Troop 129 Creston, Iowa Boy Scouts of America

BOYS SCOUT TROOP 129
NISCHA NIMAT DISTRICT
MID-AMERICA COUNCIL
CRESTON, IOWA

GUIDELINES FOR SCOUTERS & PARENTS OF TROOP 129

MEMBERSHIP

Boys may join Boy Scouts if they meet any one of the following requirements:

1.   Are at least 10 ½ years old at the time they join
       OR
2.   Have completed the 5^th grade at the time of joining
       OR
3.   Have earned the Arrow of Light through the Cub Scouts

An official Boy Scout Application form must be completed and signed by the boy's parent(s) and/or guardian.

MEETINGS

Troop Meetings are held each Tuesday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. at the United Methodist Church, 400 North Elm Street.   Troop 129 does not meet when the Creston Public Schools are not scheduled or if school is cancelled due to bad weather.   All Scouts are expected to be on time and to be in uniform at all meetings.

UNIFORM

The Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization.   Troop 129's official uniform will consist of the Boy Scout shirt, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, and the troop neckerchief.   The troop neckerchief will be presented to the scout when they achieve the rank of Scout.   Other parts of the official Boy Scout uniform are approved for optional wear.   All boys and adult leaders are expected to wear the uniform to all meetings and troop activities.   Your son should be encouraged to earn the money required for purchase of his uniform.   The Boy Scout uniform identifies the wearer with the aims and principles of the Boy Scouts of America.   The Boy Scout Handbook is also considered a part of the uniform and should be brought to all Troop meetings.

Uniforms may be purchased at the following locations:   Crooks Clothing, Greenfield;   J.C. Penney's, Valley West Mall, Des Moines;   Dunham's Sporting Goods, Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines;   Canfields, Omaha;   Mid-America Council Service Center, Omaha;   Mid-Iowa Council Service Center, Des Moines;   Boy Scout catalog.

COST

Membership in the Boy Scouts of America, like any worthwhile activity, will require a financial commitment from the boy and his family.   The Troop Committee will try to keep these costs to a minimum, while still provinding a quality program for the Scouts.   Troop 129 has annual dues for each boy.   These dues will pay for registration fee, insurance, and a subscription to Boy's Life magazine.

Dues for the year are set at $45.00.   In addition to the items above, this fee will cover 2 of the 3 camporees.   Other camps attended will be at the scout's expense.   For meals at all camps, there will be a $5.00 charge per scout per night of camping.

Other costs not covered by dues include:   awards for rank advancement, merit badges, troop equipment, program materials, transportation, and many other expenses.   These costs are paid primarily by participation in troop fund raising activities.

FUND RAISING PROJECTS

Each member of Troop 129 is expected to participate in all fund raising activities sponsored by the Troop.   This is one of the ways to cover expenses for many Troop activities.   Most fund raising activities also provide a way for your son to earn part, or all, of his scouting expenses for such things as summer camp, high adventure trips, or annual dues.

EQUIPMENT

Special equipment and clothing will be required for many activities in Scouting.   Sometimes this equipment can be borrowed and sometimes low cost substitutes are available.   Please consult with the Scoutmaster or one of the assistants before investing in expensive camping equipment.   A list of useful equipment for camping is in the Boy Scout Handbook.   Each Troop 129 member will be given a suggested list of equipment and items needed for camping.

HEALTH

Each Scout will be required to have a current physical examination form on file with the Scoutmaster.   The Class 1 & 2 is valid for a 3-year period, with a parent's signature required each year and the Class 3 is only good for 12 months.   Physical forms will be required for attendance at activities such as summer camp, high adventure trips, & Order of the Arrow activities.   The Scoutmaster should be notified immediately of any temporary or permanent health considerations that may limit the Scout's participation in Scouting activities.   The Scouting program may be modified to accomodate Scouts who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from meeting all of the requirements.

ACTIVITIES

Troop 129 likes to camp.   Troop members will have an opportunity to attend a week long summer camp, usually at Camp Cedars near Fremont, NE, as well as participate in several District camp-outs, Troop camp-outs, and high adventure activities throughout their Scouting experience.   Many of the activities will require extra money, both for fees and spending money.   These costs are kept as low as possible so that as many Scouts as possible will be able to participate.   If finances are a problem for the Scout and his family, the parents and/or guardian should visit with the Scoutmaster.   The Troop leadership does not want to limit a Scout's participation in programs due to lack of finances.

All activities must be supervised by at least two adults who are registered with the Scouting program.   This is a National Boy Scouts of America policy.   If the required leaders are not available, the activities may not take place.

ADVANCEMENT IN SCOUTING

The Boy Scout program is built around advancement.   The advancement plan consists of many steps and allows each Scout to move at his own speed.   As each boy advances from one rank to the next, he is expected to complete increasingly more difficult requirements.   Depending upon the rank, these requirements could include the completion of merit badges, service projects, time in rank, and demonstration of scout spirit.   The requirements for each rank are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook.   Generally, the Scout learns, is tested, is reviewed, and is recognized for his achievements.   Time will be spent during Troop meetings working on rank advancements.   The boy will also have an opportunity to work on advancement by attending summer camp and participating in many other Scout activities.

Merit badges are designed to introduce a boy to areas of special interest.   These may be advanced scouting skills, hobby interests, or career interests.   A boy who wants to earn a merit badge must first talk to the Scoutmaster, obtain a Merit Badge Application, and be assigned to an approved Merit Badge Counselor.   The boy will be responsible for working with the counselor who will approve the award when the requirements have been completed.   There is an official pamphlet for each merit badge containing the requirements for earning that badge.   Troop 129 maintains many merit badge pamphlets which may be borrowed by the Scouts.   Pamphlets may also be purchased at Scout Service Centers or ordered through the Boy Scout catalog.

Troop 129 does not permit a parent or guardian to approve the work done for a merit badge by his or her son.   You may work with your son and help him to learn the skills required, but he must be tested and reviewed by the Merit Badge Counselor or designee.

A Scoutmaster conference will be held periodically with each Scout.   They are always held when the boy is ready to advance to the next rank.   They may be held at other times for the purpose of getting to know the boy, to resolve a problem or conflict, or just to talk.

The final step before rank advancement is a Board of Review.   This is done to ensure that all of the requirements for the rank have been completed.   This is not a retesting, but just a review process.   For Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks, the Board of Review will consist of the Patrol Leaders Council and one adult committee member.

For Star and Life ranks, the Board of Review will consist of adult members of the Troop Committee and the Senior Patrol Leader.

For Eagle Scout rank, a special Board of Review will be conducted which will include a representative of the District Advancement Committee as well as adults from the Scouts church, school, employment, and community.

The last step in the advancement process is recognition.   This is done at a Troop meeting or other activity as soon as possilbe after the Scout has completed the requirements.   Formal recognition is usually made at Courts of Honor, held periodically throughout the year.   This is a special ceremony and parents and guardians are encouraged to attend, even if you Scout is not being presented an award.

TROOP ORGANIZATION

Troop 129 is operated by a chartered partner, the United Methodist Church, which provides a regular meeting place and approves the adult leaders who administer troop affairs and activities.   Membership in the Troop is not restricted in any way by the chartered organization.   The adult leaders are the Committee Chair, the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmaster(s), and other adult members of the Troop Committee.   All are unpaid volunteers, many are parents of boys in the Troop.

Your boy will be assigned to a patrol – a group of 4 to 8 boys.   His patrol will be his team for games and contests, his buddies in camp, and his teachers and helpers as he works on his advancements.   Each patrol will elect a patrol leader.   He will direct patrol activities and will represent the patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council.

The Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) is made up of the boy leaders of the Troop.   The PLC plans and conducts Troop meetings under the coaching and guidance of the Scoutmaster.   This is an important part of the plan to help your boy develop leadership skills and to be active in the Troop program.

The Troop Committee consists of the registered adult leaders of the Troop and is responsible for overall supervision of the Troop program.   The Troop Committee also ensures that the methods and aims of the Boy Scouts of America are being carried out in all programming and activities.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

In order for the boy to be successful in the Scouting program, the parents have to become involved.   You should encourage your son to participate in all meetings and Troop activities.   There are also times of conflict between school events, family commitments, church activities, etc.   If a boy must miss an activity, please notify the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.

As a parent or guardian, you may have special talents and skills that can be used to support the Troop program.   The Troop needs many volunteers to keep the Scouting program on track.   Drivers are always needed when going on Scouting activities.   If you can help in this way, your services will be greatly appreciated.   If you can help as a Merit Badge Counselor please contact the Scoutmaster.

BOY PARTICIPATION

All boys are expected to attend regular meetings of the Troop.   Many advancement opportunities are built into the Troop meeting plan.   When a boy misses Troop meetings, advancement becomes more difficult and occurs more slowly.   When school functions, church activities, illness, or family activities prevent a boy from attending a meeting, please notify the Scoutmaster or his assistants.

Camp-outs, hikes, and other special events will also be opportunities for advancement, service projects, and special awards.   The boy's Scouting experience will be greatly enhanced by participation in these events.   Some events will be open to only those with certain rank, age, or experience.   Such criteria for participation have been carefully developed to ensure that your son can successfully complete the special event.

BOY BEHAVIOR

Scouting is a group activity.   Each of us must conduct ourselves in accordance with the high standards expressed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.   All Scouts and adult Scouters promise to do so.   If a boy refuses to behave in a manner consistent with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, he may be sent home from a meeting or event.   If this happens, the boy and his parents or guardians will be asked to have a conference with the Scoutmaster before the boy will be allowed to participate in future Troop activities.

OTHER SCOUTING OPPORTUNITIES

ORDER OF THE ARROW

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a special organization of boys and leaders within the Boy Scouts designed to promote camping and emphasize service to others.   Selection is made from eligible boys by all of the boys in the Troop.   Elections are held annually, usually in the spring, with newly elected members being "called out" at the District Spring Camp-out.   Many activities are open only to members of the Order of the Arrow.

HIGH ADVENTURE

Special trips and events are sometimes made available to the older Scouts.   These could include backpacking, canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota, or to other places, or trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

JAMBOREES

The National Scout Jamborees are held every four years at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.   These are gatherings of more than 35,000 Scouts and leaders from across the United States and from some foreign countries.   The national jamboree provides the boys with an opportunity to meet Scouts from across the nation and participate in many activities designed to increase the Scouts skills in several areas.

World Jamborees are also held every four years, between the National Jamboree.   The World Jamboree locations vary each time, giving the Scouts a chance to see various parts of the world.

The Mid-America Council usually provides an opportunity for the boys to participate in either of these activities.   Boys wanting to be a part of either of these activities will be expected to participate in fund raising events to help defray the cost to the boys' families.   This is usually an opportunity that will happen once during a boy's Scouting career.

LEAVING THE TROOP

When a Scout desires to drop out of Troop 129, he should notify the Scoutmaster as soon as possible.   The Scout will not receive a refund on dues that have been paid or on money that has been earned for the Troop.   The Scoutmaster will either call, or personally visit with the boy and his parents or guardians as a follow-up on the boy's desire to leave the Troop.

When a boy reaches his 18^th birthday, he may no longer participate as a youth in Scouting activities.   If he wishes to reamin a part of Troop 129, he should meet with the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster to request that he become an Assistant Scoutmaster.   If he wishes to serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster, he will complete an adult registration form and begin serving in this capacity.

GUIDELINES AND BY-LAWS

The Troop Guidelines and By-Laws have been approved by the Troop Committee.   Any questions or requests for changes or clarifications should be directed to the Troop Committee Chairman.   The Troop Committee, at their regular meetings, will then discuss questions.

TROOP 129 BY-LAWS

1. A boy may take part in Troop activities as soon as he is a registered Scout.   All dues and fees must be paid in advance or a boy may not be allowed to participate in Troop activities.

2. A boy may, with parental permission, carry & use a pocketknife.   He must have earned his Tote N' Chip card at a Scouting event or activity.   Sheath knives and personal axes are not allowed.

3. Any Scout willfully damaging Troop equipment may be held responsible for the cost of replacement.   The adults present when the damage occurred will determine this.

4. Election of Troop Officers will be held when necessary to ensure that the needs of the Scout advancement requirements are met.   Any Troop Officer missing three consecutive activities (meetings, camp-outs, etc.) without a valid excuse may be removed from office.   If such a removal takes place, the period served may not be counted toward fulfillment of leadership requirements needed for senior ranks.

5. When a Scout cannot attend a Troop meeting or activity, he should notify his Patrol Leader.   A Scout missing three meetings or activities in a row without a valid excuse may not be allowed to attend additional activities until such time as a Scoutmaster conference is held.

6. Radios, puzzles, games, or electronic devices are not allowed at Troop activities.   Adult discretion is in place as to what meets these criteria.

7. Pop and candy (extra food stuffs) are not allowed at Troop activities.   Menus are planned by the Patrol Leader's Council and are well-balanced and portion sizes should be sufficient to satisfy each Scout.

8. A Camping Checklist will be given to each new Scout.   These items should be brought according to the season.   If a Scout does not have appropriate items from the list, he may not be allowed to attend the activity.   This is for the Scout's personal safety and comfort.   If you do not have an item, or need one temporarily, check with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant.   They may be able to help in finding an item, or be able to get it at a reduced price.   This is true for many camping gear items as we receive catalogs & specials from various sources.   Valley West Mall, Des Moines;   Dunham's Sporting Goods, Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines;   Canfields, Omaha;   Mid-America Council Service Center, Omaha;   Mid-Iowa Council Service Center, Des Moines;   Boy Scout catalog.

Scouting is for a lifetime, not just a season.

You can do Scouts and sports at the same time.
When your sport is over, come back to Scouts
and learn things for life and have lots of fun.