Scout Accounts

Money Making Credits
Any time a scout performs money-making activities for the troop, the total proceeds, when received, will be split 50% to the troop general fund, and 50% to the scout accounts of the participants based upon time worked.  The only exception to this policy is for the Conner Prairie Wagon Pull where 100% of the money collected on a given night will be distributed to the participating scouts’ accounts.
 

Forfeiture of Funds
When a scout resigns from the troop the money in their scout account will be forfeited to the troop general fund, unless they request it to be moved to another scout’s account or transfer it to another BSA organization of which they are a member.
 

Use of Accounts
A scout may use the funds in their scout account for any scouting related expense.  It will be up to the adult in charge of an activity to notify the Treasurer to debit the scout accounts for any money used for the activity.  Examples of scouting related expenses are: outing fees, food costs, rechartering fees, summer camps, uniforms, and equipment.  This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, but only examples.

Scout Uniform
For Troop 109, the full Class A includes the shirt and a neckerchief and slide (belt and hat are optional).  The Full Class A is to be worn for Scoutmaster conferences, Boards of Review and Courts of Honor. The Class A shirt must be worn when traveling on outings.
Eagle scouts are expected to wear a full scout uniform (Shirt, neckerchief and slide, merit badge sash, belt, pants and socks) for all eagle rank activities. This includes scoutmaster conference, local board of review, eagle board of review and all courts of honor.
Class A or Class B uniforms will be worn at all other scout activities unless otherwise announced.
 

Service Hours
 

General Definitions
Generally, benefit the community, except when performed for a Boy Scout camp.  Annual troop service projects include: Adopt-a-Road, Reach for Tomorrow, Environmental Clean up, and Eagle class projects.  The Fishers Festival overnight does not qualify because the troop is compensated for the work.  A maximum of two hours of service will be accepted for each summer camp and Troop outing.
 

Approvals
In order to be accepted for rank advancement, all service hours must be approved in advance by the Scoutmaster or the Advancement Chair.  Troop service projects (e.g. Adopt-A-Road, Scouting for Food, Luminaries, Eagle Projects) will be automatically approved since they are a part of the troop’s program. The program is approved by the Troop Committee.

Electronic devices
This policy applies to youth only. These restrictions are intended to maintain the youth focus on scouting activities.
 

Electronic Devices
No electronic devices are permitted in the Troop meetings or outings.  Board and card games are allowed but no gambling.
 

Exception
For any outing involving travel of more than 2 hours, the leadership may allow the use of electronic devices in the vehicles during travel.
 

Miscellaneous

Role Playing Games
Role playing games (RPGs) have been a source of problems for several outings.  The issue is that role playing games consume too much time for planning and playing during an outing weekend.  The scouts participating in the RPG’s tend to focus on the RPG to the exclusion of all other scouting activities even when not actively playing the game.
Therefore, RPGs are banned from normal Troop activities.
 

Tents
Scouts should be in tents only during sleeping time or temporary to change clothes or get gear.

Knife Policies of Troop 109
While the Guide to Safe Scouting states the national policy of the Boy Scouts of America is to “avoid large sheath knives”; Troop 109 has adopted a more stringent policy regarding the carrying and use of knives by Scouts in Troop 109:
 

Scouts may only carry folding pocket knives that are consistent with the national BSA policy as stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting.  Continuous safe handling and use of all woods tools, and other equipment in the troop is a condition and co-requisite for their possession and use.
 

Scouts may only carry pocketknives that meet the legal requirements of the State of Indiana.  Furthermore, if the scout is traveling with the Troop, representing the troop, or while wearing any uniform or attire identifying the troop or the youth’s affiliation with the troop, the pocketknife must meet the legal restrictions in the jurisdictions into which the scout will be traveling.  Commercial travel may require knives to be shipped or placed in checked luggage.  Care must be taken to ensure the safe and legal conveyance of knives and other tools or equipment.  Knifes blades are limited to less than 6 inches.  Flip or Butterfly knives and Boot knives are specifically prohibited.
 

Only scouts who have a valid “Toten Chip” with them may carry a knife on them, except scouts may be allowed to carry pocketknives with them to planned “Toten Chip” trainings.  When a pocket knife is being carried without a “Toten Chip” (such as on way to camp where the scout will be working on earning the “Toten Chip”; the scout must carry the knife in their backpack or luggage during travel and notify the Scoutmaster, acting scoutmaster, or patrol assistant scoutmaster or event coordinator (or a designee) that they have the knife with them.  Such notifications should be made in advance to the greatest extent possible.  The scout should not carry the knife with them for extended periods of time and may not use the knife outside the training until the “Toten Chip” has been awarded to them.  When not in route to class, in class or returning to the campsite, the scout should have an adult leader hold the knife for them, or properly store (or stow) the knife.
 

Knives may not be open or used in any moving vehicle or in any other situation where there may be sudden or unexpected movement or approach by the scout or by other people.
 

Knives should generally be used in an “ax yard”.  Knives must be handled with the safety, care, and etiquette as stated in the BSA Handbook. Knives must have a blade length consistent with the scout’s skill level and with the purpose for which it is being carried.
Should a situation require the use of a knife outside the ax yard or outside the policy and provisions of the BSA Handbook, the Guide to Safe Scouting, and the Policies of Troop 109, the knife should be opened and used by an adult leader where possible, otherwise, by a senior scout (over 14 years of age and having achieved at least Star or Life Scout rank).
 

An adult may confiscate a knife when any of the following situations occur:  Any horseplay with the knife; improper use of the knife; threats regarding or including the use of a knife (either shown, referred to, or the use of a weapon is reasonably perceived, or where there is any violence demonstration or threat or use of violence where the threat of violence is explicit or implied.
 

Scouts may be allowed to carry and use fishing, fillet, hunting, diving or other special purpose knives when and where appropriate by special authorization.  Only registered and trained scouters serving in the capacities as scoutmaster, acting scoutmaster (for a specific outing or event), “Outdoor Program” chair, instructor (over 21 years of age), merit badge counselor, the specific event’s coordinator, or the troop committee may authorize the use of special purpose knives or variances from the policies of Troop 109, but no variances are permitted from National BSA Policy or which conflict with the laws or regulations of the State of Indiana or other national, state, or local jurisdiction.
(Note that the removing of corners has been eliminated from the policy. This practice is now interpreted as “hazing” and is not allowed.)
 
White Stag - Scout Registration Scholarships
The current ASPL will have 100% of the registration fee paid for them by the troop if they choose to attend.  Any other scout wanting to attend will receive $100 toward their registration fee (maximum of four scouts).  This is open to all boys (Scoutmaster approval is required) meeting the requirements of White Stag participation, which is currently being at least 13 years of age, having First Class rank or higher, and holding an Eagle-required leadership position within the last year.  The scout will be notified that they are expected to complete all the requirements of the course.

Summer Camp - Adult Registration
Adults will not be expected to pay for their summer camp registrations.  The cost will be allocated to the boys attending and added to their registration costs. 
 

Recharter Registration - Adult Registration
The registration fees for active, registered adults will be paid by the troop.  Active means participates regularly with meetings, outings or activities.
 

Discipline - Three-Check Policy
The Scribe is primarily responsible for observing the scouts’ behavior during troop meetings and recording check marks when a scout is disrupting the meeting.  A disruption can include, but not be limited to, talking when they should be listening; not behaving in a scouting manner; or not obeying requests from their PL, SPL, ASPL, or any adult.  Additionally, any scout not wearing their uniform (Class A or B) to a meeting will automatically receive one check mark.  In any one meeting, if a scout receives two check marks, they are notified by the Scribe and the Scoutmaster is notified (timeout for the rest of the meeting).  If a scout receives three check marks in any one meeting, the scout is removed from the meeting and their parents are called to come and pick up the scout immediately.  This record of all check marks is given to the Scoutmaster each month for use in Scoutmaster Conferences when analyzing the Scouting Spirit requirements of advancements.
 

Camping
 

Drinks
Soda pop is not allowed unless provided by the adult leadership (Leftovers from Fishers Festival). Drinks purchased in individual serving containers are discouraged. Scouts are expected to buy drinks in bulk containers and use their personal cups/glasses for consumption. This minimizes the trash and mess generated in the campsite.
The adult grub master on each outing will purchase bulk powdered drink that will be made available to the scouts.
 

Mess Kits
Each scout is responsible for his own personal mess kit. This includes the plates, cups, bowls, spoon, fork and knife that is used to eat with. The troop will provide the equipment needed to prepare and cook food in the patrol box.
 

Outing Charges
Scouts will be charged for the direct charges associated with each outing. This includes fees associated with camping, activities and food.
An additional fee will be charged to cover part of travel expenses and troop equipment expenses (propane, charcoal other normal consumables)
 

For outings of < 100 miles each way, this will be $5/person.
Outings > 100 miles each way will be assessed to fairly cover expected transportation expenses. FYI, The scout bus gets about 6 miles / gallon.
 

Driver Re-imbursement
The reimbursement of drivers is intended to help cover the costs of the vehicles needed to make the outing work. It is not intended to compensate all adults that may want to drive for personal reasons.
 

Drivers will be reimbursed $10 for trips < 100 miles each way. This only applies to drivers that start and return with the main troop or special vehicles (truck, tow canoes). Those that arrive late or leave early or return directly home will not be reimbursed.
Outings > 100 miles each way will be reimbursed fairly cover expected gasoline expenses.