Introduction

Welcome to Boy Scouts! Troop 64 promises to provide an encouraging, positive, and safe environment for all scouts, to help each boy learn leadership and teamwork through a multitude of activities, and assist them as they learn new skills and develop a sense of responsibility, camaraderie and community. We endeavor to help build character, strength in body, mind and spirit, and to develop strong moral, civic and personal standards in each scout.  As a parent or guardian of your scout, you are a member of this family and are encouraged to follow these guidelines and provide moral leadership to all of our scouts. This booklet will introduce you to Boy Scouts, and Troop 64, celebrating 65 years in 2010. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. By being a Boy Scout you are setting out on a road that will lead you to Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.  Please offer your support and assistance to the leaders of this troop to ensure a good experience for each scout. 

• Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;
• Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;
• Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;
• Serve America’s communities and families with its quality, values-based program.

Table of Contents:

•  Welcome                                                                   1
•  Communication                                                 3
•  Organizational Chart                                       3
•  Chartered Organization                                 3
•  Troop Committee                                              4
•  Troop Parents                                                       4
•  Adult Leadership                                                4
•  Scout Leadership                                                6
•  Patrols                                                                         7
• Advancement                                                         7
• General Advancement Requirements  8
• Service Projects                                                     10
• Court of Honor                                                       11
• Order of the Arrow                                              11
• Discipline                                                                   11
• Medical Forms                                                       12
• Troop Activities                                                   12
• Financial                                                                    14
• Uniform                                                                      15
• Scout Store                                                               16
• Camping Checklist                                             16

Communication    

• BoyScoutTroop64@yahoogroups.com
• Roster
• Troop Meetings

Useful Websites:

• www.buckscountybsa.org
• www.scouting.org
• www.scoutstuff.org
• www.usscouts.org
• www.meritbadge.org
• www.boyscouttrail.com

Communication of current activities is available at Troop meetings, via email and can be found on the most recent calendar of events.  The Troop requires your contact information added to the roster and membership to our group email account to keep you updated.  This yahoo-groups site is private and only for the use of Troop correspondence.  An Alumni website has recently been activated for your review.  Upon registration, new scouts will receive a welcome package consisting of:

1. This parent handbook
2. Roster
3. Merit Badge Counselor list
4. Health forms to be completed
5. Troop calendar
6. Troop Tee Shirt
7. Youth Application

Organizational Chart

Troop 64 is a participating member of the Lenape District within Bucks County Council, Boys Scouts of America.  The Troop’s organizational leadership consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, Scout Master, Assistant Scoutmasters, Patrol Leaders and Scouts.

Chartered Organizations

Community-based organizations receive national charters to use the Scouting program as a part of their own youth work. These groups, which have goals compatible with those of the BSA, include religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, and labor organizations, governmental bodies, corporations, professional associations, and citizens’ groups. The Carversville Christian United Church of Christ charters Boy Scout Troop 64 and in effect is the governing body over the Troop committee.  We are fortunate and blessed to have their commitment to our Troop, the use of their church and grounds and as such, we are responsible to the respect and care of this facility.  Church requirements regarding our use and conduct while on the property are listed inside the scout closet door.

Troop Committee

The Troop Committee functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop.  The Troop Committee manages and delegates duties to insure all aspects of the Troop are working smoothly and promoting the success of the scouts within.  The Committee meets regularly at the Carversville Christian Church, or other designated location.  The meetings are open, and attendance by all parents and interested parties is encouraged.

Troop Parents

The role of parents within Troop 64 is to be supportive of the Troop’s efforts and to provide the atmosphere Scouts need to learn and excel. Parents are expected to:

1.         Do their share of driving and chaperoning trips.

2.         Review the Troop calendar and mark important dates so the whole family can plan accordingly.

3.         Participate in outings as much as possible.

4.         Read the scout handbook and attend training when it is available.

5.         Actively follow your scout’s progress and encourage them towards advancement.

6.         Show support to both the individual scouts and the Troop by attending Courts of Honor and assisting with Troop fundraisers and other such activities.

7.         Sign up to serve as a merit badge counselor.

8.         Log onto scouting.org and take the online Youth Protection Training.

9.         Participate in parent meetings, Troop Committee meetings, and assist the scouts during weekly meetings.

10.       Consider becoming a uniformed leader.

11.       Be a consistent example with the Scout Oath and Laws at home.

Adult Leadership

The Troop 64 Committee consists of a Chartering Organization Representative, Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster(s), Advancement Chair, Fundraising Chair, Camping Coordinator, Quartermaster, Parent Unit Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair and any interested parents. All leaders must have Youth Protection Training. The following gives a brief overview for some of these representatives:

Chartering Organization Representative:  The Chartering Organization Representative’s primary responsibility is to help the unit to be successful and to provide coordination between the chartered organization and scouting.  The chartering rep presides over Committee Meetings and intervenes when the leadership needs help.

Committee Chair: The Committee Chair serves as the “Chairman of the Board,” the board being the Troop Committee.  Conducts committee meetings to promote an active calendar of events and meetings. Oversees the running of sub-committees.

Scoutmaster: The Scoutmaster is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Troop. The Scoutmaster serves as the “Chief Executive Officer”. The Scoutmaster’s main responsibility is the Scouts of the Troop and all Assistant Scoutmasters assigned.

Assistant Scoutmaster: Aside from being responsible for particular functions assigned by the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair, each Assistant Scoutmaster supports the scouts during weekly meetings and acts as an advisor to the patrol leaders and patrols.

Advancement Chair: Responsible for the administration of the Troop advancement program, the Advancement Chair keeps records and prepares reports for submission to the Council.  Conducts elections for scout leadership positions twice a year.

Parent Unit Coordinator: Assists Committee Chair in securing parents to head various activities, events and tasks.  Conducts new parent seminar and maintains new scout packages.  Collects youth and adult applications, copy leaders and delivery to council. 

Fundraising Chair: Researches and recommends fundraising projects to meet the Troops’ financial requirements. Organizes volunteers to assist in fundraising. Obtains approval from Troop Committee.

Quartermaster: Responsible for working with the Scout Quartermaster in the organization, supervising the control and maintenance of Troop equipment.

Outdoor Activities Coordinator:  Maintains a log of activities, who is chair, tour permit secured, medical forms are supplied and parent permission slips are collected. Make sure that all information is sent with Scout Leader on trip. Directs chair when needed to complete these tasks. 

Secretary:  Processes communication between committees and outside entities. Attends all committee meetings and takes minutes. Supplies CCUCC updated bulletins for church announcements. 

Treasurer: Attends all committee meetings providing a treasury report and maintains the organization’s treasury.  Manages the Charter and collects dues.

Scout Leadership:

Elections:  for Leadership Positions are managed by the Advancement Chairman and are held twice a year.

Senior Patrol Leader: The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the boy leader of the troop. After having served as ASPL for a six-month period, the Scout moves into the SPL position for a six-month period. He sets the agenda and presides at all Patrol Leaders Council meetings, runs the weekly Troop meetings and appoints other boy leaders, assigning specific responsibilities as needed.  The Senior Patrol Leader is under the direction of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster(s). Each Scout running for the office of Senior Patrol Leader must be a First Class Scout, must have served as a Patrol Leader, must be at least 13 years of age and must attend Junior Leader Training.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), also elected by the Troop, assists the Senior Patrol Leader in conducting meetings. He acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the Senior Patrol Leader’s absence.  The ASPL is usually a senior Scout, works with the SPL learning leadership qualities and stepping in when the SPL is unavailable.  The ASPL will advance to SPL after having served for six months in this position. Each Scout running for the office of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader must be a First Class Scout, must have served as a Patrol Leader, must be 13 years of age and must attend Junior Leader Training.

Patrol Leader: Patrol Leaders are responsible for their individual patrols at all times. They preside at patrol meetings, as well as control their patrol during Troop functions. They represent their patrol at Patrol Leaders Council meetings and report to the Senior Patrol Leader for all matters concerning their patrol.  Patrol Leaders are elected by their patrols.  Each Scout running for the office of Patrol Leader must be at least a Second Class Scout.

Assistant Patrol Leader: The Assistant Patrol leader leads the patrol in the Patrol Leader’s absence.

Chaplain’s Aide:  The Chaplain’s Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program.

Historian: The historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of Troop activities.  He is encouraged to communicate with local media on special events and send captions of such to the webmaster.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster:  The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JAS) serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. The Scoutmaster appoints him, because of his leadership ability.  He reports to the Scoutmaster.

Librarian:  The Librarian takes care of Troop literature; health records, travel logs, tour permits, merit badge books, parent handbook and merit badge and troop rosters.

Quartermaster:  The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of Troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.  He recommends purchases, repair and maintains the shed.

Scribe:  The Scribe keeps the Troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders Council and keeps a record of activities, patrols in charge, payments for such, sign ups for advancement, and Scout attendance at Troop meetings. This will eventually include webmaster.

Troop Guide: The Troop Guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year.   

Patrols

The Troop is a group made up of several patrols. Patrols have a patrol leader and assistant patrol leader.  Within each patrol are leadership positions that each boy can take in order to contribute to the success of the patrol. The Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are elected positions.

Advancement

Advancement will be at each scout’s own pace

There are many definitions of advancement, but the Scouting definition might well be, simply, “the art of meeting a challenge”. This is exactly what the Boy Scout advancement program asks the boys to do. The Boy Scout advancement program provides a ladder of skills that a Scout climbs at his own pace. As he acquires these skills he moves up through a series of ranks, for which he is awarded badges: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The higher he climbs the more challenging his tasks — and the more rewarding.

There are four steps of advancement:

• The Boy Scout learns
• The Boy Scout is tested
• The Boy Scout is reviewed
• The Boy Scout is recognized

Achievements include learning skills that qualify for Scouting’s more rugged and exciting outdoor challenges. Developing body and mind, growing self-confidence, and helping younger Scouts climb the advancement ladder. Discovering how it feels to go further — in so many ways — than he ever thought he could. Education and fun are functions of the Scouting movement, and they must be the basis of the advancement program.

In Scouting, recognition is gained through leadership in the unit, attending and participating in the activities, living the ideals of Scouting, and developing a proficiency in outdoor life, useful skills, and career exploration.

General Advancement Requirements

Age Requirement Eligibility:  Boys are welcomed into Boy Scouts at the age of 10 ½ years or 5^th grade.  Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms are for boys who are registered Boy Scouts. A registered Boy Scout may earn these awards until his 18th birthday, his Eagle Board of Review must occur before the six-month anniversary of his 18^th birthday. 

Boy Scouting has a system of ranks in which Scouts learn progressively more difficult skills and take on progressively greater responsibilities. The highest of these ranks is Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout is an important achievement that your son can be proud of his entire life.  We strongly encourage advancement, but we never force it—advancement is the Scout’s choice, and he sets his own pace.  Many scouts do not reach Eagle.  The path however, teaches morals, organization and leadership that will stay with him forever.  Should your scout reach Eagle, you will find a world of recognition that will open doors for him that not many other achievements can provide. Your scout may move through the ranks quickly, may take a break for outside involvements or he may move slowly.  The pace is up to him and your encouragement to have him succeed is crucial.

The requirements for each level of advancement are detailed in the Scout Handbook. Qualifications for the rank of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class are met through successful completion of rank requirements at each level. Star, Life, and Eagle awards are completed through the scout handbook and Merit Badge program (which requires a higher level of knowledge and the ability to teach the skills to other Scouts), special projects, and leadership at each level.  Each achievement must be earned or demonstrated during that specific level of scouting; experience and projects are not retroactive.

Each Scout must demonstrate the knowledge of his acquired skills to his Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader or the adult leaders. Designated leaders sign off on the skill or requirement in the Scout’s Handbook. The Scout is responsible to get the leader’s signature on completed requirements. Rank advancement is reviewed and finalized by a Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review and is then presented to the Advancement Chair to record, notify Council and present at a Court of Honor. 

Merit Badges

Earning merit badges is a major part of the Scout learning process. A Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges to qualify to become an Eagle Scout, of which 12 are referred to as “Eagle required” (10 are specific, one is a choice between 2 and one is a choice among 3 – refer to the Scout Handbook for more information). Merit badges are earned as follows:

• Pick a Subject – Read the requirements of a merit badge that interests you, and choose one to earn. Find a counselor from the Merit Badge list or confer with the Advancement Chairman for other available Merit Badge Counselors. These counselors have experience and special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.

• Fill out a Merit Badge Card – Get a merit badge application from the Advancement Coordinator. Complete the Scout information and have the card signed by the Advancement Chairman or coordinator if on a trip or activity.

• Contact the Counselor – Set up the required meetings and activities. Give him or her the filled-out merit badge application to keep track of your progress. All meetings for merit badge work must have at least two-deep leadership or scout attendance, or be in a public forum. 

• Get a merit badge book or check the Internet for resources on completing the merit badge requirements.  Organize a folder or log of your achievements to present to the Counselor.  The individual Merit Badge Counselor reviews the Scout’s progress to determine the receipt of merit badges.

• Have the merit badge application signed by the counselor when completed. The counselor will keep one part of the merit badge application and YOU turn the other over to the Advancement Chairman.

• Receive your merit badge at the next Court of Honor.  If you cannot attend the Court of Honor, notify the Advancement Chairman or ask for your badge at a Troop meeting.

Parents are encouraged to sign up as a Merit Badge Counselor in an area of their expertise.  An adult application is to be completed which is submitted to Council for approval and background checks. 

Merit badges and rank badges are purchased by the Troop and awarded by the Advancement Chairman.  Parents are not to purchase these on their own unless to replace ones already presented.

Scoutmaster Conference: Sign up at a Troop meeting for a SMC each time you have completed the requirements for a new rank.  A Scoutmaster Conference is a chance for the Scout to have a one-on-one discussion with a Scoutmaster (in plain view at a Troop meeting). The purpose is to develop, over a period of time, an increasing level of understanding and trust between them. For the Scoutmaster, it is an opportunity to get to know each individual Scout in the Troop and help each one to chart his course in Scouting and in life. Although mainly associated with the advancement program, the Scoutmaster Conference is a general counseling tool that can be employed at anytime for a variety of reasons. For the Scout, the Scoutmaster Conference presents a valuable opportunity. It offers him a chance to discuss with the Scoutmaster his involvement with the Troop. A review of what he did to earn advancement allows him to evaluate his accomplishments. The Scoutmaster aids the Scout to recognize and overcome his weaknesses while encouraging the use of his strengths. The setting of new goals is the most important outcome of their conversation. The Scoutmaster, in reviewing the requirements for the next rank and outlining what is involved in completing them, encourages further advancement by showing the Scout that the requirements are not as difficult as they appear. As the Scout advances higher in rank, the Scoutmaster will increasingly emphasize what the Scout can do to enhance the Troop through leadership opportunities.

A one-week notice is suggested for scheduling a Scoutmaster Conference. Scoutmaster Conferences will be conducted during the Troop meetings or at some other time agreed upon by the participants. A Scoutmaster Conference must be completed in advance of a Board of Review. The length of the Scoutmaster Conference should be long enough for the Scoutmaster to know three or four more things about the Scout that wasn’t known before, and short enough for the Scout to understand the significance of this step toward Eagle.

It is the Scout’s responsibility to request a Scoutmaster Conference with their Scoutmaster when he is ready for it. The Scout is expected to be in full Class A uniform and bring their Boy Scouts of America handbook with him for his conference.

Board of Review: The last requirement a Scout must meet in order to advance in rank is to appear before a Board of Review (BOR) composed of between three and six members of the Troop Committee. (Active parents may be asked by an Assistant Scoutmaster to participate in the Board). This review confirms that the requirements for the rank have been accomplished. It is neither an examination nor a retest; however, the Board satisfies itself that the Scouting skills have been learned. The Board judges whether the Scout is benefiting from the Troop program.  The Scout is asked about what parts of the Troop’s program he enjoys and what parts he does not. A determination is made of the Scout’s attitude and his acceptance of “Scouting Ideals” in his daily life. Finally, the Board encourages the Scout to progress toward the next rank.

A Board of Review will be held on scheduled Troop meeting nights, usually on the first Wednesday of the month. The Scout is responsible for notifying the Advancement Committee that he needs a Board of Review, normally by signing the conference book at a Troop meeting.  The Scout is required to be in full Class A uniform and bring his Boy Scouts of America Handbook with him for his Board of Review.

Service Projects

Star and Life: Work on service projects for credit toward advancement to Star and Life ranks shall be approved by the Advancement Chairmen or his representative in advance of starting the project. Only adult leaders are authorized to sign-off service project requirements. If there is any doubt as to the validity of the project the matter will be referred to the Troop committee for resolution.

Eagle: Eagle service projects shall be of lasting value to the community rather than completion of routine upkeep and preventive maintenance. It is suggested that the project be a minimum of 100 man-hours of labor and planning. The Troop Committee shall approve the project in advance of the scout beginning any work. Troop 64’s Committee requires that the Eagle candidate brief the Troop Committee on his project at a regularly scheduled committee meeting. The briefing shall outline the scope, scale and requirements of the proposed project. The Committee will review the candidate’s plan for completeness in planning and ability of the Troop to support the project to completion. The schedule of work should be examined in detail to ensure there are no major conflicts with other planned Troop activities. Upon completion of the service project, The Eagle candidate shall provide the Advancement Chair with a written description of the project and a schedule of participants and hours worked.

Court of Honor

Troop 64 conducts a Court of Honor approximately 3-4 times a year.  The Court of Honor recognizes all Scout appointments, elections, awards, and advancements since the last Court of Honor.  Adult recognition may be presented at the Troop Court of Honor.  Parents are encouraged to attend all Courts of Honor. 

Order of the Arrow

As Boy Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow (OA) seeks to recognize Scouts and Scouters who as campers best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives.  The three principles of the Order are brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service.  Foremost, the Order of the Arrow is a service organization, which assists Scouting at all, levels; nevertheless, an Arrowman’s first duty is always to his own Troop.  Through the Order, the Scout’s unselfish desire to help others is crystallized into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to all.  The Arrowman must always conduct himself in such manner as to cause others to emulate his actions in the high ideals of Scouting.

Fellow members of the Troop, followed by approval of the Scoutmaster, elect the scout(s) to the Order. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of the Boy Scout Troop or Varsity Scout team and hold a First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.

Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.

Discipline

General: The discipline policy in Scouting is simple. The doors of Scouting are always open to those who strive to follow its law. Adherence to Troop 64’s policies will, primarily, be handled by the boy leaders with adult intervention only to maintain safety, preclude property damage, avoid disrupting other organizations’ activities and/or restore order in cases of unruliness.  A code of conduct and responsibilities for use of the church are posted on the closet door.  While traveling in the bus, adult leaders (not driving the bus) are expected to maintain order and safety.

Obedience: Obedience in Troop 64 is to the Scout Oath and Law. The Oath and Law make being a good citizen of the Troop, camp or community possible. Obedience to the Scout Law includes respect for Scout leadership and adult leadership and all members and guests of the Troop. Respect for adult and Scout leadership is expected. Under no circumstances will adult or boy leaders administer punishment for any reason. Hazing, of any type, will not be tolerated. Meetings between leaders and boys must always occur in groups of 3 or more, or be conducted within plain view of other people.  Boys or adults observing inappropriate activity will take immediate measures to stop such activity and report incident(s) to the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters or Committee Chair.

Enforcing discipline: The Patrol Leaders will handle discipline in the patrols.  When the Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he should obtain help from the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader has the authority to ask any Scout to leave the meeting area and report to the Scoutmaster.  When the Senior Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he must obtain the help of a Scoutmaster.

Medical Forms:

Medical forms and physicals must be completed by licensed physicians before joining the Troop and must be renewed each year for insurance coverage by Boy Scouts of America. (This is in addition to your own personal insurance coverage.)  Additional information must be completed for high adventure trips and trips that extend longer than 72 hours.  If a parent is going to accompany the scouts on any trip longer than 72 hours, they must also have physicals and medical forms completed.

Troop Activities

Troop Meetings

Troop 64 meetings are held weekly, every Wednesday, from 7:30-9:00 P.M. at the Carversville Christian Church.  Troop 64 does not meet in the summer or on Ash Wednesday.

Meeting rules are as follows:

–          Wear a complete Class A uniform for all formal activities (Court of Honor, Scoutmaster conferences and BOR),

–          wear a scout shirt (tucked in) and neckerchief for each Troop meeting,

–          Class B tee-shirts may be worn during summer meetings and outside events unless specified on certain occasions.

–          Bring your scout handbook and any materials needed for merit badge work.

–          Do not go upstairs without an adult.

–          No playing or running through the cemetery, stay on the church property.

–          Keep the noise level down when outside.

–          Clean up any mess made. 

–          Keep the closet, meeting rooms and bathrooms neat. 

–          Notify a scout leader if anything seems in need of repair or is broken.

–          Church expectations for our scouts and guests are posted on the closet door.

–          All scouts are expected to behave in accordance with the Scout Oath and Laws.

Outings

Troop 64 conducts an active outdoor program. Troop 64 maintains its own bus for travelling, owns a great deal of camping essentials, several tents and canoes with a trailer. Weekend camping and miscellaneous trips are scheduled throughout the year. 

Yearly Troop 64 outings and events ususally include but are not limited to:

January –         Klondike Derby

February –       Ski Trip, Scout Sunday

March –           Civil War Battlefield Campout, Lenape District Swimoree

April –                         Lenape District Camporee

May – Flags on Veterans Graves, Memorial Day Service at Church, Memorial Day Parade,

June –              Stoney Creek weekend in Canada

July and August  – Ockanickon Scout Camp, extended trips and other camps

September –    Buckingham Car Show concession stand

October –        Holiday wreath Sale, CCUCC Pork and Oyster Supper

November –    Grand Illumination Peddlers Village, Lenape District Indoor Rally

December –     Holiday Dinner, Christmas Caroling

Many other activities are offered and may include:  

• Canoeing        
• Hiking
• Skiing
• Biking
• Shooting
• Fishing
• Climbing
• Cooking
• Bonfires, Hayrides
• Kings Point
• Order of the Arrow
• West Point Naval Academy
• National Jamboree
• Canadian Jamboree
• World Jamboree
• Newfoundland, Nova Scotia
• Canada
• Travelling the 48 states
• Elks Naval Academy
• Battleship Cove
• Summer Camps
• Philmont High Adventure, NM
• Seabase High Adventure, FL
• Northern Tier, MN & Canada

–  An Emergency Form/Permission Slip, current medical forms and payment must be turned in prior to the outing.  One leader will collect and securely maintain the documents.

–  Each Scout is responsible for his own equipment.

–  There must be two-deep adult leadership for all outings.  Scouts are required to utilize the buddy system at all times.

–  Scouts may share a tent with other scouts or their own parent, but an adult leader may never sleep in the tent of another scout.

–  An adult scout leader must hold all medication.

–  Place your name on all gear and on the outside of the scout handbook. 

–  Adults leading each excursion must have Youth Protection Training, and one leader should possess CPR, First Aid, Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training. 

–  The Troop Quartermaster is responsible for logging out all equipment used by the scouts. All equipment must be returned to the Quartermaster in good condition at the next Troop meeting. Any loss or damage to equipment beyond responsible wear and tear is the responsibility of the scout or leader who signed out the equipment.

Financial

Re-chartering and Fees

Part of the process of re-chartering is the annual collection of registration fees for the Scouts and Leaders. The Troop also makes a formal visit to the chartering organization to renew their commitment for the coming year.  The process of re-chartering the Troop must be completed by the end of December of each calendar year.

Annual Registration Fees

The annual fee for each Scout in Troop 64 is $45, payable all at once in January.  Adult Leaders must complete a registration form and submit a payment of $20.00. For an additional fee the scout can receive a subscription to the Boys Life magazine.  These fees take care of National BSA membership, insurance and various Troop expenses.

Fees for Outings and Activities

Individual activities may have fees associated with them.  Scouts will be notified of fees when they apply.  Trips into Canada, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, etc., will require Passports.

Fundraising

Troop 64’s main fundraiser is currently the Buckingham Auto Show, which is held in September.  The Troop has the only food concession at the show.  All Scouts and their parents are expected to assist at this fundraiser. Each fall the Troop takes orders for Holiday wreaths.  If additional funds are needed, other fundraisers may be integrated. In the past the Troop has sold Joe Corbis pizza and glow sticks at Peddler’s Village and most recently has been secured by the Lambertville Boat Races to run their concession stand.  Scouts and parent involvement are vital to the success of these fundraisers.

Friends of Scouting

Each year, Bucks County Council operates its Friends of Scouting campaign to raise money for council operations.  The Council is responsible for maintaining the Council Camps, as well as other Council activities, local BSA administration and local advertising. Contributions are voluntary. Family contributions to FOS usually amounting to over $100 can result in a family discount at the Councils Scout Store.  Combined contributions made by the Troop families may result in a Troop discount for purchases at council.   

Uniform

The Scout uniform helps to achieve the objectives of Scouting.  The uniform by itself cannot make a good Scout or a good Troop, but its’ use has been proven to improve both the Scout and the Troop because it is a visible symbol of Scouting and unity.  Each scout will receive the Boy Scout handbook, a Troop 64 Neckerchief and slide, the epilates and a Troop tee-shirt at his crossover or at the time of registration in the Troop. Each Scout is required to have and wear, within a reasonable amount of time after joining the Troop, the following uniform items:

Class A Uniform

-Tan scout shirt with appropriate insignia and patches (Bucks County Council strip, shoulder loops, patrol emblem, leadership position, troop number, etc.)

-Troop 64 neckerchief

-neckerchief slide

-BSA Scout pants or shorts*

-Boy Scout socks*

-Boy Scout handbook

* or close rendition of

Activity or Class B Uniform

-Troop 64 tee-shirt

-Appropriate shoes or hiking boots

-Scout shorts or pants

-Troop 64 offers an optional sweatshirt or fleece jacket for cool weather.

Scout Store

Scouting Uniforms and supplies may be purchased at any Scout Store.  In our area, the most convenient location is:

Bucks County Council Office

One Scout Way

Doylestown, PA 18901

215-348-9436

www.buckscountybsa.org

Camping Check List

A scout is always prepared. 

The following is a list to help the scout decide what to pack for camping.  Items can be added or removed depending on the type and time of year the scout is camping.  Check with the activity leaders to see what is being packed from Troop 64 equipment (ex. mess kit).

Clothing: Appropriate clothing for weather conditions both predicted and NOT predicted.  Pack extra clothing in case scout becomes wet. As a precaution, pack all clothes in large ziplock bags in case it rains.  Some scouts will put together an outfit for each day in separate bags. 

Layered clothing                                                          Uniform – check with Leaders

Extra socks (no cotton in winter)                                Scout tee shirts – enough for each day

Jackets for wind or cold.                                             Laundry Bag – breathable.

Water shoes in the summer.                                         Towel

Gloves if camping in cold weather.  Waterproof is best.

Hat to provide shade in summer, warmth in winter.

Rain gear                                                                      Swimsuit

Plastic bag for wet clothes.                                         Mess Kit and wash/dry bag

High Adventure:

Backpack with external frames and rain cover for backpack.

Mess kit including utensils

Hiking boots sprayed with waterproof sealer

Tarp

Bear bag for the troop

Sleeping:

Sleeping bag – appropriate for temperature.

Mat or Pad for under sleeping bag – especially in Adirondacks or on ground.

Blanket if camping in cold weather.  Place blanket inside sleeping bag.  The scout should always change clothes immediately before sleeping if camping in cold weather.  This will ensure that sweat will not be on the clothes the camper is sleeping in, which will cause the scout to become very chilled, most importantly – change your socks.

Place snacks with the troop food away from your tent, to keep bugs and bears out of tent.

Mosquito net if at hot summer camp

Plastic ground cloth

Pillow

Toiletries:

Bug Spray

Bug Repellant (dryer sheets)

Soap/Shampoo

Deodorant

Sunscreen

Toilet Paper

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Towel and Washcloth

Tissues

Camera, disposable is best,

Camping stool

Compass and map 

Playing cards, reading book

Pocket knife and Totem Chip

First aid and sewing kits

Flashlight and spare batteries

Flint or water proof matches

Hand warmers

Rope (clothesline or thinner)

Duct tape

Clothes pins

Water bottle, or canteen

Scout Handbook in ziplock bag

Pencil and paper.

Spending money

Sunglasses

Binoculars

Whistle, horn

Safety Pins