BSA Troop 279 – Latham, NY

Rules and Policies

SCOUT LAW
A SCOUT IS: TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, HELPFUL, FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS, KIND, OBEDIENT, CHEERFUL,
THRIFTY, BRAVE, CLEAN, AND REVERENT.

• All scouts are expected to regularly attend Troop meetings.

• All scouts are expected to participate in Troop fundraising activities.
• All scouts are expected to keep their dues payment up to date.
• All dues and money owed to the Troop must be paid in full before a scout is allowed to attend
Troop outings.

REGISTRATION
1. Each scout/leader must complete a registration form and pay registration/insurance fee to join
the Troop. An optional Boys Life subscription may be paid upon registering.
2. After first year with the Troop, renewal registration for scouts will be paid by the Troop each
year. Scouts may pay to renew Boys Life subscription at the current rate during annual re-
chartering.
3. Leaders are responsible to pay their own annual renewal registration/insurance fee.

ACTIVITY FEE AND DUES

1. An annual Activity Fee will be collected from each scout in two separate payments - half in the
fall (due by October 1st) and the remainder in the spring (due by May 1st).
Current Activity Fee and family discount rates are:
One Scout: $ 60.00 = $30.00 in Fall and Spring
Two Scouts: $100.00 = $50.00 in Fall and Spring
Three Scouts: $125.00 = $62.50 in Fall and Spring
2. Dues (currently $1/week) are collected at each meeting. If a scout is not in attendance that
night, dues are still required. Dues may not be pre-paid, as weekly collection of dues helps
scouts develop accountability.
3. If activity fee is not paid or dues are not current, a scout may not be able to participate in
Troop outings.
4. No scout may attend summer camp until all activity fees and dues are paid.
5. If a scout is delinquent in paying activity fees or dues, he or his parent/guardian may receive a
letter from the Troop Committee asking for immediate payment. If a scout leaves the Troop
with outstanding dues he will receive a letter from the Troop Committee asking for immediate
payment of delinquent dues.
6. When re-chartering, the Troop may opt not to pay renewal registration/insurance fees for
scouts delinquent in paying activity fees or dues. Prior to re-chartering, scouts will be notified in
writing and allowed an opportunity to make back payments.
7. No scout should be excluded from scouting because of financial need. If you require assistance,
please talk to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair to discuss options.

TROOP CALENDAR
A calendar of events is maintained on the Troop website at https://timberjacks279.weebly.com. All
planned meetings, outings, activities and ceremonies are included on the calendar. Dates, times, and
trip locations are subject to change.

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ATTENDANCE
1. Troop Meetings: Scouts must regularly attend Troop meetings and participate in Troop activities
(e.g. fundraising, service projects, etc.) in order to go on Troop outings, including summer camp.
2. Scouts who find that they are frequently unable to come to Troop meetings should discuss their
situation with the Scoutmaster.
3. The attendance requirements above are at the discretion of the Scoutmaster, in consultation
with the Troop Committee.
4. When dropping off scouts for any meeting or activity, parents may not leave scouts unless two
adults are present – one must be a BSA-registered leader.

UNIFORM
1. Each Scout is expected to wear his uniform to each Troop meeting/function unless otherwise
directed. If a scout appears at a meeting/function without his uniform, he will be questioned
and may be asked to go home to get it.
2. The orange Troop hat is earned by participating in Troop and camping programs and by
demonstrating scout spirit. Once a scout has earned an orange hat he is expected to treat it
properly, never trade or sell it, and always wear it proudly. No other hats are to worn with the
scout uniform.
3. Class B orange Troop tee shirts can be purchased at any Troop meeting.
4. Each scout is required to have and wear a complete uniform as described below:
• Troop meeting - Scout shirt, orange Troop hat (if earned) and Scout pants, Scout shorts,
other olive green pants/shorts or blue jeans. Sweatpants or athletic shorts are not
acceptable. At the discretion of the scoutmaster, Scouts may wear Class B tee shirts to
summer meetings after passing a Class A uniform inspection.
• Board of Review, Court of Honor & other ceremonies- Full Class A uniform including: Scout
shirt, orange Troop hat (if earned), Scout pants or Scout shorts, Scout socks.
Merit Badge Sash is encouraged.
• Summer Camp- Scout shirt, orange Troop hat, Scout pants or Scout shorts, Scout socks, and
Class B orange Troop tee shirt (more than one is recommended).

ELECTRONICS
Scouting is an opportunity to disconnect from electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, games,
etc.) and participate in “real-life” adventures and fellowship. However, the Troop recognizes that
electronic devices are also tools that, when used responsibly, can support scouting activities.
1. While at Troop meetings/outings, electronic devices shall be used only in support of scouting
activities.
2. Scouts shall not use electronic devices in any manner which distracts or disturbs others.
3. If a scout misuses an electronic device, the Scoutmaster or other leader may take away the
device until the meeting/outing is over.
4. The Scoutmaster may institute meeting/outing-specific usage policies as necessary to promote
a positive scouting experience.

BOARD OF REVIEW
After completing a Scoutmaster Conference toward a scout’s rank advancement, the Scoutmaster will
notify the Troop Advancement Chair or Committee Chair of the Scout’s eligibility and a Board of Review
will be scheduled. Scouts should expect to wait at least one week between their Scoutmaster
Conference and Board of Review. A Board of Review will not be scheduled on the same evening as a
Troop Committee Meeting.

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BEHAVIOR
1. Scouts are expected to act in accordance with the scout law at all times.
2. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated at any Troop function. Any scout engaging in
inappropriate behavior will be warned. If the behavior continues, the scout’s parent/guardian
will be notified and he will be asked to leave the function.
3. Fighting between scouts will not be tolerated and will result in parent/guardian notification and
removal of the scout from the Troop function.
4. Recurring instances of inappropriate behavior or fighting indicate that the scout is unwilling to
uphold the Scout Law and he may be asked to leave the Troop.

TRAVEL PERMISSION/PHYSICALS
1. Each scout is required to have a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian in order to go on
any Troop outing. Permission slips will be distributed prior to outings. No scout will be allowed
to go without a signed form.
2. Before attending any Troop outing, scouts and leaders must have a BSA health form (Parts A&B,
submitted within the last year) on file with the Troop. A link to the form is available on the
Troop website.
3. Before attending summer camp with the Troop, Scouts and leaders must submit a completed
BSA Health form (including Part C, completed by a physician). Scouts attending summer camp
are encouraged to submit two copies of the form – one copy will provided to Camp Yawgoog
and one will remain on file with the Troop to satisfy the requirement for Troop outings the
following year.

TROOP FUNDRAISING
The Troop conducts fundraising activities in order to keep activity fees, dues and outing costs as low as
possible. The Troop typically conducts two fundraisers (e.g. bottle drives) each year, in the
spring/summer and in the fall. Additional, fundraisers may be planned to cover special activities or large
expenses (e.g. trailer replacement). All scouts are expected to participate in Troop fundraising
activities.

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING - SCOUT ACCOUNTS

Each scout has the option of participating in an individual fund-raiser sponsored by the Troop (typically
popcorn sales), to earn money toward the scout's own account. Money earned must be used for
scouting expenses including: Troop activity fees, camping trip fees, summer camp, etc. The use of scout
account funds to purchase tangible items (except uniform components) requires Troop Committee
approval. If a scout leaves the Troop, any money in the account is rolled into the Troop general account,
and may not be taken by the scout. Receipts are required for reimbursement of expenses outside the
Troop (e.g. purchase of uniform, other Boy Scout camp registration expenses, etc.).

BUILDING USE FOR ALL TROOP FUNCTIONS

1. Scouts will not enter the church building until an adult leader arrives.
2. Scouts will not arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to a meeting or function.
3. Scouts will not be in any area of the church building without adult supervision.
4. Scouts abusing or mistreating church property will be asked to leave the meeting.
5. Scouts being disrespectful to any church member will be asked to leave the meeting.

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SUMMER CAMP ASSISTANCE
The Troop believes that all scouts should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. To this end, the
Troop will endeavor to provide financial assistance, up to one half of camp cost, to scouts in need.
To be eligible for Troop assistance, applicants must:
1. Be an active member of the Troop and regularly attend meetings,
2. Participate in Troop and Troop-sponsored individual fundraising activities (i.e. bottle drives and
popcorn sales)
3. Submit an application to the Troop Committee Chair, along with a deposit to reserve a spot at
summer camp. Requests must be submitted by March 1st.
4. Apply for a Camp Scholarship, available through the BSA Narragansett Council.

All requests are confidential. Campership approval decision will be made by the Troop Committee Chair
with the advice and consent of the Troop Scoutmaster, Troop Treasurer, and Charter Organization
Representative. In the event of a conflict of interest, a substitute will be appointed. Financial assistance
is not guaranteed. Approvals will be based on demonstrated financial need, availability of other funds
and campership money availability. All approvals or denials will be provided in writing following the
proper review. If approved, funds will be allocated to the scout prior to camp. Contact the Scoutmaster
or Committee Chair to obtain an application.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Services will be offered to scouts when available while on a camping trip. In the event that a church is
not nearby, every effort will be made by the Scoutmaster and Chaplain Aide to provide an appropriate
non-denominational "Scout's Own" religious service. All scouts will participate.

FUNDRAISING OVERSIGHT
The Troop Committee must approve any proposed fundraising activity. Only scouts who are officially
registered with Troop 279 may participate in Troop fundraising activities. Any fundraising activity at any
retail or other commercial location must be approved by the Troop Committee and must be made
available equally to all registered scouts with the Troop.

ADULT LEADERSHIP AT SUMMER CAMP

Troop adult leaders are encouraged to join the Troop at summer camp and to assist in various functions
while there. Leader requests to attend camp with the Troop must be approved by the Scoutmaster
based upon availability of space, need for assistance, etc.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair if you have any questions or concerns about the
Troop Rules and Policies.

4 Revised June, 2019

The Troop Committee would like to make sure that all scouts and parents are aware of the revised Troop
rules and policies.

Please confirm that you have reviewed the rules and policies with your scout by signing and returning this
page to the Scoutmaster.

_______________________________________
Parent

_______________________________________
Scout

5 Revised June, 2019