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BSA Troop 31 “It is far better for a scout to eat a burnt pancake that he cooked
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Troop Handbook Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America |
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Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide for an effective program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop in them personal fitness, thus to help in the development of American citizens who:
The Boy Scouts of America accomplishes this purpose by making its program available in cooperation with existing groups having compatible goals, including religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and governmental bodies. |
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Scouting aims to build character, citizenship and fitness. When scouts go camping, this growth seems to follow. Camping is a method of Scouting, but camping is not Scouting’s purpose. Patrol and troop camping are models and a testing ground for life in society. In a small group, each member is dependent upon others. Each learns to accept responsibility and to exercise good judgment. Even a stubborn or selfish person finds himself interacting with others in helpful and supportive ways. Scouts who camp will sooner or later come face to face with practical applications of the Scout Oath and Law. Cheerfulness, trustworthiness, courtesy, helpfulness, and all the central virtues of Scouting become a natural teacher of these essential survival skills. Thus, we promote camping, and camping becomes more effective in achieving the aims of Scouting. These principles of Scouting are central to any kind of successful life. John Lea, ASM |
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Welcome to Troop 31! Our troop is very active and has a varied program. This troop believes in scouting and requires the dedication of each member. We are here to learn and most importantly to have fun. Troop 31 is one of the oldest troops in Nashville. Its original charter was granted in 1920. St. George’s Church has sponsored the troop since 1957. In order to continue this tradition of excellence, the troop needs the support of the parents or guardians of all scouts in the program. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and to go on any outings in which they are interested. The troop is always in need of adult support. Let us know what your interests and talents are and we will let you know how to help. The greater the parental involvement, the stronger the troop. Troop 31’s ongoing success is based on the following:
Troop 31 is not a “sitting service.” Troop 31 is a fun-filled, learning organization of Boy Scouts - guided by concerned and caring adults - who are active in all facets of church, school and community life. |
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First, you must be at least 10 years old and obtained the Arrow of Light or otherwise be 11 or older but not yet 18. Second, you must satisfy to the adult leaders that you: understand and intend to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto and the Scout Slogan. Third, you must complete the application form provided by the troop and have a parent or guardian sign it. Fourth, your parent or guardian must supply the Scoutmaster with a completed Troop 31 Resource Survey. Family data and medical release must be properly completed and signed before a scout can be sworn into the troop or accompany the troop on outings. There will be no exceptions to this. Fifth, you must present the completed application to an adult leader, with a check made out to Troop 31, BSA for membership fee. The membership fee is set annually by the Troop Committee and is currently $65.00. |
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General meetings are held on Monday evening at: Johnson Hall Meeting Times: 6:45 p.m. - Troop Leaders Council Program & Service
Patrols |
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Scouts are expected to attend meetings and troop outings on a regular basis. Planning of upcoming outings and training is an integral part of the weekly meetings. A scout who misses these meetings may be ill prepared for the next outing. Each patrol will be unable to plan for these outings properly unless all patrol members are present. If a Scout must miss a meeting, he should inform his patrol leader and must contact the patrol leader after the meeting for an update. Effective Monday, September 28, 2006, in order to receive a rank advancement, a Scout must attend at least 1/3 of the Scout meetings and 1/3 of the campouts.
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The advancement program in Scouting enables boys to learn while they are having fun. Advancement through the ranks helps the Scout become more self-reliant and self-confident. In contrast to school, the boy determines the pace at which he advances. Some Scouts need encouragement from their parents and adult leaders; others must be reminded that the purpose is to learn a new skill or subject rather than simply to earn another badge or award; and some Scouts are self-motivated to learn on their own. As Scouts take part in troop programs, they learn skills which may meet certain advancement requirements. However, advancement does not come automatically with participation. A Scout should read his Scout Handbook and should ask the appropriate individual to check him off when he has met a given requirement. The following individuals may check off skill awards: Merit Badge and Rank Requirements Rank Requirements Only An adult merit badge counselor approved by the Scoutmaster may test merit badges. When a Scout wishes to work toward a merit badge, he should first fill out a blue merit badge application and present the card to the Scoutmaster. At that point, a merit badge counselor will be identified. A parent may not sign off a merit badge requirement unless he or she is a recognized merit badge counselor and is working with 2 or more scouts in a class with other scouts on the same subject. When a Scout has completed the necessary requirements for a rank award, he should request that the Scoutmaster or Troop Advancement Committee Chairman set up a Board of Review for him. The Scout must appear before the Board of Review in correct uniform, including shirt, pants, belt, neckerchief, and neckerchief slide. Boy Scout advancement is a four step process:
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The Scout Oath and Law are truly meaningful principles when understood and practiced in daily life. Commitment and adherence to the principles established within the Scout Oath and by every person related to Troop 31 is expected. Ultimately, the troop holds each person responsible for his behavior. Infractions of the Oath, Law, or Troop Regulations will meet immediate, direct disciplinary action by leadership. Such action will generally, but not necessarily follow this procedure:
In addition to the commonly accepted rules of conduct, Scouts are not permitted to use tobacco products, drink alcoholic beverages, use illegal drugs, possess pornographic materials, carry any objects for the purpose of going armed, curse, or use obscene language. |
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We are guests of St. George’s Church. Scouts are not allowed in any area of the church without Scoutmaster’s approval and proper supervision. There will be no ball-throwing or running. Do not tamper with church equipment, fittings or property. We will hold individual scouts or groups responsible for damages. Do not scoot chairs on the floor, slam doors, or do anything unbecoming of a scout. Do not wear black sole shoes that mark the floor. Remember, other groups may also be using the church at the same time we are. Be careful not to disturb them. |
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A Scout is responsible for equipment he uses or shares, and should return it to its proper location at his earliest convenience. A Scout who damages equipment by horseplay or neglect may be asked to replace it. You must not remove equipment from the closet without the quartermaster or his assistant checking it out. You will be required to sign for all items. Do not return equipment to the closet until it is:
Missing items will be the responsibility of the person who checked them out. Troop equipment is for Scout activities only. It is not to be loaned out for personal use. For Scout use other than direct Troop 31 programs, permission of the Troop Committee, Scoutmaster or Quartermaster must be obtained. In no event will equipment be used without experienced Troop 31 members present. |
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Insurance, Medical and Family Data The Troop carries a minor liability insurance policy through BSA. It is each Scout Family’s responsibility to cover all other eventualities. It is a troop requirement that the Scout Family Data and Medical Release must be properly completed and signed. Parents or guardians must be responsible for informing the adult leadership about any unusual mental, medical or physical problems their scout may have. Adult leaders are not responsible for medicating a child. We ask the parents to assess the Scout’s physical limitations in participating in various activities. |
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Drivers for Scout functions must be licensed properly, insured and at least 26 years old. Non-conformity with this National Scout policy nullifies the troop’s liability insurance. Troop 31 will comply with all local Council and National Scout requirements regarding troop permits. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. No riding in the back of pickup trucks or on trailers is permitted. |
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All scout activities are to have 2 deep adult leadership. This is Scout policy that two adult leaders be at all troop activities. The troop will not go on campouts when there is a ratio of less than one adult per eight scouts. At no time will there be fewer than three adults on a campout. Each parent is required to help in the camping program. |
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The troop expects all Scouts to be properly uniformed at all Scout functions unless instructed otherwise. A scout cannot receive a Board of Review without proper uniform. At Courts of Honor, awards will not be presented if the Scout is out of proper uniform. Scouts are not permitted to wear printed T-shirts promoting persons, places, events or things including tobacco, alcohol or unhealthful living, that are incompatible with the Scout Oath and Law Uniform classifications:
The Scout is to have respect for the uniform. Shirttails should be tucked in and uniforms should be pressed and clean. Scouts are required to wear a nametag on the uniform. Patches and badges must be properly attached. |
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Last Modified: January 09, 2011 |
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