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Section 5. Advancement
All requirements for advancement are tracked using the Official Boy Scout Handbook. The Handbook is the Scout's official record of advancement, and, therefore, it should always be kept in good condition. Scouts are encouraged to purchase a book cover in order to protect their Handbook. Each Scout should have his handbook at all troop meetings and functions. Advancement requirements may be approved and 'signed off' by any registered Scouter (adult) other than the Scout's parent/guardian, and by any Scoutmaster-approved Scout (normally Troop Guides).
Rank patches are awarded to the Scout at the earliest possible troop meeting following his Board of Review. A Scout must wear his uniform to the Board of Review. Formal recognition and written rank card are awarded at the Courts of Honor, held three times a year, April, August, and December. Scouts should retain rank advancement cards as proof of completion.
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Section 6. Merit Badges
Merit badges are required for Scouts to advance to Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. When a Scout has chosen a merit badge to work on, he is encouraged to find one or more other Scouts to work on it with him. These Scouts should then obtain merit badge cards and counselor names, if necessary, from the Scoutmaster before beginning any work on the badge. The Troop Committee keeps a current list of all available merit badge counselors in the Troop. The Scout then makes arrangements with the merit badge counselor to meet and complete the badge.
Upon completion of the merit badge, the Scout has the counselor and Scoutmaster Sign the card, and then turns it in to the Awards Chairman. If merit badge booklets are required the troop has a library with a number of books to loan. The Scout may also purchase his own booklet at Nathan's men store or the council Scout Shop in Tampa Fl. Booklets borrowed from the troop library should be returned as soon as practical upon completion of the merit badge.
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Section 7. Troop Activities
Troop 774 plans an outdoor activity at least once each month. These activities may include camping, hikes, backpacking trips, bicycle rides, field trips and day trips. Due to national BSA policy, uniforms are required while traveling to and from these activities. All participants (youth and adult) at troop activities are expected to behave in an appropriate manner consistent with the ideals and policies of the Boy Scouts of America. General safety and youth protection are of the utmost importance on all outings. Any necessary disciplinary actions will follow the stated troop discipline policy (see Section 12).
Permission slips are done in January and cover all year activities .Any required fees must be turned in on or by the date designated. for the activity or the scout may not be allowed to attend the event. It is the Scout or Scouter's responsibility to see that this is done on time.
Early departures from overnight activities are not allowed unless an emergency exists or unless cleared with the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or Leader in Charge in advance.
Adult leadership/participation, when required, shall be at least 'two deep' (at least two adult leaders at each event). At least one adult shall be 21 years of age or older.
All registered adults participating in Troop outings and events must complete Youth Protection Training.
This training must be renewed every three years. Evidence of completion of training should be provided to the Troop Training Coordinator. Fees are variable for any given activity. Most activities will have the fee listed at the top of the sign up sheet in the Scribe's notebook and on the permission slip. All activities will include a minimum fee of $10.00 for food unless meals are otherwise provided in the camp fee.
All individuals that sign up for a particular activity are required to pay the full fee by the due date specified in order to participate. Fees for outings may be refunded if the participant cancels prior to any food and/or other materials for the outing being purchased or in the event of an unforeseen emergency. All refunds must be approved by the Troop Committee and will be applied to the participants campership account.
On overnight activities, Scouts cannot share tents or other sleeping accommodations with adults other than their own parent/guardian, in accordance with BSA policy. Adults of the opposite sex shall not share a tent unless they are legally married.
Overnight camping gear should include the items listed in the Boy Scout Handbook. Pocketknives may only be used after a Scout has earned his Totin' Chip. Items not allowed include:
· Axes or hatchets
· Sheath knives or any knife with a blade longer than 4 inches
· Wire saws
· Butane lighters
· Glass containers
· Firearms, munitions, or fireworks
· Electronic devices (approved for traveling to and from activity)
· Excessive amounts of snack food or candy
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