Troop 523 – Absences and Participation Requirements

Effective: 04/01/2002

While active participation is required for rank advancement, we recognize that a well-rounded Scout will have numerous obligations which will, from time to time, conflict with Troop activities.  All Scouts are encouraged to contact their Patrol Leader to record an excused absence.  An excused absence does not give you credit for attending the meeting, but does display a Scout’s responsibility to his patrol.  Scouts who are consistently absent from Troop and Patrol activities without an excused absence will be considered to be "inactive."

The Troop recognizes that Scouting is likely not the only activity in which our boys participate.  In many cases, our membership is very active with participation in school, church, sports, and other youth group activities.  Parents often encourage a broad range of activities and the boys usually enjoy the variety.  The Troop has always encouraged our boys to experience all they want in life that is good.   However, all these activities place a big demand on a Scout’s time and often these activities will compete for the same time slots. Nonetheless, his decision to advance in rank is a serious one with important commitments. We expect the Scout to remain active throughout his Scouting career.

 

Ø      Active Participation is defined as meeting or exceeding the standards regarding both meetings and outings.

• Meetings: Attendance at 50% or more in each consecutive month for which participation is sought.   Meeting attendance means being present the entire time period when the meeting is scheduled to occur.

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• Outings: Outings includes all activities outside regular meetings including service project, camping trips, etc. Attendance at 50% or more of all the troop/patrol outings scheduled during the months for which participation is sought. Attendance at an outing means that the Scout is present for the entire time period, if the event is a day-only event, or that the Scout spends at least one night camping on an overnight event.  If there is only 1 outdoor activity, service project, etc., each month then the average will be for two months.

 

Ø      When applying for rank advancement, credit is given for only the months meeting the active participation requirements.  Scouts will not get credit for any calendar month they do not meet the 50% requirement.

 

Ø      Only active scouts can hold elected or appointed Troop positions of responsibility.  Scouts will not get credit for leadership positions for any calendar month they do not meet the 50% requirement and that successful completion of the leadership position will not be granted if they do not achieve a minimum of 70% total participation for the term of the position.

 

Ø      A Scout will be classified as inactive, if does not meet the 50% test for 3 consecutive months.  A letter must be sent to PLC before being reactivated.  Any scout that maintains a participation rate below 50% may be required to attend a Board of Review to discuss their situation with the committee.

 

Ø      A Scout who believes that he has an exceptional circumstance that justifies the waiving of part or all of this standard may request that waiver from the registered troop committee. He must present the entire circumstances, including the affect this waiver might have on other Scouts' attendance. A Scout requesting a waiver must make the presentation personally after being scheduled by the troop committee chairman.

 

Ø      Each Scout is responsible for his attendance and behavior. The troop scribe is responsible for accurately recording attendance, or for assuring that recording is done in his absence.

In producing the annual Troop calendar, we use the St John Vianney School calendar as a guide.  This is usually the only calendar available that has dates far enough into the future for Troop planning.  It is impossible for Troop 523 to build a schedule that will accommodate every family's personal schedule, every school activity and every sporting event for every possible combination of teams.  In this regard, we understand that Troop activities may sometimes be replaced by other activities, either required by schools or churches, or at the discretion of the participant.

Active participation is ultimately an indication of Scout Spirit and a willingness to participate in a program to which he has made a commitment.  This is not an overly strict rule. In fact, many non-Scout activities would not let you participate if you didn't attend much more than 50% of the games or functions.

 

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