POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

For Troop 157 to function properly, efficiently, and fairly -- it is necessary to operate within a flexible set of guidelines. It is equally important for parents to be understanding of the adults who give freely of their time for the Scouts in the Troop. Listed below are the policies and guidelines for Troop 157, BSA.

THE SUCCESS AND SAFETY OF A TRIP ARE PARAMOUNT IN DECISIONS MADE ON A TRIP.

TIME
a. A time of departure for all trips will be sent to parents by mail (newsletter, newscard, etc.). Scouts should arrive a few minutes early, as needed, to load their gear.

b. An estimated time of return will be given to parents through the mail. However, it is only an estimated time, and parents should not go to pick up their son until they have been called. Efforts will be made to arrive home as close to the approximate time as possible.

c. A contact person will call parents about one hour from the Troop's arrival time back from a trip.

d. Flexibility: There are many factors which influence arrival time. For example: Wet tents must be dry before they are packed; a Scout may be sick; someone may have car trouble; an injury; the Scoutmaster makes a wrong turn; just stopping for 50-100 people to go to the bathroom -- any of these could cause a delay in our arrival time.

GUESTS
a. All Scout trips and campouts are restricted to those who are eligible for coverage by the insurance policy which is in force for the Troop. That includes all Scouts and Scouters who have paid their insurance premium through their registration fee -- and guests.

b. A guest is defined by policy as someone who can legally become a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and who is encouraged to do so within a reasonable time.

REFUNDS
a. SIGN-UP: For proper planning and buying food, all Scouts and adults must sign up for a trip at the designated time.

b. If a cancellation becomes necessary, the Scoutmaster must be notified by the Scout's parent(s) 24 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE in order to receive a full refund. After the food has been bought, no refund may occur.

1. SPECIAL TRIPS/TOURS - Refunds depend on the amount sent as advance reservation fees and whether the Troop can get a refund.

2. PHILMONT/CANADA TRIPS - There are no refunds on a cancellation for this type of trip unless someone takes your place - paid-in-full. The Troop
receives no refund on a cancellation.

CLOTHING LEFT ON CAMPOUTS/TRIPS
Clothing/items left on campouts/trips will be available at the Scoutmaster's home for two weeks. They will then be donated to Goodwill.

RETURNED CHECK POLICY
Bank charges will be added to any and all checks returned for insufficient funds.

MEDICAL
a. In the event of an injury, the Troop carries insurance which will pay after the family insurance has paid and/or pays what is not covered by family insurance.

b. IN AN EMERGENCY. . . the Scoutmaster will take the Scout for medical diagnosis and treatment. Parents will be called; however, attention is first given to the Scout and his needs.

PROGRAM
Troop 157 maintains the highest quality program possible in Scouting. Our purpose is to develop a youngster into a confident individual with a positive self-image. The program, activities, and trips are not merely a diversion to occupy a young person's time. All meetings and trips are carefully planned to be beneficial to the goals of leadership, character, and citizenship. It is the policy of this Troop to provide the best activities possible for your son.

ADULT LEADERSHIP
The adults of Troop 157 give of their own time and expense to carry out the Scouting program. They are good men who work hard for your son. If an error is made, parents are asked to be flexible and understanding.

COMPLAINTS
Many problems can be corrected when the Scoutmaster knows about them. Please contact the Scoutmaster, if any problem or concern arises which involves your son.