Welcome to the Adventure of Scouting in Troop 433!
This section will introduce you to Troop 433’s policies and guidelines. These are a culmination of years of experience in organizing and running a Boy Scout Troop. We feel that these policies and guidelines will foster an environment that is safe and promote a positive experience in Scouting. Although this section cannot cover every situation, it can address the most prevalent issues and concerns. After reading this page, the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, or Troop Committee will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need.
How Your Son Will Benefit
Troop 433 conducts an active and challenging outdoor program. Scouting is much more than a wholesome and enjoyable activity. Active Scouts develop initiative, leadership, self-reliance and self-confidence. Scouting helps boys become good citizens of strong character, who will be leaders and achievers in the adult world. Our goal is to assist each Scout in earning youth’s most prestigious honor, the Eagle Award.
The Parents Role in Scouting
You are the single most important factor that will determine how successful your son will be in Boy Scouts. Since 1975, over 700 Scouts have been a part of the Troop 433 Scouting Family and what we have learned is:
“Scouts whose parents are actively involved attend more than twice the number of activities and attained more than twice the rank advancement than Scouts with less-involved parents.”
The bottom line is if you want your son to reap the benefits that Scouting has to offer, to build life successes as the foundation for his future, you need to join Scouting with your son, either as a uniformed leader or as an active member of the Troop Committee.
Being an involved parent takes some time and effort, but it is rewarding and FUN! One of the primary reasons why our troop is so successful is due to the dedication of many of our parents. There is always an activity which will match your talents. Your involvement is vital to your son as well as to our other Scouts.
Troop 433 Goals
Scouting is a GAME with a PURPOSE: To develop future leaders of strong character, good citizenship and personal fitness. Scouting’s eight methods make it unique:
Scouting Ideals:
(Law, Promise, Motto & Slogan)
Patrol System
Advancement
Adult Role Models
Outdoor Program
Leadership Development
Personal Growth
Scout Uniform
Organization Overview
The Middle Island Fire District is the chartered organization that provides the meeting & facilities for the troop.
The Troop Committee supports the troop program and overall administration of the troop.
The boy-led Scout Troop provides the program and activities for the Scout to learn and grow while having fun!
Adult Participation:
Troop Committee
The Troop Committee is open to all parents. The Committee has several official chairs, such as Committee Chairperson (CC), Activities, Secretary, Advancement, Treasurer, and Fundraising. Key positions are registered members of the troop (see training and registration).
Topics include fundraising for the troop, fund-raising for the boy’s individual scout accounts; activities include meetings, outings, campouts, summer camp, High Adventure, and other administrative issues are discussed. Troop Committee details are provided later in this document.
Youth Protection Training is required by the National BSA to be registered committee member. You can take that course at my.scouting.org
Adult Troop Leadership
The Scout Troop program, meetings, and outdoor activities are conducted under the guidance of the Scoutmaster (SM), Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM), and participating parents. Each ASM is assigned to a patrol to provide coaching and mentoring through the assigned Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Patrol Leader.
Youth Protection Training is required by the National BSA to be registered Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster.
Merit Badge Counselors
Merit Badge Counselors are the key to success in the merit badge plan. They offer their time, experience and knowledge to help guide scouts in one or more merit badge subjects. The counselor’s responsibility is to:
– Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements.
– Coach Scouts through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the craft, business or hobby.
– Certify the Scout after determining that he is qualified for the merit badge.
If you have particular knowledge or skills consider becoming a merit badge counselor. For a list of merit badges, click HERE.
Youth Protection Training is required by the National BSA to be registered merit badge counselor.
To download a Merit Badge Counselor Application, click here!
Adult Training and Registration
The troop encourages all registered adult leaders to be trained through programs offered by the Suffolk County Council. As an incentive, the troop will cover any registration costs. Current BSA policy requires all adults who have regular contact with Scouts to be registered with the BSA and get trained for their position as soon as possible. This is accomplished simply by filling out an Adult Application. The Membership Fee for Committee Members is $72.00 for the 2024 calendar year, pro-rated, including liability insurance. The Troop will cover the Membership Fee for all active, uniformed Scoutmasters.
The Troop Structure:
The Scout Uniform
Just as a sports uniform identifies a boy with a team, the Scout uniform identifies a boy with the largest voluntary youth movement in the world. The Scout uniform reduces the importance of a personal financial, social, and ethnic background while clearly displaying each individual’s Scouting accomplishments.
Policy: Unless otherwise directed. Troop 433 requires all members to wear a Class “A” uniform to all meetings. Courts of Honor, to / from troop campouts, merit badge meetings, and other public events.
The Class “A” uniform consists of the following:
– Scout shirt (short or long sleeve)
– Scout trousers or Scout shorts
– Scout belt
– Scout socks
– Scout Neckerchief (presented by the Troop)
– Neckerchief Slide
– Troop 433 Scout Hat
– Merit Badge Sash (on formal, occasions)
The shirt requires the following insignia:
– Green shoulder loops
– Badge of Rank (presented by Troop)
– Arrow of Light Award (if earned) under left pocket
– Suffolk County Council shoulder patch
– “433” and Veteran Year Bar (both presented by Troop) on left sleeve
– Current Year “Journey to Excellence” patch on right sleeve
– World Scout Crest (above left pocket about 3 inches below shoulder seam)
The Scout Handbook has full-sized sewing templates on the inside front and back covers. Not shown is the Quality Unit patch, latest year earned only, which is sewn on the right sleeve 4 inches below the shoulder seam.
During summer and other specified activities, the Scout may wear the Class “B” uniform consisting of:
– 433 T-shirt (sold at cost),
– Scout shorts/pants red-topped Scout socks (mid-calf, not the knee socks)
– Troop 433 hat.
The nearest source for Scout supplies is the BSA Suffolk Scout Shop located inside the Suffolk County Council Office at
the Town of Brookhaven building at 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville NY. The Office is on the Second Floor – Suite 202.
Our troop has a Uniform Exchange program administered by one of our parents. This committee member has used shirts, pants, and other accessories that have been donated by parents whose sons have outgrown them. All parents are encouraged to participate in our program in order to reduce the expense of uniforming their sons.
Policy: Scouts joining the troop have up to two months to obtain their uniform.
Leadership Corp
As a boy-led troop, the Leadership Corp runs the troop under the scout elected position of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The Senior Patrol leader receives guidance from the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster(s) and experience of the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM). Appointed positions by the SPL include the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) (ASPL), Troop Guide, Quartermaster, Scribe, Librarian, Chaplains Aide, Instructor, Den Chief, and Bugler. Additionally, positions may be created based on troop need.
Membership in the Leadership Corp usually requires the Scout to be at Star rank or higher. The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is an Eagle Scout appointed by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster(s). Elections are generally held at every 6 or 12 months (June, January) depending on position and need.
Policy: Each Scout elected / appointed to a position will receive a job description which will outline his role and responsibilities in the troop. During his term, the Scout is expected to carry out his responsibilities.
Policy: Scouts holding a leadership position must attend a Junior Leader Training Course (JLTC).
In August, the Troop Leadership Committee (TLC) meets to plan the yearly program. The program meeting is run by the Senior Patrol with participation of the Leadership Corp, Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmasters. Monthly, the TLC will hone the planned activities for upcoming troop meetings and outdoor events.
The Patrol
The Troop consists of “patrols”. Each patrol is made up of 6 to 12 scouts. Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders are elected by each individual patrol. New patrol leaders are usually chosen every 6 months in order for each scout to develop his leadership abilities. Patrol Leaders are usually First Class Scouts or higher. In the case of an entirely New Patrol, the position of Patrol Leader is rotated monthly to give each new scout the opportunity to be a leader. New members learn together about Scouting under the leadership of an experienced Scout (a Troop Guide). New Scouts remain in this patrol for at least six months before choosing which regular patrol to join or remain as their own patrol.
Weekly Meetings
Policy: Scouts are expected to attend weekly troop meetings at the Middle Island Fire Department. It is understood that there are occasional conflicts with school and other activities.
Policy: Each Scout is responsible to pay dues twice a year. The dues are currently $25.00, payable once in the Fall and once in the Spring, whether you are in attendance or not. The funds collected go directly into the troop treasury to help defray the costs of camping activities, equipment and awards.
Policy: Scouts are expected to bring their Boy Scout Handbook to the regular meetings and campouts. Scouts often delay their own advancement by not bringing the Handbook. They can demonstrate a skill they have learned, but often it can’t be signed off in their book since they forgot to bring it to the meeting.
Scouts should be at the meeting on time. The regular meetings start promptly on Monday nights at 7:30 pm and end at 9:00 pm at the Middle Island Fire House.
Policy: Regular weekly troop meetings are generally not held on scheduled school holidays. If one needs to be scheduled for a special reason, ample notice will be given to the Scouts.
Policy: Scouts are required to help clean up the room as needed. Parents are to pick-up the Scouts promptly after they are dismissed.
Occasionally, a brief post-meeting is held by the Leadership Corp to address an issue. We ask the parents to be understanding when this occurs.
Policy: With the permission of the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader or Committee Chair, parents may stay at regular troop meetings.
Although it is generally encouraged for parents to observe during meetings, parents can at times be distracting to the activities being presented. We ask for your understanding.
The Troop Court of Honor
Troop 433 holds three Courts of Honor during the year (February, June and September). These formal ceremonies recognize a Scout’s leadership, advancement and other significant accomplishments in front of his family.
Policy: It is strongly recommended that all parents attend this special event and recognize their son’s efforts and achievement.
The Court of Honor in February is preceded by a family potluck supper. For this event, please bring a main course (enough to feed your family and maybe an extra mouth or two!) and your favorite beverages for your table. The troop will provide the plates, cups, utensils, napkins, coffee and tea. At the other Courts of Honor, we will have hot and cold beverages. Parents are invited to bring dessert items for all to share.
The Outdoor Program
Summer Camp
Be sure to put summer camp on your family calendar NOW so your son won’t miss out on the most important and exciting week of the year. Boys who go will have great difficulty catching up with the Scouts who went to camp, and more than half will drop out during their first year.
Traditionally, our Troop spends a week at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rhode Island every July. This scout camp has been in operation for over 85 years. It offers the scouts a wonderful camping experience and programs covering nearly 30 merit badges. Because the camp adheres to the scout philosophy of “two-deep” leadership, the first three adults attending with the Scouts go free. For every twelve Scouts attending, another adult can attend free. It is usually a most memorable experience for all the Scouts.
Policy: Adults attending summer camp is determined by space availability. Order of priority is SM, ASM(s), Registered Committee, parents.
Short Term Campouts
The troop does its best to have a camping adventure or outing every month from September through June. For weekend campouts, the troop usually leaves on Friday night or Saturday morning from the Middle Island Fire Department parking lot. The time of departure will vary depending on the destination. A Trip Information Sheet is prepared detailing everything that the Scouts need to know; what the goals are, what to bring, when we are leaving, etc. Typically, the Troop returns to the Middle Island Fire Department on Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. depending on the trip distance.
Prior to a campout, each Patrol Leader will determine who is going. The Patrol Leader will prepare the menu and duty roster for the weekend. The cooking duties are usually organized within the Scout’s patrol. Each patrol determines the menu and which scout will purchase the food for the weekend. The troop equips the patrols with camp kitchens and cooking equipment as well as tents. Scouts are generally responsible for their personal gear and sleeping bags.
The “Older Boy” Program
Troop 433’s Older Boy Program offers those Scouts the opportunity to expand their interests through High Adventure activities.
Policy: Scouts in good standing with active participation in the Troop, have attained First Class rank, and are 13 years or older may participate. The Scout has completed both the First Aid and Camping merit badges and exhibits the maturity to handle the program.
Outings are designed to be challenging and provide exciting opportunities for Scouts to further hone their camping, backpacking, and “Leave No Trace” skills.
Trips may include backpacking upstate, climbing and rappelling, canoeing, and attending BSA High Adventure Bases.
Adults and Leaders are encouraged to take the High Adventure Training Courses offered by the Suffolk County Council, BSA.
Troop 433 Activity Policy
To help make an activity run smoothly, be safe, and be successful, please follow these prescribed rules. If you have any questions please follow your “chain of command.”
Arrival / Departure
Policy: Scouts must be dropped off and picked up at the assigned times.
Policy: If a Scout is planning on being more than one-hour late/ leaving early for a scheduled activity (i.e. campout) OR has to leave/return during a Scouting activity (i.e. sports), a Troop 433 Scout Arrival/Departure Form must be completed and handed to the Scoutmaster or Activity Leader at least 24 hours prior to the campout. Scouts may not be permitted to attend otherwise.
For scheduled departure times, the Troop will usually provide a 15 minute window for all to gather prior to departure. Please be courteous to others and arrive on time. If you know you will be late, please contact your chain of command and let them know ASAP.
Policy: Parents must notify the activity leader in advance of visiting your Scout during an activity / campout.
We encourage parents to visit and see Scouts in action, however, during certain times/activities, that may not be appropriate. The leader can advise you on the best time(s) to visit.
Camp Rules
1. Prior to the campout, two (2) copies of the Patrol menu and duty roster must be completed. One copy is posted in the Patrol’s camp kitchen and the other copy is provided to the Senior Patrol Leader. When you plan, make sure Scouts arriving / departing early / late are accounted for and jobs are given out fairly.
2. A Scout is responsible for the cost of his share of food, even if he cancels out after the food has been purchased.
3. The troop campsite must be set up prior to attending personal gear needs. The order of campsite set up is 1) Troop Gear 2) Patrol gear 3) Personal gear. The order of campsite breakdown is 1) Personal gear, 2) Patrol Gear, 3) Troop Gear. Helpful hint: On the day of campsite breakdown, as soon as you are up, pack all your personal gear immediately, except your eating utensils. That will clear the way to attend your Patrol jobs.
4. Patrols must use their own camp kitchens. No Scout may use another patrol’s camp kitchen without express permission from the Patrol Leader, SPL, ASM, or SM.
5. Patrols are responsible for keeping their troop equipment in good working order. Items misused, broken, or lost is the responsibility of the patrol for replacement.
6. All planned meals are to be prepared and consumed.
7. Each patrol cooking/clean up must be done in their designated area following the planned duty roster.
8. The buddy system is used at all times when going off campsite. Scouts need to check in/out with Patrol leader or Senior Patrol leader. Certain campouts will use a sign/out board, which may be used.
9. To use folding knives, axes or saws, a Scout must have completed and on his possession a Totin’Chip card.
10. On campouts there are no glass containers, non-folding (sheath) knives, candles, radios/walkmans, electronic games, or cell phones allowed at the campsite.
Campout / Activity Recognition for Credit
When a Scout fully participates in an activity, the Scout will receive credit in his personal record. This is particularly important to gauge overall participation for rank advancement and for merit badges such as camping. We encourage as much participation as possible from our Scouts.
Policy: If a Scout has another conflict during a campout / activity, in order for the Scout to receive credit, all three requirements must occur:
A Scout Arrival/Departure Form must be completed and provided to the Scoutmaster/Activity Leader at least 24 hours prior to the activity.
If it’s an overnight campout, the Scout must stay overnight. Must be in attendance at least 75% of the established activity time (based on departure/return times).
Adult Camping with Scouts
Adults are an integral part of the success of the camping program. We appreciate parents who come out and camp with the boys. The following are some guidelines to help in the Scout’s learning experience.
Policy: All adults camping with the Scouts are required to be members of the BSA and pay the pro-rated Membership Fee. They are also required to be Youth Protection Trained.
– Within Leadership, the Troop Guides, ASPL’s and the SPL’s function is to help guide the patrols in the set up, cooking, and overall events during the campout. Additionally, an Assistant Scoutmaster may be attending who is assigned to a Patrol to help the Scout Leadership through coaching and mentoring. Try to work through the Leadership team by supporting the coaching efforts. The objective is to let the Scouts learn organization, leadership, teamwork, and skills such as cooking. Resist doing the work for them. “We never lost a Scout to burnt eggs.”
– Just like patrols, adults eat together. To give maximum attention to the patrols, the Junior Leaders eat with the adults. Like the scout patrols, we plan our menus. Our prepared cuisine rivals that of the finest restaurants, or so we think!
If you are planning on camping with the Troop, We will plan meals for you unless notified otherwise.
Please let us know if there are any special dietary needs/concerns. Because of dietary issues, if you bring your own food, we will help you prepare it if needed. We strongly discourage cooking with your Scout’s patrol.
Policy: If you have not signed up to attend a campout by the due date (excluding driving only), you may not be able to participate.
Policy: The cost of food is divided between adults and service patrol. By committing to a campout you are responsible to pay for your portion even if you cancel out after the food has been purchased for the weekend.
Troop Administration
The Troop Committee
The Troop Committee supports the troop program and overall administration of the
organization. The committee is formed from parent volunteers that take on various tasks that are needed to help the troop run efficiently. There are many jobs to do within the committee. Many tasks take as little as an hour every week or two.
The primary subcommittees are as follows:
Activities, Administration, Advancement, Chaplain, Equipment, Fundraising, Training and Treasurer.
Each subcommittee has parents working on areas that help the Troop go and grow.
Policy: Parents are encouraged to attend as many of the troop committee meetings as possible and become active in the committee.
Policy: Committee meetings are to be held on a regular basis. A schedule will be determined by the September meeting.
Policy: At each meeting, minutes are recorded and are available at the following meeting. Parents may request meeting minutes from the Troop Secretary.
Policy: Meetings follow generally accepted Roberts Rules of Order.
Policy: Voting is accomplished by a simple majority.
A quorum is attained when the majority of registered subcommittee chairs or assigns are present including Troop Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Activities, Advancement, Chaplain, Equipment, Fundraising and Training.
Driving Safety
Our Scouts are transported by volunteer drivers like you. Parents, and other drivers, need to review these BSA approved policies before an activity that requires driving.
Policy: As a volunteer driver, I agree to do my best to abide by the following policies whenever I provide transportation for Troop 433:
1. I will carry no more passengers than my vehicle’s proper seating capacity.
2. I will never carry passengers in the back of a truck or in a pick-up bed (covered or uncovered).
3. Before placing my vehicle in motion, I will make sure that each passenger is wearing a seat belt.
4. I will maintain liability insurance coverage on my vehicle at least equal to New York State minimums or BSA minimums, whichever is greater. (Current BSA minimums are $50,000/100,000/50,000).
5. I will not consume alcoholic beverages while on a Scout activity nor within a reasonable time before driving.
6. I will return my Scout passengers to their parent(s) or another person approved by the Scout parent(s). Upon returning from a Scout trip, I will either take my passengers directly home or wait at the Middle Island Fire Department until they are picked up.
7. All drivers must be registered with Troop 433.
8. Scouts under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive on any activity. This does not include driving to meetings, which the troop cannot supervise and for which neither the troop nor the BSA can assume any responsibility. The troop recommends to parents that minors not be allowed to drive to meetings without a parent in the car.
9. During longer trips, directions/maps and contact sheets will be provided. Trips that require one or more stops along the way, drivers must stop at prearranged points.
10. Drivers must comply with all state and local vehicle traffic laws.
Emergency Procedures
No matter how carefully we plan, there will be times that things go wrong. When they do, here’s what the troop’s volunteer leaders and parents should do.
What the Troop Leaders Will Do
We make every effort to ensure that our volunteer adult leaders have taken Scout Leader Basic Training, acquire good camping experience and knowledge, such as first aid, and have good leadership and judgment during a crisis. We follow standard practices set forth by the Boy Scouts of America and by emergency service agencies for situations such as bad weather, injury, illness, etc. We expect parents to have faith in the experience and good judgment of the Scoutmaster and other volunteer leaders.
Policy: The leader in charge will notify parents as soon as practical if the group is delayed or if a Scout is ill or injured.
When a problem occurs that prevents the group from proceeding safely or returning on time, the group will remain in a safe location either to wait until it is safe to travel or wait for help to come. The leader will send someone out for help ahead of the group only when immediate assistance is essential. The leader will never send someone out ahead of the group solely to reassure worried parents; the group’s resources may be split and this action may add additional risk offsetting lost or injured to the people sent ahead.
Estimated return times are ALWAYS approximate, because of the unpredictable nature of weather, terrain, highway traffic, etc. If we know that we will be more than 90 minutes late on returns, we will try to notify as many parents as possible by phone. Many of our parents always carry their cell phones on outings.
What Parents Should Do
When a problem occurs, or if you are worried or just have questions, first breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes and review carefully and logically what you think is happening. Then, call the emergency contact person on the Trip Information Packet, which is usually the leader’s cell phone number; or call the troop committee chairman, and then the Scoutmaster’s house.
Policy: It is the responsibility of the Troop Committee Chairman or other emergency contact, to determine what actions should be taken and when to contact emergency services.
Health Forms
Policy: Each year a Scout must have completed a Class 3 Personal Health and Medical Record Form prior to participating in campouts or other activities. Failure to submit the form will inhibit the Scout from participating in activities. Once a Scout joins, the Scout will have 60 days to remit the form.
Policy: In case of emergency, copies of the Class 3 Health forms will accompany the activity leader at all events.
Troop 433 Electronic Device (Cell Phone) Policy
The use of any electronic device is inappropriate if it distracts from the activities being conducted by or for the Troop / Patrol. Devices, including cell phones, are expected to be off during all activities. This would also include those rare occasions where individual youth elect not to participate in a Troop or Patrol activity. A youth member is not to use any electronic device as an option to group participation.
Electronic devices are the personal property and responsibility of the owner. Troop 433, and its Adult Leaders will not be responsible for the loss or damage of such equipment. During camping activities, the Scout is expected to secure all his personal items. If a Scout leaves any device in a personal car or truck, he is still responsible for the device. Leaving it does not shift responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle’s owner.
While the Troop recognizes that electronic devices, such as “smart phones”, are very common now, and becoming more expensive, the Troop leadership discourages their use in most Troop / Patrol activities. The Troop is not responsible for providing any facilities to recharge any personal electronic device or the safe storage of any device.
It is more common place now that these devices have multiple functions and applications. Any gaming function is NOT appropriate at any Scouting activity.
Concerning the misuse of any electronic device:
The Leadership, including the senior youth leaders, will address the misuse individually with the offending Scout. The Scout will be asked to cease the use of the device and explain why its use was considered inappropriate.
If the Scout continues to use the device inappropriately, a senior adult leader present will address the issue with the Scout. The device will be removed and secured until such time that he/she is able to return the device to the Scout’s parent. It is expected that the Scout Leader will fully discuss the situation with the parent at that time.
If at any time, in the opinion of any adult leader, the use of any electronic device poses a health or safety concern, the Scout will be asked to cease its use and turn it over to the leader. In each and every case, the senior adult leader should be advised as soon as possible of these actions. The senior adult leader may or may not address the situation with the youth as he/she deems necessary.
If the senior adult leader determines that the top Junior Leader(s) was not addressing the situation correctly, he/she will mentor the Junior Leader concerning the correct approach. The senior adult leader will then discuss the situation with the Scout involved so that, as a result, both he and the Junior Leader have a positive learning experience.
At Troop Meetings
Electronic devices, including cell phones, are to be turned off and stored during meetings, except if the device is being used as a teaching medium for the benefit of all the Troop / Patrol members. For example, it would be appropriate to use a laptop to display a PowerPoint presentation.
At other Troop Activities
Cell Phones – There will be many campsites where cell phone service will not be available or the service may be a “roaming” connection. Any additional cost attributable to such service will be the sole responsibility of the owner. Additional features or applications offered in cell phones could be beneficial; however, these should NOT be used as a replacement to traditional program aides. For example, a cell phone’s “compass” feature would be an inappropriate substitution to a “flat-plate” compass.
At the discretion of the senior adult leader, scouts may be allowed to call home in the evenings of both short-term and long-term campouts. Under no circumstances at any time, is a Scout to call home requesting to be removed from a campout. Such a discussion MUST be directed to the senior adult leader FIRST. The leader will make the determination and, if necessary, place the call to the Scout’s parent/guardian. (This will generally involve sickness or injury).
Electronic radios, music devices, etc. – These should only be used in accordance with our general policy stated above. Such devices should only be used with ear phones or buds so that others will not be disturbed. Their use after “lights out” would not be appropriate under any circumstances since, as a Scout Troop, we have a responsibility to provide a prescribed number of hours of sleep to every participant. It would be appropriate to use these devices in a car, truck, or plane while traveling to drown out any outside noise.
E-Readers – These can only be used in accordance with our general policy. If they are used to assist in the general program activities of the Troop or Patrol, that would be allowable. Gaming capabilities of E-Readers is not an acceptable use at any time.
Laptop, I-Pads, Tablets, etc. – Except as noted under the general policy stated above, their use is to be limited to personal time before or after a meeting, campout, etc., unless they are being used in the active conduct of the Troop / Patrol activity. Gaming programs are not an acceptable use of these items.
Cameras, including cell phone cameras – During scout activities, their use should be limited to documenting those individual scouting activities. An example would be photographing a scout skill or event. EVERYONE using a camera, including a cell phone camera, MUST abide by the general policy of the Boy Scouts of America which prohibits the sharing of photos with NAMES attached, on any electronic or social media. (This is a Youth Protection issue).
Anyone taking pictures of others in “compromising” situations will have the camera confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian, after the activity, by the senior adult leader. The senior adult leader will require that the pictures be deleted in the presence of the senior adult leader before the camera/phone is returned. Appropriate action, in accordance with BSA policies, may be instituted against the offending Scout.
The Troop also recognizes that this policy is probably not all-inclusive as new devices debut all the time and also, due to the ongoing nature of technology. New devices are considered included in the general policy and individual aspects as appropriate to the device as noted.
Finances
Adult Registration
Policy: As of January 1, 2024, the cost to join or renew an Adult Membership, other than uniformed Scoutmasters, will be $72.00. This will cover the National membership fee and the BSA supplemental insurance. This will be calculated by the Council Office depending on what point in the year they receive the application. Online Youth Protection Training is still mandatory to complete the registration process.
Scout Registration
Policy: The cost to join or renew a Scout registration, for 2024, is $ 0.00 with no Boys Life Magazine ($15.00 with Boys Life) payable in cash or check made out to: Troop 433, BSA
Policy: If a Scout is renewing his registration, he may pay by check, cash or have a withdrawal taken from his Personal Scout Account (PSA). If funds are not provided by the due date, the Scout may be dropped from the rolls.
Scout Dues
Policy: Each Scout is responsible to pay dues twice a year. The dues are currently $25.00 once in the Fall and once in the Spring, whether the Scout is in attendance or not.
Policy: If the Scout is in arrears more than four (4) weeks, the Scout will be notified and the treasurer will attempt to collect from the PSA. If the funds are not available, the Scout will be billed for the amount. If the funds are not remitted within two weeks of notification, the Scout may be dropped from the rolls.
Fundraising
Each Scout in our Troop is encouraged to start and fund a Personal Scout Account (PSA) to help pay for his adventures and summer camp. This helps teach the Scout personal management. Fundraising is required for the benefit of the Troop; there are re-chartering and insurance costs to pay. However, generally all of the commissions earned, through the fundraisers such as Trail’s End Popcorn, Hershey candy, etc. are placed directly into the PSA. It is a great method of funding a Scout’s outings during the year.
The Scout account book is kept by the troop’s treasurer and usually available for viewing during the regular meetings.
Policy: Scouts may make deposits to their PSA at any time.
Policy: Withdrawals may be made for the following:
1. Outings
2. Registration Expenses
3. Scout Shop
Policy: If a Scout leaves the troop, any money remaining in his PSA remains with the troop.
Scout Participation
Our Membership Standards
We expect each of our Scouts to be active to advance regularly, to wear the full Scout uniform, to practice good manners and behavior. He should do his best to live by the Ideals of Scouting as expressed in the Scout Promise and Law. The troop may suspend Scouts from outings because of poor behavior. The key to successful Scouting is the outdoor program, in which active Scouts can reap its full benefits. We expect Scouts to attend overnight campouts year-round and to make every effort to attend our vital week at summer camp. We also expect parents to be actively involved with their son, since Scouts with involved parents can reap the greatest benefits from Scouting.
Policy: If a Scout misses more than three consecutive Troop meetings, the Scout will be contacted by the leadership.
If a Scout misses more than four consecutive meetings and has not notified the leadership of his status, the Scout will be considered inactive and may be dropped from the rolls. The Leadership will try to encourage the Scout to continue and participate in the Troop.
Sports and Scouting
We do not compete with sports, because our experience shows us that the most successful Scouts are those with a variety of activities and interests.
We want all our Scouts to be active in church, music, sports, school, and other activities. However, if your family is very involved in a sports program or other activity, you may want to discuss your situation with a troop representative before joining Troop 433.
Advancement
Boy Scout advancement can be more challenging than Cub Scout or Webelos advancement. It requires individual effort and initiative. It also emphasizes leadership and service as much as badges and skills. Achieving the First Class rank, which should occur within a year, takes more effort than earning the Webelos’ Arrow of Light Award. Earning the Eagle Scout Award is the crowning achievement of the Scouting program earned by only 4% of all Scouts. Advancement requirements for all Scout ranks are illustrated in the Scout Handbook. To advance, a Scout must be active, must do his best to live by the Scout Oath and Law, practice leadership, give service to others, learn Scout skills (mostly in the outdoors) and earn merit badges. After completing all requirements for rank, a Scout meets for a “Scoutmaster Conference” before meeting with troop committee members at, a “Board of Review”. What can a parent do to help a son take full advantage of the Boy Scout Advancement method? Make sure he attends summer camp, our weekend campouts and day outings. You can offer encouragement and support and know what your son needs for his next rank. Be active in Scouting with him, and strongly encourage your son to attend as many Scout activities as possible, because only active Scouts advance.
Policy: In order for a Scout to advance, he needs to demonstrate active participation by attending at least 70% of Scout meetings and 40% of scheduled Troop activities during the Scouting year (September through August). Participation is recorded by the Troop Scribe and Scoutmaster and is reviewed during a Scoutmaster Conference. If the Scout does not accomplish the minimums, it may inhibit his ability to advance.
The Eagle Rank
Troop 433 exceeds the national average in producing Eagle Scouts. Our Troop Leaders are responsible for guiding the Life Scout in proposing and planning an Eagle Scout Project. The Coach will guide the Life Scout in filling out the current Eagle Scout Application, as well as all other paperwork required by the Suffolk County Council and the National Office.
Policy: The Life to Eagle Coach will approve all the required paperwork before a Scoutmaster Conference & signature and the Committee Chair’s endorsement.
Communication and Feedback
www.troop433ny.com
www.sccbsa.org
With a boy-led troop we strongly encourage the Scout to be primarily responsible for finding out the information about meetings and events and relaying this information to the Parent. Communication is handled in multiple ways and avenues. This includes meetings, announcements, flier handouts, mailings, email, web, and by phone.|
The Chain of Command
If a Scout misses a meeting and has a question about an event and cannot answer the questions from fliers or the web site, he should contact his next in command. The order is Assistant Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, before calling an Assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster. This helps reinforce communication skills between the Patrol members and Junior Leaders.
In teaching responsibility, parents should emphasize the importance of gathering the complete information about outings and events. Please encourage your Scout to follow the chain of command.
Resource Contact Sheet.
A Troop 433 Contact Data Sheet is available via an info letter provided at the beginning of the Scouting year or as you join. This sheet is updated periodically and is available from the Committee Chairman. Leadership and Troop Committees are listed for your convenience.
Feedback
We work toward providing a quality program that fosters dialogue between Scouts, Junior Leaders and Adult Leaders. We encourage an environment that fosters the growth of the Scout to excel.
If a Scout is having a challenge with an issue or problem that cannot be resolved within the patrol, the Scout, or a parent, should bring it to the attention of someone within the Troop Leadership or Committee in order to resolve the problem. Please do not let the issue go unsettled.
If you have an idea or suggestion to help make the Troop better, then become involved and help make it happen!
Important Leaders You Need to Know:
Scoutmaster – Mr. Bailey – 631-732-4529
Committee Chairman – Mr. Schor – 631-929-0759
Secretary – Mrs. Schor – 631-929-0759
Treasurer – Mr. Schor – 631-929-0759
Advancement Chair – Mrs. Singhal – 631-732-1118
Uniform Exchange Coordinator – Mr. Bailey – 631-732-4529