1.
PURPOSE
To provide
information about various troop activities and programs.
2.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all
Scouts, leaders and parents actively involved in the troop.
3.
REFERENCES
4.
DESCRIPTION
4.1.
Troop Meetings
Troop
meetings are held at
Meeting activities include:
1. Working on rank advancement and merit
badges.
2. Preparing for troop outings and service
projects.
3. Participating in troop recreational
activities.
4.2.
Patrol Meetings
Patrol meetings are generally held during the troop meetings. Activities include working on Scout advancement and preparing for future meetings, hikes, camping trips, skits, and troop outings. Although adults are always present at the meetings, the patrol leader is in charge of planning and running this meeting to encourage development of leadership skills. Any lack of leadership skills by the patrol leader should be discussed with the Scoutmaster rather than confronting the patrol leader or his parents directly.
4.3.
Patrol Leader Council (PLC) Meetings
These meetings, attended by the Scoutmaster and/or
adult leaders, patrol leaders, and members of the leadership patrol, plan
Scouting activities for the coming month, and discuss and resolve any problems
among Scouts. Refer to the Troop Calendar for dates.
Annually,
the patrol leaders will poll their scouts for suggestions and ideas, and hold a
program planning meeting to develop the next year's activities and monthly
themes.
4.4.
Regular Campouts
The monthly outdoor activities are planned and
scheduled by the troop PLC. Troop 174 camps monthly during the school year in
all types of weather. Proper equipment
will be used during inclement weather and the camp out may be modified based on
weather conditions that create a safety hazard for the Scouts. All Scouts, leaders, and parents are welcome. Adults form their own patrol for meal,
logistic and sleeping arrangements
4.5.
Camporees
Spring and Fall Camporees, summer camp and the
summer High Adventure (Philmont Scout Ranch, Maine High Adventure & Sea
Base) are coordinated with District, Council and the adult leader responsible
for leading High Adventure.
4.6
Special Events
A variety of special events are planned,
depending on the interests of the Scouts and availability of adult support.
These may include snow skiing, baseball games, amusement park trips, float
trips, ropes courses, rock climbing and rappelling and others. All Scouts,
leaders, and parents are welcome, and some events are planned to include the
whole family.
4.7 Courts
of Honor
Courts of Honor are scheduled three times a
year. Activities include award
presentations, entertainment, food, and fun.
All Scouts, leaders, parents, and family are always welcome. Eagle Courts of Honor may be held in
conjunction with a regular Court of Honor or planned separately.
4.8 Troop Leadership Committee (TLC)
Meetings
TLC meetings are usually held on the Monday after the second Tuesday of
each month (or the first Monday after the District Roundtable meeting) during the school year at Latimer Lane
Elementary School from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Agenda items include:
1. Discussing special events, Courts of
Honor, and other PLC planned activities.
2. Making decisions regarding fund
raising activities and the expenditure of these funds.
3. Setting policies regarding conduct
and discipline.
4. Resolving transportation and safety
needs for troop activities.
5. Communicating information obtained at
the District Roundtable.
ALL PARENTS are automatically members of the committee and attendance at this
meeting is strongly encouraged. This is
the best way to find out what activities are planned and to influence the direction
of the troop. This is your troop and we
are all volunteers.
4.9 Roundtable Meetings
At this meeting, representatives from all of the
troops in the Metacomet
District exchange ideas on activities, receive announcements
about District and Council events, fundraising projects, service projects and
other issues of common interest. All
leaders and parents are welcome. They are usually held monthly – check the
troop calendar for dates. The Roundtable
meeting location can vary – please check with the Scoutmaster to confirm the
meeting location (usually at the Congregational Church in
5.0 Adult Leader Training
A wide variety of skill
training sessions are conducted by the Connecticut Rivers Council. These sessions will enable you to be a more
effective member of our troop. Some
activities require the presence of specially trained adults. Schedules are available from your
Scoutmaster. Specifically, we recommend
that all adults attend Boy Scout Adult Leader Training, so that they understand
the Patrol method that is the basis of all Boy Scout programs. It is also an
opportunity to meet other parents interested in scouting for fun and
fellowship.