Boy Scout Troop 1033 By-Laws

Troop 1033 is chartered by Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Beltsville Maryland. The Scouting program is carried out by the Scoutmaster with the support and administrative assistance of the Troop Committee as prescribed by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

We gladly welcome new scouts into our troop. The Troop Committee and Scoutmaster pledge to you to assist each scout in the development of his duties to God and Country, to others, and to himself. We hope to develop an awareness of self-reliance, to improve individual and group leadership skills, and to increase his abilities and knowledge.

In turn, we ask each Scout's parents to continue encouragement of his efforts. We ask for direct participation when called upon to assist the Troop. Parents can serve on the Troop Committee, serve as Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, be a Merit Badge Counselor, help during fund-raisers, help with transportation, and / or other special requests.

The leadership of Troop 1033 realizes that Scouting can put a strain upon the household budget. No scout should be prevented from participating in any of our activities due to financial reasons. Should finances be a concern, please discuss this with the Scoutmaster.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath         
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

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


TROOP MEETINGS
Troop meeting are held every Thursday night from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the education building of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church or specified location. The troop does not meet on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years.  If the public school system is closed due to inclement weather there will be NO troop meeting.

Each Scout should wear a scout shirt Class A during the hot summer months the troop will wear their class Class B T-shirt and bring their Boy Scout Handbook and a notebook to the meeting.  A Class A uniform is required for all formal meetings of the troop including Courts of Honor, District, Council and National Events.  Class B t-shirts will be worn at all campouts, troop fundraising activities and service projects unless a Class A uniform is required.

LEADERSHIP
All adult leadership will be approved by the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) and the Troop Committee Chair.
The troop will not attend any function with less than two (2) adult leaders being present, in accordance with BSA policy. Additionally, one of these leaders must have had Youth Protection Training and Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Leadership Training.

The Scoutmaster will keep all medical histories, physical forms, and "Consent to Medical Treatment" forms. The Treasurer will keep all financial records and receipts.

THE SCOUTMASTER
The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The Scoutmaster must be at least 21 years of age, and is recommended by the Troop Committee for approval by the pastor of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.  All Scoutmasters will have attended Scoutmaster Training within one year of being appointed to the position if the training is provided by the local district or council or will be removed at the next year’s chartering.

Duties of this position include the following:
1. Train and guide boy leaders. Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the goal of Scouting.
2. Meet regularly with the patrol leaders' council for training and coordination in planning troop activities. Attend all meetings of the troop. The position also requires taking part in an annual membership inventory, uniform inspection of the Scouts, a charter review meeting, and charter presentation.
3. Scoutmaster conferences to be performed for all rank advancements.
4. He must make it possible for each Scout to experience at least 10 days and nights of camping each year. Participation in Council and District events is encouraged.

ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTERS
The Scoutmaster, with the assistance of the troop committee, recruits Assistant Scoutmasters to help operate the troop. Each assistant is assigned specific program duties and reports to the Scoutmaster. They may be 18 years old, but at least one in each troop should be 21 or older, so that they may serve in the Scoutmaster's absence.  All Assistant Scoutmasters will have attended Assistant Scoutmaster Training if the training is provided by the local district or council within one year of being appointed to the position or will be removed at the next year’s chartering.

JUNIOR LEADER POSITIONS
The troop is run by its elected and appointed boy leaders. With the guidance of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster(s), they plan the program, conduct troop meetings, and provide leadership among their peers.

The SENIOR PATROL (SPL) is the top junior leader in the troop. He leads the patrol leaders' council and the troop meeting. This position is one elected by majority vote of the boys. The elected SPL then appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL). These positions are for a term of a minimum of 6 months and have the following requirements:

1. Show Scout Spirit.
2. At least First Class Rank.
3. Set a good example.
4. Attend at least 90% of all meetings.
An elected SPL can be removed if they do not meet the 90% attendance at the troop meetings.



PATROL LEADERS

● Patrols are established by the SPL immediately following elections.
● The Patrol Leader is elected by majority vote by the members of the patrol.
● The Patrol Leader appoints the assistant patrol leader
● The assistant patrol leader is NOT considered a leadership role for advancement purposes, however, they should be highly recommended as a patrol leader at the next election.

Other junior leader positions include the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Historian, Librarian, Chaplain Aide, Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide, Den Chiefs, Bugler, Quartermaster, and Scribe. Their respective duties are outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook and other BSA books.

JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER: Must be 16 years old and either a Life Scout or Eagle Scout and is appointed by the Scoutmaster.  Selection to this position will be based upon the Scouts’ competence as a scout, leadership ability and their potential of becoming a future Assistant Scoutmaster.  Duties are assigned by the Scoutmaster.

PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL
A patrol leaders' council will be held once a month.  Troop meetings and campouts will be planned at this time.  The Senior Patrol Leader runs the meeting under the guidance of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster.  The Patrol Leaders Council consists of the SPL, ASPL, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Instructors, Patrol leaders, Scribe, Troop Guide, Troop Quartermaster, and the Troop Guide of Service Projects.

ADVANCEMENT
This is the process by which Scouts progress from rank in the Scouting program. The purpose of advancement is to strengthen character, body, mind, and the concept of being a participating citizen. There are 5 steps in this process: learning, testing, reviewing, recognition, and participation.

The Scoutmaster will advise the troop committee when a boy is not advancing.

SCOUTMASTERS CONFERENCE
As each Scout completes the requirements for the next rank, his progress is reviewed by the Scoutmaster. This helps the Scout evaluate his accomplishments and set new goals. Once this conference is completed, the Scout is prepared for his Board of Review.

BOARD OF REVIEW
The Boards of Review for the ranks of Tenderfoot through Life are the responsibility of the Troop Committee. The purpose of the Board is to make sure the Scout has learned and completed the requirements for the rank.   It is not a re-examination of the requirements.  Additionally, it is designed to see how good an experience the Scout is having and to encourage the Scout to progress further.  Each Scout should appear before this Board in a Class "A" uniform.  The Scout should approach the Committee member and request a Board of Review.  He should have his Scout book with him.

Eagle Boards of Review will be scheduled through the Indian Creek District Advancement Chair, who sets the rules for all Eagle Boards of Review.  These will be scheduled as needed.



CHARTER ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE (COR): The COR is the liaison between Emmanuel United Methodist Church and the Boy Scout Troop.  They must be a member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church.  They are responsible for approving and presenting the yearly troop recharter, approving all adult leaders, and attending the District Committee meetings.  The troop committee will recommend the COR to the pastor of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, however, it is the decision of the pastor to make the appointment.

TROOP COMMITTEE (*Registered Troop committee members with positions reaffirmed every two years)

COMMITTEE CHAIR* (Elected by majority vote of the registered troop committee members, and approved by the Charter Organization Representative)
•    Organize the committee to see that all functions are delegated, coordinated, and completed.
•    Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organizations representative and the Scoutmaster.
•    Interpret national and local policies to the troop.
•    Prepare troop committee meeting agendas.
•    Call, preside over, and promote attendance at monthly troop committee meetings and any special meetings that may be called.
•    Ensure troop representation at monthly roundtables.
•    Secure top-notch, trained individuals for Scoutmaster and camp leadership.
•    Arrange for charter review and re-charter annually.
•    Plan the charter presentation.
TROOP TREASURER*
•    Handle all troop funds. Pay bills on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster and authorization of the troop committee
•    Maintain checking and savings accounts
•    Train and supervise the troop scribe in record keeping.
•    Keep adequate records in the Troop/Team Record Book.
•    Supervise the camp savings plan (“Scout Bucks”).
•    Lead in the preparation of the annual troop budget.
•    Lead the Friends of Scouting campaign.
•    Report to the troop at each committee meeting
•    Keep adequate records of expenses and revenue.
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
•    Plan and track orders from the 2 (spring and fall) troop fundraisers completing all the necessary BSA forms.
•    Report to the troop committee as requested by the chairperson.

SECRETARY*
•    Keep minutes of meetings and send out committee meeting notices.
•    Conduct the troop resource survey.
•    Plan for family night programs and family activities.
•    At each meeting, report the minutes of the previous meeting.
ACTIVITIES CHAIR*
•    Help in securing permission to use camping sites.
•    Ensure a monthly outdoor program.
•    Promote the National Camping Award.
•    Develop and distribute permission slips
•    Promote, through family meetings, attendance at troop campouts, camporees, and summer camp to reach the goal of one outing per month.
•    Secure tour permits for all troop activities.
•    Report to the troop committee at each meeting.
SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR: The Troop may appoint a special sub-committee to handle summer camp. This sub-committee would be responsible for all administrative tasks associated with ensuring that the troop attends the camp of their choice.
● Each scout is encouraged to attend summer camp. “Scout Bucks” may be used to pay for summer camp.
● Adults may not attend summer camp unless they have taken Youth Protection Training and are trained and registered Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters or they are accompanying their own child.
● All adults attending summer camp must be approved by the committee and the Charter organization.
TRANSPORTATION CHAIR
•    Coordinate transportation for camping trips
•    Maintains car insurance information

ADVANCEMENT CHAIR*
•    Encourage Scouts to advance in rank
•    Work with the troop scribe to maintain all Scout advancement records.
•    Advancement records will be maintained using the Troopmaster Software.
•    Updated data will be provided at each committee meeting. Backup copies will be given to the Secretary, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Service Project Chair, and Training Chair. These copies may be sent electronically.
•    Arrange quarterly troop boards of review and courts of honor.
•    Develop and maintain a merit badge counselor list
•    Make a prompt report on the correct form to the council service center when a troop board of review is held. Secure badges and certificates
•    Work with the troop librarian to build and maintain a troop library of merit badge pamphlets.
•    Report to the troop committee at each meeting.
EQUIPMENT CHAIR*
•    Supervise and help the troop procure camping equipment.
•    Work with the quartermasters on inventory and proper storage and maintenance of all troop equipment.
•    Make periodic safety checks on all troop camping gear, and encourage troops in safe use of all outdoor equipment.
•    Report to the troop committee at each meeting.
SERVICE PROJECT COORDINATOR*
•    Oversee the planning of troop service projects directing and advising the Service Project Leader.
•    Report to the troop committee as requested by the chairperson.

MEMBESHIP CHAIR:

● Develop and plan for year-round membership flow into the troop including open houses.
● Work closely with the Cubmaster and Weblos den leader of Pack 1031to provide a smooth transition from pack to troop.  Assist in developing and recruiting den chiefs, and assist in the crossover ceremony.
● Encourage Scouts to invite their friends to join the troop
● Keep track of Scouts who drop out of the troop, and develop a plan to encourage them to rejoin.

TRAINING CHAIR
•    Ensure troop leaders and committee members have opportunities for training.
•    Maintain an inventory of up-to-date training materials, videotapes, and other training resources.
•    Work with the district training team in scheduling Fast Start training for all new leaders.
•    Be responsible for BSA Youth Protection training within the troop.
•    Encourage periodic junior leader training within the troop and at the council and national levels.
•    Report to the troop committee at each meeting.
LIFE TO EAGLE:

● Mentor Life Scouts through their Eagle Scout Project, the Eagle Scout Application, Eagle Scout Board of Review and the Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

CHAPLAIN
•    Provide a spiritual tone for troop meetings and activities.
•    Give guidance to the chaplain aide.
•    Promote regular participation of each member in the activities of the religious organization of his choice.
•    Visit homes of Scouts in time of sickness or need.
•    Encourage Boy Scouts to earn their appropriate religious emblems.
•    Coordinate the annual Boy Scout Breakfast on Scout Sunday.
•    Report to the troop committee at each meeting
  PUBLICIST
•    Publicizes the troop’s activities in local media

MERIT BADGES
Through the Merit Badge Program, a Scout learns career skills, develops socially, and develops physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.  Troop 1033 does not typically offer merit badges during troop meetings, but the district holds District wide merit badge days for most of the Eagle merit badges, and the troop has monthly themes which may help the Scout progress on merit badges.  It is up to the Scout to pursue the merit badge.

When a Scout is interested in earning a Merit Badge, he can contact them directly, or approach the Advancement Chair or the Scoutmaster, who will give him the name and phone number of a Merit Badge counselor. Scouts should utilize the "Buddy" system in working on Merit Badges. Upon completion of the requirements, the counselor will sign off on the work.  The Scout must turn in the Blue card to the Advancement chair.  The Scout will be recognized at the next Court of Honor.

A Scout must read the merit badge pamphlet in order to earn the badge. The pamphlet may be checked out from the Troop library or purchased at the Scout Office or Backcountry. The Troop has a planning calendar which lists all merit badges that will be worked on during each month. Please coordinate your work with this calendar.

COURT OF HONOR
Once every 3 - 4 months, Troop 1033 will host a Court of Honor to formally recognize those Scouts who have fulfilled the requirements for their Merit Badges, advanced to a higher rank and earned special awards and patches. It is extremely important that parents attend and show their support of their son's work. These events, like the Scout program itself, are planned by the Scouts. And, like all official functions, Scouts should be in Class "A" uniform to receive their awards.

REGISTRATION AND FEES
Each Scout must complete a Boy Scout of America registration form which the parent or guardian must sign prior to participation in any Scouting activity.   The annual dues cover the cost of the Scout Handbook, registration, Boy's Life subscription, and badges and patches for advancement. It does not cover the cost of patches from camping trips nor the cost of the uniform.  The fees also help cover the cost of re-chartering, registration fees each year, and registration of adult leaders.

ADDITIONAL COSTS
Each activity has its own cost associated with it. The cost of food for campouts will be shared equally by all Scouts participating in the activity. The fee is usually $15.00, but can vary depending upon the activity and menus planned. All fees will be paid two weeks prior to the planned event and a permission slip filled out. There are no refunds after the food has been purchased.

UNIFORMS
Uniforms should be worn to all Scout meetings. Uniforms help create a sense of belonging. They symbolize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. When properly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit.

Class "A" uniforms consist of the following items:
Official BSA khaki shirt (long or short sleeve).
Red epaulettes.
Insignias on shirt:

    Left sleeve-        NCAC Council patch.
                Numeral 1033 (can be purchased from the troop)
                Position patch (if applicable)
    Right sleeve-        American flag patch (comes on the shirt).
                Patrol patch
                Quality Unit patch (if earned by troop)
    Left side of shirt -    Universal Crest
    Left pocket-        Rank insignia (will be awarded as earned)
   
The front and back covers of the Boy Scout Handbook show the proper placement of these insignias on the shirt.

The Class "B" uniform consists of the Troop 1033 T-Shirt worn with shorts or jeans and can be worn during the summer months (May to September) to meetings. It may also be worn after arriving at the campsite.

An olive green merit badge sash should be worn to Court of Honors and official dress occasions.
ONLY merit badges are to be worn on the Merit Badge Sash as outlined in BSA rules.

TENTS
The troop has a limited number of tents available for use.
Shoes are not to be worn inside the tents.
Prior to a tent being taken down, it will be cleaned out.  The Scout should take it home to set it back up to dry, may sure it is clean and return it at the next troop meeting. It is the Quarter-master’s responsibility to insure that all tents are returned in the same conditions as they were in when checked out.

SERVICE PROJECTS
The Boy Scouts of America seeks to develop in each Scout a spirit of self-reliance. Each boy will learn through Service Projects that he, and his Scout Troop, can make a difference in their community.  Service to others is required for advancement for each rank from Second Class through Eagle.  Troop 1033 strives to do a service project each month.

Eagle Scout service projects must be presented to the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee and approved by the Troop Committee Chair prior to its being presented to the Indian Creek District Advancement Chair.

CAMPING GUIDELINES
Uniforms are to be worn to and from all campouts.
Axes and saws are to be used only by those Scouts who earned the BSA Totin' Chip card. No personal axes are allowed.
Fires and camp stoves should be handled only by those Scouts who have earned the Fireman’s Chit.
Electronic equipment, radios, MP3 players, cell phones, and all video games are not allowed.
The campsite will be left as clean, or cleaner than it was found.
Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
If any damage to Troop equipment is done in a negligent or willful manner, the Scout will be expected to replace such equipment or pay for repairs.
No Scout will ride on the outside of any motor vehicle.
The "Buddy" system will be in effect throughout the campout.
Scouts are not permitted to play with fire.
The Patrol method will be followed throughout the campout.
No cursing or foul language will be tolerated.
Excessive rowdy, unruly, loud, disrespectful, disobedient, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
No weapons of any kind will be tolerated.
Fixed open blade sheath knives are not to be brought, worn, or used by any Scout.  It is in violation of BSA policy.
No tobacco products will be tolerated.

CHUCKBOXES
The patrol leader, assistant patrol leader or patrol quartermaster will have to sign out the equipment that is being used by the patrol from the troop quartermaster.
If equipment is not cleaned or packed properly after the trip the person who signed for it will be responsible to get it cleaned or packed properly before the troop quartermaster signs off.  If items are missing or damaged beyond repair, the patrol will do without or have to replace it themselves.  The troop quartermaster will not sign off without notifying adult leaders if items are missing or broken.
When the troop quartermaster re-inventories the boxes after trips, he should make a shopping list of items that will need to be restocked, such as lighters, steel wool pads, soap-less hand sanitizer, dish detergent and aluminum foil. These items will need to be restocked every few trips, however if excessive replacement is noticed the patrol will be responsible for restocking early.

DISCIPLINE
The scouting program is designed for group activity in a team environment, with appropriately trained youth and adult leadership. Each Scout is expected to conduct himself at all Scout activities according to the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

Scouts whose behavior is disruptive or inappropriate will be addressed first by their Patrol Leader. If the problem continues, it will be brought to the attention of the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and the Senior Patrol Leader. If the problem rises to the level of the attention of the Senior Patrol Leader he may convene an Eagle Scout Disciplinary Board.  This Board will consist of all Eagle Scouts in the troop and the SPL.  The Scoutmaster will serve as advisor on the Eagle Scout Disciplinary Board.  Should they be unable to resolve the situation, they will go to the Scoutmaster.  If the problem is serious enough, a disciplinary committee meeting will be held at the request of the Scoutmaster. The disciplinary committee will consist of at least Four adults, three of whom must be committee members.  The Committee Chair will preside as chair of the Adult Disciplinary Board.  If a scout is charged with two major infractions which involve safety issues, liability issues, gross disrespect of Adult Leaders or the “Scout Law”; the third infraction will result in immediate expulsion from the troop.  If a scout is expelled from the troop he is NOT allowed to attend any scout related activities of the troop.

DUTIES OF PARENTS
Each family is encouraged to assist in the Troop program in one or more areas by:
Serving as an active Assistant Scoutmaster,
Chairing or serving on the Troop Committee,
Serving as a Merit Badge Counselor, or
Helping as needed on special occasions.

AMENDMENTS
All policies adopted by the Troop 1033 Committee cannot be in conflict with BSA policies. These policies cannot cover every conceivable situation. As such, these policies may be amended, revised, removed, or new policies added as deemed necessary by the Troop Committee of Troop 1033. This is done by a simple majority vote of registered adult members present at a Troop Committee Meeting.