REGISTRATION & PAPERWORK

> First time Boy Scouts and transfers must fill out a Boy Scout Application form and return it to me along with the current membership fee. (If transferring from another troop, the cost is $1.00). We ask that each boy pay for his first year only. After that, we will pay the annual fee out of troop funds as long as the scout sells $60 worth of popcorn in that year.

> Physicals: fill out a Class 1 and Class 2 medical form. If you already have an updated form, please provide me with a copy. We are required to keep this form on file for campouts. Class 1 Youth must be updated yearly and Class 2 Youth (the physical) must be updated every 3 years.

REQUIRED CLOTHING & MATERIALS

> Scout shirt, scout pants, scout socks, the Palmetto Council patch, and the numbers 1, 1, 6. A scout hat is optional. These items can be purchased at the scout store in Charlotte. We will provide you with the first neckerchief, slide, and red shoulder epaulets.

> Red Troop 116 t-shirts (class B). These can be purchased through our troop for $10.00 each.

> Read the Troop 116 Uniform Policy for complete details.

> We have a clothes closet in the scout hut for recycled clothing (scout shirts, hats, pants, red shirts, long johns, belts, etc). You are welcome to look through the closet to see if there is anything you can use. When you outgrow clothing, feel free to put items in the closet for others to use.

> A Boy Scout Handbook can be purchased at the scout store in Charlotte.

TROOP MEETINGS

> With few exceptions, we meet every Thursday, except the 2nd Thursday of the month, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM.

> Dues of $1 are collected at each meeting. Dues help to pay for all of our patches and awards (these are not cheap!). Paying dues is a part of Scout Spirit and boys are expected to bring $1.00 to every meeting. The scribe will keep a record. It should be the scout’s responsibility to remember to bring his dues. A scout can earn his money by doing chores at home or by doing small jobs for neighbors, etc.

> Boys are expected to come in Class A during the school year and Class B uniform during the summer. See Troop 116 Uniform Policy for full details.

> Promptness is important. Late arrivals disrupt the meeting and boys who arrive late miss out on important information discussed at the beginning of each meeting. We realize that there will be times when boys may have to arrive late due to a school or sporting event. In that case, the boy should enter quietly and go to the bathroom in order to change into his uniform, if needed.
EARNINGS/EXPENSES

Individual Accounts
> A boy can earn money to put into his individual account. This money may be used for scout functions only.

> 5% of the gross popcorn a boy sells during the annual popcorn sale will be placed in his account.

> Soda cans, printer cartridges, and cell phones can be turned in to be recycled for money. Cans must be rinsed, smashed, counted, placed in a bag, and sealed. Bring the bag to a troop meeting and record the number of cans on the chart posted in the scout hut. Cartridges and phones should be placed in a bag with the scout’s name on it and brought to a troop meeting. If a scout does not follow this procedure, he will not get credit and the money will go into the general fund. There is a link on the web site to see a list of printer cartridges and cell phones that are worth money. All money collected for these items goes directly to the boys’ accounts.

> When we have a fundraiser, service hours for working at the fundraiser will be converted into money based on the proceeds of the fundraiser and the number of hours worked. This money will be placed in a boys’ account. Boys will be docked hours based on their willingness to work and behavior. When a scout is working at a fundraiser, it is his responsibility to sign in and out so we have a record of his hours. If he forgets, then he will not get credit. If he signs in but forgets to sign out, then he will get credit for the minimum hours we can verify he was there.

> If a scout leaves the troop, his money will be put into the general fund. He cannot take money earned with him. If family member(s) attend a campout with the scout, his account money may be used to pay for their fees and food cost.

Campouts
> The cost is $7 per day for food plus any registration fees when applicable.

> Cash for fast food meals to and/or from destination and spending money as applicable.

> Anyone signing up for a campout and who does not show up without prior notice (except for emergencies or illness) is responsible for all costs of trip. Anyone who is not present for all meals will be credited for the meals missed ONLY if the troop was notified prior to the purchasing of the food.

COMMUNICATION

> Communication is mainly through email and the troop web site. If you have more than one email address that you would like to use, please let me know.

> The address of the troop web site is www.bsa116.com. Remember to refresh. An updated newsletter with important information and a Calendar of Dates is posted on the web site approximately once per week. Please remember to check dates regularly as they are always subject to change! There are also some very useful links, scouting pictures, forms, and other troop information so be sure and bookmark this site.

> We have approximately four Court of Honors each year where the boys receive their patches and awards and information is communicated. Family members are encouraged to attend. These usually occur on a Friday night at 7:00 PM. Two exceptions are the covered dish dinner in December hosted by Troop 116 and the Blue & Gold Banquet in February hosted by Pack 116.

ADVANCEMENT IN RANK

> Scout – Fulfill basic scouting requirements to become a Scout.

> Tenderfoot – Fulfill certain requirements to gain more scouting knowledge and be active in the troop

> Second Class - Fulfill certain requirements to gain more scouting knowledge and be active in the troop

> First Class - Fulfill certain requirements to gain more scouting knowledge and be active in the troop for at least 4 months.

> STAR – Be active in the troop and hold a position of responsibility for 6 months; earn required number of merit badges, a certain number of which must be Eagle required.

> LIFE– Be active in the troop and hold a position of responsibility for 6 months; earn required number of merit badges, a certain number of which must be Eagle required.

> EAGLE – Be active in the troop, organize and conduct an Eagle Project. It is very important that the boy does this NOT the parents.

> Scout Spirit – paying dues, remaining active, and good behavior are some of the traits looked at for spirit.

> Freezing the advancement clock – any boy who does not participate in at least 50% of troop meetings each month and 50% of troop activities in a 2 month span will have the clock stop on his time for advancement. This will be looked at on a month by month basis.

> Discretion of committee – all advancement concerns will be at the discretion of the troop committee.

> Scoutmaster conference – when a boy is ready to advance to the next rank he should contact the scoutmaster to set up a conference. The purpose of the conference is to be sure the scout is ready for his Board of Review. It may take several conferences before he is ready.

> Board of Review – These are conducted by the Advancement Committee on the Monday of the week of Round Table. Troop meetings are not held on these weeks. A scout must present himself to the Board in full Class A uniform and with his scout book. He advances to the next rank if he passes.

> Eagle Board of Review – The Advancement Committee will approve his readiness to go before the district board.

ACTIVITIES

> Scouting for Food: This is our most important service project every year. It is our way of helping our community. Because this is such an important activity, attendance is expected. Please make a sincere effort to be a part of this service project. It is usually scheduled for the middle of November.

> District and Troop Campouts: Anyone who signs up to attend a campout or other activity and does not show up without contacting the scoutmaster (except in the case of an emergency) will still owe for the food. Food is purchased based on the number of persons signed up to go.

The registration fee, when applicable, is due if a person signs up to attend a campout or other activity whether or not he actually attends.

> Merit Badge College: This is offered early in the year for 3 or 4 Saturdays. It is a great opportunity to earn merit badges. Registration is on the first day and is on a first come, first serve basis in order of rank.

> Fundraisers: These are opportunities to earn money for the boys’ accounts and for the troop budget. Popcorn sales are in the fall and we usually have an annual Spaghetti Dinner in the fall. Other fundraisers such as yard sales and car washers are done as needed.

> Summer Camp: This is long term camping and usually takes place the 3rd week in July. Every other year we go to Bob Hardin. In between years, we attend out of council camps for variety.

> District Campouts: Spring and Fall Camporees, and Polar Bear are organized by the York District.

> Service Hours: These opportunities vary from helping our charter organization when asked to community service and working at our in council camp, Bob Hardin.

RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY

> Please allow your scout to take on the responsibility of paying dues, collecting and counting cans, recording his turn-in items, recording his service hours, budgeting his spending money, packing for campouts, etc. He will learn so much more by making his own mistakes.

> Positions of Responsibility:
o Boys will have the opportunity to hold positions of responsibility within the troop. These positions include Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leader (PL), Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), Quartermaster, Troop Guide, Scribe, Historian, Chaplain, Librarian, and OA Representative. Boys can also be Den Chiefs and help out with Pack 116. All of the mentioned positions will be counted as credit for advancement except the Assistant Patrol Leaders. Elections are held approximately every six months. The scout in the three assistant positions will move up to the leader position at the next election. All positions are elected with the exception of the Troop Guide who is appointed by the Scoutmaster and the OA Representative who may be elected or appointed.

o It is important that whoever runs for any of the SPL, ASPL, PL, and APL offices be available to attend most troop meetings and go on most campouts. If a scout is unable to make a commitment, he should not run for these four offices.

o The OA Representative must be a current member, attend the monthly OA Chapter meetings, and update the troop on OA activities.

o If a scout has a position of responsibility, it is up to him to contact his assistant or contact another scout to take his place when he cannot be at a meeting or campout.

o It is up to the discretion of the committee to disallow credit for a position held when a boy does not perform his function.

o Boy Scouts do not have to have a family member accompany them on campouts. However, if a boy has discipline problems, a parent or guardian may be required to go. A boy is expected to behave reasonably while away from home. If his behavior gets out of hand, his family will be called and someone will be expected to come pick him up ASAP from wherever we are and whatever time it is. This has not happened in recent years and we do not anticipate any problems.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

> Any parent or other family member who is interested in becoming a committee member or assistant scoutmaster is very welcome. All you have to do is fill out a leader form and pay the registration fee (Like the boys, this is a one time fee; after the first year, the fee is paid out of troop funds). The more adults involved, the more we can do for the boys. Adults who plan on camping and are over 40 must fill out a Class 3 medical form. This form must be updated every year. You do not have to be a member of the committee to be involved.

HOWARD HUNTER AWARD
Each year boys and adult leaders have an opportunity to earn the Howard Hunter Award which is passed out at a District Banquet in December. The first year a large, circular patch is given. Each year thereafter, a smaller patch is awarded that will circle around part of the center patch. The award year starts on November 1 and ends October 31. The following requirements must be met in order to receive the Howard Hunter Award.
o Popcorn Sales ($100 Min Sale) – Adult leaders just need to show they made an effort to participate
o Participate in Scouting for Food
o Polar Bear
o Scout Show
o Long-term camping (5 nights Min.) i.e. summer camp
o Minimum 15 nights camping with unit
o Unit Service or Conservation Project @ Palmetto Council Camps (6 hour min.)
o District/Council Camporee (Spring or Fall Camporee)

o If you are unable to attend one of the above activities due to last minute illness, death in the family, date of event gets changed or canceled (and the scout had signed up to participate), or you have a school function that is mandatory to receive credit for a grade, it is the scout’s responsibility to contact the scoutmaster. The scoutmaster will use his discretion as to whether or not to give the scout credit for the Howard Hunter Award. Another activity may be required for the scout to participate in order to receive credit.

o You will be able to get credit if you are unable to attend for the full activity, however you must pay the activity fee and be an active participant not just “drop in” for a few hours.
TROOP COMMITTEE (the committee meets on an as needed basis)

Scoutmaster: Bill Lifsey

Assistant scoutmasters:
Mark Barrett Thomas Bonner Thurmond Bonner
Wes Boone Wesley Boone Philip Stewart
David Turner Dick Watkins Jeb Watkins
John Williams David Lifsey

Committee Members:
Chair: Beth Lifsey
Treasurer: Dawn Minutole
Secretary: Position Open
Fundraiser Chair: Michele Barrett
Webmaster: Michele Barrett
Sponsor Liaison: Mike Pettitt
Other Members: Doug Huffstickler
Wayne Miller
Roxane Turner

Beth R. Lifsey
Troop 116 committee chairperson
328-2108 (home)
981-1063 (work)
Lifsey@comporoium.net

Our troop is constantly evolving, hopefully for the better. There is always more that can be done to make our troop stronger. If you are not already involved, but would like to become involved, please contact me and I will find a function for you. It does not have to be a big one. The more parents and grandparents we have involved, the more we can do for our boys and the more the workload is distributed among adults. For those of you who are already involved, thank you so very much for all you do for our boys!

Beth Lifsey
Troop 116 Chairperson