Welcome to Boy Scout Troop 885, a part of the Tatanka District of the Sam Houston Area Council sponsored by the Ascension Chinese Mission.
This booklet was developed by the Troop Committee in an effort to provide an understanding of the opportunities available for character development, participatory citizenship, and the development of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional fitness presented by the Boy Scout of America program. These opportunities are contained in a fun and exciting educational program based on the outdoors, where most young men love to be. Through the participation of parents and youth, Troop 885 continuously strives to address the needs of each Scout while meeting the goals of the Boy Scout program.
It is our intent that following pages serve as an orientation manual for the parents of new Scouts. It is designed to answer most questions about Scouting and our Troop. However, if you should need additional information, please don’t hesitate to call one of our adult leaders.
Troop 885 was originally chartered in Houston, Texas in 2000. Our Charter Organization is the Ascension Chinese Mission who owns the assets of the Troop and through the Charter Organization Representative, the Ascension Chinese Mission sets Troop policy, appoints the Committee Chairperson and approves the Scoutmaster and other committee members. The Ascension Chinese Mission is a Catholic Mission established by the late reverant Francis Xavier Chang, S.J. in 1972. It serves the needs of the Catholic faithfuls, particularly those who immigrated from Taiwan, Hong-Kong and China. More information regarding the Charter Organization can be found in its website (www.ascensionchinesemission.org)
The Boy Scout program works towards three aims:
1. Growth in moral strength and character. We define this as what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, and his outlook.
2. Participatory citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, and to the government that presides over that society.
3. Development of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the spirit (capacity to know God), body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self control, courage, and self-respect).
The following eight methods are designed to accomplish the three aims of the Boy Scout program.
1. Ideals. The ideals of Scouting are shown in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code. A Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high and as he reaches for them, he develops control over what he becomes.
2. Organization by Patrols. The patrol method give Scouts an experience in group living and participatory citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to operate in small groups (the patrols) where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine Troop activities through their elected representatives.
3. Focus on the Outdoors. The Boy Scout program is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that skills and activities practices at Troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and mankind’s place in it. The outdoors is a laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.
4. Opportunities for Success. Scouting provides a series of challenges and the steps to meet these challenges throughout the advancement program. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in self-reliance and the ability to help others.
5. Adult Association. A boy learns from the example of his adult leaders. In his quest for personal growth, every boy needs adult leaders who can lend him helping hands. Troop leadership may be male or female, and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man's development. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and member of the Committee provide the positive role models that is essential for the success of the Boy Scout program.
6. Personal Growth. As Scouts plan their activities and make progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The “Good Turn” concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others. The religious emblem program is also a large part of the personal growth method.
7. Encouragement of Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
8. The Scout Uniform. The Scout uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force for good and establishes a positive youth image in the community. The Boy Scout program is an action program and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges they have earned.
The three points of the Scout Oath, or Promise, “Duty to God and country, duty to self and duty to others”, are an active part of the program of Troop 885. Each Scout is urged to earn the religious award of his faith. Each Scout is also encouraged to remain active physically, both through the vigorous Troop outdoors program, and through participation in organized individual and group sports programs.
Troop 885 pursues an active role in community service, with regular good turns performed for our sponsor and for our community as a whole. Our Scouts will participate with the Troop in group service projects, and in individual acts of service to their community and to others, not only to fulfill requirements for advancement, but also for the sake of giving.
In Cub Scouting, the Scout belongs to a den, which is part of a pack. In Boy Scouting, the Scout belongs to a Patrol, which is part of a Troop. While the unit structure is similar, there is a fundamental difference. In Boy Scouts, the boys, not the adults, plan and lead the activities. This is part of what is called the Patrol Method. Each boy is placed into a Patrol with other Scouts having various skills and abilities.
“The patrol system is not
one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only
method.”
—Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting's founder
Each Patrol elects a Patrol Leader (PL). Elections are held twice a year. Assistant Patrol Leaders are selected by the Patrol Leader with approval from Scoutmaster. All the Patrol Leaders plus other elected Troop Positions and some appointed positions make up the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). The PLC is responsible for planning all Troop activities. The annual plan developed by the PLC must be approved by the Troop Committee composed of parents of the Scouts.
The Scouts also elect a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL select the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) with the advice of the Scoutmaster. The SPL directs the activities of the Troop and carries out the plans of the PLC through the Patrol Leaders. Assistant SPL’s must be qualified to be the SPL. These leadership positions are generally filled with Scouts holding 1st Class Rank and above.
The Patrol leader represents the Patrol members at the PLC. He also carries out decisions made by the PLC and explains them to the Patrol members. Scouts should direct questions to their Patrol Leader (PL). If the PL cannot help them, the PL will go to the SPL for assistance. If the SPL cannot help the Scout, the SPL will go to the Scoutmaster.
The Scoutmaster’s job is to train the boy leaders of the Troop to run the Troop. Other adult leaders are assigned to support specific areas of the Scouting program as Assistant Scoutmasters or members of the Committee. Parents are encouraged to address questions regarding the program to the Scoutmasters and questions relating to other matters to the Committee.
The Troop Committee is composed of all interested and registered parents. The Troop Committee approves Troop leadership, activities, and financing. The Troop Committee assured that the Troop has the necessary resources to experience the benefits of the BSA program and that the Troop experiences are in line with expectations.
The Troop Committee is in turn responsible to the Charter Organization (in our case, The Ascension Chinese Mission), which is the owner and operator of our official charter from the Boy Scouts of America.
Without any one of these pieces (a Charter Organization, a
Troop Committee, a Scoutmaster, other leaders, and active and interested Boy
Scouts), a Troop cannot exist. To be
effective and enjoyable, each of these pieces must mesh properly with the other
pieces. Troop 885 strives for a proper
mix that includes an interested and supportive Charter Organization, and active
and dedicated Troop Committee working closely with the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters, and a group of Scouts
who are enthusiastic and eager to learn the skills of Scouting. The Troop’s continued success requires that
the adult leadership continue to help develop boy leadership and encourage them
in their effort to plan a program that is enjoyable and fulfills the aims of
Scouting.
Troop positions consist of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leaders (PL), Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL), Quartermaster, Chaplain’s Aide, Scribe, Historian, Librarian, Bugler, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Scouts are expected to operate the program with the guidance from adult leaders. Many of the tasks requested of the Scouts will be new to the boys and perfection, while a laudable goal, is not a required result. Trial and error are excellent teachers. Parents are asked to encourage their sons by giving them room to struggle and grow with the process. Let the Scout make the decisions and do the work.
Parent involvement is welcomed and encouraged, especially at the Committee level. Adult leadership positions include:
Committee Chair, Advancement, Secretary, Treasurer, Adult
Training, Health and Safety, Chaplain, Recruiter, Historian, Transportation,
Service Projects, Quartermaster, and Fundraising.
Troop meetings are held on Sunday from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Ascension Chinese Mission located at 4605 Jetty Lane, Houston, TX 77072. Generally, on the Sunday of a campout, there will not be a Troop meeting. A Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting is held on the first Sunday of the month immediately followed by the Troop Committee meeting.
The general Troop meeting format includes time for a meeting of the entire Troop before separating into smaller groups for the main program. This program might include Patrol meetings to plan as upcoming event, skills or advancement sessions, inter-patrol competition or games, Scoutmaster minutes, advancements and recognitions, or a combination of these or other activities. Approximately every four months, a Court of Honor is held in place of a regular Troop meeting (see section of Court of Honor).
Parents of Scouts and visitors are always welcome to attend Troop meetings. Adults without specific responsibilities during the meeting are expected to be seated at the rear of the meeting room and to maintain proper and respectful behavior.
Troop 885 has an active outdoor program designed to meet the demands of our Scouts. An outdoor activity is planned for each month. Weekly Troop meetings help in the planning of outdoor activities. These activities range from day hikes to weekend campouts to long distance back-packing and high adventure opportunities, all of which enable Scouts to observe nature and condition their bodies. The schedule includes an annual summer camp as well as other long term camping options throughout the year. Scouts are expected to participate in other Troop activities including camporees, Scout Fair, Scout Sunday, Scouting for Food, various service projects, and Troop fundraisers. Scouts are expected to actively participate in meetings. A Scout who regularly misses meetings penalizes other members of his Patrol. When conflicts with Scout activities develop, Scouts should notify his Patrol Leader as soon as possible so adjustments can be made.
For most campouts, departure is on Friday evening. Permission slips will designate the time and place of departure and pickup. Scouts need to eat supper before leaving on Friday night. In most cases, Scouts are expected to wear Class A (minus the neckerchief, sash, and cap). Class B is usually worn during the campout. The Scoutmaster will inform the Scouts of exceptions in the type of uniforms and accessories that may be worn during campouts. On backpacking outings, each boy will carry and cook his own food. On Troop campouts, the boys will share the cost of the meals within their patrol. They will plan menus, buy their food, and cook their meals with their patrol members. The approximate cost of food and transportation for a two-day campout is $15 to $20 per boy. Participation in fundraisers may be used to defray costs associated with campouts and summer camps. It is suggested that a Scout bring a few dollars with him for a snack on the way home from an outing.
Before going on an outing, the Troop must have the Health Record and Consent to Treat (Class 1) form on file for each Scout and participating adult leader. This form is used for weekend activities. The Class 2 Medical Form for the youth is good for three years and is required for long-term camping experiences such as summer camp. The Class 3 Adult and High Adventure Form is good for one year. (See sections titled Long-Term Camping and Joining the Troop for more information.) All adults over the age of 40 who participate in Troop outings are required to have a Class 3 physical yearly. Forms may be obtained from the Committee Member handling health and safety.
In the future the Troop may also develop a Venture Patrol designed to challenge the older boys. These outings are characterized by high adventure activities. There are eligibility requirements for the Venture Patrol based on age and rank.
Before an outing, the members of each Patrol will decide their menu and have it approved by the Scoutmaster or his designee or by the Patrol Leaders’ Council. One or two Patrol members are assigned by the Patrol Leader to purchase the food required for their menu. The food purchaser will be responsible for returning receipts to the treasurer within 90 days after the outing for reimbursement. Receipts returned after 90 days will not be reimbursed. Each Patrol Leader will be responsible for seeing that sufficient food is purchased for all outing attendees. Money will be collected prior to the last Troop meeting before the outing. Refunds will be made to Scouts who fail to attend the outing if they give notice to their Patrol Leader before the food is purchased.
The goal of Troop 885 is to attend an exciting and educational weeklong summer camp every year. Each year, the PLC selects the camps for the coming year based on data gathered concerning camp programs, locations, costs, reputations, and other factors. The dates of camp are also determined based on the Troop schedule and campsite availability. Camp opportunities and dates are announced to the entire Troop when they are available. Our Scouts rate Summer Camp as the highlight of the year. National statistics show that Scouts who attend Summer Camp are more likely to remain in Boy Scouts and advance to the rank of Eagle than non-attendees.
The cost of traditional summer (or winter) camp is inexpensive compared to other weeklong activities (generally $100 -$150 for registration which includes all meals and transportation; $20 to $30 of spending money is recommended for souvenirs and additional refreshments).
Fundraising projects offer the best way for a Scout to earn all or part of his camp fees. A system is set up in such a way that a percentage of the funds collected by a Scout during a fundraiser go into a “boy account” that the Scout may use to pay camping fees. There are “camperships” (both grants and loans) available from the Council. Additional options may also be available through the Troop. The Troop leadership does not want any Scout to fail to attend summer camp due to financial difficulties. Immediate notification to the Troop Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster should be made if any Scout needs financial assistance to attend camp. The earlier the adult leadership is aware of a financial problem, the more easily it can be solved. All personal problems will be treated confidentially. Due to the nature of planning for long-term camping, the Troop is required to make commitments as to the number of boys and adults attending. Boy Scout camps impose cancellation fees for late cancellation. The Troop expects to collect these fees from any Scout who cancels late. In the event of hardship, Boy Scout camps will often waive the cancellation fee, and the Troop will refund any fees refunded by the camp. Regarding travel and lodging expenses in route to and from camp, the Troop estimates the cost and divides it among the Scouts. Late cancellations could impose additional cost on the Troop.
Transportation is provided for campouts by the parents. All parents are expected to help with transportation during the course of the year. All drivers for any Troop event must have a current driver’s license, be over the age of 21, and should carry the minimum insurance coverage recommended by the BSA ($50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000). Each passenger is required to wear a seatbelt at all times. Maps will be made available for the campout. The Troop will reimburse the drivers for mileage. The Committee sets reimbursement rates.
Each Scout should plan to obtain the following equipment. The Scout’s name and Troop number should be printed on all items. Boy Scout equipment makes great gifts for special occasions and birthdays. It is also appropriate for the parents to provide opportunities for the Scout to earn the money and but some of these things himself.
Handbook: The first need of a newly
registered Scout is the “Official Boy Scout Handbook”. This book contains the basics of outdoor
knowledge and skills that every Scout will learn. It can be obtained from any of the Scout Shop locations (see
section for uniforms). The Handbook
should be brought to all Troop meetings and outings. A waterproof cover is useful in protecting the Handbook from the
elements. The Handbook lists basic
items needed for campouts.
Uniforms: The uniform considered to be Class A consists of BSA short sleeved shirt, BSA short or long pants, BSA socks, BSA belt, Troop neckerchief, BSA merit badge sash, and a BSA baseball-style cap. There is so little cold weather in Houston so that it is not recommended to buy a long-sleeved Scout shirt. Plain blue denim pants or shorts with no added decorations, stitching, or insignias may be substituted for BSA pants/shorts.
Full Class A uniforms will be worn at all Council and District events, at Boards of Review and Courts of Honor, and at all other Troop meetings and activities unless otherwise noted. Scouts are also urged to wear their uniform to church on Scout Sunday in February of each year. At Troop meetings, Scouts should wear the Class A uniform minus the Sash and neckerchief.
The uniform considered to be Class B is the same as Class A with the exception that a Scout t-shirt may be worn instead of the regulation shirt. It is not necessary to wear the neckerchief or merit badge sash with the Class B uniform.
Uniforms and patches may be purchased from any of the Scout shop locations (downtown Houston at 1902 Bagby Street or at the Stafford location in the United Way Service Center, 10435 Greeenbough, off Murphy Road just north of 90A). Uniforms may also be ordered from Dallas through the Boy Scout Catalog. The approximate cost of the complete uniform is $75. The placement of patches on the uniform should be determined after reviewing the inside covers of the Boy Scout Handbook. In addition, each Scout must purchase a Troop t-shirt. These may be obtained at cost through the Troop. The Troop orders t-shirts once or twice a year, depending on the demand.
At no time may Scouts wear jams, parachute pants, or other such fashion with a portion of the formal uniform. A strict standard of uniform discipline will be maintained in Troop 885.
For a boy to participate in our active outdoor program and have fun, he will need certain equipment. While the total cost may seem high, it can be purchased over a year or so. The best advice is “don’t buy junk!” If you have any doubts about the quality or serviceability of equipment, please visit with the Scoutmaster.
The following camping equipment is recommended immediately.
Sleeping bag (evening temperatures may range from 25° to 75°)
Mess kit and knife, fork, and spoon (from $7 to $10)
Rain poncho (approximately $5 to $7)
Two quart size canteen; plastic canteens are recommended. The Boy Scout Canteen is excellent. One liter plastic bottles with screw tops can serve as canteens.
Small waterproof flashlight and spare set of batteries
Small personal first aid kit (may be made from items at home)
Personal necessities to include insect repellent, sunscreen, emergency blanket, water cup, and toilet paper
Other items that are recommended include the following:
Backpack - Small boys need small or medium frames. Look for welded frames. A padded hip belt that fits is a must. A good pack will cost $50 to $150. Please consult with the Scoutmaster before you invest in a pack. (Generally, a Scout will not need a backpack until he is 12 years of age.)
Tent, insect netting, cot - Talk with the Scoutmaster before purchasing these items.
Remember, Scout’s name and Troop number should be printed on everything!
Troop 885 pursues an active program designed not only for enjoyment but also to encourage and facilitate advancement along both individual and group paths. Each Scout is strongly encouraged to work towards and earn Scouting’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. The Troop will monitor each Scout’s progress along the advancement trail both to keep a high level of interest and to maintain a desired high level of quality in the advancement program. Scouts and parents are reminded that Scouting stresses both individual initiative and close participation in-group accomplishments.
The objectives of Scouting and the advancement program are
to teach citizenship, leadership, and lifelong skills while having fun and
developing an ethic of service to others.
The Scouts will complete some requirements as a group, but unlike Cub Scouts,
the primary responsibility for advancement rests with the Scout.
The Scout is responsible for looking up the requirements, learning or completing the required steps, scheduling reviews by qualified boy or adult leaders and scheduling a Board of Review. Parents are encouraged to assist the Scout in learning new skills but do not sign off on the requirements in the Scout Handbook. The Handbook is to be signed by an approved junior leader (must be at least Star Rank) and adult leaders.
The basic Scout skills are learned in advancement through the 1st Class rank. There is a fixed set of skills; which each boy must learn for these ranks. The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle offer opportunities for boys to explore individual areas of interest through merit badges, but there are also merit badges that are required for each rank. These ranks also require that a Scout demonstrates leadership and provides service to others.
Troop 885 believes that Boy Scouting teaches many skill which a boy can use throughout his life. Therefore, it is important that he really know and retain each required Scouting skill rather than just knowing it at the time the requirement is originally signed off in his book. It is the Troop’s policy that as a boy advances he will still be subject to examination on all of the skills he learned from previous ranks. Troop leadership wants each boy to advance, but equally important is the feeling that advancement is a genuine accomplishment and not just a reward for time in the Troop.
Boys can have fun and learn without advancing, but they will not learn as much and may lose interest if their accomplishments and learning are not recognized. The higher ranks require leadership and service and this requires maturity. There are no fixed age requirements for any rank since boys mature at different rates. A certain level of maturity is needed to show leadership as a Star, Life, or Eagle Scout.
Boys will not be assigned to leadership positions just because they need it for the next rank. Many positions are elected positions and all positions require maturity. Since our objective is that the boys lead Troop 885, it is essential that they be capable.
The following are the steps a Scout follows to advance in rank. It is the Scout’s responsibility to present his book to the instructor for signature once he is prepared to demonstrate the required skill or knowledge. It is also the Scout’s responsibility to ask the Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference.
A boy becomes a Scout when he has completed the application and the joining requirements listed in the Scout Handbook. After the Scoutmaster’s Conference is successfully completed, the Scout should notify the Advancement Chairperson that the requirements have been completed.
The Scout should study his Handbook and talk to other Scouts, particularly the Troop Guide for his Patrol, to be sure that he knows or can do the actions needed for each requirement. He then reviews the material or demonstrates the skill with one of the Patrol Advisors or Assistant Scoutmasters, who will sign his book when the Scout has satisfactorily demonstrated his knowledge or skill. All requirements can be worked on at the same time.
The requirements for these ranks are primarily completion of merit badges, satisfactory demonstration of leadership, and service hours, or in the case of the Eagle rank, a service project.
While basic Scouting skills are learned through the requirements for Tenderfoot through 1st Class Scout, merit badges require more advanced skills and allow the Scout to explore areas in which he has an interest. Each rank beyond 1st Class requires completing some of a group of specific Eagle required merit badges and some optional badges of the Scout’s choice.
A Scout may begin working on any merit badge at any time after joining the Troop regardless of rank. Merit badges may be worked on with another Scout, as a Troop, at camps, and at a District Merit Badge Day. A Scout interested in a merit badge must get a “blue card” or merit badge card from the Advancement Chair or the Scoutmaster. The Scout must work with the qualified counselor to arrange for approval of the requirements.
When all requirements for rank are met with the exception of Scout Spirit, a Scoutmaster’s Conference and Board of Review are scheduled.
The Scout is responsible for scheduling a conference with the Scoutmaster when all rank requirements are complete except for Scout Spirit. The Scout should be prepared to be examined on all of the rank requirements he is completing as well as all ranks he has already completed. Completion of the Scout Spirit requirement will be determined by the Scoutmaster upon his review of the Scout’s participation in activities and his ability to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code. Scoutmaster’s Conferences will last 30 minutes to an hour. These conferences are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. At certain times of the year, there is a greater demand for Scoutmaster’s Conferences. This generally occurs in the spring when many Scouts are joining and just before Courts of Honor. Due to the length of time it takes for a conference, it may take several meetings to schedule all requesting Scouts. Please be patient.
After the Scoutmaster’s Conference is concluded, the Scout calls the Advancement Chairperson to schedule a Board of Review. It is the responsibility of the Scout to make this call. Boards of Review are often held during the Troop meeting. Alternative dates can be arranged for unusual circumstances, but this is the exception.
The Board of Review consists of at least three Troop Committee members. One of the goals of the Board is to monitor the Troop’s advancement program. Therefore, the Assistant Scoutmasters and the Scoutmasters will not be members of the Board.
The Scout should be in Class A uniform for the Board of Review and should bring his Handbook with him. If the Board feels that some of his skills, leadership or citizenship require strengthening, he may be asked to work on improvement and return at a future date. The Scout’s date of rank will be the date he successfully passes the Board of Review.
The Scout will generally receive his rank and merit badges at the Troop meeting following the Board of Review. At the Court of Honor, the Scout will receive his advancement card and any merit badges. Parents and guest are not only invited, but are strongly encouraged to attend Courts of Honor as a testament to the achievement of our Scouts.
Troop 885 maintains a library of merit badge booklets, which are available for loan. Contact the Troop Librarian to determine whether the merit badge pamphlet you need is available. Take good care of each merit badge pamphlet as you would any valuable reference book, returning it in good condition as soon as you are done with it.
Donations of used merit badge books are always welcome. If a Scout has purchased a pamphlet and has no further need of it after completing the badge, please consider donating the document to the Troop Library.
Scouts in Troop 885 also have the opportunity to hold a leadership position of Instructor and assist other Scouts in learning the necessary skills required for Tenderfoot or 2nd Class rank. To hold this position, a Scout must show proficiency in a particular skill area: First Aid, Pioneering, Swimming, Orienteering, Cooking, Knots & Lashings, Fireman Chit, Totin’ Chit, Flags. The Scout must also satisfy the following additional requirements:
1. The candidate must be a Scout in good standing with the Troop and must be approved by the Scoutmaster.
2. The candidate must hold the related merit badge, if applicable.
3. The candidate must appear before a Scoutmaster Board of Review consisting of no less than three members of the Scoutmaster’s staff.
4. The candidate must hold the rank of 1st Class or higher at the time of the Scoutmaster Board of Review.
5. The candidate will supply any and all materials needed to complete the Scoutmaster Board of Review.
6. The Board members will test the candidate’s skills and knowledge of the skill. It will also be necessary for the candidate to be able to teach the skills to others.
7. Once approved, the successful candidate must teach the skill at least once every two month to at least one Scout in this or another Troop.
8. The leadership position of Instructor will be for six months.
9. The Instructor will keep a logbook of all Scouts taught and the dates of the instruction.
Accident and sickness insurance is provided for all registered Scouts and leaders. It covers them for accidents and sickness while participating in any official Scouting activity. The limits and benefits under this coverage are those established under the current effective policy of the Boy Scouts of America.
Each registered adult leader is covered by a comprehensive general liability policy of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage plus $15,000,000 limits of umbrella liability insurance. This insurance does not take the place of any volunteer’s personal liability insurance under a homeowner’s or automobile liability insurance policy nor does it provide medical payments for injuries. This coverage is in excess over other valid and collectible insurance carried by volunteers.
Annual fees and dues are set each year by the committee and are collected in February. These funds cover registration and insurance, Troop fees, and Boy’s Life subscriptions. Troop fees are used to support Troop activities and to purchase troop equipment.
Each Scout is encouraged to make his dues his own financial responsibility. The financial philosophy of Troop 885 is to encourage the Scouts to earn, through Troop fundraisers and on their own, all funds needed for Troop operations, and at least a portion of their long-term camp expenses.
Several fundraisers will be held through the year to fulfill Troop operating expenses and help the Scouts to attend special events such as long-term campouts, high adventure outings and the National Jamboree, to replace equipment, and to provide funds for special projects. The “commission system” is used by the troop in most fundraising projects. The system is set up in such a way that a percentage of the funds collected by a Scout during a fundraiser go into a “boy account”. The Troop Committee will determine the percentage or dollar amount a Scout will receive in his account at the time the fundraiser is approved. There may be times that the Troop Committee may decide that all or part of the funds collected during a fundraiser go into the Troop account for general operating expenses. One ongoing fundraiser is for Scout families to purchase groceries with gift certificates from local grocery stores. The gift certificates can be purchased from the Troop. The stores rebate a small percentage of the value of the certificates to the Troop and the larger portion of that amount is put into the boy’s Scout account. Users of the certificate receive full face value.
The Troop keeps a personal account for each Scout within the treasury. Troop fund raising projects provide a generous commission schedule for each Scout based on the number of items that he sells. Commissions earned through fundraising projects will be deposited to the Scout’s account. The funds in each Scout’s account are used to pay dues, camp fees, or purchase personal Scout equipment. Scout account statements showing the recent transactions and current balance are available from the Troop Treasurer. Should a Scout leave Scouting, the balance of the Scout Account will be forfeited to the Troop after one year. A Scout may transfer his account to a brother in Troop 885. If a Scout transfers to a new unit, his account will be transferred to the new unit.
Any Scout who violates the Scout Oath, intentionally participates in an activity that has the potential to cause harm to himself or to other Troop members, or behaves in a manner that reflects negatively upon Troop 885 or the Boys Scouts of America, or intentionally participates in any activity that may cause damage to public or private property, will be disciplined. Examples of behavior, which are cause for disciplinary action as outlined in the Discipline Procedures, include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Not following Scoutmaster’s or other adult or boy leader’s orders.
2. Physical or verbal hazing or harassment of another Scout.
3. Leaving designated areas without the Scoutmaster’s permission.
4. Not telling the Scoutmaster of their whereabouts at all times.
5. Going to an area other than that requested.
6. Entering property designated as “off limits.”
7. Exploring physical hazards without the Scoutmaster’s permission and supervision (e.g. lakes, creeks, cliffs, caves, or underground areas, boats, abandoned structures, etc.).
8. Going near any type of vehicle, machinery, or equipment without the permission of the Scoutmaster.
9. Any type of property damage to natural or man-made areas.
10. Excessively rowdy, unruly, loud, disrespectful, disobedient, or disruptive behavior.
11. Use of cursing or foul language.
The adult volunteers of Troop 885 are expected to support and set the example for the Behavior and Discipline Policy.
The following behavior will subject a boy to being sent home and a Parent-Scoutmaster Conference will be scheduled if the Scout participates in any of the following:
1. Practices significantly unsafe actions
2. Uses tobacco products
3. Uses any controlled or illegal substance (including alcohol)
Minor matters will not be discussed outside the Troop. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters will be informed of any disciplinary action. Parents will be notified of more serious or repeated matters at the discretion of the adult leaders. Discipline will be handled in the following manner.
1. For minor infractions, like the failure to do duty roster assignment, discipline will be handled within the patrol and/or Troop without involvement by adult leaders.
2. For slightly more serious problems, like minor fighting or careless property damage, discipline will be handled by the PLC subject to approval of the Scoutmaster.
3. For more serious matters, discipline will be handled directly by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster.
Consequences include:
Discussions or special reports of the incident, verbal or written,
Verbal or written apologies to those affected,
Extra work; activities and projects reflecting the Scouting program,
Dismissal from a function and being sent home, and/or
Suspension from subsequent functions.
If behavior problems persist or demand parent involvement, the Scoutmaster will notify the Committee Chair and schedule a Parent-Scoutmaster Conference with the offending Scout’s parents and the Committee Chair. Following a Parent-Scoutmaster Conference, consequences may include:
Monetary reimbursement for damages and/or
Probation or dismissal from the Troop.
Adults who would like to assist the Troop by serving on the Troop Committee or as an Assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster should fill out an Adult Leader Application, a Health Safety and Consent to Treat Form and a check to cover the registration fees. If an adult has multiple registrations with Pack, Troops, Posts, or Ships, the registration fee is only required with one of the multiple units. The Troop Committee sets the registration fee for the full year beginning February 1st. Adults registering after February pay a prorated registration fee to cover the balance of the year. Adults are not required to pay Troop dues.
We also strongly encourage our adult scouters to obtain training in their registered position. Training opportunities, such as University of Scouting, Scoutmaster Fundamentals, and Wood Badge are available at various times of the year through the District and Council.
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the monthly Troop Committee meetings, usually held on the first Sunday of the month at Ascension Chinese Mission at 12PM. We attempt to communicate fully with all parents by encouraging their membership and involvement in the Troop Committee, by welcoming their attendance at Troop meeting and all Troop outings.
Numerous training opportunities are available for Committee members. These range from introductory level to advanced level and include videotape courses, which can be viewed individually or in small groups. More information on available training courses can be obtained from the Troop Committee Chairperson or the Adult Training Chairperson.
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is a nationally required training program for all adults registered in Scouting. This program explains how to protect both adults and youth from exposure to adult-youth, youth-youth, and adult-adult situations that do not provide positive reinforcement to the Scout Oath and Law. The program covers child abuse, volunteer leadership selection, policies and procedures to follow and prompt reporting. The Ascension Chinese Mission requires that at least one parent of each Scout attend YPT within their first year with the Troop, or have a current YPT certificate valid for at least one more year. In addition to this, every adult leaders must complete the Youth Protection Training provided by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.
To join Troop 885, each boy will be asked to fill out the Boy Scouts of America application form and include a check to cover the first year registration fee, Boy’s Life subscription, insurance, and annual dues as set by the Troop Committee. Scouts joining the Troop after March will pay a prorated fee for registration and Boy’s Life, and prorated annual dues through the following March.
If the boy is a registered member of another Boy Scout Troop or Cub Scout Pack, only the application and a transfer fee will be necessary.
Each Scout will be asked to fill out and return a New Scout Information Form (included), which will provide the Troop with information required to complete the Troop records. Each Scout will also need to provide a Class 1 medical form signed by a parent or guardian. In addition to providing important basic medical information, this form includes a “consent to treat” section, which will allow the Troop to obtain medical treatment for the Scout should it, be required.