Welcome to Troop 72 and the Boy Scouts! You have chosen to become a member of a tradition which promotes citizenship, duty to God and country, and service to fellow man, along with fun and fellowship. Scouting was founded in England by Lord Baden-Powell and brought to the United States in 1910. The Scouting organization has also grown in other countries and extends throughout the world.

Scouting is for all boys ages 11 to 18 and offers, as its highest aim, the development of citizenship. It offers the responsibility needed for citizenship through leadership and the attainment of ranks within the Troop. It also promotes service to family, fellow Scouts, and the community. There is no greater expression of the aim and attitude of Scouting than shown in the words which every Scout must know and live up to from the moment he becomes a part of Scouting:

The Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Scout Motto: Be Prepared.

Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily.

Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners,

Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors and

Be conservation-minded.

The basic organization of Scouting has always been Scouts formed into Troops. Troop 72 has been chartered since November 1, 1957 through the First Presbyterian Church. Troops are organized into Districts. Our Troop, along with other Greene County Troops, comprise the Chillicothe District. The District provides the organization for camporees, the Merit Badge Trail Drive (held in February and March each year), and a monthly roundtable meeting for adult leaders. A Council is composed of several Districts. The Chillicothe District, along with the Districts for Logan, Champaign, Clark and Clinton counties, make up the Tecumseh Council. The staff of the Council office is made up of several professional Scouters. Council provides training for Scouts and adult Scouters, camping facilities at Camp Hugh Taylor Birch, and other resources. The Council maintains a Scout Store in the Council office which provides Scout books, merit badge books, other Scouting publications, a supply of uniform items, and an assortment of other things of interest to the Scouts. The Tecumseh Council office and Scout Store are located at 326 South Thompson Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45506, phone (937)325-6449, FAX (937)325-6574, www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org.

You have chosen to be a part of a “family” which makes up Troop 72. There are some things about which you will want to know, such as the meetings, campouts, and fund raisers, so please read beyond this short introduction. We want all of our Scouts to reach their full potential as future leaders of our community. The Troop 72 program seeks to build leadership, personal self-confidence, comradery and responsibility through a combination of individual, patrol, and troop organized activities. Fun, fellowship and newly acquired knowledge about camping and hiking skills await you in the Scouting program of Troop 72. We have an excellent group of adults here to work with you and your son.

REGISTRATION FEES [Return to Table of Contents]

Each Scout and Scouter (volunteer adult leader) is required by BSA to be registered. Our Troop charter year runs from January through December, with the registration fees being paid in November for the following year. The fee for Scouts includes: registration with the Boy Scouts of America, Boy’s Life magazine, insurance, purchase and upkeep of camping equipment, various Troop activity fees, administration expenses, rank advancements and merit badges, etc. Fees will be prorated for boys joining midyear.

No boy will be denied admission to the Troop due to family financial constraints. When concerns about finances may prevent a boy from joining, please talk to the Committee Chair or Scoutmaster before making a decision.

The fee for Scouters will be paid by the Troop in recognition of the donation of their time and talents.

INSURANCE [Return to Table of Contents]

Insurance coverage will be provided through the Boy Scouts of America and will be renewed with the recharter. The fee for this liability insurance is included in the registration fee.

BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK [Return to Table of Contents]

Each Scout is required to have a copy of the official Boy Scout Handbook and is responsible for having it with him at each meeting. This book contains vital information on just what Scouting is all about. It is a source of how-to’s and what-for’s. The Scouts will use this reference to learn everything from knots to first-aid and record their progress on their trail to Eagle.

Once fees are received, the Troop provides each Scout with a copy of the handbook, along with a Troop neckerchief.

UNIFORM [Return to Table of Contents]

The official Troop 72 Boy Scout uniform requirement for Tuesday night meetings is the Scout uniform of the season. Whichever uniform is worn, it is expected to be clean, neat, well kept, and in good repair. Each Scout is expected to be in uniform for each Tuesday night meeting and all Scout functions. Troop 72 uses the following three uniform classifications:

Class C: consists of a Troop 72 T-shirt or other Boy Scout T-shirt, and any shorts or pants (this is considered the summer uniform and is worn to Troop meetings from May 1 through September 30)

Class B: consists of the official Scout shirt and any shorts or pants (this is considered the winter uniform and is worn to Troop meetings October 1 though April 30)

Class A: consists of the official Scout shirt, Troop 72 neckerchief, merit badge sash, and any shorts or pants, (this is considered the full uniform and is worn for Troop inspections, Board of Reviews, formal ceremonies such as Courts of Honor, Webelos bridging, flag retreats at summer camp, Scout Sunday and Interfaith Retreats)

The following is a list of the various parts of a Boy Scout uniform:

1. Shirt - official BSA shirt with red shoulder epaulets

2. Neckerchief and Slide - official neckerchief is the handmade red, white and blue Troop 72 neckerchief (replacement neckerchiefs are available for a nominal fee); any neckerchief slide

3. Belt - (optional) BSA web belt with brass buckle

4. Hat - (optional) Scout-related baseball cap

5. Shorts or Pants - official BSA shorts or pants, or any neat, clean shorts or pants

6. Socks - any socks appropriate for the occasion

7 Shoes - clean shoes, boots or tennis shoes appropriate for the occasion

8 Insignia (refer to Scout Handbook for placement):

Left pocket - rank badge in center; World Crest above; and, if appropriate, Arrow of Light centered below pocket and religious emblem square knot centered above flap;

Right pocket - if appropriate, World Conservation Award in center, Order of the Arrow on flap, (temporary patches may be hung from the right pocket button)

Left sleeve - Council patch, Veteran Unit bar; Troop numerals, and, if appropriate, badge of office

right sleeve - American flag, patrol patch; and, if appropriate, Quality Unit patch

1. 9 Merit Badge Sash - required after first merit badge has been earned; should be worn at all Board of Reviews and Courts of Honor

The various parts of the uniform may be purchased at a number of different locations. Direct purchases may be made at the Scout Store located in the Tecumseh Council office in Springfield. Mail orders may be placed with the National Boy Scouts of America office (see the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair for catalog) or at www.scoutstuff.org.

MEETINGS [Return to Table of Contents]

Troop 72 meets every Tuesday night at 7:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church. Meetings last until 8:30 P.M. Parents must pick up their Scout promptly. Scout meetings are held year round except on Election Day, the Tuesday after summer camp and days when school has been canceled (for weather or holidays). Meetings are divided into a time for advancements, patrol meetings, program, and a short game. Parents are welcome to sit in on the meetings at any time.

Troop 72's Scouting year begins with an Ice Cream Social for the whole family in late August. During this kick-off, Troop 72's yearly activity calendar is available as well as sign-ups on the Job Board for parental participation. Parental support and commitment are absolute necessities. Family encouragement and involvement play a critical and essential role in every Scout’s development and maintaining the interest of the Scout in the Program.

CONDUCT [Return to Table of Contents]

Like any other organization, Troop 72 has some guidelines which must be followed in order to achieve its objectives. We understand that we are dealing with Scouts with lots of energy and there is a natural tendency in any group of boys this age for horseplay. However, the conduct at the meeting, and particularly the advancements and program parts of the meeting, require some restraint on the part of the Scouts.

All Scouts are expected to participate in all parts of the meeting. Once they arrive at the meeting, they will be expected to stay until its conclusion. All of the activities planned for and by the Scouts are for the entire Troop and all of the Scouts are expected to participate in as many of them as is possible.

The use of profane language by the Scouts or Scouters will not be allowed at any time. There will be no physical hazing or other demeaning actions at any Troop activity. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or other chemical substance by adults or Scouts will not be allowed at any Scout associated activity. Smoking by Scouts is not allowed. It is highly encouraged that Scouters do not smoke. Scouters and other adults who feel they must smoke will do so outside and away from Scouts or non-smoking Scouters. Violation of these rules may result in suspension from the Troop at the discretion of the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee.

The Senior Patrol Leader is the elected leader who is in charge of all Scout activities at Troop meetings and is directly responsible to the Scoutmaster for all Troop operations. Any Scout not conducting himself properly will be reported to the Scoutmaster. If the Scoutmaster deems it necessary, the Scout may be asked to leave the meeting or outing and must call his parents for immediate retrieval. Repeat offenders may have their rank advancement withheld (due to lack of Scout Spirit), their leadership position removed or may be suspended from Scouting activities/meetings. All Scouts are expected to fully live up to and abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law at all activities and meetings, as well as in all parts of their lives.

ADVANCEMENTS [Return to Table of Contents]

A big part of Scouting is learning how to be a better Scout, and this is done by advancing through the ranks of Scouting. These ranks begin with Scout and go on to Tenderfoot; Second Class; First Class; Star; Life; and finally, Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle. A rank is earned by learning certain skills. The skills are recognized by the successful completion of increasingly complex and stringent requirements. In the higher ranks, service hours must also be completed.

The skills every Scout needs to know to be the best Scout he can be are found in the requirements for the ranks for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. The skills teach a Scout how to camp, administer first aid, find his way using only a map and compass, and many other things needed by a Scout on the trail of Scouting. These skills are taught by older Scouts or adult leaders. The requirements are detailed in the Scout handbook.

MERIT BADGES [Return to Table of Contents]

The purpose of the Merit Badge Program is to provide opportunities for individual Scouts to learn about a wide variety of subjects, to develop talent and abilities in areas in which they may be involved later in life, and to meet people in their community who have the knowledge to teach them about such interests.

Although there are a great number of merit badges, each one is made up of a set of requirements which, when completed, should give each boy a pretty fair knowledge of the subject. Working with a counselor, each boy completes the set of requirements on his own to the best of his ability. His counselor acts as a guide through the subject and as a source of knowledge.

Pamphlets are available for each merit badge. Merit badge books are available for a Troop member’s use in the Troop library. These merit badge books are also available for purchase at the Council Shop. Merit badge requirements are listed on the website www.MeritBadge.com. Merit Badge books are a valuable resource and hold a wealth of information about the merit badge’s subject. It is highly recommended that a Scout have a copy of the merit badge book prior to starting his Merit Badge requirements.

Approval to start a merit badge is obtained through the Scoutmaster. Each Scout must request permission directly from the Scoutmaster and, with approval, will receive a merit badge application (blue card) complete with the Scoutmaster’s signature indicating approval. A list of Troop Merit Badge Counselors as well as Council Merit Badge Counselors is available through the Committee Chair or Troop Librarian. The Scout’s responsibility is to contact a Merit Badge Counselor before starting the Merit Badge requirements. This is very important, since the Merit Badge Counselor will explain each requirement. Once the Scout has completed all the requirements and the counselor has signed the merit badge card, it should be returned to the Scoutmaster or the Troop Advancement Chair, who will turn it into the Council office and obtain the merit badge.

SERVICE PROJECTS [Return to Table of Contents]

Service to others and to the community is one of the hallmarks of the Scouting program. One way of fulfilling this obligation is through service projects. A service project is a special Good Turn that allows you to put Scout Spirit into action. Giving of yourself will improve the lives of those around you. It will also enrich your own life as you discover that your actions make a real difference. Service to others, to your community, and to the environment will become a habit that you will want to practice often.

Service projects can be performed by the Troop as a whole, a group of Scouts working on a single project or on an individual basis, with prior approval. The Troop expects that all Scouts will help in Troop service projects.

A requirement for the rank of Eagle Scout is to plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a service project. Life Scouts use the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook in completing this requirement. An Eagle service project must provide real value by benefitting the environment, the community, a religious group, school or other worthy group. An Eagle Scout project must be approved by the Troop leader, Troop committee, District or Council advancement committee and the recipient of the project prior to beginning the project.

BOARDS OF REVIEW [Return to Table of Contents]

Boards of Review are designed to determine whether or not a Scout has met the BSA standards required to be awarded his next rank. All ranks (except Scout) require a Board of Review. The board is composed of at least three committee members. The purpose of the Board is to examine a Scout’s worthiness to go on to the next rank, and to review his progress of taking on responsibility. It is not a review to be taken lightly; it is a time for a Scout to ask himself if he has really done his best to live up to the Scout Oath and Law.

The Board of Review is preceded by a Scoutmaster’s Conference, where the Scout’s progress is reviewed and his intentions for future plans are discussed. It is the Scout’s responsibility, after their Scoutmaster conference, to request a Board of Review.

COURT OF HONOR [Return to Table of Contents]

Each March, June, September and December, Troop 72 recognizes its individual Scouts for their achievements at a Court of Honor. Court of Honors are held on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. They are scheduled well in advance and are included in the Troop’s yearly calendar.

These formal events provide an opportunity for the Scouts, together with family and friends, to recognize the participation and progress of each individual Scout who has earned an award or advancement during the previous months. All Scouts and their families are expected to attend.

These occasions also provide an opportunity for the families in Troop 72 to get together and share in the fellowship of Scouting. At each Court of Honor we try to arrange for an interesting program and have food and fellowship time. The Troop’s patrols are in charge of planning the Courts of Honor on a rotating schedule. Often times, a potluck dinner is held with each Scout family contributing. Important information on upcoming events is also highlighted at the Court of Honor.

The Court of Honor is an important event and necessary to maintain good morale and a sense of tradition. Parents should note when these events are scheduled and encourage their Scouts to participate actively in the advancement programs so that they will receive the recognition they have earned. Parents should make it a point to attend each Court of Honor ceremony in order to provide the encouragement and support which makes recognition genuine and lasting.

PROGRAM [Return to Table of Contents]

Programs at Scout meetings are conducted by Scouts, Scouters, and by outside individuals or groups. Programs are conducted to make Scouts aware of things which may be of interest to them in their community or Troop, to develop Scout skills, or as a preparation for special campouts or events.

GAMES [Return to Table of Contents]

Short games usually occur at each Scout meeting to work off energy and to develop a sense of sportsmanship and Scout spirit. Outdoor games usually consist of soccer, tug-of-war, or some spur of the moment games, such as frisbee football. During the colder months games demonstrating Scout skills will be conducted indoors.

OUTDOOR CODE [Return to Table of Contents]

The Outdoor Code reminds Scouts of the importance of caring for your environment. The Code’s ideals have special meaning when you are camping, hiking, or taking part in any outdoor activity.

All Scouts will adhere to the Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to-

Be clean in my outdoor manners,

Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors and

Be conservation-minded.

Troop 72 Scouts practice “Leave No Trace” camping.

Principles of Leave No Trace:

2. 1 Plan ahead and prepare

3. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

4. Dispose of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out)

5. Leave what you find

6. Minimize campfire impacts

7. Respect wildlife

8. Be considerate of other visitors

CAMPOUTS [Return to Table of Contents]

One of the biggest parts of the Troop 72 program is camping. It is not only lots of fun, but many of the skills taught through the advancement program come into play here. In addition, leadership is developed through the daily responsibilities of camp life. Troop 72 participates in many types of campouts including our Troop campouts, District sponsored camporees (held twice a year), the Klondike Derby, the Interfaith Retreat, and summer camp. Because campouts are such a big part of Troop 72's life, there are several things you should know:

Who May Attend - Only registered Boy Scouts who actively participate in other troop activities prior to the campout may attend. Webelos Scouts interested in joining Troop 72 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Camp Fees and Permission Slips - Fees and permission slips for camp are due on the Tuesday night before the weekend campouts. Official Troop-provided permission slip signed by parents, is a must and a Scout will not be allowed to go if it is not turned in. Money for camp covers food, transportation, and any costs associated with being at a camp facility. Money cannot be refunded after the supplies have been bought, unless there are special extenuating circumstances.

Types of Campouts - Campouts or outings are generally held once each month (with the exception of December).

For weekend campouts, the Troop generally leaves on Friday evening (please see that the Scout has eaten prior to arrival at the Church) and usually returns around noon on Sunday. It is imperative that parents arrive at the designated time to pick up their child. Upon returning, each Scout is expected to stay and help clean up and put away Troop equipment. It is Troop policy that the Scouts make every possible effort to attend the two meetings prior to the campout weekend in order to know all the details of the campout. Summer camp, a week long campout usually held in July, will be discussed later.

Transportation and Equipment - It will be necessary to ask parents to drive to and/or return Scouts and equipment from camp. It is expected that all parents share in this responsibility.

While the Troop does have its own gear, such as tents and cooking pans, there are things that Scouts need on campouts for their own use. Any Troop gear borrowed by a Scout must be returned fully cleaned and dry.

Appropriate attire and equipment is required for each Scout attending a campout. If a boy is not appropriately attired, he will not be allowed to attend the campout (i.e. no boots for winter campouts).

The following is a suggested list of items a Scout should take to camp (adjust as necessary for type of camping experience):

Scout Uniform Scout Handbook

Plate, Bowl, Cup Notebook and Pencils

Knife, Fork, Spoon Merit Badge Books

T-shirts Towels, Soap, Comb

Raincoat or Poncho Toothbrush, Toothpaste

Flashlight Waterproof Ground Cover

Extra Batteries Sleeping Bag/Blankets

Jeans or extra old pants Insect Repellent

Swim Trunks Rugged Camp Shoes

Handkerchiefs Hiking boots

Underwear Socks

Sweater Jacket

Sweatshirt

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Pack and Frame Alarm Clock

Canteen Air Mattress, Pillow

Compass Sewing Kit

Camera and Film Fishing Rod and Tackle

NO LIQUID FUEL ALLOWED

Two-Scout Policy - For the purposes of campouts, this policy requires that Scouts will camp at least two to a tent. This is intended to promote Troop/Patrol harmony and foster personal Scout maturity, as well as assure the Scout’s personal safety. Scout safety rules and regulations will be followed at all times. No Scout should ever go anywhere by themselves. Members of Troop 72 will always use the “buddy system”.

Emergency Situations - Should a situation arise where a Scout must come home early from a campout, or where a parent must contact a Scout while he is at camp, the Emergency Communications Coordinator should be contacted. This person will be responsible for the communication of the emergency to either party. He or she will have on hand a listing of the names and telephone numbers for all the boys attending the campout, and will also have the information necessary to reach the Scoutmaster at the camp. The Emergency Communications Coordinator is the focal point for such situations.

SUMMER CAMP [Return to Table of Contents]

Summer camp is a week-long camping experience usually held in late June or in July. It is a time for fun and advancement and is a recommended campout for all Scouts. Many of the outdoors skills and merit badges which we cannot offer through the Troop during the year are offered at summer camp. Above all, it is a chance for Scouting and camp life to be lived to its fullest.

Troop 72 attends a variety of summer camps. In order to support our local Council, we attend Camp Hugh Taylor Birch approximately every three years. The Scouts vote on which camps to attend the other summers.

While many of the policies and suggestions above (under Campouts) also apply directly to summer camp, there are a few extra things to know:

T-shirts - Troop 72 T-shirts are offered for sale usually just before summer camp so that Scouts may have them during that week. Scouts not attending summer camp may also purchase a shirt. These shirts may be used as informal uniforms at camp and at summer meetings (Class C uniforms). They are also a great source of Troop pride.

Physicals - Every Scout going to summer camp must complete a physical before being admitted to camp. BSA physical forms will be made available before camp and must be signed by a parent and a licensed physician. Updated Class 1 forms are required yearly, whereas Class 2 forms (includes a physical) must be completed every three years. Adults accompanying the Scouts must have up-to-date forms as well. Scouters over the age of 40 must complete a Class 3 form each year (includes a physical).

Fees - Registration for camp and all fees are generally due in the spring.

Parent’s Night - Most summer camps have a parent’s night on Wednesday during the week of summer camp. When the Troop is in a camp that is close enough to visit, the families can enjoy dinner, watch their Scouts involved in various activities and be a part of the campfire ceremony.

Merit Badges - Scouts should begin early to consider which merit badges they wish to take at camp. This will greatly help when the Troop makes up the scheduling for camp. In addition, advance work for merit badges should be done before camp starts so that the Scout can be sure to finish the advancements he takes at camp. Merit badge books should be bought before camp as soon as a Scout has decided on which ones he wants to take.

Scholarships - For those Scouts who have worked hard to earn money for summer camp, but fall short and cannot afford the difference, scholarships are available. At no time will a Scout be denied a Scouting experience due to the inability of the parents to pay the fees. If financial hardships occur which would make it impossible for the boy to participate in an activity, PLEASE contact the Troop Committee Chair or the Scoutmaster.

SUMMER CAMP ACCOUNT [Return to Table of Contents]

Troop 72 attends a week-long campout each summer and the monies necessary for this event can be accumulated throughout the Scouting year by participation in various fund raising activities. An up-to-date chart of each Scout’s balance is available in the spring prior to summer camp sign-ups and upon request. When the current balance exceeds the amount required to cover the anticipated summer camp fee, the boys may use the extra money to purchase certain items or apply it to monthly camping fees.

If a Scout leaves the Troop, he has the choice of either contributing his remaining funds to the Troop or a letter will be attached to his transfer papers informing his new Scoutmaster that upon the leader’s request, we will transfer the credited amount to the new unit for the Scout’s summer camp experience. If a Scout leaves without transfer to another Troop, the Troop will retain the funds.

HIGH-ADVENTURE [Return to Table of Contents]

High-adventure camping trips are designed for older, more experienced Scouts. Generally, each Scout must be at least 14 years old and 1^st Class or above. The nature of these trips is different from Troop campouts in that each Scout is responsible for his own food and tentage. The cost of High Adventure trips are the responsibility of the Scout and may be paid from his Scout account. In the past, these trips have included Sea Base, Northern Tier, Philmont, as well as trips to many other interesting locations.

So, get out of the house and into the excitement offered at one of the BSA's High Adventure Bases! You've got three choices: a unique aquatic quest at the Florida Sea Base; a canoeing or winter camping challenge at the Northern Tier; or a wild west backpacking expedition at the Philmont Scout Ranch.

Florida Sea Base

Make a splash! Head to the Florida Keys and dive into an amazing Florida Sea Base adventure and wade into more excitement than you ever thought possible. Snorkeling, SCUBA, boating, and beach camping are among the many possibilities.

Northern Tier

Don't miss the boat! One of the most beautiful, and remote parts of North America offers a unique opportunity for Scouts. Canoeing, hiking, fishing, and winter camping in and around the beautiful lakes of northern Minnesota and southern Canada await you at the Northern Tier.

Philmont

The Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base-challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.

Order of the Arrow (O.A.) [Return to Table of Contents]

The Order of the Arrow association is a special organization composed of honor campers. The members of the O.A. are elected by their fellow Scouts based on their willingness to serve others. Troop 72 is active in this organization, and for Scouts who have learned and practiced some of the highest ideals of Scouting, this is a worthwhile organization. Elections are held once a year, usually in March or April.

TROOP LEADERSHIP [Return to Table of Contents]

The Scouting program is designed to develop leadership. All Scouts will follow the directions of the Scouts they have elected into leadership positions. Give them the respect that you would want when you are in the position. The Scouts of Troop 72 hold elections every six months for the following positions:

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) - highest ranking leader; presides at Troop meetings, events, and Patrol Leader’s Council meetings and assigns duties to other leaders; must have attained at least 1^st class rank to run for this office; during a Scout's tenure as SPL, he is not a member of a patrol

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) - the second highest ranking leader in the troop; helps the Senior Patrol Leader lead meetings and activities; acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in the absence of the SPL, or when called upon; provides leadership to other junior leaders in the troop; like the SPL he is not a member of a patrol

Patrol Leader (PL) - plans meetings and activities to meet the needs of patrol members; develops good Scouts and good leaders through the use of the patrol method; takes responsibility for the patrol's activities and represents the patrol as a member of the Patrol Leader's Council; each Patrol Leader has an Assistant Patrol Leader to serve with him

Quartermaster - keeps records on patrol and Troop equipment; makes sure equipment is in good working condition (if necessary, repairs or arranges for the repair, of Troop equipment); issues equipment, and makes sure it is returned in good condition; makes suggestions for new or replacement items

Scribe - the Troop secretary; keeps minutes of all Troop and PLC meetings, attendance, rosters, and other official records for the Troop

Chaplain’s Aide - helps Troop in observing religious activities and encourages Scouts to be reverent; prepares short religious observations for campouts and other functions; makes sure that religious holidays are considered during program planning; promotes the religious emblem program

Librarian - sets up and takes care of the Troop library; oversees the care and use of Troop books, merit badge books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists; maintains books of historical value as well as current materials; keeps a system for checking items in and out; follows up on late returns; adds new or replacement items as needed

Historian - collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia; collects and organizes information about former Scouts and leaders

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster - manages Troop resources; appointed by the Scoutmaster

Den Chief - not an elected position with the Troop; selected by the Scoutmaster upon request by a Cubmaster; a leadership position for rank advancement; works actively with a Cub Scout Den and Den Leader; sets a good example and is a friend to Cub Scouts in his Den; takes part and assists in weekly Den meetings

PATROL LEADERS’ COUNCIL (PLC) [Return to Table of Contents]

The Patrol Leaders’ Council is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM). These boy leaders, with adult supervision, set rules and policies as needed for the patrols, plan meetings and programs, and decide on how the Troop needs to be run on a day-to-day basis. They are elected by the Scouts of the Troop (except the JASM, who is appointed by the Scoutmaster) and meet quarterly. While the support group does not generally attend or vote in the PLC meetings, their ideas and concerns are represented by the JASM. The Troop Scribe attends the PLC meetings to keep a logbook of their discussions, but is not a voting member.

SCOUTERS [Return to Table of Contents]

Scouters are volunteer adults who serve the Troop as either leaders or committee members.

The adult Troop leaders are the Scoutmaster and his assistants. There is not a set term of service for these dedicated volunteers. Each of these Scouters is approved by the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee, which meets once a month, consists of a chair, various coordinators and members-at-large. Each of these Scouters serve the Troop through their own individual skills and talents. They use their personal skills to help the Scouts learn skills and leadership. They each do their part to make sure the best opportunities are provided for our Scouts. The only qualifications are for the adult to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America and have a desire to work with other concerned people towards a better tomorrow. You need not be the parent of a Scout to be a Scouter, nor do you need to have any previous experience in Scouting. A thorough background check on all volunteers is performed by the Boy Scouts of America. If you are interested in joining this special group of people, please see either the Committee Chair or the Scoutmaster.

A description of adult leader positions follows:

Scoutmaster (SM) - trains and guides boy leaders; works with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to the boys; meets regularly with the Patrol Leaders’ Council for coordination in planning Troop activities; attends all Troop meetings (or arranges for a qualified adult substitute); attends Troop Committee meetings; conducts Scoutmaster conferences for all rank advancements; supervises Troop elections for Order of the Arrow; participates in Council and District events

Assistant Scoutmaster (SA) - assists the Scoutmaster in guiding Troop members; assists in training boy leaders; acts as the Scoutmaster in his absence, or when called upon; participates in Council and District events

Committee Chair (CC) - presides over Committee meetings and prepares agenda; organizes the Committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated and completed; general responsibility for Troop operations; maintains a close relationship with the Scoutmaster and the Chartered Organization; sees that the Troop Leaders and Committee Members have training opportunities; ensures Troop representation at monthly Roundtables; arranges for charter review and recharter

Committee Member (MC) - attends Troop Committee meetings; sits on Boards of Review; coordinates activities when called upon

Treasurer - handles all Troop funds; pays bills on recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the Committee; maintains checking and savings accounts; reports to the Troop Committee at monthly meetings

Advancement Chair - encourages Scouts to advance in rank; makes a prompt report on the correct form to the Council Service Center when a Board of Review has been held; secures badges and certificates; keeps accurate records of Scout advancement and leadership

YOUTH PROTECTION [Return to Table of Contents]

The Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America are based upon strengthening the principles of Scouting and avoiding situations that could lead to abuse. The BSA has a tradition of recruiting quality volunteer leaders. The BSA does a thorough background check on all adult applicants. The quality of the BSA program and the safety of its youth require that selection of our leaders be taken seriously.

After selecting the best possible leaders, additional protection for children is built into the program. The following policies have been adopted to provide security for youth in the program. The policies also provide for protection for the adult leaders against false allegations of abuse.

· Two-Deep Leadership

· No One-on-One Contact

· Respect of Privacy

· Separate Accommodations

· Proper Preparation for Activities

· No Secret Organizations

· Appropriate Attire

· Constructive Discipline

· Hazing Prohibited

The most important of these policies is two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered adult leader and a parent of a participant are required at all meetings, trips and outings. Troop 72 prefers at least four adults attend each activity in case of emergency. At least one of those leaders must have completed Youth Protection training. No adult will be alone with a Scout at any time. The safety of our youth is of utmost importance to Troop 72.

SCOUT SUNDAY [Return to Table of Contents]

Each year Troop 72 celebrates the founding of the Boy Scouts of American the week of February 8. The Sunday of that week is designated Scout Sunday and the Troop gathers as a body to attend a church service at the First Presbyterian Church, our sponsoring organization. Many of our Scouts participate in the service. It is our opportunity to thank First Presbyterian for the use of their building and all the support they give us, as well as show its members how proud we are to be affiliated with such an outstanding organization as the Boy Scouts. Families are also invited to attend.

All Scouts and Scouters are expected to wear full uniforms for this special occasion.

FUND RAISERS [Return to Table of Contents]

There are several fund raisers scheduled throughout the year. This is one area where parental support is very important. The fund raisers are the principal means by which money to support Troop 72 is made, and by which money for summer camp is made by individual Scouts. Currently, ten percent of the profit from a fund raiser goes to the Troop fund for equipment and operation of the Troop and the rest is divided among the participating Scouts for summer camp, according to the Scout’s participation. Fund raisers include Christmas wreath sales, sub sandwich sales, car washes, and other community service/fund raising opportunities that may arise. Generally, individual parents will coordinate each fund raiser.

Friends of Scouting (FOS) [Return to Table of Contents]

The Friends of Scouting campaign is conducted once a year in the spring by Tecumseh Council. FOS raises money to help fund the objectives established by the Council’s Executive Board. These funds help cover some of the expenses used for direct support of Units, provide training for leaders, support District and Council events, and manage and maintain Camp Birch and the Council Service Center. Individuals throughout the community demonstrate their support of Scouting and its objectives by donating through Friends of Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America believes each adult, family, or parent should determine for themselves the amount of their donation. A donation serves to demonstrate to the community at large the enthusiasm and desire parents and leaders have for a strong, active Scouting program in the community.

POLICY INTENT [Return to Table of Contents]

The preceding policies are not intended to be inflexible rules that cannot be waived with good cause, but rather are designed to promote Scout allegiance and maturity, as well as create an enjoyable environment conducive to the principles of Scouting.

CONCLUSION [Return to Table of Contents]

Now that you know who we are and what we do, we hope you will enjoy being a part of the “Troop 72 Family” with all it has to offer. We are looking forward to seeing you often and enjoying the Scouting experience together.