Trail to Eagle

Troop 425

HEART OF AMERICA COUNCIL
Red-Tailed Hawk District


Troop Policy

Kansas Prairie Flowers
Kansas Prairie Flowers

Troop Organization and Goals

[Policies | Equipment List]

Please email the following if you have any questions:

Troop Policy Document

I.  Organization:

Patrol Organization:  The troop will be organized into 6 to 8 man patrols.  Patrols may include scouts of various ages and ranks.  

    1. Each year on April 1, one or more first-year patrols (depending on the number of  new scouts) will be formed.  The purpose of these special patrols is to ensure that the first-year scouts are introduced to a patrol system under the special guidance of a Troop Guide/Assistant Scoutmaster and a patrol leader, and, if appropriate, an assistant patrol leader appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster.  A further purpose of these patrols is to focus on successful completion of summer camp and the requirements for ranks through First Class.  The Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster will assign first-year scouts to these patrols.  The Patrol Leader for each will be appointed from among the scouts, first-class and above (if available), who have 25 merit-points and demonstrated leadership ability and maturity.  First-year scouts will remain assigned to these special patrols until September 30 of each year at which time they will be integrated into the existing patrol structure.  Assignment of the new scouts will be by the Patrol Leader Council with the advice of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters.  Patrol Leaders for the first-year patrols will return to the patrols to which they belonged prior to assuming leadership of the first-year scouts.
    2. During the first meeting of September, all scouts will be given the opportunity to request assignment to a new patrol.  This will be accomplished by a simple lottery process.  The name and patrol of all scouts desiring reassignment will be recorded by the Scribe.  Each scout desiring reassignment will then draw a number from a hat.  Scouts, in number order beginning with 1, may then ask to fill an actual or projected vacancy in any patrol including any newly formed patrol.  The Senior Patrol Leader with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster will be the final arbiter in this process.  Scouts will not be required or compelled to seek reassignment or to participate in the lottery.       
    3. New patrols will be formed by the Scoutmaster and the Senior Patrol Leader as necessary.

Leadership and Elections: Elections for the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leaders will be conducted the second meeting in September and March.  The Scout receiving the second highest number of votes for Senior Patrol Leader will be the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, unless he declines, in which case the Senior Patrol Leader will appoint an Assistant.   All other troop positions will be filled by appointment by the newly elected Senior Patrol Leader except Troop Guide, Junior Assistant Scout Master, Instructors, and Den Chiefs which will be appointed by the Scoutmaster.   The Troop Bugler will be selected by blind Troop competition.  The Assistant Patrol Leader will be appointed by the Patrol Leader.  Newly elected leaders will assume their offices the first meeting of the month following their election.

Position Descriptions:  Position descriptions for troop leadership positions are at Appendix A.  Position descriptions for Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster/Patrol Advisors and Troop Committee positions are at Appendix B.   

II.  Uniform Policy:

  1. Class A uniform including pants or shorts with scout socks (green with red band at top) will be worn to all scouting activities such as troop meetings and travel to campouts, summer camp and High Adventure, unless otherwise specified by the Scoutmaster.  Scouts will be allowed to change to Class B uniform or other appropriate attire after arrival.  Travel uniform may be changed due to cold weather conditions.
  2. Class B uniform will be as determined by the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
  3. Scouts must be in complete Class A uniform when meeting a board of review. 

III.  Camping Policies:

  1. Camping will be done by Patrol.  The campsite will be organized into patrol areas.  Adults will not camp in patrol areas and scouts will not camp in the adult area.  Each Patrol will be responsible to buy, bring and prepare the meals for the patrol.  The Troop will provide pots, skillets, backpacking grill or stove, wash basin and cooking utensils.  The Patrol will be responsible for storage and cleanup of patrol equipment after each campout.  Each scout will be responsible for bringing his own eating utensils (paper and plastic are not be allowed).
  2. Leave No Trace (LNT) principals will be observed.  Campfires may be used when permitted.  Scouts will become proficient in the use of back packing stoves.  However, scouts will not handle liquid fuel.  Scouts will not light stoves until they have satisfied Second Class requirement 2E.
  3. The Quartermaster will issue tents to a team of two or three scouts.  One scout will sign for the tent and is responsible to return it after use, clean and in good repair.  If repair is needed, it will be noted on a form provided by the Quartermaster. 
  4. Cook-sets will be issued by patrol to the Patrol Leader.  Cook-sets will not be turned-in after a campout, but will be maintained by the Patrol Leader.  Care, maintenance, and resupply are the responsibility of the Patrol Leader or his quartermaster.  Scouts will sign for any other issued equipment and must return the equipment clean and in good repair or must replace the item with an equivalent item approved by the Quartermaster and Troop Committee Quartermaster.  Equipment will be inspected for cleanliness by the Quartermaster or designee prior to turn-in.  Equipment must be delivered to the Quartermaster or Troop Committee Quartermaster or designee for turn-in – never leave equipment lying on the floor at a Troop meeting. 
  5. Scouts may only bring to campouts, items that can be attached to or carried in their backpacks.  Each scout must plan to add to their pack, a tent, groceries or other patrol equipment, that will be distributed the morning of the campout.
  6. Hiking boots must be worn at all campouts.   Boots are necessary to protect the feet and ankles of the scout.  Scouts who come to a campout without hiking boots will be sent home unless their parent or guardian can deliver a pair of boots to them.
  7. Radios and electronic games are not permitted on campouts, summer camp, or high adventure trips unless authorized by the Scoutmaster. 
  8. The troop will assemble at Heritage United Methodist Church (HUMC) prior to any campout, trip or activity.  The troop will depart for and return from campouts as a unit.  No scout may depart from the assembly area at HUMC following a campout or trip prior to release by the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster following a final formation.   Leaving camp during the campout or arriving late is discouraged and must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

VI.  High Adventure

  1. To be eligible to participate as the member of a crew attempting to earn a  50-Miler Patch on any high adventure trip, the following criteria must be meet
  2. The scout must be First Class Rank or above.
  3. The scout must be 14 or have completed 8th grade.
  4. For the backpacking trip, the scout must demonstrate the ability to carry a backpack loaded to a weight equal to 20% of  his body weight during two 10-mile hikes conducted on consecutive days.  For the canoe trip the scout must have completed the swimming merit badge, the canoeing merit badge and demonstrated an appropriate level of physical fitness and ability.
  5. The scout must have the written approval of his parents.
  6. The scout must have the approval of the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee.
  7. Scouts must meet the following criteria to participate in any base camp:
  8. The scout must have participated in a minimum of two (2) overnight campouts.
  9. The scout must have attended a scout summer camp.
  10. The scout must be minimum rank of Second Class or be able to complete Second Class during base camp.
  11. The scout must have the written approval of his parents.
  12. The scout must have the approval of the Scoutmaster and base camp director.
  13. The qualification requirements for participation in a High Adventure activity may be waived by the Troop Committee upon recommendation by the Scoutmaster unless doing so would violate BSA policy or insurance requirements. 
  14. Fees for high adventure trips will not be subject to refund within 45 days of the first day of the trip.  However, substitutions are acceptable so long as the substituted Scout meets minimum requirements for participation.   When two or more trips are planned, Scouts may not switch between trips within 45 days of the first day of the earliest scheduled trip.
  15. All High Adventure participants, scouts and adults, must travel with their assigned crew.  No crewmember may depart or deviate from a crew itinerary except in case of emergency and then only after notice to the crew and tour leaders.

V.  Annual Planning Conference:

The Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster will conduct an annual planning conference not later than August 30 each year.  The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders will participate in this conference.  The purpose of the conference is to establish the Troop 425 meeting and camping plan for the next year, January 1 through December 31.  The results of the planning conference will be submitted to the Troop Committee by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster not later than 15 September each year.

VI.  Advancement:

  1. All scouts are responsible to have the appropriate scout or adult leader sign-off on advancement by entering MM/DD/YY and initials in the appropriate space.  A scout may sign-off requirements, but only for scouts two or more ranks less than his own.   
  2. Parents may not sign-off on any of their son’s advancement or merit badges.
  3. Scouts must sign-up to appear before a Board of Review not later than the regular troop meeting proceeding the desired date for the Board of Review.  Scouts should contact the Advancement Coordinator to schedule their Board of Review and have their Scout Handbook completed.  The Advancement Coordinator will schedule not less than three Troop Committee members to sit on each Board of Review. 
  4. Appendix C is a Board of Review guide, which explains the purpose, composition and procedures for a Board of Review and provides sample questions for each rank. 
  5. Award for Rank and for Merit Badge will be done at the first regular meeting following the completion of the advancement.  Scouts will be recognized for their advancement and award of merit badges at the next scheduled Court of Honor 

VII.  Troop Committee Chairperson, Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmaster

  1. Troop Committee Chairperson:  Not later than December 1 each year, the Charter Organization Representative (COR) will select a Troop Committee Chairperson who will serve for a term of 1 year beginning March 1.  A Troop Committee Chairperson may be selected for multiple terms.
  2. Scoutmaster:  Not later than December 15 each  year, the COR and Troop Committee Chairperson will meet and select a Scoutmaster who will serve for a term of 1 year beginning April 1.  A Scoutmaster may be selected for multiple terms.
  3. Assistant Scoutmasters:  The Scoutmaster will select, subject to approval by the Troop Committee, an appropriate number of Assistant Scoutmasters.
  1. Training Requirements:

                1.             Adult Leaders

                a.             Scoutmaster

                                (1)           Will complete fast-start leader training prior to taking office.

                                (2)           Will complete child protection and health and safety training prior to taking office.

                                (3)           Will complete basic leader training within six months of taking office.

                                (4)           Will apply for Woodbadge field training.

b.             Assistant Scoutmaster

                                (1)           Will complete fast-start leader training prior to taking office.

                                (2)           Will complete child protection and health and safety training prior to taking office.

                                (3)           Will complete basic leader training within 6 months of taking office.

c.             Troop Committee Chairman

                                (1)           Will complete child protection and health and safety training prior to taking office.

                                (2)           Will complete basic leader training within 6 months of taking office.

               d.             Chartering Organization Representative

                                (1)           Will complete child protection and health and safety training prior to taking office.

                                (2)           Will complete basic leader training within one year of taking office.

                                (3)           Will complete HOAC COR training within one year of taking office.

                e.             Troop Committee Members

                                (1)           Will complete fast-start leader training within 6 months of taking office.

                                (2)           Will complete child protection and health and safety training prior to taking office.

 f.              All Adult Leaders are encouraged to complete Safety Afloat training, and CPR and First Aid Training offered by the American Red Cross or other appropriate organization.  

2.             Youth Leaders

                a.           Senior Patrol Leader

                Will attend Senior Patrol Leader junior leader training within one month of being elected to position.

                b.         Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

    Will attend Assistant Senior Patrol Leader junior leader training within one month of being elected or appointed to position.

                c.             Patrol Leader

                Will attend Patrol Leader junior leader training within one month of being elected to position.

                d.             Assistant Patrol Leader

Will attend Assistant Patrol Leader junior leader training within one month of being appointed to position.

VIII.  General:

  1. BSA policies will be followed at all times.
  2. Requirement for two deep leadership will be observed at all times.
  3.       Scouts may not drive during any Scouting activity, regardless of their age.
  4. There will be no smoking around the scouts.
  5. No alcohol, illicit drugs, or  fireworks will be allowed at any scouting event.  Sheath knifes will not be carried or worn by any Scout.  Firearms will not be carried or transported by any Scout.  Firearms for use at an approved Scout activity at an approved range or summer camp will not be handled by any Scout except under the direct supervision of an adult who by experience or otherwise is qualified to handle the particular weapon.   
  6. Scouts will not handle liquid fuels.

IX.  Service Projects:

Service projects benefit the community at large, a nonprofit or charitable organization.  Service hours are awarded for participation in approved service projects.  The Scoutmaster and/or Troop Committee must approve Service projects in advance.  Scouts are encouraged to participate in troop-wide service projects rather than individual activities.  However, individual activities may be approved by the Scoutmaster in advance.  Fund raising activities, leadership duties, and commercial activities will not be approved for the award of service hours.

X.  Merit Badges:

A goal for the troop is to provide, in a 3-year period, an opportunity to earn the following merit badges:  Backpacking, Camping*, Canoeing, Citizenship in the Community*, Citizenship in the Nation*, Citizenship in the World*, Cycling**, First Aid*, Emergency Preparedness***, Hiking**, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival, Communications*, Personal Fitness*, Environmental Science*, Personal Management*, Family Life*, Swimming*, Lifesaving*** (*Eagle Required; **Choose 1 of 3; *** Choose 1 of 2).

XI.  Finance:

  1. Dues:  Troop dues are set by the Troop Committee on recommendation by the Scoutmaster and with the approval of the COR.  Troop dues will be set annually and are payable not later than April 1 each year.  Requests for refund should be made to the Scoutmaster subject to approval by the Troop Committee Chair and COR.   Requests for refund made after July 15 will not be approved.  Refunds will not be approved except in the case where the need to leave the troop is beyond the control of the Scout.   If a refund is approved, the amount of refund will be not more than the amount of dues collected less the Scout registration fee, the cost of the Boys Life subscription and one-quarter of the amount of dues collected.  Requests for refund must be in writing and should explain why a refund is warranted.   Activity fees may be charged to participate in some activities.
  2. Fund Raising and Scout Bucks:  Fund raising activities will generally not be conducted for the purpose of financing Troop operations and activities.  Troop activities are financed by dues and activity fees.  However, fund raising activities may be conducted from time to time to give scouts the opportunity to earn Scout Bucks that can be used to pay dues and activity fees.  Scouts participating in a Troop 425  approved fund raising activity earn Troop 425 Scout Bucks.  All earnings from the fund raising activity are credited to the Scout Bucks Accounts of the Scouts who participate according to their level of participation.  The Troop Treasurer maintains Scout Bucks Accounts for each scout.  Scout Bucks are not subject to withdrawal in cash or by check.  Scouts may request a report of the balance of Scout Bucks in their accounts at anytime by contacting the Treasurer.  Scout Bucks may be used by a Scout to pay for the following only:  troop dues, camp fees, special activity fees, and high adventure trip fees.  Scouts must request to use their Scout Bucks in writing on a form approved by the Treasurer.  Scouts who transfer to another troop or fail to renew their membership with Troop 425 by June 1 each year, forfeit their entire balance of Scout Bucks.  Forfeited Scout Bucks are the property of Troop 425.