Damage
to Troop Equipment/Property
The following material has been written to assist new scouts and their families in learning some of the rules and procedures that have helped our troop remain successful and enhance each Scout's enjoyment of the program.
The program is for the Scouts and is as successful and rewarding as each of us makes it. Troop 18 has gained its success by being flexible and adapting to the changing times and interests of its members. Everyone's thoughts and suggestions to make this a better program are always welcome. The Troop Committee has adopted the following Mission Statement for Troop 18. Boy Scout Troop 18 exists to serve boys by instilling values, preparing them to make ethical choices over their lifetime and to enable them to achieve their full potential. We accomplish this by working toward three aims - Participating Citizenship; Moral Strength and Character; and Development of Physical, Mental and Emotional Fitness. Our values are based upon the Scout Oath and Law.
The Troop meets every Wednesday during the school year from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Covenant United Church of Christ, Gasport NY. Enter the church through the lone door on the south side of the building. Head down the stairs to the basement. In summer the full troop will meet on an as needed basis. Exceptions due to school events, outings and holidays will be noted in the Newsletter's Calendar of Events published and distributed bi-monthly. At times things may come up and we have to change/cancel a meeting with very short notice. In the event of a change in plans, we will use the Troop phone tree to notify everyone.
Once every six months; (presently in September and March), troop Courts of Honor meetings are held to recognize and award each Scout's achievements during the prior six months. This is a more formal type of meeting and parents or guardian are required and families are welcome to attend in support of their sons. This also provides an opportunity for each parent to learn more about the upcoming troop events, as well as hear details of the past six months' activities. Scouts are expected to be in full Class A uniform for Courts of Honor.
In addition to weekly troop meetings, the Troop attempts to have some type of field trip monthly just for fun and periodic outdoor activities. Some examples of field trips might be bowling, go cart racing, Niagara University Hockey Game, gym night, pool night or rock climbing at Niagara gym. Some examples of outdoor activities might be skiing at Swain, Klondike Derby, Wilderness Survival, Summer Camp, or whitewater rafting.
The Troop works on community service projects such as canal clean up, Gasport Clean up, Covenant United Church of Christ Turkey Dinner and Eagle Scout Projects during a typical year.
Each year in November our annual program is developed by the Scouts and for the Scouts. If a Scout would like to see something new, please bring it up to the Troop Committee or Patrol Leaders' Council.
In most cases permission slips must be turned in the meeting prior to participation in each outing, whether one day or longer. These slips must be signed by a parent or guardian and will be collected the meeting prior to leaving. These slips authorize the adult leader in charge to seek medical assistance should a Scout incur an accident or become ill. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents may be notified. If for some reason you misplace the permission slip, it may be handwritten, provided it is signed and dated and is worded as follows:
I give permission for ______________________ to attend the _____________________
event. He and I have read the Code of
conduct and the Discipline Policy of Troop 18.
In case of an emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to
contact me. In the event I cannot be
reached, I herby give my permission to the physician selected by the adult
leader in charge to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization,
anesthesia, surgery or injections of medications for my child.
Date:_____________________ _______________________________
Signature
of parent or guardian
Emergency Contact in preferred order.
1. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
2. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
3. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
Any permission slip that is signed by anyone other than the parent or guardian will not be accepted. Parents are encouraged to take part in several of the monthly outings yearly.
Any boy not furnishing this slip will not attend event. Permission slip forms for each outing and activity are available at scout meetings at the time of activity sign-up.
UNIFORM: The Class A uniform will be worn to Scout Meetings, Courts of Honor and other events when the Troop is in the public eye. The Class A uniform consists of the official BSA shirt with proper insignia on the shirt as shown in the Official Scout Handbook plus the Troop neckerchief, a slide, Official scout trousers or shorts, socks and belt. The first Troop 18 neckerchief will be earned; the second one will cost $15. All items are available at Iroquois Trail Council Office at 7120 Rochester Road, Lockport NY. Ebay offers a cost effective way to procure the uniform.
The Class B uniform is worn for activities which will likely be sweaty or dirty. It consists of the Class B shirt and Official Scout trousers or shorts. The class B allows the Troop members to identify as a member of the unit, while preserving the condition of the Class A uniform. The Troop will issue on Troop 18 collared Class B shirt to each leader and tee shirt to each scout upon joining the Troop; the second one may be purchased.
Over the years the Troop has accumulated numerous small size scout shirts and pants. In an effort to make Scouting more affordable, young Scouts are welcome to have a shirt or pants from the pantry, just talk to a leader. We hope that when your son outgrows it you will return it for future scouts to wear.
CAMPING GEAR
Tents and other shared camp gear are provided by the troop. From time to time other gear may be necessary depending on the type of outing. (All gear should be labeled with scout name for easy identification.)
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
· Official Scout Handbook (the Troop recommends handbook cover and zip lock bag.
· Paper pen or pencil
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON OUTINGS
· Sheath knives
· Matches and pocketknives UNLESS the Scout has earned his Firem'n Chit and Totin' Chip
· Alcoholic beverages
· Firearms, ammunition or fireworks
· Drugs OF ANY KIND. Required prescription drugs and not-prescription drugs must be given to the outing leader by parent prior to departure with Scout's name and written instructions for use. All medicines should be in the original container.
· Excessive amounts of snack food or candy.
· Electronic devices such as CD players, game boys, boom boxes…
· Cell phones are of great value for emergency situations. The leaders have them for that purpose. The boys with cell phones should leave cell phones at home. We do not need the interruption to our program.
In the interest of the safety of all Scouts, as well as the enjoyment and successful learning experience of the scouting program, common sense and good conduct is required at all times.
The following special rules should be noted:
· NO tree or fence climbing without specific leader permission
· NO participating in waterfront activities without proper supervision
· NO throwing of any objects except as part of an organized activity
· NO use of cutting tools (ax, knife, etc.) or matches without successful completion of Totin' Chip and Firem'n Chit Training, respectively.
· NO food or smellables in tents
· NO flame in tents
· Footwear will always be worn in camp.
Youth are involved in so many activities nowadays from soccer to little league to video games. We understand that all of these can put a burden on a parent's pocketbook. So, we do our best to help out by running a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to pay the boy’s way in Scouting. All fundraisers are earmarked for a specific purpose depending upon the Troop committee decision. Some fundraisers are specifically to cover large expenses such as the purchase of new tents, a Troop trailer or pay for the annual Charter fee. Others are earmarked to fund Troop activities such as field trips and finally others are to provide the Scout with an opportunity to earn money to pay for summer camp or other Scouting expenses.
Scouts are encouraged to participate in various fundraisers in order to ensure that the financial obligations of the troop are met. Scouts who are unable to participate in fund raising activities will need to pay for the activities which they are used to fund. The Troop Financial Records are always available for review by interested parents.
The early knowledge of which Scouts will be participating in an activity greatly helps in the planning stages. Scouts who sign up for an event and later are unable to attend must notify one of the Scoutmaster (SM) PRIOR to the event. In order to get a refund for the fees paid for the event the scout must make a written request to the Troop Committee. The request should include the date you notified the Scoutmaster and the reason for not attending. The committee reserves the right to determine the refund, if any, to be returned since various registration fees must be paid and supplies must be obtained in advance.
Besides the outing cost, some events require the purchase of food or supplies. These are not covered by the fee (unless otherwise stated). Normally each Patrol plans its own menu for an outing and two scouts from the patrol purchase the food. Money is due two weeks in advance of the outing if paid by check or from Scout's account or one week in advance if paid by cash. Checks should be made out to "Boy Scout Troop 18."
Dues are collected at each meeting to cover the cost of Boy’s Life magazine and membership fee for each boy. We collect at a rate of $0.50 per meeting until the boy has saved enough to cover these fees.
We accept new member any time as long as they are between ages of 11 and 18. Our best advertisement is our boys. Applications are available during normal meeting times from any Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM). The completed application, including health information should be returned to the Scoutmaster with any required fees.
Webelos Scouts who cross over into Troop 18 from a Pack will be presented with a Troop 18 Class B shirt upon crossing over and the red shoulder epaulets that indicate they have crossed into Boy Scouting. Webelos Scouts crossing over will need to submit an application to be a Boy Scout indicating that they are joining Troop 18.
Boys joining Troop 18 will be inducted into the Troop at the first possible meeting after their application has been logged with the council. They will be presented with the BSA handbook if they have not already received one from their Pack. It is recommended that the parents provide the boy with a book cover and zip lock bag to protect the handbook. This book will serve as their guide in Scouting.
The cost to join Scouting includes a registration and insurance fee, as well as a fee for Boy Life magazine. There is a $1.00 fee to transfer from a Pack to a Troop or Troop to Troop as well.
Since the Scout Advancement Program is an integral part of the learning experience, each Scout is encouraged and expected to set certain attainable goals. All Scouts are required to progress to their next rank in a reasonable time.
Scouts encountering difficulty in attaining goals are requested to discuss any specific problems with the Scoutmaster. Parents are welcome to join in these discussions.
Remember, First Class is required for High Adventure Outings.
The parents' responsibility is to ENCOURAGE their son to achieve the next rank.
Scouts planning to pursue merit badges are required to:
1. Pick a Subject
2. Find a buddy to take the merit badge with
3. Select and make contact with an approved counselor from listing posted on the bulletin board in Scout room.
4. Obtain a Merit Badge Application Card (blue card) from Scoutmaster and complete it.
5. Obtain Scoutmaster approval on blue card.
The SCOUT should contact the counselor and make arrangements with them to get the badge requirements completed. The parent must insure that the Scout has a buddy with him when he meets with the counselor. Under no circumstances should a Scout meet one on one with the counselors.
Merit Badge counselors are adults who have a knowledge of the area they have signed up for (i.e. Safety Merit Badge counselors may be a Police Officer, Fireman, etc.). The Scoutmaster maintains a list of counselors that are available, both within our Troop and outside our Troop.
We would like to keep our Merit Badge counselor list within the Troop up to date. If your hobbies or employment fall under one of the merit badge titles, please see Scoutmaster, he will give you the necessary information to become a merit badge counselor.
AWARDS PRESENTATION:
Awards for advancement, achievements or special situations will be distributed as follows:
The actual badge, patch, etc. will be procured and awarded to the Scout at the Court of Honor following the fulfillment of the requirements. A formal recognition and written certificate will be awarded for each achievement earned at the Court of Honor, providing the Scout is in full and proper uniform. Scouts are required to save the written documentation (Merit Badge and Rank cards) issued to them from the advancement committee. These records are a back up to the Council’s records.
The Committee wishes to make the point that full parental support and attendance is very vital at each Court of Honor. Please make all effort to be in attendance. All of the family (and friends) are welcome. Scouts are reminded that notification must be given to the awards chairman for all achievements to be recorded and awarded. This must be done at least two weeks prior to the Court of Honor.
The Troop has invested a great deal of money in equipment for the use of the Scouts. Therefore, each Scout is expected to use and care for it better than if it were his own. Deliberate or negligent damage by any Scout will be cause for such Scout to be responsible for the repair, replacement or reimbursement to the Troop for the cost of such repairs/replacements.
A tent will be assigned to Scouts as they join the Troop. It will be the Scouts option to use the tent assigned or join another Scout in their assigned tent for campouts. The purpose of this rule is to insure that Scouts take personal interest in a tent and return them in a condition which is suitable (dry/clean) for the next outing.
At Troop 18 we consider safety of each and every member to be very important. At times the Troop will participate in activities of slightly higher risk than the average activity. When you sign any activity permission slip, you should fully understand the scope of the activity. For the health and safety of each member of the Troop we will use (but not limited to) the rules described in this booklet as a guide. The action taken to enforce these rules will depend on the infraction that occurred.
The health of the scouts is very important to us as well. In order to attend activities and outings greater than 72 hours in length as a Troop, we require a completed Class 2 medical form to be filled out for every Scout every three years with a Class 1 form updated every year (the same forms required by Boy Scouts of America for camping at council camps). These forms will be distributed via the Troop and need to be updated by the first Monday of June.
During all events and activities the Scouts are expected to live up to the rules established by the Boy Scouts of America, the Troop and the leaders. In the event that a Scout or adult does not follow these rules or threatens the health and safety of any of its members, the leader in charge may take immediate remedial action, including but not limited to immediate suspension from the activity. Depending on the circumstances, the parents may be immediately required to pick up their Scout. The individual may be reinstated either by the leader in charge of the specific event or by requesting reinstatement by the Troop Committee. Should such actions recur by the same Scout or adult, they may be subject to permanent dismissal from the Troop upon decision by the Troop Committee.
The Troop uses the resource of the parents to provide the transportation and the leadership for our outings. When accepting this responsibility we ask that as a leader you do your best to be an example of good scouting and act according to the Scout Oath and Law as well as (but not limited to) the rules of this guidebook. You are being looked on as a role model for our scouts. It is mandatory that drivers are at least 21 years old, that they are physically prepared to drive and that their vehicle is in good working order . We can not take the risk of anything less than that. The Troop cannot tolerate an impaired driver due to alcohol or drugs and a driver may be asked by the Troop leadership not to drive if there is ANY concern that this may be a problem. If any parent has a concern that one of our drivers may be impaired, please bring it to the attention of the leader in charge of the activity. Your son's safety is our first concern. We live by the motto SAFETY FIRST!! Proof of insurance and valid drivers license must be provided prior to driving for an outing.
Transportation policy for reimbursement:
The reimbursement policy for the fuel expenses and tolls associated with any trip will be decided in advance of the trip.
It is recognized that parent interest in scouting varies for many reasons. The benefits that the Scout receives are directly proportional to both the QUALITY and QUANTITY of parental support and participation. Please keep this in mind when your help is requested. In addition, encourage and assist your son in obtaining the most out of scouting. He needs your support!
Any suggestions or questions that parents may have are more than welcome. Present them to any committee member or send a note with your son to any meeting. All parents are welcome to become a committee member or attend committee meetings.
In order to ensure a successful program, parents may be required to participate in an outing and/or provide transportation. A minimum of two adult leaders is required on every outing. If adequate transportation cannot be arranged for an event some Scouts may not be able to attend. Those Scouts who are at the top of the list for attending will be those Scouts whose parents have participated most in previous Scout activities.
PLEASE BE ON TIME TO PICK UP YOUR SONS. LEADERS MUST WAIT UNTIL ALL BOYS ARE PICKED UP BEFORE THEY CAN GO HOME.
Additionally, we require that you read the parent's guide "How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse," a supplement which can be found in the front of your son's Scout Handbook. This booklet tells you what you can do with your child to prevent drug and/or child abuse along with an explanation about what Scouting is also doing. The prevention of Drug Abuse and Child Abuse are topics that the Boy Scouts of America and the Committee of Troop 18 take very seriously.
1. Our troop strives to follow the BSA Patrol Method. Consult the BSA handbook for details.
Eligibility for Elected Positions
To be eligible for any position, the Scout must have his dues paid up to date.
Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
1. First Class Rank or higher
2. Be active in the Troop
3. Scoutmaster Approval
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
1. First Class Rank or higher
2. Be active in the Troop
3. Scoutmaster Approval
Patrol Leader (PL)
1. Be an active member of the Patrol
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)
1. Be an active member of the Patrol
Troop Scribe
1. First Class Rank or higher
2. Active member of the Troop
Troop Librarian, Troop Quartermaster
1. Second Class Rank or higher
2. Active member of the Troop
Troop Historian, Chaplain Aide
1. Active member of the Troop
Troop Bugler
1. Active member of the Troop
2. Preference is given to those who know music and can play taps and reveille.
Election Procedure
The election procedure for junior leaders and other positions will be as
follows:
1. In order for elections to be held there must be a quorum of 50% of the active Scouts in attendance.
2. The election for Senior Patrol Leader will be the first election to take place, following speeches by the candidates. The Senior Patrol Leader will be the candidate who receives the MAJORITY of the votes. (Note: This is a majority, not a plurality) If none of the candidates receive a majority of the votes, the two candidates who received the highest number of votes will remain on the ballot for a run-off election.
3. After the Senior Patrol Leader election is completed, the ballot for the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader will be developed. It should include those runners-up from the Senior Patrol Leader election who wish to run for Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and those candidates for Assistant Senior Patrol Leader who did not run for Senior Patrol Leader. The election for Assistant Senior Patrol Leader will then be held.
4. Following the election for the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, the Troop will break up into Patrols and select among themselves a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader by secret ballot.
5. The selection of Scouts for the other Troop positions will be made by the SPL and ASPL under the guidance of either an SM or ASM. They will be appointed in the following order:
1. Troop Scribe
2. Troop Librarian
3. Troop Quartermaster
4. Troop Historian
5. Chaplain Aide
6. Troop Bugler
6. If an elected junior leader is unable to serve his full term or chooses to resign, the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, with advice and approval of the Scoutmaster, will appoint someone to fill the position for the rest of the term.
7. The term for an elected junior leader will last for 6 months, with the elections generally taking place the week prior to the Court of Honor.
The Troop maintains a website at www.GasportTroop18.com
When joining a scout troop, it is important that the new scout and his parents have complete faith and trust in the quality of the adult leaders running the program. We feel that the adult leadership of our troop is unmatched. All of our leaders are dedicated Scouters, committed to offering a fantastic & memorable program and making the youth of Gasport great citizens. Each adult is of the utmost character, integrity, and family values.
They are...
Wayne Forrest, Scoutmaster: Wayne achieved the rank of Star as a Scout. As a Scout he attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Wayne served in Pack 18 as a Webelos leader for two years and when his Den crossed over into Troop 18 he joined as an Assistant Scoutmaster in 2001. In 2005 he took on the responsibility for Scoutmaster. Wayne has been trained by the Red Cross in Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and by the BSA in Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense. An avid outdoorsman, Wayne enjoys Scouting, camping, traveling, skiing, and fishing. He is an Engineering Manager at Delphi Thermal.
Jason Marotta, Assistant Scoutmaster & Troop Treasurer: Jason is a product of the Troop. He earned his Eagle rank in 2002. He became one of our Assistant Scoutmasters in 2002. Jason has his own lawn care business and is attending SUNY Brockport. Jason has certificates from the Red Cross in Lifeguard and First Aid.
Larry
Baptiste, Assistant Scoutmaster: Larry has been involved in scouting since
1997. He volunteered as an adult
leader when his son Matt joined Gasport’s Pack 18. He was a Webelos leader from 2000 to 2002. He is still active today with Pack 18 as Cub
Scout Leader for the Wolf den. He volunteered
to be an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 18 in 2002. He completed Assistant
Scoutmaster training in 2003. He is
also trained in First aid and
CPR/AED. He has been an assistant Little
League Coach for 3 years and Rams Football assistant coach for 2 years. He has been a member of the Masons for
over 25 years. He is a Fire and Safety
Officer with the State of NY. Avid
outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, trapping and camping. Larry is employed 20 years with the State of
New York.
Chris Jones, Assistant Scoutmaster: Chris was a den leader in Pack 18 for four years then in 2005 joined the troop when his Den crossed over. He is on the church council at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the President of the board for Noah's Ark Preschool. Chris enjoys outdoor activities including camping, traveling, and four wheeling. Chris is employed at Woodward Ind. as a CAD operator and a CNC machinist.
Angel Avey, Advancement Chairwomen:
Scott Schultz, Assistant Scoutmaster: Scott is a product of the Troop, he earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2000?.
Bob Confer, Assistant Scoutmaster: Bob is a product of the troop. He joined as a young scout in 1986. As a scout, Bob has been to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the National Jamboree. Bob worked as the Nature Director at Camp Dittmer. He earned his Eagle rank in 1992. He became our Scoutmaster in 1997. In 2005 he settled back into the position of Assistant Scoutmaster. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys Scouting, hunting and fishing. Bob is the Vice President of Confer Plastics.
Jay Marotta, Assistant Scoutmaster: Jay has been one of our assistants since 1995 when his oldest son, Jason, joined the troop. Both of his sons earned their Eagle ranks from the Troop. Jay is co-owner of Town and Country Electric. He has served several terms on the Roy-Hart School Board.
Kirk Neubauer, Troop Committee Chairman: Kirk has been an Assistant Scoutmaster since 1995. He is a Trustee with our sponsor, Covenant United Church of Christ. Kirk is a tool and die maker with Sherwood Selpack. An avid outdoorsman, Kirk enjoys the Adirondacks and the Scouting program.