Parent FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
We understand that you might have questions about joining the Troop so we have added these frequently asked questions to help all Troop 104 parents. If there is a question that you have that is not answered here, please contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair.
Troop 104 meets at Bethlehem Lutheran Church weekly on Tuesdays from 7:30pm- 9:00pm.
Yes, this is our first year that our Patrol Leader Council voted to meet throughout the summer.
Scouts will need to have the Scout BSA handbook. The Scout will need to bring the book to each meeting so they can get youth leaders to sign completed requirements. The book will be used until they reach their Eagle Rank.
The Scout uniform is worn at all Troop meetings, during travel to and from outings, camps, and most outings in which we want to represent the BSA, and our Troop.
The scout uniform is purchased at the Scout Store:
BSA Tan Uniform Shirt
BSA Olive Green Uniform Pants
BSA Olive Green Socks
BSA Olive Green Belt
BSA Olive Green Shoulder Loops
BSA Olive Green Unit Number
BSA Merit Badge Sash
BSA Hat (the Troop does not make the BSA hat a requirement, but we encourage Scouts to have)
BSA slider (The Troop does not make the BSA slider a requirement, but we encourage Scouts to have until they can create their own during a Troop outing).
The following is purchased with from the Troop:
Troop 104 Neckerchief (You buy this from the Troop.)
The activity uniform which is less formal is worn during camp outings, service projects, and other activities. You buy the activity uniform from the Troop.
Troop 104 red T-Shirt
Troop 104 red hooded sweater
You can view the different types available on our Troop website https://104scouts.com/shop/
Troop 104 is very proud to be a Scout Led Troop. “Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their patrols and their Troop. The boys themselves develop a Troop program, then take responsibility for figuring out how they will achieve the goals. One of our most important challenges is to train boy leaders to run the Troop by providing direction, coaching and support. The boys will make mistakes now and will rely upon the adult leaders to guide them. But only through real hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.”
Troop 104 uses Scoutbook for communications. We ask that you verify that we have your correct email, mailing address and mobile number so we have the most updated information.
We ask all our parents to grant their Scout access to Scoutbook. This will allow them to view their rank progress, view the calendar, and receive communications from youth and adult leaders. A parent is automatically copied on all communications to a Scout. We encourage parents to grant this access since it helps with the development of leadership and accountability.
A parent is the only one that can grant a Scout access to Scoutbook. Here are the instructions to grant access:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7eow1old_bYOFM3cXFHV0VTSkU/view?resourcekey=0-ObidePGCgMnSLSdw2WgGGA
Yes, Troop parent/committee meetings are currently held via Zoom on the last Thursday of the month from 7:30pm-8:30pm.
Although we are a Scout-Led-Troop, we need the support of all parent volunteers for them to be successful.
The Patrol Leaders’ Council plans the yearly Troop program at the annual planning meeting with input from all Scouts. The PLC then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month. The PLC is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, all Patrol Leaders, and the Troop Guide. The Troop Scribe also attends to take notes and keep the minutes.
The PLC is the Troop’s elected and duly appointed governing body. Resting on their shoulders is the planning, preparation, and presentation of the Troop’s Scouting program. It’s up to them to see that the promise of Scouting is delivered. Though this might appear to be a daunting proposition, with the proper training, the Scouts can gain the required tools and skills needed to run things in a fashion that results in a thriving program benefitting all the members of the Troop.
You can learn about the different youth Scout positions here.
We encourage all Scouts to take a position of responsibility. This will require them to attend the monthly PLC meeting to provide a monthly report to their fellow Scouts.
Upon reaching the following ranks, a Scout will be asked to serve in a position of responsibility.
Star
Life
Eagle
There are seven ranks within BSA Scouts. A Scout can simultaneously work on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class, but the ranks must be earned in order. For example, a Scout may not earn First Class before finishing Second Class.
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Scout
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Tenderfoot
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Second Class
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First Class
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Star
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Life
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Eagle
The rank advancement process in our Troop proceeds as follows:
The Scout learns the skill described in the requirement.
The Scout demonstrates the skill as described, and at the time of accomplishment needs to have it signed off in his book by an authorized individual.
After all requirements for a rank have been satisfied, the Scout must make an appointment for a Scoutmaster Conference with the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class ranks; or with the Scoutmaster for Star, Life and Eagle ranks
The Scout prepares for his Scoutmaster Conference.
Upon successful completion of his Scoutmaster conference, the Scout notifies the Advancement Chair, and requests to be scheduled for a Board of Review, normally scheduled during the regular Tuesday meetings. (Parent volunteers are encouraged to participate in the Board of Review process.)
After successfully completing the Board of Review and having the Board members sign off in his Scout Handbook. The Scout will be recognized at the next Troop meeting, where he receives his new emblem of rank.
At the next scheduled Court of Honor, the Scout is again recognized with his parents, and publicly receives his rank card and Parent pin, along with any merit badges earned.
All Scouts prior to their first outing with the Troop must have their Medical Part A & B form. If a Scout is participating in any outing that is more then 72 hours, they will also need to have the Part C completed which requires a signature from a physician.
You can find the medical form here.
Please provide a copy of the form to the Committee Chair.
All Troop adult leaders and committee members are volunteers. Scouting is a family activity – one or both parents/guardians are asked to participate to help support the Troop with adult leadership and organizational support. These include providing adult leadership at weekly meetings, hikes, backpacking trips, summer camp, Troop Committee assignments, etc. The opportunities are endless, and you will find this rewarding. Bring your talent, and we will find a way to incorporate it into a Scout activity!
The Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters work with the senior patrol leader and patrol leaders.
All Scouts are assigned to a patrol which is decided by the Patrol Leader Council with guidance from the Scoutmaster.
Scouts are advancing
Patrol method is actively used
Monthly short-term camping
Long-term summer camp and high adventure
Annual program plan and budget…and bylaws
Service projects
Youth AND adults have advanced training
Increasing and retaining membership
Increasing and retaining adult volunteers