Policies and Requirements

Welcome to Troop 188 and the great adventure of Scouting. We especially welcome the entire
family because Scouting is a family adventure - the more involved the family, the greater the
rewards from Scouting. It is an opportunity for parents to become better acquainted with their
son by demonstrating an interest in and support for his activities as he develops into a young
man. Scouting works toward three basic aims: to build character, citizenship, and fitness of mind
and body. This information is designed to ease you son's transition into Scouting and to make
you aware of some of the Troop policies and activities.

Troop 188 is sponsored by Linton Elementary School, 4100 Caribou, Fort Collins, Colorado. It is
open to any boy who has finished fifth grade, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award, or is 11
years of age but not yet 18. Ours is an active, outdoor oriented unit which meets every Tuesday
in the school from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and camps, hikes or tries to go on a special outing 10 times
during the year.

What the Troop Expects From Your Son:

Each Scout is expected to be active and to participate in as many Troop activities as possible.
They are expected to do their best to live up to the ideas of Scouting as expressed in the Scout
Oath and Law. A Scout needs to buy the Boy Scout Handbook (1998 edition) immediately so
that he, and you, can understand the program and begin advancement. He is expected to
advance regularly by completing the requirements for each Progress Award. The advancement
program also provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills and to learn the importance of
service to the greater community. Periodic Courts of Honor are held to recognize the Scouts for
their achievements.

As soon as he is able, the Scout is expected to purchase a complete uniform and to wear it
correctly at Scout functions. Scouts are asked to wear full uniform (trousers, belt, shirt,
neckerchief with slide, and proper insignia) to troop meetings, Courts of Honor, and special
activities. During summer meetings, alternate Class B uniforms may be worn. Scout shirts and
neckerchiefs must be worn to and from all outings. The Troop neckerchief, patrol patch, tie
slide, merit badges, special awards and rank badges are presented by the Troop. Uniforms and
other Scout materials can be purchased at the Fort Collins Ministore, located in the basement of
Harmony Presbyterian Church, 400 E. Boardwalk (no phone), or the Farr Service Center, 2215
23rd Avenue in Greeley (1-800-800-4052). Correct wear of the uniform and insignia can be
found in the Scout Handbook.

Expected Behavior:

All Scouts are expected to follow the Scout Law and Oath. If discipline problems arise, leaders
will take action to restore order to the troop. First, leaders will talk to the boy about his behavior.
If problems persist, the Scout will be removed from the group and placed in a "time-out" area. If
the problem continues, parents will be contacted to pick up their child. The Scout may return to
troop activities only after meeting with his parents and Scoutmaster.

What is Expected of the Parent:

Our adult leaders spend a great deal of time directly working with the boys and young men
providing a quality program because they want to help make better citizens for tomorrow. Even
so, the Troop cannot function effectively without active parent participation. While all parents
cannot become uniformed leaders, each can fulfill a need consistent with available time and
talents.

All parents are welcome to help by:

      a. attending troop meetings
       b. attending campouts
       c. attending Troop Committee meetings to help set policy (The committee meets the last
           Wednesday of every month to oversee troop operation, secure merit badge counselors,
           review Scouts for advancement, select new Troop leaders, and provide other support
           needed by the Troop)
       d. attending special activities, especially Courts of Honor
       e. serving as merit badge counselors
       f. providing transportation for Troop activities - campouts, fund raising activities, etc.

Troop 188 actively seeks the participation of mothers as well as fathers in our program.
Scouting cannot be fully effective without the support of the entire family; hence, each family is
automatically considered a voting member of the Troop Committee.

What You May Expect From the Troop:

Each Scout and his family can expect trained adult leaders and an active, safe, enjoyable,
exciting, challenging program in accordance with BSA policies and procedures. This program is
designed to develop future leaders of strong character, good citizenship, and physical, mental,
and moral fitness. Troop 188 will provide a program designed to encourage advancement
through the ranks of Scouting. Only registered, Scoutmaster Fundamentals trained leaders can
sign off advancement requirements. The troop program will be outdoors as much as possible
and will inspire development through vigorous activities, adventure, and challenge.

As Scouts mature in the Troop, they take increasing responsibilities for the development of the
younger Scouts and for planning future Scout activities. Adolescents today will find few
opportunities to practice such leadership or to receive so much responsibility outside Scouting.

Annual Dues: $50.00 /member/year ($100.00 family maximum), payable in November at the
time of the annual Troop charter renewal. The dues are used for National Boy Scout registration,
Boys Life magazine (12 monthly issues), Troop medical liability insurance, unit charter fee, merit
badges, skill awards, progress awards, office and patrol badges, neckerchief, other special
badges, and Troop equipment. Since annual dues are inadequate, they are augmented by fund-
raising activities.

Individual Scout Accounts: The purpose of this program is to help the Scout pay his own way for
Scouting activities and in buying equipment. It is not for the Scout to earn money for himself
(this would violate National BSA policy). Thus, there is no way for a Scout to withdraw cash from
his account (exception noted below*). Scouts earn money for their accounts by participating in
Troop fund raisers. A percentage of Troop profits earned is distributed proportionately to Scouts
based on their involvement in the fund raiser. The Scout can apply funds from his account
towards summer camp, an outing, a special long-term trip, equipment or uniforms (turn in receipt
for reimbursement) or other Scout-related activity or expense. The Treasurer will provide
information on account balances and Account Use Request forms to Scouts and parents. Any
Scout quitting Boy Scouting forfeits his account back into the general troop fund. If a Scout
transfers to another Troop, he may request (within 6 months of transfer) the transfer of his
individual account balance to the new Troop.

*Eagle Scouts who remain active in Scouting until their 18th birthday may request a cash refund
of their remaining account balance. Other Scouts reaching their 18th birthday can carry over
their funds to be used to pay for Scout functions or equipment if they continue to be registered
and active in the Troop.

Outings: Each Scout pays for his share of patrol food for a campout, and registration, if
applicable (i.e. Spring and Fall Camporees and Klondike Derby). One boy per patrol is assigned
to purchase food for that particular outing. It is his responsibility to collect reimbursement for his
expenses from the other patrol members. If a Scout indicates that he will participate in a
campout and is unable to attend for any reason, that Scout is still responsible for his share of
food costs unless notice is given prior to food purchase.

Activity information and permission slips will be distributed prior to each outing. Permission slips
must be signed and returned before a Scout can attend that outing.

Unacceptable Items: Firearms, fireworks, illegal drugs, tobacco and tobacco products, alcohol,
Game Boys, or other electronic toys are not allowed.

Medications: A first-aid certified leader is responsible for the distribution of prescription
medication. Parents are required to inform leaders of their child's needs and must provide
written instructions for that medication's administration. All medication must be labelled with the
child's name.

High Adventure: The Troop will periodically participate in a "High Adventure" activity. These are
geared towards older, more experienced Scouts. Scouts need to be 1st Class Rank and 13
years of age to take part. Some BSA High Adventure bases have stricter participation
requirements.

Equipment: There is no need to rush our and fully equip your son. Starting with a minimum of
gear allows him time to determine the extent of his commitment to Scouting and to learn for
himself what equipment is best suited to our style of camping. The Scout Handbook contains
guidance on clothing and gear for a weekend campout. Special flyers are handed out each year
on special needs for winter camping.

Required equipment:

       Mess kit - Personal mess kit with plate, cup, knife, fork, and spoon.

       Personal first aid kit.

       Canteen/Water Bottle - One quart/liter is enough. Plastic bottles are lighter and cheaper
       than metal ones.

       Clothing and Shoes - Should be adequate for the outing. For summer, hiking boots are
       good. For winter, waterproof and warm boots are a must.

       Raincoat or poncho - strong garbage bag will do in an emergency.

       Sleeping bag - This should be a good, machine-washable, all season bag. A three
       season bag will need to be placed in another for adequate winter camping. Down,
       although the warmest for its weight, is expensive and is totally useless when wet. The
       better artificial fibers (Polarguard, Hollofil II, and Quallofil) are nearly as warm for their
       weight, are less costly, are easier to wash, and provide good warmth even when wet.
       Good used bags can be found at garage sales or sporting goods stores at the end of the
       season.

Optional Equipment:

       Backpack - It is better to wait until a good pack can be purchased. A boy who remains
       serious about Scouting will need a good pack, of proper size, with padded shoulder and
       waist straps.

       Sleeping Pad - Required for winter camping, useful year-round. Pads are superior to air
       mattresses in providing insulation from the ground (where 2/3 of the body heat is lost)
       and are lighter in weight. Closed cell pads like Ensolite are water tight but may crack in
       cold conditions. Open cell pads are not waterproof, but cheaper and lighter.

       Tent - Two man, nylon pup and larger tents are provided by the Troop. Many Scouts buy
       their own tent over time. One light enough for backpacking is recommended.

       Knife - A Scout will find a folding pocket knife handy, but this is not an essential item.
       Every Scout must earn a "Totin Chip" card by demonstrating knowledge of correct
       handling of wood tools before he is allowed to use any such tool. BSA policy prohibits
       sheath knives and any with a blade over 3" long.

Scouting may appear expensive, but compared to most sports, bands, and other activities, it is
quite inexpensive relative to benefits received year round. Scouting is a valuable investment in
your son's future!

The Troop welcomes your comments, suggestions, and assistance. Please consult with the
Troop leaders before making expensive equipment purchases. Also, please feel welcome at any
Troop activity or to call any leader if there are problems or questions.