Scouts BSA & Troop 599 Orientation

A PDF version of the Scouts BSA & Troop 599 Orientation can be downloaded HERE

Welcome to Troop 599

Welcome to Scouting America’s (SA) Troop 599! We are excited to have you as part of our scouting family. We had a great year this season and are ready to make the next season even better! Our scouting family is a small, but important, part of the larger Scouting movement. Without the scouts there would be no need for a scouting program and without the parents there would be no Scouting Program.

This orientation handbook has all the important information you will need to familiarize yourself with everything scouting and Troop 599. It is designed for you, the parents in our unit, so please review it completely.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any reason; we are here to serve!

Click Here to contact us! 

About this Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with general information about Scouting America, the Scouts BSA program and our troop. We hope to provide you with answers to common questions, give guidelines as to what is expected from the youth leadership, adult leadership, and parents, and to outline how the troop operates.

The troop committee has attempted to clarify most of the critical issues surrounding scouting in today's active environment. Any guidelines described within this document act to supplement, but are not intended to conflict with, the national SA policies or those of our chartering organization. If any conflict occurs, SA policy will take precedence.

To reduce potential conflicts and updating errors, links are provided to the source of the information referenced in this document. This document is to be viewed as a "living document" subject to periodic review and change.

Hopefully, most issues have been addressed. It should be noted that it is impossible to document all the different issues in this handbook. Issues not covered will be handled, to the best of Troop 599’s Leadership abilities, at the time of the occurrence.

Handbook Organization

This handbook is organized in the following manner:

I: Troop 599 at a glance, an overview of the troop

II:   Scouting America (SA), details on the structure and organization

III:  Troop 599, details on the structure and organization 

I.     Troop 599 at a Glance

A.     History:

1.  First chartered in 1971, Troop 599 has served the youth of Miami for over 50 years. The meeting place and sponsoring organizations have changed over the years, but the vitality of the troop has never waned. Scout Troop 599 is a member of the South Florida Council. In 2020 troop 599G was born bringing girls into the 599 family. In 2024 troops 599B and 599G participated in Scouting America's pilot program to combine the units into a single coed unit. In 2025, when the pilot program officially became a permanent and accepted model, 599 became Coed and is now considered a "Family Troop". Our first female scout to earn the Eagle Scout rank was in 2024. Personal growth and advancement is positively emphasized with over 130 scouts earning their Eagle Rank as of 2025 and growing.

B.     Purpose:

1.  To advance the “aims and methods of the Scouting Program” according to Scouting America.

2.  Our main objective is to provide a solid program where scouts can learn, develop, and most importantly, have fun while achieving the aims and methods of the Scouting Program. We believe the only way such a program can be achieved is through challenging the scouts.

3.  In addition, the troop places emphasis on several important goals that include development, leadership, self- reliance, and self-esteem. The goals are attainable through the presence of a solid scouting program; one that Troop 599 is pleased to offer.

C.     Activities:

1.  Our meetings, every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. We currently meet at Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School located at 15950 SW 144th St, Miami, FL 33196. The meetings run during the school year with the only exceptions being when we cannot access the school property such as major holidays, religious days or school closings due to inclement weather. Meeting times and place are subject to change in support of the unit plan.

2.  Additionally, to the regular meetings, the troop holds monthly activities and camps regularly from August through May. In the summer, the troop attends summer camp.  The location of summer camp changes from year to year and is determined by the scouts.

3.  In addition to meetings, weekend outings and campouts, the troop performs a variety of service projects and fundraising events throughout the year.

4.  All activities are listed on the troop calendar. Most activities are day-long events, Campouts are usually from Friday evening until Sunday around 2pm and summer camp is 7-10 days.

D.     Leadership:

1. The troop is led by the scouts, with guidance from the scoutmaster and other adult leaders and is supported by the troop committee.

2. The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), being all scouts, decides all activities that the scouts do. The PLC is like the executive board of a company making all the decisions. They decide what topics should be covered at the meetings, what campouts they want to attend each month, where they want to camp, and what skills or topics they want to cover.

3. The scoutmaster provides guidance to make sure the PLCs decisions are in keeping with, and support the scouting program. The troop committee supports the troop and scoutmaster in the delivery of the scouting program.

4. Contact information for the adult leadership can be found here.

E.     Administration:

1.      Troopmaster software is used for advancements data management.

2.     The troop committee collects annual dues from each scout, provides communication via emails and the various Whatsapp chat groups, updates the website and either maintains all required documentation or ensures that the documentation is completed.

II.     Scouting America & Scouts BSA

A.       What is Scouts BSA and what do they do anyway? 

Scouts BSA is one of the programs offered by Scouting America which also includes cub scouts, venturing, sea scouts and exploring. Its focus is on youth ages from 11-17 and is the traditional scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors. What do they do? Well, the answer to that question is anything. One of the most important concepts to understand about scouting is that it is a program that is scout-run and scout-led. One “Take-Charge” adult can strip the youth leadership of the opportunity to lead. Adults should voice any issues to the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, and only intervene with scouts if there is a safety issue.

B.     Mission of Scouting

Scouting America has a purpose or mission statement that outlines who and what they are as an organization. That mission statement is: “The mission of the Scouts BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

C.     As stated above, Scouts BSA is one of the programs offered by Scouting America which also includes cub scouts, venturing, sea scouts and exploring. Its focus is on youth ages from 11-17 and is the traditional scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors.

D.     Vision Statement

The Scouts BSA Vision Statement: “The Scouts BSA program will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.”

E.     Aims and Methods of Scouting

1.     Aims of Scouting: 

The aims of the Scouting program are; growth in moral character, participating in citizenship, learning leadership skills and development in physical, mental and emotional fitness.

2.     Methods of Scouting: Scouting achieves its aims by eight methods.

a) Ideals –The ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Scout measures themselves against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as they reach for them, they have some control over what and who they become.

b) Patrols – The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.

c) Outdoor Programs – Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.

d) Advancement – Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

e) Association with Adults – Scouts learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to the Scouts, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.

f)  Personal Growth – As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Young people grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with their Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine their growth toward Scouting’s aims.

g) Leadership Development – The Scouting program encourages Scouts 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 and becoming a servant leader helps a Scout accept the leadership role of others and guides them towards participating citizenship and character development.

h) Uniform – The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. 

F.      Scouting America Organizational Structure

1.     Scouting BSA is owned by the National Council of Scouting America. It was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916. In the Report of The House Committee on the Judiciary in support of the Act, Congress stated: "The Boy Scout movement is ... intended to supplement and enlarge established modern educational facilities in activities in the great and healthful out of doors where may be the better developed physical strength and endurance, self-reliance, and the powers of initiative and resourcefulness, all for the purpose of establishing through the boys of today the very highest type of American citizenship. It tends to conserve the moral, intellectual, and physical life of the coming generation, and in its immediate results does much to reduce the problem of juvenile delinquency in the cities...The importance and magnitude of its work is such as to entitle it to recognition and its work and insignia to protection by Federal incorporation. The Scout scheme is based upon the methods involved in educating the boy. It is a scheme of placing the boy on honor. In addition to requiring him to live up to a standard or code of laws which ensure development of character along proper lines, it requires him to study in order to pass certain tests of qualification. The passing of these various tests ~ is recognized by the award of appropriate badges or medals and insignia."

2.     Boy Scouting was modeled after the Scouting movement founded by Lord Robert S. Baden-Powell in England in 1908.

G.     The National Council

1.     The National Council is led by a volunteer board of directors, the National Executive Board. The administration is performed by a staff of professional Scouters.

2.     Among its major functions, the National Council develops program; sets and maintains quality standards in training, leadership selection, uniforms, registration records, literature development, and advancement requirements; and publishes Scout's Life and Scouting magazines.

3.     The National Council maintains national high-adventure bases for use by scouts. The bases are in Minnesota, Florida, and New Mexico. It also organizes a National Scout Jamboree every 4 years.

4.     The National Council is funded from membership dues, corporate sponsors, and special events.

5.     It is a not-for-profit private corporation.

6.     The National Council is comprised of the following members:

a)    All members of its Executive Board

b)    Members of the Regional Executive Committee

c)    Local Council Representatives (president and council commissioner plus an additional member for every 5,000 youth members)

d)    Members at large elected by the National Council for 1-year terms

e)    Honorary (non-voting) members as elected by the National Council for 1-year terms

7.     It meets annually at the call of its Executive Board for the reception of reports of various officers and committees and to elect members both at large and honorary as well as to transact such business as presented by the Executive Board.

8.     Its officers include a President, Executive Vice-President, one or more Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers, the National Commissioner (who is the chief morale officer and who represents SA in national affairs); the International Commissioner (who represents SA in international affairs) and the Chief Scout Executive who is designated as "the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall have general direction of the administrative work of the corporation". He is required to prepare an annual report of SA to transmit it to Congress and to present it to the annual meeting of the National Council.

9.     The Executive Board is the governing body of SA. Members (not to exceed 64) are elected for 1-year terms at the annual meeting of the National Council. Regional presidents are ex officio members of the Board. The chairman of the Advisory Council (to the Executive Board) and chairman of the Board of Regents of the National Eagle Scout Association, are likewise ex-officio members. Up to five registered Youth Members from around the nation may be appointed by the President with approval of the Board to a 1-year term. Regular meetings of the Board occur three times each year.

10.     The Executive Committee of the Board consists of the President of the Board, the executive vice president, the vice presidents, regional presidents, the international commissioner, the national commissioner, the treasurer, the assistant treasurers, the Chairman of the support committee of the Executive Board, Chairman of the Advisory Council, the Chief Scout Executive and the immediate past-President.

11.     It meets at the call of the President and may exercise all the powers of the Executive Board during the intervals between Board meetings.

12.     Various Standing Committees of the Board are provided for, to wit: Support, Nominating, Audit, Finance and Contract Review

13.     An Advisory Council to the Board also exists. It is large in number consisting of the National Council together with "United States citizens who, because of experience, have a particular expertise that would benefit the national movement." Those members have no specified term. They are elected by the Board. The chairman of the Advisory Council is appointed by the President of the Board and serves a term of 1 year. One annual meeting of the Advisory Council is mandatory. It advises "on matters of major national concern."

14.     All are volunteers except for the National Commissioner, International Commissioner and Chief Scout Executive.

H.     Council Service Territories

1.      For ease in administration the Executive Board divides up the United States into sixteen council service territories. Troop 599 is in Council Service Territory (CST) 16. The transition from four regions to sixteen National Service Territories was made as an effort to reduce staff plus save costs. At the territory level, there is minimal staff and no board or committee structure

I.      The Local Council

1.     The National Council does not attempt to administer directly the more than 150,000 registered Scout units (troops, packs, venturing crews, etc.). To achieve this, each year, the National Council issues a charter to an autonomous organization called a local council. The United States and its territories is divided into local councils. Local councils are usually not-for-profit private corporations registered within the State in which they are headquartered.

2.     Florida has seven (9) councils.

a)    Alabama-Florida

b)    Central Florida

c)    Greater Tampa Bay Area

d)    Gulf Coast

e)    Gulf Stream

f)      North Florida

g)    South Florida

h)    Southwest Florida

i)      Suwannee river Area

3.     Since they are autonomous corporations, they may administer any program they wish. Local councils petition the National Council and are issued a charter each year to administer the Scouting program in their area. To qualify for a charter, they must adhere to certain program, financial and accounting standards. Local councils are privately funded and are not financially linked to the National Council or local units. Funding comes from donations, corporate sponsors, and special events.

4.     Each council has a headquarters city from which it administers the Scouting program within its geographical boundaries. Like the National Council, the local council is led by volunteers, with administration performed by a staff of professional scouters. The Council President is the top volunteer; the Scout Executive is the top professional.

5.     Troop 599 is in the South Florida Council which is headquartered at 3551 SW 142nd Ave, Davie, FL 33330. The South Florida Council serves Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

6.     The local council's responsibilities include:

a)    Promoting the Scouting Program

b)    Registration of units and council personnel

c)    Providing facilities and leadership for a year-round outdoor program, including summercamp.

d)    To ensure that each local Unit (i.e. a Scout Troop or Cub Pack) within its territorial area carries out the general principles of advancement in scouting

e)    To ensure the integrity of the merit badge requirements for advancement in scouting

f)      To make scout training available to the local units and community groups using the Scouting Program

g)    To provide adequate leadership and leadership training for the local units

h)    To ensure that standards in scout policies, badges-and insignia are protected

i)      To ensure that adequate financing exists for the support of the local units.

7.     Membership of the Local Council (minimum age 21) is made up of one representative from each of the chartered local units within its jurisdiction, together with representatives at large from various business, civil, educational, labor, social and religious interests in the community. A minimum membership of 100 adults is required. Each year the members elect 25 to 50 of their number to serve as the local council executive board which is the governing body responsible for the council's operations and assets. Officers consist of a president, one or more vice-presidents and a treasurer. The executive board may also (and usually does) elect a President (volunteer) and a Council Executive (a paid employee).

J.     The District

1.     A Scouting district is an optional geographical area within the local council, as determined by the council executive board. District leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the district's territory.

2.     Members of the district committee are volunteers. The district trains adult volunteers, provides district programs for units such as camporees, and Scouting shows, assists in the formation of new units, and helps coordinate the annual giving campaign.

3.     The district committee also provides the unit with a unit commissioner. The unit commissioner gives direct coaching and consultation to the unit committee and other adult leaders.

4.     The volunteers on the district committee can be a helpful resource to the unit committee. Call upon their guidance when needed.

5.     The Scouting professional who provides district service is the district executive. He can be very helpful in showing the unit committee how to accomplish the unit's program goals.

6.     There are six (6) districts within the South Florida council.

a)    Sawgrass District serves North Broward County - North of I-595 to Broward / Palm Beach County Line

b)    Panther District serves South Broward County - I-595 south to Dade/Broward County Line

c)    Phoenix District serves North Miami-Dade County - From the County line going south to Coral Way (SW 24th Street)

d)    Everglades District serves From Coral Way (SW 24th St) south --down to the Dade/Monroe County Line

e)    Buccaneer District serves Monroe County.

f)      ScoutReach District serves ScoutReach units throughout the South Florida Council territory

7.     Troop 599 is a member of the Everglades District. Our District Executive is Kristin Gasser, and our District Commissioner is Frank Casco.

K.     The Chartered Organization

1.     The unit is owned and run by a sponsoring group called the chartered organization. The chartered organization receives a national charter yearly to use the Scouting Program as a part of its youth work. The local council helps the chartered organization understand the program; however, it is the chartered organization's program and is part of the chartered organizations youth work. These groups, which have goals compatible with those of the Scouting America, include religious, educational, community groups, fraternal, business, labor, and professional associations.

2.     Each chartered organization using the Scouting Program provides a meeting place, selects a Scoutmaster (SM), approves the unit adult leadership, appoints a unit committee of at least three adults, and chooses a chartered organization representative.

3.     The leadership structure and makeup of each unit are spelled out in the SA Rules and Regulations. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Varsity Teams and Venturing are for young men and women. A volunteer adult member (e.g., Scoutmaster) heads the troop. They are assisted by other volunteer adult members (e.g. Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM)) who attend and guide at the meetings.

4.     A Local Unit is directly chartered to the sponsoring group by the Executive Board of SA based on a favorable recommendation from the Local Council. Once a Charter is granted, it is subject to revocation by the Executive Board in the exercise of its sole judgment. In most instances, charters are issued to existing organizations (church, civic, etc.). In some instances, a charter may issue to a unit of interested and qualified citizens formed specifically for that purpose. In either case (existing organization or community unit) the applicant is obliged "to provide adequate facilities, supervision and leadership for a period of at least one year and to try to provide youth members with an opportunity for a quality program experience as set forth in the official literature of SA.

5.     Active adult leadership is required for each pack, troop, varsity scout team and venturing crew. Using the scout troop as an example (the requirements are similar for each) the leadership consists of the three members of the unit committee plus a Scoutmaster (SM) and the Assistant Scoutmaster(s)(ASM). Collectively they are known as the unit scouters. All must be recommended by the Local Council and then approved, commissioned and registered as adult members by SA. Commissions of Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are issued on an annual basis.

6.     Troop 599’s Chartered organization is Kids 4 Kids.  Kids 4 Kids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Miami, FL. It provides educational support and materials to underserved communities as well as financial assistance. Beth Davis is the Director.

7.     The chartered organization representative is the liaison with the unit's sponsor. As a member of the chartered organization, that person will know the most effective ways to get the organization's assistance and maintain a mutually satisfactory working relationship with the chartered organization.

a)    The chartered organization representative Is a member of the charter organization

b)    Serves as head of the "Scouting department" in the organization

c)    Secures a unit committee chairperson and encourages training

d)    Maintains a close liaison with the unit committee chair

e)    Helps recruit other adult leaders

f)      Serves as liaison between the unit and the chartered organization

g)    Assists with unit rechartering

h)    Encourages service to the organization

i)      Is an active and involved member of the district committee and the local council

j)      In the chartered organization relationship, Scouting America provides the program and support services, and the chartered organization provides the adult leadership and uses the program to accomplish its goals for youth.

k)    Troop 599’s Chartered Organization Representative is Giovannie Ulloa.

8.     The Unit Committee

a)    Each local unit must be under the supervision of a unit committee consisting of three or more qualified adults (at least 21 years old) selected by the chartered organization. For each Pack, Troop, Varsity Scout team or Venturing Crew there must be one adult who registers and serves as the unit leader. That person must be approved by and registered with the Local Council.

b)    The unit committee's primary responsibilities are supporting the Unit Leader (Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, etc.) in delivering a quality unit program, and helping unit administration. As the unit committee works on behalf of the chartered organization, the unit must be operated within the organization's policies. Some of the other responsibilities of the committee include

(1) Setting the troop policies in accordance with SA and the charter organization

(2) Recommending the leadership to the charter organization for final approval

(3) Finding a meeting place

(4) Coordinating the troop program

(5) Providing encouragement to leaders in carrying out the troop program

(6) Maintaining the finances and fundraising coordination for the troop

(7) Maintaining troop property (officially owned by the chartered organization)

(8) Assisting with the annual charter renewa

(9) Ensuring quality adult leadership by making sure that the leadership is recruited and trained

(10) Coordinating between the troop and other scouting units

III.     Troop 599

A.             Scout Unit Organization

1.     Oversight

a)    The troop oversight is provided by the Key-3 and the key-3 are:

(1)  Chartered Organization Representative

(2)  Committee Chairperson

(3)  Scoutmaster

2.     Junior Leadership

a)    The troop is led by the Patrol Leader Council (PLC). The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) is, in essence, the executive board of the Troop. The PLC, not the adult leaders, is responsible for planning and conducting the troop's activities. The PLC is composed of the following voting members: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Troop Guide.

b)    The day-to-day operations of the troop is conducted by the Troop Junior Leadership Staff (TJLS), which are all scouts, with guidance from the scoutmaster and other adult leaders and is supported by the troop committee.

c)    The troop is organized into a series of patrols consisting of anywhere from five to eight scouts. The patrols are run by the Patrol Junior Leadership Staff (PJLS). The PJLS composed of the Patrol Leader (PL), Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), Patrol Scribe (PS), Patrol Quartermaster (PQM), Grubmaster (GM), and Hikemaster (HM). Each patrol represents a portion of the entire troop.

d)    The TJLS consists of members in the patrols and consists of a troop scribe (TS), quartermaster (QM), historian, librarian, and chaplain’s aide.

3.             TJLS and PJLS position Descriptions

a)    The positions carry the same basic responsibilities; the difference is the scope. The PJLS runs the patrols and the TJLS runs the troop.

b)    Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL is responsible for the overall success of the Troop. They appoint an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL). The SPL: Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, annual program planning conference, and patrol leaders’ council meetings and, with guidance from the Scoutmaster, appoints troop junior leaders and assists in their training and assignment of duties.

c) Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL): Helps the SPL run all troop activities. In the absence of the SPL, the Assistant takes over. They help train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, historian, librarian, and chaplain’s aide.

d) Troop Guide (TG): Trains, guides, and monitors new scouts progress through their first scouting year. They supervise and assist the patrol leader of the new scout patrol in making patrol decisions. Helps new scouts earn first class in their first yer

e) Patrol Leader (PL): Guides and represents the patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and on all patrol activities. They appoint an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) and other patrol positions. They know the advancement needs and outing interests of all scouts and work to satisfy those needs and interests.

f)  Scribe (TS): Attends and keeps logs on the patrol leader’s council meetings, records attendance of all meetings and advancement records.

g) Quartermaster (QM): Maintains records on troop and patrol equipment. Oversees the maintenance of the troop equipment garage. Issues all equipment needed for troop activities and outings. Prepares regular reports on equipment status to include repair and/or replacement needs.

h) Historian: Gathers pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in a historical scrapbook.

i)  Librarian: Sets up and maintains the troop library. Oversees the loan out process of troop literature and makes suggestions on materials to be purchased.

j)  Chaplain Aide: Plans and leads “Scouts Own” non-denominational services at troop outings. Encourages and assists scouts in obtaining the religious emblem of their religious belief.

k) OA Troop Representative: Attends troop and OA chapter/lodge meetings regularly and serves as the two-way communication between the troop and the OA chapter/lodge. Works with the SPL to identify scouts that are eligible for OA election and assists in the election process. Assists Ordeal members by providing info about upcoming Brotherhood Opportunities and ensuring participation from OA members.

B.     Troop Planning

1.     The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) is, in essence, the executive board of the Troop. They plan the troop activities, make the decisions and plan and carryout the annual Troop Program Plan. The PLC meets at the end to scouting season for the annual program planning conference and monthly during the scouting season.

2.     Annual Program Planning Conference. The troop's activities are selected and planned at the annual program planning conference. The SPL will submit the troop's yearly plan to the troop committee for its support. At this time, the troop committee may make alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders' council to consider. To avoid conflicts between troop plans and activities of the chartered organization, clear the program calendar in advance with the chartered organization representative. Pay close attention to Courts of Honor or other activities requiring a large room to gather.

3.     At these meetings the PLC plans the monthly meetings and the activities. Planning the monthly meetings entails coming up with a pre-opening, opening ceremony, skill session, game, patrol meeting topic, inter-patrol activity, and closing session.

4.     The PLC will usually plan the meetings for the month based on a monthly program feature that was decided upon at the planning conference. In addition, the PLC plans the monthly outing that reflects the skills that were taught during the meetings. The outing provides the scouts with an outdoor experience in which they can have hands on practice with the skills they learned during the month.

5.     The troop committee interacts with the patrol leaders' council through the scoutmaster.

C.     Patrol Method

1.     One point worth mentioning again is the notion in scouting of “The Patrol Method.” The Scoutmaster Handbook seems to best present this idea when it talks about patrols.

“Every Troop, we said earlier, is made up of patrols, groupings of six or eight scouts who together form a team. Each patrol elects its own leader. The patrol leaders, with an elected senior patrol leader as their head, form the patrol leaders’ council. It is the council’s job to plan and run the troop program. Each PL represents their patrol on the council, and interprets to their patrol the plans and decisions the council makes. Patrols also have their own meetings, elect their own officers, and plan and carry out their patrol activities.

a) The patrol method has been proven to be very successful in fostering four important points amongst the members of the patrols.  First, they promote friendship by grouping friends together. Second, the small size allows each scout to get involved because they are needed in helping the Patrol function. Third, the patrol method develops responsibility as each member of the patrol takes on a leadership position within the patrol. Fourth, the patrol method introduces a democratic process to decision making.

D.     Troop Policies & Procedures (P&Ps)

1.     The troop has a set of policies & procedures covering the vast majority of situations that the scouts may face or need guidance on. Being scout-led and scout-driven, providing these tools allows the troop to operate more effectively and efficiently and helps ensure a safe and consistent program delivery. The P&Ps listed here are a condensed version of the P&Ps most relevant to parents. Please visit the website for the full version and to see the P&Ps not listed here.

a)    Rules of Conduct: All scouts are expected to live by the Scout Oath and Law. Those ideals should dictate all scouts’ behavior.  Any behavior that goes against the Scout Oath and Law disgraces the scout, their parents, the adult leaders, and the troop. Specific rules are part of the troop’s policies and can be found on the website.

b)     Troop Discipline Policy

(1)  While we anticipate no problems with inappropriate behavior, it is still necessary to have a discipline policy, and more importantly, let all the Scouts and their parents know about such a policy. Behavior problems are first to be dealt with by the Patrol Leader (PL).

(2)  In the event that the PL is having a problem with a patrol member and it cannot be resolved, they should report it to the SPL.

(3)  If a behavior problem becomes uncontrollable, the Scoutmaster or an Assistant will step in to determine the appropriate discipline in conjunction with the SPL.  Such actions might include, suspension from a Troop game, additional Troop chores, and so on. Specific rules are part of the troop’s policies and can be found on the website.

c)     Troop Elections: Elections will be held every November and May.  At every election, in November, a new SPL will be elected. Patrols will elect their own Patrol Leaders. Election details are cover in a troop policy and can be found on the website.

d)      Travel Policy: All travel must conform with SA policy. Specific rules are part of the troop’s policies and can be found on the website.

e)     Uniforms

(1)  Uniforms is one of the methods of Scouting.

(2)  SA and the troop realize that a full uniform is very expensive. Because of this, uniforms are NOT mandated by SA. The financial burden imposed by uniform requirements should not dissuade any boy or girl from joining the troop. The troop, however, believes that the scout uniform represents an important part of whom we are and should be worn with pride by all scouts at all scouting functions. The troop treasurer will work with any scout family facing a hardship to come up with a payment plan or fundraising goals to enable them to purchase the uniform.

(3)  In Troop 599 two different uniforms exist.

(4)  CLASS A: The Full uniform consists of a scout: shirt with proper insignia, pants or shorts, belt, socks, hiking boots or casual shoes, neckerchief.

(5)  CLASS B: or “activity uniform” is considered more for an activity and consists of a scout: t-shirt, pants or shorts, belt, hiking boots or casual shoes. The uniform must be appropriate to the activity.

(6)  Specific rules on uniform use are part of the troop’s policies and can be found on the website.

f)      Cub Scout Cross Over: The Troop provides a Scouts BSA handbook, neckerchief, troop uniform numbers and shoulder loops to every Arrow of Light (AOL) who cross over to the Troop.

g)     Equipment Policy

(1)  Troop 599 owns a substantial amount of equipment that over the years has all been purchased with Troop funds. As a result, we have a very strict policy regarding all equipment.

(2)  Specific rules on equipment check-out, check-in, use, maintenance, repair and replacement are part of the troop’s procedures and can be found on the website.

h)      Troop Meetings

(1)  Our Troop meets every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Scouts in the PLC may run later. Meeting times and place are subject to change in support of the unit plan

(2)  All of the meetings follow the Scout Led mentality, in that they are planned during the PLC by the scouts, and ran by the SPL.

(3)  Specific details on meeting planning and attendance requirements are part of the troop’s procedures and can be found on the website.

E.     Ceremonies / Conferences

1.     Court of Honor

a) The Troop Court of Honor ceremony is held twice a year and is a celebration of the Scout’s achievements. Ranks, merit badges and special awards are presented to the scouts. Mothers of the scouts receiving rank advancements are also celebrated. Those attaining the rank of Eagle Scout have reached the pinnacle rank in scouting and a special Eagle Court of Honor is held. Those can be in conjunction with the troop’s court of honor or can be a separate stand-alone ceremony.

2.     Scoutmaster’s Conference and Board of Review

a) Each scout must schedule and participate in a Scoutmaster’s Conference and Board of Review (BOR) as the last requirements for rank advancement. The purpose of the Scoutmaster’s Conference is to develop an understanding and trust between the scout and the scoutmaster. At this time the Scoutmaster will sign-off on Scout Spirit if appropriate. With the scoutmaster’s approval, the scout then sits before the Board of Review (BOR).

b) The BOR is an interview conducted by members of the troop committee, in accordance with the Guide to Advancement, and has the final say on the approval for rank advancement. This interview also provides the troop committee an opportunity to learn the scout’s perspective on what they feel is positive or needs improvement about the troop program and leadership. The BOR interviews will be held during regular troop meetings or at other prearranged times prior to a Court of Honor. Scouts must request a Scoutmaster’s Conference and/or Board of Review when they have met the requirements for the rank. Class A Uniform, and the scout’s Scout Handbook are required in order to participate in a Scoutmaster’s Conference or Board of Review. As scouts advance, their Boards of review will become more directed to the knowledge of skills and the importance of leadership.  At Star rank and above, proper leadership and example setting are of the most concern.  Scouts not demonstrating active leadership and scout spirit will not be approved for their rank at either the SM Conference or the BOR

F.     Troop Outings and Activities

1.     Troop 599 is very active in the outdoors. The troop holds on average 6 to 8 weekend outings per year. In addition, we have troop day hikes or other activities throughout the year.

2.     Most troop camping trips take place at local scout camps. In addition, the PLC will plan different trips that in the past have included canoe trips, backpacking treks, and other adventurous campouts.

3.     Troop Campout Routine.

a) Preparations for all campouts begin two to four weeks in advance when reservations are made and money are due. Around the same time, patrols will plan their patrol menu and grocery list (staying within the approved budget) during the troop meeting or patrol meeting. After the menu is planned by the scouts, and approved by the SM, the patrol will appoint a GM to do the shopping.

b) Most campout start on Friday evening and go until Sunday around 2 pm.

c) All scouts are expected to arrive at the campsite already fed since there is no meal cooking on Friday evening.

d) Adult leaders and parents camp and eat together at the same campsite.  They do not camp or eat with the scout patrols. They intervene only when the safety or health of a scout is at stake.

e) Scouts will be release at the end of the campout when the campsite breakdown has been completed and the area has been policed to the SPL or campout leader’s approval.

G.     Adult Responsibilities

1.     Leaders

a)    Troop 599 has a solid group of adult leaders working to provide the scouting program to all members of the troop. Adult leaders with Troop 599 are primarily responsible for achieving three major goals:

(1)  Completing the “position-specific-training” as an adult leader

(2)  Training and guidance of the scouts consistent with the aims and methods of Scouts BSA

(3)  Providing a safe outdoor program to all scouts.

b)    Assuming these three key responsibilities are satisfied, the adult leaders provide the scouts with the tools to actually deliver the scouting program to themselves and their fellow Scouts.

2.             Parents

a)    As we work on providing a scouting program, there is a lot of hard work and time that goes into planning such a program. As a result, we request that parents accept these five responsibilities.

(1)      Parents must to attend all Courts of Honor. The Court of Honor is a very important moment in your scout’s scouting career as they are awarded and recognized for all their hard work and determination. In addition, important information about the troop is relayed at these special ceremonies.

(2)     Parents must participate in troop fundraisers. We publish a schedule that outlines time frames that scouts and a parent are responsible for working. If you are unable to attend a given time schedule, you can switch with other parents. Everyone’s involvement is required so that everyone benefits from fundraisers.

(3)     Parents must meet all deadlines and scheduled times. When we set a deadline on health forms, money, or any other item it is for supporting the troop and planning the success of the trip or activity.

(4)     Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from activities and camping trips. Carpooling is highly encouraged when possible, so as to distribute the responsibility and fuel costs.

(5)      Parents are responsible for supporting their scout and all scouts as they advance in scouting. That support is extremely important; let them know your interest and support in their involvement in Scouting.

b)    We encourage all parents to get involved. Remember, Scouting is a family-oriented organization. You can serve on the troop committee, support camping trips, become a merit badge counselor, or serve the troop in some other capacity. Periodically, we announce special needs. If you are available and able, please let us know.

H.     Finances

1.     During the annual planning conference, the troop committee uses the next season’s program plan, recuring operating expenses, equipment information provided by the PLC and the scoutmaster to develop the budget plan to support the planned program. The committee uses the troop budget worksheet as a guide for its budget preparations.

2.     Troop finances come from 3 sources;

a) Scout Annual dues. These fund the awards such as merit badges, rank advancements, etc.

b) Fundraising efforts. Recurring operating expenses like; rechartering fees, trailer registration, advancement management software come from these efforts.

c) Donations.

3.     Troop Assets

a)    The troop maintains a trailer and all the required equipment for campouts as well as other program specific items. Equipment is repaired, replaced or augmented based on the report provided by the QM. Routine maintenance and Repairs are done as necessary. Unless a piece of equipment is critical and requires immediate replacement, replacement and gear augmentation request are added to a list. By consensus, the PLC will prioritize the list and the list is added to next season’s fundraising goal. The list is available on the website and anyone, including the public, can sponsor any item on the list.

b)    Scheduled “end-of-life cycle” operating expenses such as; trailer tires, camping stove replacement, trailer replacement, tent replacement, etc. are placed in a “Useful Life Table” with their estimated replacement cost pro-rated over the useful life. The annual replacement cost estimate is added to the fundraising goal and the funds are transferred to the unit reserves until needed.

c)    The yearly replacement will be purchased and the replaced equipment in the best condition will be retained as spares. The excess equipment can be offered to other units, sold as a fundraiser or disposed for recycling.