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Crew Bylaws

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I.                   Venturing Code

As a Venturer, I believe that America's strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and do all I can to preserve
            and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

 II.                Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen
            America, to h
elp others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure
            in our world.

 III.             Crew Mission Statement

As a Venture Crew, we will strive to have fun, keep a healthy mind and body and try new and exciting things. We will become elite outdoorsman by challenging ourselves in the wide interests of the outdoors. We will stay focused to develop leadership skills and interact and serve our community. Thereby becoming highly knowledgeable, by participating in high adventure activities.             

IV.              Crew Bylaws

A.     Objectives

1.      To obey and live by the crew code and oath.

2.      To gain the most outdoor experience accessible.

 B.     Membership

Membership shall be open to all 14-21 years of age that live in the surrounding area and have completed the eighth grade.  No prospective member shall be disqualified because of race, color, creed, or sex.

                  C. Officers

     1.  The elected officers shall be: President, Vice President of 
          Administration, Vice President of Programs, Secretary, and
          Treasurer
.

         
The president with the approval of the advisor shall appoint
          activity chairs and make other assignments as needed.  The
          duties of the officers shall be as described in the Venturing
          Leaders Manual.

            a. President: President must attend all meetings and crew
                activities, including Venture Roundtables (or delegate a
                representative), and also set up committees and other
                groups to help the crew remain organized. The 
                President must work closely with the advisors and be the
                representative of the crew through other scouting events.
            b. Vice President of Administration: The VP of Admin.
                works closely with the President and the Advisors being
                in charge of all paperwork and administration dealing
               with the crew. This VP is in charge of handling the 
               recharter paperwork and all other registration forms for
               the crew. Also, in case the President is absent, this VP
               takes on the roles of the President as well.
            c. Vice President of Programs: The VP of Programs is in 
               charge of conducting all crew activities and ensuring the
               programs are set. All campout activities, crew meeting
               activities, and other crew projects, are all under the
               suprivision of the VP of Programs.
            d. Secretary: The secretary must take notes of all
               meetings.  Also, he/she must keep a record of all
               members in the crew with their attendance. This officer
               must also keep a historical record of the crew with
               newsletters, calendar, and webpage.
            e. Treasurer: The treasurer must keep a record of all dues
               paid, and all profit made from fundraisers. This officer
                must record any money brought in or distributed within
                the crew.

      3. The term shall be for one year statring during the month of
        
shall be for one year starting during the month of April. 
         
Elections shall be held at the last meeting in March.

4.      All newly elected officers MUST attend the Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC) provided by South Florida Council in order to obtain and carry out the position.

5.      Letters of intent for a position shall be written to the advisor a week before the elections, and then read the night of elections to the crew. The member with the majority of votes will win the vote. (Only those with letters of intent may run for office.) 

D.     General Meetings

1. General Meetings will be held every other week. These days will be decided at the begining of each school year. At these meetings business will be conducted such as: advancements and crew information.

            2. The crew members must attend 90% of the meetings and must attend the campout meeting for every campout they plan to attend.

            3. Crew roundtables must be held to prepare for the year including meetings, activities, and campouts.

 E.      Crew Business

Crew business will be conducted under the principles outlined in Roberts Rules of Order.  Voting on all issues will be simple majority, with the exception of changes or amendments to the bylaws, which will require a two-thirds vote of the total membership.  A quorum shall consist of one more than half of the members for votes on routine business.



F.      Dues

Annual Dues shall be $60 and be due at the beginning of the school year. If annual dues are not paid, the member shall not be allowed to participate in the crews events.

           
G.     Uniforms

1.      Class A uniforms must be worn at every meeting and the roundtable meetings in scouting. (Uniforms are mandatory in the crew.)

2.      Class A uniforms must be worn in the car traveling to and home from a campout and during the campout for flag ceremony, scouts own, and dinner. (This includes summer camps and hikes.)

3.      Class B uniforms shall be worn at campouts or other crew events.

4.      No profanity or vulgar gestures (including vulgar pictures) are allowed on the clothing of scouts, and non-scouting clothing is asked to be kept to a minimum. (Clothing must be acceptable to Advisors and not revealing or see through.)

 H.     Crew Webpage

The crew will establish and update a webpage, which shall include meeting dates, pictures, crew information, recruitment information, and other information of interest. It will also serve as a historical record of the crew.
http://venturecrew485.tripod.com is the most recent Crew 485 webpage.

            I.        Crew Etiquette

1.      Buddy System Rule Crew members must stay in groups of two or more while competing in activities, attending activities, and aquatic functions.

2.      Sleeping Arrangements Tents can NOT be shared by girls and boys. A group of girls can share a tent; a group of boys can share a tent.

3.      All aquatic events must follow the BSA Rules and Regulations. (Such as there must be 2 BSA certified lifeguards present, and the buddy system must be used.

4.      This crew asks that there is no dating allowed within the crew.

5.      There is ABSOLUTELY NO Public Display of Affection (PDA) allowed at any venturing functions (including meetings and campouts).

6.      No profanity or un-venture like attitudes allowed during venturing functions.

J.       Campouts

1.      Follow all BSA and crew bylaws considering camping.

*All scouts are to help with set up and clean-up on camping trips. (Includes appropriate tent disassembling, and campsite clean-up.)
 
*"Lights Out" is to be followed.