Troop Guidelines

It is the policy of Troop 103 to promote and uphold the Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America, and to follow National guidelines and restrictions.

We require leaders, trained in their specific positions, to oversee the Troop, both at meetings and on outings. We require two-deep leadership. This policy states that there will always be a minimum of two leaders present up to ten Scouts, and one additional leader per five Scouts after that. This policy may force us to place limits on the number of Scouts considered for an outing, based on adult participation. It is for their safety and protection.

We uphold the BSA SAFE SWIM & SAFETY AFLOAT (requiring policies such as the Buddy System for swimming and wearing life jackets while boating).

YOUTH PROTECTION policy requires us to have leaders trained in Youth Protection at all meetings and on all outings as of Jan 1, 1996. Their registration number must appear on the tour permit. It is strongly suggested that all adults attending outings, driving, or participating with Scouts should have this training.

This is a Scout run program, with adult supervision (Scoutmasters and registered leaders). We follow the patrol system: Scouts in small groups that work and learn together. The Troop elects our own Scout leaders twice yearly.

Because this is a boy run program we provide an understanding atmosphere called SAFE HAVEN, where a boy's skills are encouraged to develop. This may cause severe communication problems for young Scouts, but very soon they will develop more responsible skill levels. We also understand that this is not the most efficient way to run the program from an adult standpoint, but it is the best way to promote learning, and develop responsible thinking skills through natural consequences for the Scouts. The Scouts have a natural order for seeking information, and adult intervention is only for safety.