Troop By-Laws

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#993300" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>BSA Troop 87</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="default.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BSA Troop 87"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Troop By-Laws</B>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U>Calendar</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission/Vision"><U>Mission/Vision</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Scouts"><U>Scouts</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Related Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Meeting at the Jamestown United Methodist Church Youth Barn</div> <bR> <div> 59218 County Road 3</div> <div> Elkhart, IN 46517</div> <bR> <div> Monday Nights 6:30pm - 8:00pm</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Elkhart&state=IN&address=59218+County+Road+3&zipcode=46517-9373" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Elkhar"><U><IMG SRC="0a6a4920.gif" border=0 width="164" height="146" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> (Click on Map to bring up MapQuest image)</div> <div> The church is located on the SE corner of Couty Road 3 and County Road 22 in Elkhart, IN.  The Youth Barn is a short walk on an Eagle Scout Project through the parking lot to the South. </div> </td> <td valign="top" height=398 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Troop By-Laws</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Boy Scout Troop 87</B></div> <div> Jamestown United Methodist Church </div> <div> Elkhart, Indiana</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="12324330.gif" border=0 width="292" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT></div> <div>           </div> <div>      </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="12516f50.jpg" border=0 width="278" height="245" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Troop By-Laws </B></div> <div> <B>Rules and Regulations</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> @Committee Approved 2010<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Boy Scout Troop 87 </B></div> <div> <B>Boy Scouts of America </B></div> <div> <B>Jamestown United Methodist Church </B></div> <div> <B>-By-Laws- </B></div> <div> <B><U>Meetings </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> The Troop Meetings will be every Monday evening, except during school recesses, and when there is bad weather.  All Scouts should arrive prepared at around 6:15 p.m.  The meeting starts at 6:30 pm, and ends at 8:00 pm.  All meetings are at the Jamestown United Methodist Church Scout barn, unless a special announcement is made.  Meetings start promptly.  If we have to wait to start, it may inconvenience parents who may wish to be home on time. Our Website <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>WWW.BSATROOP87.COM</U></FONT> has all the current information on the troop, such as a calendar, fundraiser information and pictures. This should be looked at every Sunday evening for up-dates.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Leadership </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> The Boy Scout program is led by volunteers who are at least 21 years of age and are of good moral character, selected by the Troops committee, because of their interest in Boy Scout-age youth. </div> <div>  </div> <div> One of the objectives of Boy Scouts is to help the Boy Scout learn how to become a future leader. We will help them to develop the ability to get along with others, to share and help one another. They must also perform community service through the Troop.  Parents are expected to support their Boy Scout(s) in these endeavors.  Parents are always encouraged to become a part of the Troop by becoming a trained leader, so that all Boy Scouts can achieve the ranks of scouting.  The Troop gets better when the parents are more involved. </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Membership </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> A boy may become a Boy Scout when he has completed the fifth grade, or has earned his Arrow of Light Award from a Cub Scout Pack, or is 11 years old.  He may remain a Boy Scout until his 18<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> birthday. Membership is accepted at anytime.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Purpose of Boy Scouting </U></B></div> <div> <I>* Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth. </I></div> <div> <I>* Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship. </I></div> <div> <I>* Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind & body. </I></div> <div> <I>* Improve understanding within the family. </I></div> <div> <I>* To get along with others and to show respect. </I></div> <div> <I>* Foster a sense of personal achievement by learning new skills. </I></div> <div> <I>* Show how to be helpful and to be prepared. </I></div> <div> <I>* Provide fun and exciting new things to do. </I></div> <div> <I>* To work towards earning the Eagle Award. </I></div> <div> <I>* Participate in patrol and Troop activities. </I></div> <div> <I>* Meets requirements for advancement within his Troop. </I></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Camp-outs and Outings-Special Events </U></B></div> <div>  </div> <div> Generally, there will be nine camp-outs per year, including District and Council camps.  A completed permission slip and the required fees must be returned when specified or you will have missed your chance to participate.  <B>At all times we need adults for transportation. </B>Two-deep leadership is also required by the Boy Scouts of America at all Boy Scout events. </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Advancement </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> Advancement is the most important part of Boy Scouts.  It is through advancement that a Boy Scout gains knowledge and self-confidence.  Each Boy Scout is expected to have a current Boy Scout handbook.  The book explains what is required for all advancements.  The family members of the Boy Scout(s) should familiarize themselves with this book, and they must <B>complete and remove</B> the youth protection pamphlet in the front of each book before any youth awards are handed out. </div> <div>  </div> <div> * All Boy Scouts are expected to know what is required to obtain the next advancement. </div> <div>  </div> <div> * Missing meetings can mean waiting a long time before the Troop covers the particular subject again. </div> <div>  </div> <div> * Boy Scouts are encouraged to practice skills at home on their own time. </div> <div>  </div> <div> * Parents are expected to participate in all advancement ceremonies when their boy receives his award, which is held at what is called a “Court of Honor”. This is held at least 4 times per year. </div> <div>  </div> <div> *Parents are expected to attend all Court of Honors with their boy, and take part in any special Troop events.  BSA does not stand for baby sitters of placecountry-regionAmerica. </div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B><U>Uniforms </U></B></div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Troop 87 believes in wearing the Boy Scout uniform, and or Activity shirt.  </B>It gives each Boy Scout the sense of belonging.  It also gives each Boy Scout a place to proudly display his achievements, advancements and places he has been.  They must be taught to respect this uniform and what it stands for. Boy Scout Troop 87 has a special scarf for all its members. <B>Boy Scouts should attend </B><B><U>all regular weekly Troop meetings</U></B><B> wearing at least the official Boy Scout Shirt, respectfully (unless the Activity uniform has been decided). </B> <B>After the Boy Scout receives his First Class Badge it is recommended that he owns the full Official Boy Scout uniform. The Official Boy Scout uniform consists of: Boy Scout shirt (long or short sleeve), neckerchief and slide, Boy Scout socks and Boy Scout pants.  As an option the Boy Scout hat can be worn also (but not indoors). </B> At certain times the Troop may require the use of an activity uniform, which consists of a special Boy Scout shirt, such as a special camp shirt or a Troop designed tee shirt.  Shirts from past summer camps are great for this.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> Uniforms and other Boy Scouting items are available at: </div> <div> Skinner the Printer, placeaddressStreet226 South Main St. placeCityElkhart </div> <div> The BSA office in placeCitySouth Bend. Or the BSA office in placeCityFort Wayne. </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.scoutstuff.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.scoutstuff.org/"><U>http://www.scoutstuff.org/</U></A> is the official scout store website.</div> <bR> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Other Equipment </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> Each Boy Scout should have as a minimum, the following equipment at all meetings and camp-outs: </div> <div> The current Boy Scout Handbook, paper or a small notebook, and a pencil or pen. </div> <div> At all camp-outs:  proper clothing and footwear, rain wear, sleeping bag, water bottle, personal dishes and silverware, flashlight, pocket knife.  (Items needed are listed in the Boy Scout Handbook).  The leaders of this unit are not responsible for Boy Scouts who forget to take items and are not prepared. The Troop will supply most of the items for special planned events. The troop owns tents, stoves and other camping items.  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Funding </U></B></div> <div>  </div> <div> All organizations need funds to run their program and this Troop is no exception.  The Boy Scout members of this Troop are expected to pay the fees below and to participate in Troop fundraisers. When you pay your membership to join Troop 87, a portion of that money pays for your National membership. The initial <B><U>joining fee is $25.00</U></B> with the balance put in that Boy Scouts membership account. This is directly deposited into your membership fund. Each Boy Scout has three accounts: membership, awards, and (summer) camping. Troop funds are created by popcorn sales, candy sales, Christmas tree sales, special fundraisers, donations, car washes, Chicken BBQ's, etc.  This fund raising money is used to pay the annual BSA fees for re-chartering, to provide funds for summer camp, as well as to pay for the membership of all adult members and Troop leaders for as long as they are active within the Troop. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Troop 87 has a checking account at a local bank, and all records are available.  Adult leaders are not asked to pay to be a leader, although if they wish to pay the money, they should not be turned down.  These fees per Boy Scout and Leader are $15.00 for registration, $12.00 for Boys Life, and $1.66 for accident insurance.  Troop funds are also used to purchase books, website fees, paper items, automobile fuel, LP, calendars, training materials, computer software, campsite rentals, program supplies such as awards, postage and any Troop newsletters.   </div> <div>  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Fees that the Boy Scouts are expected to pay are as follows: </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><U>Dues are $50.00 per year.  These dues are broken up into two payments. $25.00 due the first week of December and $25.00 due the first week of August</U></B>.  It is encouraged that each Boy Scout be responsible for earning all or part of this money.  If dues have not been paid by the end of the month designated, and that Boy Scout is not active in the Troop, that Boy Scout can and or will have lost his membership in Troop 87 and will forfeit all funds in all of his accounts. If these dues have not been paid within the month due, then the proper amount will be automatically deducted from that Boy Scouts camping account.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> Fees for Camp-outs and permission slips must be turned into the Troop Scribe when the deadline is given.  No exceptions!  The date given is a <B>deadline</B>, not a guideline.  It is always best to fill out the permission slip and pay the fee as soon as you receive it.  If you plan on being late with payment and the permission slip, you will not be able to go.  These fees are <U>non-refundable</U>, as we often have to pay some of these fees in advance of the event to hold places and buy food.  <B>If a Boy Scout is behind on dues or owes money from a camp-out or fundraiser, he fully jeopardizes receiving his awards on a timely basis, and can jeopardize his next camp-out if his account is not kept current.  It is not the responsibility of the Troop, to fund a Boy Scout that cannot participate with the Troop.   </B></div> <div>  </div> <div> <B><U>Understanding Troop 87's Statement </U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> As stated in this Boy Scout Troop 87 By-Laws it is required that each registered Boy Scout pay $50.00 per year for dues ($25.00 in December and $25.00 in August) this must be paid on time. Checks are to be made out to “<B>BSA TROOP 87”</B>.  New Boy Scouts joining pay the initial $25.00 and when December or August rolls around that fee is also due within 30 days. </div> <div>  </div> <div> The Troop Scribe and Troop Treasurer are responsible for collecting all monies due to the Troop from each Boy Scout. The dues will be divided into three separate accounts.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> (1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> account): A personal <B><U>camping fund</U></B> which is only to be used for summer camp fees, Leadership Trainings, high adventure camps, gifting, personal camping supplies and or to purchase parts of the Official Boy Scout uniform. A Boy Scout must present his request to the Troop Committee to purchases want he wants and upon approval, provide a receipt to the Troop Treasurer for reimbursement. A Boy Scout at anytime may gift money from his <B>camping fund</B> account to another Boy Scouts <B>camping fund</B> account to assist him if he feels the need. In order to gift the Boy Scout must present his request to the Troop Committee. Any funds left in the <B>camping fund</B> after the Boy Scout turns 18 will be transferred into the Troop's general fund.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> If a Boy Scout transfers his membership to another Boy Scout Troop or Crew, he is allowed to take <B>ONLY</B> his camping funds with him. A check will be made payable <B>ONLY</B> to the Troop he is joining. If the boy has lost his interest in Scouting and quits, or is terminated by the Troop Committee, he forfeits all of his account balances and his balance will be included into the Troops general fund. This also applies to a Boy Scout turning the age of 18.  </div> <div>   </div> <div>  </div> <div> (2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> account), An <B><U>award fund</U></B><B>:</B> to purchase his advancement awards.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> (3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> account): A <B><U>membership fund</U></B><B>:</B> it costs a minimum of $28.66 every year for each boy to register.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> Fund raising profits are split; we put a percentage of each boy's net sales into the <B>camping fund</B> and a percentage into the Troop general fund.  The more they sell, the more they keep. A spreadsheet (statement of dues) will be distributed at the monthly troop committee meetings, or when asked for by the Boy Scout.  Copies of Troop 87's roster of registered Boy Scouts and Leaders are distributed when changes are made or upon request. </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B><U>Leadership Responsibilities & Boy Scout Spirit </U></B></div> <div>  </div> <div> Every first Monday, in the months of August and February, at the Troop meeting we will conduct a Troop election.  At this election the Scouts vote on:  Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Librarian, Chaplain Aide, and Quartermaster etc.</div> <div>  </div> <div> All Boy Scouts and Adult leaders are to respect the commands and orders given to them by Adult<B> </B>leaders and by youth Troop leaders or disciplinary actions by Troop leaders will be taken. Youth and adults leaders not participating with Boy Scout spirit attitude will not be tolerated and they will be told to leave. If problems continue to happen, the youth and or adult leader and family members must attend a committee meeting to determine their future in Boy Scout Troop 87<I>. </I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> Any Boy Scout that misses more than <B><U>one month-straight-worth of unexcused Troop meetings</U></B> and has not made any contact with a Scoutmaster or any of the Assistant Scoutmasters will be <B><U>crossed off the roster</U></B> and will <B><U>lose all the money in their account</U></B>.   </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>If he wishes to re-join after he has quit, he will have to re-apply by paying the $25.00 initial joining fee and pay the annual dues of $50.00 in </B><B><U>one</U></B><B> payment. Total amount due at re-application is </B><B><U>$75.00</U></B><B> for the year up to December 31</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>st</B></FONT><B>.</B> The reason for this expense is to prove to the Troop committee that this Youth is interested in this program and has the support of the parent (s) or guardian (s) </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B><U>Eagle Scout Project Approval</U></B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> In Order for a Boy Scout to have an Eagle project approved by the Troop Committee, he must be actively involved in the troop by participating in 75% of troop activities in the previous six months.  </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> These By-Laws have been written and approved by Boy Scout Troop 87 Committee members. Any comments, suggestions or complaints must be directed to the Charter Organizational Representative, a member of the Troop committee. Committee meetings are held every last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Scout Barn. This is an open meeting for guests.  </div> <div>  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>