Troop 55 Bylaws: Troop Equipment and Advancement

Troop Equipment

1. Troop 55 maintains an inventory of equipment, which is equitably allocated to the patrols and stored in the troop’s trailer.  Scouts desiring to use this equipment must check with the troop Quartermaster for availability.  Any gear borrowed must be promptly returned to the Quartermaster clean, dry, and in good condition.
2. The troop adult and scout Quartermasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s equipment and making recommendations to the Scoutmaster regarding repairs and replacements.

Advancement

1. Each scout is expected to initiate his own advancement with the support and encouragement of parents and troop leaders.  Rank requirements can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook. 
2. The Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster have created a document, which may be amended from time to time, entitled “BSA Troop 55 Advancement Guidelines, Policies
   and Procedures,” all of the provisions of which are included herein by reference.  All of the provisions in this document must adhere to current BSA policy and at no time attempt to supercede
   BSA policy.
3. Scouts seeking to complete a merit badge must obtain a Blue Card from the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster prior to beginning the merit badge.
4. The troop maintains a list of troop and other merit badge counselors.  Scouts should contact a merit badge counselor prior to beginning work on the merit badge.  Scouts should arrange for a buddy to accompany them on merit badge counseling sessions.
5. The Troop Librarian maintains a limited number of merit badge books.  Scouts may borrow these books.
6. When the scout has completed all requirements for advancement, he must contact the Scoutmaster and request a Scoutmaster’s Conference.  Following the conference, the scout will contact the Advancement Coordinator to schedule a Board of Review.
7. Boards of Review will be conducted periodically as soon as possible after the requirements for the rank advancement and the Scoutmaster’s Conference are completed.  The Scoutmaster will advise the Troop Committee Advancement Coordinator when the Scoutmaster’s Conference is completed.
8. The Troop Committee Advancement Coordinator will maintain complete advancement records.
9. Courts of Honor 
   •  At least three Courts of Honor will be held during the year.
   • Courts of Honor are held to formally recognize a boy scout’s achievement and advancement.  Leadership induction and other troop recognitions may be conducted at these times.
   • All boy scouts, parents, troop leaders, and troop committee members are expected to attend.  A troop member’s family and friends are welcome to attend.