Troop 2 – Boy Scouts of American
Chartered 10/31/1921
The People’s Church
200 West Grand River, East Lansing, Michigan

By-Laws of Troop 2

Directing Members:
People’s Church Director: Dr. Rev. Harry Johnson 
Chartered Organization Representative: Susan Moriarty 
Committee Chair: Amy Ann Moore 
Scoutmaster: Duncan Campbell 
Chief Okemos Council, Ojibwas District 

I. 	Introduction
Troop 2 is chartered by The People’s Church in the City of East Lansing for the purposes of providing an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participatory citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.  Troop 2 is one of the oldest Boy Scout Troops in the Nation and has existed since its first Charter was issued on October 31, 1921.

II. 	Weekly Meetings
	Troop 2 Meetings take place each Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:00 pm during the months of September through June. Troop 2 meets in the gym of The People’s Church, unless otherwise noted.  
  
II. 	Responsibilities
A. 	Scout Commitment.  On an annual basis, every family registered with Troop 2 commits to participation in the following, to the best of their ability:
1.	Each scout will attend at least four monthly outings each year.
2.	Each scout will attend all Courts of Honor and Scout Sunday or Sabbath at their own house of worship or the People’s Church Celebration.  Scout Sunday is the Sunday preceding February 8. Scout Sabbath is the Saturday following February 8th.
3.	Each scout will participate to the best of his ability in quarterly service projects including The People’s Church fall and spring Clean Ups.
4.	Each scout will wear the Scout Uniform (Class A) at public Troop events and while traveling.
5.	Every Scout is required to live by the Scout Oath and Law at any Troop 2 or BSA outing or event, and at all times when wearing the Scout uniform.  In particular, Troop 2 has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the following:
a. 	The use of foul or vulgar language, sexual innuendo, name-calling, ethnic jokes or disparaging remarks.
b. 	The use of matches or flammable chemicals used for other than their intended purpose.
c.	Bullying, hazing, or any action that could result in injury to the scout or those around him.

Disciplinary actions will be dealt with in strict confidence.  The Scout’s parents will be fully informed of the issue.  Together, the Troop Committee, parents and Scoutmaster will work toward a solution with the Troop’s best interest in mind.

With regard to the above guidelines, the Committee Chair is empowered to act on behalf of the Committee, so that disciplinary actions can be dealt with on a timely basis.  The parent of a Scout involved in a disciplinary action, who is the Scoutmaster, the outing leader, or the Committee Chair, shall defer to another leader or Committee member during problem resolution.

B. 	Parent Commitment
1. 	Active Participation.   The Troop Committee will conduct parent orientation on an annual basis. Attendance is strongly encouraged by all families seeking membership in Troop 2.  The purpose for this meeting is to explain how Troop 2 functions, what the boys’ and parents’ responsibilities are, and allow the parents and boys to ask questions about the Troop.

The Troop cannot function without the active involvement of every parent.  Accordingly, the Troop expects each parent to volunteer for a committee or adult leader position, participate in a supervisory capacity in one outing or activity annually, or sit on Boards of Review for the scouts on a rotating basis.  All adults interacting with scouts are required to submit a membership application with the $10 fee and complete Youth Protection Training online: http://www.olc.scouting.org/info/ypt.html

2. 	Annual Parent Meeting.  The Troop Committee Chair will convene an Annual Parent Meeting in late October or early November.  The purpose of this meeting is to present plans for the next year, including the Activity Calendar, proposed budget, and associated fund-raising activities. This meeting shall also be used to approve Elected Committee Officers, adult leaders and amendments to the Troop By-Laws.  This meeting is mandatory for the parents/guardians of all boys currently registered with Troop 2.  Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting must notify the Committee Chair in advance.

3. 	Transportation to Outings.  Parents are responsible for transporting their sons to campouts and other Troop activities.  Carpools will be coordinated by the adult in charge of the outing wherever possible, however the ultimate responsibility will lie with the parents.  All drivers who take scouts (other than their own child) in their vehicle must be 21 years of age or older and registered with the Troop, no exceptions.

4. 	Transportation Home.  Parents are responsible for picking up their sons after a Troop activity, or making other arrangements with another Troop parent.  If a boy is to be dropped off somewhere other than his residence or to be picked up by someone other than a family member or the parent of another Scout in the Troop, the adult leader must be informed in writing, by the parent, on the Permission Form prior to the Troop activity.

C. 	Troop Committee Responsibilities
1. 	Troop Committee Organization and Responsibilities
The Troop Committee is the troop’s board of directors and supports the troop program.  The Troop Committee does the following:
a. 	Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained.  In case the Scoutmaster is absent, a qualified Assistant Scoutmaster is assigned.  If the Scoutmaster is unable to serve, a replacement is recruited.
b. 	Provides adequate meeting facilities.
c. 	Advises the Scoutmaster on policies relating to Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
d. 	Supports leaders in carrying out the program.
e. 	Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget.
f. 	Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for troop property.
g. 	Ensures the troop has an outdoor program (10 days and nights per year).
h. 	Serves on boards of review and courts of honor.
i. 	Supports the Scoutmaster in working with individual boys and challenges that may affect the overall troop program. Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys may require.
j. 	Helps with the Friends of Scouting campaign.
k. 	Assists the Scoutmaster with handling behavioral problems.

2. 	Elected Officers.  The following Officers are elected members of the Troop Committee:
a. 	Troop Committee Chair
b. 	Treasurer
c. 	Secretary/Webmaster
d.  	Camping & Event Coordinator
e. 	Advancement Coordinator
f. 	Fund-Raising Coordinator
g. 	Membership Coordinator
h. 	Summer Camp Coordinator
i. 	Hospitality Coordinator
j. 	Service Project Coordinator
k. 	Troop Equipment Coordinator

Persons to fill these positions will be elected at the Annual Parent Meeting or by vote of the Troop Committee in the case of a mid-year vacancy.  There shall be no limit to the number of terms for any of these positions.  Any person elected to one of these positions is expected to serve until the following Annual Parent Meeting.

3. 	Other Committee Positions and Sub Committees.  The following positions are appointed by the Committee Chair:
a. 	Uniform Exchange Coordinator
b. 	Leader Training Coordinator
c. 	Transportation Coordinator
d. 	Chaplain
e.	Other positions or sub-committees at the committee chair’s discretion.

4. 	Committee Meetings.  The Elected Committee Officers shall meet regularly to discuss Troop Business.  Meetings shall be scheduled by the Troop Committee Chair who will provide a written agenda.  The meetings are open to all parents and registered members of Troop 2. All Troop parents and other adults registered in Troop 2 have the authority to vote, when a quorum exists.  

5. 	Quorum. A quorum will exist when any 5 of the 11 Elected Committee Officers are present.  Meetings are permissible without a quorum; however, no matters requiring a vote may be decided in those situations.

6. 	Expedited Approval.  Should a need arise to obtain committee approval of an expenditure on an expedited basis, the Committee Chair, or Treasurer, with Chair approval, shall be authorized to contact the other Elected Committee Officers by telephone or e-mail to discuss the matter and conduct a vote.  In any such instance where a telephone or e-mail vote has been conducted, the results of that vote shall be ratified at the next regular Committee Meeting.

7. 	Boards of Review.  It is the responsibility of the Troop Committee and the Advancement Coordinator to arrange timely Boards of Review for Scouts who have completed all of the requirements and Scoutmaster’s Conference for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle and Eagle Palms.  It is the Scouts’ responsibility to contact the Advancement Coordinator to arrange for a Board of Review. A Board of Review shall also be held for Scouts who are not advancing, to determine how the program is working for the Scout.

D. 	Scoutmaster’s Responsibilities
1.	Delivering the Promise.  The Scoutmaster is the adult leader responsible for the public image and program of the troop.  The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters work directly with the Scouts.  The importance of the Scoutmaster’s job is reflected in the fact that the quality of guidance will affect every youth and adult involved in the Troop.  The Scoutmaster is appointed by the Troop Committee with approval of the Chartered Organization Representative.  

2.	The Scoutmaster’s duties include:
a.  	Train and guide boy leaders.
b.  	Work with other responsible adults to bring Scouting to the boys.
c.  	Use the methods of Scouting to achieve the aims of Scouting.
d.  	Meet regularly with adult leaders to coordinate efforts in support of the program.
e.  	Meet regularly with the Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC) for training and coordination in planning troop activities.
f.  	Provide direction and recruit Assistant Scoutmasters. 
g. 	Convene annually, in the late summer, a Patrol Leaders Council Planning Meeting for the purpose of planning the upcoming year’s events and the associated fundraising.
g. 	Attend all troop meetings or when necessary, arrange for a qualified adult substitute.
h. 	Conduct periodic parent interaction to share the program and encourage parent participation and cooperation.
i. 	Take part in annual membership inventory, uniform inspection, charter review meeting, and charter presentation.

3. 	Annual Planning.  The Troop supports the BSA goal of encouraging a “boy-run” troop.  In August of each year, the Scoutmaster shall arrange meetings with the youth leaders of the troop with the goal of establishing a program for the next year.  This program will include monthly campouts, monthly themes for meetings and summer event options.  The Scoutmaster is encouraged to discuss the financial issues related to the Scouts’ chosen activities. Scout elections take place each fall and spring, at which time Scouts may also be appointed to non-elected positions.  

4.	 Disciplinary Actions.  It is the discretion of the Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters to determine if a violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy has occurred.  Violation will result in the following, in order of severity or recurrence:
a. 	A verbal reprimand.
b. 	A conference with a Scoutmaster, in order to work out the problem and set a course for better behavior.
c. 	Notification of the Committee and a conference between the parents, scout and scoutmaster to discuss the problem.
d. 	The Scout is sent home from an activity (including Summer Camp).  In the event this occurs, the parent/guardian of the boy will be required to make arrangements to take custody of the boy.  The Troop shall not be liable for any costs involved; those will be solely the parent/guardian’s responsibility.
e. 	A Board of Review, with the purpose of discussing the problem and setting a course for better behavior.
f. 	Suspension from the Troop.  Should this action be taken, the Scoutmaster and the Committee Chair will work with the parents with the goal to re-integrate the youth back into the Scouting program.

D.	Chartered Organization Representative
The Chartered Organization Representative serves as a liaison between the Chartering Organization (The People’s Church) and the Scout Troop (Troop 2).  The Chartered Organization Representative advocates for the Troop, and negotiates and coordinates cooperative projects between the Troop and Church. The Chartered Organization Representative shall be a member of the Troop Committee but does not have voting rights. The Chartered Organization Representative has veto power over all Committee decisions and must approve all leadership applications on behalf of the Chartered Organization.  

IV.  Fiscal Controls

A.	Fiscal Year.  Troop 2’s Fiscal Year is September 1 through August 31.

B.	Annual Budget.  The Scoutmaster and the Treasurer, with input from the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) will prepare a proposed budget for the coming year prior to the Troop’s Annual Planning Meeting in August.  The budget should provide an itemized month-by-month breakdown of all expected expenses needed to support the program for the coming year.  The Annual Budget will be reviewed and approved by the Committee, then presented to the Parents/Guardians at the Annual Parent Meeting

C.	Troop Accounts.  Troop 2 and The Peoples Church maintain the following accounts for the benefit of Troop 2:

1.	Troop General Account. This is the account that the Troop Treasurer maintains to pay for all troop expenditures. It is funded by annual dues, fundraising activities, and donations. The Treasurer will provide a monthly report on account deposits and expenditures at each committee meeting.

2.	Individual Scout Accounts. These accounts are set up for each scout who participates in fundraising activities for the purpose of paying for all or a portion of the outing and program fees, summer camp, or scouting related expenses including camping gear. The accounts are funded by the Treasurer through designated fundraising activities, at a rate set by the committee from time to time, and based directly upon the amount that each scout raises through the fundraising activity. Account balances may be carried forward from year to year, if not used. The Treasurer will maintain these accounts and will provide the scout and his guardians a balance statement (may be combined with the dues letter) at the Annual Parent’s Meeting and at any time with reasonable notification. Individual Scout Account money earned by any scout and not used by the time that scout leaves the Troop shall be returned to the Troop General Account.  

3.	Peoples Church Endowment Account for Troop 2. Established by The Peoples Church for the express benefit of Troop 2, this account, like most endowment accounts, is intended to maintain its principal balance through perpetuity. The account is funded only through gifts, and only the interest gained is to be used. The People’s Church Treasurer maintains this account. The Chartered Organization Representative shall report on this account’s balance at the Annual Parent’s Meeting. Families of Troop 2 and past members shall be made aware of this fund and may choose to contribute funds to The People’s Church Endowment Account for Troop 2. 

4.	Peoples Church Scout Restricted Account. This account is established to receive the interest gained from the Endowment Account. This account can also accept gifts from Troop 2 families and friends. The Troop Committee considers this fund to be off limits for regular expenses and may only draw from the fund in special circumstances or for major expenses. The withdrawal must be approved by the Troop Committee. The People’s Church Treasurer maintains this account. The Chartered Organization Representative shall report on this account’s balance at the Annual Parent’s Meeting.

D.	Troop Expenses
1. 	Routine Expenses.  The Troop shall be responsible for paying the following expenses from the general fund:
a. 	Troop Registration
b. 	Troop Insurance
c. 	Troop equipment (as needed, Committee Approved)
d. 	Advancement awards such as pins, merit badges, and rank patches
e.  	Summer Camp fees for requisite adult leaders (must be attending the entire camp)
f.  	Leadership Training Costs for selected Scouts (with Committee Approval)
g. 	Neckerchief and shoulder loops for each Troop member as they join the Troop.
h. 	Leadership Training Costs for selected Troop Adult Leaders (with Committee Approval)
i. 	Bank charges and check printing
j. 	Office Supplies
k. 	Propane and other immediate outing needs
l. 	Court of Honor expenses
m. 	Copying, postage and refreshment expenses associated with the Annual Parents Meeting

2. 	Expenditure Approval.  A vote of the Elected Committee Members will be necessary to approve any expenditure of Troop funds beyond the expenses described above or identified in the Troop Budget.  Approval must occur prior to the expense, or the individual runs the risk of non-approval and non-reimbursement.

3. 	Transportation Reimbursement.  Adults providing transportation to and from events are eligible for reimbursement based upon the following criteria:
a.	The Treasurer must be notified at least one week prior to the event of the driver’s request for reimbursement; AND
b.	The adult must stay overnight and provide supervision or adult assistance at the event; AND
c.	The adult must haul the troop gear trailer or bike trailer; OR
d.	The adult must transport a minimum of four participants.

Reimbursement for transportation provided under the above criteria may take the form of:
a.	The Troop cover’s one adult’s fees for the event; or
b.	Direct cash reimbursement based upon submitted gas receipts.
If transportation takes place and the adult does not discuss reimbursement in advance of the event, the transportation will be considered a donation to the Troop and no reimbursement will be paid.

E.	Fund Raising
1	The Goal of the Troop Financing Program is to provide annual operating funds to the Troop.  The Program is intended to encourage the Scouts (and their parents) to participate in fundraising events with the goal of having them pay for 100% of the costs of operating the Troop.  The program is intended to reward those Scouts that participate in Fundraising by having some of the funds collected earmarked for scout expenses via the Individual Scout Accounts.

2.	Fundraising Plan.   After the annual planning meeting in August, but prior to the Annual Parents Meeting, the Fundraising Coordinator, with the Scoutmaster, shall develop a Fundraising Plan that, if successfully implemented, will fund the activities the troop has planned for the year. The Fundraising Coordinator will determine which fundraising activities (a minimum of two must be designated) will be utilized to fund the Individual Scout Accounts. Activities may include popcorn or other product sales, carwashes, community meals such as pancake lunches, football parking, and seasonal sales or activities.

The Troop encourages the organization of Fundraising events to allow the Scouts to pay for their dues and outings, and supplement the cost of summer camp.  The success (and failure) of this endeavor rests with the parents who encourage the Scouts to participate.  Parents should encourage the Scouts to participate in every fundraiser.  In this way, the costs of the program can be borne by those that gain from it – the Scouts.

3.	The Fundraising Coordinator shall supervise all fund raising activities, but all parents are expected to participate.  All monies collected through fundraisers must be delivered to the Treasurer for proper deposit and credit.

4.	Donating to Troop 2.  Troop 2 is an entity within the structure of The People’s Church.  Monetary and in-kind donations are made as a contribution to The People’s Church.  Those leaders, adults, and boys that participate in Troop 2 activities in which expenses are incurred, but reimbursement is not requested, are encouraged to request a “Donation Receipt” from the Troop Treasurer.  Larger in-kind donations (over $100) should come to the attention of the Committee Chair who will also issue a note of thanks to the family.  Persons wishing to make cash contributions to the Troop over $100 should consider making donations to The People’s Church Endowment Account for Troop 2 or The Peoples Church Scout Restricted Account.  This can be discussed with the Troop Treasurer or the Chartered Organization Representative.

V.  Scout Expenses
A. 	Annual Dues.  Each new Scout wishing to join Troop 2 will pay a pro-rated fee based on $50/scout/year September to August.  Scouts wishing to receive Boys Life Magazine pay an additional $11.  Returning Scouts will be expected to pay the full dues at the Annual Parents meeting. Individual Scout Account funds may be used for annual dues.

B. 	Event Fees. Each fall the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) will announce the camping opportunities for the year and the associated costs.  Typical weekend camping trips will average $20.00 per event. The Camping & Event Coordinator or Troop Treasurer will collect event fees at the Troop meeting prior to the event. Individual Scout Account funds may be used for event fees. Patrols are responsible for establishing the menu, shopping, and submitting receipts to the Treasurer.  

A scout will never be denied the opportunity to participate in Troop 2 based on financial reasons.  Parents of a Scout that is not able to pay dues are asked to approach the Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, or Treasurer and request assistance with dues or other expenses.  Scouts who receive financial assistance are expected to participate in all fundraising opportunities provided by the Troop.  If the Scout does not participate in fundraising activities to provide funds into his Individual Scout Account of the Committee may request a letter of explanation from the parents.  The Chief Okemos Council also offers “Campership” opportunities for Scouts wishing to attend Summer Camp on the condition that the Scout participates in fundraising activities throughout the year.

C. 	Uniform.  It is the parent’s responsibility to provide a Boy Scout Handbook and uniform for the Scout.  The Troop 2 Class A uniform includes a Scout shirt and neckerchief. When a scout bridges into Troop 2 as a Webelo Scout, the Troop will provide him with a neckerchief and red shoulder loops. Parents are asked to provide the Scout Handbook to the Scout at the time that the Scout joins Troop 2. Uniforms are to be worn at weekly meetings, during service projects, while being transported to and from outings and while representing the Troop and Scouts at public events.  The Troop maintains a uniform exchange and parents and Scouts are encouraged to donate used uniform items to it.  During Summer Camp and during outings, Scouts are asked to wear a Class B scout shirt, which is defined as scout-related tee shirt.  Troop 2 has Troop 2 Class B shirts available for purchase.

D. 	Summer Camp.  Summer camp costs are always increasing. Currently the cost is estimated to be $250 for a week of scout camp.  Each Scout is encouraged to earn the money himself through participation in Troop fundraisers or his own enterprise.  At the Committee’s discretion, one or more camperships may be given each year to help Scouts attend summer camp who would not otherwise be able to go.  Scouts applying for Camperships are expected to raise funds to cover a minimum of one-half the expenses for the Troop. The Council will be requested to contribute the remaining one-half. There is a lengthy process for campership approval, so families are asked to approach the Treasurer to request information in early spring.

E. 	Additional Expenses.  Each Scout is expected to provide their own mess kit, knife/fork/spoon set, cup, sleeping bag, ground pad, flashlight, uniform and necessary personal items for each outing.  Each Scout may provide his own tent and backpack or arrange to borrow these items from the Troop’s supply.  If borrowing, the scout must return the loaned equipment in good condition to the Scout Room and arrange for check-in by the Quartermaster.  Until a Scout has a backpack he should pack his gear in a duffel bag.  

VI.	Permission Forms.
All Scouts participating in any Troop event must submit a Permission Form, signed by their parent or guardian. Scouts attending Summer Camp must also submit a completed Health Form signed by their physician. Camping permission forms shall be collected by the Camping & Event Coordinator and turned over to the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster one week prior to the activity. All permission forms are available for download on the Troop 2 website. The Camping and Event Coordinator will also pass out permission forms at Troop meetings leading up to the event.

VII.  Inquiries and Complaints
A. 	All complaints and/or inquiries shall be directed to the Committee Chair.
B. 	Resolution of inquiries and complaints will vary by source and, under the discretion of the Committee Chair, may be brought to the Committee, Chartered Organization Representative, and/or Chartered Organization Executive Officer.

VIII.  Communication
A.	Troop Communication to Families
Copies of the Annual Troop 2 Calendar will be distributed to each Member in the fall of each year. The Troop Calendar will project one weekend overnight each month and one week of Summer Camp (scheduled a year in advance). Additional updates, outing resources and outing details may be viewed at www.Troop2EL.org.   Regular Communication takes place via parent e-mail and website postings.  

B.	Troop Website 
The Troop 2 website may be viewed at www.Troop2EL.org. The website shall be maintained by the Troop Secretary/Webmaster.  Documents necessary for all campouts, contact information, permission forms, planning forms can all be printed from the Troop 2 website. 

C.	Privacy
Troop 2 strives to protect the identity of leaders and Scouts while maintaining a market identity on the website.  Photos of outings will never contain identifying information about the Scouts, and only first names or nick-names will be used.  Scout and Adult contact information is provided to each Scout in a binder upon joining.  Periodic updates are provided upon election of new officers or creation of new Patrols.

IX. Amending the By-Laws. 
Interim amendments to the By-Laws may be made by majority vote of the Elected Committee Officers after introducing the amendment at the prior Committee Meeting and/or publishing the proposed amendment four weeks in advance by e-mail or US mail.  Any interim amendment passed in this manner shall remain in effect only until the next Annual Parents Meeting at which time it will be offered as a permanent change.

X. Ratification
The By-Laws set forth above were reviewed by the Troop Committee and approved by a majority vote during the Committee Meeting on August 8, 2007 and ratified by the membership and their parents at the Annual Parent Meeting on (date)

Duncan Campbell, Scoutmaster				Amy Moore, Committee Chair