As in other Sports, in Scouting THERE ARE RULES you must follow to be a part of the Team.

Scouts build fires, scale cliffs, and work with knives and axes, bows and arrows, rifles and shotguns.  Each of these activities, while fun and exciting, can be potentially dangerous if the rules are not followed.  The Rules in Scouting are necessary for everyone's safety.  These rules will be communicated to the Scouts, and THE RULES WILL BE ENFORCED.  

The most basic of these rules deal with how we live, and how we treat each other.  These are summed up in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and in the Outdoor Code.  Scouts are expected to show Scout Spirit by demonstrating these ideals in our daily lives, and at ALL Scout Functions.  Work hard to show Scout Spirit, and you will be rewarded.  

Part of Scouting is learning that the Actions we take have Consequences.  Scouts will be held accountable for their behavior.  Depending on the circumstances, when behavioral problems occur, corrective measures may include a simple reprimand, extra work around camp, a Troop reflection, or when necessary, a Scout will be sent home.  

Parents and Guardians will be told of any serious problems, and will be asked to come get their child if he is too disruptive.  Dangerous or repeat offenses will be considered grounds for suspension, or even expulsion from the Troop.  Decisions of the Scoutmaster are final.  We understand that the role of the parent or guardian is not an easy one!  Your help to encourage and support appropriate manners and behavior is essential and appreciated.

Scouts are expected to work together and to show proper courtesy and respect to all Leaders (youth & adult) and to each other.  

Scouts are expected to do what the Patrol & Troop Leaders tell them.  A Scout is Obedient.

Bullying, Hazing, and Fighting will not be tolerated.  Anyone who starts a fight, or physically attacks another will be sent home immediately.

NO Alcohol, Aerosol cans, Fireworks, Non-Prescription drugs, Pornography, Personal Firearms, or Weapons will be allowed at any Scout Function.

Every Scout will have time for fun, and an opportunity to carry his share of the load.  All Scouts are expected to pitch in and do their share of the work.  If a problem arises, the Scout should discuss it with his Patrol Leader.  If a solution is not found, the issue should be taken to the Senior Patrol Leader.  If this is still unacceptable, the Scout should consult the Scoutmaster.  Again, the Decisions of the Scoutmaster are final.

To provide a safe environment for everyone, at least Two Adults are required at all Scouting Functions.  All contact between a Scout and an Adult must be conducted within sight of another Adult.  Personal privacy will be respected, and in camp, Scouts will sleep in separate accommodations from the Adults.  
        

"The Patrol Method is not a way to run a Boy Scout Troop.  It is the only way.  Unless the Patrol Method is in operation, you don't have a Boy Scout Troop."
-Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell

Troop 329 is run by the "Patrol Method".  Our meetings, outings and activities are planned, and carried out by the Youth Leaders of the Troop.  The Scouts run the Troop, under the Supervision of the Scoutmaster.

Although this may appear chaotic at times, Leadership is a skill that must be learned by doing.  The Youth Leaders are allowed to run the Troop, in order to learn what works.  Our Scouters are trained to handle the situation.  Please refrain from "Helping Out" by interrupting the program.     

Our Troop is divided into smaller units called Patrols.  A Patrol is made up of 6 to 10 Scouts.  Patrols hike together, camp together, cook together, and work together.  Each Patrol member shares the responsibility of making his Patrol a success.  The Patrol is led by a Patrol Leader (PL), a member of the Patrol, who is elected by the Scouts to lead them.  In order to be eligible to be elected as Patrol Leader, a Scout must have achieved the rank of 1st Class, have enrolled in or successfully completed the National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) course, and be approved by the Scoutmaster for that position. 

The Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader to help him run the Patrol, and serve as Patrol Leader in his absence.

Patrol Leaders are Servant Leaders.  They lead best by the example they set.

Each Patrol Leader also serves as a representative and voting member on the Patrol Leaders Council.   

The Leader of the Troop is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), who is elected by the Scouts in the Troop.  He appoints several other Youth Leaders to assist him.  These includes the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Bugler, Chaplains Aide, Den Chiefs, Historian, Instructors, Leave No Trace Trainer, Librarian, Order of the Arrow Representative, Quartermaster, Scribe, and Troop Guides.

In order to be eligible to stand for election as SPL, a Scout must be of 1st Class rank, or higher, must have successfully completed the National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) course, and be approved by the Scoutmaster for that position.  Troop Leaders serve a 6 month term of office.  Elections for SPL and PL are held in February, and August.

The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) is comprised of the SPL, ASPLs, Troop Guides, and Patrol Leaders.  The Senior Patrol Leader chairs all PLC meetings.  The Scoutmaster and the Troop Scribe are non-voting members of the PLC.  It is the responsibility of the PLC to plan and carry out the Troop program.  As importantly, the PLC members are expected to set the example of Scout Spirit for the rest of the Troop to follow.  

 

The Scoutmaster and his Assistants are Unpaid Adult Volunteers who are responsible for overseeing the Troop, and making sure that the PLC runs a safe, fun program, in keeping with the Ideals and Methods of the Boy Scouts of America. 

The Scoutmaster is supported by the Troop Committee, volunteers who act as an unpaid Board for Directors of the Troop, assisting in areas such as: Advancement, Equipment, Finance, Transportation, and more. 

Merit Badge Counselors are unpaid volunteers who share their knowledge and experience of specific subjects with the Scouts.  

The requirements for membership on the Troop Committee are:

1. An understanding of and support for the Boy Scout Program, it's Ideals and Methods.
2. A sincere desire to pitch in and help make our Troop's program a success for all of the Scouts we serve.
3. Registration with the Council office.
4. A willingness to complete Training, beginning with Basic Leader and Youth Protection Training.

We are always on the lookout for folks with diverse talents and capabilities who are willing to serve as Merit Badge Counselors, or members of the Troop Committee.  Please see the Scoutmaster Mr. Myers, or Assistant Scoutmaster Mr. Hinkebein to sign up.