Overview

Organization, Expectations, Programs, Service, Finances, and Vision Statement

Approved by the Troop 9 Committee, May 14th, 2002

{ Proposed Change (1/16/2002) }

Our Organization:

  1. The Troop is Chartered by the Chapel of the Cross
  2. The Troop is run by a committee of parents and registered Adult Scouters (a.k.a. The Committee).
  3. The Committee elects a Chairman (CC)
  4. The Chapel of the Cross, usually with the recommendation from the Chairman, appoints the Charter Organization Rep (COR).
  5. The Committee elects the Scoutmaster (SM).
  6. Other Troop offices are appointed by the Chairman, and confirmed by the Committee. They include Treasurer, Secretary, Advancement Chair,  Uniform Coordinator, Advisor to the Quartermaster, and  any other office as may be required.
  7. The Scoutmaster selects Assistant Scoutmaster(s), and Adult Patrol Advisors.
  8. The Chairman's focus is on the parents, and the continued well being of the Troop
  9. The Organization Rep's focus is the relationship between the Chapel of the Cross and Troop 9
  10. The Scoutmaster's focus is on the Scouts
  11. The Executive Committee consists of the Committee Chairman, the Charter Organization Rep, and the Scoutmaster.
  12. The Executive Committee resolves disputes, handles sensitive issues, and makes decisions on behalf of the Committee, as necessary.
  13. The Advancement Committee is a standing subcommittee.
  14. The Advancement Committee is focused on the Weekly Program, Merit Badges, and Board of Review.
  15. The Scoutmaster, or a designate attends monthly Roundtable meetings of Orange District Scouters.
  16. Troop 9 has active adult representatives in the Order of the Arrow.

Expectations:

  1. Every scout is expected to have a full Class A uniform and handbook.
  2. Every scout is expected to show scout spirit, live by the scout oath and scout law.
  3. All scouts contribute to the leadership of the Troop, whether or not they have a formal Troop office. As he grows within the Troop, he is expected to provide leadership by mentoring younger scouts, providing a good example and participating in the planning and execution of the Troop meetings and outdoor activities.
  4. { Those who take on troop offices fulfil the roles given in the Troop 9 Leadership Roles. }
  5. At least one parent of every scout, is expected to find a niche and donate time and effort supporting the Troop. We have a job that fits your needs, and your abilities. An effort should be made to attend Committee meetings.
  6. Every scout will have the opportunity to advance to Eagle.
  7. Every scout should strive to advance, in order to achieve the full benefit of the scouting experience.
  8. Scouting is a drug free environment.

Our weekly program:

  1. Scouts demonstrate scout spirit, by participating in full uniform, and actively engaging in the program.
  2. Senior scouts present structured lessons to younger scouts,  which in turn teach the skills to others.
  3. Games reinforce the material learned.
  4. A Board of Review insures that scouts are focused in their advancement.
  5. A Scoutmaster's conference insures a chance for every scout to address concerns

Our outdoor program:

  1. We camp outdoors on a monthly basis. Most trips are of the backpacking variety. Most are planned so that even the youngest scouts can participate. A few have higher requirements and are designated as "red bolo" trips (see http://www.t9ch.org/Docs/Bolos.html ).
  2. Summer camp is attended by our troop for one week of the summer, and many boys also attend an additional week as "provisional".
  3. We have an annual 50 mile bike trip from Hillsborough to Williamsboro.
  4. Our scouts are experienced in using a canoe. We periodically camp with access only via canoe.
  5. We have taken 5 caving trips since 1990, and are currently looking at making it an annual event.
  6.  High adventure, backpacking, and consistency is our goal. We have taken trips to High Adventure Camps such as Philmont, and have planned trip to Northern Tier this summer. Our Goal (an ambitious one) is to have one such trip every 2 years.

Our service projects:

  1. Every spring, Troop 9 participates in the "ABC sale" sponsored by our chartering organization, the Chapel of the Cross. This event raises approximately $25,000 and is given entirely to a designated needy cause outside the church. Every scout is expected to participate in this program. Adult participation is very much needed, and is an excellent way to demonstrate to your child by way of example, the importance of giving to the community.
  2. Every Christmas, under the direction of The Girl Scout leader, Sylvia Butler, we assist in assembling Christmas Trees for the hospital. This is on a Tuesday evening, and replaces a regular meeting.  All scouts are expected to attend.
  3. Our Eagle Candidates are required to organize a service project as part of their leadership requirement. All scouts are expected to assist in these projects.
  4. Other service projects by Troop 9 are scheduled at the discretion of the Scoutmaster, and the approval of the committee.
  5. Advancement for all ranks require service hours.  These requirements may be met by participating  in any of the above projects, or by performing any other service to the community, with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

Financial considerations:

  1. Annual Dues are currently set at $90 per year (Sept. - Aug.). Scouts transferring from Webelos at the end of the 5th grade, are not charged Dues until September. Other 5th graders joining in the spring are charged Dues upon joining, but it carries them through the following year. Others joining midyear, should see the Chairman or Scoutmaster for a prorated amount.
  2. Dues cover registration, boys life, insurance, awards, patches, nominal camping fees, and miscellaneous expenses of the troop.
  3. Troop 9 does not require fundraising activity as a normal course of events. Fundraising may be part of requirements for a Merit Badge, such as Salesmanship.  We will review our position on fundraising from time to time, depending on special needs.
  4. Troop 9 receives some outside funding in addition to Dues.
  5. Summer Camp fees are currently $150 plus any special class fees, for 1 week.
  6. High Adventure Trips will have additional costs associated with the trip.
  7. Food for monthly camping trips is handled by each patrol. This may run $10 - $15 a trip.
  8. Uniform and Handbook Cost about $95 for the basic new outfit. Used, or partially used are available at a reduced costs. Expect to purchase a new uniform every 2 years.
  9. Please see the Scoutmaster, Charter Organization Representative, or Committee Chairman if you need assistance.

A vision for Troop 9:

  1. We envision a Troop, that looks sharp and dresses the part. Every scout is interested enough to "suit up" and look his best, show scout spirit, and be a part of the team.
  2. We envision a Troop with leadership, both adult and scout. Patrols are well organized with a Patrol Leader who is willing to lead by example, share his knowledge, and work to have his patrol better than the others. An Assistant Patrol Leader who will help with those duties and step in automatically when the Patrol Leader is Absent. Patrols will display their patrol flag prominently, and members that will wear their Patrol Emblem on their Uniform. One or two Adults will Identify with each patrol, ready to give direction to the Patrol Leader..
  3. Each Patrol will have, and Maintain their own equipment.  Patrol equipment would include tents, tarps, water filters, axe, hatchet, saw, rope, and all those items needed to run a patrol.
  4. The Quartermaster will be well organized, with usable equipment. Some patrol equipment would be  coordinated for uniformity, such as tents. That way, when we attend Camporees or other visible functions, we will be recognized as a leader in the community.
  5. We envision a Troop that has a high adventure profile. Trips to Philmont, Northern Tier, or Sea Base. The experience brought back by the scouts,  is beneficial to the entire Troop.
  6. We envision a Troop that will continue to exist, and thrive well into the future, giving all of our past, current and future scouts a sense of belonging. One that will accept all boys without prejudice.
  7. Every scout should have the ability to participate, regardless of economic standing.


We invite everyone to join our program.