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Welcome to Troop 84

San Ramon, CA

www.troop84bsa.org

NEW SCOUT PARENT HANDBOOK:

So your son is a Boy Scout, Now What?

Troop 84 was established in 1989 in San Ramon, California. There are approximately 50 scouts with a very active adult leadership team. Our Scoutmaster and several of our Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) have been Cubmasters, Den Leaders, and Scoutmasters over the years. We also have a number of ASM‘s whose boys have graduated from scouting and, yet, they continue their involvement in the troop. This strong leadership base provides a consistent foundation for growth of the scouts and the troop.

The troop is the perfect size to provide the resources required for a variety of programs and activities, and, yet, not so large that you become lost in the organization. Our primary goal is for the boys to have fun, while providing the opportunity for growth and advancement.

We have a strong Eagle program with 5-7 scouts per year advancing to that highest level of Boy Scouts, totaling over 65 Eagles since we were established. Whether your son enjoys camping, hiking, bicycling or any number of other scouting activities, there is something for him in Troop 84.

Emigrant Wilderness 50 Miler Snow Skiing

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Table of Contents

What Is Boy Scouting? .................................................................................................... 3

Purpose of the BSA ..................................................................................................... 3

How we‘re Organized – Patrols vs. Troop ................................................................... 3

The Troop‘s Adult Leadership: What do they Do? .......................................................... 5

The Scoutmaster (SM) and the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) .................................. 5

ASM Monthly Meetings—You are invited too! ............................................................. 5

Merit Badge Counselors .............................................................................................. 5

Committee Chair/Comittee Members ........................................................................... 6

Parent Meeting—2nd Tuesday of the Month! ................................................................ 6

You Too Can Become Involved! .................................................................................. 6

Discipline ..................................................................................................................... 7

The Troop‘s Scout Leadership ........................................................................................ 8

What does it mean when we say ―a boy-led troop‖? .................................................... 8

Patrol Structure ............................................................................................................ 9

The Program ................................................................................................................. 10

What is my role as a Scout Parents? ............................................................................ 11

What is required of Parents and Scouts? .................................................................. 12

How can I help Troop 84? .......................................................................................... 12

How do I get Troop communications? Yahoo and Facebook ................................... 13

Advancement ................................................................................................................ 13

Signing Off Rank Requirements ................................................................................ 13

Rank Advancement: How Fast? What is the Focus? ............................................... 14

Scoutmaster Conferences and Board of Reviews. .................................................... 14

What to wear for a Board of Review .......................................................................... 15

Tips for Tracking Rank activities: ............................................................................... 15

Troop 84 Traditions for Rank Advancement .............................................................. 16

Uniforms ........................................................................................................................ 18

Meet the Troop Committee ............................................................................................ 20

Scouting WEB Sites ...................................................................................................... 20

Troop 84 Equipment List for Car Camping Trips ........................................................... 22

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What Is Boy Scouting?

Purpose of the BSA

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.

Specifically, the BSA endeavors:

to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit;

have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness;

have personal values based on religious concepts;

have the desire and skills to help others;

understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems;

are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world;

have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and,

prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.

How we’re Organized – Patrols vs. Troop

The Troop is NOT the basic unit for Boy Scouting; the Patrol is. Webelos that cross over will be assigned to a New Scout Patrol, similar to a ―den‖ for Cub Scouts. But Patrols are different. They allow the scouts to lead their own patrol, instead of relying on an adult leader. The grouping of the patrols allows the scouts within a Patrol to work together on similar rank advancement activities.

The Patrol will elect a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader, giving them leadership opportunities right away. These positions will be rotated approximately every 6 months. The Patrol will select a Patrol Name and a Patrol Yell, which encourages cohesiveness and bonding within the Patrol.

To support the New Scout Patrol, the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) will assign the following support groups to assist the new scouts.

Troop Guides (TG) - Senior level scouts assigned to assist the new scouts on training and rank advancement.

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) - Each New Scout Patrol will also be assigned an Assistant Scoutmaster to help mentor the Troop Guides and New Scouts.

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The Troop

A Troop exists to provide the framework for the Scout Patrols to be successful, and to provide the opportunities for each Scout to get the most out of Scouting.

The Troop provides:

Leadership opportunities for the older Scouts

Shared Equipment

A larger pool of Merit Badge Councilors

More Adults who are available at any one time to support any given Scouting activity

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The Troop’s Adult Leadership: What do they do?

“Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important

job.”

“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.”

“Never do anything a boy can do.”

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

The Scoutmaster (SM) and the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM)

The Top Leader in the Boy Scout Troop is the Scoutmaster (SM). Assisting the Scoutmaster in their duties will be one or more Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs). The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are responsible for:

Ensuring the development and execution of the troop‘s program,

Instruction and mentoring of the Boy Scouts,

Adult leader training, and above all

Ensuring the safety of the Scouts in all that they do in scouting

ASM Monthly Meetings—You are invited too!

The Troop 84 Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters normally meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm (currently at Mountain Mikes, at the corner of Alcosta and San Ramon Valley Blvd. During this meeting, the Troop‘s program for the next several months is discussed. While this meeting is usually just the Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters, and one or more Troop Committee members, ALL parents and adults associated with the troop are welcome to attend.

Merit Badge Counselors

With its sash of brightly colored emblems, the Merit Badge Program is one of the more visible portions of the Boy Scouts. The individual Scouts work on those badges which are of interest to them, and work with a Merit Badge Counselors in earning these badges.

Depending on the merit badge, the badge can be earned at Summer Camp, at a troop meeting where a Merit Badge Counselors instructs all of the Scouts at the same time, or at the Merit Badge Counselor‘s house WITH A BUDDY. A Merit Badge Counselor will usually make themselves available to mentor the Scouts AND THEIR BUDDY with specific issues or topics which are impeding their successful completion of the Merit Badge requirements.

You can be a Merit Badge Counselor too…and share your passion!

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Although the focus for the first year will be on First Class rank advancement, there will be opportunities to earn Merit Badges. Like rank advancement each Merit Badge has a list of requirements that need to be completed. In order to begin a Merit Badge you must first get approval from the Scoutmaster. Once approved, you will join the group that is working on the Merit Badge. This group will consist of 2 adults (including the Merit Badge Counselor) and the scouts. During Summer Camp, a first year scout might be able to earn 1-2 Merit Badges in addition to his Trail Head activities. Scouts can also receive partial credit for a Merit Badge at camp and complete the rest of the requirements during the year.

Committee Chair/Comittee Members

The numerous issues and challenges present with running a successful Boy Scout Troop such as Troop 84 are handled by the Troop Committee, which is chaired by the Troop Committee Chair. The Troop Committee is ultimately responsible for:

Facilities/Equipment

Troop Communication

Money/Fundraising

Scoutmaster selection

Conflict resolution

Record Keeping

Parent Meeting—2nd Tuesday of the Month!

The Parent‘s meeting (held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Church of the Valley concurrently with the Troop meeting) is the normal venue for the Troop Committee to meet and discuss achievements and plans, and to resolve any potential issues.

You Too Can Become Involved!

The Troop, and ultimately its Scouts, is only successful to the extent that there is active adult involvement. There are many opportunities for parents to be active with the Troop. Depending on the level of involvement that you want, you can be:

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM)

Troop Committee Member

Merit Badge Counselors

Boards of Review Member

Drivers/Active Parents

Adult Leader Training is available, so that you are both comfortable and successful in your new role. Classroom training is reimbursed by the Troop, and some of the training is now available in online as well.

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Discipline

We use the Scout Oath and Law as our model of behavior. Ideals are one of the methods of Scouting. This topic of Discipline is covered in the "Senior Patrol Leader Handbook", the ―Patrol Leader Handbook", and ‗The Guide to Safe Scouting":

1. The expected Code of Conduct is exemplified in the Scout Oath and the Scout law,

2. Whenever possible, we should follow the Troop chain of command (from the Patrol Leader to the ASPL to the SPL to the Scoutmaster) in adjudicating behavioral issues.

3. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values.

4. No form of hazing or corporeal punishment (physical, mental, or emotional) is ever permitted.

5. Adults should be expected to intervene immediately whenever safety is a concern.

If a Scout betrays the ideals of Scouting in a significant way, then it is time for a Scoutmaster's Conference. There is no formula approach to dealing with those types of situations because each boy is unique, as is each situation. Parents and/or the troop Committee will be brought in as necessary. Every problem that occurs presents a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.

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The Troop’s Scout Leadership

―The object of the patrol method is not so much saving the Scoutmaster trouble, as to give responsibility to the boy.‖

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

What does it mean when we say ―a boy-led troop‖?

The BSA's definition is that ―empowering boys to be leaders‖ is the core of Scouting. A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality. Unlike Cub Scouts where the parents planned the activities, Troop 84 is led by the boys. This means you‘ll witness periods of brilliance interspersed with moments of chaos. The goal is to minimize the chaos through effective coaching and training that empowers the boys with the skills they will need to lead the troop. Scouting is driven by what the Scouts want and need. It is communicated through the Patrol Leaders to the Senior Youth Leaders in the Patrol Leaders‘ Council (PLC). The PLC works with the Scoutmaster to plan and to execute the activities that the Scouts want, at both Troop meetings and at Troop outings. The Troop provides a ―Safe Place to Fail‖. Troop meetings and outings are sometimes not fully successful in meeting their stated goals. The Scouts are encouraged to reflect on these learning opportunities, and to strive to not repeat the same failures in the future. But rest assure, the adult leadership ensures that the Scouts are safe while they are learning how to strive in developing their leadership skills.

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Patrol Leader Council (PLC)

The Patrol Leader Council is the decision-making body, representing the Scouts. Using the Troop Calendar of events, requests for specific activities from the Scouts, adult time requests for specific activities such as Merit Badges, the PLC plans what happens at each Troop meeting. The members of the PLC also lead outings and camping trips, and work with the Adult Leader in charge of Camping Trips to ensure that the program that is delivered is the program that the Scouts want. The Patrol Leader Council consists of:

The Senior Patrol Leader*

One or more Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders*

The Patrol Leaders for each Patrol*

The Troop Guides assisting the New Scout Patrol*

The Troop Quartermaster

The Troop Librarian

The Troop Scribe

The Troop Historian

The Troop Order of the Arrow Representative

The Bugler

One or more Instructor

The Troop Chaplain‘s Aid * These positions can vote on proposals, the others support the program

Patrol Structure

The New Scouts entering the Troop will form their own Patrol and, for the first year, plan activities and advance under the tutelage of the Troop Guides and one or more Assistant Scoutmasters. At the end of the first year, the Troop Guides move on to support the next cadre of incoming New Scouts. Leadership positions within the Patrol consist of:

The Patrol Leader

The Assistant Patrol Leader

The Patrol Quartermaster

The Patrol Grubmaster

The Patrol Cheermaster

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The Program

Outings Putting the ―outing‖ into ―Scouting‖ is another one of the methods used by Boy Scouts. The goal is to provide opportunities that are Fun & Exciting, as well as safe. Ideally, these outings should be opportunities which the Scouts would not otherwise have available to them through other programs. Participation in Troop and Patrol Outings is crucial for the Advancement of your Scout. The Troop offers the following types of Outings:

Overnight trips

Long Trips (summer camp, 50-milers, etc.)

Day trips & hikes

Service projects

Ceremonies (Flag Retirement, flag ceremonies for community events)

Fundraisers (The annual mistletoe sales)

Medical Forms The Boy Scouts of America require a medical form for all activities. Sections A through C are required for overnight activities. Section C must be signed by a Doctor. Section D is required for High Adventure activities for 14 years and older, like scuba diving, sailing, etc. Troop 84 also requires a copy of your Scout‘s insurance card be included with his medical form. For confidentiality, the form and insurance card can be placed into a sealed envelope. It is strongly recommended that you only send copies of the medical form with your scout, and keep the original at home for future outings.

Cherry Valley (Catalina Island) Summer Camp

2010

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What is my role as a Scout Parent?

o Understand what activities are required for Rank Advancement. In the

beginning when your Scout joins the Troop, remind him about the link between Troop activities and rank advancement. For example, for a planned Troop hike, that will count as 1 of his 5 (or 10) activities he needs for Tenderfoot (or Second Class). Helping with an Eagle project is another great way to meet other Scouts in the Troop, and do another of the 5 activities. After awhile the Scout will see the relationship between activities and rank advancement and will not need any gentle reminders. He will begin taking charge of his own rank advancement progress.

o Encourage not lead. Scout is in charge, but you can help remind and encourage them to take charge and obtain signatures from ASMs and SMs.

o Signatures in book for each requirement. Unlike Cub Scouting when a Parent can sign off on requirements, Boy Scouting is different. The only people that will put their signatures on an activity include the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, adult in charge of the activity, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guides, Patrol Leaders that are at least First Class, and other senior scouts designated as instructors for that skill by the adult leadership. This ensures that the skill was indeed learned, and also gives our older scouts the opportunity to ―teach‖ the skill to a younger scout, reinforcing the notion that first you learn, and then you can teach.

o Scout is in charge of getting signatures. ASMs will not be asking for their Handbooks to sign off requirements. The Scout needs to present himself to the adult, ask for the signature and explain what they did to earn each requirement. It is best to get signatures after each time a requirement is completed (rather than months later).

o Scouts are in charge of requesting Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Reviews (from advancement chair). The Scout must contact the Advancement Chair by email or by phone, not the parents. In fact if the parent contacts the Advancement Chair to set-up the Board of Review, they will be asked to have their Scout contact them. This encourages the scout to take personal ownership of their advancement and develops independent thinking skills.

o Take youth Protection Training online at www.myscouting.org. We

encourage ALL parents to take this 20 minute online, free training. By providing

us with the same vocabulary through this training, we can ensure that our scouts

are safe. Effective tools like 2 deep leadership, principles in driving scouts with

your son present on outings, and other examples provide us tools to ensure a

safe environment for all scouts.

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What is required of Parents and Scouts?

o Parents:

o Attend monthly Parent Meetings

o Help provide a valuable contribution to the Troop (i.e. Troop position, coordinating activity led by boys, Merit Badge counselor, drive frequently for outings)

o Mistletoe Fundraiser:

1 shift: parent will supervise the Scouts

Help cutting down the mistletoe, or helping to bag it that evening

Scouts: o Attend as many Troop meetings as possible, given balance of school,

sports, etc.

o Mistletoe Fundraiser: 2 shifts: during the 2 weekends of Mistletoe sales will supervise the Scouts

o Attend a Webelos Crossover once each year and show Troop pride and welcome new scout(s).

How can I help Troop 84?

We would love for every parent to have some job that helps support the Troop. Suggestions include:

o Merit Badge Counselor—sharing your passion for an activity with the Scouts. See www.meritbadge.org for a list of merit badges.

o Merit Badge Counselor/Coordinator. Some merit badges can be earned by coordinating with a professional or an organization that can offer this badge (i.e. Dublin Iceland for ice skating, Heller Aviation for weather and Aviation merit badge, etc.)

o Assistant Scoutmaster—Fun way to be involved with your Scout. You can determine how much and what you want to do as an ASM. Training is provided by Mt. Diablo-Silverado District and paid for by our Troop. We appreciate your time to become an ASM, the least we can do is support the training costs.

o Driver. We always need drivers for our Scouting outings. Without drivers, the scouts would have fewer outings.

o Troop Position. There are tons of big and small jobs available to help out in our Troop. Some are year round, and some are seasonal. Ask the Troop Committee Chair for a list of positions that are available.

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How do I get Troop communications? Yahoo and Facebook

Troop 84 uses the Yahoo groups for email communication. We recommend that BOTH parent and Scout sign up for email. This provides communication system for Scout to be in charge of his own advancement, emailing his Leaders, Scout Leaders, Merit Badge Counselors, and Advancement Chairs. By having the parents also join, they remain connected and apprised of Scout activities. Join Troop84SRV Yahoo Group. We also have a Facebook page (BSA Troop 84 San Ramon).

Advancement

Advancement is the process by which scouts progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program. Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn these ranks, from joining until leaving the program, should be designed to help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience. A Scout’s handbook is his permanent scout record. Consider this book your Scouting ―Bible‖. Your Scout Handbook is the record you will need to submit to the Council when applying for Eagle Rank. It is each scout‘s responsibility to see that each requirement completed for a specific rank is signed off by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Senior Scout who reviewed the requirement.

Signing Off Rank Requirements

Rank requirements are completed on outings or during other scout activities with your patrol/troop. They are not done alone or as a family. Parents do not sign-off advancement requirements for their Scout. The following are the only people who can sign off on completion of a requirement: the Troop Guides, the Scoutmaster, any Assistant Scoutmasters, senior scouts assigned the responsibility, and the Troop Advancement Chair. This applies even if the Parent is a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster If a scout has completed a requirement and want it signed off, the scout (not the parents) needs to go to a scout leader or adult leader who was on the outing and who witnessed you complete the requirement and ASK for a signature. We put the scout in charge of asking for signatures, rather than relying on the adult to ask for the book to sign it off. This allows the scouts to be ―in charge‖ of their rank advancement.

The Advancement Chair

The Troop Advancement Chair is responsible for:

Maintain advancement records Schedule boards of review

Coordinate courts of honor Identify merit badge opportunities

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Prior to rank advancement, will require your Scout‘s Handbook, so that the Troop‘s computerized records can be updated to reflect the information in the Handbook.

Rank Advancement: How Fast? What is the Focus? Please note that each Scout will advance at his own pace. Scouts can inform their Patrol Leader about their individual rank activity needs, which are discussed with the PLC to organize activities to help all scouts advance. In addition, Summer Camps and other outings provide additional opportunities for the Scouts. However, it is up to the Scouts to take advantage of the opportunities which are afforded to them. For their First year in the Troop The Troop program does provide enough opportunities for a Scout to reach First Class within their first year, if they take advantage of all opportunities. The first year, they are working on mostly rank advancement activities (knot tying, camping skills, first aid, etc) so they are prepared for most scouting activities. They can do merit badges too (which will give them immediate satisfaction as they earn these badges faster than rank advancement), but we tend to have them focus mostly on rank activities and a little on merit badges, at least initially. For their Second year in the Troop At the rank of First Class the focus for advancement of the Scout changes from basic Scouting and Outdoors skills (which are applicable for the remainder of their Scouting career) towards leadership in the Troop, Service projects, and Merit Badges.

Scoutmaster Conferences and Board of Reviews. Please note that ALL ranks advancements require a Scout Master conference (as listed in the back of the handbook in advancement page). A Scoutmaster conference is an opportunity to determine whether the scout is ready to go before the board of review, help set goals, discuss and review the scout‘s activity in the troop and his understanding and practice of the ideals of Scouting In addition, all ranks except for the Scout Badge require a Board of Review, This board consists of 3-4 members of the troop committee and parents to ensure the scout has completed all of the requirements, to determine the quality of his troop experience, to encourage him toward the next rank advancement, and to discuss how the scouts sees himself living the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life.

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How to schedule a Scoutmaster Conferences and Board of Reviews

It is the Scout’s job to notify the Scoutmaster when he is ready for a Scoutmaster conference, by email or during the Troop meeting. The parents are NOT to schedule these meetings. If the parent sends the email on behalf of the scout, the email will be returned. We want the scout to be in charge of asking for the conference himself. These conferences are by appointment only. The same is true of a Board of Review meeting. The scout can call or email the Advancement Chair to schedule a Board of Review... Scout‘s should not wait to schedule Scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review until right before a court of honor because there are a limited number of interviews the Board of Review can conduct at its monthly meetings. Planning ahead and working with the Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to the new Scout Patrol is the key to success.

What to wear for a Board of Review Scouts make their appearance in FULL Field uniform (which includes scout pants).

When is the date of Rank Achievement A Scout is determined to having achieved a Rank on the date of completing the last Rank Requirement (generally the Board of Review), rather than the date upon which they are awarded the Rank Badge (generally the next Court of Honor).

Tips for Tracking Rank activities:

Tip #1: We recommend that Scouts have a Post-it Note in their handbook where they can write down the 10 animals or 10 plants that they see on Troop hikes (as part of Tenderfoot and Second Class requirements).

Tip #2: Scouts need to participate in 5 Troop activities (besides meetings) as one of

their requirements for Tenderfoot and 10 activities for Second Class. We encourage the scouts to write 1 thru 10 at the top of their Tenderfoot/Second Class Rank pages. Fill in activities that they participate in, after each activity, that way they don‘t forget later when they are finishing their rank. Some popular activities might be: Camporee, service hours for an older Eagle Scout, flag ceremony, bicycling activity, etc.

Tip #3: Keep a small three ring binder for Merit Badge Blue Cards and Awarded Merit Badges, as well as Rank Advancement Cards, Totin‘ Chit, Fireman Chit and any other cards the Scout may earn. We recommend getting the Baseball Card Page Protectors. These work GREAT and they are easy to verify.

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Positions of Leadership Advancement to some ranks requires tenure in a Position of Leadersh. This means that the Scout has been voted into or chosen for the position, has attended Troop Leadership Training at some point during his tenure, and can show progress towards completing what he had defined as what success looks like in his patrol or position. Community Service Hours Advancement to some ranks requires community service hours. These must be:

Nonprofit organizations not related to Boy Scouts of America

Non-revenue generating.

Approved by Scoutmaster BEFORE starting It is the responsibility of the Scout to report hours to the Advancement Chair if the hours were not earned as part of a Troop-organized service project.

Troop 84 Traditions for Rank Advancement

Over the years, Troop 84 has developed a tradition of awarding Scouts specific uniform accessories befitting their rank. When a Scout……..:

Joins Troop 84 . . . Red Neckerchief (at Crossover) Blue Troop t-shirt at first meeting

Earns Scout Rank . . . Hand carved wooden slide made by Mr. Perkins, ASM, and Scout badge

Earns Tenderfoot Rank . . .

Earns Second Class Rank . . .

Second Class Badge & Blue neckerchief (exchanges Troop Red for Blue Neckerchief)

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Earns First Class Rank . . . (First Class Badge & Metal Slide

Earns Star Rank . . .

Earns Life Rank . . .

Life Badge

Earns Eagle Rank . . .

Neckerchief and Eagle Slide (exchanges Troop Blue Neckerchief/Metal Slide for Eagle Neckerchief/Slide)

Questions - Who do I go to if I have a question?

If you have a question, you can speak to o Membership Chair---who you were communicating with as you joined the

Troop, who can point you to the right direction

o Any ASM or Scoutmaster --- adult leaders will be wearing uniforms at the Troop Meetings.

o Or any Troop Committee Member

o Or any scout (Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leaders)

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Uniforms

What is the Uniform?

It is expected that you Scout will wear his uniform for all Troop Meetings and outings. Non-BSA Logo gear is not acceptable. During School Year and Driving to/From Outings: Troop‘s Uniform standard during the School Year and while driving to and from outings is for your Scout to have his Uniform Shirt (tucked in) and Neckerchief; this is called the ―Field Uniform‖ (or Class A). They can wear jeans or other pants during Troop meetings. During the summer: Beginning the day after school ends through the day before school starts, Scouts can wear any Boy Scout t-shirt, including blue Troop 84 logo t-shirt. Uniform Code at Special Events: There are special events throughout the year where it is required for your Scout to wear a Full Field Uniform (or Full Class A uniform). Beside the Shirt and Neckerchief, the uniform consists of the Pants, belt, shirt, neckerchief, & sash (and socks if uniform shorts are being worn). These special events include:

Your Scout‘s Boards of Review (when they are meeting with the Advancement Chair to earn their rank advancement).

The Troop‘s quarterly Court of Honor (4 times per year)

Eagle Courts of Honor

Participation in a Flag Honor Guard or other Color Guard

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Boy Scout UNIFORM Requirements:

Boy Scout Uniform Shirt (also referred to as Field or Class A uniform) (poplin or

nylon versions)

Scout crest emblem (purple fleur-de-lis patch)

Mr. Diablo Council patch (left shoulder)

Sash (recommend the longer one so you don‘t have to resew patches on a

longer one as they grow. You can purchase this later…when they earn their first

merit badge).

Green shoulder loops

Troop numerals ―84‖ (left shoulder)

Patrol Patch (chosen by the Scouts within the Patrol)

Scout pants (long or short) (have some that are convertible, shorts to pants…kids like those!)

Scout socks (required only when he wears Scout shorts)

BSA Boy Scout Handbook

BSA Handbook Cover (optional, but highly recommended!!)

Shopping Locations for Scout Uniforms Boy Scout Store-Pleasant Hill

(800 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA, (925) 674-8500)

Boy Scout Store—San Leandro

East Bay Scout Shop 1001 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577-5602

(510) 633-2005

Online option… http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/

McCaulou‘s Department Store

(589 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville)

(charge slightly higher prices, for convenience of being local. Have most items, but not the same range as Scout Store)

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Meet the Troop Committee Members

Scoutmaster: Michael Brown – MVBrown9983@gmail.com

Committee Chair: Kim Lonie – kmouse@att.net

New Scout Patrol (ASM): David Douglas – Ddouglas@gene.com

Youth Leadership Training: Michael Brown – MVBrown9983@gmail.com

Advancement Chair Kathi Nichols – kgnichols@comcast.net

Eagle Advisor: Scott Perkins - scott_perkins@comcast.net

Summer Camp: Aaron Lee - cptaaronlee@yahoo.com

Hike Coordinator: Sam Habib - sam.habib@att.net

Order of the Arrow Advisor: Mark Slauson – mslauson@yahoo.com

Membership Chair: Nancy Ozawa – nancyozawa@yahoo.com

Secretary: Maureen Brooks - brooks238@comcast.net

Newsletter: Maureen Brooks - brooks238@comcast.net

Troop Roster: Maureen Brooks - brooks238@comcast.net

Website: Ken Koupal – kenneth.koupal@qwest.com

Yahoo Group Email List: Ken Tatum – ktatum@pacbell.net

District Round Table – Al Nichols – albert.nichols@comcast.net

Treasurer – Rick Martin - rick.martin49@yahoo.com

Positions that are opening up…..

Troop Roster Camping Coordinator

Secretary Order of the Arrow Advisor

Adult Training Coordinator

Scouting WEB Sites Troop 84 - http://www.troop84bsa.org Mount Diablo Silverado Council- http://www.bsa-mdsc.org Meridian District - http://www.bsameridian.org Merit Badge Information - http://www.meritbadge.org

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Equipment

Troop 84 recognizes that active participation in the Scouting program can be expensive. Because of this, much of the equipment that your Scout may need for outings is supplied by the Troop.

Troop Provided Scout Provided

Tents/Tarps Sleeping Bag Personal first aid kit

Stoves Sleeping Pad Flashlight

Cooking Equipment Backpack Compass

Lanterns (car camping) Eating utensils Whistle

Water purification (backpacking trips)

Toiletries Knife

Troop First Aid kit Clothing See attached for complete list

Where to buy Scouting Supplies and Equipment The following businesses and locations are available for the purchase of Scouting Supplies and Equipment:

Mount Diablo Silverado Council: Pleasant Hill Scout Shop 800 Ellinwood Way Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/ Phone: (925) 674-8500 Fax: (925) 288-1907 Mon 8:30AM - 7:00PM Tues-Fri 8:30AM - 6:00PM Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM

San Francisco Bay Area Council East Bay Scout Shop 1001 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577-5602 http://www.sfbac.org/ Phone (510) 633-2005 Fax (510) 633-1795 Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PM Tues 9:00AM - 6:30PM Sat 8:30PM - 4:30PM

McCaulou’s 589 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Danville, CA 94526 Phone (925) 837-0261 M-Sat 10:00AM - 6:00PM Sun 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Online Scout Store

http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/

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Troop 84 Equipment List for Car Camping Trips

Things every Scout must have (may be owned, rented or borrowed): Boy Scout Handbook (not required if First Class or above)

Scout Shirt and Neckerchief

Boots or sturdy shoes

Sleeping bag - warm to 35° F

Sleeping pad - Ridgerest, Thermarest, or other foam pad (Not Kelty or Coleman)

Eating utensils:

Plate (durable plastic) Cup (durable plastic-wide at top)

Spoon (lexan) Fork (lexan)

Personal toilet kit:

Toothbrush Toothpaste

Washcloth Small towel

Soap - small bar Prescription Medication

Flashlight (LED type or AA or AAA type will do)

Small pad and pen or pencil

Change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, heavy socks, light socks)

Warm jacket, sweater, or synthetic fleece jacket (Polartec 200) - NOT COTTON sweats

Large (30 gal.+) garbage bags (2 or 3 bags for rain gear or bringing wet clothes home)

Duffle bag or big sports bag for car camping trips

Backpack for backpack trips (can be used on car camping trips)

Poncho or Rain Parka - must be waterproof

Water Bottle - at least 1 quart

Sunscreen (at least SPF15)

Compass - liquid filled with rectangular base

Rope 3/16 inch diameter (25 to 50 ft nylon cord - parachute cord is good)

Things every Scout should have:

Repair kit (needle, thread, safety pins, rubber bands, buttons, etc.)

Lip balm (chapstick)

Personal first aid and emergency kit:

Assorted bandaids 4" gauze pads

Small roll of adhesive tape Moleskin Change for emergency phone calls

Whistle

Matches in waterproof container

Other things Scouts could have: Bandana Comb

Playing Cards Folding scissors

Plastic soup bowl Paperback book

Small games (not electronic) Stocking cap

Sunglasses Small pillow

Extra batteries and bulb Extra shoes

Extra clothes Wallet

Fanny pack Camera and film

Pocket knife - must be folding type Watch

Things not allowed:

Fixed blade knives Candy of any type (Granola bars are ok)

Electronic games Personal radios, stereos, CDs, iPods, etc.

Firearms, fireworks, ammunition, etc. (may be used in vehicles to and from site)

Cigarette lighter Scouts should NOT carry everything on the "should & could" list, only those things required for the trip.

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Equipment Buying Guide Sleeping bags: Should be synthetic fill (not down). Rated +15 to +20 degrees Total bag weight (not fill weight) should be 3 1/2 lbs or less Mummy style 2008 examples of acceptable bags from REI.COM REI Polar Pod $79.00 (a bit on the heavy side) Alps Mountaineering Slick Rock $99.93 (REI.COM/OUTLET) Sierra Design Wild Bill $109.00 REI Zephyr $139.00 The North Face Cat’s Meow $149.00 (very popular) Marmot EcoPro +15 $165.00 (Eco Friendly) Sleeping Pads Recommend foam pads (not inflatable or self inflating) Recommendation: Therm-a-rest Z-Lite $34.95 (REI) Backpacks Styles External Frame (recommended)

Pros

Easier to pack

Easier to fit

Holds More

Cooler (Temperature)

Less expensive Cons

Slightly heavier

Slightly more cumbersome off trail

Not as cool (fashionable) Internal Frame

Pros

More custom fit (if you know what you‘re doing)

Slightly lighter

More comfortable off trail

More fashionable Cons

Expensive

More difficult to pack 2008 examples of acceptable packs from REI.COM External Kelty (several styles – have store fit) $140 - $150 Jansport (Available on REI.COM/OUTLET)

Scout $59.93 (for smaller boys) Carson $79.93

Internal Kelty Coyote $150 Kelty Red Cloud $200 Compass -- Silva Polaris - $13