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BOY SCOUT TROOP 54 OPERATING BY LAWS

Revision History X. Court of Honor Ceremony
Charter Information XI. Troop Outings and Camping Trips: Administration
I. Purpose of the Troop XII. Troop Outings and Camping Trips: Behavior and Conduct
II. Troop 54 Organization XIII. Troop 54 Aquatic Activities Rules
III. Service Standards XIV. Searches
IV. Behavior Standards XV. Summer Camp
V. Discipline XVI. Permission Slips
VI. Safety Offensives XVII. Fundraising
VII. Uniform Standards XVIII. Troop Equipment Policy
VIII. Weekly Troop Meeting Times and Decorum XIX. Changes to Bylaws
IX. The Board of Review XX. Review of Troop Bylaws

1999 Revision (1/99)
Revision History
Original: 8/91
Major Revisions: 1/92, 9/93, 8/94
Last Revision: 11/01

 Boy Scout Troop 54 is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as a part of the Joyce Kilmer District of the Thomas Edison Council. Our chartering partner is the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church.

I. PURPOSE OF THE TROOP


TROOP 54 WAS ORGANIZED TO PROVIDE A QUALITY SCOUTING PROGRAM FOR BOYS AGES 10 1/2 TO 18 YEARS OLD AND FOLLOW THE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. TROOP 54 USES ALL THE 8 METHODS OF SCOUTING TO ACHIEVED THE 3 AIMS OF SCOUTING.

1. SCOUTING AIM: To develop future LEADERS of
•Strong CHARACTER
•Good CITIZENSHIP
•Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Moral FITNESS

2. SCOUTING'S METHODS
•Scouting Ideals (Promise, Law, Motto, Slogan)
•Patrol System
•Advancement
•Outdoor Program
•Adult Role Models
•Leadership Development
•Personal Growth
•Scout Uniform
II. TROOP 54 ORGANIZATION

The Troop 54 organization includes the following major components as outlined by the Troop Committee and the Boy Scouts of America:

Chartered Organization (Sponsor)
•Uniformed Adult Leaders
•Troop Committee
•Parents
•Patrol Leader Council
•Regular Patrols
•New Scout Patrol
•Venture Scouts

1. Uniformed Adult Leaders:

The Uniformed Adult Leadership consists of Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) and a Scoutmaster (SM). Their duties are to train and guide boy leaders. The SM has overall responsibility for program decisions of the troop.

2. Troop Committee:

The Troop Committee (TC) is composed of a Chairman and several members with functions as described in the Troop Committee Guidebook. Specific Jobs in Troop 54 are: Advancement, Treasurer, Secretary, Camping, Voucher Program, Public Relations.

3. Parent/Guardian Participation:

Parent/Guardian participation is strongly encouraged and is needed to plan and carry out a well-rounded scouting program. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to:
•Attend every Court of Honor.
•Make arrangements to pick up their scout on time after every meeting or outing.
•Participate in Troop/family activities.
•Volunteer to be a Troop Committee member.

4. Patrol Leader Council:

The Patrol Leader Council (PLC) plans and conducts the troop program under the guidance of the SM who trains its members and has responsibility over all decisions made. The operation of the PLC is key to leadership development.

Members of the PLC are:
•Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
•Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPLs)
•Patrol Leaders (PL)
•Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASMs)
•Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs)
•Scoutmaster (SM)

5. Troop 54 Chain of Command

The SM and ASMs have principal responsibility for the welfare of Scouts at all meetings and on all trips.

There shall be a minimum of two adult leaders at all outings and meetings.
a. The Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM) or SPL is the ranking Scout leader.
b. SPL reports to the Adult Uniformed Leaders.
c. PLs report to the SPL.
d. Scouts report to the PL.

When possible, the PL should attempt to handle minor behavioral problems in his patrol.
If the PL is unsuccessful, the SPL should be consulted and then the SM or ASMs.
Any problem involving safety or injury must be immediately reported to the SM or ranking adult leader present. Any such events must be noted and reported to the Troop Committee. All injuries must be reported to the Scout's parent or guardian by the SM or an ASM as soon as possible.

6. Troop Membership.

To retain full membership in Troop 54, a Scout must be ACTIVE, must wear a full uniform, and must meet the behavior standards of the troop.


III. SERVICE STANDARDS

1. ACTIVE SCOUTS
A Scout must be active to reap the benefit of the Troop 54 program. Because camping is the heart of Scouting, the troop expects Scouts to attend overnight camping trips and make every effort to attend annual summer camp. A Scout must comply with all items below to be considered ACTIVE:
a. Pay his dues in full.
b. Attend a minimum of 50% of regular Troop/PLC meetings.
c. Attend a minimum of 50% of Troop outings/camping trips.
d. Display Scout Spirit and Commitment to Service.
e. EXCEPTION: Scouts aged 14-18 are considered active if their attendance is 33%.

2. INACTIVE SCOUTS
a. Any scout who does not meet the Active Service Standard is considered INACTIVE.
b. The troop will not suspend inactive scouts.
c. Inactive scouts are excluded from Troop 54 activities.
d. The Board of Review may deny them advancement.
e. The decision to consider a scout ACTIVE resides with the Uniformed Leadership AFTER the scout displays scout spirit, commitment to service, and pays his dues.

IV. BEHAVIOR STANDARDS


1. EXPECTED STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

Troop 54 expects reasonable behavior in accordance with the Scout Promise and Law. All Adults and Scouts participating in Troop 54 Activities will abide by BSA policies and procedures and the Troop 54 By Laws. Disputes must be settled in a civil manner. Problems should be reported to the PL or SPL. They should try to resolve the dispute. If this is not possible, the SM or other adult leaders should be notified..

2. MISBEHAVIOR AND DISRESPECT

Misbehavior and disrespect by Scouts will be handled by the following chain of command:
a. Meeting with Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
b. Meeting with JASM.
c. Conference with SM and/or ASMs
d. Conference with Scout, SM and/or ASMs and parent/guardian.
3. COUNSELING

The SM or ASM has the right at any time to counsel any scout whose behavior is deemed by any adult leader to be disruptive. If counseling by the SM or ASM fails, the scout may be dismissed from the activity and his parents will be notified of the problem. If an infraction is serious enough to warrant such action, the SM or ASM has the authority to call a parent/guardian to pick up their scout from an event, regardless of the time or place of the event. If the scout continues to create behavior problems, the SM or ASM should refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee.

4. ADDITIONAL RULES OF CONDUCT

a. Adults are strongly discouraged from smoking at any Troop events.
b. Scouts are forbidden to use cigarettes, pipes, alcohol, or drugs at any activity.
c. Fighting will not be tolerated and will constitute grounds for suspension from the Troop.
d. Profanity should not be used.
e. Control of bodily functions is expected. Gross behavior may result in removal from the scout activity.
f. Private sales by Scouts (i.e. selling candy to other scouts) is not permitted.
g. Payments from one scout to another to avoid performing a task (such as waiter duty, kitchen clean ups, trash runs, etc.) is not permitted.
h. Gambling in any form is not permitted.
i. Games of chance and cards are allowed if played for fun.
j. No Scout should ever damage Camp, Troop or personal gear by an act of vandalism, gag, prank or sabotage. Scouts responsible for such an act will be held accountable for monetary remuneration to replace any damaged gear.
k. A scout must not scavenge or take food or gear that belongs to another scout/patrol without his/their prior consent.
l. Use common sense and care when using Troop or personal gear.
Violations to the standards of behavior, unless otherwise noted, may require disciplinary action as determined by the Disciplinary Committee. (See DISCIPLINE Section V.3).

V. DISCIPLINE


1. FAIRNESS

Discipline needs to be positive rather than negative whenever possible, and it must be applied using common sense and fairness. Troop 54 does not permit corporal punishment or hazing of any kind, nor does it allow disciplining through pushups or other punitive physical exercises.

2. INAPPROPRIATE SCOUT BEHAVIOR

The Scoutmaster, acting in concert with the Troop Committee and the Disciplinary Committee may take appropriate actions to deal with inappropriate scout behavior in the following situations:
a. Illegal conduct (in or out of scouting).
b. Illicit use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes (in or out of Scouting).
c. Criminal activity (in or out of Scouting) is forbidden and shall be grounds for immediate suspension or termination from the Troop.
d. Possession of contraband (fireworks, sheath knives, pellet guns, sling shots, etc.) that is in violation of Troop, Camp, local rules and regulations.
e. Fighting, Bullying, hazing or harassing another scout, in or out of Troop 54.
f. Stealing from another scout or anyone else.
g. Misbehavior or refusal to abide by troop policies which is seriously detrimental to the welfare of the troop.
h. Willful disregard of the Scout Law or Scout Promise.

3. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The Troop Disciplinary Committee (DC) shall consist of the Troop Committee Chairman, Advancement Chairman and Scoutmaster. In the event one of the preceding cannot attend a DC meeting, a uniformed leader will attend in their place. Misconduct and behavioral situations may be reported to the DC by any uniformed leader. Reports should be filed as soon after the incident as possible. Following the report, the DC convenes a hearing. The leader filing the report must attend the hearing, as well as the scout involved and his parents/guardians. If the leader filing the report is a member of the DC, that person will be replaced on the DC by another uniformed leader at the hearing. The exception to this is the SM who may file the report and also serve on the DC.

A. Format for a Disciplinary Hearing:
1. Leader filing report shall present his report to the DC.
2. The scout and his parents/guardians shall respond to the DC about the report.
3. The DC shall retire to a separate room to discuss the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary action, if any, to be taken.
4. The DC will return and present their decision to the scout, parents/guardians, and leader filing the report. The decision of the DC is final.
5. A record of the DC decision should be summarized and reported to the Troop Committee at the next scheduled Troop Committee meeting. 6. Discussions at the DC hearing should be considered strictly private.

VI. SAFETY OFFENSES


1. REMEMBER…..SAFETY FIRST!!

2. Scouts must not endanger other Scouts.

3. Unauthorized use of flammable devices such as lighters is forbidden.

4. Safety offenses will be dealt with as follows:
a. First Offense
The scout will be excluded from rank advancement, troop meetings and troop outings for up to six (6) months. The exact term will be determined by the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman.

b. Second Offense
The scout will be excluded from rank advancement, troop meetings and troop outings/activities for up to three (3) years. The exact term will be determined by the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee Chairman.

5. If a scout endangers his life or the life of another scout, he will be sent home immediately. The SM will call the Scout's parents and have them come to the camp site to pick him up.

6. If a scout deliberately disobeys the adult leaders or commits an offense that repeatedly causes a problem for the adult leaders or another boy, the scout's parents may be called to come pick up the scout immediately from whatever event is in progress, regardless of the location.

7. Aquatic related safety is outlined in Section XIII.

VII. UNIFORM STANDARDS


1. The standard Troop 54 Class "A" Uniform consists of the following:
BSA official uniform shorts/pants, shirt with insignia sewn on in proper places
Belt, Socks, Troop 54 neckerchief, and Troop 54 cap.
The merit badge sash and/or the OA sash should be worn if the scout is entitled to wear it. This will be the standard uniform unless designated by the scoutmaster.

2. Class "B" Uniform consists of the following
BSA official uniform shorts/pants, Troop 54 T-shirt (at summer camp - other activity shirts),
belt, socks, Troop 54 cap, closed toe shoes.

3. Class "C" Uniform will consist of:
Troop 54 T-shirt, shorts or jeans depending on weather.
belt, socks, and closed toe shoes.

4. A Class "A" Uniform is required to be worn at Board of Reviews and Court of Honors.

5. A Scout is expected to have an official Boy Scout uniform within 90 days of joining the Troop.

6. If a cap is worn by the Scout at any time that he is in uniform, it is recommended that it be a black Troop 54 cap.

7. Adherence to uniform policies will be monitored by the Troop Adult Leadership. Uniforms will be one component of Patrol Scoring. An award may be presented to the Patrol with the highest overall score at the June Court of Honor.

VIII. WEEKLY TROOP MEETING TIMES AND DECORUM


1. Troop 54 has a standing meeting time, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday night of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m.

2. PLC Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month. Additional PLC or special planning meetings can be scheduled as needed by the Scoutmaster.

3. Scouts should not be dropped off more than 15 minutes prior to scheduled meeting times and ONLY THEN IF A TROOP OFFICIAL IS PRESENT.

4. Scouts MUST be picked up by parent/guardian (or other person designated by parent/guardian), within 15 minutes of scheduled ending time.

5. Scout must wear the designated uniform or he may not be allowed to participate in activities.

6. Scouts are expected to remain on Church property at weekly meetings unless permission has been received from an adult leader.

7. Objects such as skateboards, roller blades, laser pointers. are NOT to be brought to the any scout meetings.

8. Scouts are expected to be courteous to any speakers and leaders. They should pay attention to presentations and refrain from talking during presentations and troop announcements.

9. Fighting, wrestling, and roughhousing will not be tolerated. Incidents may be forwarded to the Troop Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action.

10. Scouts must BE PREPARED for pre-assigned tasks at each meeting.

IX. THE BOARD OF REVIEW


1. Board of Review (BOR) meetings will be conducted and staffed in accordance with BSA policies. Special BOR meetings may be requested by a Scout, if approved by the SM.

2. BORs can only be scheduled after a scout has completed his Scoutmaster's Conference.

3. Any parent/guardian of a Scout appearing before a BOR will be excused from that portion of the BOR.

4. A Scout appearing before a BOR must wear a complete uniform and have his signed Scout book with him.

X. COURT OF HONOR CEREMONY


1. Formal Court of Honors (COH) are held 3 times a year (Fall/Winter/Spring).

2. Complete Scouts Class "A" Uniforms are required.

3. Scouts are expected to behave in accordance with the points of the Scout Law.

4. Attendance is mandatory, even if a Scout is not advancing in rank or receiving an award.

5. Exceptions will be granted by the Adult Leadership on a case by case basis.

XI. TROOP OUTINGS AND CAMPING TRIPS: ADMINISTRATION


1. To go on a trip, the scout's dues must be paid in full.

2. The cost of the trip must be paid in full.

3. Permission Slips must be completed and signed by the Scout's parent or guardian.

4. Parents are expected to assist with Transportation to ensure all boys can attend the trip.

5. In accordance with BSA policy, all Scouts traveling on a troop outing must wear a seat belt while in vehicles.

6. If enough transportation cannot be secured to take all scouts, the camping trip/outing may be canceled at the discretion of the scoutmaster or trip leader.

XII. TROOP OUTINGS AND CAMPING TRIPS: BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT


1. The Buddy System is in effect on all trips: Never be alone!

2. Common sense dictates Scout's behavior on all trips.

3. No butane lighters or other liquid fuels are permitted on any Scout outing unless authorized by an adult leader and in that case, only for its expressed use.

4. Scouts are expected to remain with the Troop at all times, unless the SM or another adult leader grants permission to do otherwise (i.e. to go on a hike, special activity, fish, etc.). If a Scout is granted permission, he is required to let the SM know who is going, what is the purpose, what route shall be taken, and the expected time of return.

5. Missing Scout Drill Procedure: In the event that a Scout party fails to return at a designated time, a missing scout drill shall be conducted. A headcount will be taken and a search conducted by the adult leaders and 2 older scouts. All other leaders and scouts will remain in camp. If an injury is suspected, then 2 Scouts or another adult leaders shall be assigned the task of contacting emergency personnel (i.e. EMS) for help. Any emergencies, injuries or conduct violations will be recorded in a log by the SM or Adult leader present. A summary of the events will be reviewed immediately by the Troop Committee Chairman and formally presented at the next Troop Committee Meeting.

XIII. TROOP 54 AQUATIC ACTIVITIES RULES


1. Safe Swim and Safe Boating principals are to be followed at all times.
a. No scout shall swim or boat without permission from the SM or ranking adult leader.
b. Certified Adult Lifeguards or Certified Minor Lifeguards with an adult who has completed the BSA Safe Swim Defense is required for all aquatic activities.
c. The Buddy system is always in effect during aquatic activities.
d. Any swimming area must be checked by the Lifeguards before use.
e. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn on all boating events by all scouts at all times when in the boat.

2. Canoes/Rowboats/Sailboats/Kayaks must never be rammed into one another or obstacles in the water.

3. Any damages, lost paddles, or lost PFDs must be replaced by the individual Scout to whom the gear was assigned.

4. Violations may be considered a safety infraction and can be referred to the Disciplinary Committee

XIV. SEARCHES


Scouting is based on trust. Unfortunately, some scouts may abuse this trust and bring contraband or steal from other scouts. We have an obligation to protect scouts from harmful influences, and recognizing the difficulty of learning about such influences in a timely manner, we must reluctantly reserve the right to ask a scout to present the contents of his pockets, pack, trunk, tent or other belongings. Only the SM or other adult leaders in charge is empowered to conduct a search of a scout or his belongings.

XV. SUMMER CAMP


1. Fees and deadlines for Summer Camp will be published and strictly followed.

2. Fully completed and signed permission slip must be turned in

3. Fully completed and signed medical forms must be turned in.

4. In accordance with Boy Scouts of America policy, all Scouts traveling on a Boy Scout outing must wear a seat belt while in vehicles.

XVI. PERMISSION SLIPS


1. A standard Troop 54 Permission Slip will be used for all trips, camp outs, and other activities as required by the Scoutmaster.

2. A complete, signed Permission Slip must be turned in by the trip deadline or THE SCOUT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE.

XVII. FUND RAISING


1. Fund raising is a very important part of the Troop operation.

2. Fund raising pays for the purchase of new Troop equipment, maintenance of Troop equipment and facilities, insurance, and troop activities.

3. The Troop 54 Voucher Program is our most important fund raiser.
a. 4% of voucher purchases goes into the individual Scout's account.
1. These funds are to be used for Summer camp fees, camping trip fees, weekend outing fees, tickets, or reimbursements for individual scout equipment or uniforms.
b. 1% of voucher purchases goes to Troop 54 for troop use.
c. If a scout leaves the troop, money in his individual account will be for troop use.
d. No cash refunds of individual scout accounts are authorized once a scout leaves the troop.
4. Additional fundraising activities will occur periodically throughout the year.

5. Individual Scout Patrols may raise funds for special needs (High Adventure trips) after approval of the Scoutmaster.

6. Parents and Scouts are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to participate in fund raising activities.

XVIII. TROOP EQUIPMENT POLICY


1. The Troop Quartermaster is responsible for the care, maintenance and safeguarding of troop gear.

2. Troop gear is assigned to each patrol by the Troop Quartermaster (QM).

3. The Patrol QM should sign out troop gear from the Troop QM.

4. Patrols are 100% accountable for the gear assigned to them.

5. A list of all gear must be maintained by the Troop QM. It should be inspected and updated twice annually.

6. All gear should be returned at the meeting following the event on which it was used. It should be clean, well cared for and repaired, if necessary.

7. Broken gear should still be returned. It should be marked as broken. Final disposition of broken gear will be made by the Adult leaders and the QM

8. ALL gear should be complete (with all parts present) and in good condition (cleaned, folded, or rolled properly). If anything is lost or damaged, it should be marked as damaged and reported to the QA so that it may be fixed prior to the next troop event.

9. Damaged or Lost gear: Members of the chain of command have a responsibility to notify the SM when a specific individual is responsible for damages or loss of troop equipment. The SM will determine who is accountable for the costs associated with the damages or loss. Costs will normally be assessed on a per head basis.

10. Patrols may buy their own gear and store it with the Troop gear.

11. The use of personal gear is discouraged. Individuals bring their own gear at their own risk.

12. The troop will not be liable for personal gear damaged at Troop events.

XIX. CHANGES TO BY LAWS


1. Requests for changes to the By Laws should be submitted to the Troop Committee Chairman.

2. Requests can be made by any uniformed leader or troop committee member. Requests should be in writing but can also be verbal.

3. Changes to the By Laws of Troop 54 must be approved by a majority vote of the Troop Committee.

4. Revisions to the By Laws will be published and distributed to all scouts and/or their parents/guardians as soon as reasonably possible after the changes have been made.

5. Scouts will be notified on By Law changes at the next regular scout meeting.

XX. REVIEW OF TROOP BY LAWS


1. The Troop Bylaws will be reviewed annually by the SM with all active Boy Scouts and Adult Leaders.

2. The Troop Committee will conduct an annual review of the Troop Bylaws to determine if any changes need to be made.

3. Changing Troop Bylaws are addressed in Section XIX above.