BOY SCOUT TROOP 409
West Seneca
Ebenezer United Church of Christ
INFORMATION
HANDBOOK
Original 5/12, Revised 7/13
Opening Statement, Handbook,
The Troop, Enrollment3
Uniforms4
Camping Equipment5
Fees/Fundraising6
Calendar/Troop Meetings7
Camp Outs/Summer Trips8
Scout Sunday/Cancellations/Troop Structure9
Weekly Communications10
Discipline Policy/Advancements/Rankings11
Eagle Scout Rank13
Court of Honor14
Forms & Attachments15-30
Leadership: Den Chief15
Leadership: Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader (ASPL_16
Leadership: Chaplain’s Aide17
Leadership: Troop Librarian18
Leadership: Patrol Leader (PL)19
Leadership: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)20
Leadership: Webmaster21
Leadership: Historian22
Leadership: Order of the Arrow Rep (OA)23
Leadership: Quartermaster24
Leadership: Scribe25
Activity Log for Leadership Positions26
Community Service Form27
Scout Contact Information28
Over the Counter Medication Form(Troop)29
Discipline Policy30
Troop Dues & Gear31
Troop Adult Leader Roles & ResponsibilitiesXX
Troop Roster & Calendars- To be attached at opening meeting of the yearXX
Opening Statement
Welcome to Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 409. A few generations ago in 1958, Troop 409 was formed and since then a legion of boys have worn the uniform and numerals ‘409’ since the troop was first chartered. By joining in and making his mark, your son will help add another memorable chapter to the history of our troop. He will work hard and play hard, camp enthusiastically (usually in the rain) make friends, and grow. Our aim is to promote the ability in boys to do things for themselves and others.
Our Charter organization, Ebenezer United Church of Christ, has recognized the values the Boy Scouts of America and actively supports our troop. Although the national organization is non-sectarian, it places no limits on local chartered organizations and troops in conducting their local ministry. Boy Scouts everywhere are instructed to be reverent and devoted to family, nation, and God. And for Troop 409this is not a dedication simply to a civil religion, but rather a devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are not ashamed of the gospel, rather, we are bold.
This Handbook
This handbook is intended to supplement not replace the Official BSA Handbook. All Troop 409 Scouts are required to possess the Official BSA Handbook for it provides essential information common to Scouting throughout our nation. A boy cannot progress in rank or enjoy the full benefit of Scouting by simply attending meetings. He must also read the handbook and practice the skills taught therein on his own. I encourage parents (and all family members) to read the handbook and work with your Scout at home.
This Troop
This handbook provides information particular to Troop 409. Not all Scout troops are run exactly the same. There is a great variety of troops even within the Red Jacket District of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council. If there is something you or your son doesn’t like about Troop 409, let the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters and the Troop Committee know. If they cannot change it, do not give up on Scouting. As a predominantly “scout led troop” the scouts have enormous influence in the operations of the troop. But we as the adults of 409 and the scouts of 409 and the families of 409 must still abide by all BSA requirements
Enrollment
A boy becomes a Scout by fulfilling the requirements outlined in the BSA Handbook. But, in addition to turning in a completed BSA application, his parents and he must completely fill out and return the Troop 409 Discipline Policy and the Emergency Contact/Parent Permission form.
Adults seeking to join the troop in an official capacity must contact the Scoutmaster for the appropriate forms.
Uniforms
Not all troops take pride in wearing the complete BSA uniform correctly, but Troop 409 does! Care in one’s appearance reflects not only the character of the individual but the unit as well. This is a lesson Troop 409 intends to teach. A boy will be held accountable for his uniformity. Caring for what he wears, is a big lesson in responsibility for a boy. Being self-reliant is an aim of scouting and important in the outdoors. Let our uniform policy reinforce that ideal. Parents, consider teaching your son how to sew on his own patches. Make him wash and press it. A Scout should be in Full Class A uniform for any scout function unless his leaders tell him otherwise. As a troop we travel to all functions (unless otherwise directed), including camp outs in Full Class A attire (Merit Badge sashes are optional for camp outs). Below is a guide for appropriate attire (thank you to Troop 319 for the graphic):
Generally, we do not go hiking in uni
A Scout is going to undoubtedly come home from campouts with wet and dirty clothes. He shouldn’t be just dumping them in a pile for his mother to wash, but rather, take responsibility for the care of his clothes.
No jewelry (including ear rings) should be visible on a Scout from Troop 409 in uniform. Finally, a Class B uniform consists of appropriate footwear (activity specific), pants or shorts and a Troop 409 t-shirt.
A complete uniform consists of (costs are approximate):
(1)official BSA long pants$37
(1)official BSA web belt w/ BSA buckle$ 8
(1) BSA green socks, pair$ 4
(1)brown or black leather shoes or boots, pair $
not sneakers, sandals, or clogs
(1) Official BSA short sleeve shirt$23
with appropriate insignia (see pages 12-13
and the inside cover of the BSA Handbook)
(1)Official Troop/Eagle neckerchief$ free
(1)Official BSA neckerchief slide$ 2.20
(1)Troop 409 hat$free when scout rank is earned
Adult leaders (Scoutmaster and Assistants) have slightly different uniform requirements that include the option of long sleeve shirt with neck tie.
Uniforms (except berets) can be purchased at The Scout Store at the Greater Niagara Frontier Council office (Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY). Replacement hats, neckerchiefs or Class B shirtscan be purchased from the troop for $10 each.
The troop does not maintain a supply of uniforms to replace to the items boys outgrow. Outgrown items may be available from older scouts. The troop supply may also be used to outfit boys whose families may have difficulty purchasing uniforms.
Camping Equipment
Troop 409 owns tents and additional group camping gear, but it is a Scout’s responsibility to possess personal overnight camping gear (see the BSA Handbook for a checklist). A Scout’s family is welcome to purchase high quality, expensive equipment, but expensive equipment is not necessary. Personal gear can often be found around the house, at surplus stores, or garage sales. A new Scout’s Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster can help. The troop has a large inventory of camping items and any item needed can be secured/borrowed from neighboring troops. Scouts and Troops are helpful. Additional camping equipment is generously accepted from donations from Troop members, alumni and friends of the troop.
Scouts are expected to bring their own water bottle and drinking cup to every camping or outdoor function. Metal, narrow-mouthed hot/cold containers are not recommended as they are difficult to fill and get too hot for scouts to hold. Unbreakable metal mugs are recommended for hot/cold camp beverages (hot chocolate or “bug” juice).
RecommendedNOT Recommended
Fees
Families can expect the following expenses:
Troop 409 Annual Dues & BSA Annual Registration$ 35.00*
(includes Boys’ Life magazine subscription)
Monthly Troop Dues$ 5.00/month##
BSA Handbook:$ 7.95
Complete Uniform (see “Uniforms” above)$ 75.00
Personal Overnight Camping Gear varies
Other varies
Total:$122.00 approx
*- for returning families 2 scouts=$30/scout and for 3 scouts $25/scout
##- waived for Eagle Scouts beginning the month following Eagle BOR
In addition, the troop may collect fees for special activities a scout participates in (camping, day trips etc.) to help offset their cost. For example, ski trips and Christmas parties often cannot be completely paid for with troop funds and each Scout participating should help pay. Generally weekend camping trips are between $15-25 and summer camp is approximately $350/scout. Costs for adults vary by camp selected.
Parents having difficulty paying a fee for a specific activity should contact the Scoutmaster rather than withhold their son from participation. Friends of Troop 409are generous towards Boy Scouts. Troop 409 may be able to help motivated Scouts afford the program.
Fund Raising
Fundraisers are held periodically throughout the year. The troop has traditionally hosted a spaghetti supper in the fall, a pancake breakfast in the spring to raise troop funds. The perennial scout favorite of popcorn sales occurs every Fall and a scout can sell candy bars too for their personal scout account. Every Scout is expected to do his part. The troop needs and appreciates the help and cooperation of parents as well. Parents opting to forego scout fundraisers can simply write a check, but Troop fundraisers are anexpectation for all scouts and parents. It is one way to build scout spirit and encourage family involvement. We can find a job for every skill or interest level.
The Troop Committee annually decides what fundraisers will be held.
Calendar
The Scout year roughly coincides with the school year. The Scoutmaster, his Assistants, the Senior Patrol Leader and his Patrol Leaders Council (collectively called “PLC”) conduct long range annual planning prior to the start of the Scout year and prepare a calendar. Patrol Leaders are responsible for communicating with the Scouts in their patrols with updates and reminders of upcoming events.
We have found the use of our Troop website and Facebook page to be helpful in communicating. The troop website and Facebook page is managed by a trained adult leader and junior webmasters (scouts). The troop website address is . The troop Facebook page can be requested by “friending the Troop Webmaster (Bob Breidenstein). Scouts must have parent permission to join FB page and account verification is required. We do not allow non-409 affiliated individuals to join the FB page.
Attendance at every scheduled activity/meeting is strongly encouraged. But, even the most dedicated Scout may be absent due to illness, etc. That Scout should call his Patrol Leader to find out what he missed. All troop functions have some kind of effort towards advancement programmed. The work missed can often be made up by the ambitious Scout.
Scouting doesn’t have to stop when there is nothing planned by the troop. Motivated patrols may meet and even camp on their own (under adult supervision). Friendships can be cultivated with fellow Scouts at school. The Scoutmaster, Assistants, and the Senior Patrol Leader will help a Scout work on individual rank or merit badge requirements. Older scouts organize special community service projects as the work on their Eagle rank requirements. Troop 409 Scouts have attended a week of the Summer Camp with other troops. Individual Scouts may participate in many of the activities the Greater Niagara Frontier Council or Order of the Arrow (for selected individual scouts) offers throughout the year. There are also nation-wide activities (Jamborees, Philmont Ranch, Sea Base, …) Troop 409 Scouts who qualify may join the “Order of the Arrow” (see the BSA Handbook) to further their Scouting experience.
Scouting is like most everything else in life: the more enthusiasm and effort a boy puts into it, the better he will get at it, and the more fun and pride he will derive from it.
Troop Meetings
From the first Wednesday in September through the first Wednesday in June, Troop 409 meets regularly on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm (meetings are not scheduled when they would conflict with holidays). Most meetings are held in the “Aud” (below Christian Education Office) of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 630 Main Street West Seneca New York. Consult the troop website or FB page or your son’s Patrol Leader for exceptions. PLC and JLT meetings generally occur the last Wednesday of each month. Scouts should consult the website for more calendar information: or join the Troop 409 Facebook page (open to only active scouts/families & Troop 409 alumni or Friends of 409 (with webmaster approval).
Occasionally, Troop 409 “All Calls” happen via an automated system. Therefore the more accurate our records are of your phone numbers, the more likely you will receive important schedule changes.
The routine functions of a troop meeting include a ceremonial opening (recitation of the oath and pledge and outdoor code), troop-wide announcements, awards (merit badges or ranks advancement recognition), a Scoutmaster’s minute followed by Patrol time and a planned activity. Special events are also planned. Scouts should make every effort to be on time to meetings. The troop leadership has a lot planned. Starting meetings late cuts into the time for the “good stuff” since meetings will end on time. Following the meeting there is almost always a “game oriented activity” such as dodgeball or other such physical events.
Camp-Outs
“Scouting is Outing!” The outdoor program is essential to Boy Scouting. Camp-outs are generally scheduled monthly during the troop year. The troop generally meets at 5:15 pm on a Friday in the church parking lot. The troop returns to the same spot on Sunday morning at approximately 9:00 am. Camping activities follow this typical calendar:
Week long Summer Camp (July)- Sunday to Saturday (location TBD)
Webelos Campout (September)- Friday to Sunday
GNFC Camper-all (October)- Friday to Sunday
Fall Lean To Campout-Friday to Sunday
Holiday Lock-in (December)-Friday to Saturday
Cold Weather Training (December)-Saturday
Klondike Derby Campout (January)-Friday to Sunday
Crossover Electronics Camp-in (February)-Saturday to Monday (over break)
University of Scouting (March)-Saturday
Spring Lean To Campout (April)-Friday to Sunday
White Water Rafting (May)-Sunday
GNFC Camper-all (May)-Friday to Sunday
Patrol Leader Campout (June)-Friday to Sunday
The troop camps at a variety of locations, usually within a 30 minute drive (excluding summer camp). A boy who has questions about a camp-out is encouraged to call his Patrol Leader or the Troop Outdoor Chairperson (Mr. Horvath)
Summer Camp
Troop 409 has once again, based on the age of the scouts re-established an impressive tradition of organizing its own high-adventure camping. Your son’s participation in fundraisers will help defray the cost of these trips. Additional feesare also required. Recent High-Adventure locations have been the Adirondacks (2010 & 2012) and Sea Base (2013).
Scout Sunday
The first Sunday of February is designated as National Boy Scout Sunday. On that Sunday, Troop 409 is an active participant in the 9:15 am and 11 am morning worship service at Ebenezer United Church of Christ. Individual Scouts will greet, usher, collect, pray, read scripture, and give report on the troop to the congregation. Scouts are expected to participate in full uniform. The troop then prepare and serve parishioners during the morning Coffee Hour following worship services. So it is important that Scouts be on-time. Parents, relatives, and friends are invited to join the congregation in worship. Following worship services and Coffee Hour the troop participates in a troop-wide activity (usually a bowling/pizza party). This event is provided free to the scouts and leaders. Scouts may want to bring additional funds to play games or enhance the menu (fries, wings, etc…).
A Scout is reverent. This should be more than words a Scout memorizes, but part of a way of life. Our faith should be evident in what the Troop does everyday not just Scout Sunday. We will fall short at times, but we will not cease in seeking to grow spiritually. Scout Sunday is a required scout activity. Scouts must see the Scoutmaster to be excused from Scout Sunday responsibilities.
Severe Weather Policy
The Troop Committee Chair(Mr. Breidenstein) will decide by 4 pm to cancel meetings when hazardous driving conditions exist or are forecasted. As a rule if West Seneca Schools are closed or have cancelled after-school activities all troop activities are also cancelled. Scouts will be notified via Channel 2 (WGRZ) or via the web or Facebook or via an automated call. If you question whether a meeting is cancelled, your scout should call his Patrol Leader.
Camp-outs are only cancelled for hazardous driving conditions or tornado warnings. Thunderstorms, large accumulations of snow, or sub-zero temperatures do not stop Troop 409 from camping. It is nearly a guarantee that it will rain when Troop 409 camps!
Remember the scout motto, “Be Prepared!”
Troop Structure
The BSA Handbook describes troop structure. The Troop Committee consists of fathers, mothers, experienced scouts, and a EUCC (chartered organization) representative. The Committee is responsible for setting troop policy, ensuring that that the objectives of Scouting are being realized through the troop program, and raising funds. Parents interested in become a member of the committee should contact the Committee Chairman (Mr. Breidenstein). A job can be found for all willing adults!
The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are directly responsible to the Troop Committee for planning and implementing a good, viable program. We are all responsible for the physical, mental, and spiritual welfare and development of each Scout during troop functions.
Assistant Scoutmasters directly help the Scoutmaster implement plans for meetings and activities. Assistant Scoutmasters are at least 21 years old and been officially registered and recognized as “adult leaders” by the BSA. Their role is mainly that of coach, teaching the boy leaders to run the troop.