The following represents the policies that have been established by the Scoutmasters and Committee of Troop 500. It is the hope of the adult volunteers that these standards of conduct will clarify the expected behavior of the boys. It is our intention to help every boy at all times in every way possible. As long as a spirit of cooperation is shown by the scout and his parents, and that such help does note become a detriment to the rest of the troop.

It is also the intention of the adults of Troop 500 to provide a haven from community and school environment problems. To have activities that boys can be safe and free to enjoy themselves, free from reprisal from other youth and adults.

The single most important aspect of scouting is the participation of parents. Without such encouragement, it is difficult to have the type of activities that scouts in the 21st Century want. We strongly encourage all parents to participate in the troop as much as you can, even if that means only attending the meetings.

I. Dress:

 

• The scout uniform is to be worn at all regular meetings. The addition of the troop neckerchief (see one of the scoutmasters) is for formal occasions only. The minimum uniform is the hat, shirt, and long pants. If there is a need for help in purchasing the uniform, please see the scoutmaster, since there might be extra parts or a loan can be arranged.

 

• All scouts are expected to keep their uniform clean and pressed.

II. Dues:

 

• Dues are $5.00 per month, due at the end of each month. Dues are non-refundable and must be paid even if the scout does not attend the meetings. If dues become past due, the scout will be suspended from troop activities until such dues are caught up, unless other arrangements have been made with the scoutmaster. It is the boy’s responsibility to earn and pay his own dues. If this creates an undue hardship on the family, please see the scoutmaster.

III. Attendance:

 

• While a scout may have many demands on his time, it is expected that he will make every effort to be a functioning part of the troop, if he is truly committed to scouting. The troop and more importantly the patrol rely on each scout’s participation in all activities. It is part of the parent’s responsibility to encourage such dedication to the troop.

IV. Camping and Other Troop Activities:

 

• To be able to participate in a campout or troop activity, the scout must have his dues and fees current and attend the troop meeting prior to the event, unless previously excused by the scoutmaster. It is very important for the scout to know all the last minute changes or arrangements that have been made. All parents are encouraged to attend these meetings. See the scout’s calendar for the dates and times.

 

• If a scout registers for a particular activity, he is obligated to pay the agreed upon fee for that outing, whether or not he attends. At such outings, the troop is charged according to the number of scouts that register for the activity.

 

• If a scout behaves in an unruly or uncontrollable manner, the parents will be called to come and take the boy home, no excuses.

V. Respect for the Property of Others:

 

• No scout shall steal, sabotage, damage or deface property belonging to any other scout, troop, church, campground (including plant life), organization or other individuals. The parents of that scout will be expected to pay any and all damages in full.

VI. Substance Abuse:

 

• No scout shall, at any time, have in his possession or make use of drugs, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, or any other illegal substance. Any infraction will be reported to the parents and appropriate authorities.

VII. Weapons and Pyrotechnics:

 

• No scout shall, use or have in his possession firearms, explosives, fireworks, sheath knives, or other such sharp objects, except in properly controlled situations or with the expressed approval from the scoutmaster.

VIII. Physical and Verbal Abuse:

 

• No scout shall be involved in or practice fighting or rough play, which could lead to fighting, or injury. Verbal abuse to anyone (including other scouts) consists of cursing, foul language, name calling, back talk, or obscene gestures. Scouts must show respect to everyone, including troop leadership, other scouts and the adults. All scouts will address the adults as Mr., Mrs. or Ms., not by first names.

IX. Reminders:

 

• It is required and expected that each scout memorize, understand and live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Violation of the OATH or LAW is a serious matter and will be dealt with by the scoutmaster.

X. Remedies:

 

• The scoutmaster can talk with the boy or the boy and his parents and decide on a course of action. The scoutmaster might decide to have the committee chairperson involved in this process. Alternatively, as a last resort the boy can be dismissed from the troop with no re-entry at any time.

Dear Scoutmaster,

My son and I have read the standards of conduct for Troop 500, First Presbyterian Church of DeBary, Florida. We understand these policies and agree to respect them as long as we are members of Troop 500. We also understand that if at any time we feel that there are mitigating circumstances, we will be able to sit down with the entire troop committee and all the scoutmasters before a dismissal is done. We also understand that once a dismissal is complete, we cannot become a member of Troop 500 in the future.

_____________________________ ________________________________ __________

Scout Parent Date