I. Introduction

This document establishes guidelines and policies for the operation of Troop 137. The troop is governed in accordance with the provisions of the Congressional Charter of 1916 and the policies of the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”). Those policies are established and described in the most recent editions of the following BSA publications:

• The Scoutmaster Handbook
• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Insignia Guide
• Boy Scout Requirements
• Troop Committee Guidebook For Successful Troop Operation
• National BSA Advancement Policies and Procedures

The publications listed above are hereby included by reference in the bylaws of Troop 137.

II. Review and Adoption

• These Bylaws are proposed by the Troop Committee with the approval of the Chartered Organization. These Bylaws may be amended with the consent of the Chartered Organization Representative and a two-thirds majority vote of the Troop Committee members present at a regularly scheduled Troop Committee meeting. Notice of proposed amendments must be provided to Troop Committee members 30 days in advance and must be adopted at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Troop Committee.
• The current approved copy of these Bylaws is maintained by the Troop Committee Secretary. A copy of these Bylaws will be given to the family of each Scout registered with the troop and all registered adult members of Troop 137.
• The parliamentary authority for the Troop Committee shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised and shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or BSA policies.

III. Philosophy

The objectives of the Boy Scout program are growth in moral strength and character, participation in our society as a citizen, and development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Scouting provides an enjoyable and challenging environment that enables each scout to learn about himself, about others, and about the world around him. Learning to lead is the core of scouting. We are a boy-led troop. Most learning occurs by doing and, should one err, doing again. Leaders and parents provide guidance and support to help the boys learn by doing.

IV. Membership

• Youth membership in Troop 137 is open to all males who are at least 11 years of age or who have completed the fifth grade or who have received the Arrow of Light and are at least 10 years of age but who have not reached the age of 18.  Exceptions to the BSA joining age requirements will not be allowed.
• Adult membership in Troop 137 is open to all members of the following groups who properly register with the BSA: parents of youth members, members of the sponsoring organization, and other persons interested in serving the youth of this troop. The Chartered Organization Representative and the Troop Committee Chairperson must approve adult membership.

General Overview: The organization of Scouting is described in the Troop Committee Guidebook. Troop 137 is a chartered unit of the Wapaha District of the Yucca Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

1. Chartered Organization
   • Friends of St.Stephens Martyr and Deacon Catholic Church, El Paso, TX, the “Chartered Organization”, sponsors Troop 137. The Troop is re-chartered in January of each year.
   • The Chartered Organization Representative is the liaison between Troop 137 and the Chartered Organization.
2. Troop Committee
   • The Troop Committee Chairperson is appointed by the Chartered Organization Representative and approved by the Chartered Organization annually. The term limit for the Chairperson is four years.
   • Troop Committee consists of volunteer adults who are members of Troop 137. The duties and responsibilities of the Troop Committee are set forth in the Troop Committee Guidebook. The Troop Committee Chairperson appoints Troop Committee members on an annual basis. The Troop Committee’s operating year will be February 1 to January 31.
   • The Troop Committee Chairperson is responsible for organizing the Troop Committee to see that all functions of the committee are delegated, coordinated and completed. The Troop Committee may be composed of, but is not limited to the appointment of the following individuals: Troop Committee Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Chairperson, Outdoor Activities Chairperson, Special Events Chairperson, Fundraising Chairperson, High Adventure Chairperson, Communications and Membership Chairperson, Chaplain, and two additional members appointed by the Troop Committee Chairperson. These members comprise the voting membership of the Troop Committee, except that the Scoutmaster serves without vote. A quorum for the purpose of conducting business shall be a majority of the Troop Committee Membership.
   • Committee Meetings
     1. Troop committee meetings are held monthly at Lujan Chavez Elementary during the program year. Troop Committee meetings are open to any registered adult member of Troop 137.
     2. Special meetings may be called by the Troop Committee Chairperson to respond to circumstances that in the chairperson’s judgment require a special meeting or to respond to a special request from the Scoutmaster. In the case of business that needs to be addressed between regularly scheduled meetings, the Chairperson may solicit votes by electronic means.
   • At least one parent/adult of every scout in Troop 137 must play an active role in supporting the troop program. Failure to participate will result in the scout being placed in an inactive status and therefore unable to participate in Troop 137 meetings, outings and events. If a scout or registered parent/adult is not participating in any meeting or event for 6 months or more, the scout and parent/adult will be put on inactive status. The Troop Committee will regularly review parental participation and act to ensure that opportunities to support the troop are shared equitably.
   • Only the appointed committee members have a final vote on troop business. The committee chairperson shall appoint committee members to support the troop.  Interest in serving in a particular position or function should be discussed with the committee chairperson. 
3. Adult Leadership
   • The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the image and program of the troop. The Scoutmaster is required to be the parent or guardian of an active scout in Troop 137. The term limit for the Scoutmaster is four years. He/She is responsible to the Troop Committee and the Chartered Organization for overall supervision of and operation of the troop. He/She selects and is assisted by adult Assistant Scoutmasters and appoints all youth Junior Assistant Scoutmasters. The Scoutmaster will assign Assistant Scoutmasters who will mentor and assist the Patrol Leaders in all patrol activities.
   • All registered adult leaders are authorized and encouraged to wear the official uniform. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to wear the official uniform to all scouting functions.
   • Training
     1. District and Council Junior Leader Training may be held at various times during the year.
     2. The Troop will conduct youth leadership training after troop elections. All troop leaders are expected to attend.
     3. All adults involved in troop activities must comply with the training policies of the Boy Scouts of America, the Yucca Council, and the Wapaha District. A BSA-prescribed course of training is mandatory for the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and the Troop Committee Chairperson. Other required adult training sessions are held throughout the year and information can be obtained from the Troop Committee Chairperson or Troop Committee Training Chairperson.
     4. The troop will pay youth and adult training fees for official Boy Scout training provided resources are available.
   • Adult troop leaders are expected to attend troop meetings. A minimum of two adult leaders must be in attendance at all troop meetings to provide safe supervision of the Scouts.
   • All adult members must have on file, with the Troop Outdoor Chairperson, an Annual physical.
4. Youth Leadership
   • The youth leadership structure of Troop 137 is organized in accordance with the junior leader organization chart set forth in the Scoutmaster Handbook published by the BSA.
   • The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the elected boy scout leader of the troop. He is responsible to the Scoutmaster for all troop scout functions. The Senior Patrol Leader generally must have been a registered member of Troop 137 for at least six months, advanced to the rank of First Class Scout, been approved by the Scoutmaster, and been elected to the position of Senior Patrol Leader by a majority vote of boy scouts present at a regularly scheduled troop election meeting. The Scoutmaster may modify these requirements.
   • Other troop positions of responsibility are Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Quartermaster, Bugler, Chaplain Aide, Den Chief, Instructor or any other positions described in the current edition of Boy Scout Requirements. The Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster appoints boy scouts to these positions.
   • The Patrol Leader (PL) is the elected boy scout leader of the patrol. He is responsible to the Senior Patrol Leader for the overall operation and conduct of his patrol at all patrol and troop functions. The Patrol Leader generally must have been a registered member of Troop 137 for at least six months, advanced to the rank of First Class, been approved by the Scoutmaster, and been elected to the position of Patrol Leader by a majority vote of the boy scouts in his patrol present at a scheduled patrol meeting. The Scoutmaster may modify these requirements.
   • The Patrol Leader appoints one Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) for that patrol with the counsel of the Assistant Scoutmaster assigned oversight to that patrol.
   • The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is the governing body of the boy scouts of Troop 137. The PLC plans the troop program, delivers the program, and deals with troop and patrol problems. Its voting membership is the Senior Patrol Leader (Chairperson), all Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide, and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Scribe attends PLC meetings as a non-voting member. The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters also attend the PLC. Any other scouts in leadership positions may be invited, when appropriate, by the SPL to attend and make contributions to the PLC but do not have a vote.
   • Patrol Leaders Council Meetings
     1. PLC meetings will generally be held the fourth Wednesday of each month at Lujan Chavez Elementary from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
     2. All members of the PLC are expected to attend all PLC meetings. The Scoutmaster or his representative and at least one other adult leader must also be present.
     3. An Annual Planning Session of the PLC is held each July or August to plan the next year’s program in its entirety. When ready, the program is submitted to the Troop Committee for approval in August or September.
   • The term of office for all positions of responsibility is six months. A boy scout may hold an office for as long as he is doing a good job and the Patrol/Troop re-elects him. The youth may be removed for non-participation or not fulfilling the requirements by the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster determines the term of any Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Regular troop elections will be held semiannually in June (for positions to be effective in August) and February.

Troop 137 will annually hold elections to recognize youth and adult candidates for the Order of the Arrow. Elections will be held at a regularly scheduled troop meeting and be supervised by representatives of the Order of the Arrow.

1. Troop Meetings
   • Troop meetings are held during the school year at Lujan Chavez Elementary on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:15. During the summer, a schedule of meeting places will be issued. Check the troop calendar for each month for troop meeting dates. Generally, the troop meets each Wednesday except the fourth Wednesday of the month.  There will be no regular scout meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
   • Special troop meetings may be held to meet the needs of the troop program. Special meetings must be approved by the Scoutmaster and generally must be announced at least one week in advance.
   • Boy scouts are expected to attend troop meetings. We realize that homework, religious instruction, sports activities, music, and other activities may interfere with regular attendance. It is incumbent upon the boy scout to inform the Patrol Leader of any absence and the Scoutmaster if there will be a protracted period of absence. Unexcused absence may delay advancement in rank.
2. Patrol Meetings
   • The Patrol Leader should schedule patrol meetings at least once a month to plan for upcoming outings and to conduct patrol business. They may be held in conjunction with regular troop meetings.
   • All members of the patrol are expected to attend patrol meetings
3. Special Events and Campouts
   • All troop special events and camp outs will be planned by the PLC including the determination of associated fees.
     • Each patrol will assess food costs in advance to each participating boy scout.
     • Boy scouts may be responsible for additional fees for special activities.
     • Refunds may be available on request if the troop has not spent the funds on behalf of a boy scout who does not attend the event and they are not recoverable.
     • A scout is obligated to repay expenditures made on his behalf, by the troop or others, though the Scoutmaster, in his discretion, may relieve the obligation.
   • The troop intends to conduct at least 9 outdoor overnight camping trips annually.  Occasionally, as in the case of a ski trip, indoor accommodations may be used.
   • A long-term camp (one week) is also scheduled in the summer of each year, normally in June.
   • Patrols are encouraged to schedule special patrol activities including overnight campouts. The Scoutmaster must be advised of and approve these activities in advance.
   • A minimum of two adult leaders must be present at every troop activity, except approved patrol activities.
   • A parent’s permission is required for a scout to attend each troop or patrol activity conducted at a location other than the normal meeting place. A Parent Permission Form must be filled out and submitted to the Scoutmaster prior to attending any such event. Event coordinators will prepare permission forms for distribution to the scouts.
   • Parents must inform the Scoutmaster or his representative of the need for scouts to receive medication while on a troop or patrol activity. This notification must be in writing with the medication and the dosage listed.
   • A Tour Permit Application will be submitted to and approved by the Yucca Council prior to overnight troop or patrol events.
   • The parents of the troop’s scouts provide transportation for scouts to and from troop and patrol activities. Carpooling is encouraged.
4. Personal Equipment
   • Each Scout must provide his own uniform, outdoor clothing including boots, personal items, eating utensils and mess kit, sleeping bag, and backpack or bag.
   • Prohibited and Controlled Items for Scouts on Troop or Patrol activities:
     • Prohibited items:
       • Electronic entertainment or communication devices (ex. radio, CD players, cell phones)
     • Controlled items, subject to the stated conditions:
       • Knives with a blade of less than 4 inches provided the Scout has earned and is in possession of his Totin’ Chip certification.
       • Hatchets and axes, properly sheathed, and with the specific knowledge of the Scoutmaster, provided the Scout has earned and is in possession of his Totin’ Chip certification.
       • Matches, provided the scout has earned and is in possession of his Firem’n Chit certification.
5. Uniform
   • All Scouts are expected to have and wear an official Boy Scout uniform. The official uniform consists of a scout long or short sleeve shirt with all insignia properly in place, a scout belt, scout long or short pants, scout socks, neckerchief, and slide. Camouflage apparel is never part of any scout uniform nor is it to be worn during any scouting function. Scouts are expected to wear the official uniform to official scouting functions including troop, patrol, PLC meetings, and outings.
   • The Scoutmaster may specify an alternative Uniform of the Day for certain events.
   • Scouts who are not in the required uniform for an event may be sent home. Scouts who are not in uniform should provide a reason to the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader as to why they are not in uniform.
   • The troop shall maintain a program to promote the reuse of donated uniform components. The Committee Chair shall recruit an adult coordinator for this program and, with the consent of the Troop Committee, the coordinator shall establish guidelines and implement the program.

6. Behavior and Discipline
   • The Scouting program is designed for group activity in a team environment, with appropriately trained youth and adult leadership. Each Scout is expected to conduct himself at all Scout activities according the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law.
   • Scouts whose behavior is disruptive or inappropriate will be addressed first by their Patrol Leader. If the problem continues, it will be brought to the attention of the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. Should they be unable to resolve the situation, they will bring the problem to the attention of the Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster may conduct an informal Scoutmaster’s Conference with the Scout concerned or suggest that an immediate Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) be called to review the problem and options. If the disruption is serious enough, the Scout’s parents or guardian will be informed. If the problem is interfering with troop activities, the parent or guardian will be called to come and pick up the Scout immediately, even if the Troop is on a trip, regardless of distance or time of day or night. Persistent behavior problems will be referred to the Troop Committee.
   • Parents or guardians of Scouts who are taking behavioral medication are asked to provide the Scoutmaster with the necessary medication. This will help everyone have a good trip and will lessen the likelihood of discipline problems.
   • The following behaviors are prohibited at any Boy Scout activity:
     • Physical contact: touching, slapping, punching, kicking, shoving, and wrestling.
       Exceptions: the Scout handshake; a “pat on the back” for a job well done; practicing skills such as first aid bandaging on another Scout or rescue carries; supervised physical skill games such as “wheelbarrow” races, etc.
     • Touching an item that belongs to another individual without first asking their permission.
     • Use of inappropriate language or name-calling.
     • Smoking.
     • Drinking of alcoholic beverages.
     • Use of any controlled substances, not in accordance with a medical prescription.

All Youth members must have on file, with the Troop Outdoor Chairperson, an Annual physical.

1. Dues are assessed to each boy scout on an annual basis for the troop program year. This is every boy scout’s equity in the troop and is non-refundable. The Troop Committee, based on the troop’s budgeted expenditures for the program year, sets dues annually. Dues are payable by September 30 of each year for a scout to remain active in the troop. Failure to pay dues will result in the scout being placed in an inactive status and therefore unable to participate in Troop 137 meetings, outings and events. The dues cover registration with the Boy Scouts of America, an annual subscription to Boys Life magazine, and budgeted troop expenses such as gear and advancement patches. Whenever a new scout enters the troop, his dues will be prorated to cover registration and other budgeted expenses for the remainder of the program year. Fees for special events, campouts, and food are collected prior to the event and are in addition to troop dues.
2. The Treasurer will prepare an annual budget, to include all of Troop 137’s projected operating costs and estimated income from all sources, for presentation at the regularly scheduled September Troop Committee meeting. The budget will be developed with the assistance of the Troop Committee Chairperson and Scoutmaster after the PLC has planned the year’s program. The Troop Committee must approve the budget. Once approved, the budget is the troop’s guideline for monitoring and controlling operational costs through the program year.
3. Money-earning projects may be conducted to offer boy scouts the opportunity to earn funds that may be applied to costs of designated scout activities. If required, a unit money-earning application will be submitted to and approved by the Yucca Council before the start of any Troop fund raising activity. These fund raising activities are supported by the Troop Committee, which determines the distribution of profits. The Treasurer will record and maintain individual accounts of each scout’s funds. Any unused monies left in a scout’s individual account when that scout resigns from the troop will be credited to the troop general fund. Any scout transferring to another troop may have monies from his individual account transferred to the receiving troop upon written request from the transferring scout and the Scoutmaster of the scout’s new troop
4. All checks or cash received from dues, special money earning functions, donations, etc., shall be properly receipted and deposited in the troop checking account to ensure an audit trail for income.
5. The Troop shall maintain a checking account for operational expenses. The Treasurer shall reconcile any and all bank accounts monthly. The Treasurer should submit a written report to the Troop Committee at each monthly meeting and should submit the report to the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chairperson before the meeting.
6. The Yucca Council provides supplemental medical insurance coverage for the registered members, both youth and adult, of Troop 137. If this coverage is ever suspended or terminated, the Committee Chairperson will ensure that Troop 137 maintains secondary medical coverage for all of its registered members.
7. In an effort to ensure that all scouts in the troop are able to participate in scouting activities, the Scoutmaster may, in consultation with the Troop Treasurer, provide troop financial assistance for scouts when other means of assistance are not available. Annually as part of the budget review process, the Troop Committee shall establish a budget for this assistance, and the Scoutmaster may from time to time petition the Troop Committee for approval of additional funds. The Scoutmaster and Treasurer shall maintain strict confidentiality of the provision of this assistance. The provision of assistance can be initiated by the scout, his parents, the Scoutmaster, or Troop Treasurer.

The troop committee will perform an independent audit of the troop financial records every two years.

Troop Equipment

1. Troop 137 shall maintain an inventory of equipment, which is equitably allocated to the patrols.  Scouts desiring to use this equipment must check with the troop Quartermaster for availability. Any gear borrowed must be promptly returned to the Quartermaster clean, dry, and in good condition.
2. The troop adult and scout Quartermasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s equipment and making recommendations to the Scoutmaster regarding repairs and replacements.

Advancement

1. Each scout is expected to initiate his own advancement with the support and encouragement of parents and troop leaders. Rank requirements can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. Scouts seeking to complete a merit badge must obtain a Blue Card from the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster prior to beginning the merit badge.
3. The troop maintains a list of troop and other merit badge counselors. Scouts should contact a merit badge counselor prior to beginning work on the merit badge. Scouts should arrange for a buddy to accompany them on merit badge counseling sessions.
4. When the scout has completed all requirements for advancement, he must contact the Scoutmaster and request a Scoutmaster’s Conference. Following the conference, the scout will contact the Advancement Coordinator to schedule a Board of Review.
5. Boards of Review will be conducted periodically as soon as possible after the requirements for the rank advancement and the Scoutmaster’s Conference are completed. The Scoutmaster will advise the Troop Committee Advancement Coordinator when the Scoutmaster’s Conference is completed.
6. The Troop Committee Advancement Coordinator will maintain complete advancement records.
7. Courts of Honor
   • At least three Courts of Honor will be held during the year.
   • Courts of Honor are held to formally recognize a boy scout’s achievement and advancement. Leadership induction and other troop recognitions may be conducted at these times.

All boy scouts, parents, troop leaders, and troop committee members are expected to attend. A troop member’s family and friends are welcome to attend.

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