Troop 240 Parents Handbook

B.S.A. TROOP 240

PARENTS HANDBOOK

1998









INTRODUCTION



The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910 and chartered by Congress in 1916 as an

educational program for youth which develops good character and personal fitness and

prepares young men for citizenship. Today, these are still the goals of scouting and the goals

of all scout troops. Scouts develop character through developing personal qualities of

responsibility, confidence, leadership, and morality. The ideals of good citizenship are stressed

in both small and large group activities. Boys develop personal fitness in terms of physical,

mental, and emotional strength through camping, backpacking, and other activities that are

unique to scouting. Time has proven that these goals are attainable because they are

presented in a way that is challenging and fun for the boys.



B.S.A. Troop 240 was chartered in 1973 at St. Vincent de Paul Church of Richboro,

Pennsylvania. Since then we have shared our tradition of excellence in scouting with many

hundreds of young men and their families. We welcome you into that tradition and hope that

ours will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. This handbook has been prepared to

help familiarize you with the scout program in Troop 240. Specific policies, methods, and other

important information are included. We hope this will serve as a handy reference guide as your

son travels the trail of the Eagle on his journey through the adventure of scouting.

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AIMS OF SCOUTING

The three aims of scouting are: To build character

To foster citizenship

To develop fitness





METHODS OF SCOUTING

There are eight key methods of scouting that are utilized to achieve these three aims:

Ideals, Patrols, Outdoors, Advancement, Personal Growth, Adult Association,

Leadership Development, and Uniform.

 IDEALS

The basic concepts of scouting are best summarized in the Scout Oath, Scout Laws,

the Motto, the Slogan, and the Outdoor Code. All scouts learn these three pledges.

They are included in the Scout Handbook, but are so important as the cornerstone of

the program, we have printed them here.





SCOUT MOTTO Be Prepared





SCOUT SLOGAN Do a Good Turn Daily





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.





SCOUT LAW

A scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,

Friendly, Courteous, Kind,

Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,

Brave, Clean, and Reverent



OUTDOOR CODE

As an American I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manner, careful with fire,

considerate in the outdoors and conservation-minded.





 PATROL METHOD

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Boy Scout troops are unique among youth organizations in that boys largely lead them.

Troop 240 is divided into patrols of 8 to 12 scouts. All scout training and team building

takes place within the patrols. Each Patrol is led by a 14-16 year old Patrol Leader who

is responsible for the care, discipline and advancement of his patrol members. Each

patrol camps and eats together on trips, and they work on advancement and compete

as a team at meetings and activities. Patrol leaders are overseen by a Senior Patrol

Leader (SPL) who is responsible for a well run and organized troop. The SPL also has

assistants (ASPL's), Advisors, and Instructors who help him run meetings and trips.

The Quartermaster is responsible for the maintenance, organization, inventory, and

storage of the troop gear. The Scoutmaster and his Assistants see to the proper

training and conduct of all troop leaders.



 OUTDOOR PROGRAM



Troop 240 camps approximately once a month during the "Scout Year" (September -

June) plus Summer Camp in July and Camp Houk (on the Jersey Shore) in August.

Experiencing the outdoors is a vital part of the scout program. We encourage scouts to

attend every trip throughout the year. From the very beginning, Scouting’s founders

recognized that the goals of good character, citizenship and physical fitness can best

be reached in the outdoors. Adults are encouraged to camp with the troop and

experience our program first hand.



 ADVANCEMENT



The Boy Scout advancement program offers a ladder of skills that a boy climbs at his

own pace. A scout’s individual growth is measured through the advancement program.

Scouts who do not advance soon lose interest, so encourage your son at every

opportunity.



Please take some time to review the rank requirements in the BSA Handbook. You will

notice that a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review are required for each

advancement. The Scoutmaster conference is a meeting between the Scout and the

Scoutmaster to review the Scouts progress and how the Scout is getting along in his

patrol and in the troop. The Board of review is a meeting between the advancing scout,

several older scouts and at least one adult leader to review the knowledge and skills

that the scout has acquired in pursuit of the new rank. Both take place at Troop

meetings or on campouts and require the scout be in full uniform.



Advancement in Troop 240 involves three phases: the Lower Ranks, the Higher Ranks

and the Eagle Scout Award.



THE LOWER RANKS - These include the ranks of: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class

and First Class. These ranks stress the basic skills of scouting. Scouts begin by

learning the basic ideals of scouting. As a scout moves through the program he gains

skills such as: knot tying, patrol camping, outdoor cooking, hiking, orienteering, water

safety and first aid (See Rank Requirements in your son’s BSA Handbook). Unlike Cub

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Scouts, achievements are not signed off exclusively by adults. They are primarily

taught and verified by older scouts at the troop meetings and outdoor activities.



THE HIGHER RANKS: These include the ranks of Star and Life. These ranks

emphasize leadership in the troop and personal growth through the merit badge

program. Six months of service as a troop leader, six merit badges and six hours of

approved service project work are the major requirements for each of the higher ranks.

The merit badge program encourages the scouts to learn more about sports, crafts,

science, trades, business, future careers and personal management.



EAGLE: The highest rank in scouting is earned by only 1-2% of all scouts nationally. It

is a well-recognized, high honor that is carried with pride throughout an individual’s

lifetime. Earning the Eagle Scout Award is designed to be difficult, so as to reflect the

outstanding achievement and character of the scouts who worked for it. Troop 240 is

proud to have awarded fifty Eagles in its first twenty-five years. Twenty-one merit

badges must be earned, which includes twelve specifically required badges. The scout

must also serve as a troop leader for at least six months. Once the merit badges have

been earned, the scout can begin his Eagle Scout Service Project. The Eagle project is

a substantial undertaking that must be planned, developed, and led by the Eagle Scout

candidate. The project must serve the community outside of scouting. It must be

approved by the Scoutmaster, the Troop Committee, and Bucks County Council. The

project must be completed before the candidate’s 18th birthday and will require at least

100 work hours to complete.



 PERSONAL GROWTH



The goal of the scout program is to enrich the lives of all those who come in contact

with it. The program presents many challenges for boys. Camping in the outdoors in an

excellent opportunity for personal growth. Advancement through the ranks and

undertaking leadership positions offer many challenging experiences. The entire

scouting experience contributes to the scouts personal growth in many positive ways

that are not always available outside of scouting.



 ADULT ASSOCIATION



The adult leadership is a resource for the boys to use in meeting the many challenges

of scouting. Boys learn from the example set by their adult leaders. Association with

adults of high character is critical at this stage of a young man’s development.



 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT



The patrol method and the troop organization offer a terrific structure for young men to

be thrust into leadership roles – many for the first time in their lives. Scout leadership

offers many challenges for the developing leaders and the skills they obtain may serve

them for many years. The structure of the Scouting organization keeps the young

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leaders accountable for their actions and decisions as they learn and develop

leadership skills.



 THE UNIFORM



The scout uniform allows the scout to identify with the scouting movement, the troop,

and his patrol. When properly and smartly worn, it conveys a positive self-image and

unity within the troop.



Participation in troop meetings and most activities requires proper uniform. Scouts

arriving for scheduled troop meetings without their uniform and without a good reason

or prior approval may be asked to call their parents for immediate pickup.



Uniforms can be purchased at any of several locations including the Council office in

Doylestown and I. Goldberg stores.



The “Class A” uniform is the official scout shirt with the proper insignias, scout pants or

scout shorts, scout socks, leather dress shoes or hiking boots, scout belt, neckerchief,

and neckerchief slide. A uniform inspection is conducted at the first meeting of each

month.



The “Class B” uniforms may be specified for some activities. Class B’s are an official

Troop 240 green tee shirt worn with scout pants, scout shorts, or similarly colored pants

or shorts. Troop 240 tee shirts may be purchased from the troop, when available.



If your scout outgrows his uniform, please consider donating the uniform to the troop

quartermaster who will store it in the troop closet for possible use by other scouts. The

troop will coordinate distribution of the uniforms within the troop or pass them on the

Council’s program for underprivileged scouts.

HOW TROOP 240 IS ORGANIZED

The organization of Troop 240 can best be explained when divided into three groups:

The Troop Leadership Corps, the Scoutmaster and his Assistants, and the Troop

Committee.

The Troop Leadership Corps (TLC) is composed of the Patrol Leaders and the Senior

Patrol Leader. They are all under the age of 18 and they serve one year terms as the

leaders of the troop. These boy leaders are responsible for developing and planing

troop activities. The Patrol Leaders are also responsible for advancement of the new

scouts to the rank of First Class within their respective patrols.

The Scoutmaster is chosen by the Troop Committee. He is the one adult who works

most directly with the boys. He attends all TLC meetings and is responsible for training

the boy leaders. Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM's) are chosen by the Scoutmaster and

they help him with the various tasks of training, advancement, and the development of

a good, well-balanced scout program.

The Troop Committee is a group of volunteer adults who dedicate time and effort to

support Troop 240. The troop committee is the governing board for the troop and is

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lead by the committee chairman. Committee Members provide vital assistance with

organizing transportation, awards ceremonies, reserving campsites, directing fund-

raising, maintaining the Treasury and approving expenditures. The Committee also

sets general policies concerning Troop 240, such as uniforms, trip costs, and

equipment purchases.



JOINING TROOP 240

1. Complete the fifth grade, or be II years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light

Award, but be younger than 18 years old.

2. Submit a completed Boy Scout application and health history form signed by

your parent or guardian.

3. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handclasp.

5. Demonstrate tying the square knot (joining knot).

6. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, Motto, and

Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.

7. Describe the Scout badge.

8. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to

Protect Your Children from Child Abuse."

9. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

EXPENSES AND FUND RAISING

Having a successful scout program is expensive. Troop camping equipment must be

replaced regularly, campsite fees continue to rise, canoe rentals and the activities at

Camp Houk add up to significant expenses. The troop spends approximately $275 per

year on each scout to cover these expenses. However, through a successful annual

fund-raiser the scouts of Troop 240 have been able to finance those annual expenses.



ANNUAL FUND-RAISER:



Troop 240 finances itself through one annual flower sale. The sale begins in February

and lasts until the end of March. All scouts are required to sell a minimum amount

which is set by the Troop Committee. The Committee also sets levels for cash rewards

for the top sellers. Deliveries are traditionally made on the weekend before Mothers

Day in May. The Troop 240 goal is to have only one fund-raiser, therefore the

participation of every scout is essential and mandatory!



If any parents can arrange for additional personal or corporate donations for the troop,

please speak to someone on the troop committee.



OTHER EXPENSES:

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We expect each scout to be responsible for the following approximate expenses: *(Note

that certain uniform parts are provided by Troop 240)



Registration Fee $25 (One time only - includes Boy Scout Handbook and the

following uniform items: red loops, neckerchief, slide,

council patch, Troop 240 patch, and patrol patch)

Dues $50 (Annually – includes Boy’s Life Magazine)

Scout Uniform: Shirt, Pants, Belt (Set by BSA)

Food on Weekend trips Set by Patrol Leader ($5 - $10 per trip)



TROOP MEETINGS



Troop meetings are Friday nights and start promptly at 7 P.M. and last until 9 P.M.

Reference the troop calendar for dates. The meetings are usually held in the basement

of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, but other locations are occasionally utilized

when there are scheduling conflicts for the room or an outdoor setting is desired. The

meeting includes time for a patriotic opening, announcements, planning of other

activities, instruction of scout skills, patrol meetings, advancement, scoutmaster

conferences, boards of review, patrol competitions, troop equipment care, physical

training and games. Please arrange to pick up your scout promptly at 9 P.M. All

parents should feel free to visit the meetings at any time. At least two adults must be

present at all meetings at all times. If you have concerns or questions about the troop,

this is a good time to meet with the leadership to address the concerns.



Attendance at the troop meetings is recorded and is used to evaluate each scouts spirit

and potential for patrol and troop leadership.



OUTINGS, ACTIVITIES AND CAMPING TRIPS



Outings are the heart of the Troop 240 program. The troop schedules at least one

outing a month. These trips take place rain, snow or shine. Trips will not be called off

due to inclement weather. Variable weather conditions make the camping more

interesting and challenging for your sons and teach them to truly “Be Prepared.” Do not

rob your son of life-long memories by allowing him to back out of trips due to an

unfavorable weather forecast. Dangerous weather (lightning, tornado warnings, severe

weather alerts, etc.) will be handled according to the Guidelines for Safe Scouting and

with the Scouts safety as the highest priority.



GUIDELINES



 Each Patrol Leader is responsible for coordinating with the Troop Quartermaster

to make sure that his Patrol has adequate tents and Troop-furnished equipment

for each camping trip.

 The Patrol Leader may assign Scouts equipment to be carried home for cleaning

or drying at the end of a trip. All cooking equipment must be clean and all Patrol

equipment must be maintained in proper condition.

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 If any damage to Troop equipment is done in a negligent manner, the Scout

responsible will be expected to replace such equipment or pay for repair.

 It is the policy of the BSA to not allow any sheath knives or folding lock blade

knives with a blade over 4 inches long to be worn or carried during any Scout

functions or outings. The only exceptions are kitchen knives, which may be used

in the cooking area only. Any violation will result in an adult requesting the knife

from the Scout and returning it to his parents.

 Knives, axes and saws are to be used only by those Scouts who have earned

the BSA Tot-n-Chip Card and then only for a task that requires their use. The

Troop will provide any qualified Scout the use of the Troop ax or saw. In any

case, saws and axes will only be used in a defined ax yard.

 All scouts should participate in the patrol menu planning process. Special menu

requirements should be communicated to the patrol leader. Discourage

individual purchases of food items for trips. Meals, desserts, and snacks should

be planned and prepared utilizing the patrol method.

 With outings being the heart of Troop 240's program, it is expected that each

Scout will attend each campout. Estimated food costs will be paid by scouts

planning to go a trip at the meeting one week prior to the trip. It must be

emphasized that Scouts who have told their Patrol Leader they are planning to

go on a camping trip must pay their share of the food costs even if they do not

attend.

 Radios, tape players, CD players, televisions and video games are not allowed

on any weekend camping trips or in summer camp. This includes traveling to

and from all destinations. EXCEPTION: One troop radio will be allowed in the

care of the Leadership Patrol. The use and volume of the radio will be subject to

the scrutiny of the Adult Leadership. The Scoutmasters are not responsible for

these items under any circumstances.

 Scouts who have not reached the rank of First Class must have a Boy Scout

Handbook on each campout. These should be protected with a plastic bag,

waterproof container, or special book cover.

 The campsite will be left as clean, or cleaner, than it was found.

 Fireworks or pyrotechnics are strictly forbidden. Scouts should always pack

matches for campfires, stoves and lanterns. Lighters are not allowed. No fire of

any kind is allowed in tents.

 Each Patrol will develop their own approved menu and duty roster. All scouts will

cheerfully complete their duties as assigned

 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 parents' or

Guardian's permission. He 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

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Scout to or from any event. The written authorization will be submitted to the

Scoutmaster at least one week prior to departure.

 The Troop will travel to and from activities/campouts as a unit except when

permission for alternate travel is granted by the Scoutmaster. Parent

cooperation is appreciated. Each Scout will help load and unload Troop and

individual gear.

 Gross misconduct or breach of the Scout Law may result in the parents of the

scout being summoned to retrieve their child from any scout activity. This would

only be used in serious situations such as possession of illegal substances,

possession of tobacco products, gross insubordination, or refusal to use proper

language when addressing others.

 Scouts are expected to be prepared with the proper camping gear as described

starting on page 27 of the Scout Handbook. Pages 51 through 54 have an

excellent checklist. Every item a scout brings should bear his name. Personal

eating utensils must be brought on all trips – plate, cup, knife, fork, and spoon.

Bringing throwaway items does not properly reflect the principals of the Outdoor

Code.



SUMMER CAMP



Each summer Troop 240 attends one week of summer camp at one of the various local

scout camps. This is a great opportunity for scouts to focus on advancement, merit

badges, and outdoor skills for a full week. Sign-up is in April or May. The fees vary

from year-to-year and are not paid out of troop funds.



HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM



Several times throughout the year, programs are offered to the older boys who have

achieved the higher ranks. These activities are in addition to the standard troop

activities. These trips may be more physically challenging and require a greater degree

of maturity and experience. Their purpose is to capture the interest of the older boys

and to keep them challenged. Minimum age and rank guidelines will be established for

these activities, but the Scoutmaster has the final approval of the trip roster.



Your young son should not feel excluded from these activities. He will get his chance if

he advances, and stays active in the troop.



WHAT TO BUY



Uniform – Shirt, pants, scout socks, belt, and World Brotherhood patch (purple patch).

The troop will provide the council patch, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, troop number

patch, red loops, patrol patch and rank patches.

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Camping Gear – Review the list starting on page 27 of the Scout Handbook with your

scout. While you may want to pick up a few items from a discount or outfitters store,

many items could be old household items.



You do not need to buy a backpack immediately upon joining. Good backpacks are

bought to fit their owners. If you buy one too soon, it will be outgrown by the time your

son can really use it. (Please feel free to donate any outgrown packs to the troop

quartermaster.) A sturdy duffel bag or day pack may be the best bet for the first year or

so.



CODE OF CONDUCT



In addition to the opportunities Scouting offers, each Scout has the obligation to

conduct himself during Troop meetings and activities in a manner that is consistent with

the characteristics called for by the Scout Law. Among other expectations of the Scout

will be a display of courtesy and helpfulness to others and obedience to Junior and

Adult Leadership. Also, compliance with safety and troop operation rules will be

emphasized and required.



Parents are encouraged to remind their Scouts that his behavior during Scouting

activities will reflect on his Patrol, Troop, family and all who contribute their time and

attention in support of the Troop. If a Scout finds himself unable to obey the Scout

Law during Troop Meetings and activities, his parents will be notified and opportunities

to participate in future activities may be restricted.



Scouts unable or unwilling to follow the policies of the Troop will first be counseled by

their patrol leader, the patrol leader may instruct him verbally, assign additional duties,

restrict his privileges, or restrict the privileges of the entire patrol as the situation may

dictate. Physical abuse and taunting are prohibited. If either party objects to the

actions being taken, the issue may be appealed up the chain of command through the

youth leadership to the adult leadership for resolution and disposition.



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 Leaders' Council and/or the Scoutmaster as

resource to settle disputes or resolve issues. The Scoutmaster may utilize the

Committee Chairman, any Troop Committee member, or the entire committee as

necessary.



For major grievances, disputes, and infractions of the Scout law, the Scout may go to

any adult Scouter directly for resolution.



Parents who perceive inequities or any infractions of the "Code of Conduct", or wish to

discuss any issue, are encouraged to speak with an Adult Leader to resolve any

concerns.

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PARENTS ROLE



The Troop is sustained by a group of adults that give their time to participate in the

troop. Every parent’s involvement is required to provide a top quality program for our

boys.



Your contribution will strengthen the troop and will be remembered by your son for

years to come. It is also an opportunity for you to interact with other parents who care

deeply about their sons and your son. Involvement in the troop can be as much fun for

the adults as it is for the boys.



BASIC – Read and discuss A Parent’s Guide as printed in the front of the Scout

Handbook. Plan family events around the published Troop 240 schedule. Deliver your

scout promptly at the designated times for meetings and activities. Parents must

provide transportation to several activities throughout the year. The Transportation

Coordinator will contact you for this or contact him to volunteer. Encourage your son to

participate and advance in rank. See that he has the proper uniform and has the

appropriate funds in advance of scheduled activities.



PARTICIPATION - Join other adults on several overnight trips throughout the year and

visit troop meetings. Give a presentation on a topic of interest to the boys or help plan

one of the outings. Serve as an adult leader at summer camp. Sit in on Boards of

Review to check the advancement of our scouts.



MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR – Review the merit badge list on the Troop Resource

Survey. Get involved in teaching the boys one of your interests, hobbies, or vocations

as a merit badge counselor. The time commitment does not have to be large. You set

the schedule, and you get to work with the youth as they learn important issues for their

futures.



TROOP COMMITTEE – Adults serve as advisors for all aspects of the scouting

experience. You can participate in the committee to have your opinions heard, shape

the future of the troop, or take on a significant role in the operation of the organization.

Positions include Chairman, Treasurer, Religious Coordinator, Advancement, Merit

Badges, New Scout Representative, Fund Raising, Transportation, Secretary,

Quartermaster, Institutional Representative, Medical Records, Web Page Coordinator,

Summer Camp Coordinator, Permits & Reservations Coordinator, and Advisors to any

troop youth leadership position. More positions can be formed to meet the desires of

ambitious volunteers. Additional help is always needed on special projects. Just attend

any committee meeting to learn about these exciting opportunities. Committee

meetings are once a month on Monday nights and are on the troop calendar.

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TROOP LEADERSHIP - The troop is always looking for anyone willing to commit

themselves to an adult leadership position with the troop. Dedicated Assistant

Scoutmasters make for a strong troop organization and help the Scoutmaster focus on

the needs of the scouts instead of the organizational demands of the troop.









Thank you for reading The Troop 240 Parents Handbook. Please give us your

questions and comments.

BSA Troop 240 Committee





OTHER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION



 Boy Scout Handbook – BSA

 Troop 240 Yearly Schedule of Events – Scoutmaster

 Troop 240 Roster of Scouts and Leaders – Scoutmaster

 Fieldbook – BSA

 Boy Scout Requirements – (“The Yellow Book”) – BSA

 Merit Badge Requirements Pamphlets – BSA



Internet



 www.bsa.scouting.com - The official internet site of the Boy Scouts of America

 www.voicenet.com/~campock/ - Bucks County Council homepage

 www.svdp-richboro.org – Homepage of our sponsoring organization, St.

Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

 www.libertynet.org/pack240/ - Homepage of our affiliated Cub Pack

 www.MeritBadge.com - An excellent resource for information about merit

badges with links to many other sites.

 bsa240@hotmail.com - Scoutmaster’s e-mail address



Bucks County Council Service Center: 1 Scout Way

Doylestown, PA 18901

Telephone: (215) 348-9436

Fax: (215) 348-7205