Page 1 of 33 Bylaws of Scout BSA Troop 158 Oak Hill, Virginia USA Mission Statement The mission of Scout BSA Troop 158 is to develop future leaders of America, by providing leadership and character growth opportunities through scouting. This will be accomplished by teaching and promoting the Scout Law and Oath, developing life skills through rank advancement and leadership roles, monthly camping and engagement activities, and providing a proud, supportive, environment, with a focus on having fun.
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Bylaws of Scout BSA Troop 158 Oak Hill, Virginia USA ...€¦ · ASPL Assistant Senior Patrol Leader JASM Junior Assistant Scoutmaster ASM Assistant Scoutmaster OA Order of the Arrow
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Page 1 of 33
Bylaws of Scout BSA Troop 158
Oak Hill, Virginia USA
Mission Statement
The mission of Scout BSA Troop 158 is to develop future leaders of America, by providing leadership and character growth opportunities through scouting. This will be
accomplished by teaching and promoting the Scout Law and Oath, developing life skills through rank advancement and leadership roles, monthly camping and engagement
activities, and providing a proud, supportive, environment, with a focus on having fun.
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Document History
Revision Date SM/CC Description
- T158 Articles of Incorporation
A ~2000 Gregg Dorn
Tony Crowley Bylaws Update
B 04/24/19 Gregg Dorn
Michelle Doucette
General clarifications Updated First Year Scout Patrol guidance Recommended Term Limits Clarified Patrol method, sizing, goals
5.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 5.2 PARENT PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 17
6. ORDER OF THE ARROW .............................................................................................................................................. 18
7.1 DUES AND FEES ............................................................................................................................................................................. 18 7.2 TROOP BUDGET PLAN .................................................................................................................................................................. 19
11.1 YOUTH UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 26 11.2 FULL FIELD UNIFORM (REFERRED TO AS CLASS A) ............................................................................................................... 26 11.3 MODIFIED FIELD UNIFORM ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 11.4 ACTIVITY UNIFORM (REFERRED TO AS CLASS B) ................................................................................................................... 27 11.5 BOLO TIE ALTERNATE UNIFORM GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................................ 27 11.6 ADULT UNIFORM ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27
14. TRAINING .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
14.1 MANDATORY CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING .......................................................................................................................... 31 14.2 RECOMMENDED TRAINING .......................................................................................................................................................... 31 14.3 TROOP COMMITTEE REQUIRED TRAINING ............................................................................................................................... 31 14.4 SCOUTMASTER/ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER REQUIRED TRAINING ...................................................................................... 31 14.5 FIRST AID AND CPR ..................................................................................................................................................................... 32
15. REVIEW AND ADOPTION ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Guiding Principles The fundamental aims of Scouting shall form the basis for the program offered by the troop: To Build Character, To Foster Citizenship and To Develop Fitness.
• We shall operate as a scout-led troop that is supervised by trained adult leaders. • We shall strive to operate as a BSA recognized Quality Unit each year. • Camping and outdoor activities are a key element of the Scouting program and we
shall provide ample opportunities for our youth. • We shall teach and observe the principles of Leave No Trace in all of our outdoor
activities. • We shall rigorously enforce the BSA Scouting two-deep leadership policy. • We will strive to select monthly outdoor activities such that all troop members
routinely have an opportunity to participate, regardless of their family’s financial means.
• We recognize that Scouting is not an exclusive activity and will strive to support youth that participate in other actives in their school, church or community.
1. Introduction The information contained in this document is in addition and supplemental to the charter
and bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). These bylaws establish the guidelines for
Scout BSA Troop 158 operations. In the event any information in these bylaws contradicts
guidelines set forth in an official BSA publication (e.g. the Scoutmaster Handbook, Troop
Committee Guidebook, Boy Scout Handbook, local Council Policy and BSA national council
policy) the BSA publication takes precedence.
All Adults and Scouts are expected to follow guidelines set forth by the Boy Scouts of
America for the conduct of the organization and its members. These guidelines may be
found in official BSA guides, such as the Youth Protection Guidelines, Guide to Safe Scouting,
Guide to Advancement, Scoutmaster handbook, Scout handbook, and other materials
published by BSA or the National Capital Area Council. The troop will educate and remind
its members and leaders that these guidelines are established not only for the safety of and
fair treatment of Scouts, but also to protect the individual Troop members, leaders, Scouts,
and our Chartering Organization.
2. Organization
2.1 Boy Scouts of America
2.1.1 The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America is the corporate
membership of BSA. The responsibilities of the BSA National Council
include:
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2.1.1.1 Support the local councils.
2.1.1.2 Conduct program research and development.
2.1.1.3 Develop literature and program support materials.
2.1.1.4 Provide training to Scouting professionals.
2.1.1.5 Operate the BSA national high adventure and training facilities.
2.1.1.6 Conduct national events.
2.1.2 To effectively administer Scouting, the country is broken into regions,
local councils within each region, and districts within the local
councils. Troop 158 is a chartered unit in the Powhatan District of the
National Capital Area Council (NCAC) in the Northeast Region of the
Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
2.1.3 The responsibilities of the local council include:
2.1.3.1 Respect the aims and objectives of the organization and offer
the resources of Scouting to help in meeting those objectives.
2.1.3.2 Provide year-round training, service, and program resources to
the organization and its units.
2.1.3.3 Provide training and support for the chartered organization
representative as the primary communication link between
the organization and the BSA.
2.1.3.4 Provide techniques and methods for selecting quality unit
leaders and then share in the approval process of those
leaders.
2.1.3.5 Provide primary general liability insurance to cover the
chartered organization, its board officers, chartered
organization representative, and employees against all
personal liability judgments. Unit leaders are covered in
excess of any personal coverage they might have, or if there is
no personal coverage, the BSA insurance immediately picks
them up on a primary basis.
2.1.3.6 Provide camping facilities, a service center, and a full-time
professional staff to assist the organization in every way
possible.
2.1.3.7 The district is responsible for administering a region within
the council and is operated by the District Executive and a
District Committee. The District Committee forms sub-
committees such as an Advancement Committee and a
Training Committee to support the chartered organizations
and local units. The district assigns a Unit Commissioner to
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serve as the liaison between the chartered organization/unit
and the local district.
2.2 Chartered Organization
2.2.1 Troop 158 is sponsored by Community of Faith United Methodist
Church of Oak Hill, Virginia (herein referred to as the Chartered
Organization). It receives a national charter with the BSA to authorize
use of the scouting program. The charter must be renewed annually.
2.2.2 The responsibilities of the Chartered Organization include:
2.2.2.1 Conduct the Scouting program according to its own policies
and guidelines as well as those of the Boy Scouts of America.
2.2.2.2 Include Scouting as part of its overall program for youth and
families.
2.2.2.3 Appoint a Chartered Organization Representative who serves
as a member of the Troop and will coordinate all unit
operations within it. He or she will represent the Chartered
Organization to the Scouting district and serve as a voting
member of the local committee.
2.2.2.4 Approve a unit committee of parents and members of the
Chartered Organization (minimum of three) who will screen
and select unit leaders who meet the organization’s standards
as well as the leadership standards of the BSA.
2.2.2.5 Provide adequate facilities for the Scouting units to meet on a
regular schedule with time and place reserved.
2.2.2.6 Encourage the Scouting units to participate in outdoor
experiences, which are vital elements of scouting.
2.2.2.7 Approve an annual budget developed by the Troop Committee.
2.3 Troop Organization
2.3.1 The Troop Committee Chair is recommended to the Chartered
Organization by consensus of the Committee and the selection is
approved by the Chartered Organization. The Troop Committee Chair
operates on behalf of the Troop and is expected to ensure that the
Troop is operated within the organization's policies. The Troop
Committee Chair serves as part of the Core Key 3 Team. The Troop
Committee Chair manages the annual recharter process as well as the
registration of new Troop members throughout the year.
2.3.2 The Charter Organization Representative serves as the primary
link between the troop and the Charter Organization. Chartered
Organization Representative and serves on behalf of the Chartered
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Organization as the liaison between the Troop and the Chartered
Organization. The COR’s duties include the approval of all unit adult
leader selections (direct contact adults as well as Troop Committee
members). The COR serves as part of the Core Key 3 Team.
2.3.3 The Scoutmaster is recommended by consensus of the Troop
Committee and approved by the COR. The Scoutmaster operates on
behalf of the Troop is expected to ensure that the Troop is operated
within the policies of both the Troop Committee and the chartered
organization. The Scoutmaster serves as part of the Core Key 3 Team.
2.3.4 Term Limits: While there are no formal term limits for Committee
Chairs, Scoutmasters, or adult Troop positions recommended by BSA
Scouting, Troop 158 experience recommends 2-4 year terms followed
by 1-2 year participation (after “handing off the reigns”) to minimize
burnout, keep fresh/innovative ideas, and help future positions ramp
up with past position-holders still on board for mentorship. The most
challenging (and least helpful) arrangement is any position “dropping
off immediately” and not returning the next season to help coach
newly initiated position holders. Careful planning and annual review
is required annually by the Committee to minimize disruptions.
2.4 Troop Committee
2.4.1 The Troop Committee is the Troop’s board of directors. Membership
is open to parents of member scouts, members of the chartered
organization, or other persons from the community interested in
youth.
2.4.2 Troop committee duties are to:
2.4.2.1 Ensure that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained,
selecting the best possible persons to serve as Scoutmaster
and Assistant Scoutmasters.
2.4.2.2 Advise the Scoutmaster on policies related to Boy Scouting and
the chartered organization.
2.4.2.3 Support the Scoutmaster with assistance to carry out the
approved Troop program in order to provide the scouts with
an effective troop program.
2.4.2.4 Manage the troop finances in line with the approved budget
plan.
2.4.2.5 Ensure that the Troop has an adequate outdoor program.
2.4.2.6 Conduct boards of review for rank advancements and
disciplinary actions as deemed necessary.
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2.4.3 The Troop Committee is comprised of members that hold specific
positions as well as ad-hoc committee members. The Troop
Committee Chair recruits and appoints members to Troop Committee
positions. The following minimum positions must be filled by a
qualified volunteer.
Role Responsibilities
Activities Chair Manages/coordinates the monthly outdoor program
logistics per the Troop’s annual calendar, including securing
reservations (deposits) and tour permits, preparing and
publishing permission slips, and providing travel directions
and other relevant information regarding the activity.
Advancement Chair/
Merit Badge
Coordinator
Maintains the advancement records, coordinates boards of
review, and coordinates courts of honor. Coordinates the
Troop’s merit badge counselors, ensuring that all active
counselors are properly registered with the district as well
as assisting scouts in locating counselors for merit badges
that they are pursuing.
Fundraising Chair Operates the annual mulch delivery fundraising activity and
oversees key volunteer team.
Treasurer Handles troop funds, prepares the annual budget, and
provides monthly financial reports at Committee meetings.
“master” records, including insurance, prepares copies for
“trip” packages of forms to Activity Chairs. Compiles and
submits TroopMaster Newsletter for distribution.
Equipment Chair Works closely with Troop Quartermasters, coaching them
on equipment maintenance, use, etc. Organizes and
oversees all storage locales, including shed and trailer.
Keeps trailer registered and road-worthy. Reports to
Committee when equipment needs replacing, or new
concepts available.
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Role Responsibilities
Life to Eagle
Coordinator / Eagle
Scout Publicity
Coordinates the administrative processing of Eagle Scout
candidates. Works with the new Eagle Scout in getting
recognition/congratulatory letters for the achievement. Get
the engraving for the Troop Eagle Plaque. Assist with
planning an Eagle Court of Honor if the new Eagle Scout
desires to have one.
Membership Chair Manages the annul recharter process as well as the
registration of new troop members throughout the year.
Roadside Cleanup Annually works with Fairfax County Government to arrange
new contract. Sets up 3-4 dates for cleanup of Franklin
Farm Road. Organizes events and equipment.
Social Chair Coordinates special festivals, food (including allergy
considerations), and celebrations for the troop.
Summer Camp
Coordinator
Manages the logistics of the Troop’s annual week-long
summer camp.
Training Coordinator Coordinates the training program for adult members of the
Troop and provides training records to the Advancement
Chair to maintain the records and ensure that all adult
leaders are properly trained for the position they hold.
Webmaster Manages and maintains the Troop’s website in accordance
with district and BSA policy. Works closely with and
coaches scout webmaster, helping them make site updates.
2.5 Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster
2.5.1 The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and
program of the Troop. He is responsible for identifying and carrying
out the program activities in accordance with the Troop’s mission
statement and guiding principles by providing the overall supervision
and operation of the troop. He is assisted by adult Assistant
Scoutmasters (ASM) and youth Junior Assistant Scoutmasters
(JASM) to work directly with the scouts to:
2.5.1.1 train and guide scout leaders;
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2.5.1.2 work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to scouts;
2.5.1.3 use the methods of scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
2.5.1.4 meet at least monthly or more often with the Patrol Leaders
Council (PLC) to coordinate the planning of Troop activities;
2.5.1.5 support the Senior Patrol Leader in operating weekly Troop
meetings;
2.5.1.6 oversee the conduct of Scoutmaster Conferences in support of
rank advancements;
2.5.1.7 attend the Troop Committee meetings; and
2.5.1.8 conduct periodic parent meetings.
2.5.2 Assistant Scoutmasters first and foremost function as a surrogate SM
if not available. Generally, they are charged with executing the SM's
plan/vision, anticipating program needs, reporting
issues/progress/suggestions, and keeping a pulse on the Scouts.
Troop 158 has often utilized several distinct ASM “roles” for optimal
Troop program balance and efficiency.
ASM Role Responsibilities
FY ASM
• First Year ASMs are the “face” to new Scouts, from new Webelos crossovers to first-time BSA Scouts at any age
• Directly tracks progress of FY Scouts, with goals of Scout rank <3 months and Tenderfoot <1yr from Scout's start date
• Interfaces with new parents, keeping in direct contact with tips, upcoming events, encouragement, and Q&A
• Responsible for coaching the Troop Guide, coaching this Scout on how to coach the FY Scouts
• Critical position to ensure FY Scouts have a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding start to their BSA Scout journey
High Adventure
ASM
• Works with older Scouts, identifying unique and challenging needs like advanced camping or high adventure activities
• Develops plans to distribute/engage older Scouts across Patrols or outings to coach, EDGE, evaluate, or run stations to develop younger Scout skills and leadership approaches.
JASM • A Scout on the precipice of 18yrs, after achieving desired ranks/ awards, who wants to transition into an adult leadership role
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ASM Role Responsibilities
• This role is unique and especially challenging in Scouting; the JASM will eventually “cease” being seen as a peer “Scout” and must be mature enough to handle the temptations to “digress” into less-mature antics and participation within typical Troop settings.
2.6 Patrol Organization
2.6.1 Patrols are the working units of the Troop. Patrols camp and operate
together following the patrol method.
2.6.2 First Year Scouts: BSA Scouting permits Troops one of two basic
concepts for incorporating First Year Scouts, First Year Patrols OR
Distributed Patrols. Generally, the PLC can decide with SM approval
which approach serves the troop best. Both have pros/cons and can
vary year-to-year. For example, if only 2 Scouts join the Troop in a
year, the FY Patrol method will not work well. The FY program,
regardless of age (Webelos crossing over vs. 10th grader joining for
first time), has the specific goals of helping the Scouts achieve Scout
rank within 3 months and Tenderfoot within the first year, preferably
well on the way to Second Class. Troop 158 has utilized both methods
over the years; the currently recommended best practice is
Distributed Patrols when possible.
FY Patrol Distributed Patrols
Requires more experienced Scout as PL Easier for SM to distribute skills across Patrols
Often helps new Scouts feel “less intimidated” Patrol has less experience to guide Scouts
Heavy teaching responsibility on single PL Patrol can “spread” responsibility of teaching
PL “loses” time with their “best bud” peers Patrol members are often friends
Very focused programming for Troop Guide Troop Guide has to “borrow” FYs from patrols
PL must be patient; affinity for teaching Patrols have distributed skillsets
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FY Patrol Distributed Patrols
Often has discipline/excitement/homesick
issues
Scouts have better role models/examples in
Patrol
Sometimes “best friends” join at same time... Sometimes best friends are already in other
patrols…
2.6.3 The Troop currently has multiple standing patrols that are equivalent
in their distribution of scouts. As the number of active Troop
members changes, the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee will
evaluate the number of required standing patrols to best carry out a
successful scouting program.
2.6.3.1 Tips/Guidance for Patrol assignments:
2.6.3.1.1 Patrols should be evenly distributed, both in total
number AND in participation level of the Scouts (e.g.
avoid patrols that have 8 Scouts, but 7 do not attend
regularly)
2.6.3.1.2 Avoid placing siblings in same patrol unless insistent
parents; they see enough of each other at home and
know how to easily push each other’s “buttons.”
Especially true of Pls and younger siblings to avoid
“power struggles”.
2.6.3.1.3 Patrol sizes should target 6-8 “active” Scouts, with no
more than 12 total scouts. Active means regular
participation.
2.6.3.1.4 When camping or other activities, patrols can be
temporarily “absorbed” into other Patrols, reporting
to that PL for the Patrol Methods employed at the
outing.
2.6.3.1.5 Patrol identity is very important and should be
emphasized as much as possible to foster friendship,
responsibility, loyalty, leadership, and good-natured
“competition” for growth.
2.6.4 Key youth Troop leaders become members of the Patrol Leaders
Council, PLC. The PLC meets monthly for planning and provides
oversight a weekly meetings and troop activities.
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3. Youth Leadership
3.1 Leadership Positions
3.1.1 The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is the youth-leadership body of the
troop. The Patrol Leaders Council plans the troop program (Annual
Plan), conducts the program and deals with troop and patrol
problems. Its voting membership includes all Scouts holding
leadership positions.
3.1.2 The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the elected youth leader of the
Troop. He is responsible to the Scoutmaster for all troop functions and
operations.
3.1.3 The Patrol Leader (PL) is elected youth leader of the patrol. He is
responsible to the Senior Patrol Leader for the overall operation and
conduct of his patrol at all patrol and troop functions. The Patrol
Leader may also appoint an Assistant Patrol Leader to assist him in
operating the patrol.
3.1.4 Other troop positions include but are not limited to: Assistant Senior
Training prior to entering into any activities with the troop.
14.1.3 Youth Protection Training must be renewed at a minimum every two
years. All Troop 158 registered adults shall maintain current BSA
Youth Protection Training.
14.2 Recommended Training
14.2.1 The following on-line BSA training is recommended and highly
desired for any Troop158 registered adults that participate in outdoor
activities with the troop.
14.2.1.1 Safety Afloat
14.2.1.2 Safe Swim Defense
14.2.1.3 Hazardous Weather
14.3 Troop Committee Required Training
14.3.1 Active Troop Committee members are expected to complete the BSA
position specific training for their position within 3 months of taking
on a role on the committee.
14.4 Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Required Training
14.4.1 The Scoutmaster and all registered Assistant Scoutmasters are
expected to complete the BSA position specific training for their
position within 3 months of taking this role.
14.4.2 As a general policy, new Assistant Scoutmasters will not be registered
without having first completed all required training. Exceptions to
this policy are left to the sole discretion of a consensus of the
Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair.
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14.5 First Aid and CPR
14.5.1 The Troop encourages active direct contact adults to maintain
certifications in CPR and first aid. At the discretion of the Troop
Committee annual training will be funded by the troop for a limited
number of adult leaders for some or all of the following training.
14.5.1.1 CPR
14.5.1.2 Red Cross First Aid
14.5.1.3 Wilderness First Aid
14.5.2 Training funded by the Troop will be prioritized to support the
requirements of the Troops annual high adventure event with
additional candidates as recommended by the Scoutmaster.
15. Review and Adoption
14.6 Review
14.6.1 The bylaws shall be reviewed at the Troop Committee meeting prior
to our required recharter date. They shall be approved and adopted
prior to rechartering.
14.7 Approval
14.7.1 These bylaws are approved and can be amended by a two thirds
majority vote of the recognized eligible troop Committee Members
and the Scoutmaster and ASMs present at regularly scheduled
committee meeting. “recognized” eligible committee members are
defined by the registered committee members in Troopmaster.
Meetings for voting on the By-laws will be announced at least one
month in advance and be in the standard meeting window for
committee meetings. No quorum is required. All proposed
amendments will be investigated by the Committee. Notice of
impending changes will be provided in advance of the meeting by
email notification to the registered adults.
14.8 Distribution
14.8.1 These bylaws will be made available to each family of a scout
registered with the troop, all registered troop leaders, and members
of the troop on the Troop 158 website.
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Approval Signatures Rory Maynard (Original Signed and On File) 4/24/19 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Charter Organization Representative Date Michelle Doucette (Original Signed and On File) 4/24/19 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Troop Committee Chair Date Gregg Dorn (Original Signed and On File) 4/24/19 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Scoutmaster Date
Version Date Changes made 24 April, 2019 Revision B