TROOP PHILOSOPHY Scout Oath and Scout Law are the guiding principles of the Boy Scouts of America. It is through these statements, and the meaning behind them, that we hope to guide your son into growing up into the type of mature and responsible adult that you desire him to be. Whether the Scouts realize it or not, everything in the troop is guided by these principles. He may be having fun, but unbeknownst to him, we are reinforcing the three parts of the Oath and twelve points of the Law. OUTDOORS In line with Scouting's Outdoor Code, we believe that Scouts should learn lasting values to respect our natural heritage. This will be achieved through numerous well-planned camping and other outdoor activities. Scouts will be taught to treat the outdoors reverently, to practice conservation and to be considerate of public and private property. SERVICE The Troop and the family will encourage the Scout to learn more about family, school and community needs and to respond to those needs by serving enthusiastically. Service is a very important value of Boy Scouting and often required for rank advancement. RELIGIOUS Scout is encouraged to learn about his own family's religious beliefs and to work toward achievement of Scouting's religious awards. There will be no recruitment or indoctrination in any religious beliefs by the Troop. All Scouts are required to attend the non-denominational devotion services and Sunday worship services at troop campouts and summer camp unless a note from a parent or guardian is received prior to the campout or summer camp excusing the Scout. FAMILY Troop encourages family involvement in Troop activities. Parents will be kept informed of all Troop activities. The Troop leadership expects family support by providing necessary personal Scout equipment, uniform and activity funding, encouraging rank and merit badge advancement, and encouraging your son's regular participation in Troop activities. DISCIPLINE Through firm, fair and predictable Troop discipline may each Scout be assured of his full right to enjoy Scouting activities and to advance. Discipline ensures respect for other Scouts and surroundings. The SCOUT OATH and SCOUT LAW will provide the framework for Troop discipline. It is the responsibility of Troop leaders, each Scout and his family to know what the Scout Oath and Law is and that future participation in troop activities can be denied of a Scout. Discipline is discussed further in a later section.   EXPECTATIONS WHAT IS EXPECTED OF SCOUTS Attend meetings, campouts, service projects, fundraisers and other troop activities whenever possible. We recognize there will be occasional conflicts with family, church, school and sports activities. Show Scout spirit by living by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Scout Spirit is a key part of rank advancement. Work on merit badges, advancement and show leadership by helping others and by teaching other Scouts skills you have learned. Wear the appropriate uniform to Scout events. Say NO to alcohol and drugs. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF PARENTS Encourage your son to participate regularly. Drop off and pick up your son on time. Provide the minimal required items of uniform and equipment (Scout shirt, handbook and basic camping gear). Encourage your son to work on advancement. Take your turn to furnish transportation for campouts and other Troop activities. Provide financial support for items such food costs for campouts, summer camp registration fees, Friends of Scouting, etc. EXPECTED OF THE TROOP Scouts and parents can expect the Troop to provide: Leaders who are trained, experienced, enthusiastic and sensitive to the needs of each Scout. A program which is planned and carried out safely and in accordance with the Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America. Information, in advance, as to what is going on, when, where, why and how. Logistic support including troop equipment, training materials, and coordination of arrangements for food, clothing, shelter and transportation.   MEMBERSHIP In order to become a Boy Scout, you must be a boy who has completed the fifth grade or who has earned the Arrow of Light, or be 11 years of age but not yet 18 and complete the Boy Scout joining requirements. A Scout must be a registered member to wear the Scout uniform. Each Scout must maintain active status to be eligible for advancement, election to Troop office, or appointment to a Troop leadership position. Active status is defined as: Attending at least two thirds of all Troop functions since his last rank, excluding excused absences AND Payment of all Troop dues and fees on time. A Scoutmaster's conference with at least one parent present may be required if: A Scout is absent from all Troop activities for one month or A Scout misses four consecutive monthly campouts or A Scouts behavior warrants it, per the Troop 297 Discipline Policy. After completion of the Scoutmaster's conference noted in item 4, the Scoutmaster will make a recommendation to the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee will then decide what additional action, if any will be taken. To become a Boy Scout, all applicants must fulfill the joining requirements as stated in the Boy Scout handbook. All adult leaders must meet requirements set forth by the BSA before assuming leadership in Troop 297.   TROOP ORGANIZATION Our Chartered Partner (or sponsor) is Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville, Minnesota. The responsibilities of the Chartered Partner include: Approving all adult troop leaders and troop committee members. Approving on an annual basis the rechartering of the troop through the church. Providing a meeting place for the troop for troop meetings, Courts of Honor and other troop events. Providing storage space for troop camping and program equipment. Serving as a referral and troop information resource for interested boys and their parents. Promoting and supporting troop fundraising events and activities. TROOP COMMITTEE The operation of Scout Troop 297 is too big of a job for one or two people to do. Consequently, the overall operation of the troop is overseen by a committee of parents of scouts from the troop. The committee is composed of a Committee Chair, at least two other members (not the Scoutmaster or his assistants) and a representative of the chartering organization. The positions held by the committee members vary from troop to troop, but in addition to the Committee chair, they typically include: Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Advancement Chair and other positions as identified. In the past there has never been a shortage of positions or duties in the troop committee for interested people! The fundamental function of the Troop Committee is to provide support to the troop in order that the troop may accomplish the goals of the Chartered Partner. This support can include, but is not limited to: troop fundraising activities, transportation to troop events and providing adult leaders. Additionally, one of the most important functions of the committee is providing guidance to the Scoutmaster. No Scoutmaster likes the feeling of working in a vacuum. IMPORTANT POINTS - It should be noted that the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters officially are not members of the troop committee. The troop committee does not have the function of planning or approving the troop program or troop events. This is the responsibility of the Scoutmaster working with the Scout leadership of the troop. The role of the troop committee is to put the resources in place so that the troop can successfully carry out the planned program. ADULT LEADERS The Scoutmaster (SM) is responsible for all activities directly involving the scouts of the troop. This includes weekly troop meetings, monthly events, campouts, service projects, advancement; everything that the troop does. Scoutmaster must be at least 21 years old. If this sounds like a big job, it is, but fortunately the Scoutmaster has some help: Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) perform tluties upon the request of the Scoutmaster. In Troop 297, this may involve working with new scouts in the troop, working with the older scouts in the Venture Crew or working with fundraising efforts of the troop. An Assistant Scoutmaster must be at least 18 years old. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) performs the same duties as the ASM. The only difference is that the JASM is a youth from within the troop, 16-18 years old. A scout must apply for the position of JASM and the position shall be reserved for these youths who in the opinion of the SM have demonstrated the maturity anrl leadership ability to assume the responsibility required of the position. The troop will not always have a JASM and all JASMs must register with the troop as an ASM or other adult leader position when they reach 18 years in age. Merit Badge Counselors (MB Counselor) are adults who counsel scouts who are working on specific merit badges (see Advancement section). Although a MB Counselor is not a position within the troop (they are registered at the district level), the troop does actively solicit parents to serve as MB counselors. If you have a knowledge of or a strong interest in a particular area (with over 100 merit badges, there is certainly something that we each are "expert" at or have an interest in), we encourage you to sign up as a h/IB counselor. Your help as a MB Counselor at the troop or district level will be greatly appreciated. Parents of scouts will always be welcome, and needed, to help in troop functions. Parents to come along on troop activities and campouts are always encouraged. You do not need to be involved in conducting the program, but the extra set of eyes and ears is invaluable to the other adult leaders. Besides, what better way to learn about what your son is experiencing in Scouting than to be there alongside him at the event or activity! IMPORTANT POINTS - All adult troop leaders and members of the troop committee are registered in the troop at the national and local level and are subject to the approval of the Committee Chair and the Chartered Partner representative (Church pastor or representative). This may involve background checks and reference checks based upon information provided on the adult BSA registration form. The troop will pay for the registration fees (both national and local) for all adult leaders and troop committee members. Additionally, all camping and other entrance fees will be paid for adults participating in troop events and activities as troop adult leaders.   REGISTRATION & DUES New Troop members are responsible for the National BSA registration fee plus the BSA insurance fee, or transfer fee if the applicant has an expired membership certificate. Subscription to Boys' Life Magazine is not required, but is encouraged. If Boys' Life magazine is desired, a small additional charge will be added when paying the BSA registration fee and insurance, and during the annual Troop recharter. Weblos, who are current members of a Pack and graduate into the Troop, will pay the current quarters dues at the time of transfer. The Troop will pay the transfer fee. Scouts are encouraged to earn the money to pay for their dues, equipment, activity fees, etc. Some of the Troop Fund Raising functions provide opportunities for a Scout to earn money to be credited to his "Scout Account" with the Troop. Family members can earn credit for their son by also participating in fundraising activities. The funds may be used to pay dues, camp fees, purchase BSA equipment, ect. If a Scout leaves the Troop, any balance remaining in the "Scout Account" can be transferred to the new Troop or he can obtain reimbursement for Official Scout items purchased by presenting a receipt to the Troop treasurer. At no time will cash be distributed to the Scout. If a former Troop member returns to the Troop, any previously forfeited balance will not be reinstated. Scouters (Adult Leaders, Committee Members) are responsible for paying for their annual registration. All adults are encouraged to attend and participate in Troop Committee meetings or any Troop function.   FORMS & APPLICATIONS Click on the links below to retrieve the form/document (Adobe Acrobat format) : Personal Health and Medical Record - Class 1&2 Personal Health and Medical Record - Class 3 Merit Badge Counselor Application form Troop Meeting Plan form Eagle Project Workbook   TROOP & PATROL MEETINGS One major difference between Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting programs is in how meetings of the group and smaller groups are organized and conducted. The following are descriptions of the types of meetings held in Troop 297. Troop Meetings Troop meetings of the whole group are held September through May on most Monday evenings. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and will finish up promptly at 8:15 p.m.   Meetings are held at Roseville Lutheran Church in the Old Fellowship Hall located in the basement of the north section of the church building. Patrol Meetings Patrol meetings for the patrols within the troop are usually held as part of the regular troop meeting. Time will be set aside for patrols to meet and carry out the planning and activities that the patrol needs to do. This could include: planning the patrol food menu for a campout, working on a particular advancement requirement as a group or planning the patrol's part in an upcoming troop meeting presentation. Patrol meetings held outside of the normal troop meeting schedule would be scheduled by each patrol as deemed necessary. These meetings might be held if the patrol is working on a merit badge as a group and would need to meet with a merit badge counselor or if the patrol has planned a specific patrol activity. Patrol Leaders Council The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is represented by the SPL, ASPL, and PLs. The PLC is responsible for planning and executing the activities of the troop. To accomplish this, they will meet with the SM on a regular basis, usually on the Monday night immediately after a troop campout or activity. IMPORTANT NOTE: Troop meetings run from 7:00-8: 15 p.m. sharp. Please do not drop your son off early as there may not be an adult leader at the meeting room and make sure that you pick up your son promptly at 8: 15 p.m. as an adult leader will be staying with those scouts still waiting for a ride home. Exceptions to the 7:00-8:15 p.m. time period hopefully will be communicated to scouts and parents well in advance. As a general rule, there will be no troop meeting on the Monday immediately following a weekend campout or outing. The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) will meet on that night to plan the upcoming troop meetings and campouts. The Annual Troop Activity Planning Schedule will identify the NO MEETING nights, but the Troop Newsletter will contain the official calendar of troop meeting dates. Please remember that you are responsible for arranging transportation for your son to and from the troop meeting. Don't come to depend on the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters as a transportation option; even though they are going to the troop meetings each week. They are willing to give of their time to work with your son in scouting activities, but they did not volunteer their time to be a taxi cab driver. Please respect this and work with other parents to set up carpool arrangements. All troop meetings and Courts of Honor are uniformed meetings and scouts are expected to show up in uniform (Scout shirt for regular troop meetings and Scout shirt with troop neckerchief and slide for Courts of Honor). If your son does not have his uniform on, please don't even bring him to the meeting, as he will be asked to leave the meeting by the Scoutmaster or one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. Excuses of the shirt is in the wash or that I didn't have time to change into it will not be accepted. Once a troop T-shirt is available, there will be troop meetings designated where this will be an approved uniform.   UNIFORMS The required uniform in Troop 297 consists of two items: Official Scout shirt (Khaki) including: Council patch and Troop number American flag patch Current badge of rank patch Patrol patch (if available) NOTE: The Webelos Arrow of Light cloth badge and religious award cloth badge knot are the only badges from Cub Scouting allowed on the Boy Scout uniform. All other Cub Scout patches and pins should be removed. Troop 297 troop neckerchief (red and green) and slide. NOTE: Other neckerchiefs may be worn as obtained (Philmont, Sea Base, etc.) NOTE: Neckerchief slides can be as varied as a Scout desires, either bought or made. The Scout belt, Scout pants, Scout socks and Scout cap can be worn at the Scout's option. Class A Uniform - The Class A uniform - Consists of the Official Boy Scout shirt with proper emblems, Scout pants or Scout shorts, web Scout belt, neckerchief and Scout socks (with shorts). This uniform is required for all Scouts attending a high adventure trip such as Philmont or the Florida Sea Base or on any high adventure trip involving international travel such as the Costa Rican or Bulgarian trips. Class B Uniform - The Class B uniform - Consists of the Official Boy Scout shirt with proper emblems and neckerchief and slide. This uniform is required for a Board of Review, troop Court of Honor and any district or council-wide camping events or activities such as the fall camporee, Wali-Ga-Zu, etc. Class C Uniform - The Class C uniform - Consists of the troop tee shirt or other Scouting tee shirt (Tomahawk, Sea Base, Jamboree, etc, tee shirts). This uniform can be worn for designated troop meetings and campouts and other troop outdoor events. IMPORTANT POINT : The scout shirt (or troop tee skirt when designated) must be worn by all Scouts and leaders at all troop meetings. Any Scout or leader showing up at a troop meeting without his shirt will be asked to leave and not allowed to participate in the meeting.   SCOUTS - TROOP LEADERSHIP The most important aspect of the troop organization is the scouts themselves. Through the hierarchy of Troop leaders and patrols, a troop can accomplish a great deal with very little help from adults. The trick is to give them the chance and freedom to do it their way. The troop is led by scouts under the guidance of the Scoutmaster and his assistants. For those parents and Scouts with experience in Cub Scouts, this is probably one of the most significant differences between a Boy Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack. This is also one of the most difficult things for adult troop leaders to do: namely, step back and let the scouts lead their own troop. Consequently,anyone looking in on Troop 297 will probably see what you believe to be utter chaos; teen age boys are not as organized as adults may be, but given the opportunity, you may be amazed at what they can accomplish on their own. A troop is composed of several patrols. Each patrol generally consists of five to eight scouts. Usually the scouts in a patrol fall within the same age and grade range, although this is not always possible if there is a small number of scouts in an age group. Each patrol is led by a Patrol Leader (PL) and an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). The patrols elect their own PL and APL. If possible, the PL should be a First Class scout or above; the APL need not be. The responsibilities of the PL are: Act as leader for the patrol in all patrol activities. Instruct younger scouts in scouting skills for their rank advancement. Sign off the requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook of the younger scouts as they complete the requirements. Be aware of the requirements needed by the members in his patrol. Make the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Scoutmaster (SM) aware of these requirements so that troop campouts, outdoor events and troop meetings can be planned to provide opportunities and time to complete these requirements. Attend the meetings of the Patrol Leaders Council. If he is not able to attend a meeting, he should then send the APL. Positions held by the scouts in the troop include: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) - he is the senior boy leader of the troop. He is elected by the troop for a six month term. He presides over the troop meetings, the Patrol Leaders Council and leads the troop on campouts and other troop events. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) - he is the assistant to the SPL, taking over his responsibilities in his absence. He is also elected by the troop to a six month term. Patrol Leaders (PL) - they are the leaders of the patrols. Twice a year they are elected by the members of the patrol for six month terms. Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL) - as assistants to the PLs, they take over the responsibilities in the absence of the FL. They are also elected by patrol members twice a year. Scribe - he takes attendance at troop meetings and helps the SM maintain the troop records. He is appointed by the SM. Quartermaster (QM) - he is responsible for maintaining and checking out troop equipment. For campouts, he will check out patrol cooking equipment to the patrols. He will also make sure that the troop equipment box is complete and all troop equipment accounted for. He is appointed by the SM. Librarian - he is responsible for maintaining the troop Library of merit badge and other troop program booklets. He is appointed by the SM. Historian - he is responsible for maintaining a record of troop events and activities through the use of a troop scrapbook diary and photo album. He may also serve as troop photographer. He is appointed by the SM. Troop Guides (TG) - they are responsible for "guiding" new scouts in the troop. They will help in skill instruction, passing requirements and generally helping the younger scouts "fit" into the troop. Their biggest job is to be a friend to new scouts to help them learn their way within the troop. They are nominated and appointed by the SM. Instructors - they are specialists in particular scouting skills and are responsible for teaching those skills to other scouts. They are appointed by the SM. The holding of one of the troop leadership positions previously Listed (except for APL) is required for advancement to the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle. The requirement to hold one of the listed positions with the exception of Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader is that the Scout be First Class rank or above. Every effort will be made to see that every scout that needs to hold a leadership position for his next rank advancement is able to do so, but scouts should not expect that a leadership position will be available when they need it. They may have to wait until the next troop election. IMPORTANT POINTS - The Troop Leadership Application asks for both the scouts signature and a parent's signature. As a parent, please make sure that your son is able to commit the time and effort to the leadership position he is applying for, especially the positions of Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. If a scout takes on the responsibilities of a troop leadership position and is not able to meet those responsibilities due to conflicts or time constraints, he will not receive credit for the troop leadership position toward his next rank advancement. New scouts will not be eligible for troop leadership positions except for the positions of Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader.   TROOP ELECTIONS Elections for PLs and APLs are held twice each year, once in October and again in April. All scouts in the patrol interested in either the PL or APL leadership positions must fill out a Troop Leadership Position application . The PL position is the only leadership position at the patrol level that isapproved as a troop leadership position for fulfilling the Star, Life or Eagle advancement ranks. Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) are elected by the whole troop, while each patrol elects their own Patrol Leader (PL) and Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). All troop leadership positions in the troop are listed on the Troop Leadership Application and include a description of what the position is and what responsibilities the position has. A scout must complete and turn in an application to be considered for appointment or election to a position. Each Scout must meet the active status requirements to be eligible for Troop office. Should there not be enough eligible Scouts under these rules to fill Troop offices, the Scoutmaster may establish alternate requirements, as necessary, to fill that term of office. A Scout may not hold office for more than two consectutive terms.   CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCOUTS & SCOUTERS All Scouts and Scouters are required to subscribe to the Scout Oath and Scout Law. All Scouts and Scouters are required to exhibit "Scout Spirit" which is defined as the daily living of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The use of alcoholic beverages or foul language is absolutely prohibited at all Scout Functions. When authorized by the Scoutmaster, clothing other than the uniform may be worn at scout functions. At no time will clothing that bears advertisment for alcohol or tobacco, or sexually explicit slogans, foul language or other inappropriate statements (as determined by the Scoutmaster) be allowed at Scout functions. The use of tobacco by Scouts is prohibited. The use of tobacco by adults should be with discretion per BSA policy. Adults should set the example and not be disruptive or distracting during Troop meetings.   TROOP DISCIPLINE POLICY If a Scout breaks the rules outlined in the Code of Conduct or in other Troop policies, one or more of the following four steps will take place. The scout will be given a verbal warning. The Patrol Leader will have a conference with the Scout. The Senior Patrol Leader will have a conference with the Scout. The Scout will be removed from the meeting or function and will be required to attend a Scoutmaster Conference with a parent before he can attend another Scout function.   CAMPOUTS & MONTHLY EVENTS Troop 297 strives to hold one "major" or troop activity every month. Typically this activity is a weekend campout, but instead (or in addition to) may be a tour, hike, swim or other troop activity. Campouts Troop campouts are usually weekend campouts, either camping in tents or staying in cabins depending upon the time of year. Campouts have been held at Indianhead Council and Viking Council Boy Scout and Cub Scout Camps, Minnesota and Wisconsin state parks and private or other established camping areas. Other Troop Events/Activities These events include day trips, tours, service projects and other single event activities that the troop has planned. Typically these events or activities will not involve an overnight stay. Campout or Troop Activity Flyer A flyer outlining each troop campout or activity/event will be sent to each scout in advance of the event. Information contained in the nyer will include: Name and description of the event, date and time of the event, location and directions to the event, costs involved, equipment and clothing required and the permission/emergency information form. IMPORTANT POINTS All costs associated with camping or campground fees, event admission fees or group charges for tours, etc, will be paid by the troop. Scouts going on trips will be expected to pick up the cost of the food for the activity; whether it be the cost of an individual meal or their share of the food costs for the patrol on a weekend campout. To be eligible to attend an event, a complete d and signed p ermission/emergency information form must be signed by a parent or guardian and turned in prior to the event. "Standard Time and Place" - Troop campouts will depart from the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening. Exceptions to this standard time and place would be noted in the campout nyer. To alleviate parents waiting in the parking lot for the troop to return, scouts will be returned directly to their homes. On a campout, we try to leave camp between 9:00-9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. We generally arrive back in Roseville between 10:30-11:00 a.m. Parent help is ALWAYS needed on a campout or troop activity. We need both leaders in camp and along on troop events, and drivers to transport scouts to and from the camp or event. The policy of National BSA and this troop requires that we have a minimum of two adult leaders on any troop outing. If we do not have this two deep leadership, the event will be cancelled. If you can attend the event as a leader, please indicate this on your son's permission form. Your camp fees or other charges other than food costs will be paid by the troop. If you can drive, please indicate this on the form as well. If sufficient parents do not volunteer to drive, the event may also be cancelled. The Troop will ALWAYS leave the campground or facility in better condition than when the Troop arrived. All Scouts and Scouters must understand there will be no littering. Burnable trash may be burned in a campfire. Trash not burned will be carried home or to a designated disposal point. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster may evict or restrict any Scout from further participation for unacceptable conduct. This may include sending a boy home. If the event is more than 50 miles from Roseville, or the parent cannot pick the boy up when less than 50 miles from Roseville, the parent is financially responsible for whatever public transportation is deemed necessary by the Scoutmaster for the safe return of the boy. In such case, the adult leadership will contact the parent/guardian, or other contacts noted on the health form, prior to sending the boy home. Such an offense will require a Scoutmaster conference with the Scout and at least one parent at the first meeting following the incident.   WEEKEND CAMPOUT INFORMATION Weekend campouts are held during the year and usually run from Friday evening through Sunday morning. We will leave from Roseville Lutheran Church on Friday evening and will drop the Scouts off at their house on Sunday morning. If you need to come up late or leave early from the campout, it will be your responsibility to arrange your own transportation and to notify your patrol leader and the Scoutmaster of your plans. Tents Tents for the camping weekend are arranged by the patrol. Most tents are personal or family tents provided by Scouts and are the responsibility of the boys to set up, take down, dry out and clean. Please make sure that you have agreed that your tent can be used and that your son knows how to set up and take down the tent. If you don't want a family tent used for Scout campouts, please let your son know so he doesn't volunteer the use of your tent. Personal Camping Equipment Personal camping gear for the weekend is the responsibility of both the boy and parents. All personal equipment should be packed so that it can be easily carried, as many times we have to carry our gear to the campsite. The Troop Camping Gear Checkist is a checklist for personal gear that you can use, but each Scout should make their own checklist of personal gear for campouts. The following lists include 1) items that should be included on every campout and 2) a short list of items that are not to be brought on any campout: Items to Bring - Sleeping bag (warm enough for the weather) - Flashlight and extra batteries - Raingear - Plate, cup bowl and silverware - Extra socks - Scout Handbook - Sturdy hiking shoes or boots Items Not to Bring - Radios, T.V.s - Squirt guns of any type - Slingshots or wrist rockets - Sheath or hunting knives (pocket knives are O.K.) - Fireworks of any type Because we will be outside the majority of the time during the weekend, it is important that you have clothing along for bad or rainy weather. The Senior Patrol Leader will be asking Scouts to show him on Friday evening before we leave that they have raingear and appropriate bad weather clothing along. If a Scout doesn't have it packed and can't show it to the SPL, he will be asked to call and have it brought to the church or he won't be able to go on the campout. Please help out by seeing that your son has packed properly for each campout. Patrol camping equipment will be provided for each patrol. This equipment includes the following: - Cook kit (includes pots, pans and Lids) - Chef kit (includes spatulas, spoons, knives, etc.) - Ropes - Dutch ovens - Gas stoves (if needed) There is no need to bring pots, frypans, pans or cooking utensils from home. Troop Camping Equipment Troop camping equipment will be provided as follows: - Troop box - Dishwashing pots, soap, etc. - Axes, saws, sharpening stones -Waterjugs - Troop first aid kit -Ropes, twine, etc. Again, there is no need for Scouts to bring any of these items from home for any campout, with the exception of a small personal first aid kit packed in their personal camping gear. Patrol Food Patrol food for a campout will be planned by the patrol at a troop meeting, usually one to two weeks before the campout. It is important that each Scout knows well in advance if they will be going on the campout as campout meals and food quantities need to be planned by the patrol. The menu will be planned by the patrol and listed on a Weekend Campout Planning Sheet (see following pages). Two Scouts from the patrol will be selected on a rotating basis to be responsible for purchasing the food. They will prepare the food list for the patrol, arrange for the collection of food money from patrol members going on the campout and arrange with one of their parents to go shopping for the food for the campout. Menus will be checked for appropriateness at the troop meeting by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster, but parents are encouraged to help the food buyers in shopping so that appropriate quantities are brought, costs are controlled and generic brands are used when feasible. Items such as seasonings, flour and other staple foods that can be carried over will be transferred in a patrol food box to the next group of Scouts buying food. Please have food buyers check this box to avoid buying duplicate food items. If a small amount of a food item or staple is needed, it might be easier and cheaper to take that item from personal food stores and cover the cost of it in the food price than to buy a large quantity that won't be used. The food buyers are also responsible for seeing that the food is packed for the campout, including a cooler and ice for perishable food items. After the campout, the food buyers will be responsible for distributing and/or accounting for any leftover food, and accounting for any food cost. Food money for a camping weekend is generally between $7.00 - $8.00 per Scout. This should be paid in cash, not a check, to one of the two Scouts designated to buy food for the campout. This money should be collected from all Scouts in the patrol prior to the campout to insure that all Scouts will be attending. Please DO NOT make checks out to any of the adult leaders or to Troop 297, as this makes it impossible to keep our troop finances in order and most grocery stores will not cash second or third party checks. If a parent helping with the shopping wants to accept a check made out to them from another Scout's parent, that would be their own decision. It is also suggested that Scouts that are coming late or leaving early be charged the full amount for the food up front and then refunded an amount after the campout when the final food costs are known. If one of the adult leaders is listed as eating with a patrol for the weekend, they are to be included in the food count for the patrol and will be charged for food costs just like a Scout in the patrol. Permission/Emergency Information Form A campout permission/emergency information form is required for each Scout going on a troop campout. This form is part of the campout flyer sent to each Scout's home giving the information about the campout. Each campout flyer will have a date on it as to when it needs to be returned by. It is important that you complete, sign and return the form by the date, so that the patrol can make food plans and the troop can make plans for transportation and adult leadership coverage. We also need the medical and emergency notifcation numbers so that we can cover any emergency situations that might occur during the campout. Don't just assume you can turn the permission form in on the Friday night of the campout; unless you have turned the form in by the deadline date, you are not included in the troop's plans for the weekend. Please make sure that you and your son keep track of the due date for the campout permission form so that your son doesn't miss going on the upcoming troop campout. IMPORTANT POINTS : Please make sure that if you or your son don't want an item to be lost, broken or ruined on a campout, leave the item at home. The troop cannot guarentee the safekeeping of any items brought by a Scout on a campout, especially any expensive items. Portable video games and CD players are allowed on campouts, only if they are used with headphones and the volume is kept at a level that cannot be heard by other Scouts and leaders. Again, Scouts bring these items along at their own risk of damage and the troop will take no responsibility for the safekeeping of such items. Make sure that all items such as pocket knives, eating utensils and other personal items are clearly marked with the Scout's name and address. Also work with your son on identifying places where he can safely keep items in his personal gear so that items do not disappear or get misplaced. If you sign up to provide transportation to or from a campout, plan on driving the number of Scouts that you indicated on the form. I will only contact drivers if we have too many drivers and don't need someone to drive. Troop 297 adheres to the Boy Scouts of America "two-deep" adult leadership policy. This policy outlines that a minimum of two adult leaders must be on every troop campout. One of the leaders will be a trained troop leader, either the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster and the other adult can be a father or mother of a Scout. Unfortunately, if we do not have the required adult leadership for the whole campout, we have no other option but to cancel the campout. We encourage as many parents to sign up to go on campouts, we will never turn anyone away and we'll guarentee that youll have a wonderful camping experience with your son.   TROOP FUNDS / FUND RAISING This troop policy describes the purpose, use, and regulations regarding the troop fund, the high adventure fund, and individual scout accounts within Boy Scout Troop 297. Fundraising The primary fundraising activities for Troop 297 have been garage sales, which are held in the spring and fall of each year; wreath sales before Christmas; and state fair parking. Pancake breakfasts, parking lot cleanup at Cub Foods, and catering food for a specific need are other ways that monies have been earned. The Troop Committee decides, before each fundraising activity, how the proceeds will be distributed. That includes the percentage or amount that is divided among the participating Scouts and parents and the two troop funds. Expenditure of funds is approved by a majority vote of the Troop Committee upon recommendation or request by Scouts and adult leaders. Troop Dues Troop dues are set by the Troop Committee and are collected along with national and council fees at rechartering time in March. Dues are deposited in the troop fund. Troop Fund The troop fund is used for scouting activities for Troop 297, such as camping fees, rank advancement and merit badges, and registration fees for adult leaders. Funds may also be used to purchase equipment needed by the Troop and approved by a majority vote of the Troop Committee. All camping and troop activity fees for Scouts and adult leaders and parents participating in scheduled troop events will be paid by the Troop. Meals and food costs for such events and activities are not paid by the Troop and are the responsibility of each Scout or leader. High Adventure Fund The high adventure fund has as its primary goal the support of high adventure activities of the Scouts of Troop 297. This fund has helped support trips to the Florida and Bahamas Sea Base, Isle Royale, Boundary Waters, Black Hills, Costa Rica, Philmont Scout Ranch and other places. Expenditure of funds is approved by a majority vote of the Troop Committee upon recommendation or request by Scouts and adult leaders. Individual Scout Accounts Individual scout accounts were designed to permit boys to earn money towards registration fees, merit badge books, summer camp fees, uniforms, scout equipment and high adventure trips. They permit Scouts to earn part, if not all, of their own way in Scouting activities, and enable other family members to aid in this activity. The fundraising activities sponsored by Troop 297 in which boys and other family members earn money for these accounts must be approved by the Indianhead Council. For approval, fundraising activities must have as their purpose the advancement of Scout principles. As such, monies earned through such fundraising activities can only be used toward Scouting activities which fulfill this aim. These funds can't be used for non-Scouting related activities, nor can they be used for the purchase of items that do no further the goals of Scouting. For example, they can't be used for the purchase of soda, ice cream and other such treats at summer camp at Tomahawk. Purchases of camping equipment do not neccessarily have to be made at the Scout Shop; however, prior approval by the Troop Committee is needed for purchases elsewhere. In either case, the item(s) are purchased by the Scout, the receipt is turned in to the Treasurer, and reimbursement is made to the Scout after verification of money in a Scout's individual account. Without Indianhead Council approval, the troop cannot advertise that a fundraising activity is for the Boy Scouts. Because the Boy Scouts is a well recognized and respected youth development organization, many people are more than willing to give money to it than to other organizations. In fact, many people give outright donations at our fundraising activities. Transfer of Funds Outside of the Troop Money in the individual Scout accounts, because it was earned for the purpose of Scouting, and under the name of the Boy Scouts, cannot be transferred except to another Scouting organization. The transfer can be either to a Scout organization or to an individual in a Scout organization. For example, if a Scout changes troops, his funds in the Troop 297 account can be transferred to the new troop. To accomplish this, the new troop must send a letter to Troop 297 stating that the Scout is now a registered member of that troop. Troop 297 will then issue a check to the new troop transferring the money to the troop in the Scout's name. If a Scout is no longer active with Troop 297, the funds can be transferred to another troop where there is another family member that is a registered Scout. Again, the receiving troop must send a letter to Troop 297 requesting the transfer of funds to the designated Scout. Funds can also be transferred to the Boy Scouts ofAmerica, the Indianhead Council, Troop 297, or another scouting organization if this is desired. Please note: Such a transfer of funds does not qualify as a tax deduction. Retainment of Funds Money in an individual Scout account can be retained for a future family member that may join the troop. If this is to be done, it needs to be indicated when the original Scout who earned the money becomes inactive with the troop. If the future Scout decides to join another troop, the funds can be transferred to that troop by having that troop send a letter to Troop 297 as outlined in the previous section. If a Scout moves out of the area, but still wants to participate in some of the activities of Troop 297, money can be left in an account for this purpose. Disposition of Unused Scout Funds If a Scout leaves the troop, any money in his account that is not transferred or retained within one year will become part of the Troop or High Adventure fund, as determined by the Troop Committee. CThis will happen automatically, without notification, after the one year period.) Money so acquired will be used to further the ainzs of Scouting by providing scholarships for Scouting activities, paying camping fees for Scouting activities, purchasing rank and advancement materials, purchasing tentage and other equipment as needed by the troop, and in other ways directly related to Scouting as seen fit by the Troop Committee.   PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The following volunteer opportunities are available in Troop 297. Please give this list your thoughtful attention and call the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chair to indicate the volunteer opportunity of your choice. Our troop can be much more efficient and productive if everyone is willing to do a small part. Parent Support Parent Coordinator Help recruit parent support for parent volunteer opportunities within the troop. Works with troop committee to help identifl volunteer activities to be solicited and make contacts with families in the troop to solicit help. COMMITMENT: varies depending on number of open opportunities, 2-3 hours per month after initial organization. "Experienced" Uniform Exchange Coordinator Collect, publicize, distribute and keep track of usable Scout uniform items. Perhaps develop guidelines for use and any charges if fitting. COMMITMENT: can be done from home, minimal time after initial organizing. Family Activities Coordinator Plan and carry out some activites that will help Scouting families get to know each other. COMMITMENT: varies depending on what is planned. New Parent Resource Person Be available to answer questions for new families, help out with new Scout Parent's meeting in spring. COMMITMENT: varies depending on how many new families, 2-3 hours in spring. Publicity Relationships News Media Correspondent Submit press releases, troop articles to local papers and Council Closeups newsletter. COMMITMENT: varies according to newsworthy activities. Pictures and articles information to be provided. Troop Newsletter Editor Publish a bi-monthly newsletter for troop families and others. May solicit help from others for writing, publishing and distributing. COMMITMENT: 5 - 10 hours per month. Webelos/Cub Pack Liaison Keep Webelos dens and rest of "feeder" Cub Packs informed of appropriate troop activities. Extend invitations to joint trooprWebelos den activities for second year Webelos dens. Transportation Coordinator Arrange for drivers to and fiom troop events and campouts. COMMITMENT: one hour per month. Scouting for Food Coordinator Organize Scouts and drivers to distribute pickup bags and pick up food donations in a designated area of Roseville. May involve some coordination with Cub Pack 297 and attendance at a District Scouting for Food planning meeting in April. COMMITMENT: several hours, usually toward the end ofApril. Patrol Father or Mother Attends troop campouts and troop activities as a chaperone and "extra" set of eyes and ears to assist troop adult leadership. COMMITMENT: varies from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the activity. Often might involve a weekend and an overnight at times. Quartermaster Coordinator Help the Troop Quartermaster to oversee the troop's equipment. Would include helping with equipment purchase, inventory, storage and repair or replacement. COMMITMENT: varies, would include some time at church storage room and troop committee meetings. Scout Advancement Board of Review Member Serve on a Board of Review team of parents and troop committee members to review requirements for advancement with individual Scouts. COMMITMENT: one Monday night on a quarterly basis in October, January and April at Roseville Lutheran Church and if possible a day at Tomahawk Scout Reservation in July. Parent's Pin Coordinator Make felt parent's pins and keep track of inventory of metal pins for each rank. Make sure pins are available for presentation to parents at Courts of Honor. COMMITMENT: 5-6 hours per year, work can be done at home. Merit Badge Counselor Attend District training session for merit badge counselors and then be available to work with Scouts on the merit badge. Also be available to serve as a counselor during Merit Badge Saturday held each year in March. COMMITMENT: varies, depending upon Scout interest, could include 3-4 hours for Merit Badge Saturday. Merit Badge Saturday Coordinator Helps coordinate arrangements and recruit troop merit badge counselors for day-long event in March. Will work with other participating troop to schedule sessions and counselors, work with church to schedule rooms and put together registration and signup sheets. COMMITMENT: 8-10 hours a year, usually in February and March and the day of the event in mid-March. Most work can be done by phone and mail. Eagle Service Project Resource Person Encourage and assist Life Scouts in learning the requirements for obtaining approval of and completion of their Eagle Service Project. Attend a district Advancement Committee Eagle Service project training session. COMMITMENT: varies depending on number of Life Scouts. Eagle Court of Honor Resource Person Gather resources and ideas to help an Eagle Scout candidate and his family plan their Eagle Court of Honor. COMMITMENT: varies according to the number of Eagle Scouts and their wishes. Court of Honor Attendee Show your support of the Scouting program and each Scout's efforts. Besides, hopefully your own son will be receiving awards at one or more of the Courts of Honor. COMMITMENT: 2-3 hours, the last Monday of October, January and April and the Friday night of summer camp at Tomahawk in July. Fund Raising Garage Sale Coordinator Work with troop committee and adult leaders in coordinating troop garage sales in May and October. Activities include sale location arrangements, garage sale permit application, sale publicity and recruitment of adult and Scout work crews. COMMITMENT: 3-4 hours per week in the 2-3 weeks preceeding each sale. Garage Sale Worker Donate, work at gathering donations, sale set-up, selling and sale take down and cleanup. COMMITMENT: As many hours as you wish, it can be intensive in May and October. Keep in mind that all hours worked will count toward your family troop fund account. Wreath Sales Coordinator Select vendor, organize and coach Scouts on individual sales. Order wreaths, arrange for pickup and storage of wreaths and distribute wreaths to Scouts and collect monies. Also organize work crews for church wreath sales, handle monies and accounting of hours worked. COMMITMENT: 15-20 hours from October through December. Friends of Scouting Coordinator Attend training session during District roundtable in November. Coordinate a presentation to parents at the January Court of Honor using a council slide or video presentation including asking for commitments. Follow up with troop parents on submittal of pledges or monies and turn in final accounting to Indianhead Council. COMMITMENT: 8 - 10 hours from December through February. Hospitality Court of Honor Arrangements/Refreshments Coordinator Coordinate any physical arrangements and decorations for Courts of Honor. Also arranges to have families bring or purchase refreshments for each Court of Honor. COMMITMENT: 2-3 hours on a quarterly basis throughout the year. Eagle Court of Honor Arrangements Coordinator Agree to assist families of Eagle Scout candidates in refreshments and other Eagle Court of Honor arrangements. COMMITMENTS: 2-4 hours when an Eagle Court of Honor is held.

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