BOY SCOUT TROOP 155

HANDBOOK FOR
SCOUTS & PARENTS

Troop 155 is chartered by

St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church and the
Algonquin Lions Club of Algonquin, IL

Revision #3.0 (3/9/15)

WELCOME TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 155!

This Handbook is provided to each Scout family to better acquaint you with the standards
and requirements of Troop 155 and Boy Scouting. Please make the time to review it with
your son. This handbook states the current policies and procedures of B.S.A. Troop 155.
If you or your son have any suggestions that can help us improve our scouting program,
please bring these to the attention of the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or any
Committee member.
The success of the troop and the program your son participates in is highly dependent on
its resources. Parents and individuals who give their time are our biggest asset.

Scout Promise
On my honor
I will do my best
To do my duty, to God and my country
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, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

Scout Motto
Be Prepared.

Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily.

I. THE AIMS AND METHODS OF THE BOY SCOUT PROGRAM

Aims
Troop 155 has three main values:
Moral strength and character: We may define this as what the Scout is himself,
personal qualities, values and outlook on life.
Participation in citizenship: Our scout will learn his obligations to other people, the
society that he lives in and to the government that presides over that society.

Development of physical, mental and emotional fitness: Our scout through their
programs will develop physical fitness of the body (well tuned and healthy), the mind
(able to think and solve problems), and emotion (self control, courage, and self-respect).
Methods
Ideals
The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, motto and slogan. The
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 he becomes.
Patrols
The patrol method helps Scouts experience group living and participating in citizenship.
It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to
accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily
relate to each other.
Outdoors
The Boy Scout experience is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoors that
Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here that the skills and
activities practiced in troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature
helps Scouts gain an appreciation for Gods handiwork and mankinds place in it. The
outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of
natures resources.
Advancement
Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome through the
advancement method. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace
as he overcomes each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which
helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a boy grow in
self-reliance and ability to help others.
Personal Growth
As Scouts plan their activity and progress toward their own personal goals, they
experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal
growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects
and do Good Turns for others. There probably is no device so successful in developing a
basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn.
Leadership Development
The Boy Scout Program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every
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.

II. PARENTS' ROLE IN TROOP 155

Both male and female parents as well as others from the community that take the
initiative to share their time and experiences with the Scouts of Troop 155 are the
foundation of our Scouting program. Without your involvement the program is not
possible. If you are 21 years of age or older and would like to participate in one or more
of the roles given below, please contact the Scoutmaster or any Assistant Scoutmaster.
Before submitting an application for membership for any of the below stated roles, you
must complete Youth Protection training:
- Scoutmaster
- Assistant Scoutmaster
- Committee Chair
- Committee Member
- Camping Parent (willing to participate in outdoor activities)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Advancement/Awards Coordinator
- Merit Badge Counselor
- Activities Chair
- Fundraising Chair
- Troop Correspondence
Please note:
- Within 15 months of an adult leader becoming an Assistant Scoutmaster, he or she must
complete Scoutmaster Fundamentals training.
- All adults supporting the troop are required to take Youth Protection training every 2
years.
We encourage you to join this commitment in whatever way you can. We understand
your participation will depend on your time available and your interests. No matter what
level of commitment, show support for your son's Scouting activities by:
- Encouraging him to attend weekly meetings*!
- Encourage him to earn his dues and money for activities
- Encouraging him to participate in weekend outings*
- Encouraging him to advance
- Encouraging him to attend Summer Camp
- Encouraging him to wear his uniform
- Attending Court of Honors, dinners, and information nights.
- Volunteer to drive to or from outdoor activities
- Showing a sincere interest in his scouting activities & achievements
*Scouts must attend one troop meeting 1 2 weeks prior to an outing in order to attend
that outing.

!Scouts wanting to attend summer camp must participate in 50% of troop activities within
a charter year.

III. CODE OF CONDUCT IN TROOP 155

Statement of Understanding: All youth and adult participants represent BSA Troop 155
based on their qualifications in character, Scout skills, physical fitness, and leadership
qualities. Therefore, all youth participants and the parents or guardians are asked to sign
the Code of Conduct and Statement of Understanding as a condition for participation
with the further understanding that serious misconduct or infractions of rules and
regulations may result in Troop expulsion. Ultimately, it is desirable that each participant
to be responsible for their own behavior, All youth and adult participants are expected to
abide by the code of conduct as follows:
1. The Troop adult leadership (Scoutmaster and Assistants) are responsible for the
supervision of its membership in respect to maintaining discipline and the Code of
Conduct.
2. The Scout Oath & Law will be my guide throughout my Scouting career.
3. I will set a good example by keeping myself neatly dressed by wearing the official
Scout uniform.
4. I will attend all scheduled programs and participate as required in cooperation
with other Troop members and leadership.
5. In consideration of other Troop members, I agree to follow bedtime and sleep
schedule of the Troop.
6. I will be responsible for keeping my tent and personal gear labeled, clean, and
neat.
7. It is clearly understood that the purchase, possession, or consumption of illegal
drugs, tobacco or alcohol by any Scout or leader is prohibited.
8. I agree that gambling of any form is prohibited.
9. Possession or detonation of fireworks is prohibited.
10. I will demonstrate respect for BSA and Troop property and will be personally
responsible for the cleanliness, and any loss, breakage, or vandalism.
11. Neither the Troop leader of the BSA will be responsible for loss, breakage, or
theft of personal items. I will label all of my personal items and check items of
value at the direction of Troop Leaders. Theft will not be tolerated.

12. While participating in Troop activities, I will obey the safety rules and
instructions of all supervisors and staff members.
13. Adult leaders and youth are prohibited from having firearms in their possession.
14. Scoutmasters and assistants will be guided by the Scout Oath and Law and will
obey all local and state laws.
15. Hazing has no place in Scouting and is strictly prohibited in Troop 155.
16. Scoutmasters and assistants must receive Youth Protection Training and follow
the guidelines therein.
17. Repeat violation of this Code may result in expulsion at the participant's own
expense from Troop 155. All decisions made by the Troop Adult
Leadership/Troop Committee will be final.

IV. DISCIPLINE IN TROOP 155

To provide fellowship, fun, and safety for our Scouts, the following regulations are
necessary:
Troop 155 does not permit nor condone:
any form of initiation, harassment, or other demeaning practices. Acts of this
nature are not considered part of Scouting and will be dealt with by adult
leadership. If a parent knows of such a practice, it should be brought to the
attention of an adult Scout leader immediately.
using any form of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to
others and/or urging others to engage in such behavior. Such behaviors include
the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, bullying,
dishonesty, swearing, fighting or other comparable conduct.
causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal
property that does not belong to them.
endangering themselves or others.
Conduct deemed questionable by scout leaders will be brought to the Troop Committee
for review. Appropriate action will be taken, up to troop expulsion.

V. SAFETY & SCOUT BEHAVIOR POLICY

At any Scouting event, any Scout demonstrating an improper attitude or unsafe practices
that can hurt oneself or fellow Scouts will be required to leave the event immediately.

Parents will be called to pick up the Scout as soon as possible. Cooperation of the parent
is mandatory.

VI. DRIVING POLICY

No Scout or persons under the age of 21 are permitted to transport Scouts to or from any
Scouting activity. All adult volunteer drivers must fill out a District Insurance information
sheet. The number of people in a vehicle is not to exceed the number of seat belts
available. These rules are in compliance with National BSA Policies and BSA Insurance
coverage.
A Scout may drive himself to and from BSA Scout related activities only after prior
written authorization is received from the Scouts parent/guardian. No riders will be
permitted without prior written authority from their parent/guardian (verbal authorization
will not be accepted). Forms are available on the Troop 155 Facebook page (see XVI
Communications section of this document).

VII. SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

The Scout Oath requires that a Scout keep himself "physically strong". The use of any
controlled substance (drugs, alcohol, tobacco products) is strictly prohibited at any
Scouting function or meeting. Scouts or Scouters detected using these substances will be
asked to leave that particular function, and a parent/Scout meeting will be held with the
Scoutmaster, appropriate Assistant/leader and Committee Chairman.

VIII. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS OF TROOP 155

National Medical Forms
All Scouts must complete and update the National Medical Form (Health Forms A, B, C,
& D). Forms A & B are required by the troop annually. Form C is required for summer
camp or any event that is 72 hours or longer. Form D is required for High Adventure.
Adults 40+ years must have a yearly physical in order to participate in ANY Scout
activity.
Medications/Medical Problems
Medications that a Scout may need on a campout must be brought to the attention of the
Adult leader in charge with written instructions from a parent/Doctor for administering.
Medications must be provided in the original package supplied by the pharmacy.
Any other medical problems such as allergies, sleepwalking, asthma, car sickness, etc.
should also be brought to the attention of the Adult leader in charge of a scouting
function.

Medical Insurance
BSA has a group insurance policy from which scouts receive coverage as a part of their
annual registration. This is a supplemental insurance, not complete insurance coverage.
While being transported, scouts are only covered if they are wearing their Class A/B
uniform while on route to an outing. Adults need to be registered with the troop to be
covered by supplemental insurance.

IX. FINANCES OF TROOP 155

DO NOT ALLOW FINANCES TO STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR SON'S
INVOLVEMENT IN THE TROOP. If you have a sincere need, contact your
Scoutmaster the conversation will be held in confidence. Troop 155 is completely selfsupportive. The programs, outings, and awards we are able to provide our Scouts depend
on dues, fund raising, and personal fee charges (campout food, special outings). Some
donations are received and are encouraged by parents, matching fund programs and
organizations that wish to support scouting as well as the values it teaches.
Some examples of Troop expenses are:
Advancement Awards
Camping Equipment
Insurance
Campout Registration Fees
Troop Meeting Supplies
Miscellaneous Troop Needs
Campout Expenses
Adult uniformed leaders are responsible for supervising and assisting in preparation for
Troop 155 campouts throughout the year. Associated with these campouts are
miscellaneous costs. The troop will follow IRS non-profit organization guidelines for
mileage reimbursement for the driver of the trailer, should that driver choose to be
reimbursed. Upon request, the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson, and the Troop
Treasurer may consider approval to reimburse unusual or extra ordinary expenses
incurred by the Adult Leaders.
Each Boy Scout will normally be charged a fee for each weekend campout. When a
Scouts family is not able to meet this financial commitment, the parent or guardian of the
Scout should consult with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairman.
Individual Scout Expenses:
Troop Dues: for patches, awards, operation expenses.
Rechartering Fee: for BSA registration and insurance.
Special Events: Summer Camp, Jamborees, etc.
Personal Scouting Uniform & Gear
Personal Camping Gear
Handbooks

Fund Raisers
Occasionally Troop 155 will hold a fund raiser. Participation by all is very desirable and
required to maintain the best programs and equipment available.

X. NEW SCOUTS
All new Scouts to Troop 155 will be:
- provided a Troop 155 neckerchief
- provided a Troop 155 slide
- provided epaulets (shoulder loops)
- required to sign the Parents Guide found in the Boy Scout Handbook.
- assigned a patrol
- required to sign this Troop Handbook/Code of Conduct
At the Court of Honor following a new Scout joining Troop 155, his family will be
formally introduced to the Troop.

XI. EQUIPMENT LIST & UNIFORM

Uniform
The Troop 155 uniform consists of the following:
- Official BSA Class A shirt w/appropriate patches per the BSA handbook
- Scout appropriate slide
- Troop 155 neckerchief
- Sneakers, hiking shoes or boots (sandals are not permitted)
Activity uniform (Class B T-shirts) will be made available to the troop on occasion
throughout the year.
Between May 15 and September 15 each year, Troop 155 observes Summer uniform
criteria. The summer uniform consists of any Scout related (printed) shirt and
shorts/pants as appropriate. Sandals are not permitted for any scout activity other than
water sports and even then only when appropriate to the activity.
Need Immediately
Boy Scout Handbook
Not a Must, but Used Often
Backpack, Pocket Knife, Compass, Canteen/Water Bottle, Hiking Boots.
Note, scouts can only carry a pocket knife once they have earned their Totin Chip.
Excerpt on Knives from Guide to Safe Scouting:

A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool.

Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and
awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish.
Since its inception, Boy Scouting has relied heavily on an outdoor program to
achieve its objectives. This program meets more of the purposes of Scouting than
any other single feature. We believe we have a duty to instill in our members,
youth and adult, the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned
knives with the highest concern for safety and responsibility.
Rememberknives are not allowed on school premises, nor can they be taken
aboard commercial aircraft.

Other supplies are available at local camping stores. Several stores give discounts on
camping equipment if you show you are a scout by presenting your current BSA ID card
(sale items excluded).
NOTE: Scout uniform insignia are to be worn properly at all times. Current Scout rank
should be displayed on the uniform after the award has been received. A Scout should be
proud of his uniform and what he has accomplished.

XII. MEETINGS OF TROOP 155

Troop Meetings - Held weekly.
Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) Held monthly for Scout leadership. All scouts are
invited but not required to attend.
Committee Meetings Held monthly. Attendees include adult members and adult
leadership. Meet to discuss, evaluate and decide the activities of the Troop. The
Committee also holds all necessary Boards of Review for Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.
Membership in the Troop Committee is open to friends, interested persons, and parents of
Scouts registered/affiliated with Troop 155.
Adult Leadership Meetings Held periodically to discuss upcoming changes or
suggestions for the good of the troop. All parents/guardians are welcome and requested to
attend.
Court of Honor Generally held three times per Scout year to honor Scouts and Adults
for their achievements in Troop 155 and Scouting. This is considered a family event and
all Scout families are strongly encouraged to attend.
XIII. LEADERSHIP OF TROOP 155
Senior Patrol Leader - Elected annually by fellow Scouts. All Scouts having obtained
the rank of Life are eligible. The Senior Patrol Leader is the youth leader with the most

responsibility in a troop. They are usually chosen at six- to 12-month intervals and can
be reelected. The senior patrol leader is in charge of troop meetings from beginning to
end. He chairs meetings of the patrol leaders council as they plan troop activities and
programs. In short, the Senior Patrol Leaders job is to see that the troop runs in an
orderly and timely manner.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - Appointed by the adult leadership to assist the Senior
Patrol Leader with Troop duties and to help guide the Patrol Leaders. Also takes over for
the Senior Patrol Leader when he is not present he is absent. Among his specific
responsibilities are training and providing direction for the troop quartermaster, scribe,
Order of the Arrow troop representative, historian, librarian, and instructors.
Patrol Leaders & Assistant Patrol Leaders - One patrol leader is elected by the
members of each patrol. He takes responsibility for the patrols activities and represents
the patrol as a member of the patrol leaders council. Each patrol leader appoints an
assistant patrol leader to serve with him.
The duties of the Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leaders are:
-

Help teach skills and encourage Scout advancement in the patrols. Scouts must know
and do all of the skill requirements before they can be signed off. You can not teach or
sign off a skill that you have not earned.

Keep Patrol informed of ALL Troop activities. If a Patrol member misses three (3)
meetings in a row, call him to see if there is a problem.

Patrol Supplies - Maintain an accurate phone list

- Keep Patrol flag in good shape
- Keep Patrol box in good, clean shape
- Keep a Patrol notebook and make notes
- Keep Patrol menus & recipes for future use

Troop Guide - The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of a newScout patrol. He is an older Scout, at least First Class in rank, who helps the patrol leader
of a new-Scout patrol by providing direction, coaching, and support.
OTHER TROOP POSITIONS:
Bugler - Plays the bugle when called upon.
Librarian - The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets,
magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials
to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may
also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report on the need to repair or replace
any current holdings.

Historian - The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories,
trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. He might also collect and
organize information about former Scouts and leaders and make materials available for
Scouting activities, media contacts, and troop history projects.
Quartermaster - The quartermaster is the supply and equipment boss. He keeps a
current inventory of troop equipment and sees that it is in good condition. He works with
patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it, and reports to the patrol
leaders council on equipment in need of replacement or repair.
Scribe - The scribe is the troops secretary. He attends meetings of the patrol leaders
council and keeps a logbook of their discussions, but is not a voting member. During
troop meetings he records attendance and dues payments and maintains troop
advancement records. He may be assigned to a member of the troop committee to help
him with his work.
Instructor - Each instructor is an older troop member proficient both in a Scouting skill
and in the ability to teach that skill to others. First aid, camping, backpackingthe
subjects can encompass any of the areas that Scouts will want to master, especially those
required for outdoor activities and rank advancement.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster This scout must be at least Life rank and 16 years of
age. He will follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and
supervision to other boy leaders in the troop.
IT IS THE GOAL OF THE LEADERSHIP OF TROOP 155 THAT ALL MEMBERS OF
THE TROOP WHO ACHIEVE LIFE RANK, SHALL COMPLETE ALL EAGLE RANK
REQUIREMENTS BY AGE 17.
XIV. AWARDS
In addition to advancement awards, several other scouting patches and medals can be
earned. They are listed in the Boy Scout Requirements Handbook, available at the troop
library.
Tips on Advancement
1. There are four steps to advancement:
- a Scout learns
- he is tested
- he attends a Scoutmaster Review
- he attends a troop committee Board of Review
- he receives his award

2. Two types of awards lead to advancement in rank: Mastery of skills and merit badges.
3. How to achieve awards and merit badges:
- The Scout takes the initiative to advance.
- Set up attainable goals and devote a little time each week to achieving them.
- Be familiar with requirements.
- Combine requirements with school, troop, family, and personal activities.
- Don't wait, do it today.
- Go camping on the weekends with the troop and go to summer camp.
- Work on required awards and badges; not just the ones that are easy or that you
like.
- Ask Mom and Dad, older Scouts and leaders to help.
- Leaders or a Scout of that rank or higher can sign off on Scout requirements.
Parents cannot sign off on Scout requirements.
4. Keep a log (notebook) of your Scouting activities: Campouts, summer camp, service
hours, school activities, awards, leadership positions, etc. Note dates, special activities,
requirements passed, fun things. It will help with Eagle Scout Application, college and
job applications.
5. Show Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath & Law
SCOUT SPIRIT: LIVING THE SCOUT OATH & LAW CRITERIA:
UNIFORM
RESPECT OF OTHERS
ATTENDANCE
SERVICE PROJECTS
ADVANCEMENT
PARTICIPATION
RESPECT PROPERTY
SETS EXAMPLE
LEADERSHIP
XV. COMMUNICATIONS
Troop 155 tries its best to keep Scouts and parents informed of all activities and policies.
Our means of doing this are:
* Troop 155 Handbook - Available to every family.
* Flyers - Preceding each campout or special activity, a flyer with specific
directions, information, and emergency phone numbers will be distributed at a
troop meeting.
* Phone lists of all active Scouts, Leaders, and Committee Members.
* Annual Calendar listing all Troop activities.
* Troop Forms

Most information is sent home with Scouts to teach responsibility and to keep postage
rates down. Parents are encouraged to ask for and read this information.
Please visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date and complete information. To
request access to our facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/boyscouttroop155algonquin,il and request to be added.

XVI. TRANSPORTATION POLICY FOR TROOP 155

1. We will ensure that there are sufficient seats and seat belts for each Scout, however we
can't guarantee a specific spot. Each occupant must have and wear a seat belt!
2. Most trips will begin and end at our sponsor Church. Please be prompt when dropping
off and picking up your Scout.
3. Your Scout must sign up and pay monies due by the deadline for him to be able to
attend the activity and be included in the transportation arrangements. Please ask him to
let us know at that time if a parent can assist in the transportation to and/or from the
campout.
4. Each parent is expected to provide transportation at least once during the Scout year.
Please volunteer often. It makes our job much easier.
5. Drivers for Troop campouts must be at least 21 years old, unless all riders are members
of the same family.
6. If we can not arrange enough rides, the trip will be limited to number of participants
based on a sign up sheet for the activity or canceled!
7. If you are forced to change your plans, you must inform an adult leader as soon as
possible.
XVII. CONCLUSION
The Scout Master and Adult Leadership hopes this handbook has helped to
better explain Troop 155 and Scouting to you. If you still have any questions,
please feel free to contact any Adult Leader

I have read and understand the Boy Scout Troop 155 Handbook For
Scouts & Parents, including the Code of Conduct outlined in Section
III.

Scouts Name: _________________________________

Scouts Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________

Parents Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______________