Troop 305 By-Laws

Last Updated: 04/18/2010    Download the bylaws as a pdf

A. JOINING REQUIREMENTS

All boys joining Troop 305 must meet the following requirements:

1. Meet the requirements outlined in the Scout Handbook section titled "How to become a Boy Scout".
2. Attend three consecutive meetings prior to joining
3. Parents must attend a conference or welcome meeting with the Scoutmaster and or Assistant Scoutmaster within the first month.
4. Pay all current fees by the fourth meeting attended.(Scholarship funds are available for those in need- please see the Scoutmaster to discuss confidentially.

B. ATTENDANCE

Active participation in scout meetings and events is a key to gaining the benefits scouting has to offer. Active participation is defined as a minimum of 40% participation in weekly meetings. It is an opportunity to build relationships that will be strengthened through shared experiences and accomplishments. It provides scouts with the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and is required to build the team that is Troop 305. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. except holidays. If a Scout is unable to attend a meeting, he must:

1. Notify the Patrol Leader, (not the Scoutmaster); the Patrol Leader must notify the Senior Patrol Leader.
2. Valid excuses
   1. Church or religious activity
   2. Personal or family reason
   3. School activities
   4. Actual participation in sports
   5. Employment
   6. Illness

A Scout is expected to participate to a reasonable degree and actively pursue his advancements. Refer to Scoutmaster for additional guidance.

C. UNIFORMS

Scouts in Troop 305 are required to wear the proper uniform to all meetings and official functions of the Troop. All new Scouts must be in uniform by the fourth meeting.

1. Summer uniforms may be worn from May 1st to October 1st.
   1. Scout shorts or shorts of the similar coloring. Denim shorts are also acceptable.
   2. Any Scout T-shirt
   3. Scout belt (Optional - Official Scout hat and socks).
   4. Specific events may require proper footwear
2. Winter uniform shall be worn from October 1st to May 1st.
   1. Scout pants, or pants of a similar color, or blue jeans.
   2. BSA Official Scout Shirt.
   3. Scout belt, Scout socks, and neckerchief or bolo tie (Optional - Official Scout hat.)
3. Complete Field Uniform (When Required) consists of Official Scout shirt, Scout Pants or Scout Shorts, Scout belt, Scout socks, shoes or hiking boots and neckerchief or bolo ties and merit badge sash may be worn for Court of Honors, Board of Reviews, Parades, and specified dress functions. Uniforms need not be new but they are to be clean, neat, and in good repair with all insignia sewn on in its' proper place.

Wearing the scout uniform shows respect for the traditions of the brotherhood of scouting. Scouts are expected to honor this. However, should a scout be unable to change into uniform due to a sanctioned school, church or other event, he should come anyway, as active participation is valued over adherence to the uniform code.

D. ACTIVITIES

Fun activities are a big part of Troop 305. Camping, service projects and other activities are routinely planned. An annual schedule of activities is proposed by the troop leadership (adults and boys) for each year and varies based on current troop interests.

Camping is an integral part of the Scouting experience in Troop 305.

1. Short term - 2 days and 2 nights; one weekend per month.
2. Long term - 6 consecutive days and nights.
3. All Scouts are encouraged to participate in as many campouts as possible

Troop 305 participates in service and conservation work and each Scout is expected to take part in these activities. A Scout failing to take part in the Troop planned service hours must make up his service hours on his own time, with the Scoutmaster's approval. The make up is to be signed by the person receiving the service with the date and amount of time indicated.

E. LEADERSHIP - PATROL LEADER COUNCIL (PLC)

1. Appointment of Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) & Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
   1. The SPL and ASPL are appointed in June and December to serve a six-month term by the Scoutmaster and two other Assistant Scoutmasters. The Appointment team will be formed one month before the troop elections.
2. Election of officers.
   Patrol Leaders, Troop Scribe, Historian, Quartermaster, and Librarian are elected in June and December to serve a six-month term. Patrol Leaders appoint the Assistant Patrol Leaders. No absentee or proxy votes will be allowed.
   
   
3. Duties and responsibilities of officers.
   All officers elected or appointed, who make up the governing body of Troop 305's Patrol Leaders Council are expected to attend the following:
   1. All Troop meetings,
   2. All Troop campouts,
   3. All Troop service projects,
   4. All Troop planning meetings,
   5. All Patrol Leader meetings,
   6. Either the Senior Patrol Leader or the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader must attend the Patrol Leader Council Meeting and report to the Committee Meeting.
   The Troop is operated by the Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders and therefore, its success depends on them. These officers can only be excused from a function for what a parent feels is of the utmost importance and necessity.

F. ADVANCEMENT

Each Scout is encouraged to progress in advancement each calendar year until he attains Eagle Scout rank.

If a Scout is seeking advancement in rank, The Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairperson must be notified of the rank advancement and request a review at least one full week before the Troop's Board of Review.

If merit badges are required for the advancement, the Scout should include which badges have been fulfilled with the notification.

Rank advancement and merit badge requirements must be completed by the last Board of Review prior to the Court of Honor.

G. DISCIPLINE

Scouting emphasizes good citizenship, self-respect, and moral growth. Discipline is a must to achieve these goals. All Scouts are expected to follow the by laws rules and regulations of Troop 305. Scouts are also expected to show respect to the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and each other.

1. Infractions of the rules such as failure to comply with these By-Laws, the Scout Law, or the Scout Oath will be handled by the Scoutmaster and adult leadership.
2. Misconduct on campouts, Scout meetings, or any troop functions may result in the Scout's parents being called to pick up the Scout.
   1. No Scout will be allowed to use tobacco or alcoholic beverages.
   2. Bad language, vulgar talk, dirty and double meaning jokes will not be permitted.
   3. Fireworks of any kind are forbidden.
   4. No cell phones, radios, boom boxes, CD players, laser pointers, or electronic games are allowed on campouts. If an object is brought on a campout that poses a problem, the object may be confiscated by the Scoutmaster or designated adult in charge of the Troop and returned after the campout has ended to the parents.
3. Any serious problems relating to discipline will be brought to the attention of the parents by the Scoutmaster or designated adult leader.

H. PARENTAL PARTICIPATION

Troop 305 encourages participation and assistance from all parents of all the Scouts. Parents are to also complete and return a resource survey. Examples of participation are:

1. Serve on the Troop Committee.
2. Serve under a committee person on special projects.
3. Provide transportation for the Troop no less than once per year.
4. Serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster.
5. Serve on the phone committee.
6. To chair or assist the Scout who chairs a particular fundraiser (ex. Annual Pork Roast Dinner).

I. TROOP COMMITTEE

The Troop Committee is comprised of all parents of Troop 305 Scouts. Meetings are generally held the week following the Patrol Leader Meeting.

Nominations for offices will be held at the February Committee Meeting. The election of officers will be held the following month during the March Committee Meeting. No absentee or proxy votes will be allowed.

J. FINANCE

Each scout has an individual account in Troop 305- funds in the account can be used for troop activities and fees payment. Scouts may earn money for his account through fundraisers as designated by the Troop Committee. Each scout is encouraged to save money in his individual account to help pay the expense of campouts, summer camp, or high adventure campouts. The Troop Treasurer provides of a monthly record the status of the scout's individual account. If a Scout leaves the Troop, any money in his individual account will remain with the Troop.

Scouts must pay in advance for a campout (prior to the event) the meeting before the scheduled campout. If funds are available, scouts may designate payment as coming from his individual account.

Scouts are also expected to participate in general troop fundraisers sponsored by the Troop. Fundraisers help the Troop raise money for equipment and programs for the Scouts.

K. MISCELLANEOUS

1. Personal belongings of each Scout should be clearly marked; any clothing, books, etc. Lost items will be put in a lost and found box.
2. Goodies on a campout are not allowed. None of the following: soft drinks, snacks, or candy, comics or the like are permissible.
3. Patrols may include snacks for campfires to be shared with their own patrols and purchased out of the regular fund.
4. Troop equipment will be loaned to no one.

L. BY-LAWS

The By-Laws are to be reviewed by a By-Laws Committee every two years and brought before the Troop Committee for approval by two thirds of the vote of those members in attendance.

Any conflicts between these bylaws and the policies of the Boy Scouts of America will be covered by the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.