Operating Guidelines

Uniforms: Full uniforms, also known as Class A uniforms, are required at Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of review, the Wreath Sale, Grave decoration and all Courts of Honor - among other events. In addition, merit badge sashes (for Scouts having six or more merit badges) and Order of the Arrow sashes may be worn at these events. The full uniform includes the khaki scout shirt, neckerchief and slide, pants, and belt.  

Scouts are required to wear their khaki Boy Scout shirts to troop meetings; jeans, cotton pants or cotton shorts are OK to wear with your scout shirt. Scout pants, belt, hat, and neckerchief are not required at regular troop or patrol meetings. Ask your patrol leaders about what you should wear at your patrol meetings. Shiny polyester shorts should not be worn to any scouting functions and please wear a belt with your jeans. Save non-scout hats for outings.

Safety: Scouts riding bicycles to and from Scout functions must wear bicycle helmets and have reflectors and proper lighting on the bicycle. Bicycles should be locked while attending the Scout function. Firearms, flammable liquids or any other materials that adversely affect the safety of the Scouts and adults at any troop function are prohibited. The troop endorses the Guide to Safe Scouting and agrees to abide by its provisions.

Attendance: To be considered "active" during the year, a Scout must attend more than 50% of all applicable troop functions (including campouts, day activities, fund-raising events, troop meetings, patrol meetings and courts of honor) in the immediate preceding twelve-month period. In order to make a positive contribution to the troop, a Scout must actively participate. This expectation is a primary determinant in evaluating Scout Spirit for each rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Awards.

Transportation: Transportation to and from camping events is coordinated by the troop committee and is conducted within the guidelines of the Rules and Regulations of BSA. The transportation chairman is responsible for soliciting parents to drive. Each Scout family is asked to drive on at least three camping activities per calendar year. The transportation chairman maintains a record of insurance coverage for all vehicles used in troop activities. The transportation chairman also verifies that one seat/lap belt is available for each Scout passenger. All overnight activities require an assembly at the Scout House, where Scouts are assigned to drivers. Upon return from camping trips, Scouts are dropped off at their homes. A parent or older responsible individual must be home before a driver will leave the Scout.

Camping: All youth participants in a Troop 57 camping event must be registered in scouting. Siblings and friends are allowed only with permission from the tour leader and only if the Scout's parent is participating in the campout. Each camping event has a designated tour leader. The tour leaders are adult members of the camping committee. Both tour leaders are present at the event at all times. A minimum of three adults are required to be in attendance at any Troop 57 overnight function.

Medical Information: Each Scout and adult participant is required to have on file with the Troop a current evaluation form. Troop 57 highly recommends that such medical evaluation be Class 3. Troop 57's minimum requirement is Class 2.

Definitions/Medical Information

Class 1 (update annually for all participants). Activity: Day camp, overnight hike, or other programs not exceeding 72 hours, with level of activity similar to that of home or school. Medical care is readily available. Current personal health and medical summary (history) is attested by parents to be accurate. This form is filled out by all participants and is on file for easy reference.

Class 2 (required once every 36 months for all participants under 40 years of age). Activity: Resident camp or any other activity such as backpacking, tour camping, or recreational sports involving events lasting longer than 72 consecutive hours, with level of activity similar to that at home or school. Medical care is readily available. A Class 2 medical certification requires a physical examination/medical evaluation by a licensed health-care practitioner. This examination/evaluation is also required if the scout is currently under medical care, takes a prescribed medication, requires a medically prescribed diet, has had an injury or illness during the past six (6) months that limited activity for a week or more, has ever lost consciousness during physical activity, or has suffered a concussion from a head injury.

Class 3 (requires a health examination within the last 12 months by a licensed health-care practitioner for all Class 3 activities). This requirement includes youth and adult members participating in high-adventure activities, athletic competition and world jamborees. Annually, this form is required for all adults over 40 years of age for all activities requiring a physical examination, and applies to all Wood Badge participants/staff regardless of age. More specifically, this requirement applies to youth and adult members participating in a strenuous activity that will include one or more of the following conditions: athletic competition, adventure challenge or wilderness expedition (afoot or afloat) that may include high altitude, extreme weather conditions, cold water, exposure, fatigue, and/or remote conditions where readily available medical care cannot be assumed. (Note: a current Class 3 medical is required for attendance at Camp Oljato as well as the National Camps.)

Following are links to the Class 1/2 and Class 3 Medical Evaluation Forms: www.pacsky.org
Class 1 and 2 Medical Exam:  click here
Class 3 Medical Exam: click here