You should consider them when deciding if you are showing Scout spirit and leadership.

6. Summer Camp Rules for Troop 333  

1)      All new scout members of Troop 333 are required to attend 2 weekend camping trips prior to summer camp, ( preferably without a parent or guardian). We do this to determine haw the scout will interact with the other scouts and how he will behave and handle himself on extended trips away from his family.  

2)      Full uniform is required at summer camp.                                                                 This means Class "A" Troop shirt, scout uniform shorts or pants, socks, scout belt, and at your discression a Troop , BSA or scouting related hat. Please do not bring any non-scout hats to camp. Wide brimmed hats are OK when we will be outdoors for the protection from the sun.

3)      Class "B" uniform is also required. This means a troop or scouting tee shirt (preferably a troop shirt), scout shorts or pants, scout socks and scouting related hat.(hat is optional).

4)      Class "C" stands for casual. Whatever the scout would like to wear to be comfortable but always in good taste and nothing that would be offensive to others.

Please note well: For regular campouts and summer Camp we travel in "Class B" uniform. Any scout who arrives for trip departure and is not attired in our full class "B" uniform will not accompany the Troop to camp. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

5)      A scout is clean. Therefore, due to the heat, humidity, and general dust and dirt at camp, all scouts will be expected to make use of the camp showers on a daily basis.

This means that each scout must bring towels, soap, and shampoo. Also, tooth brush and toothpaste. Any scout who fails to keep himself clean and presentable may be sent home at the discretion of the scoutmaster. If a scout does not bring the proper supplies for maintaining his hygiene with him, then his money will be used to purchase such supplies. A receipt will be available for any such purchases at the conclusion of summer camp.

A "field washing machine" and clothesline will be provided by the Troop so scouts can do laundry as necessary during the week. The Scout will provide the detergent.

6)      3). In addition, I expect all Troop 333 scouts to conduct themselves according to the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Should a scout conduct himself in an unscoutlike manner, or reflect badly on Troop 333 due do his conduct, he will be sent home. Further disciplinary action may ensue as a result of such behavior if it is warranted in the opinion of the adult leadership.

Should a parent receive a phone call to come to camp and "collect" a scout, they are to comply within a reasonable time, unless there is a compelling reason they cannot. In that event, a specific time will be agreed upon. Failure to honor the commitment will result in the expulsion of the scout from Troop 333. If the parent is a registered leader, unit membership will be revoked.

7)       For scouts who are on any medications, please note the following:

a)      All medications must be checked in with SM prior to departure. A written schedule of the times they are to be administered should be included;

b)      The medications must be in the original prescription bottles and properly labeled. Non-prescription medications (Tylenol, etc.) must be in the original bottle as well;

c)      Medications will be checked in on arrival with the Camp medic and will be kept in the health lodge. Scouts will go to the lodge at proper times to take their medication.

d)      Please do not send more medication than is required for the week.

8)      Scouts are restricted in their use of the telephone while at camp. Troop 333 scouts are required to obtain permission from the Scoutmaster in advance for all calls.

9)      Closed toe shoes are required at camp by national BSA policy. Open toed shoes (i.e. sandals, "flip-flops" or the like) are only acceptable in the shower or at the waterfront      (not on the way to or returning from these areas). This is for the safety of the scouts, to prevent injury. Aqua shoes are closed toe shoes and thus meet the requirement; however, they provide only limited protection and should not be used except for waterfront or shower activities.

10)  Please be certain your scout brings enough sunscreen. Sunburn at camp is really not a lot of fun. Heat exhaustion is another concern. The adult leadership will be encouraging all scouts to take fluids frequently. Scouts are also expected to be aware of this concern and to comply by drinking lots of water and sports drinks every day. This is the reason the "butt-cup" is so important!

11)  Our summer camp coordinator will provide a complete list of what to bring to camp and hold a mandatory parents meeting prior to camp to answer all questions .

These rules are intended to make camp a more enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not intend to seem heavy-handed, but do believe strongly that compliance with standards is necessary for all scouts (and the adults giving up their vacation time to take the scout to camp) to have the best experience possible. Parent or scout, feel free to discuss any concerns that you have with me.

7. Troop 333 Policy on Medications

General Statement

Many of our scouts will, from time to time, take medication for one reason or another. Others are on medications on a more or less constant basis. This policy is to ensure all medications taken on troop camping trips are safely administered, and to ensure that scouts needing medications receive them.

Troop 333 scouts have had conditions that ranged from diabetes to chronic inflammatory problems, to bite reaction and attention deficit disorder. Our adult leaders need to be aware of ANY significant medical problem your scout has, and any medication he receives for it. Even if your scout is not taking medication during an outing, side-effects can occur from prior doses. We need this information to provide the safest possible experience for your son.

Medication Administration Policies

All scouts are of course minors. Our policy is similar to that of your school. Here are the main points:

1. All medications for a scout are to be in the possession of the designated adult leader(s), NOT in the scout's possession, on all camp-out, day trips, meetings, or activities. The only exception to this rule is for asthma inhalers, which the scout can carry; BUT the adult leaders need to be aware of the fact that the scout has a condition that requires an inhaler, and is carrying an inhaler. The obvious corollary to this policy is that NO scout should be in possession of any prescription or over the counter medication without the knowledge of the Scoutmaster and/or his designated adult leader(s) responsible for medications. This information will be treated as confidential and shared on a "need-to know" basis with other adult leaders.
2. If your scout is taking any prescription medication which must be sent with him on a trip or activity, the medication must be in a prescription bottle clearly labeled with his name, the name of the medication, the prescribing doctor, and the instructions for use. If you need a bottle to keep at home, you should ask your pharmacy to supply an empty duplicate bottle. Virtually all of them will do so at no charge.
3. The medication must be administered as ordered on the prescription label. Any hand-written instructions which vary from the label, or alteration of the label, is not acceptable. If your son's medication regimen or dose has changed, bring the most current bottle.
4. If the scout is taking any over-the-counter or non-prescription medication or vitamin, it must be sent in the original container. An envelope, baggie, hand labeled bottle, or any other container than that which the substance was in at the time of purchase is not acceptable.
5. Please remember to send enough medication to cover the entire period the scout will be with the Troop. This means day trips, week-ends, summer camp, etc. It is a good idea to send at least one extra dose in the event the troop is delayed in returning for some reason.

Some Rules for Medication Usage on Troop Activities

Many medications are dependent upon maintaining a certain "blood level" in the patient. These include many of the anti-depressants, seizure medications, antibiotics, and others. For the sake of your son's health, these medications must be continually given, even on camp-outs. We strongly recommend you do not alter your son's medication regimen for any reason without the knowledge and agreement of his doctor. We are willing to see that your son receives his medication for the time he is with the troop on events and activities, to assist him in maintaining optimum health.

A special case is the scout who is on medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Dextrostat, and others that are prescribed for the control of symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This health problem is so common that we want to say a few words specifically about it and Troop 333's position on administering these medications for day-long, week-end, and summer activities.

1. ADHD is quite common. The child who has this disorder has specific symptoms and problems, which can vary widely in intensity from child to child, and even with the same child from age to age. ADHD should not be a cause for embarrassment on the part of the scout or his parents. It is a legitimate health problem and can greatly affect your son's ability to benefit from the Troop program. If your son has been diagnosed as having ADHD, we need to know that, whether he is currently on medication or not.
2. ADHD affects children in areas crucial to their progress in scouting. Just as they may be unable to focus in school at times, they may be unable to focus on learning scout skills needed to advance. It is crucial that parents and Troop leaders work together to provide your son with the best possible scouting experience. This requires frankness, trust, and open communication between leaders, parents, and the scout.
3. As a rule, if your son needs ADHD medications to focus and be successful in school, he will also require those medications to focus and be successful on camp-outs and during summer camp. This can be a difficult point for some parents and boys to understand. It is easier when you realize that learning scout skills and values is also education. We are aware that many doctors allow "drug holidays" from ADHD medications on week-ends and during the summer months when the child is not in school. Many other doctors believe this is a bad idea that causes even more problems. The medical community is not united on this approach.

We strongly prefer that you plan on keeping your son on his ADHD medications during all camp-outs, activity days, service projects, and during summer camp. Experience has shown us that this usually gives the best result - the scout can focus on learning and doing his part, and therefore learns, advances, and succeeds.

If you prefer your son to be off of his medication during scout events, we are amenable to giving it a fair trial; however, some things must be understood in advance:

1. The Scoutmaster and his delegated leaders must be aware of the diagnosis of ADHD, of the fact that the scout takes medication at school, and that the scout will not be taking medication during the camp-out or other activity;
2. Neither the diagnosis nor the lack of medication is an excuse for failing to observe all elements of the troop discipline policy or maintaining behavior appropriate to a scout; i.e., adhering to the Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan.
3. A fair trial often includes assessing the scout's behavior on camping trips or other activities both on and off his medication. If you choose to have your son take no medication for 1-2 events and he is unable to focus and benefit from the experience, it is reasonable to then medicate him for 1-2 events to determine if the medication actually yields any benefit. If the scout clearly does better on medication than off, it is expected that he will remain on medication for all activities longer than 2-3 hours.

We have come to this position as a result of years of experience in dealing with scouts with ADHD. We believe the sole determinant should be the welfare of the scout. If he is able to get more from the program by utilizing medication support, then it should be employed. As noted, the most important element in facilitating your son's success is on-going communication between parents, leaders, and the scout.

Should you have specific questions regarding medication issues, please speak with the Scoutmaster.

A word about adults

Adults who are on medication are also a consideration. Adults may keep all personal medications with them, so long as the medication is secured. However, it is best if other adults on a trip are aware of one another's medical problems, including current medications. This is important information in the event of an accident, sudden illness, or allergic reaction. Please keep your co-leaders informed on each outing you attend.