Outdoor Activity Safety
For a scout, an adventurous outdoor programme is one of the most attractive aspects of scouting and is a critical aspect of the objectives of learning to look after himself and developing his leadership skills.
According to the BSA, a scout is statistically safer at a scout camp than at home. Nevertheless, any outdoor activity carries some element of risk. BSA and Troop 130 aim to minimize any risk and to be prepared to manage any events that may arise.
Troop 130 relies on its parents, many of whom act as 'volunteer leaders' – some for one event and others throughout the year. The Troop organises periodic training for parents who act as leaders and are registered with the Troop.
BSA recommends 'two deep adult supervision'; meaning a minimum of two adults at any event. At Troop 130 three adults is our 'norm' for troop camps and summer camp, with at least one being the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster; we extend to a third person since we are frequently camping in the Jura out of mobile phone reach. For patrol campouts (of five to six scouts), two adults is the norm.
Insurance
BSA provides no special insurance cover during Scouting events and so parents who are concerned about insurance should verify that their household/accident/emergency/medical/sports insurance cover is appropriate. Troop 130 carries insurance in case of damage to the premises of La Chat during scouting activities and BSA provides legal indemnity insurance for adult scouters (being verified). The troop does not provide medical or accident insurance cover for Scouts.
Registration Form
This is required for your son to become part of the Troop and a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. Please complete and return immediately.
Medical
A medical form must be completed for your son. The medical form has three parts and is valid for 12 calendar months:
• Part A is to be filled by parents
• Part B is required with parts A and C for any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, a resident camp setting, or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding, such as service projects, work weekends, or high-adventure treks. Part B requires signature by a physician.
• Part C is the parental informed consent and hold harmless/release agreement.
It is highly recommended that all three parts of this form are completed at the same time. (Official TAC-run camps will either not accept your son without the appropriate medical form or insist on giving him a medical by a local doctor at a cost of at least CHF 100).
Parental/Guardian Authorization Permission Slip
All Scouts intending to participate in Troop 130 outdoor activities must have completed and returned a parental/guardian permission form before participating in an outdoor activity. The form means that information that may be needed is available, contact numbers, information on medical conditions and accident, also medical insurance details.
This is required for all activities held outside of normal meetings, camps, events etc. and requires your signature. Text in the release form includes the following:
“In consideration of the opportunity for my child to participate, and fully recognizing that such an undertaking involves an element of risk, I/We assume all risks and hazards incidental to such participation, and do hereby release, absolve, indemnify and agree to hold blameless leaders of Troop 130 and other representatives of the Boy Scouts of America. Neither Troop 130, nor any of said persons above shall be held financially responsible for any injury, illness or death incurred as a direct and indirect result of this activity.”
Without the completed and signed permission slip, your Scout will be unable to attend outside events.
Car Details
These are taken at the beginning of the year and are required when transporting Scouts to events outside of the normal meeting place. Details of at least two cars at any campout/ event, is required by TAC for authorized permits to be issued.
Insurance Details
The Troop required these details at the beginning of the year for reference in case of accidents of any kind that may occur.
Troop Resources Survey
This form is not obligatory but completion is much appreciated. By completing this survey, you are helping the committee know in which areas you are prepared to help the Scouts and where your talents can be best used.
PAYMENTS AND MONEY
The Troop’s income comes primarily from three sources:
a) Annual registration fees. These have been set at CHF 240 for the Scouting year starting September 2009; CHF 200 for each additional Scout from the same family. Fees for Eagle Scouts are CHF 100.
Payments
In order to keep a successful Troop going not only do we need eager volunteers to help out, but we also need to keep the money flowing to pay for all the various needs of the Scouts and their activities.
To ensure everything runs smoothly and that the adult volunteers do not spend unnecessary time chasing people for payments. We kindly ask the parents of Troop 130 Scouts to ensure all payments requested be made within 1 week of the Treasurer’s (or other committee member acting on his / her behalf) request
Exceptions of an extra 1 week in the case of business travel or holiday are acceptable, but please inform the Treasurer, at least by email. The risk of not keeping to this routine is that we may have insufficient funds to cover the necessary expenses, or incur overdrafts or other bank charges. In exceptional circumstances, a Scout might not be able to attend an event because the funds were not received in time.
Method of Payment
You can pay directly to the troop bank account
IBAN: CH97 0024 0240 2351 4000L
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A
or to the treasurer. Thank you for your co-operation.
Ad-Hoc Payments
There will be some ad-hoc charges, for example items of uniform ordered for your Scout from the official BSA Transatlantic Council shop in Germany. For various trips you may also be required to supply your Scout with a small amount of cash to cover miscellaneous personal expenses; guidance will be available from the (assistant) Scoutmaster for each event.
When patrols camp, they spend money on their own food. Patrols are encouraged to budget for meals and to share equally the costs of food for their patrol during the camp. That is not to discourage homemade biscuits and other treats the Scouts may want to share with their friends.
Treasurer
In case of any questions, queries or difficulties regarding payments, or any other money-related topic, do feel free to contact the troop’s Treasurer:
