BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

The purpose of the guidebook is to provide new and experienced Scouts, Scouters (adult volunteers), and
Scout parents a reference as to how BSA Troop 339 operates within the overall Boy Scouts of America
guidelines. Our goal for providing this information is to enable new Scouts, Scout parents, and new leaders to
come up to speed quickly so they may enjoy all the benefits of being a member of Troop 339. The guidebook
should not discourage questions. It should prompt questions from new Scouts and their parents as well as new
leaders and serve as a reference source for answers or modifications to operational procedures as our troop
grows and changes to constantly improve the program for our youth.
The scope of this guidebooks deals specifically with Troop 339; however other BSA programs are discussed to
show how Troop 339 fits into the overall scouting program.
As modifications are made and approved by the Troop Committee, the revised guidebook will be posted at:
troop339rp.weebly.com

General BSA Information....................................................................................................................................... 2

Troop 339 Organization......................................................................................................................................... 5
Troop 339 Schedule of Outings/ / Meetings......................................................................................................... 11
Troop 339 Advancements..................................................................................................................................... 11
Troop 339 Uniform............................................................................................................................................... 12
Troop 339 Costs and Fund Raising Opportunities............................................................................................... 13
Troop 339 Religious Activities.............................................................................................................................. 13
Troop 339 Conduct.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Troop 339 Communications................................................................................................................................. 14

Compiled by the Scoutmaster, Mike McDougald

Approved by the Troop Committee

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

General BSA Information

Purpose of Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers
effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit;
have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness;
have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the
principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take
pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic
rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.

Chartered Organizations
Community-based organizations receive national charters to use the Scouting program as a part of their own
youth work. These groups, which have goals compatible with those of the BSA, include religious, educational,
civic, fraternal, business, and labor organizations; governmental bodies; corporations; professional associations;
and citizens' groups. When community organizations establish a new unit, they must take these two important
actions to ensure a quality Scouting program:
1. Selecting leadership. The head of the chartered organization appoints a chartered organization
representative to provide leadership in the selection of a committee of adults that will provide overall
supervision for the unit's program. The committee selects the adult unit leaders who will work with the
youth. The chartered organization representative is also a voting member of the local council and may
serve as a member of the district committee.
2. Providing a meeting place and promoting a good program. The chartered organization arranges for
adequate meeting facilities for the unit and promotes through its committee the full use of the program,
including outdoor experiences, advancement, recognitions, and, in particular, Scouting's values.

Program
Tiger Cubs is a year-round family- and home-centered program that encourages the ethical decisionmaking skills for first-grade (or 7-year-old) boys. These boys participate in the program with their adult
partners. The program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family
understanding.

Cub Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decisionmaking skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Activities
emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

Webelos Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decisionmaking skills for fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys. Webelos Scouts participate in more
advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts.

Boy Scouting A year-round program for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting
through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult
Scoutmaster. (Boys also may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light
Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old.)

Venturing A year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the
eighth grade) through 20 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful
youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop
leadership skills.

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over
their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Vision Statement
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based
leadership training. In the future, Scouting will continue to

Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;

Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the
Scout Oath and Law;
Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;
Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program

Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law
A Scout is:
TRUSTWORTHY: A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct.
People can depend on him.
LOYAL: A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL: A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or
reward.
FRIENDLY: A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He
respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS: A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners
make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND: A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated.
He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his
community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an
orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL: A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He
tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY: A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He
protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE: A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is
right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in
living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the
beliefs of others.

Scout Motto
Be Prepared

Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Aims and Methods of the Boy Scout Program

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are
character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal
importance of each.
Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto,
and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to
improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he
becomes.
Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship.
It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows
Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These small groups
determine troop activities through elected representatives.
Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that
Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. In the outdoors the skills and activities
practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an
appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts
learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.
Advancement. Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming
them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his
own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps
him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance
and in the ability to help others.
Associations with Adults. Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout
leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is
willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound
difference in their lives.
Personal Growth. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience
personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy
Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others.
Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn.
The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal
conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims.
Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership
skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations.
Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides
him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Uniform. The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive
youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action
that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the
Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is
practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show
what they have accomplished.

Adult Volunteers
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Boy Scouting program. They serve in
a variety of jobs everything from unit leaders to chairmen of troop committees, committee members, merit
badge counselors, and chartered organization representatives.
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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Troop 339 Organization

Council and District
Troop 339 is part of the Conestoga District which is part of the Cradle of Liberty Council (www.colbsa.org).

Chartered Organization
The Charter Organization for Troop 339 is Parents of Troop 339. The Troop Committee approves all adult
leadership in the Troop and Committee and appoints a Chartered Organization Representative to interact with
the Troop Committee.

Adult Volunteers
Troop 339 has many opportunities for adults to get involved in the organization, whether a troop committee
member, Scoutmaster or Assistant, advisory role to a troop position of responsibility, fund raising volunteer, or
simply a provider transportation to events. We encourage both parents and all other willing adults to look for an
opportunity to assist the troop. It will be the best decision you ever make.

Troop Committee
The Troop Committee recruits and supports the Scoutmaster by assisting with troop administration in order to
deliver a quality troop program.

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters

The Scoutmaster and his or her assistant Scoutmasters are responsible for providing direction, coaching, and
support to the boy leaders with the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters are recruited by the Scoutmaster and
approved by the troop committee to assist the Scoutmaster in the operation of the troop. Assistant Scoutmasters
are assigned program tasks by the Scoutmaster and provide guidance to the boy leadership. He or she also
provides the required two deep leadership (two adult leaders present at every Boy Scout activity).
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmaster are expected to set the example for youth within the troop by adhering
to all methods of the Boy Scout program. The general responsibilities of the Scoutmaster include:
Train and guide boy leaders.
Work with other adult leaders to bring Scouting to boys.
Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
Assistant Scoutmasters serve as advisors and coaches to scouts in the leadership positions and positions of
responsibility. In order to provide a quality experience for our youth, Troop 339 expects all adult leaders to fulfill
the training requirements for their respective positions whether they serve as a Scoutmaster, Assistant
Scoutmaster, or in a Troop Committee position.

Patrol Leaders Council

The patrol leaders council (PLC) runs the troop according to the policies of the BSA under the guidance of the
Scoutmaster. The PLC develops and implements the troop program plan which includes all events and
meetings. The PLC develops an annual plan then meets monthly to fine tune the plan. PLC after-action reviews
are held at the end of each troop meeting and most events to discuss 1) what was planned, 2) what actually
happened, and 3) what improvements could be made.
Troop 339s PLC consists of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders, Assistant
Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, and Scoutmaster. Scouts must either be elected or appointed to serve on the
PLC. Position requirements are discussed below.
Scouts consider it an honor and duty to serve on the PLC. The leadership lessons learned throughout the
experience will benefit Scouts not only during their time in the troop but also for the remainder of their life.
Therefore attendance is imperative and required if Scouts plan to hold a leadership position in the troop.
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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Troop 339
Organizational Chart

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Youth Leadership Expectations

Troop 339 is a boy-led troop. Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by leading
other Scouts within their patrol and troop. Scouts develop all facets of the troop program plan including the
events, meetings, and training necessary to achieve their goals. Our adults take on advisory roles to assist the
boys.
Many of the responsibilities and challenges that the boys face may seem beyond their capabilities, and
sometimes in the beginning of a new role the task seems overwhelming. The adults and youth associated with
our troop do not expect perfection, but rather we expect mistakes as leadership lessons are learned. Our adult
advisors ensure leadership missteps do not comprise areas of safety or the overall success of an event,
however our adult leaders often allow boys to lead rather than taking over when trying to decide their level of
involvement.
Listed below are the main responsibilities and expectations for each leadership position.

All Positions

Set a good example

Wear the Scout uniform correctly (olive green pants required)
Live by the Scout Oath and Law
Show Scout spirit
Attend a minimum of 50% of troop outings / events
Attend a minimum of 75% of troop meetings
Attend a minimum of 75% of PLC meeting (SPL, ASPL, PL, APL, Troop Guide)

Senior Patrol Leader

Reports to scoutmaster
Provide direct leadership to:
Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders
Patrol Leaders
Chair the patrol leaders council
Plan and lead all troop meetings
Preside at all troop activities and events
Appoint youth leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster
Assign duties and responsibilities to other youth leaders
Assist in training youth leaders
Perform tasks assigned by scoutmaster

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Reports to senior patrol leader

Provide direct leadership to:
o Historian / Photographer
o Scribe / Webmaster
o OA Representative
o Librarian
o Quartermaster
o Chaplain Aide
o Instructor
Lead meeting activities as called upon by the senior patrol leader
Guide the troop in the senior patrol leaders absence
Participate in the patrol leaders council
Assist in training youth leaders
Perform tasks assigned by senior patrol leader
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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Patrol Leader

Reports to senior patrol leader

Provide direct leadership to assistant patrol leader and patrol members
Plan and lead all patrol meetings
Prepare and lead patrol during troop and patrol activities
Keep patrol members informed
Understand patrol members needs and help them succeed
Assist in training and rank advancement of patrol members (Goal: all patrol members to reach 1st class
in year 1)
Represent the patrol at the patrol leaders council
Perform tasks assigned by senior patrol leader

Assistant Patrol Leader

Reports to patrol leader

Assist the patrol leader and lead the patrol as needed
Provide direct leadership to patrol members
Plan and lead all patrol meetings as needed
Prepare and lead patrol during troop and patrol activities, as needed
Keep patrol members informed
Understand patrol members needs and help them succeed
Assist in training and rank advancement of patrol members (Goal: all patrol members to reach 1st class
in year1)
Represent the patrol at the patrol leaders council
Perform tasks assigned by patrol leader

Troop Guide

Reports to Scoutmaster
Provide direct leadership to the Den Chiefs
Mentor and coach the Patrol Leaders
Help new Scouts get comfortable with their patrol and troop
Introduce new Scouts to Troop operations
Teach basic Scout skills and assist in rank advancement of all new Scouts. (Goal: all new scouts reach
1st class in year one)
Represent new scouts at the patrol leaders council
Perform tasks assigned by Scoutmaster
Assist Senior Patrol Leader as needed

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Reports to Scoutmaster
Assist the Scoutmaster, as needed except for duties reserved for adults 18yrs and older
Accomplish duties assigned by Scoutmaster

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Positions of Responsibilities
Scribe

Reports to Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Write articles about all troop outings / events, or if not present, ensure the responsibility is fulfilled by
another scribe or scout. This should be assigned in advance of the outing.
Have the article ready for presentation (layout on table) at the next troop meeting (the Monday following
a weekend event). Deliver the articles to the Historian at the end of the meeting for the troop scrapbook
and troop bulletin board.
Provide the Scribe/Web Master and Historian with an electronic version of the article at the troop
meeting following the event.
Scribe/Web Master collects photos from the Historian and articles from other Scribes for the troop
website and creates photo tours of outings / events on the troop website within 2 weeks of the event.
Scribe/Web Master updates the design and layout of the site as needed.
Scribe/Web Master assists the adult and youth leadership of the troop by publishing reference
documents and updating troop activities as needed.
Present articles and photos of newsworthy outings / events to the PR advisor for approval prior to
delivery to local media contacts.
Publish a quarterly troop newsletter with outing / event information and other troop news such as new
scouts, rank advancements, upcoming events, etc.
Deliver a copy of the troop newsletter each month to the church for their news updates.

Historian

Reports to Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Take photos of all troop outings / events, or if not present, ensure the responsibility is fulfilled by another
Historian or scout. This should be assigned in advance of the outing.
Have film developed and present photos for display at the next troop meeting (Monday after weekend
event).
Assist the Scribe with the troop newsletter and web site.
Collect photos for the troop scrapbook and troop bulletin board.
Collect articles from the scribe at the end of troop meetings for the troop scrapbook and troop bulletin
board.
Write up short descriptive text to include with photos, and update the troop scrapbook and bulletin
board.
Prepare and update poster boards of troop activities for presentation at scout events

Quartermaster

Reports to Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Maintain inventory of all troop equipment
Inventory extra food/dispose of outdated & perishables
Sort/organize and label storage containers
Inspect tools/equipment for wear & damage (repair or suggest replacement as needed)
Identify and submit additional gear needs list
Maintain organization/cleanliness of quartermaster shed
Take charge of loading/unloading trailer & shed
Make improvements to shed and equipment as needed
Inventory/label extra scout gear (tents, backpacks, etc.) make and maintain sign out sheet

BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Den Chief

Reports to Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Read the den chief handbook
Work with den leaders as requested
Should provide 30 minutes of assistance to den each week
Promote continuation into Boy Scouts
Teach scouting skills, Boy Scout basics, run games/activities
Representing the entire troop in a positive manner to the pack!

Instructor

Reports to Senior Patrol Leader / Troop Guide

Lead training sessions and main features during weekly troop meetings
Teach basic Scout skills and assist in rank advancement of all Scouts. (Goal: all scouts reach 1st class
in year1)
Perform tasks assigned by senior patrol leader

Position Requirements and Term

Leadership Positions and Positions of Responsibility within the troop are rotated / elected every 6 months.
During the March elections of each year new patrols are formed, so the Patrol Leaders are elected in a troopwide election, then patrols are assigned by the SPL and Scoutmaster. Patrols remain intact during the mid-year
rotation (September), however the leadership positions change within the patrol.
Scouts must have successfully fulfilled the obligations of their previous position to be eligible for a
position during the next 6 month term.
Scouts must have been active in the troop meetings and outings during the previous term.
It is intended that scouts would not serve consecutive terms in the same position, but may be reelected
to the same position more than once.
Scouts who are nominated or appointed must be willing to fulfill all responsibilities of the position.
Leadership Positions

Elect/Appt.

Reports

Rank

Senior Patrol Leader

Asst. Senior Patrol Leader
Troop Guide
Instructor
Patrol Leader
Asst. Patrol Leader
Scribe, Historian,
Quartermaster, Librarian,
Chaplain Aide, Den Chief
Junior Asst. Scoutmaster

Elected (Troop)
Appt. by SPL
Appt. by SM
Appt. by SPL
Elected (Patrol)
Appt. by PL
Appt. by
SPL/ASPL

SM
SPL
SM/SPL
SPL
SPL
PL
ASPL

1st Class
2nd Class
Star
Star
Tenderfoot

Previous Leadership
(one of the following)
ASPL, PL, APL
PL, APL
SPL, ASPL, PL, APL
SPL, ASPL, PL, APL
Pos of Resp.

2nd Class

n/a

Appt. by SM

SM

Eagle

SPL, ASPL, PL

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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Troop 339 Schedule of Outings/ / Meetings

Weekly / Monthly Meeting Schedule
Troop Meetings
Every Wednesday, 7:00pm 8:30PM

Outings / Events
The active Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) solicits the input of all scouts and adults prior to the annual program
planning session in August of each year. During this program planning session, monthly outings are determined
and placed on the troop calendar. We strive to have at least one troop wide outdoor outing per month and
oftentimes have multiple outings with a given month.
During the annual planning session, general themes are discussed for meeting plans that will support the annual
program plan. The meeting plans are further defined during the patrol leaders council The annual plan is
adjusted as needed.

Troop 339 Advancements

All scouts in Troop 339 are encouraged to work toward the rank of Eagle, although the goal of the troop is that
all scouts will achieve the rank of First Class. By achieving the rank of First Class, scouts will learn key skills and
lessons that will serve them throughout their entire life.
Advancement up to and beyond First Class depends greatly on the motivation and initiative of the individual
Scout and their parental support. Please note that parents may not pass a Scout on any rank or merit badge
requirement unless prior approval is given by the Scoutmaster.

New Scouts
Troop 339s goal is for every new scout to achieve the rank of First Class within their first year. Patrol Leaders
are challenged to help everyone within their patrol achieve the goal, but in order to accomplish the goal, scouts
must be willing to put forth the effort along with their parents support. History of the troop indicates that if scouts
are active in the troop they easily achieve the goal.
Shortly after joining new scouts will have the opportunity to attend Spring Camporee. Spring Camporee brings
together all troops within the district. The experience is unlike any other troop outing and oftentimes teaches
skills relevant to rank advancement. Most of all it is fun!
Summer Camp is a key outing for a new scout, but certainly not the least. Although this is not a required event, it
has been our experience that Scouts who participate in summer camp advance quicker than Scouts who do not.
Scouts who participate in summer camp tend to stick with the program more often than scouts who do not. And
above all, the Scouts who participate in summer camp have more fun than Scouts who do not.

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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Board of Review
To ensure a consistent advancement program, Scouts within Troop 339 go through a board of review for each
rank earned in the troop. The intent of this review is not to test Scouts on every detail of the rank but rather to
ensure they have learned the material. Board of Reviews consist of at least two adult leaders within the troop
and can include Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or Eagle Scouts.
Any Scout planning to appear before a Board of Review must inform the Advancement Coordinator at the
beginning of the troop meeting. Scouts should know the material being reviewed prior to signing up for a review.
Scouts going before the Board are required to be in class-A uniform and come with their Scout.

Court of Honor
When a Scout advances rank he is recognized as soon as possible - preferably at the next unit meeting. He is
also recognized a second time at a public ceremony called a court of honor. Merit badges are also awarded at
our court of honor. The main purpose of the court of honor is to formally recognize them for their achievement
and to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance.
The Patrol Leaders council of Troop 339 typically schedules a formal court of honor two times a year. All
families are asked to attend and guests are certainly welcome. Every boy who advances deserves to be
recognized in front of his family. The court of honor is the boy's special night.

Troop 339 Uniform

Scouts and Scouters are expected to be in Class A uniform at all Troop meetings while traveling and Class B on
most outdoor events. Full Class A is reserved for special events such as Court of Honor, Scout Sunday, and
other public appearances as needed. All official BSA uniform policies are supported; however the following
minimum uniform requirements exist for Troop 339:

Class A
Shirt (official tan w/green shoulder tabs)
Neckerchief and slide
Pants (Olive green required, official scout pants preferred)
Belt (official olive green belt or Philmont leather belt)
Scout Socks (preferred)
Hiking Boots (dark brown is preferred)

Full Class A
Class A + Merit Badge Sash

Class B
Troop T-Shirt
Tan, OD Green or Jean shorts or pants
Hiking boots or Sneakers as appropriate for the event

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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Troop 339 Costs and Fund Raising Opportunities

Troop 339 charges each Scout an annual registration fee of $27 plus monthly dues of $10. The annual
registration fee and Monthly dues cover the annual BSA registration fee and insurance for Scouts and Adult
Leaders, the remainder is allocated toward troop expenses. The registration cost for adult leaders is covered as
part of the Scouts annual registration fee and quarterly dues.
Each Scout is expected to have a Scout uniform as noted above and the appropriate gear for each outing. There
is an expense typically associated for each outing to cover food, fees (if any), and transportation costs. These
costs vary depending on the level of activity and distance but a typical range is between $30 and $45 per outing.
The exceptions are events like summer camp (approx. $400) and special events like Tubing, rock climbing,
COPE or whitewater rafting.
Occasionally we schedule fundraising events to raise money for the troop and Scouts within the troop. Annual
fund raisers include BSA popcorn sales in the fall and Scout camp card sales in the spring. The troop also
identifies other fund raiser from time to time, but the number of fund raiser is minimal throughout the year.
The Treasurer of Troop 339 manages a financial account for each Scout. Typically, a portion of each fund raiser
is allocated to the Scouts financial account so that they benefit from their efforts (50% of earned profit). The
funds in their scout account can be used for registration, dues, trip expenses or even gear for scout activities.
Participation in fund raising activities enables scouts to minimize their (or their parents) out-of-pocket expenses.
Often times Scouts are able to cover all expenses and buy cool gear with the remainder of funds they raise.

Troop 339 Religious Activities

Troop 339 practices our duty to God by holding a prayer prior to all meals and at ceremonies. We encourage all
scouts to achieve the God and Country program appropriate for their age and religious belief.

Troop 339 Conduct

The Scout Oath and Law serve as our guide. And is referred to when dealing with conduct which does not meet
the standards embraced by the BSA and Troop 339. Therefore, we have not published an extensive list of rules.
However, a few specific issues are addressed below.

Damage to Property
Accidents happen and occasionally equipment is damaged through normal use. However, if a Scout damages
any property of the troop, individual, or other willfully and maliciously, the parents of that Scout will be held
responsible for those damages.

Discipline
The adult leaders within Trop 339 strive to establish a trust between the boys and themselves. Therefore, most
problems are handled individually with a discussion with the scout. We find most of the time just informing the
scout that this is not proper scout behavior resolves it situation. Should a severe problem or repeated situations
arise, And the Ast. Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster believes the Scouts behavior is disruptive to the success or
safety of an outing or meeting and the situation cannot be managed, the Scouts parents will be informed and
required to come pick up their son immediately. The Scouts parents will be asked to attend a conference before
the Scout can come back to any Troop activity.
The following guidelines will be used for sever situations that result in multiple offenses:
1st Offense: The Scouts parents will be informed of the problem and asked to take care of it. The Scout
can return to all activities with no further action by the troop.
2nd Offense: The Scouts parents will be informed of the problem and asked to take care of it. The
Scout will have to be escorted to all troop activities that he attends, including meetings, by a parent.
3rd Offense: A 3rd offense would warrant suspension from the troop.

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BSA Troop 339 Guidebook

Troop 339 Communications

Communication is the key to the successful operation of any troop and it is especially critical for large troops like
Troop 339. We have developed a number of communication vehicles to keep Scouts, Scout parents, and
Scouters informed. Most of the communication vehicles are managed by the youth leaders within the troop, and
although we strive to maintain a high level of communications, our performance can vary as new youth (and
adults) assume new leadership roles. The primary communication vehicles include.
Meeting Announcements: The Senior Patrol Leader calls for an update for upcoming events at the
beginning of each meeting. We encourage parents to attend this part of the meeting to stay informed.
Web Site: See www.scoutbook.com for a Calendar of Events and email alerts as well as event signup.
Web Site: Troop339rp.weebly.com For policy and documentation.
Email: Please fill out your profile in Scoutbook.com
Any parent can always direct a question to the scoutmaster in person, by phone or email at
[email protected]
484-716-6405

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