The Troop charter of Troop 474 is granted by the Simon Kenton Council Buckeye District of the Boy Scouts of America to Overbrook Presbyterian Church, in accordance with the requirements of the bylaws, rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America. The Troop will follow and incorporate all the Policies and Procedures of the Boy Scouts of America in the implementation of this Scouting program.

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 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 Scout Law.

Table of Contents

Ideals of Scouting
• Welcome - Who We Are and What We Do
• Garage Sale
• Joining Troop 474
• Uniforms
• Boy Scout Handbook

• General Troop Information
• Registration and Dues
• Camping Expenses
• Transportation
• Insurance
• Summer Camp
• Activities

• Activities/Camping Trips
• Camping Equipment
• Aquatic Activities
• Campout Guidelines
• Travel Issues
• Safety Issues
• Liquid Fuels
• Patrol Issues

• Advancement
• Rank Requirements
• Scoutmaster Conference
• Board of Review
• Life to Eagle
• Merit Badges

• Troop Leadership Information
  
• Adult Leadership
• Youth Leadership
• List of Troop Leadership Positions
• Troop Elections

• Code of Conduct
• Grievances
• Internet Guidelines

• Guidelines Revision, Review & Approval

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  Ideals of Scouting

  The Scout Oath or Promise

  On my honor
  I will do my best
  To do my duty to God and my Country and
  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, and Reverent.
  

  The Scout Motto
  

  "Be Prepared"
  

  The Scout Slogan
  "Do A Good Turn Daily"

  The Outdoor Code
  As an American, I will do my best to
  Be clean in my outdoor manners,
  Be careful with fire,
  Be considerate in the outdoors, and
  Be conservation-minded.
  

  Leave No Trace - Outdoor Ethics
  Plan ahead and prepare
  Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  Dispose of waste properly
  Leave what you find
  Minimize campfire impacts
  Respect wildlife
  Be considerate of other visitors
  

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  WELCOME (Who We Are & What We Do)
  

  Troop 474 is proud to be celebrating almost 50 years of Scouting. It was originally chartered in 1962 by Overbrook Presbyterian Church. Overbrook has sponsored Scout organizations for 75 years

  We meet on Monday evenings at 6:45PM in the Fellowship hall of the church. During the Summer months we meet at Whetstone Park (Park of Roses) on Monday nights at 6:45PM. The Troop camps at least one weekend (usually the 3rd weekend) most months. Most of Troop 474's Scouts come from the surrounding school districts.

  Scouting is well known for teaching the basic skills, such as tying knots, cooking, and camping. While this is an integral part of Scouting, Troop 474 strives to include both adventure and learning activities for the Scouts. The Troop tries to instill the ideals of Scouting found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

  The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters carry out the Scouting program under the direct supervision of the Troop Committee as prescribed by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Troop's goal is to be boy led, where the youth leadership plans and conducts the meetings and activities under the advisement of the Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, and with approval from the Troop Committee.

  Scoutmaster Tim McCoy has been our intrepid leader for several years. He can be reached through his email at tcoy@aol.com. You can visit our website through our portal at overbrookscouting.com to find out more about us.

  Garage Sale
  Troop 474 earns its entire budget for the year at the Garage Sale held on the third Saturday in August. All Scouts and parents should plan to meet every Monday during summer to do pick-ups during Scout meetings. All Scouts and parents should plan to spend every evening the week before Garage Sale setting up the sale. And of course, every Scout and parent should plan to be at Garage Sale all day long, and into the evening, for clean-up. The Troop expresses its deep gratitude to Overbrook Presbyterian Church for letting us take over the parking lot and church for the week leading up to our sale.

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  Joining Troop 474
  

  Any boy who desires to follow the ideals of Scouting is welcome to join the Troop.
  

  To become a Boy Scout
  

• You must be 11 years old or in the 5th grade.
• OR earned the Arrow of Light award.
• You must be under 18 years of age.
  Once the decision has been made to join Troop 474, a parent or guardian should accompany his/her son to a Troop meeting. A membership packet will be given to the parent for review and for completion of the necessary forms. The parent, with son, will meet with the Scoutmaster to discuss Troop 474's Scouting Program. A boy cannot participate in any Scouting activity until he is properly registered with the Troop.
  

  The Membership Packet includes:
  Application & Medical Release Form
  • Troop Handbook
  • Troop Resource Sheet
  • Latest Newsletter
  • Current Fees
  • Current Calendar
  • Scout Handbook (at crossover only)
  • Epaulets (at crossover only)
  • Troop Numbers for uiform
  • Neckerchief (at crossover only)
  Each Scout's parent or guardian is asked to contribute to the Troop and its activities in some way. Many resources and talents are required for the Troop to have a quality program.

  Parents can assist the Troop in many ways by providing leadership on camping trips, special events, and Expos, providing transportation, serving on Boards of Review, as a Merit Badge Counselor, a Troop Committee Member, or an Assistant Scoutmaster, to name a few.
  

  If the Troop Resource Questionnaire does not address your abilities, discuss with the Committee Chairman or Scoutmaster ways you can assist the Troop.
  We would like each boy to have a good Scouting experience. Should a question arise or problems develop, please contact the Troop Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster, or any of the Assistant Scoutmasters. We will try to resolve the situation. Unless otherwise informed, the Leaders must assume that all is well within the Troop.
  

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  Uniforms
  

  The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. The uniforms help create a sense of belonging. Wearing the uniform gives the youth and adult members a feeling of personal equality, identification, achievement, and personal commitment. The uniform should be complete and worn correctly.
  

  Troop 474 has a tradition of uniformed Scouts and Leaders. A Scout is encouraged to obtain his uniform as soon as possible. Each Scout should have a Class A uniform before he receives his Scout badge. The Class A uniform is to be worn at each Troop function, i.e. meetings, travel to campouts, Scout ceremonies, and other functions as directed by the Scoutmaster.
  

  All Scouts, Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to wear the following:
  

  Formal Uniform or Class A Activity Uniform or Class B
  

  (A) Official BSA khaki shirt (short sleeve recommended) (B) Any Scout T-shirt
  (A) Neckerchief (provided by 474>
  (A) Green Scout pants (long or short) (B) Green Scout pants (long or short)
  (A) Scout belt with buckle (B) Scout belt with buckle
  (A) Red and green Scout socks (required if wearing shorts) or dark socks (B) Red and green Scout socks when wearing shorts
  (A) Green epaulettes
  Insignia for shirt:
  • Simon Kenton Council Patch
  • American flag patch (on shirt sleeve)
  • Patrol patch (provided by Troop)
  • Numerals "474" (provided by Troop)
  • Rank insignia (provided by Troop)
  

  NOTE: Scouts may wear a Class B uniform during June, July, and August.
  

  Uniforms and other Scout accessories can be purchased at the Scout Shop or by mail order from the official Boy Scout Catalog (obtained from the Scout Shop), or from the BSA official web site. Scout uniforms are expensive. If your Scout needs a uniform, the Troop has a limited number of uniforms available for loan to Troop members.
  

  Please donate your Scout's outgrown uniforms and return any that have been on loan.
  Please refer to the Boy Scout Handbook for proper placement of insignia on the shirt.
  

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  [insert boy Scout handbook para here]

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  General Troop Information
  Registration and Dues
  

  Each Scout must submit a completed Boy Scouts of America membership application signed by a parent or guardian as well as a completed health form. Monthly dues of $2.00 should be paid by each Scout to the Troop/Patrol Scribe.

  Camping Expenses
  The Monday before the campout is when all camping fees must be paid and all forms; signed permission form, up to date Health form, must be turned in. NO SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP, No TRIP. Unpaid camping fees will be paid from the Scouts PSA if not paid within one week of campout.
  

  Food for Campouts will be purchased by designated Scout(s) in each Patrol (when we are cooking by Patrol) or by a designated person for the Troop (when we are cooking as a Troop). Receipts for food purchases will be reimbursed by the Treaurer Planning, buying, preparing, and cleaning up are all part of rank requirements.
  

  Fees for outdoor activities and outings are set by the Troop Committee for each activity and can vary based on the event. The goal is to keep the fee as low as possible; to keep the cost of the outings affordable while working within the Troop budget. Typically the camping fee is $10.00 per Scout and $15.00 per adult Scouter or parent. For special outings such as ski trips, canoe trips, etc., the fees will be adjusted by the Troop Committee accordingly. There is no discount for multiple Scouts from the same family. If for any reason a Scout cannot pay the fees, do not consider it a reason to not attend. See the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Committeee Chair if paying fees becomes a problem.

  Transportation
  • Scout parents are expected to help with the transportation to and from Troop activities. The cost of transportation is paid for by the drivers of the vehicles. The Troop does not reimburse for fuel and vehicle upkeep
  

  Insurance
  • Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to have health/accident insurance on their Scout. Troop 474 purchases BSA accident insurance.
  • All personal vehicles used to transport Scouts must have the minimum insurance required under current BSA policy. The State of Ohio insurance information , along with the drivers licence number must be provided to the Troop activities Chair prior to the activity.

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  Summer Camp
  

  •Troop 474 generally attends Camp Falling Rock for the last week in June.
  

  Each Adult Scout Leader who attends summer camp with the Troop must have an annual up to date medical form on file with the Troop.
  

  Each adult Scouter who attends Summer Camp must have an annual up to date medical form on file with the Troop.
  Each Scout attending summer camp must have an annual up to date medical form on file with the Troop. (BSA required now covered by annual medical form requirement for each Scout) The parent and/or legal guardian must complete the health questionnaire yearly and update information as needed.
  

  A signed and completed permission form is required for a Scout to attend each camping trip and other functions as needed and should be provided on the Monday prior to the departure date.

  NO SIGNED PERMISSION,NO HEALTH FORM ON FILE, NO TRIP!
  

  Items taken to summer camp should have Troop 474 as well as the Scouts name written on them.
  Scouts buddy up with up with another Scout of Similar age to sleep in tents provided by the Camp.

  Activities
  

  • Troop meetings - Troop meetings are held on Monday night from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Class A Uniform required Meetings are held year-round. Check the Troop's calendar for meetings on holidays. These meetings are for all Scouts registered with the Troop.
  • Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) - The PLC is held once a month usually on Sunday. This meeting is for all Patrol Leaders,Troop Guide, Scribe, and is led by Senior Patrol Leader. All other Scouts in leadership roles are welcome to attend PLC meetings.
  • Camping Trips - Usually the Troop goes on a camping trip/hike/outdoor activity once a month. Typically on the third weekend of the month.
  • Service Projects - Following the Scout Oath of 'Helping other people at all times' and the Scout slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily," the Troop offers opportunities for service projects. Service hours are required for every rank advancement. Scouts are encouraged to keep a log in their Scout Handbook of service projects they have participated in. and how many service hours in each.
  • Eagle Service projects - after approval, are scheduled throughout the year the Eagle Candidates as part of their Eagle Scout requirements. All Scouts are encouraged to attend and earn service hours by helping the Eagle Candidate with his Eagle project. This is a great way to study the Eagle Scout process for when their turn on the path to Eagle comes along.
  • Courts-of-Honor - Courts-of-Honor are held semi-annually to recognize any advancements, awards, Merit Badges, or leadership positions that a Scout has earned. Full class A uniform is required to show respect for the occasion. The Courts-of-Honor are held on the first Monday in October, February, and June.
  

  • Occasionally the Troop is asked to undertake projects for Overbrook Church, our chartering organization. These projects are considered service projects and the hours worked on them count for the rank advancement requirements.
  • Courts-of-Honor ceremonies are held to recognize Achievements, Rank advancement, Merit Badges, and any other awards a Scout may have earned. Typically a Pot Luck Dinner precedes the ceremony. Scouts are required to wear their full Class A uniform as a mark of respect for the importance to each Scout and Scouting that attends these ceremonies.
  

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  Activities/Camping Trips
  

  Camping is the heart of Troop 474's Scouting Program and the Troop usually has one per month, RAIN, SNOW, or SHINE.
  Scouting offers a boy an opportunity to learn how to live in the outdoors and enjoy new experiences. Scouting advancement requires a boy to go camping. A Scout who does not advance soon loses interest. Special trips are planned and the Troop participates in District and Council events as well as summer camp. Scouts are also encouraged to go on National BSA High Adventure expeditions when eligible.
  

  The BSA two-deep leadership policy will pertain to all Troop functions. According to this policy, two Youth Protection Trained adults (at least one a registered BSA leader) must be present at a Scouting activity. There are occasions when more adults are needed.
  We recognize that Scouting has become expensive and can be a strain on a household budget. We would like to see every Scout be able to participate. We use the PSA (Personal ScoutAccount) which allows a boy to earn funds through fundraisers, shared funds etc. This allows a Scout to Pay his own way. No Scout should be prevented from participating for financial reasons. Please share your concerns with the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or the committee Chair. All discussions will be held with the utmost confidentiality.
  

  Camping Equipment
  

  Troop 474 supplies the basic Patrol camping equipment such as Patrol boxes, stoves, axes, saws, dining canopies, and basic camp cookware. (We have a small number of tents that may be borrowed until Scout purchases his own.)
  

  A personal equipment list is found in the BSA Boy Scout handbook and Scoutmaster Handbook. If you do not have the proper equipment, please have your Scout see the Troop Quartermaster. If unavailable, see the Scoutmaster. Equipment is available for loan.
  

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  Aquatic Activities
  

  1. All aquatic activities will follow the current BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense Plan.
  

  2. All Scouts will have a safety briefing and/or shakedown (practice) prior to any canoe or aquatic activity. Those that do not attend will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
  

  3. Adult Scouters operating a powerboat are highly encouraged to have completed either a Coast Guard or Power Squadron Safe Boating Course.
  

  Campout Guidelines
  • All participants must provide a signed parental permission slip on the Monday prior to the event departure date.
  • All personal belongings should be marked with the Scout's name. Scouts should have their Boy Scout Handbook on each campout. It should be protected with a plastic bag or waterproof container. The Troop number should be added for items taken to summer camp.
  

  • All Scouts and Scouters will adhere to the Outdoor Code and the Leave No Trace guidelines. Each campsite will be left cleaner than it was found.
  

  Travel Issues
  

  • All occupants shall properly wear seat belts. No Scout will ride on the outside of any motor vehicle. This restriction includes hanging or riding on bumpers, in trailers, in the beds of pickups, the back deck of a station wagon, etc.
  

  • The Troop will travel to and from events as a Troop. Each Scout is expected to help load and unload gear. Travel is done in a complete Class 'A' uniform unless notified otherwise. Any exceptions to traveling with the Troop must be arranged with the Adult Tour Leader.
  

  • Any Scout who drives a vehicle to a Troop event or campout must be at least 16 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, and have his parent's or guardian's written permission. This permission will be turned in to the Scoutmaster on the Monday prior to completion of the tour permit. The Scout will do so only in accordance with the provisions of the tour permit for the event. Upon reaching the destination, the Scout will park his car and leave it parked until it is time to return. He will not transport any other Scout to or from the event.
  

  • Radios, tape players, and video games are allowed only during transit during any weekend camping trips or summer camp. Other members of the Troop are not responsible for these items.
  

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  Safety Issues
  

  • Fireworks or pyrotechnics are strictly forbidden.
  

  • Before a Scout may use a knife, axe, or saw, he must earn the BSA Totin‘ Chip. Saws and axes will only be used in the defined wood yard and under adult supervision.
  

  • It is current BSA policy NOT to allowany sheath knives or folding lock blade knives with a blade over 4 inches long to be worn or carried during any Scout functions. Any improper use of a knife, axe, or saw will result in the Scout losing his Totin' Chip and confiscation of the tool(s).
  p • Bare feet are allowed only in waterfront areas or when swimming. Sandal type shoes are allowed for aquatic activities. At no time are open-toe shoes to be worn in the wood yard. Proper footwear is necessary. See the BSA code of conduct for further safety issues.
  

  Liquid Fuels:

  • Only Adult Leaders are allowed to refill liquid fuel stoves and/or lanterns. On backpacking trips, liquid fuel stoves designed for backpacking may be used. Extra fuel must be carried in containers designed for transporting these fuels in the backpacking environment.
  

  Patrol Issues
  • Each Patrol will develop a menu and duty roster, have them approved by the SPL or ASPL prior to the campout, and have them posted as part of the duty roster during the campout. Each Patrol will maintain its own supply of paper products, soap, food items, trash bags, etc.
  

  • The Patrol Leader will be responsible for coordinating with the Troop Quartermaster to make sure that his Patrol has adequate tentage and Troop-furnished equipment for each camping trip. This should be done on the Monday prior to the day of departure.
  

  • Scouts who have told their Patrol Leader they are planning to go on the camping trip must pay their share of the food costs even if they do not attend, unless the patrol "Grubmaster" is notified prior to purchasing the supplies for the camping trip.
  

  • Scouts are not allowed in any other Patrol sites or adult areas except when permission is obtained, or to see the Scoutmaster in an emergency.
  

  • The Patrol Leader will be responsible for assigning to different Scouts any equipment that needs to be carried home for cleaning or drying. All cooking equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before being returned to the Quartermaster. All Patrol equipment must be maintained in proper condition.
  • If any damage (beyond normal wear and tear) or loss occurs to Troop equipment, the Scout or Scouter will be expected to replace such equipment or pay for repairs.
  

  • All high adventure participants must attend the shakedowns (practice hikes or events) to participate in some activities.
  

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  Advancement
  

  Advancement is the process by which a Scout progresses from rank to rank in the Scouting program. Personal growth is the prime consideration in the advancement program and can be measured by how youth live the Scouting ideals and how they conduct their daily lives.
  

  Each youth progresses at his own rate. The badge of rank is recognition of what a young person is able to do not just a reward for what he has done. The Boy Scout ranks are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle, and Eagle Palms. The Boy Scout requirements for rank are the basis for advancement.

  Advancement is earned not given.
  

  There are four steps in the advancement procedure -
  

  1. learning The Scout learns; What has he learned
  

  2. testing The scouted is tested
  

  3. reviewing The Scouts reviews/demonstrates skills verbally
  

  4. recognition The Scout advances and is recognized
  

  Rank Requirements
  

  Boy Scout Rank Requirements are set forth in the current Boy Scout Handbook. Service hours utilized for rank advancement (2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, and Life) must be approved in advance by the Scoutmaster. As a Scout completes requirements, he needs to have his Scout Handbook signed by an adult Scout leader.
  

  Scoutmaster Conference
  

  When a Scout completes the requirements for his next rank, the Scoutmaster reviews his progress during a Scoutmaster's Conference. The Scoutmaster's Conference helps the Scout evaluate his accomplishments and set new goals. Once this conference is complete, the Scout requests a Board of Review from the Advancement Chairman.
  

  Board of Review
  

  The Troop Committee Advancement Chairman is responsible for Boards of Review for the ranks of Tenderfoot to Life. Boards of Review are scheduled throughout the year and are listed on the Troop calendar, occurring approximately every two weeks. If for some reason, a Scout needs a Board of Review on a date when one is not scheduled, see the Scoutmaster at the beginning of the meeting to request a review. If enough Scouters are present, a Board of review will be convened.
  

  A Board of Review is not an examination.
  

  The purpose of the Board of Review is:
  

  a. To review what the Scout has done for the rank (where he learned a skill, who taught him, what he learned from completing a requirement)
  

  b. To discover what kind of experiences the boy is having in his Patrol/Troop.
  

  c. To encourage the Scout to progress further.
  

  A Scout appearing before a Board of Review is expected to present himself in a complete class A uniform with his Boy Scout Handbook properly signed. If a Scout is not wearing the proper uniform, he will have to wait until the next Board of Review. Exceptions may be made with the Scoutmaster’s permission.
  

  The Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairperson or their designees will sign all advancement forms concerning the Scouting program. For a rank advancement, at least three members of the Board of Review must sign the advancement form.
  

  Life to Eagle
  

  An Eagle candidate will follow the Simon Kenton Council’s Guide found in the Life to Eagle packet. An Eagle candidate's Board of Review is scheduled by the Buckeye District's Eagle Board of Review Chairman.
  

  Merit Badges
  

  Through the Merit Badge Program, a Scout learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation. Boy Scout Merit Badge requirements are set forth in the current individual official BSA Merit Badge Books.
  

  When a Scout is interested in earning a Merit Badge:
  1. He must obtain a Merit Badge book, and a signed blue card from the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster.(Do not separate the parts of the blue card.)
  

  2. The Scoutmaster will give the Scout the name and phone number of the Merit Badge Counselor who is registered with the BSA for the Scout to contact. Scouts should utilize the buddy system in working on a Merit Badge.
  

  3. The Merit Badge Counselor will certify progress and completion of a Merit Badge by signing and returning the blue card.
  

  4. After the Scout completes the Merit Badge and returns the signed blue card to the Scoutmaster, the Advancement Chairman will enter the Merit Badge data in the Scout's records.
  v 5. The Merit Badge will be awarded at the next Court of Honor.
  

  Scouts are encouraged to complete any Merit Badge requirements within 6 months of beginning the Merit Badge. This includes any partially completed at summer camp or Merit Badge University or Merit Badge Clinic. There is no time limit on Merit Badges other than the age of 18.
  

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  Troop Leadership Information
  

  Adult Leadership
  The Troop Committee is comprised of church members, parents, and other interested individuals who provide administrative and other support to the Scouts, parents, Scoutmaster, and Troop.
  

  The Scoutmaster and his Assistants serve to provide a quality program for the Scouts.
  

  All Scouters serving in this program are BSA volunteers, age 18 and over and serve in advisory positions and strive to ensure that all activities of the Troop follow the rules, regulations, and Policies and Procedures of the Boy Scouts of America. All Scouters, adult leaders, and parents who assist the Troop must be certified in Youth Protection. This training can be received online and is required every two years. (See the Parent Information page on this website for Training online website.)
  Youth Leadership
  

  The Scouts in the Troop provide the Troop's primary leadership. The Junior leadership is to be treated with the same respect as the adult leaders by Scouts and Scouters alike. The senior youth leader is the Senior Patrol Leader. All other youth leadership is subordinate to this position.
  

  • Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): Shall be elected by the majority of Scouts in attendance. He shall be at least First Class in rank, and shall have served at least one term as Patrol Leader, Scribe, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or other junior leadership position approved by the PLC. His term will be for a year, after which an election must be held to determine the next SPL. He shall preside over the Patrol Leaders Council. The Senior Patrol Leader may be re-elected.
  

  • Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): currently the 2nd highest vote-getter in the SPL election. He will take over the job of the SPL in his absence, and will assume the position of SPL for the remainder of the term in the event the current SPL is unable to continue in that capacity.
  

  • Patrol Leader (PL): Shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of his individual patrol by secret ballot. Generally serves for a year.
  v • Assistant Patrol Leader (APL): Appointed by the Patrol Leader to assume the duties of the Patrol Leader in his absence.
  

  Note: If the Senior Patrol Leader and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are absent for any reason at a Troop function, the Patrol Leader with the highest seniority will temporarily assume the duties of the SPL for that function.
  

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  Youth Leadership positions
  

  Senior Patrol Leader (SPL Elected). Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL selected by SPL/SM). Patrol Leader(PL Elected by Patrol members). Asst. Patrol Leader(ASPL Appointeded by PL or elected by Patrol members). Troop Guide(TG Appointed by the SM. Order of the Arrow Representative OA Rep appointed by the SM).
  The rest of the youth leadership positions are appointed by the SPL in consultation with the SM: Quartermaster, Scribe(s), Chaplain's Aides(s), Librarian, Webmaster, Jr. Asst. Scoutmaster, Leave No Trace trainer, Den Chief(s). Currently all positions are one year terms.
  

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  • Troop Elections are held in September.
  

  • Any Scout meeting the qualifications of Senior Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader upon nomination will meet with the Scoutmaster to discuss duties and responsibilities of the position.
  

  • The Scoutmaster will oversee elections. Troop members will be notified in advance to attend the meeting. Ballots will be made secret. The Senior Patrol leader must be elected by a majority of the youth members present at the election. No adult leaders may vote.
  

  Termination of Leadership Position
  

  As it is vital to the smooth operation of the Troop; all Scouts in leadership positions are requested to attend all meetings. If the SPL, ASPL, or PL cannot attend a meeting or other event, it is his responsibility to inform his superior and his adjutant to fill his position. In the event of three unexcused absences that Scout will be removed from the position he is currently holding, and an appointment will be made. In the case of the SPL or a PL, the ASPL or APL will immediately fill the position until the next election.
  

  Any Scout caught using any drugs, tobacco, or alcohol during any Scouting event or activity will be removed from the leadership position he is currently holding, and may not run for any leadership position again until approved by the Scoutmaster after consultation with the Troop Committee Chairperson if needed.
  

  Other infractions of BSA policy or the Troop or may also give cause for dismissal by the Scoutmaster.
  

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  Code of Conduct
  

  Each Scout has the responsibility to conduct himself during Troop meetings and activities in a manner that is consistent with the Scout Oath and Law, including compliance with safety and Troop Guidelines. If a Scout finds himself unable to obey the Scout Law during Troop meetings and activities his parents will be notified and his opportunities to participate in future activities may be restricted.
  v Horseplay or roughhousing is strictly prohibited.
  Scouts are expected to live up to the old adage “boys will be boys” but when the nature of the “play” compromises the safety of those involved or any bystanders, or equipment, the Adult leaders reserve the right to call an end to the activity.
  All Scouts are expected to obey, without question, the request of the Adult Leaders. Failure to do so may result in punishment from limiting the offending Scout’s participating on future outings, or if the offense is severe enough, action up to and including dismissal from the Troop could be enforced.
  Hazing or any such activity is forbidden. If your Scout is forced to participate in any such activity, report it immediately to the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Tour Leader, or Troop Committee Chairperson. Punishment follows the same lines as listed above for Safety violations.
  Bullying is not to be tolerated as well.

  
  Scouting is intended to provide a safe environment for Scouts to learn skills and interact with other Scouts. Report any incidents of bullying to the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Committee Chair.
  Scouts unable to follow the Code of Conduct or Troop Guidelines will be brought before the Scoutmaster for disciplinary action. If the Scoutmaster cannot handle an infraction, a special disciplinary Board of Review may be held for further action and disposition.
  

  Grievances
  

  Use of the chain-of-command within both the youth and adult leadership is encouraged whenever possible.
  For minor grievances, Scouts should first talk with their Patrol Leader, who may take the matter up with the Senior Patrol Leader.
  The Senior Patrol leader, in turn may utilize the Patrol Leader's Council and/or the Scoutmaster as a resource to settle disputes or resolve issues.
  Similarly, Assistant Scoutmasters are encouraged to bring issues to the Scoutmaster's attention for resolution.
  

  For major grievances, disputes, and infractions of the Code of Conduct, the Scout may go to any adult Leader directly for resolution.
  

  Should a question arise or problems develop, please contact the Troop Committee Chairman, the Scoutmaster, or the Assistant Scoutmasters. We will try to resolve the situation.
  

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  Internet Guidelines
  

  • Troop 474's official web site will follow the BSA Guidelines for Youth Protection at all times.
  • Contact information for youth members will NOT be posted on the web page.
  • Adult e-mail addresses may be posted if provided to the webmaster for that express purpose.
  • Without express permission, no name or picture of an adult or youth will be posted on the web site. No Scout's name will be used at any time.
  • An original signed authorization form must be submitted to be included on the web site. This authorization will remain in effect until either a new authorization has been submitted or a request is made to remove the authorization. (E-mail notification is acceptable for requesting removal.)
  • The Webmaster is responsible for maintaining the website and responsible to the Troop Committee.
  • Troop 474's web site will not host chat rooms, discussion lists, or any technology which would allow our youth members to engage in interactive, unmoderated, anonymous interaction with strangers on the internet. We may provide links to external sites where such things are possible, but only with suitable warnings. Parents are encouraged to monitor youth activity on the Internet.
  • The Scout webmaster will maintain the youth troop 474 website with adult supervision.
  

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  Guidelines Revision, Review & Approval
  

  The Troop Committee approves Troop 474's Guidelines with the advice of the Scoutmaster and in compliance with the Policies and Procedures of the Boy Scouts of America which take precedence in the event of any contradiction. These Troop Guidelines and information provided will be reviewed annually by the Troop Committee with input from the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders.
  

  BSA Recommended Discipline Guidelines

  1. Minor discipline problems, such as disrupting a Troop meeting with excessive noise, will be dealt with by reprimand and/or referral of the problem to the parent or guardian.
  

  2. Moderate discipline problems, such as swearing or fighting, will be dealt with by reprimand and the parent or guardian will be required to immediately pick the boy up from the meeting, outing or function site and take him home being placed on probation. If the boy is placed on probation, he may not be allowed to attend outings without his parent or guardian being present.
  

  3. Major discipline problems, such as drinking alcohol, using drugs, intentional hurting another Troop member, or disappearing from the Troop during an outing, will be dealt with by a Troop Committee Board of Review and the boy may be expelled from the Troop.
  

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  As of January 11, 2011.

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