STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR TROOP 624

Scouts in Troop 624 live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Sometimes the meaning of these principles can become somewhat blurred or confused. For that reason, the following standards and expectations are offered for clarification.

DRESS CODE

There are three standard uniforms or dress standards for the troop. All badges, rank insignia and leadership patches should be current.

Class A Uniform: This is the full dress uniform with merit badge sash, Order of the Arrow sash (for OA members), authorized hat, Scout Shirt (short or long sleeve), Scout pants, troop neckerchief and slide, Scout belt, socks and shoes. The Class A uniform is worn to troop meetings, Boards of Review, Courts of Honor, Scout Sunday and other special occasions.

Class B Uniform: This uniform consists of a scout shirt and authorized hat. Scout pants and neckerchief are not normally required. This uniform is worn on hikes and backpacks or in transport to Summer Camp or other outings where a Class A uniform is not needed.

Work Uniform: This uniform consists of the troop tee-shirt, blue jeans or work pants in good condition, tennis shoes and outer wear appropriate for the season.

ATTENDANCE

Advancement to each rank requires that a Scout "be active in his troop" for a specified period of time. With all of the activities that young men participate in these days, it is necessary to define what attendance means in Troop 624. An active Scout must maintain a 66% or better attendance average for the previous six-month period before advancing to the next rank. We do not keep formal records; rather "being active" is determined by the Scoutmaster and his staff. Each Scout must also maintain contact with his Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster (which ever is appropriate given the Scout's position in the troop) keeping them informed of absences prior to their occurrence. Schedules do conflict from time to time and it is expected that Scouts will sometimes miss a Troop Meeting. However, the following special events are considered very important and attendance is required unless special arrangements are made with the Scoutmaster: Camporees, the National Good Turn, fundraising events, Courts of Honor, National Courts of Honor, Scout Sunday, the Pancake Breakfast and summer camp (always the week in which the Fourth of July falls).

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Troop 624 has a very active program. We need all of the adult leadership help we can get. At least one parent from each Scout's family is expected to register as an adult leader - a Scouter - and serve on the Troop Committee or Scoutmaster Staff. We recognize that not all parents have Scouting experience, but we also know that each parent has a skill to contribute. We need Merit Badge Counselors, Assistant Scoutmasters, drivers, hikers, campers, summer camp staff, fund-raisers, record keepers, badge-picker-uppers - there is plenty of work for everyone. Please be ready to indicate how you wish to participate in the troop when you register. Registration costs an annual fee of $7.00.

There are many other ways that parents can help support the Troop and our program. Here are a few ideas:

1. Sign up as an adult leader -- we need to have you sign up to be sure we are covered by the Council's insurance program, forms are available from the Scout Masters and the cost is only $7.00 per year.
    

2. Attend monthly Troop Committee meetings (announced a week beforehand - we need your input and participation).
    

3. Come to our troop meetings when you can, especially the Courts of Honor -- show the Scouts we're proud of their accomplishments.
    

4. Attend the Eagle Courts of Honor - these are very special events as only 1.5% of all Scouts become Eagles.
    

5. Join us for a few days at Camp Sinoquipe during the week of July 4th -- we like to have as many parents as possible camp with us for a portion of the week to help those Scouters who are there all week.
    

6. Pick a program month to help with our activities by going on the outing or providing transportation.
    

7. Become a Merit Badge Counselor in a topic you enjoy, serve on the Troop Committee or on the Scout Master staff or in a special role such as Equipment Chairman, Advancement Chairman, etc.
    

8. Encourage your Scout to work on his advancement and let him know you are interested in his accomplishments - it is through advancement that the Scout benefits most from the program because the advancement opens him to new experiences and adventures.
    

9. Contribute to the Downs Fund. The Fund helps us maintain our equipment and provides camping scholarships. Contributions can be sent to our Finance Chairman.
    

10. Sign up to help the Troop in its fund-raisers such as the Pancake Breakfast ticket sales, popcorn sales, leaf raking, car washing and other moneymakers.

At any time during the year if you have any questions about Troop 624 plans or operations, please feel free to contact anyone on the Scoutmaster Staff or Troop Committee identified on the Troop Roster.