SECTION 2: GENERAL GUIDELINES

	Boy Scouts of America Troop 503 Winchester, Massachusetts Boy Scouts Guidebook
	SECTION 2: GENERALGUIDELINES

1. THE SCOUT LAW IS THE LAW OF THE TROOP. All Scouts will be required to read the Scout Law on page 7 of the Boy Scout Hand Book.

2. Troop 503 Uniform Code - Adopted by the Troop Committee on February 12, 1999

Troop 503 Uniform Code

The same standards for uniforms apply to both Youth & Adult members
There are two uniform standards:
Standard - consists of an open collar Boy Scout uniform shirt with badges and insignia worn. Troop hats are required for outdoor events.
Full - Is the Standard Uniform plus,
Troop approved neckwear : Youth members - Troop 503 or special recognition (ie: honor patrol) scarves members, Troop 503 or special recognition (ie wood badge) scarves or BSA ties)
Merit Badge or OA sashes (Note: (1) OA sashes are only worn at OA events, (2) Merit Badge and OA sashes are never worn together)
The Standard Uniform is required at all troop events, unless one of the following exceptions apply:
The Full Uniform is required at special events, such a Courts of Honor, and events where the Troop members will be interacting with the public, such as certain camp outs, and wreath sales.
The leader of activity may modify the uniform standard as necessary due to the nature of the event (such as Eagle projects).
The Troop calendar will indicate these exceptions, when they can be identified in advance. If there are any questions, assume the Standard Uniform is in effect.

3. Advancement awards and merit badges will be presented to the Scout shortly after the award is earned. Recognition will also be made at each Court of Honor for those awards earned since the previous Court of Honor.

4. All Scouts will remain in the Troop meeting area during Troop meetings unless excused by an adult leader. The same guideline applies to other Troop activities such as campouts. Scouts must not arrive excessively early before a Troop meeting--no adults will be there, and therefore, it is not safe and can cause the Troop to lose the use of its Troop room.

5. Your Scout Handbook must be brought to all Troop functions unless otherwise specified by the Scoutmaster. A Scout's advancement will be tracked in his own Handbook. Equipment lists and LOADS of other information can be found in the Handbook. It is well worth reading by both the Scout and his parent(s).

6. The following are required at Troop meetings:

a. Boy Scout Handbook

b. Pen and paper.

c. Standard Uniform

Scouts are checked for neat appearance and proper wearing of the uniform. An outgrown uniform exchange rack will be maintained at the Troop Room for use by all Scouts at no charge.

Note: the Troop Committee removed the neckerchief requirement with the adoption of the Uniform Code in February 12, 1999.

7. Each new Scout entering the Troop will be given one copy of an application, a health form, this guidebook, and other important forms. Parents need to make sure that all forms are completed and returned A.S.A.P. Scouts will be provided with a Troop custom neckerchief and troop hat. These are very special and unique. The fee for a lost neckerchief or hat is $8.00.

8. The "Signs Up" signal means that Scouts and leaders MUST stop what they are doing and keep quiet to hear an announcement. This is for common respect for the person making the announcement.

9. Again, "Use your resources" means think about what is available to you to help you solve your problem. It is not meant to discourage the asking of questions. If you need to know...ask!

10. No food, chewing gum, or drinks are allowed at the Troop meetings unless approved by an adult leader in charge.

11. No unauthorized items (e.g., tape players, games, toys, rubber balls) will be allowed in Troop meetings. The adult leaders reserve the right to take such items from a Scout and return them to his parents after the meeting. Scouts are not allowed on any floor of VA Building 12 other than that on which the Troop Room is located. This is essential to maintain the Troop's good standing with the VA Hospital.

12. Conduct while on VA Hospital property must be exemplary. This is essential in order to allow the Troop to co-exist with VA employees in an office building.

13. Conduct other than that called for in items 11 and 12 above is punishable by the Scoutmaster and/or Troop Committee and can result in suspension from the Troop. Poor conduct puts the Troop at risk of losing its meeting place.

14. The Troop's philosophy is that all members should be considered as individual persons. The leadership will make every effort to help a Scout with an issue or problem. Parents are advised to consult the Scoutmaster in the event of a problem or special situation, just as the Scoutmaster may consult with the parents when appropriate. Parents should inform the Scoutmaster of any particular item that parents feel will help the Scout.

15. Boy Scout Troop 503 policy requires supervision by a minimum of three (3) parents and/or adult leaders on most activities (certain Venture activities for older scouts are self-led) and that transportation must be available for the boys and the adults to the destination and for the return trip to Winchester. Therefore, in the event that transportation requirements and/or the required number of adults is not met for a Troop 503 activity, participation in the activity will be determined by the Scoutmaster and the adult leaders on the basis of each boy's:

1. Scout spirit

2. Rank

3. Parents involvement in Troop activities

	Troop 503 Uniform Code
	The same standards for uniforms apply to both Youth & Adult members There are two uniform standards: Standard - consists of an open collar Boy Scout uniform shirt with badges and insignia worn. Troop hats are required for outdoor events. Full - Is the Standard Uniform plus, Troop approved neckwear : Youth members - Troop 503 or special recognition (ie: honor patrol) scarves members, Troop 503 or special recognition (ie wood badge) scarves or BSA ties) Merit Badge or OA sashes (Note: (1) OA sashes are only worn at OA events, (2) Merit Badge and OA sashes are never worn together) The Standard Uniform is required at all troop events, unless one of the following exceptions apply: The Full Uniform is required at special events, such a Courts of Honor, and events where the Troop members will be interacting with the public, such as certain camp outs, and wreath sales. The leader of activity may modify the uniform standard as necessary due to the nature of the event (such as Eagle projects). The Troop calendar will indicate these exceptions, when they can be identified in advance. If there are any questions, assume the Standard Uniform is in effect.