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PART 4 – GROUP ORGANIZATION
GENERAL SCHEME
1. The unit of youth member organization in the District is the Group. The complete Group consists of the Otter Pack, TimberWolf Pack, youth member Troop, Senior youth member Troop or Patrol, and the Rover Crew, but may consist of one or more sections only.
CO-ED
2. This
Association’s Council provides the following three membership options for
Groups:
A)
All Male
B)
All Female
C)
Co-ed
Each Group must weigh the pros and cons before deciding which membership
option to select. There is no input from either the District, or State
Councils on
this matter, it is entirely up to the Group as to what option they
pursue.
The rules
regarding the composition of adult leadership teams for each option are as
follows:
 | All male Groups MAY have a mixed leadership team, except for the
youth member Troop, which MUST have all male leaders. |
| All female Groups MUST have all female leadership teams, except for
the Group Committee, which may have male members. |
| All co-ed Groups must have a mixed leadership team. |
GROUP SCOUTER
3. A GSM is appointed on the acceptance of the DC, with Warrant of Appointment in accordance with Part 3-Article 3.
4. To encourage the development of a complete Group as defined in “Definitions”, it is important that the GSM should be appointed even though the Group may at the time consist of one Section only. Where, however, the nature of the Group is such that it can never comprise more than one Section (as in some Schools or Institutions), a GSM need not be appointed.
5. It is most desirable that the GSM should be a person not holding any other Warrant of Appointment, or performing any other functions in the Group. Where a Leader already holding a Warrant of Appointment is, in the opinion of the DC, the most suitable person to be appointed GSM, full regard must be paid to the provisions of Part 3-Article 4. The DC must first make every effort to secure the appointment of some other person to relieve the prospective GSM of existing duties.
6. In the absence of any person holding a Warrant of Appointment as GSM in a Group of one Section only, the Leader in charge of that Section will, so far as appropriate, carry out the duties of GSM. If the Group comprises more than one Section, the DC must select for this purpose, whichever of the Leaders in charge of a Section is best qualified by character, age and experience to be the GSM.
7. In recommending any person for appointment as GSM, or in selecting a Leader under Article 5 to carry out the duties of GSM, the DC must have regard to the rights of the Sponsoring Authority as in Part 3-Article 10. It is not desirable that the Sponsoring Authority be appointed as, or carry out the duties of a GSM unless the DC is satisfied that they have the time to carry out the complete duties as set out in Article 9.
8. Where the Group consists of more than one Section, the DC must consult the Group Council in regard to the appointment of a GSM or the selection of a Leader under Article 5 to perform the duties of a GSM.
A). have a general knowledge of Scouting for Boys, Section handbooks, and the PO&R.
B). have the ability to obtain the use of suitable accommodation for youth member meetings.
Normally a Warrant of Appointment as GSM will not be issued for any person under the age of 30. In an exceptional case, on the recommendation of the District Council, submitted through the DC to the SC, reduction of the minimum age to 25 may be permitted.
10. The functions of the GSM are as follows:
A). To develop, in due course, a complete Group, as in “Definitions”.
D). To secure the formation of a Group Committee under Article 37, and to serve on it.
E). To deal with matters relating to the membership of youth members in accordance with Article 35.
11. The GSM uniform and badges are outlined in Part 5.
THE Youth member GROUP
12. The Sections of a Group are listed in “Definitions”.
16. Groups so registered are known as “Sponsored Groups ”. The person or Committee appointed by the Sponsoring Body to exercise its functions with respect to such a Group is known as the Sponsoring Authority .
18. On application for the registration of a sponsored Group the Sponsoring Authority agrees:
B). To observe in particular the condition of Article 18.
19. The result of registration as a Sponsored Group is as follows:
A) The Sponsoring Authority undertakes the general support of the Group and endeavors to maintain its continuity.
B)
When a closed Sponsored Group is composed of members of one form of religion,
the Sponsoring Authority is responsible for the religious training of the youth
members.
C) The Sponsoring Authority as such is not responsible for matters of youth member training, these are the responsibilities of the GSM.
21. Open Sponsored Groups have no specialized qualifications for membership. Such groups are sponsored with the aim of promoting Scouting in their community. In the case of an open Group, the GSM is responsible for all matters of youth member training, and is responsible, in association with the Sponsoring Authority to the DC and respective Council for the safe operation of the Group
B).
to develop in due course a complete Group, unless conditions make this
impossible.
C). to give due emphasis to the spiritual aspect of scouting, and the aims of religion in the conduct and life of the Group.
23. When both the DC and respective Council are satisfied, if not handled directly by the SC, an application for a Group Charter is completed in duplicate and forwarded to the State Council. In the case of Sponsored groups, the agreement of the Sponsoring Authority, in writing, is also necessary.
24. Upon receipt of the Charter Application Form and following registration of the Group, a Charter Certificate is issued by the State Council to the prospective Leader in charge of the Group through the DC. The respective Council retains a copy of the Application form.
25. Registration is only effective annually until 01 December. If not renewed at the time of the Group annual registration , the Group defaults to suspension.
27. State Council cancels a group registration with cause on the recommendation of the DC. If after a meeting of the DC and Group representatives (GSM, Section Leaders and if applicable the Sponsoring Authority) a decision to cancel is made, a report by the DC shall be immediately forwarded to the State Council.
28. A Group Suspension occurs:
B). On failure to renew the registration in any year, under Article 24.
29. During suspension all activities of the Group will cease. Unless otherwise provided by the terms of the suspension, all Group Leaders are automatically suspended with effect as under Part 3, Article 25 and no member of the Group may wear uniform or badges.
30. Suspension is to be regarded as a purely temporary measure, and must be followed within 30 days by a full enquiry by the DC and respective Council jointly. The Leaders concerned, and in the case of a sponsored Group, the Sponsoring Authority, must be informed in writing of the meeting and be given an opportunity to be heard. The procedure should follow that laid down in Part 3 –Suspension.
THE GROUP COUNCIL
36. The uniformed Leaders of the Sections will meet on a regular basis to discuss matters affecting the Group. Such a meeting is called the Group Council. The GSM will be the chairman of the Group Council.
THE GROUP COMMITTEE
A). The GSM must be a member of the Group Committee.
B). In the case of any differences of opinion between the Group Council and the Group Committee, or in any other difference of opinion concerning people engaged in an undertaking for the Group, the matter must be referred to the DC. Referral to the Sponsoring Authority should also be considered where appropriate.
39. Groups may not own or lease real estate of any sort.
43.
Subscriptions (dues) paid by the youth members themselves will be administered
by the Section concerned, as will any sums allotted to the Section for current
expenses by the Group Committee in consultation with the Group Council.
The accounts of Sections, with the exception of dues, should be reviewed
monthly and should be included in the annual accounts of the Group.
Dues to be accounted for as ‘petty cash’, complete with receipts and
accounted for in the year-end financial report.
OTTERS
OTTER LEADERS and ASSISTANT OTTER LEADRS
46. The OL and AOLs are appointed on the recommendation of the DC to the SC, followed by Warrant of Appointment in accordance with Part 3.
47. The Otter Leader is a person registered with the State Council as being in charge of an Otter Pack of a registered Group. The Leader is appointed on the recommendation of the GSM and approved by the DC, or where there is no DC, by the SC. The following qualifications are required.
A). Have attained the age of 21 years.
B). Have obtained membership in this Association as per Part 1, Article 6.
C). Have personal standing and character to ensure good moral influence over the Otters and sufficient steadfastness of purpose to carry out their duties with energy and perseverance.
D). Willingness to subscribe personally to the Promise.
E). Willingness to undertake such training that is required.
F). Willingness to gain a thorough knowledge of the Otter program.
G). Willingness to wear the uniform of this Association with pride and purpose
48. Each Pack should have one Assistant Otter Leader who should understudy the OL in order to ensure continuity. Ideally there should be an AOL for every Den in the Pack. Qualifications are the same as for the OL except that the minimum age is 18.
49. OL and AOL wear uniform as in Part 5.
THE OTTER PACK
50. Except in special circumstances, a Pack may not consist of more than 24 Otters.
51. The programming for the Otter Section must be kept as distinct as possible from that of the TimberWolf and more senior sections. Programming must focus on the development of the youth Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically and Socially.
52. The Pack is divided into Dens, ideally consisting of six (6) Otters. Each Den should utilize youth of varying ages for programming purposes. Dens should be identified with names signifying American First Nations Tribes, such as Haida, Cree, Mohawk, Dene, Ojibway, Sioux.
53. Blank.
54. Otters wear uniform as outlined in Part 5.
THE OTTER
55. To become an Otter, the youth must have reached the age of five (5) no later than December 31st of the year they join, but must not have reached their eighth (8th) birthday. (typically Kindergarten through Grade Two)
56. An Otter is eligible to “Swim Up” to the TimberWolf Pack on attaining the age of eight (8), it is recommended that the Otter moves up to TimberWolves as soon as possible. Otter Packs will not keep the Otter until the end of the Scouting year before they are allowed to move up.
57. In individual cases, the OL, TWM and GSM may agree that the Otter shall be allowed to go up to the Pack at any time, but not more than six months before their eighth birthday.
58. A youth becomes an Otter by completing the investiture requirements and then being invested. At investiture, the Otter Promise (Part 1, Article 5) is made and the Investiture Badge is awarded. The youth is then known as an Otter and is entitled to wear the Otter uniform and badges.
59. After being invested, the Otter proceeds to earn the remaining badges. The program focuses on the areas of Learning, Developing, Exploring and Discovery. Each Otter must be encouraged to do their best in these areas both physically and mentally.
60. The Otter program has been developed to ensure that all youth can attain the four Paw Prints, no matter at what age they join the program.
TIMBERWOLF MASTER AND ASSISTANT T. W. MASTER
A). Have attained the age of 21 years.
B).
Have obtained membership in this Association as per
Part 1, Article 6.
D).
Willingness to subscribe personally to the Promise.
E).
Willingness to undertake such training that is required.
F).
Willingness to gain thorough knowledge of the TimberWolf program.
G). Willingness to wear the uniform of this Association with pride and purpose
64.
The TWM and ATWM wear uniform as in Part 5.
THE
PACK
65.
Except in special circumstances a Pack may not consist of more than 36
TimberWolf Cubs.
67.
The Pack is divided into Sixes, each consisting of 6 cubs, including the Sixer
and Second.
68.
A Sixer is a TimberWolf Cub appointed by the TWM to lead a Six of TimberWolf
Cubs.
A).
One of the Sixers may be appointed as Senior Sixer, if desired.
B).
Sixers and Senior Sixers wear uniform as in Part 5.
69.
A Second is a TimberWolf cub appointed by the TWM in consultation with the Sixer
concerned, to assist the Sixer and to take his place when absent.
Seconds wear uniform as in Part 5.
71.
The TWM may, with the approval of the PFL concerned, obtain the services as a
TimberWolf Instructor
, of a youth member.
The youth must hold the Second Class Badge or be a Senior youth member.
With the approval of the DC and the Guider concerned, a youth member or
Ranger may also be a TimberWolf Instructor.
A TW Instructor is entitled, on appointment, to wear a cloth badge with a
Wolf’s Head in green above the left breast pocket.
THE
TIMBERWOLF
B).
In individual cases the TWM, WM, and GSM may agree that the TimberWolf shall be
allowed to go up to the Troop at any time but not more than 6 months before
their 11th birthday. (this is
especially true if Cub’s 11th Birthday falls before Christmas)
YOUTH MEMBER LEADERS & ASSISTANT YOUTH MEMBER LEADERS
A). Have attained the age of 25 years.
B). Have satisfied membership requirements as per Part 1, article 6.
D). Willingness to subscribe personally to the Promise.
E). Willingness to undertake such training as is required.
F). Willingness to gain thorough knowledge of the youth member program.
G). Willingness to wear the uniform of this Association with pride and purpose
79.
Each Troop should have an Assistant youth member Leader who should understudy
the PFL in order to ensure continuity. There
should be an APFL for every Patrol under ideal
conditions. Under ideal circumstances there should be least 1 Leader and 1
parent helper present at any function. Qualifications for an APFL are the same as for the PFL.
80. PFL and APFL wear uniform as in Part 5.
THE YOUTH MEMBER TROOP
82.
It is not desirable that a Troop should consist of more than 4 Patrols.
83. The Patrol in Council is a meeting of all youth members of a Patrol for the discussion of its affairs under the leadership of the PL.
84.
A Patrol Leader
is a youth member appointed by the PFL
in consultation with the Court of Honor, to take charge of a Patrol of youth
members
A). The PL trains the Patrol through activities at the Troop or Patrol meetings and at camp.
B). The PL plans the activities for Patrol meetings and camps, with the assistance of the Second and subject to the advice of the PFL and the Court of Honor.
C). PL wears uniform as in Part 5.
85. A Patrol Second (2nd), is a youth member selected by the Patrol Leader with the approval of the PFL and the Court of Honor, to assist and or take the place of when absent, the PL. A 2nd wears uniform as in Part 5.
86. A Troop Leader may be appointed by the PFL in consultation with the Court of Honor.
A). The following qualifications are required:
iii).
Service as a PL for a minimum of 1 year.
iv). Holds the First Class badge.
v). A good general knowledge of the youth member program.
B). The TL wears uniform as in Part 5, with the shoulder knot of his former Patrol.
87.
The Court of Honor
is a body composed of the Patrol
Leaders and a Troop Leader, if applicable.
A 2nd may also be a member, but their
presence is not desired in cases concerning discipline.
The Scouters of the Troop should act in an advisory capacity only.
THE YOUTH MEMBER
B).
A youth member on reaching their 15th
birthday may move to the Senior youth member Patrol or Troop.
The candidate for Senior youth members must have achieved a minimum level
of 2nd Class youth member before being elevated to Senior youth
members.
89.
A youth becomes a youth member by
investiture, as described in the Scouter's Guidebook, at which time they make
the Scout Promise as in Part 1, Article 3.
They are then known as a youth member
90. Before being invested, a youth must pass the Tenderfoot tests.
91. After investiture, a youth member proceeds to qualify as a Second Class youth member, and then as a First Class youth member. After gaining the Second Class Badge, a youth member may qualify for the proficiency badges set out in the youth member handbook. After attaining the age of 15 only the Senior youth member proficiency badges may be qualified for.
92. A youth member wears uniform as Part 5.
93. The general scheme of youth member badges is as follows:
A) An admission test (Tenderfoot Test) for youth members and another for Senior youth members as set out in the section Handbook must be completed.
B) Two special Proficiency Level badges – the Second Class and First Class youth member with their particular tests, are set out in the Scout handbook. A Scouter may examine the youth member on the requirements for these Levels except for any proficiency badges that are specifically required for these Levels. (See 93. (J) & (K))
C) Proficiency badges for different subjects and Public Service Proficiency badges for youth member and Senior youth member are available. These are set out in the youth member / Senior youth member Handbook. Youth members under the age of 15 may study for senior badges at any time, but may not be examined for more than two of them until qualified by age.
i. Proficiency badges are worn on the right arm in parallel rows between the shoulder and the elbow.
ii. Public Service badges will be worn on the left arm with the First Aid or Ambulance badge at the top.
H) A youth member over the age of 15 may continue to wear the badges earned while under that age until they have gained the Senior youth member equivalent.
J)
Scouters are not permitted to examine a youth member for the proficiency
badges (other than as a preliminary test to determine if the youth member is
sufficiently qualified to appear before the District Badge Examiner).
Each District is to have available a list of qualified examiners for the
testing of proficiency badge candidates. These
examiners will display expertise in the subject of the badge in question and
will constitute the District Badge Board.
The District Badge Secretary will compile a list of such examiners.
The responsibility for making badge exam appointments should be left with
the badge candidate. The examiner will sign the candidates badge requisition only
if the requirements for the badge have all been met.
K)
The signed Badge Requisition is to be forwarded to the State Badge
Secretary and the appropriate badge(s) will be forwarded for presentation by the
youth member Leader.
SENIOR YOUTH MEMBER LEADERS & ASSISTANT SENIOR YOUTH MEMBER LEADERS
94. Qualifications and requirements for Senior youth member Leaders and Assistant Senior youth member Leaders are identical to those of youth member Leader and Assistant youth member Leaders. SPFL and ASPFL are appointed by the SC on the recommendation of the DC, with Warrants of Appointment in accordance with Part 3.
THE SENIOR YOUTH
MEMBER PATROL/TROOP
95. The Group has 2 choices when it comes to Senior youth members:
A)
The Group may form a separate Senior youth member Patrol that continues
to meet with the youth member Troop.
B) The Group may form a Senior
youth member Troop that consists of one or more Senior youth member Patrols.
96. A Senior youth member Patrol consists of not less than 3 and not more than 7 Senior youth members including the PL and Second. The Patrol should be the primary unit in most activities. Ad hoc teams may be formed for special activities.
96a Youth member Troops that do not have the minimum number of youth members to form a Senior Patrol or Troop may allow members to continue to meet with the youth member Troop, until sufficient numbers are found to form a Senior Patrol or Troop.
97. A Senior Patrol Leader is a Senior youth member appointed by the SPFL in consultation with the Court of Honor, to take charge of a Senior Patrol. Senior Patrol Leader wears uniform as in Part 5.
98. A Senior Second is a Senior youth member selected by the Senior PL with the approval of the SPFL and Court of Honor to assist them and to take their place when absent. Senior Seconds wear uniform as in Part 5.
99. The Court of Honor is a body composed of the Senior Patrol Leaders and the Senior Troop Leader, if any. Where there are less than three Patrols, the Senior Seconds, may also be members of the Court of Honor. Where there is only one Patrol, the Patrol in Council will replace the Court of Honor. The Leaders of the Senior youth member Troop, if present, should act in an advisory capacity only.
A). The Court of Honor deals with internal matters including the expenditure of
Senior youth member Troop funds.
100. A Senior Troop Leader may be appointed by the SPFL in consultation with the Court of Honor. The following qualifications are required:
A). Have the ability to lead.
B). Have been a Senior Patrol Leader for a minimum of 1 Year.
C). Hold the George Washington Award.
D). Have a good knowledge of the Senior youth member program.
101. The Senior Troop Leader wears uniform as in Part 5.
THE SENIOR YOUTH MEMBER
102. To become a Senior youth member a youth must have attained their 15th birthday, but not have reached their 18th birthday.
A). Where there is a separate Senior Patrol, each individual case will be considered by the PFL, and the GSM who may permit a 6 month variation of age either way in, accordance with the youth member’s physical and mental development.
103. Before being invested as a Senior youth member the youth must either hold the First Class Badge, or complete the initial test laid out in the Senior youth member Handbook to the satisfaction of their Leader.
104. A youth member becomes a Senior youth member by investiture, during which they make or re-affirm the Scout Promise as in rule 3.
105. After investiture as a Senior youth member, they proceed to qualify for:
A). First Class youth member (if not already so).
106. Senior youth members may meet together as desired for training or other activities, but should remain with their youth member Troop to assist in the training of the Junior members. If considered appropriate, a District Senior youth member Troop may be formed.
107. A Senior youth member wears uniform as in Part 5.
108. The RS is appointed as in accordance with Part 3.
A). RS - have attained the age of 35;
B). A general knowledge of the social needs of the community.
D). Acceptance by the Rovers of the Crew concerned.
E). Willingness to gain thorough knowledge of the Rover program.
G). Willingness to wear the uniform of this Association with pride and purpose
111. The RS takes charge of the Crew, subject to the general supervision of the GSM. The RS will, however, entrust as far as possible to the Crew all internal matters of discipline and administration, including the expenditure of Crew funds.
112. The RS wears the uniform as in Part 5.
THE ROVER CREW
113. Rovering is a brotherhood of the open air and service, the purposes of which are:
A). To continue the training given to Otters, TimberWolves, youth members and Senior youth members, with the same objects as are laid down in Part 1, Article 1, but with a wider outlook appropriate to the age of Rovers, and:
B). To encourage Rovers to make useful careers for themselves and to render service to the community.
114. Rover training covers a stage of development during which young people are finding themselves, i.e. developing their character and their powers. It endeavors to help them put into practice in a wider world, the principles of the Scout Law and Promise.
116. The Rover Crew is divided into two stages as follows:
A). The Probationary Stage – Rover Squires.
B). The Progress Stage - after investiture as a Rover.
117. This structure of the Crew is designed so as:
A). To prepare a Rover Squire for their investiture and to ensure they attain certain standards in Woodcraft.
B). To provide a program of activities for Rovers.
118. The Crew may be divided into Patrols when necessary for any particular purpose.
119. A Rover Mate is a Rover elected annually by the Crew to help provide leadership for the Crew.
A). There should be 1 mate for every 4 to 6 Rovers.
B). Rover Mates wear the uniform as in Part 5.
121. A Rover may take up a Warrant of Appointment without ceasing to be a member of the Crew, but the duties as Leader must come first. The possession of such a Warrant will not give any special privileges in the Crew.
THE ROVER SQUIRE
122. Before a young person is admitted to a Crew, the following conditions must be observed:
A). They must be approved by the RS, and by the Crew.
125. Rover Squires who have been youth members or Senior youth members wear uniform as in Part 5. A Rover Squire who has not been a youth member or Senior youth member and wishes to wear uniform and badges, must first pass the Tenderfoot test and make the Scout Promise.
THE ROVER
128. Rovers wear uniform as in Part 5.