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Troop 55 Program Guide 1 Troop 55 Rev 1.2 Program Guide Nov 2016

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Page 1: quasitedproductions.comquasitedproductions.com/Troop55/Troop_55_Program_Guide.docx · Web viewIt is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill

Troop 55Program Guide

1Troop 55 Rev 1.2Program Guide Nov 2016

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Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts Of America to provide an effective program designed to instill within the youth desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to help develop their personal fitness, providing this country with citizens who:

Are physically, mentally and emotionally fit. Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidence in such qualities as initiative, courage and

resourcefulness. Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts. Have the desire and skills to help others. Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and government systems. Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand

America’s role in the world. Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people. Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership

to American society and in other forums of the world.

Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

The 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.

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

Scout Motto Be Prepared

Scout Slogan Do a Good Turn Daily

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The Aims & Methods of the Boy Scout Program

Aims Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.

A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy’s relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives, to the government that presides over that society.

A third aim of Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self-control, courage and self-respect).

The methods are designed to accomplish these aims.

Methods Advancement. Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to over come them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. More is discussed about Advancement later in this guide.

Adult Association. Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in a young man’s development.

Personal Growth. As Scouts plan their activity, and 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.

Ideals. The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.

Patrols. The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine Troop activities through their elected leaders.

Outdoors. Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at Troop meetings come alive. More is discussed about the outdoor program later in this guide.

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Leadership Development. Scouting 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 roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Uniform. The uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting 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 gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood youth who believe in the same ideals. More is discussed about the uniform later in this guide.

Troop Organization Troop 55 is a boy-run Troop. Leadership is one of the methods of Scouting. Every boy will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. The meetings are planned and carried out by the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC). The Patrol Leader assigns all duties for patrol activities. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership of others and helps him to grow into a more responsible adult.

Troop CommitteeThe Troop Committee is the Troop’s board of directors and has the following responsibilities:

Ensure that quality adult leaders are recruited and trained. Holds an annual planning meeting that maps out activities for the following year. Supports leaders in carrying out the program. Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and problems that may affect

the Troop. Is responsible for the finances of the Troop.

Troop Committee Positions. The Troop Committee consists of the Troop Committee Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Advancement Chair, and the Charter Organization Representative. Persons to fill these positions are elected by the Troop Committee. There are no term limits to these positions.

Troop Committee Meetings. The Troop Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. to discuss Troop business. Issues to be brought before the Troop Committee shall be forwarded to the Troop Committee Chairman in advance of the meeting for inclusion on the agenda. The meetings are open to all parents and registered members of the Troop. The Troop Committee also holds an Annual Planning Meeting where it charts the course for the Troop’s activities for the following year.

Charter Organization. Troop 55 is chartered by the Somers Point United Methodist Church in Somers Point, NJ.

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Troop PositionsScoutmaster (SM)The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the Troop. The Scoutmaster and his or her assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:

Train and guide boy leaders. Work with other adult leaders to bring Scouting to boys. Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting. Meet regularly with the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) for training and planning Troop

activities. Troop discipline with the support of the Assistant Scoutmasters. (See discipline covered

on page 6).

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM)Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and approved according to BSA policy to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the Troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He or she also provides the required “Two Deep Leadership” (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity).

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)The Senior Patrol Leader is the top boy leader elected by the Troop. He leads the Patrol Leaders Council and, in consultation with the Scoutmaster, appoints other junior leaders and assigns specific responsibilities as needed.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader fills in for the SPL when he is absent and is appointed by the SPL. He is also responsible for training and giving direction to the Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, Librarian and Instructors.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) The PLC is made up of the SPL, ASPL and Patrol Leaders. They hold monthly meetings with the Scoutmaster to plan the activities of the Troop.

Patrol Leaders (PL)The Patrol Leaders are responsible for giving leadership to the members of their patrols and are elected by the members of their patrol. They are their representation on the Patrol Leaders Council.

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Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL)Assistant Patrol Leaders help the PL run the patrol and fill in for him in his absence and are PL appointed.

ResponsibilitiesParent ResponsibilitiesThe Troop cannot function without the active participation of every parent. The Troop encourages every parent to volunteer to serve as a leader, Troop Committee member or to help with other Troop projects. The Scoutmaster or any Committee member can suggest ways to contribute. The parent is also responsible to get their Scout to and from all events or make arrangements for that to happen and to sign an electronic permission slip before each outing.

The Troop uses TroopKit (http://www.troopkit.com) to post information about upcoming outings and the parents are asked to login and indicate whether or not they or their Scout will be attending. Each parent and Scout will be assigned an access code to be able to login to TroopKit. Once assigned a login code you will receive an email every time information about an event is posted that requires your response. TroopKit is a vital tool used by the Troop for securing parental/guardian’s permission for Scouts to attend activities and events. “Yes” or “No” responses are required by the dates specified in the TroopKit event emails or else the Scout risks not being allowed to participate in that function.

Scout Responsibilities and DisciplineEvery Scout is required to live by the Scout Oath and Law at all times when wearing the Scout Uniform or in attendance at Troop outing or event. Troop 55 will not tolerate with regard to the following:

The use of foul or vulgar language, sexual innuendo, calling people names or other disparaging remarks.

The use of matches or flammable chemicals for other than their intended purpose. Bullying, hazing or any action that could result in injury to a Scout or anyone else. Other “un-Scout-like” behavior in violation of the Scout Law.

It is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, or Tour Leader to determine if a violation of these policies has occurred. Violations will result in one or more of the following actions, depending on the severity or recurrence:

A verbal reprimand. A conference with the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster or Tour Leader in order to

work out the problem and set a course of better behavior. Notification of the Troop Committee and a conference between parents, Scout and

Scoutmaster to discuss the problem.

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The Scout is sent home from the activity (including summer camp). If this occurs the parent/guardian will be required to make arrangements to take custody of the Scout (pick him up and take him home) at no cost to the Troop.

A Board of Review to discuss the issue and set a course for better behavior. The Scout is suspended from the Troop. Should this happen, the Scoutmaster and Troop

Committee Chair shall work with the parents with the goal to bring the youth back into Scouting.

Disciplinary actions will be dealt with in strict confidence and the Scout’s parents will be fully informed of the issue. Together, the Troop Committee, Scoutmaster and parents will work toward a solution that is in the best interests of all members of the Troop.

Troop 55 StandardsMeetingsTroop 55 meets every Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 p.m., except for the first Wednesday of the month. The first Wednesday of the month is reserved for the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) to meet from 6:30-7:00 p.m. and the Troop Committee from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

WebsiteFor helpful information, please visit the Troop 55 website:

http://www.troop55somerspoint.org/

Scout Uniform Scouts in uniform are conscious of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. Only the uniform provides a place for display of badges - important symbols of achievement. Scouts have more fun, stay longer, and feel greater pride in advancement.

How the uniform can help a Scout:

It is not the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between the boys or make them feel that they are all the same. But there is one way in which all Scouts are alike. Whenever a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed themselves to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose. By

wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength and support. Beyond accenting the common bond between Scouts, by wearing the uniform Scouts are declaring their faith and commitment to some important beliefs that bind them to all people. It is a way of making visible their faith, their loyalty to our country and their commitment to helping other people who need them.

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How the uniform can help the Troop:

When smartly worn, the uniform can help build good Troop spirit. By investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are really making a commitment to take Scouting seriously. The uniform makes the Troop visible as a force for good in the community. When properly worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new members. Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, youth image in the neighborhood, thus helping to counteract the negative feeling some adults have about youth.

The Troop UniformThe following is the official uniform of Troop 55 Scouts and Scouters. Placement of insignia may be found on the BSA website.

Provided by the Scout: Provided by the Troop: BSA Shirt Neckerchief Pants/Shorts (olive drab) Neckerchief Slide or WoggleBSA Belt Troop 55 PatchBSA Uniform Socks Rank BadgeScout Handbook & Registration Badges of Office Troop 55 “Class B” T-shirt (optional) Epaulets

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Advancement Advancement is the process by which youth members progress through the ranks in the Scouting program by the gradual mastery of Scouting skills. Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.

An “active Scout” for advancement purposes, above First Class, shall attend 50% of all outings and meetings which would include community service projects. If there are reasons that a Scout cannot meet these requirements, he may petition the Troop Committee for an exemption.

Troop 55 supports the BSA goal of having every Scout advance to First Class within one year.

Boy Scout Advancement: A 4-Step Process 1. The Boy Scout learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the Troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. In this way, he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested. His Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, a Troop Committee member or a Troop member, may test a Scout on requirements. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to test and pass candidates.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank he will have a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review. For Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, members of the Troop Committee conduct the review. Members of the District Advancement Committee conduct the Eagle Board of Review.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized. When the Board of Review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next Troop meeting. The certificate for his next rank will be presented to him at the next Troop Court of Honor.

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Courts of Honor As stated above, when a Scout advances, he should be recognized as soon as possible - preferably at the next unit meeting. He is recognized a second time at a public ceremony called a Court of Honor.

The main purpose of the Court of Honor is to finish formal recognition for the achievement and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance.

Troop 55 has a formal Court of Honor three times a year in September (after summer camp), January and June. All families are asked to attend and guests are certainly welcome. Every Scout that advances deserves to be recognized in front of his family. The Court of Honor is the boy's special night.

Eagle Court of HonorThe Eagle Scout (in uniform) and parents must attend a Troop Committee meeting in order to request a ceremony date. Contact the Committee Chairman to be put on the Troop Committee meeting agenda and come with at least 3 different possible dates and the preferences for your Eagle Court of Honor.

Eagle Scout/Family Responsibilities

If a location other than the United Methodist Church is picked for the Eagle Court of Honor, it is the Scout’s responsibility to secure any and all permissions.

Send out all invitations. Make programs. The Scout is responsible for picking the color guard and escorts for the ceremony. Responsible for all refreshments and kitchen help, if any. Responsible for all decorations. Responsible for getting help for cleanup after ceremony and any reception.

Troop Responsibilities

Will clear dates with the church if it is the place for the ceremony. Will sit down with the Eagle Scout and family members to go over the ceremony for the

Eagle Court of Honor. Will help run the ceremony. Will supply a roster of Troop names for the invitations. Will pay up to $100 dollar for a cake. A store receipt must be submitted to the Troop

Committee within 30 days of the Court of Honor for reimbursement.

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BSA Outdoor Program & ActivitiesScouting is effective whenever we take advantage of its truth: The place where Scouting works best is also the place that boys want the most, the outdoors. There are a number of good reasons why the outdoors program is so special. Here are the four that are especially noteworthy:

1. The outdoors is the best place for learning outdoor skills. How could it be otherwise? A Scout who tried to boil a potato on the gymnasium floor would be in hot water for sure - not to mention the boy who tried learning to swim by reading a book.

2. The outdoors is a great place for learning something about living with others. When Scouts walk on the same trail, cook and eat together, and share triumphs and troubles together, they are going to find out some important things about, say, patience, respect for other points of view, doing their full share, making a friend more easily, and saying no without losing one. Skills like these are among the "personal growth" skills we want from every Scout. The outdoors is where they grow up best.

3. On the trail or in camp, the boy's leaders will be challenged by the real thing - getting their patrols fed and sheltered, keeping them warm and safe, solving the problems they can solve, and knowing how to get help for those they can't. It's a time when leadership skills can deepen, patrols grow closer, and the Troop grows stronger. 4. The outdoors is also a place where a Scout can get closer to the natural world around him - the land, the forests and their wildlife, the lakes and rivers, the mountains and the seas. Here, in the outdoors, he will learn of the "land ethic" - the understanding and respect for the environment we all share, and he will develop an active concern for its health and a willingness to work to keep it healthy.

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Troop 55 Outdoor Program & Activity Policies Troop 55 has a very active outdoor program and all boys are encouraged to participate. The outdoor program includes a monthly campout, an annual week-long summer camp, day hikes and other outdoor activities. All outings may only be attended by registered Scouts or adults. This is done for liability reasons. Exception to this rule can be made for potential Scouts on a case by case basis. A potential Scout shall complete an application and have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Each Troop activity will have a designated Tour Leader prior to departure.

The designated trip cost must be paid prior to a Scout going on any activity.

All permission slips must be signed electronically in TroopKit by the designated date before a Scout may attend an activity. Any adults going on the activity must indicate their intent to the Tour Leader by the date specified in TroopKit for the event.

When an activity is being planned, the Troop must have at least 3 adults committing to attend the trip. To maintain “Two Deep Leadership” on an outing, 2 adults are the minimum required to attend.

The adult to Scout ratio for any Troop sponsored activity will be at least 1 adult for every 5 Scouts with no less than 2 adults in attendance. In the event that this ratio cannot be met, it is the responsibility of the Tour Leader to decide who can participate. This ratio can be adjusted for special activities, though it will never fall below 2 adults in attendance. The Tour Leader has the final word on such matters.

The Troop reserves the right to call for a pack inspection before departure to check if a Scout is prepared with the necessary equipment for the trip. In the judgment of the Tour Leader, if any Scout lacks the necessary equipment, they have the right to leave them home.

Scouts will not arrive at the point of departure any earlier than 15 minutes before the time specified. The Scout’s parent or guardian is required to stay until the Troop departs in case of any questions or problems with equipment, etc. or must have the Tour Leader’s express permission to depart before the Troop does. Parents/guardians will pick up their Scout at the point of departure, unless otherwise notified prior to the activity.

All adults involved in return transportation will take all Scouts to the designated pickup point to help unload gear. The Tour Leader must know of any early pickup arrangements prior to the trip.

The adult designated to pull the Troop trailer shall receive compensation for gas and tolls.

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Troop 55 Travel Reimbursement The Troop Committee will reimburse drivers that are required to transport Scouts on trips that are greater than 80 miles (one-way) or when specifically designated as reimbursable mileage trips by the Troop Committee. The driver will be reimbursed at a rate of 15 miles per gallon and the driver towing the Troop trailer will receive 7.5 miles per gallon and tolls. The following criteria must be met for a driver to be reimbursed:

1. The trip must be approved by the Troop Committee as a reimbursable trip.

2. A reimbursable driver must be approved by the tour leader running the trip.

a. Each driver provides the maximum seats available for the trip.

b. If arriving late or departing early, the driver will only be reimbursed for the leg of the trip that Scouts were transported.

c. Drivers that sign up early for the trip will be given preference.

3. A travel reimbursement form (see below) must be completed by the driver and turned into the Troop Treasurer within 14 days after trip completion. If it is not completed within 14 days and alternate arrangements are not made with the Treasurer, then the driver forfeits travel reimbursement for the trip.

The Troop Treasurer will:

1. Determine the average price per gallon of regular gas using AAA website.

2. Reimburse the driver within two weeks of receiving travel reimbursement form.

Example: Price per gallon x total miles / rate

AAA price per gallon = $1.994, one way mileage = 173.3 miles

1.994 x 346.6 = 691.12 / 15 = $46.07 (driver)

1.994 x 346.6 = 691.12 / 7.5 = $92.15 (driver towing trailer)

Troop 55 Travel Reimbursement FormDriver Name:

Towed trailer? Y / N

Mailing Address:

Date of Trip: Trip Destination:

Trip Mileage: Tolls:

Driver Signature: Trip Leader Signature:

For Treasurer’s Use Only:

Date Received: Fuel Cost/Gallon:

Total Reimbursement: Check #:

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Costs Associated With Scouting FeesRe-Charter Fee – This registration fee is set annually by the Jersey Shore Council (approximately $30) and is the responsibility of each Scout or Scouter to pay to the troop in November. The cost of Boys’ Life will be covered by the troop (if desired, highly encouraged but not mandatory), one magazine per family.

Annual Dues – Troop 55 annual dues are $24 for Scouts ($2 per month), due in September.

Outing Fees – Troop 55 usually has at least one activity each month. Each activity will have a fee that will be posted on TroopKit ahead of time. The activity fees vary based on actual cost for food, transportation, etc.

FundraisingEach Scout is given the opportunity to earn money to cover the above fees. Any money they earn is held by the Troop Treasurer in their designated “Scout Account.” All fundraising opportunities must be announced using the widest dissemination possible.

Scout Accounts are managed by the Troop Treasurer and are reviewed at the monthly Troop Committee meetings. There is no time limit for an active Scout in Troop 55 to use their earned funds. Any Scout that drops out of Scouting will lose his funds; after one year from the date he drops out (date of last meeting attended) funds will be transferred into the Troop 55 general fund. Scouts who transfer to another Troop will have up to one year to transfer their funds to his new Troop at the request of the new Troop’s Treasurer.

Troop 55 earns its operating funds through two major fundraisers. All proceeds from the annual Pasta Dinner and Easter Egg Hunt in Ocean City are allocated for Troop 55’s operating budget.

The main money making activities for individuals are camp cards, candy and popcorn sales. Scouts have the opportunity to earn enough during these activities to cover most of their Scouting expenses for the year. There are also other opportunities to earn funds. Troop 55 will organize fund raisers in order to provide Scouts the opportunity to “earn their own way.”

Popcorn sales are a popular way for the Scout to earn money for camp. Every Scout will have the opportunity to sell popcorn at a public sale. All proceeds (including donations) from a popcorn sale will be divided among the Scouts who attended the Show & Sell and be deposited in their scout account. As a general rule, all fundraisers will follow these guidelines.

Summer camp is usually the most expensive troop outing. For those Scouts that have financial need, camperships (scholarships) are usually available from Jersey Shore Council. It is Troop 55’s philosophy that the Scout needs to earn at least half of the money for these outings before receiving financial assistance from the Council or Troop 55. Situations can be brought before the Troop Committee and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

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Youth Protection Program Summary Child abuse is a major problem affecting our society. Each year more than 2 million cases of suspected child abuse are reported. This means that 1% of American children are experiencing physical abuse, 1% are experiencing sexual abuse, and 2-5% are experiencing emotional maltreatment or some form of neglect. Because of the significance of these social problems, the Boy Scouts of America has declared child abuse as one of the "unacceptable" to receive special attention by those involved in the Scouting program.

The BSA has developed a five-point plan to combat child abuse and to improve the environment in which young people live. The key elements of this strategy include the following points:

Educating Scouting volunteers, parents and Scouts themselves to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse.

Establishing leader-selection procedures to prevent individuals with a history of child abuse from entering the BSA leadership ranks.

Establishing policies that minimize the opportunities for child abuse to occur in the program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Encouraging Scouts to report improper behavior in order to identify offenders quickly. Swiftly removing and reporting alleged offenders.

Parents’ Guide The Boy Scouts of America has developed materials for use in the Scouting program that provide essential information to members and their families. A detachable booklet in the front of The Boy Scout Handbook, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parents’ Guide," provides information to help families to increase self-protection skills.

Troop 55 and the Youth Protection Program Troop 55 is committed to following all guidelines of the BSA Youth Protection Program. Any suspected offenses of the Youth Protection Program must be reported to the Troop Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster or the Council Executive. All incidents reported to the Troop Committee Chairman or the Scoutmaster will be reported to the Council Executive. All reports are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety of the youth. All registered adult leaders must have current Youth Protection Training and provide a copy of their certification to the Troop Committee.

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Troop 55 Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy Personal Electronic Device (PED) use is limited to cellular phones and smart phones in this policy. Larger electronic devices like electronic tablets, laptop computers, or handheld and larger gaming systems will be addressed in a separate policy. All Scouts, parents/guardians and leaders are responsible for reading, understanding and enforcing this policy.

1. PED are NOT permitted: On any Troop 55 summer camp. On any Troop 55 overnight trips. On any Troop 55 day trips/events. At any Troop 55 meetings.

2. No PED are permitted on any scouting event (including summer camp) where the location or camp does not permit PED’s. No Exceptions.

3. BSA, Jersey Shore Council, Troop 55, Tour Leaders, and adult leaders will not be held responsible for any PED that is lost, stolen, or damaged, even it is confiscated from a Scout.

4. Exceptions to Policy:a. When PED could be used to document the trip (sightseeing).b. When PED could be used for rapid, important communication between

scouts/leaders when out in the general public.c. When scout will need PED to arrange for transportation (during or at the end).d. At the discretion of the event Tour Leader, exceptions may be made for all or part

of an event, but may be different based on scout rank. (i.e. PED’s may be collected by leaders prior to dinner and returned after breakfast or only First Class and higher scouts may have PED’s.)

5. Regardless of exception, if a PED becomes a distraction or is used in a non-scout-like manner it will be confiscated and returned to the scout’s parent/guardian on return from the event.

17Troop 55 Rev 1.2Program Guide Nov 2016