BSA Scouting Methods

For Troop 301 and Troop 3301

BSA Scouting - Scout Led Youth Leadership

One of the responsibilities of the Scoutmaster is to train and guide scout leaders to run the Troop. When a Scout holds a Troop leadership position, it is a tremendous opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills. It is also important that they learn that leadership requires time and effort and often sacrifice. Leadership requires a commitment to the others they lead--it is this commitment that is the key to being a success as a leader.

Obtaining Leadership

Leadership positions are sought by the Scout and can be obtained in two ways: Election and appointment.

Youth Leadership Election

Elections will be for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders based on the following candidacy qualification requirements:

• Senior Patrol Leader

  • Job Description: Senior Patrol Leader

  • Must be at least Star Scout, ideally LIfe (Troop 301 only)

  • Completed NYLT

  • Must be willing to teach ILST to PLC

  • Have served at least one full term as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or equivalent (Troop 301 only)

  • Example of scout oath and law

  • Be an active member of troop in prior 6 months and be in good standing

  • The role of Senior Patrol Leader is limited to two terms

  • Candidate must be able to complete full term (ie not age out part way through term)

  • Candidacy requires interview and approval for unit key 3 (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative)

• Patrol Leaders

  • Job Description: 

  • Must be at least a First Class scout (Troop 301 only)

  • NYLT preferred - participation in 301 Scouting ILST training is required

  • Example of scout oath and law

  • Be an active member of troop in prior 6 months and be in good standing

  • The role of Patrol Leader is limited to two terms

  • Candidate must be able to complete full term (ie not age out part way through term)

  • Candidacy requires interview and approval for unit key 3 (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative)

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Appointment

Per BSA guidelines, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are appointed by the incoming Senior Patrol Leader. Candidates will be chosen by SPL under advisement of the Scoutmaster using the following guidelines:

• Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders

  • Job Description: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

  • Must be a least Star scout (Troop 301 only)

  • NYLT preferred or have participated in 301 Scouting ISLT Training as a patrol leader.

  • Must be willing to teach ILST to PLC

  • Have served at least one full term as a Patrol Leader or equivalent (Troop 301 only)

  • Example of scout oath and law

  • Be an active member of troop in prior 6 months and be in good standing

  • The role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is limited to two terms

  • Candidate must be able to complete full term (ie not age out part way through term

  • Candidacy requires interview and approval for unit key 3 (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative)

Elections

Troop elections will be held twice a year using the following schedule:

1. Last full Troop meeting in March and 

2. the first full Troop meeting in October 

Schedule is subject to change per advisement of Scoutmasters and Group Committee.

To facilitate and encourage growth of our BSA units election cycles will coincide with an annual patrol alignment. Elections and patrol alignment based on following process:

Fall Election and Patrol Realignment

Fall elections will take place at the first full troop meeting in October, or as decided by the committee. (Beginning of October is chosen in order to be post-Mavericks camporee.)

• In order to facilitate growth and attrition, patrols will be reset each Fall. 

• The number of patrols will be determined by Scoutmaster in collaboration with other troop leadership. BSA best practices suggest the ideal patrol size to be 8-10 scouts. The ideal patrol will have a cross section of ages and ranks. This fosters the mentoring powers of the patrol method.

• 3 weeks before the election, interested candidates will be called forward and asked to interview with the Key 3 (Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, COR). Candidates will be evaluated per the criteria for each position as outlined above and the ideals of scouting.

• Approved candidates will be asked to give a speech to the troop highlighting why they are qualified for the position and what they hope to achieve during their term.

• Fall elections will be troop-wide and have 2 rounds of voting:

  • Round 1 (SPL): the first round will be for the new SPL. Each scout within the unit will vote anonymously. Votes will be tallied and winner determined by no less than 2 adult leaders. Scoutmaster will certify and announce the winner to the troop.

  • SPL selects Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders: new SPL will select their ASPLs from qualified candidates and advisement of Scoutmaster.

  • Round 2 (Patrol Leaders): Troop will vote for patrol leaders among remaining qualified candidates. Votes will be tallied and winner determined by no less than 2 adult leaders. Scoutmaster will certify and announce the winners to the troop.

  • Each Patrol Leader will select an Assistant Patrol Leader under advisement of Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster

• New PLC will proceed in identifying patrol membership for the upcoming year at earliest date post-election. 

Spring Election

• No patrol realignment

• Senior Patrol Leader election is conducted same as outlined for Fall election

• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader selection proceeds same as outlined for Fall election

• Patrol Leaders are voted within individual patrols. When a qualified candidate does not exist within a patrol, the Scoutmaster will appoint a Patrol Leader. Youth Leadership Appointment

• Each Patrol Leader will select an Assistant Patrol Leader under advisement of Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster

Youth Leadership Appointment

The second way a Scout may obtain a Troop leadership position is by appointment by the newly elected Senior Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader. The Troop leadership positions listed above are appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader, or the Patrol Leader in the case of their Assistant. The Scoutmaster may give preference to Scouts who need a leadership position for advancement. Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is age regulated and Scoutmaster appointed. All Leadership positions and their specific responsibilities are described in detail below. 

• Troop Guide

• Quartermaster

• Scribe

• Den Chief

• Chaplain Aide

• Historian

• Instructor

• Librarian

• Webmaster

• Bugler

• Order of the Arrow Representative

• Outdoor Ethics Guide

• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

General expectations, however, of all scout leaders include the following:

• All Scouts in leadership positions are expected to set a proper example by wearing their full Class A uniform at all times when appropriate. Scouts unwilling to set this example of proper uniforming will be warned, and may subsequently be relieved of their leadership position. 

• Scouts holding any leadership positions are expected to attend the events of their Troop and Patrol. A leader unable to participate in a given event is expected to notify the SPL and the Assistant who will be handling their responsibilities during their absence. Scouts in leadership positions who consistently fail to attend meetings and events and/or do not effectively communicate their absences will be subject to removal from leadership.

• All Scouts in leadership positions are expected to adhere to the principles of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, the Outdoor Code, and to show Scout Spirit. It is also expected that they are familiar with and adhere to all 301 Scouting policies and procedures, and the leadership application guidelines.

• All appointments are subject to approval by the Scoutmaster.

Youth Leadership Training

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)

The purpose of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) course is to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and the organizational and leadership skills needed to most effectively reach success in that role. Completion of ILST is a prerequisite for Boy Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). It is also required to participate in a Kodiak Challenge Trek.

301 Scouting units will incorporate elements of the ILST training in conjunction with the monthly and annual PLC planning meetings.

For more information: INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS FACILITATOR GUIDE

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what a leader must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.

NYLT is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ leadership skills much faster.

For more information see: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/troop-resources/nylt/ 

Each year, 301 Scouting Scoutmasters will nominate  up to 10% of the registered scouts to attend National Youth Leadership Training as offered by the Council. Nominated Scouts who wish to attend must meet eligibility requirements as set by the NYLT program and the Scoutmaster. Qualified scouts will be required to sign-up for a session and pay the fee upfront. Upon completion, 301 Scouting will reimburse the scout for this achievement.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)

A Patrol Leaders’ Council is typically held as a monthly meeting where the Troop’s elected SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leaders, and Scribe gather to plan upcoming troop events. These meetings often last around 75 minutes and can be broken down into 9 separate sections.

Patrols

A Scout patrol is a small team of normally six to eight members where Scouts learn skills together, share responsibilities and take on leadership roles. THE PATROL METHOD. As a member of a patrol, youth are afforded opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else.

Annual Planning

Each June, 301 Scouting Group BSA Scouting units will conduct an annual planning meeting. This planning meeting will be facilitated by unit Senior Patrol Leaders under the advisement of unit Scoutmasters and activity coordinators. Attendees will include all Patrol Leader Council members and all scouts First Class and higher. Others may participate at Scoutmaster’s discretion.

Removal from Role

If Scouts are not able to fulfill the requirements of the role, the Scout can be removed from the role at any time at the discretion of the unit Scoutmaster, Group Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative. In extreme cases of disciplinary or abandonment of office, leadership credit may not be credited towards rank.

Back to top 

BSA Scouting - Membership

Becoming a youth member

Webelos

All Webelos candidates and their parents will be required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting prior to acceptance of a registration form by our Membership Chairperson.

Placement of Webelos Scouts in “New Scout” Patrols or existing Patrols is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.

“Walk On”

A “Walk On”, a scout who is interested in joining BSA Scouts without a Cub Scout Pack relationship, must meet with the Scoutmaster along with their parents prior to acceptance of a registration form by our Membership Chairperson.

Transfers

For transfers First Class and above, approval of the unit key 3 is required. Previous scout history and commitment to unit participation going forward will go into decision. 

Application Process

All applications must be completed at www.beascout.org.

Being Active

The purpose of Star, Life, and Eagle Scout requirements calling for Scouts to be active for a period of months involves impact. Since we are preparing young people to make a positive difference in our American society, we determine a member is “active” when the member’s level of activity in Scouting, whether high or minimal, has had a sufficiently positive influence toward this end.

Use the following three sequential tests to determine whether the requirement has been met. The first and second are required, along with either the third or its alternative.

1. The Scout is registered

2. The Scout is in good standing

3. The Scout meets the unit’s reasonable expectations; or, if not, a lesser level of activity is explained.

For more detailed guidance on determining Active status, see The Guide to Advancement pg 20.

Scoutbook for BSA Scouting records

301 Scouting Group BSA Scouting units will utilize Scoutbook for all scouting records. Individual requirements can be signed off in the physical book. These requirements will be transferred to Scoutbook at a minimum at time of rank advancement.

Scoutmasters and designated Assistant Scoutmasters are the only members of 301 Scouting Group BSA Units allowed to approve requirement completion in Scoutbook. 

The Advancement Chair will ensure all approved advancement ranks, merit badges and awards are awarded at our bi annual Court of Honor.

BSA Scouting - Uniform

Few elements of the Scouting program are as recognizable as the Scout uniform. But most people - including many Scout leaders - do not realize that the uniform is more than just clothing. It is one of the eight methods of Scouting. 

The Uniform as a Method When worn properly, the uniform does a couple of things that, at first glance, seem contradictory. First, it establishes uniformity across troop members, putting everyone on an equal footing regardless of physical appearance, race and ethnicity, or a family’s ability to buy the latest popular brands. Second, it serves as a sort of wearable trophy case that shows what the wearer has accomplished in Scouting. At a glance you can tell what rank a Scout has earned, what position of responsibility the Scout currently holds, and what special honors have been received. 

The BSA Troop Leader Guidebook outlines how the uniform also supports the other methods of Scouts BSA: 

• Adult Association. Adult leaders also wear the uniform, setting an example for Scouts while showing they are part of the same movement. 

• Advancement and Personal Growth. As described above, the uniform displays patches and emblems the wearer has earned. 

• Ideals. The Scout emblem, parts of which appear on each rank patch, serves as a reminder of the ideals; the American flag on the right sleeve emphasizes duty to country. 

• Leadership Development and the Patrol Method. The badge of office represents the wearer’s position of responsibility; the patrol emblem ties each Scout to the patrol.

• Outdoors. Today’s Scout uniform, with its performance fabrics, zip-off pant legs, and other features, is designed for action. (Note, however, that most troops switch to an activity uniform, as described below, for hiking and camping.)

Proper wearing of the uniform is a tenet of any good Scouting program. Uniform inspections are held at the first Troop meeting of each month. 

Below are the different degrees of the Scout uniform and their appropriate uses.

Dress Uniform

Worn at Troop Courts of Honor, Boards of Review, or as designated by the Scoutmaster. Consists of:

• Official Scout BSA tan shirt with properly placed, current insignia

• Official Scout BSA Shoulder green epaulets

• Official Scout BSA green pants or green shorts

• Official Scout BSA belt

• Official Scout BSA Troop 301 garrison hat

• Official Scout BSA green socks

• Merit Badge sash (if Scout has earned any merit badges)

• Any medals Scouts have earned in Scouting

• Closed toe shoes

Class A uniform

Worn to all Scoutmaster Conferences, Troop Meetings [with the exception of the summer (June-August) period], District Events, travel to and from campouts, campout church services, or as designated by the Scoutmaster.  

Class A uniform consists of:

• Official Scout BSA tan shirt with properly placed, current insignia

• Official Scout BSA Shoulder green epaulets

• Official Scout BSA green pants or green shorts

• Official Scout BSA belt

• Official Scout BSA Troop 301 garrison hat

• Official Scout BSA green socks

• Closed toe shoes

Class B uniform

Worn at summer (June-August) Troop meetings, patrol meetings, camp, during service projects or strenuous events, or as designated by the Scoutmaster. 

Class B uniform consists of:

• Troop 301 / Troop 3301 T-shirt 

• Official Scout BSA green pants or green shorts

• Official Scout BSA belt

• Official Scout BSA green socks

• Closed toe shoes

Back to top 

BSA Scouting - Advancement

301 Scout Group BSA Scouting units will follow the most current BSA Guide to Advancement: See: https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/ 

Some key points from the Guide to Advancement:

Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank. Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is one of several methods designed to help unit leadership carry out the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA 

Both adult and youth leaders approve advancement in Scouts BSA. This permits greater emphasis on standards and more consistency in measurement, but it also places another level of importance on teaching and testing. As Scouts work with one another, learning takes place on both sides of the equation as they play teacher and student in turn. Parents or guardians are involved at home encouraging, mentoring, and supporting, but they do not sign for rank advancement requirements unless they serve as registered leaders and have been designated by the unit leader to approve advancement.

Advancement at this level presents a Scout with a series of challenges in a fun and educational manner. As the youth completes the requirements, the aims of Scouting are being achieved: to develop character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, to develop leadership skills, and to develop physical and mental fitness. It is important to remember that in the end, badges recognize that Scouts have gone through experiences of learning things they did not previously know. Through increased confidence, Scouts discover or realize they are able to learn a variety of skills and disciplines. Advancement is thus about what Scouts are now able to learn and to do, and how they have grown. Retention of skills and knowledge is then developed later by using what has been learned through the natural course of unit programming; for example, instructing others and using skills in games and on outings. 

Advancement, thus, is not so much a reward for what has been done. It is, instead, more about the journey: As a Scout advances, the Scout is measured, grows in confidence and self-reliance, and builds upon skills and abilities learned. The badge signifies that a young person—through participation in a series of educational activities—has provided service to others, practiced personal responsibility, and set the examples critical to the development of leadership; all the while working to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Four Steps in Advancement 

A Scout advances from the Scout rank to Eagle by doing things with a patrol and troop, with adult and youth leaders, and independently. A well-rounded and active unit program that generates advancement as a natural outcome should enable Scouts to achieve First Class in their first 12 to 18 months of membership. 

Advancement is a straightforward matter when the four steps or stages outlined below are observed and integrated into troop programming. 

The Scout Learns 

With learning, a Scout grows in the ability to contribute to the patrol and troop. As Scouts develop knowledge and skills, they are asked to teach others and, in this way, they learn and develop leadership. 

The Scout Is Tested 

The unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements. They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout. Merit badge counselors teach and test Scouts on requirements for merit badges.

The Scout Is Reviewed 

After completing all the requirements for a rank, except Scout rank, a Scout meets with a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life ranks, members of the unit committee conduct it. See “Particulars for Tenderfoot Through Life Ranks,” 8.0.2.0. The Eagle Scout board of review is held in accordance with National Council and local council procedures. 

The Scout Is Recognized 

When a Scout has earned the Scout rank or when a board of review has approved advancement, the Scout deserves recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next unit meeting. The achievement may be recognized again later, such as during a formal court of honor.

Merit Badges

You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout, or any qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may earn any of these at any time.

Follow these useful steps as you begin your merit badge journey:

Pick a Subject

Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one to earn. Your leader will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.

Scout Buddy System

You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult.

Meet with Merit Badge Counselor

Your Scoutmaster or the Committee Merit Badge Coordinator can help identify and get you established with an appropriate Merit Badge Counselor. Unless otherwise specified, work on a requirement can be started at any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Many troops, schools, and public libraries have them.

Show Your Stuff

When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done. The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

Get the Badge

When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application (or mark complete in Scoutbook). Give the signed application to your unit leader so your merit badge emblem can be secured for you. You will receive the merit badge at the next court of honor.

For more information on Merit Badges and the process see: https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

Scoutmaster Conferences

For each rank, a Scout must participate in a Scoutmaster conference. This conference is a visit between the Scoutmaster and a Scout that can provide a forum for discussing the Scout’s ambitions and life purpose and for establishing goals for future achievement. It is also a valuable opportunity for the Scoutmaster and the Scout to discuss activity in the troop and the Scout’s understanding and practice of the ideals of Scouting. Together they can set objectives for the Scout not only in Scouting but also as a family member, student, and citizen in the community. In fact, it is a good idea to schedule Scoutmaster conferences with Scouts who are not advancing; otherwise, you miss out on these important discussions.

The conference is not a retest of the requirements upon which a Scout has been signed off. It is a forum for discussing topics such as ambitions, life purpose, and goals for future achievement, for counseling, and also for obtaining feedback on the unit’s program. In some cases, work left to be completed—and perhaps why it has not been completed—may be discussed just as easily as that which is finished. Ultimately, conference timing is up to the unit. Some leaders hold more than one along the way, and the Scout must be allowed to count any of them toward the requirement.

While it is intended that the conference be conducted between the unit leader and the Scout, it may sometimes be necessary for the unit leader to designate an assistant unit leader to conduct the conference. For example, if the Scoutmaster is unavailable for an extended period of time or in larger troops where a Scout’s advancement would be delayed unnecessarily, then it would be appropriate for an assistant Scoutmaster (21 years old or older) to be designated to conduct the conference.

Boards of Review (Tenderfoot through Life)

After a Scout has completed the requirements for any rank (except Scout rank), he or she appears before a board of review. A board of review must be a personal and individual experience. Its purpose is to determine the quality of the Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the rank have been fulfilled. If so, the board not only approves the Scout’s advancement but also provides encouragement to continue the quest for the next rank. Because the board of review date becomes the effective advancement date, boards should be scheduled promptly as Scouts are ready or set up on a regular basis that assures Scouts are not delayed in beginning time oriented requirements for the next rank. 

Note that Scouts must be registered through the time they are working on advancement requirements, but need not be registered thereafter or when their boards of review are conducted.

Any advancement errors discovered after a board of review must not be held against a Scout in considering any future advancement, even if requirements were not properly completed.

Boards of Review Must Be Granted When Requirements Are Met 

A Scout shall not be denied this opportunity. When a Scout believes that all the requirements for a rank have been completed, including a Scoutmaster conference, a board of review must be granted. Scoutmasters—or councils or districts in the case of the Eagle Scout rank— for example, do not have authority to expect a Scout to request or organize one, or to “defer” the Scout, or to ask the Scout to perform beyond the requirements in order to be granted one. Neither can a board of review be denied or postponed due to issues such as uniforming, payment of dues, participation in fundraising activities, etc. In a case where there is concern that the requirements for a rank as written have not been fulfilled, it is appropriate to advise the Scout that he or she might not pass the board and to make suggestions about what might be done to improve the chances for success. It is, however, the Scout’s decision to go ahead with a board of review or not.

Composition of the Board of Review 

A board of review must consist of no fewer than three members and no more than six, all of whom must be at least 21 years of age. Unit leaders and assistants shall not serve on a board of review for a Scout in their own unit. Parents, guardians, or relatives shall not serve on a board for their child. The candidate or the candidate’s parent(s) or guardian(s), or relative(s) shall have no part in selecting any board of review members.

Wearing the Uniform—or Neat in Appearance 

It is preferred for a Scout to be in full field uniform for any board of review. As much of the uniform as the Scout owns should be worn, and it should be as correct as possible, with the badges worn properly. It may be the uniform as typically worn by the Scout’s troop, crew, or ship. If wearing all or part of the uniform is impractical for whatever reason, the candidate should be clean and neat in appearance and dressed appropriately, according to the Scout’s means, for the milestone marked by the occasion. Regardless of unit, district, or council expectations or rules, boards of review shall not reject candidates solely for reasons related to uniforming or attire, as long as they are dressed to the above description. Candidates shall not be required to purchase uniforming or clothing to participate in a board of review.

BSA Guidelines for conducting Boards of Reviews can found on page 53 of the Guide to Advancement.

Eagle Board of Review

The Board of Review for Eagle Rank is conducted by the Grand Canyon Council. Similar guidelines apply, but there are Eagle specific guidlines as outlined in the Grand Canyon Council guide to Eagle Scout Rank: https://support.grandcanyonbsa.org/main/eagleprocess/ 

Courts of Honor

A Court of Honor is a special Troop meeting, usually held two times per year, which involves all family members. The Court is to provide an opportunity for recognition for the accomplishments of the scouts since the previous Court—rank advancements, merit badges, and others. Whole families are encouraged to attend even if a scout has not earned any recognition that period, since Courts are often meetings to discuss future Troop plans and activities.

Back to top 

BSA Scouting - Meeting Policy

Troop 301 and Troop 3301 provide a year-long program, following the Mesa Public Schools calendar during the school year; i.e. if the schools are not in session due to a holiday or vacation, Scout meetings will not be held. Exceptions are approved by the committee. During the summer months, the meeting schedule is abridged by the unit Scoutmaster, with approval of the Group Committee.

Phone & Electronic Policy

It is encouraged to leave ALL phones and electronics at home during all Scouting activities - campouts, summer camps, service activities, etc. If a Scout chooses to bring a device to an event, they do so at their own risk. 301 Scouting will not be responsible for any lost or damaged phone or electronic device during a Scouting event.

Troop Meetings

Troop meetings will be held weekly with the exception of the last week of each month, which is held open for Patrol Meetings for the scouts and a Committee meeting for the adults. During the summer months of June, July, and August, Troop meetings are reduced, as previously stated.

Troop meetings are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the periods designated above. Meetings are held in the Center of Compassion at Love of Christ Lutheran Church unless otherwise announced.

Patrol Meetings

Patrols are required to meet at least once a month and the Tuesday after each monthly camp is set aside to provide them that opportunity. 

A Patrol is not required to meet on the vacant Tuesday night if they would prefer to schedule a different time. Alternative Patrol Meeting plans must be approved in advance by the Senior Patrol Leader and unit Scoutmaster. All Patrol activities require 2-deep adult supervision. Please see unit Scoutmaster to make proper planning

Attendance

Good attendance is important to the Scouting program for many reasons, not the least of which is to prevent the scouts from falling behind their peers in skill development. It is requested that the scout attend as many meetings as possible. If a scout is going to miss a meeting, however, they must call or email their Patrol Leader and inform them of the absence. If a scout misses two meetings without calling their Patrol Leader, the Patrol Leader will proactively call the missing scout to determine the nature of their absence. If the reason for the absences is not a logical one (illness, sports commitments, etc.) the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster will continue communication with that Scout and/or their parents. If absences continue for an extended period of time without reason or communication, held leadership positions will be evaluated and may be removed. 

Parent Attendance at Meetings

Parental attendance at regular, weekly Scout meetings is not required; however, visitors are always welcome. Visitors are asked to not participate in meeting activities unless asked by an unit Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.  Feel free and ask a member of the Scoutmaster Corps for any clarity or explanations.

Occasionally there will be special meetings called for parents (summer camp information, etc.) and attendance is expected. There are also 2-3 special times annually (Courts of Honor) that parental attendance is requested while the scouts are rewarded for their efforts.

BSA Scouting - Activities

All 301 Scouting activities will be conducted in accordance with the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting

Adult Participation in BSA Scouting activities

Per BSA Policy, [(Effective September 1, 2023):

• Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. 

• There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.  

• Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.  

• All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. other words:

ALL ADULT participants on overnight BSA Scouting activities must have completed Youth Protection Training and register with the 301 Scouting unit sponsoring the activity - no exceptions.

• Scouts are not allowed to share a tent with any adults (including parent)

Long-term Camping

Each year scouts have the opportunity to attend a Summer Camp. Dates and camps vary each year according to availability of leaders and the scout’s interests. Out of state camps will occasionally be an option and will be presented to the Patrol Leaders Council for recommendation.

Scouts who attend Long-term Camp generally remain in Scouting longer and achieve higher rank than those who do not. We encourage all member scouts to participate in our summer camp program. As each scout may have different needs, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are available to discuss with families on how best to approach summer camps.

Adults participating at Long-Term summer camps must comply with above requirements for adult participation at overnight camps.

Camporees

Camporees are District or Council-wide events, lasting 3 days and 2 nights, where many area troops come together to camp, share ideas, and compete with each other. 301 Scouting Group units may choose to attend Spring and Fall District Camporees. The location varies, as does the theme, but always featured are patrol competitions in scouting skills and spirit. Attendance at Camporees, while not mandatory, is greatly encouraged.

Troop and Patrol Camping

Besides the above, 301 Scouting camps on its own several times per Scouting year. 

Most camps follow the following pattern:

• Costs: $35 person (as of Aug 2024, subject to change)

• Departure:  Meet at 6:00pm Friday of camp weekend with a 6:30pm departure from the Love of Christ parking lot

  • All scouts and scouters in Class A uniforms for transit

  • Closed toe shoes are mandatory for all camps

  • All parents must check-in with troop before departing

• Return: by noon Sunday of camp weekend at the Love of Christ parking lot.

  • Scouts will be instructed to call parents when we are 30-45 minutes out from Love of Christ

  • Please be on time for pickup – no one leaves until all scouts have parents accounted for. Senior Patrol Leaders will dismiss troops.

There may be monthly camps that fall outside of the above guidelines. These exceptions will be clearly communicated as part of camp planning and sign-ups.

Drivers providing transportation for 301 Scouting Group activities will travel caravan style by sticking together. We leave together and arrive together. 

While most camping is by the Troop, each Patrol may camp separately as long as BSA guidelines are followed. All Patrol campouts must have the prior approval of the Scoutmaster.

After a campout, Scouts may need to take equipment home for additional cleaning, repairing and/or airing out. Equipment should then be returned by the next Troop Meeting in good, clean condition. 

Camping with special needs

A scout requiring special needs, will require a parent to register as an adult scouter and participate in unit activities. An accommodation plan needs to be agreed to with the unit Scoutmaster.

Service Projects

301 Scouting Group units provide service several times each scouting year. These can take the form of Clean ups, Scouting for Food, helping with Habitat for Humanity, etc. The participation of all Scouts in these projects is expected and strongly advised. These projects reinforce one of the main goals of Scouting--to foster strong participative citizenship and instill team-building experience that they look back on with a real sense of pride and accomplishment. What many scouts approach with reluctance most often turns into an enjoyable, 

Service hours achieved outside of Scouting activities may be counted towards service with Scoutmaster approval. 

Buddy System

Pairing two scouts for Scout activities is called the "Buddy System."  All Troop and Patrol activities are structured this way for safety. At no time is a Scout allowed off on their own, especially during outdoor activities. With an uneven number of scouts, a three-person buddy group must be used. Each Scout is responsible for keeping track of their Buddy at all times. They may not swap their Buddy without the knowledge and consent of their Patrol Leader.

Joint Troop 301 & Troop 3301 activities: The buddy system must be used and buddy pairs must be single gender. Therefore, each troop must have at least two members attend the outing in addition to adult supervision, meeting the leadership requirements outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.

Adult leaders are also required to comply with the "Two-Deep Leadership" policy of BSA. A minimum of two adults is required for camps, hikes, meetings, etc. This policy protects leaders as well as the scouts. Except in the case of a parent and their child, scout and adult buddy combinations are not allowed. For more guidance around Adult-Youth interaction, see BSA Youth Protection guidelines.

Back to top 

BSA Scouting - Youth Code of Conduct

All units within 301 Scouting will primarily adhere to the Policy and Procedures outlined by the Boy Scouts of America. 

• The Scout Oath and Law

• Guide to Safe Scouting: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/

• Guidelines and Policies: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/guidelines-policies/

This section represents the code of conduct for 301 Scouting units and should be viewed as supplemental. The current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting will always take precedent.

When at any Troop or Patrol function, all Scouts and adult leaders and families are expected to live up to the Scout Oath and Law. If at any time the Scout or adult leader is not complying with these guidelines, the Scout or adult leader will face the appropriate disciplinary action based on the offense, including being asked to leave activity.

Scouting is designed for scouts to learn new skills and become leaders. Failing is a large part of that process. At all 301 Scouting activities, parents are asked to refrain from helping their scouts directly and instead encourage them to work with their patrol leaders and / or scoutmaster.

Discipline Policy for 301 Scouting Units

Discipline must be constructive.

• Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values.

• Corporal punishment is never permitted.

• Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.

While BSA Troops are run by the Scouts under the guidance of the adult leaders, most Scout infractions are minor and will be dealt with by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and the Patrol Leader or Patrol Leaders Council (PLC). When an infraction is determined to be major, the issue will be addressed immediately to the Scoutmaster or designated Assistant Scoutmaster.

Minor Scout Behavior Issues

If a Scout has a minor behavioral problem, the SPL or PLC member will handle the consequence for the Scout. The SPL has the responsibility for imposing behavioral consequences for minor Scout behavioral issues. Adults will not step in unless requested by the SPL, but the SPL or PLC may consult the Scoutmaster for advice or concurrence if they desire.

If a Scout’s minor misbehaviors begin to occur repetitively, the SPL should consult with the Scoutmaster (SM) for appropriate action. The Scoutmaster must inform the Scout’s parent(s) or guardian(s) verbally of the situation.

Suggested Consequences for Minor Scout Misbehavior: Consequences for minor behavioral issues must be appropriate for the act. It should be remembered that the purpose of the consequences is not to punish, but rather to stop the inappropriate behavior immediately and in the future. Discipline must be constructive.

• Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values.

• Corporal punishment is never permitted.

• Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.

Major Scout Behavior Issues

It is not possible to completely identify all potential misbehaviors that could be considered major therefore any questionable behavior shall be deemed major by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster depending on the events of the situation in question. 

Example Major Misbehaviors:

• Behavior threatening the physical safety of the Scout, another Scout, or an adult

• Leaving a Scout activity or meeting without Patrol Leader approval

• Intentional destruction of property

• Grossly abusive behavior

• Illegal conduct, in or out of Scouting

• Illicit use of drugs or alcohol, in or out of Scouting

• Bullying (including cyber-bullying), hazing, or harassment of any kind

• “sexting” or sharing pornographic material or photos with other Scouts;

• Stealing from another Scout; 

• Misbehavior or refusal to abide by troop policies which is seriously detrimental to the welfare of the troop; 

• Willful disregard of the Scout Law or Scout Promise, especially by an adult in a position of trust. 

• Repeated misbehavior over the last 12 months

• Extreme misbehavior not falling into other categories

Disciplinary Actions

In the event that the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster finds it necessary to discipline for a major offense the following steps will be taken. This however, is subject to the leader's judgment; it may be appropriate to skip some steps based on the severity of the offense.

On the first major offense the following steps will be taken:

1. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Leader in charge will meet with the scout and the parent(s) or guardians(s) to discuss the discipline problems with them and inform them that this behavior will not be tolerated. Either parent(s) or guardian(s) must be informed of the infraction. 

2. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will then be required to attend the next Scout activity with their Scout, in order for the Scout to participate.

3. The Troop Committee Chairman must be notified in writing by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or Leader in charge, and given all the details.

4. At the Scoutmaster’s discretion, any Scout receiving discipline under a “first offense” may be given a probationary period ranging in length from six months to one year, depending upon the severity of the offense. If the Scout has no further incidents during the probationary period, the first offense will be removed from their record. In the event that another incident occurs during the probationary period, it will be treated as a second offense. 

On the second major offense the following steps will be taken:

1. The Troop Committee Chairman must be notified by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Leader in charge and given all details of the offense.

2. The Troop Committee Chairman will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the involved Scout.

3. The parent(s) or guardians(s) and the Scout must appear before the Troop committee to discuss the problem before being allowed to attend any troop functions. Either parent(s) or guardian(s) must be informed of the infraction. 

4. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will then be required to attend the next Scout activity

5. On the second offense, or in the case of possible endangerment of the Scout or others, a Special Board of Review may be called at the discretion of the Troop Committee, Scoutmaster, and/or Assistant Scoutmasters

On the third major offense, notification follows the same pattern as above. 

1. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to remove the Scout from 301 Scouting units.

Although this procedure will be followed in most cases, the Troop Committee upon request of the Scoutmaster and/or Assistant Scoutmaster may decide, based on the infraction, that it is in the best interest of the Troop that the Scout be informed that they will have to find another troop to continue their Scouting career.

Per BSA policy, a scout or adult volunteer can be removed from a 301 Scouting unit at anytime at the discretion of the Chartered Organization Representative.

Removal from office

In any of the above “Major Offense” actions, the Scoutmaster has the discretion, after conferring with the Senior Patrol Leader, to remove the offending Scout from any leadership position they may have held at the time of the offense.

Reporting Requirements

Timely reports allow for an appropriate response. Report incidents, misses, youth protection and membership infraction incidents. For more specific reporting requirements, see the BSA guidelines:  https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/

Back to top