2. Radios and other electronic equipment (i.e. TV, CD's, Gameboys, etc.) with headphones are allowed at campouts and may be used only for bedtime or leader designated free-time listening at low volume or for emergency use. This equipment may not be used at the above times if Scouts may need to hear warnings or instructions. At any time, the use of these items is at the discretion of the Scoutmaster.

3. Non-Scout games on campouts must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

4. Patrols have separate camping areas on campouts. Scouts must stay out of other patrols' areas unless they are granted permission to enter by the Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader or Acting Patrol Leader.

5. The adult leaders' area on campouts is off limits to a Scout unless a Scout has a problem or is invited by the adult leaders. Leadership Corps members and the Senior Patrol Leader are allowed entry at any time. It is hard for the adult leaders to carry out their duties with Scouts unnecessarily in their area.

6. When planning menus, try not to use many prepackaged foods. Use raw food where possible. It costs less and promotes good cooking skills. Certain activities may dictate food preparation methods (e.g.- outdoor camping vs. cooking inside). However, check with the Scoutmaster if in doubt. Again, no breakable containers (e.g. glass) will be allowed on Troop Campouts and similar activities. If your Patrol has a glass container, it will be taken away.

7. Shopping for food should be done as a Patrol for the first activity of each school year. After that, a different two Scouts per Patrol will do the shopping for each activity. A parent is asked to accompany each shopping trip, but not to do the shopping for the Scouts. (Otherwise, the Scouts won't learn for themselves.)

8. For most activities, the Patrol Leader (or his appointee) will ask for a certain amount of money for food at the Troop meeting before each camp out. This is an advance for the Scouts' shopping. Surpluses will be returned; underpayments will be increased after the camp out. This advance money is not refundable if a Scout does not go on the camp out.

9. The Patrol will not buy snacks. Each Scout is allowed to bring a limited amount of snack food on a camp out for personal consumption.

10. IMPORTANT! All menus must be approved by a member of the adult leadership.

11. A Scout must attend the last Troop meeting before each camp out to be eligible to go on that activity. If he cannot attend that meeting, he must call both his Patrol Leader AND the Scoutmaster before the meeting. Without doing this, a Scout cannot be guaranteed a place on the trip. (...And may have to bring his own equipment and food.)

12. Where possible, the Troop will go on one major activity each month plus one minor activity. Special-requirement campouts or special-opportunity activities may be scheduled in months where major and/or minor activities already exist.

13. On the day of a VA Hospital or Woburn Sportsman's Club service project, all Scouts (of all ages) who are not working or out of town with family are expected to help and participate for some amount of time. These two organizations are our support and sponsoring organizations, and Troop members must recognize their responsibilities.

14. Scouts in elementary or middle school will need to fulfill participation requirements for certain activities. For example, a particular trip in June may require attendance in either a March or April event. Watch your newsletters, calendars or ask the Scoutmaster for details.

15. Eagle Scouts are expected by the Committee to remain active in Troop 503 after the awarding of the Eagle badge. Service to one's Troop is part of the responsibility of being an Eagle Scout.

16. For special events (such as canoe trips, winter campouts, or a high-adventure trips) special requirements will be set by the Scoutmaster for the fun, safety and health of all, including necessary equipment, rank achieved, service points, scout spirit, and necessary merit badges earned to help assure that each Scout is capable of making such a trip without mishap.

17. Eligibility to attend some special Troop functions must be earned by the Scouts. Participation will be determined by the Troop leaders based on advancement as well as good behavior, past participation, and Scout spirit. Scouts who do not obey the Scout Law at Troop meetings, campouts, or summer camp--accomplishing nothing themselves and disturbing others--are not likely to earn approval to attend special events. These are fun trips where each Scout must do his share, leadership personnel must be obeyed, and accident situations must be prevented.

18. Troop 503 is available to local or regional Civil Defense agencies in the event of a natural disaster, missing person search or the like. If called upon parents are asked to assist their sons in preparing the necessary clothing, food or tools that may be needed.

19. When the Troop's Scoutmaster is not present on an activity or Troop meeting, he will designate an acting Scoutmaster. The acting Scoutmaster will have all the duties and responsibilities as the Scoutmaster and will be treated accordingly by the Troop.