The About Us / Welcome Troop 629 section of our website contains a lot of information in how Troop 629 operates and what the expectations are. Below are all of the sections for ease of navigation, scroll down to read the current section.

Parental Roles

  1. To participate as an adult, you must be registered with the BSA and the Troop, have required Youth Protection Training and other training as required by particular events. An BSA annual Physical (Parts A&B) is required as well.
  2. All scouting activities are to be A SPECIAL PLACE where we try to present “Scouting at its best.”  The rules are the simple ones taught in the program–the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.  We create a safe haven, a place where everyone should feel physically and emotionally secure.  We do this in several ways:
    • We set the example for ourselves and others by always behaving as Scouts/Scouters should.  We all live the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day, to the best of our abilities.
    • We refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate putdown, name-calling, physical aggression or hazing.
    • The use of foul language or bullying will not be tolerated.
    • We communicate our acceptance of each Scout and each other through expressions of concern for them and by showing our appreciation whenever possible.
    • We create an environment based on learning and fun.  We seek the best from each Scout, and we do our best to help him achieve it.
  3. The leader of the activity is responsible for overall health and safety. Scouts seem to find unique and unusual ways to get hurt or develop problems.  While we can not anticipate what will happen, we need to remind everyone of some basic rules that need to be observed.
  4. Use common sense. If something looks dangerous, it probably is; if someone dares Scouts to do a stupid thing, it probably is a stupid thing to do and could result in injury.
  5. Report all injuries.  If a Scout has a scrape, get it looked at.  First aid items are available with the leader in charge and it is important that one individual be aware of all injuries and medication requirements particular to an individual Scout.
  6. Adults need to do safety checks before each meal and help secure the propane or other fuel tanks being used.  Exercise caution with these propane bottles and equipment and report any problems to the leader in charge.
  7. It is important that we adhere to the patrol method as much as possible.  The Patrol Leader gets his direction from the SPL.  Adults should not get involved in any set-up, instruction or event unless specifically asked by the SM, SPL or PL  Otherwise, let the lesson be learned by doing, except in extreme safety issues, and then of course you can step in for corrective behavior.  Otherwise, sit back in the lawn chair, and read a good book.
  8. On trips we encourage family style cooking and eating.  Adults are guests of Patrols as detailed by the SPL posted roster and are invited to attend the meal when it is ready.  Adults bring their own eating utensils but all other food is provided by the Patrol.  Patrols should clean the guest utensils, but that is the adult’s choice.  They are to eat all at once after the grace and the cooks explain what is available for the meal. Patrols are supposed to all have the same meal plan so that any cross leveling of supplies is easier throughout the Troop.  Preparation and style is up to the Patrol.  Clean up by Patrol is to take place right after the meal and that work is supposed to be everyone’s fair share as detailed on a roster by the Patrol Leader.  All Patrol members are to be in their own Patrol sites during preparation and clean up.
  9. Parents of Scouts on trips are to try to leave their boys to fully participate in the patrol area and not interact directly.  This includes that Scouts sleep with their Patrols and tat the Scout takes care of his needs as if the parent were not on the trip.
  10. The two adult rule applies for any breakout that takes boys away from the main activity area.  However, many times the Scouts are allowed to venture out on their own as long as they have made prior coordination with the SPL and SM and use the buddy system.
  11. The Troop does not tolerate the use of tobacco or alcohol products by the Scouts and can not allow the adults to consume any alcohol at all during the entire trip and refrain from tobacco use in the presence of any Scout.
  12. Adults will sleep in a separate area away from the Patrols and will have their own area for minor snacks, coffee, etc.  Meals should not be prepared separately but special events are allowed on a case by case basis approved by the SM or designated leader in charge.
  13. The intent during travel is that each driver knows the designated route and stops, but not to convoy so that drivers avoid trying to beat traffic lights to keep up.  There should always be a designated lead and follow up vehicle with those pulling trailers never being in the rear.
  14. Any corrective behavior that is needed or suggestions other than extreme problems should be turned over to the SPL or SM for resolution.
  15. The use of foul language is not to be tolerated by any individual, including adults, on any Scouting activity.  Inappropriate behavior such as pulling pranks and harassing Scouts is not to be tolerated.  The safe haven approach is the rule.  Adults should be addressed as Mr. or Mrs. during all activities by all Scouts.  Common courtesies should be observed by all.
  16. All adults should work through the SM and SPL for any recommendations or assignments.  During an activity adults that stay for the entire trip may venture out on their own for other personal needs, but coordination with the SM is needed to ensure the two deep rule can be maintained for the event in their absence.