Troop 965 Policies
Active Scout Policy
For a Scout to advance to the next rank, they must fulfill the following requirements:
Outings include Troop day events; climbing, hiking, bowling, merit badge academies, etc.
Service projects such as Eagle Scout projects, Turkey Trot, Crèche assembly / disassembly, etc. are not included in outings.
Advancement Policy
Troop 965 follows all aspects of the BSA Guide to Advancement. To that end, only registered adult leaders and youth leaders who have been designated by the unit leader (Scoutmaster) are permitted to approve advancement requirements for Scouts. Section 4.2.0.0 Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA states: "Both adult and youth leaders approve advancement in Scouts BSA. This permits greater emphasis on standards and more consistency in measurement, but it also places another level of importance on teaching and testing. As Scouts work with one another, learning takes place on both sides of the equation as they play teacher and student in turn. Parents or guardians are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they serve as registered leaders and have been designated by the unit leader to approve advancement or are Lone Scout friends and counselors (see “Lone Scouting,” 5.0.3.0)."
Questions regarding the application of this policy should be addressed to the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chair.
Troop Uniform Policy
The Boy Scout uniform is an important sign of membership in a world-wide organization and it contributes to troop identity, spirit and unity. Every member (Scouts and uniformed leaders) of Troop 965 is expected to wear the Class A uniform for Troop meetings. For Troop 965 the Class A uniform consists of four elements - the official BSA khaki shirt, the embroidered Troop 965 neckerchief (or other, approved Boy Scout neckerchiefs), a neckerchief slide, and a Scout Handbook. Scouts who have achieved the rank of First Class are not required to bring their Handbooks to meetings.
Exceptions: After overnight camping trips and on other special occasions, Troop members may wear a Class B uniform. This is defined as any Scouting related t-shirt (Owasippe, High Adventure, Hoover, etc.) or the official shirt without a neckerchief. The Scouts are informed in advance about what uniform to wear.
Reminder about Medications
Just a friendly reminder that every Scout who is taking any medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, is required to give them to the Scoutmaster or another adult leader at the beginning of any overnight activity. The medication(s) and instructions for taking them should be placed in a clear zip lock bag which has the Scout’s name on it. This is primarily for the boy’s safety, but it also makes the leader aware of the Scout’s situation in the unlikely event he requires emergency care. The leaders will make every effort to keep the information confidential. Please respect this rule - it’s for the good of the boys. Thanks for your cooperation.
Youth Driving Policy
The Troop 965 Committee has adopted the following travel policy:
Youth members (Scouts under 18 years of age) may not drive to any Troop 965 activities or outings, including but not restricted to camp-outs, service projects, or other outings, unless accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardians at all times. They are also restricted from driving during the course of an outing or activity unless accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardians.
Service Project Guidelines
Service to the community is an important component of the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 965. Service to the community is also required for higher rank
advancement. Troop 965 provides the following parameters for service projects and the participants:
b. Recipient of the service work
c. Type of work to be performed
d. Tools / materials for the work
e. Time estimate of service work
f. Clear, detailed instructions from the recipient organization
Cell Phone/Communications Device Policy
In Troop 965, we focus on creating a balanced life through the aims of Scouting: character, physical fitness, and citizenship. Technology is a tool to help us, but it is not there to take the place of family, friends, the Scout Law, and staying physically fit.
There are numerous benefits from technology. On the plus side cell phones have a camera, GPS, mapping, flashlight, nature and Scouting apps, and the ability to get help quickly in an emergency. On the negative side cell phones can isolate a Scout who isn’t interacting with his fellow Scouts and have been definitively shown to increase homesickness on longer trips. Cell phones can be used to bully or harass another person. Loud games, videos, and music can be a distraction for other Scouts and leaders.
Rules around the use of electronic devices are crafted to promote responsible use by Scouts and trust between Scouts and adults. Scouts should have the opportunity to show they can use the devices appropriately. In the event they are not able to use devices for activities that support the Scouting program they will have the device confiscated by a leader.
Troop Meetings:
Cell phones must be turned into the Scoutmaster at Monday Troop meetings for the 7:30-9:00 portion of the meeting. A Scout who surreptitiously holds on to his phone during that period and is seen using it will have it confiscated. The phone will be returned at 9:00 and parents notified of the violation. A repeat offense would mean a parent would have to come to retrieve the phone at the end of the meeting. Repeated violations of the rule could lead to exclusion from meetings or activities or suspension from the Troop.
Camping Weekends and Day Trips:
On camping weekends and day trips Scouts are allowed to maintain possession of their phones. Scouts who are found using their phone inappropriately will have it confiscated by a leader. Inappropriate use includes cyber bullying and playing loud music, games, or videos. If a phone is confiscated during a day trip or weekend outing it will be returned to a parent upon return to St. Juliana.
Summer Camp:
Scouts are allowed to have phones at camp, but the phone should be used for legitimate Scouting purposes including photography, GPS, mapping, astronomy, nature, and similar apps. Scouts may play video games, watch videos, or play music on their phones when they are in their tent. Sound from the phone should not be heard outside the tent, so Scouts should consider using earbuds or headphones. A Scout using his phone for unapproved purposes or making too much noise will have it confiscated by the leader for a reasonable period. Serious or repeated violations of the policy at summer camp could result in the phone being confiscated until the Troop returns to St. Juliana.
Eagle Scout Candidate Policies
Eagle Scout Candidate Uniform Policy
Eagle Scout candidates are to wear a full Boy Scout uniform for Eagle Scout advancement activities including Eagle Project Review with the District Advancement Team, Scoutmaster Conference for the rank of Eagle, Final Eagle Service Project Conference, Eagle Board of Review and Eagle Court of
Honor. All facets of the uniform must be up to date. The uniform consists of the Scout shirt, official troop neckerchief, slide, Scout belt, and Scout pants. Scout pants may be substituted with Dockers’® style, green khaki material slacks.
Eagle Scout Service Project Final Presentation Policy
Eagle Scout Service Project booklets and supporting materials are to be presented in a booklet form for review and signatures. The booklet may be in the form of a binder, clear presentation folder, or other suitable method. The materials are to be presented in a neat and organized manner in order to better reflect the hours of hard work.
Eagle Scout Rank Advancement Application Policy
Eagle Scout applications are to be typed or completed using a computer. Handwritten applications can be used as draft copies for verification purposes, but signatures from the Troop will only be made on typed or computer generated applications. The on-line “pdf” version of the Eagle application is very easy to use and is strongly recommended.
Eagle Scout Project Qualifications
For a service project to qualify as an Eagle Scout service project, the Scout, while a Life Scout, must plan, develop, organize and give leadership to others in a service project benefiting any non profit organization, religious institution, school, or community. These projects, of course, must conform to the wishes and regulations of those for whom the project is undertaken. The amount of time spent must be sufficient for the Scout to clearly demonstrate leadership skills. Service to others is important. Work involving council property or other BSA activities is not acceptable for an Eagle Scout service project. The service project also may not be performed for a business, or be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser.
NOTE: Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project.
The Scout must secure the prior approval of his Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Troop Committee representative and the benefactor of the project. The
project must also be reviewed and approved by the Indian Trails District Advancement Committee to make sure that it meets the stated standards for Eagle
Scout service projects before the project is started. Keep in mind that when the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, is properly filled out, it is submitted with the Scout's Eagle application to include the following information:
Also keep in mind that although the project idea must be approved before work is begun, the board of review will determine the manner in which the project was carried out. Questions that must be addressed include:
All the work on the project must be done while the candidate is a Life Scout and before the candidate's 18th birthday.
April 2024
For a Scout to advance to the next rank, they must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have a current troop registration
- All membership dues must be paid in full
- Actively attend 25% of the Troop meetings and events
- Attend 2 camping trips for a minimum of 3 nights for the 12 month period prior to the completion date of the BOR for the next rank advancement (applicable only to the Star, Life and Eagle ranks)
Outings include Troop day events; climbing, hiking, bowling, merit badge academies, etc.
Service projects such as Eagle Scout projects, Turkey Trot, Crèche assembly / disassembly, etc. are not included in outings.
Advancement Policy
Troop 965 follows all aspects of the BSA Guide to Advancement. To that end, only registered adult leaders and youth leaders who have been designated by the unit leader (Scoutmaster) are permitted to approve advancement requirements for Scouts. Section 4.2.0.0 Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA states: "Both adult and youth leaders approve advancement in Scouts BSA. This permits greater emphasis on standards and more consistency in measurement, but it also places another level of importance on teaching and testing. As Scouts work with one another, learning takes place on both sides of the equation as they play teacher and student in turn. Parents or guardians are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they serve as registered leaders and have been designated by the unit leader to approve advancement or are Lone Scout friends and counselors (see “Lone Scouting,” 5.0.3.0)."
Questions regarding the application of this policy should be addressed to the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chair.
Troop Uniform Policy
The Boy Scout uniform is an important sign of membership in a world-wide organization and it contributes to troop identity, spirit and unity. Every member (Scouts and uniformed leaders) of Troop 965 is expected to wear the Class A uniform for Troop meetings. For Troop 965 the Class A uniform consists of four elements - the official BSA khaki shirt, the embroidered Troop 965 neckerchief (or other, approved Boy Scout neckerchiefs), a neckerchief slide, and a Scout Handbook. Scouts who have achieved the rank of First Class are not required to bring their Handbooks to meetings.
Exceptions: After overnight camping trips and on other special occasions, Troop members may wear a Class B uniform. This is defined as any Scouting related t-shirt (Owasippe, High Adventure, Hoover, etc.) or the official shirt without a neckerchief. The Scouts are informed in advance about what uniform to wear.
Reminder about Medications
Just a friendly reminder that every Scout who is taking any medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, is required to give them to the Scoutmaster or another adult leader at the beginning of any overnight activity. The medication(s) and instructions for taking them should be placed in a clear zip lock bag which has the Scout’s name on it. This is primarily for the boy’s safety, but it also makes the leader aware of the Scout’s situation in the unlikely event he requires emergency care. The leaders will make every effort to keep the information confidential. Please respect this rule - it’s for the good of the boys. Thanks for your cooperation.
Youth Driving Policy
The Troop 965 Committee has adopted the following travel policy:
Youth members (Scouts under 18 years of age) may not drive to any Troop 965 activities or outings, including but not restricted to camp-outs, service projects, or other outings, unless accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardians at all times. They are also restricted from driving during the course of an outing or activity unless accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardians.
Service Project Guidelines
Service to the community is an important component of the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 965. Service to the community is also required for higher rank
advancement. Troop 965 provides the following parameters for service projects and the participants:
- Service projects must be of benefit to any non-profit organization, religious institution, school or community group.
- Service hours performed for school or other organization requirements are generally not allowed, but on request, will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
- Scouting cannot be a recipient of the service.
- Service should always be performed in a safe manner. The Scouts should never be put into an unsafe / hazardous environment or position.
- Service work requiring the use of power tools must always be supervised by an adult Scout leader.
- Ad hoc service performed as part of a camp out must be approved by the primary adult leader on any camping trip.
- Pre-arranged combination camp out and service project must be approved by the Troop Committee. Details to be discussed before acceptance include:
b. Recipient of the service work
c. Type of work to be performed
d. Tools / materials for the work
e. Time estimate of service work
f. Clear, detailed instructions from the recipient organization
Cell Phone/Communications Device Policy
In Troop 965, we focus on creating a balanced life through the aims of Scouting: character, physical fitness, and citizenship. Technology is a tool to help us, but it is not there to take the place of family, friends, the Scout Law, and staying physically fit.
There are numerous benefits from technology. On the plus side cell phones have a camera, GPS, mapping, flashlight, nature and Scouting apps, and the ability to get help quickly in an emergency. On the negative side cell phones can isolate a Scout who isn’t interacting with his fellow Scouts and have been definitively shown to increase homesickness on longer trips. Cell phones can be used to bully or harass another person. Loud games, videos, and music can be a distraction for other Scouts and leaders.
Rules around the use of electronic devices are crafted to promote responsible use by Scouts and trust between Scouts and adults. Scouts should have the opportunity to show they can use the devices appropriately. In the event they are not able to use devices for activities that support the Scouting program they will have the device confiscated by a leader.
Troop Meetings:
Cell phones must be turned into the Scoutmaster at Monday Troop meetings for the 7:30-9:00 portion of the meeting. A Scout who surreptitiously holds on to his phone during that period and is seen using it will have it confiscated. The phone will be returned at 9:00 and parents notified of the violation. A repeat offense would mean a parent would have to come to retrieve the phone at the end of the meeting. Repeated violations of the rule could lead to exclusion from meetings or activities or suspension from the Troop.
Camping Weekends and Day Trips:
On camping weekends and day trips Scouts are allowed to maintain possession of their phones. Scouts who are found using their phone inappropriately will have it confiscated by a leader. Inappropriate use includes cyber bullying and playing loud music, games, or videos. If a phone is confiscated during a day trip or weekend outing it will be returned to a parent upon return to St. Juliana.
Summer Camp:
Scouts are allowed to have phones at camp, but the phone should be used for legitimate Scouting purposes including photography, GPS, mapping, astronomy, nature, and similar apps. Scouts may play video games, watch videos, or play music on their phones when they are in their tent. Sound from the phone should not be heard outside the tent, so Scouts should consider using earbuds or headphones. A Scout using his phone for unapproved purposes or making too much noise will have it confiscated by the leader for a reasonable period. Serious or repeated violations of the policy at summer camp could result in the phone being confiscated until the Troop returns to St. Juliana.
Eagle Scout Candidate Policies
Eagle Scout Candidate Uniform Policy
Eagle Scout candidates are to wear a full Boy Scout uniform for Eagle Scout advancement activities including Eagle Project Review with the District Advancement Team, Scoutmaster Conference for the rank of Eagle, Final Eagle Service Project Conference, Eagle Board of Review and Eagle Court of
Honor. All facets of the uniform must be up to date. The uniform consists of the Scout shirt, official troop neckerchief, slide, Scout belt, and Scout pants. Scout pants may be substituted with Dockers’® style, green khaki material slacks.
Eagle Scout Service Project Final Presentation Policy
Eagle Scout Service Project booklets and supporting materials are to be presented in a booklet form for review and signatures. The booklet may be in the form of a binder, clear presentation folder, or other suitable method. The materials are to be presented in a neat and organized manner in order to better reflect the hours of hard work.
Eagle Scout Rank Advancement Application Policy
Eagle Scout applications are to be typed or completed using a computer. Handwritten applications can be used as draft copies for verification purposes, but signatures from the Troop will only be made on typed or computer generated applications. The on-line “pdf” version of the Eagle application is very easy to use and is strongly recommended.
Eagle Scout Project Qualifications
For a service project to qualify as an Eagle Scout service project, the Scout, while a Life Scout, must plan, develop, organize and give leadership to others in a service project benefiting any non profit organization, religious institution, school, or community. These projects, of course, must conform to the wishes and regulations of those for whom the project is undertaken. The amount of time spent must be sufficient for the Scout to clearly demonstrate leadership skills. Service to others is important. Work involving council property or other BSA activities is not acceptable for an Eagle Scout service project. The service project also may not be performed for a business, or be of a commercial nature, or be a fund-raiser.
NOTE: Fundraising is permitted only for securing materials or supplies needed to carry out the project.
The Scout must secure the prior approval of his Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Troop Committee representative and the benefactor of the project. The
project must also be reviewed and approved by the Indian Trails District Advancement Committee to make sure that it meets the stated standards for Eagle
Scout service projects before the project is started. Keep in mind that when the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, is properly filled out, it is submitted with the Scout's Eagle application to include the following information:
- What was the project?
- How did it benefit others?
- Who from the group benefiting from the project gave guidance?
- Who helped carry out the project?
- What materials were used and how were they acquired?
Also keep in mind that although the project idea must be approved before work is begun, the board of review will determine the manner in which the project was carried out. Questions that must be addressed include:
- Did the candidate demonstrate leadership of others?
- Did he indeed direct the project rather than do all the work himself?
- Was the project of real value to the nonprofit organization, religious institution, school, or community group?
- Who from the group benefiting from the project may be contacted to verify the value of the project?
- Did the project follow the approved plan or were modifications needed to bring it to its completion?
All the work on the project must be done while the candidate is a Life Scout and before the candidate's 18th birthday.
April 2024