Troop

 

Belcher, LA

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About Troop 159

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Boy Scout Oath or Promise

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.

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Boy Scout Law

A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent

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Boy Scout Motto

Be Prepared!

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Boy Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily!

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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.

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Troop 159 Policies

Proposed For Troop 159

Boy Scout Troop 159 exists to serve boys by instilling values, preparing them to make ethical choices over their lifetime and to enable them to achieve their full potential. We accomplish this by working toward three aims - Participating Citizenship; Moral Strength and Character; and Development of Physical, Mental and Emotional Fitness. Our values are based upon the Scout Oath and Law.

1. Troop Organization

Troop 159 is a participating member of the Caddo District of the Norwela Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's organization consists of a Chartered Organization, a Troop Committee, the Troop, and the Troop's Parents. Troop activity and information is available online at www.bsatroop159.net .

Every Troop belongs to an organization. The Chartered Organization for Troop 159 is the Belcher Presbyterian Church. The Chartered Organization shares our objectives for the boys and insures that there is adequate, trained leadership. The Chartered Organization provides a facility for Troop meetings and assists with funding of the troop. A Chartered Organization Representative acts a liaison between us and the Belcher Presbyterian Church.

The Troop Committee Functions as an administration and support organization for the Troop. The Troop Committee takes care of the non-program issues surrounding the Troop. For example: Troop funds, fund raising activities, membership drives, activity permits and coordination, advancement records, procurement and maintenance of Troop equipment. The Committee meets monthly in conjunction with Scout meetings on the first Tuesday. The meetings are open and attendance is encouraged by all parents and other interested adults.

Troop 159 meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm at the Belcher Community Center. Changes to the meeting schedule will be announced as early as possible to allow for proper planning.

2. Courts of Honor

Once each three months; presently in April, July, October and January, troop Courts of Honor meetings are held to recognize and award each Scout's achievements during the prior three months. This is a more formal type of meeting, normally held at the Belcher Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM. Parents or guardian are welcome to attend in support of their sons. This also provides an opportunity for each parent to learn more about the upcoming troop events, as well as hear details of the past three months' activities. Scouts are expected to be in full Class A uniform for Courts of Honor.

3. Troop Outings

In addition to regular troop meetings, the Troop attempts to have some type of activity monthly to enable each scout to enhance his learning experience and to utilize and enjoy the rewards of the previous skill he has learned. Some examples of past and future activities are as follows:

• Campouts (Garland, Caney Lake, Albert Pike)
• Canoeing – Beaver’s Bend, OK • Week long summer camp alternating between in council camp (Garland Scout Ranch) and an out of council camp determined by Scoutmasters.
  
• Periodic community service projects and Eagle Scout Projects.
  
• All programs are based on Scout and parent input. If you would like to see something new, please bring it up to the committee or Patrol Leaders' Council.

4. Permission Slips

Permission slips must be turned in two weeks prior to participation in each outing, whether one day or longer. These slips must be signed by a parent or guardian and will be collected two meetings prior to leaving. These slips authorize the adult leader in charge to seek medical assistance should a Scout incur an accident or become ill. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents may be notified. If for some reason you misplace the permission slip, it may be handwritten, provided it is signed and dated and is worded as follows:

Parental Authorization - I give permission for my son(s) _______________ to accompany Boy Scout Troop 159 on the above outing.

Any permission slip that is signed by anyone other than the parent or guardian will not be accepted.

There is a place on the permission slip for the parent to indicate if they will be available for transportation to or from the event and whether or not they will participate in the outing. Parents are encouraged to take part in several of the monthly outings yearly.

Any boy not furnishing this slip will have to be left behind, and any consequences resulting from this action will be the responsibility of the boy and/or parents. Permission slip forms for each outing and activity are available at scout meetings at the time of activity sign-up.

5. Required Clothing/Equipment

UNIFORM: All Scouts are required to wear the basic Scout Class A uniform to all scouting activities. The uniform includes the official BSA shirt, and proper insignia on the shirt as shown in the Official Scout Handbook. Trousers of any durable material are acceptable. Official scout trousers are not required. (All items are available at Norwela Headquarters 3508 Beverly Place, Shreveport, LA 71104) During the summer program, Scouts are permitted to wear the Class B uniform.

CAMPING GEAR: All Scouts are requested to have the following equipment:

• Sleeping bag or warm blankets
  
• Backpack or duffel bag
  
• Eating utensils (i.e. knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl and cup)
  
• Clothing appropriate to the season to include an extra pair of shoes or boots. (Refer to the Scout Handbook for personal camping list suggestions)
  
• Raincoat or poncho
  
• Flashlight with extra batteries
  

NOTE: Tents and other major camp gear is provided by the troop. From time to time other gear may be necessary depending on the type of outing. (All gear should be labeled with scout name for easy identification.)

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

• Official Scout Handbook
  
• Notebook and pen or pencil
  
• Scout Fieldbook (optional)
  

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON OUTINGS FOR SCOUTS OR ADULTS

• Sheath knives
  
• Matches and pocketknives UNLESS the Scout has earned his Firem'n Chit and Totin' Chip
  
• Alcoholic beverages
  
• Firearms, ammunition or fireworks
  
• Drugs OF ANY KIND. Required prescription drugs and not-prescription drugs must be given to the outing leader by parent prior to departure with Scout's name and written instructions for use. All medicines should be in the original container.
  
• Excessive amounts of snack food or candy as determined by the outing leader.

6. Special Rules

In the interest of the safety of all Scouts, as well as the enjoyment and successful learning experience of the scouting program, common sense and good conduct is required at all times. The following special rules should be noted:

• NO tree or fence climbing without specific leader permission
  
• NO participating in waterfront activities without proper supervision
• NO throwing of any objects except as part of an organized activity
• NO use of cutting tools (ax, knife, etc.) or matches without successful completion of Totin' Chip and Firem'n Chit Training, respectively. This rule applies to adults as well as Scouts.
  
• NO food in tents
  
• NO flame in tents
  

7. Cost of Scouting

A $15.00 a year membership fee is due from each scout at time of recharter (December). The official Scouting magazine “Boys Life” is available for $12 per year.

Outings such as camps and other scouting events often require registration fees. Besides the outing cost, some events require the purchase of food or supplies. Normally each Patrol plans its own menu for an outing and two scouts from the patrol purchase the food. Money is due two weeks in advance of the outing if paid by check or from Scout's account or one week in advance if paid by cash. Checks should be made out to "Boy Scout Troop 159."

The Troop Financial Records are always available for review by interested parents. The early knowledge of which Scouts will be participating in an activity greatly helps in the planning stages. Scouts who sign up for an event and later are unable to attend must notify one of the Scoutmasters PRIOR to the event. In order to get a refund for the fees paid for the event the scout must make a written request to the Troop Committee. The request should include the date you notified the Scoutmaster and the reason for not attending. The committee reserves the right to determine the refund if any, to be returned since various registration fees must be paid and supplies must be obtained in advance.

The Troop desires that all boys be able to participate in the scouting program regardless of their personal financial situation. To accomplish this, fundraising projects are offered as a part of Troop activities. Though some of the money earned from these events may go toward Troop equipment, awards and registration, the largest portion is typically credited to individual Scout accounts based on their individual participation in the events, to be utilized to cover the cost of outings, dues, camping equipment or other scouting related items.

Scholarships are also available to those who qualify. This is typically offered by need for those scouts who have been regular participants in Troop activities and fundraisers. A Scholarship form is available online. Personal information supplied is confidential. Approval is at the discretion of the Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster.

8. Advancement

Since the Scout Advancement Program is an integral part of the learning experience, each Scout is encouraged and expected to set certain attainable goals. All Scouts are required to progress to their next rank in a reasonable time.

Scouts encountering difficulty in attaining goals are requested to discuss any specific problems with the Scoutmaster. Parents are welcome to join in these discussions.

Remember, First Class is required for High Adventure Outings.

PARENT'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM: Scouts planning to pursue merit badges are required to seek out merit badge counselors. Merit Badge counselors are adults who that have a knowledge of the area they have signed up for (i.e. Safety Merit Badge counselors may be a Police Officer, Fireman, etc.). The Troop maintains a list of counselors that are available, both within our Troop and outside our Troop. The parents' responsibility is to ENCOURAGE their son to achieve the next rank. The SCOUT should contact these counselors and make arrangements with them to get the badge requirements completed along with a buddy.

We would like to keep our Merit Badge counselor list within the Troop up to date. If your hobbies or employment fall under one of the merit badge titles, please let our advancement committee know and they will give you the necessary information to become a merit badge counselor.

AWARDS PRESENTATION: Awards for advancement, achievements or special situations will be distributed as follows:

• The actual badge, patch, etc. will be procured and awarded to the Scout at the earliest possible troop meeting following the fulfillment of the requirements.
  
• A formal recognition and written certificate will be awarded for each achievement earned at the Court of Honor, providing the Scout is in full and proper uniform.
  
• Scouts are required to keep track of any written documentation (Merit Badge and Rank cards) issued to them from the advancement committee.
  

The Committee wishes to make the point that full parental support and attendance is very vital at each Court of Honor. The Troop does reserve the right to withhold any advancement if the Scout is not in uniform. Please make all effort to be in attendance. All of the family (and friends) are welcome. Scouts are reminded that notification must be given to the awards chairman for all achievements to be recorded and awarded. This must be done at least two weeks prior to the Court of Honor.

9. Damage to Troop Equipment/Property

The Troop has invested a great deal of money in equipment for the use of the Scouts, therefore each Scout is expected to use and care for it better than if it were his own. Deliberate or negligent damage by any Scout will result that said Scout be responsible for the repair, replacement or reimbursement to the Troop for the cost of repairs/replacements.

10. Troop Health and Safety

At Troop 159 we consider safety of each and every member to be very important. At times the Troop will participate in activities of slightly higher risk than the average activity. When you sign any activity permission slip you should fully understand the scope of the activity. For the health and safety of each member of the Troop we will use (but not limited to) the rules described in this booklet as a guide. The action taken to enforce these rules will depend on the infraction that occurred.

The health of the scouts is very important to us as well. In order to attend activities and outings greater than 72 hours in length as a Troop we require a completed Class 2 medical form to be filled out for every Scout every three years with a Class 1 form updated every year (the same forms required by Boy Scouts of America for camping at council camps). These forms are available on the website. The required date will be the first Monday of June.

11. Discipline Policy

During all events and activities the Scouts are expected to live up to the rules established by the Boy Scouts of America, the Troop and the leaders. In the event that a Scout or adult does not follow these rules or threatens the health and safety of any of its members, the leader in charge may take immediate remedial action, including but not limited to immediate suspension from the activity. Depending on the circumstances the parents may be immediately required to pick up their Scout. The individual may be reinstated either by the leader in charge of the specific event or by requesting reinstatement by the Troop Committee. Should such actions recur by the same Scout or adult they may be subject to permanent dismissal from the Troop upon decision by the Troop Committee.

12. Leader/Driver Responsibility

The Troop uses the resource of the parents to provide the transportation and the leadership for our outings. When accepting this responsibility we ask that as a leader you do your best to be an example of good scouting and act according to the Scout Oath and Law as well as (but not limited to) the rules of this guidebook. You are being looked on as a role model for our scouts. As a driver we demand that you show up for driving on an outing that you and your vehicle are in good driving condition. We cannot take the risk of anything less than that. The Troop cannot tolerate an impaired driver due to alcohol or drugs and a driver may be asked by the Troop leadership not to drive if there is ANY concern that this may be a problem. If any parent has a concern that one of our drivers may be impaired, please bring it to the attention of the leader in charge of the activity. Your son's safety is our first concern. We live by the motto SAFETY FIRST!! Proof of insurance must be provided prior to driving for an outing.

13. Parental Participation

It is recognized that parent interest in scouting varies for many reasons. The benefits that the Scout receives are directly proportional to both the QUALITY and QUANTITY of parental support and participation. Please keep this in mind when your help is requested. In addition, encourage and assist your son in obtaining the most out of scouting. He needs your support!

Any suggestions or questions that parents may have are more than welcome. Present them to any committee member or send a note with your son to any meeting. All parents are welcome to become a committee member or attend committee meetings.

In order to ensure a successful program, parents will be required to participate in an outing and/or provide transportation. A minimum of two adult leaders is required on every outing.

Parents are expected to help with transportation at least a couple times a year. If adequate transportation cannot be arranged for an event some Scouts may not be able to attend. Those Scouts who are at the top of the list for attending will be those Scouts whose parents have participated most in previous Scout activities.

PLEASE BE THERE -- The Troop needs the support and input from all its Scouts' parents.

Additionally, we encourage you to read the parent's guide "How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse," a supplement which can be found in the front of your son's Scout Handbook. This booklet tells you what you can do with your child to prevent drug and/or child abuse along with an explanation about what Scouting is also doing. The prevention of Drug Abuse and Child Abuse are topics that the Boy Scouts of America and the Committee of Troop 159 take very seriously.

14. Troop Organization

Patrols

Patrols are composed of a group of six to eight boys. They function as a group during meetings, campouts and other troop activities. Patrol members are to bring ideas for programs to their patrol leader, who will then convey these ideas to the Patrol Leaders' Council. Patrols are to have a patrol name, patrol call and patrol flag, all of which they can be held accountable for during Boards of Review. It is suggested that they are to meet at a separate location once every three months. These meetings can be used for several purposes, such as advancement or planning skits for Courts of Honor. It is encouraged that each patrol tries to earn the Baden-Powell Patrol Award annually.

Patrol Leaders' Council

The Patrol Leaders' Council is composed of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and all of the Patrol Leaders of the troop. The Senior Patrol Leader shall be the chairperson of the Patrol Leaders' Council. The troop Scribe will also be present at all of the Patrol Leaders' Council meetings with the responsibility of taking the minutes which will then be submitted to the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee for approval and will also be approved at the next PLC meeting. The Scribe will also be responsible for presenting the next month's schedule for patrol responsibilities at meetings, such as Pre-Opening, Opening, Game and Closing. These patrol responsibilities should be shared equally and rotated through patrols on a regular basis.

The Patrol Leaders' Council will be run following an agenda set by the Senior Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leaders' Council is suggested to be run according to Robert's Rules of Order.

The responsibility of the Patrol Leaders' Council is to make decisions pertaining to daily and weekly events and to make recommendations to the Leadership Corps about programs and locations for campouts and special events. It is also the responsibility of the Patrol Leaders' Council to make sure that Troop programs and events are communicated to the Scouts. This communication system will be based primarily on a telephone tree. In this system, the Senior Patrol Leader will have the responsibility of calling the Patrol Leaders, who will in turn need to call the members of their patrol. If, for some reason, the Senior Patrol Leader cannot contact the Patrol Leader, he must call the Assistant Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader is also responsible for making sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is informed of all of the information in case a Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader needs to find out information and the Senior Patrol Leader is not available.

Patrol Leaders' Council meetings will be held monthly on the first Tuesday, 30 minutes prior to the Troop meeting and Troop Committee Meeting. At the Troop Committee Meeting the minutes from the Patrol Leaders' Council meeting will be reviewed and approved. It is the responsibility of the Troop Committee to modify the program choices in the case that a program choice by the Patrol Leaders' Council is dangerous or does not follow the aims and methods of scouting as described in the Scoutmaster's Handbook. It is important that the Troop Committee does not undermine the leadership and learning experiences of the scouts, in particular those on the Patrol Leaders' Council, by not approving a program that they simply "do not like."



Duties of Elected Positions


Senior Patrol Leader

1. Presides at all troop meetings, events and activities.
2. Chairs the Patrol Leaders' Council.
3. Assigns duties and responsibilities to other leaders.
4. Makes up a duty roster whenever the Troop is eating/functioning as a Troop rather than as patrols.
   
5. Calls all Patrol Leaders to communicate information when a "Patrol Call" is required.
   
6. Establishes an agenda for Patrol Leaders' Council meetings.
   

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

1. Takes over the responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence.
   
2. Helps with leading meetings and activities.
   
3. Attend Patrol Leaders' Council meetings.
   
4. Assist Senior Patrol Leader with "Patrol Call."
   

Patrol Leader

1. Attend Patrol Leaders' Council meetings.
   
2. Plan patrol meetings.
   
3. Call the members of his patrol to inform them of recent and important information or reminders.
   
4. Makes duty rosters for his patrol when at a function where the Troop is functioning as Patrols.
   
5. Shows patrol spirit and instills patrol spirit in his patrol members.

Assistant Patrol Leader

1. Performs Patrol Leader's duties in his absence.
   
2. Responsible for making half of the phone calls during a "Patrol Call."
   

Troop Scribe

1. Keeps minutes of the Patrol Leaders' Council meetings and submits them to the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee and Patrol Leaders at the following PLC meeting for approval.
   
2. Collects dues and takes attendance at weekly meetings.
   
3. Prior to each Patrol Leaders' Council meeting, prepares a rotation of patrols for patrol duties at the weekly meetings for the following month. This rotation will be voted on and approved at the Patrol Leaders' Council meeting.
   

Troop Quartermaster

1. Keeps records of Patrol and Troop equipment.
   
2. Keeps equipment in good repair.
   
3. Checks out equipment and and sees that it is returned in good order.
   
4. Suggests new or replaced equipment items needed to Patrol Leaders' Council.
   
5. Works closely with adult Quartermaster Advisor.
   

Troop Librarian

1. Keeps records on literature owned by the Troop.
   
2. Advises Patrol Leaders' Council of new or replacement items needed.
   
3. Has literature available for borrowing at Troop meetings.
   
4. Keeps system to check literature in and out.
   
5. Follows up on late returns.
   

Troop Historian

1. Gathers pictures and facts about past activities of the Troop and keeps these in permanent forms such as scrapbooks, wall hangings, or information files.
   
2. Provide a report of recent events at each Court of Honor. These reports should cover all outings and special or notable events since the last Court of Honor (e.g. Troop Swim, Eagle Scouts, Webelos Crossovers).
   
3. Keeps information about Troop alumni and their doings.
   
4. Provides a report at a Troop activity immediately following the event so the Scouts who missed it know what they missed.

Chaplain Aide

1. Plans and carries out religious non-denominational services at Troop activities. For this he may utilize others if he wishes. These should be planned prior to the activity and submitted to the Patrol Leaders' Council for approval.
   
2. Provide invocation at all meals during a Troop activity.
   
3. Encourage Troop members to earn their religious emblem.
   

Duties of Appointed Positions


Troop Guide

1. Works with younger Scouts on advancement and duties. 2. Assists in establishing a new patrol.
   

Eligibility for Elected Positions


To be eligible for any position, the Scout must have his dues paid up to date.


Senior Patrol Leader

1. First Class Rank or higher
   
2. Be active in the Troop
   
3. Scoutmaster Approval

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

1. First Class Rank or higher
   
2. Be active in the Troop
   
3. Scoutmaster Approval Patrol Leader
   
4. Be an active member of the Patrol Assistant

Patrol Leader

1. Be an active member of the Patrol
   

Troop Scribe

1. First Class Rank or higher
   
2. Active member of the
   

Troop Troop Librarian, Troop Quartermaster

1. Second Class Rank or higher
   
2. Active member of the Troop
   

Troop Historian, Chaplain Aide

1. Active member of the Troop
   

Election Procedure

The election procedure for junior leaders and other positions will be as follows:

1. In order for elections to be held there must be a quorum of 50% of the active Scouts in attendance.
   
2. The election for Senior Patrol Leader will be the first election to take place, following speeches by the candidates. The Senior Patrol Leader will be the candidate who receives the MAJORITY of the votes. (Note: This is a majority, not a plurality) If none of the candidates receive a majority of the votes, the two candidates who received the highest number of votes will remain on the ballot for a run-off election.
   
3. After the Senior Patrol Leader election is completed, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader shall be selected by the Senior Patrol Leader with approval by the Scoutmaster.
   
4. Following the selection of the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, the Troop will break up into Patrols and select among themselves a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader by secret ballot.
   
5. The selection for other Troop positions will then made by the Senior Patrol Leader with approval by the Scoutmaster:
   
1. Troop Scribe
   
2. Troop Librarian
   
3. Troop Quartermaster
   
4. Troop Historian
   
5. Chaplain Aide 
   
6. If someone wins more than one position, he may accept only one. The exception to this is that a Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader is able to hold one of the positions listed above as well as his Patrol position.
   
7. If a junior leader is unable to serve his full term or chooses to resign, the Senior Patrol Leader, with advice and approval of the Scoutmaster, will appoint someone to fill the position for the rest of the term.
   
8. The term for an elected junior leader will last for 6 months, with the elections generally taking place on the third Monday of the following months – December and July.

Troop Meeting

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News

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Announcements

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Norwela Council
http://www.norwela.org/

Troop 159
Belcher, LA
troop159.bsa@gmail.com

Proudly sponsored by
Belcher Presbyterian Church
Belcher, LA