| Parents/legal guardians form an integral part of a boy scout by allowing the boy to be a scout in the first place and basically thereafter remaining in the background. However, there are many ways that a parent or guardian can participate behind the scenes and they are encouraged and sometimes expected to share their time and their talent by coordinating events, providing transportation, serving as Merit Badge counselors, or being part of the Troop Committe. In fact, a parent's or guardian's participation in activities and offers of help, when the troop has a need, demonstates to the son that he/she supports him in Scouting and wants his experience in Troop 462 to be of the highest quality possible.
It may not always possible for parents or guardians to donate their time and they may choose to make a monetary donation which benefits their son as well as the troop. Every February Troop 462 participates in our local Cascade Pacific Council's fund drive called "Friends of Scouting" (FOS) and if all families contribute to FOS, the troop receives discounts whenever we use council properties for camping, including discounts on fees charged to each scout for summer camp. Troop 462 has a goal, and that is to acquire Presidential status - a level where we would be eligible to receive the highest discounts available. Parents and guardians can play an important role in making that possible.
Apart from receiving donations, the troop undertakes money-earning projects to cover expenses for troop-earned gear, leadership training, as well as badges and other supplies needed to run the troop. Part of the responsibility of the scouts and their parents/guardians is to share in these fundraising efforts. Troop 462 has 2 major fundraisers each year. In November we offer Christmas wreaths for sale and in January, we participate in the district wide Christmas tree recyling program. Additional fundraisers, such as popcorn sales or pizza feeds (everybody likes popcorn and pizza), may be offered as necessary to offset Troop and Scout expenses.
Money earned by fundraising is generally split evenly between the Troop's general account and the Scouts' individual accounts according to the Scouts' level of participation. If the Troop is not in need of additional funds, the percentage recorded in the Scouts' individual accounts may be increased at the discretion of the Troop Committee. Participation in fundraising by the Scout is mandatory. If a Scout is unable or chooses not to fundraise, or participates at a level significantly below the average, his individual account may be debited by an amount necessary to fund the troop at the discretion of the Troop Committee.
Individual accounts are kept for each boy All funds in these accounts are used for Scouting purposes only - outings, equipment, uniforms, etc. Receipts for such purposes are given to the Troop Committee for reimbursement and become the property of the Troop. All funds earned as a result of Troop fundraising belong to the Troop and are recorded proportionately in the individual boy accounts. In the event that a boy leaves Troop 462, the money earned throught troop fundraising events, which is recorded in his account, may only be withdrawn by written request and used for the purpose of Scouting in his new Troop. This request must come from the new Troop. Disbursement of these funds will only be by a check made payable to the new Troop.
The cost of outings are estimated in advance for which the participating Scout will be required to pay in advance unless his individual account balance is greater. The Scout must make an advance request to the Troop Treasurer In order to use his funds. (Troop 462 can not front expenses for activities without prior arrangement with the Troop Committee). Errant negative balances are to be paid in full before further fund disbursements. |
Your son needs a copy of the Boyscout handbook right away. It may be purchased at the Scout Office located at 2145 SW Naito Parkway (formerly Front Ave) in Portland, Oregon. The Handbook contains everything a scout needs to know in order to earn badges, become a real outdoorsman and a first class citizen. It should be brought to all meetings and campouts in order for the leaders to sign tasks and skills as soon as they are completed. It is the Scout's responsibility to see that his book is signed when he completes any requirement.
It is not the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between boys or to make them feel that they are all the same. Scouts come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. They have their own religious beliefs and family traditions. The Scouting program encourages boys to take pride in these differences rather than to hide or be ashamed of them. There is one way in which all scouts are alike, however. When a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform, he knows he like that person because they have both committed themselves to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. This is important in a time when there are many issues that seem to divide people from each other. The Scout Oath and Law binds all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose. The boys wear the Scout uniform to identify themselves openly with the beliefs to which we are all committed.
The "Class A" (available at the scout shop) uniform consists of official pants or shorts and shirt, belt, socks, neckerchief (given to each boy as he crosses over from Webelos or as he achieves Scout Rank), tie slide, and baseball hat. Our "Class B" uniform consist of official shorts or pants, troop shirt with logo, belt, white socks, and troop baseball hat with logo (available through the Troop). The "Class A" uniform should be worn to all meetings unless otherwise indicated. It is also worn for all Courts of Honor and flag ceromonies. The "Class B" uniform is worn during summer camp and for less formal troop outings and activities.
The registration fee for Troop 462 is $30 annually. This covers the cost of BSA registration, insurance, and a year's subscription to Boy's Life Magazine. Registration is due when a new Scout joins the Troop and the first meeting in October thereafter. This may be paid out of the Scout's individual account if funds are available. Troop 462 also collects dues of $5 monthly to help meet Troop expenses. We encourage the Scouts to pay dues out of their own pockets. Dues may not be paid our of the Scout's individual account. A scout that is more than 30 days behind on his dues will not be allowed to attend any outings until he is current. Exceptions are at the Scoutmaster's discretion.
* Permission Slips will be made available to the Scouts about 3 weeks prior to an outing, and must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the Scoutmaster no later than 2 weeks prior to an outing. The Scouts begin their meal planning at this time and must know who will be in attendance in order to properly plan their outing. If the permission slip is turned in and the Scout does not attend the outing, he will still be responsible for his share of the meals that are planned. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or illness.
Scouts need a doctor's physical exam within the 1st year prior to attending summer camp and then every 3 year's thereafter. Scouting activities can be strenuous at times and all new scouts are advised to have a physical checkup soon after joining. Adults, over 40, who attend summer camp with their son are required to have yearly physicals. (medical forms)
Forbidden items are those NOT allowed at Troop Meetings and other Troop Functions. These include: Electronic Games; Portable Radios/Tape/CD Players; Aerosol Cans; Bikes/Skates/Rollerblades; Fireworks; Sheath-type Knives; Drugs (including Cigarettes).
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