ARTICLE I. GENERAL

SECTION 1.

The organization shall be known as Centennial, Colorado Boy Scout Troop 373 (hereafter called the Troop).

SECTION 2.

The chartered organization shall be the Homestead Elementary School PTCO (hereafter referred to as the Sponsor), which shall be responsible to appoint a qualified Scouting coordinator.

SECTION 3.

The Troop shall comply with all provisions of the Boy Scouts of America Rules and Regulations, Constitution, Bylaws, and official handbooks.

SECTION 4.

Clause 1. The Troop shall operate to accomplish the three aims of Boy Scouting: (1) character development; (2) citizenship training; and (3) mental, moral, and physical fitness.

Clause 2. The Troop will use the approved methods of Scouting: the ideals of Scouting; the outdoor program; the patrol method; the uniform; personal growth; leadership training; advancement; and adult male association.

ARTICLE II. TROOP COMMITTEE

SECTION 1.

Clause 1. The Troop committee (hereafter called the Committee) shall consist of qualified adults, 21 years of age or over.

Clause 2. Voting members of the Committee shall be registered and approved by the Committee.

Clause 3. At a minimum, The Committee shall consist of the following positions: chairman, membership/relationships, outdoor/activities, health and safety, treasurer, secretary, advancement, service/good turn, troop chaplain, sustaining membership enrollment chairman, and parents’ auxiliary coordinator.

 SECTION 2.

The Committee represents and is responsible to the Sponsor.

SECTION 3.

The Committee’s responsibilities are to: select a Scoutmaster and assistants and help them get training; provide adequate meeting facilities; advise Scoutmaster on policies relating to the Boy Scout program and the chartered organization; carry out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America; encourage leaders in carrying out the Boy Scout program; be responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan; obtain, maintain, and care properly for Troop property; provide adequate camping and outdoor program (minimum 10 days and nights per year); see that adult leadership is assigned in case the Scoutmaster is absent or is unable to serve; and operate the Troop to ensure permanency.

SECTION 4.

The Committee shall conduct business at a regular monthly meeting convened by the chairman. Additional special meetings of all, or part, of the Committee may be called as required by the Chairman.

SECTION 5.

A quorum of the Committee shall consist of the chairman or a Committee member designated by the chairman, the Scoutmaster or an assistant, and a minimum of three voting members.

SECTION 6.

It is strongly recommended that all members of the Committee attend adult leadership training.

SECTION 1.

Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster(s) (hereafter called Troop Leaders) are responsible to: train and guide Scout leaders to run the Troop; work with and through responsible adults to give Scouting to boys; help boys grow by encouraging them to learn for themselves; and guide boys in planning the Troop program.

 SECTION 2.

The Troop shall have one citizen of the United States, 21 years of age or over, registered as the unit leader (hereafter called the Scoutmaster). The Scoutmaster’s registration must be approved by the Sponsor head.

SECTION 3.

The Troop shall have at least two citizens of the United States, 21 years of age or over, registered as assistant Scoutmasters as appointed by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Committee.

SECTION 4.

The Troop may have additional citizens of the United States, 18 years of age or over, registered as assistant Scoutmasters as appointed by the Scoutmaster and approved by the Committee.

SECTION 5.

Troop leaders shall attend adult leadership training at the first available opportunity after registration.

ARTICLE IV. SCOUT LEADERS

SECTION 1.

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader are designated as Scout Leaders.

SECTION 2.

Clause 1. The Troop may have one or more active Scouts, 16 years old or over, as junior assistant Scoutmaster as appointed by the Scoutmaster, approved by the Committee, and responsible to the Scoutmaster for tasks assigned.

Clause 2. The Troop shall have an active Scout elected by the majority of the active Scouts of the Troop serve as senior patrol leader. The senior patrol leader shall meet the qualifications set by the Scoutmaster, may appoint other youth leaders with the concurrence of the Scoutmaster, and shall preside over the patrol leaders’ council.

Clause 3. Each patrol shall have an active Scout elected by the majority of the active patrol members serve as patrol leader. The patrol leader shall meet the qualifications set by the Scoutmaster and represent his patrol as a voting member of the patrol leaders’ council.

SECTION 3.

The patrol leaders’ council, working under the guidance of the Scoutmaster, is responsible for the Troop program, including planning and carrying out Troop meetings, activities, and outdoor programs.

SECTION 4.

Clause 1. The senior patrol leader shall appoint an assistant senior patrol leader, quartermaster, scribe, historian, and librarian. Additionally, he may appoint den chiefs, chaplain aide, and bugler as required.

Clause 2. Each patrol leader shall appoint an assistant patrol leader.

ARTICLE V. YOUTH MEMBERS

SECTION 1.

The Troop shall consist of not less than 10 active youth members (hereafter called Scouts), organized in the patrol system.

SECTION 2.

Clause 1. Active Member. An active member is one who, with the approval of a parent or guardian, becomes a registered member of the Troop, obligates himself to attend the meetings regularly, fulfills his obligation to the unit, subscribes to the Scout Oath and Law, and participates in the program by attending at least 75% of the scheduled Troop and patrol activities quarterly.

Clause 2. Associate Member. Any Scout who, in the judgment of the Scoutmaster and the Committee, is unable to meet the requirements of active membership may be carried on the Troop roster as an associate member, provided the individual attends at least one meeting of the Troop within the year and in all other respects is guided by the obligations of an active member.

SECTION 3.

Scouts shall be 11 years old and have not reached the age of 18, except that Scouts who have completed the fifth grade may join at age 10 ½.

SECTION 4.

The Troop shall be organized into patrols as determined by the Scoutmaster.

ARTICLE VI. POLICIES

SECTION 1.

Intoxicating liquors will not be used in connection with any Troop meeting or activity.

SECTION 2.

Scouts will not possess or use drugs of any kind unless properly prescribed by a doctor. The parent will provide written notice to the Scoutmaster of any prescribed drugs which must be in the possession of the Scout during Troop meetings or activities.

SECTION 3.

Clause 1. Scouts are prohibited from use of tobacco products during any Troop meeting or activity.

Clause 2. Scouters are discouraged from using tobacco products during active participation with Scouts. Users of tobacco should not conceal the fact from Scouts, but are encouraged to discuss frankly with them the desirability of refraining from its use.

SECTION 4.

The practice of hazing is prohibited within the Troop.

SECTION 1.

Clause 1. The annual Troop program will be prepared by the patrol leaders’ council under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.

Clause 2. The annual Troop program will be presented to the Committee for final approval.

Clause 3. Copies of the annual Troop program will be presented to parents, Scouts, Scouters, Scouting coordinator, Sponsor head, and unit commissioner.

SECTION 2.

Clause 1. The patrol leaders’ council shall meet monthly to complete detailed plans under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.

Clause 2. The monthly plan will be presented to the Committee, by the Scoutmaster, to facilitate support planning by the Committee.

SECTION 3.

Clause 1. Education is the chief function of the Scouting movement and it shall be the basis of the Troop advancement program. Individual Scout progress shall be a natural outcome of his activities in the Troop. The rank requirements set forth in official publications shall determine the advancement program within the Troop.

Clause 2. The patrol leaders’ council shall hold boards of review monthly for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Scouts.

Clause 3. The Committee shall hold boards of review as required for Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts.

Clause 4. All advancements within the Troop shall be administered under conditions which comply with the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America.

SECTION 4.

Clause 1. Scouts earning skill awards and merit badges will be presented the awards and badges at the next scheduled Troop outing. If the outing is cancelled, the awards and/or badges will be presented at the next scheduled Troop meeting.

Clause 2. Scouts earnings advancements will be presented a large rank pin at the next scheduled Troop outing. If the outing is cancelled, the pin will be presented at the next scheduled Troop meeting.

Clause 3. Troop courts of honor will be held quarterly. All Scouts earning awards and advancements during the previous quarter will be recognized. Scouts earning merit badges will be presented with appropriate merit badge cards. Scouts earning advancement will be presented a badge of rank and appropriate card.

Clause 4. The Troop will provide each Scout’s mother with a mother’s ribbon and a mother’s pin representing each rank advancement earned.

Clause 5. Service stars, attendance awards, and other appropriate recognition will be presented at Troop courts of honor.

SECTION 5.

Clause 1. The Committee shall build and maintain a list of merit badge counselors approved by the council.

Clause 2. Merit badge counselors not serving in the capacity of Scouters will not be required to register as Scouters.

Clause 3. Merit badge counselors are responsible to prepare and qualify Scouts for merit badges.

SECTION 6.

The outdoor program shall provide for 10 days and nights of camping, including a long-term camp of 6 or more consecutive days, for every Boy Scout in the Troop.

SECTION 7.

Clause 1. All Scouts in the Troop shall wear the appropriate uniform to all Troop meetings, activities and outings, as determined by the Scoutmaster.

Clause 2. The official Troop scarf will be green with gold embroidery and one will be provided by the Troop at no charge to the Scouts.

Clause 3. The official Troop hat will be the baseball style cap.

SECTION 8.

Clause 1. Each Scout is ultimately responsible for his own behavior. Breaches of discipline will normally be handled by Scout leaders, under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.

Clause 2. Conduct disruptive to the program for others may result in the Scout being sent home at the Scoutmaster’s discretion. In this event, a parent will be notified of the circumstances immediately.

Clause 3. Serious or continued breaches of discipline may result in the Scout being required to appear before the patrol leaders’ council, under the supervision of the Scoutmaster, for disciplinary action.

Clause 4. In the event the above actions fail to result in the desired conduct, the Scout and his parents may be referred to the Committee for action.

SECTION 1.

Clause 1. The Committee shall prepare an annual budget concurrent with recharter which will be approved by the Sponsor.

Clause 2. Each Boy Scout will pay an annual fee of $90.00 by December 31^st, which will include registration/re-registration, Boy’s Life magazine, and annual dues. Families with more than one Scout will pay $80.00 or each additional Scout.

Clause 3. The Troop will pay the annual fee of $10.00 for each adult leader (Scouter), which will include registration/re-registration and Scouter magazine.

Clause 4. Annual fees for Scouts may be prorated for a portion of a year ending with Troop recharter. Fees shall not be refunded upon termination, inactivation, or transfer of membership.

Clause 5. An individual account will be established for each active Scout. These funds may be used to purchase Scout equipment or pay for Troop activities, i.e., Summer Camp. Scouts who leave Scouting forfeit their individual accounts and those funds will be returned to the general Troop account.

SECTION 2.

Clause 1. The Troop shall not own any real property, building, fixture, or other permanent facility.

Clause 2. All property purchased or donated for the purpose of supporting the Troop program shall be the property of the Troop and shall be controlled by the Committee.

SECTION 3.

Clause 1. Registration shall be for a period ending with expiration of annual unit charter.

Clause 2. Registered Scouts and Scouters may transfer into the Troop by paying a transfer fee of $1.00.

Clause 3. Scouters serving in more than one capacity shall pay only one registration fee.

SECTION 1.

The Troop will participate in Order of the Arrow elections annually.

SECTION 2.

Parents of Scouts shall be required to register in the Parent’s Auxiliary with the purpose of supporting Scouts and leaders and providing a support group for parents.

ARTICLE X. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS

Waivers and amendments to these bylaws shall require approval of a majority of the registered voting members of the Committee.