Welcome Parents
Welcome! We’re excited to have your family join our Troop. Scouting works best when Scouts lead, adults support, and expectations are clear. This guide covers what parents should know to help their Scout succeed.
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How the Troop is Run
This troop is Scout-led.
Scouts plan meetings, Campouts, and activities through the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters coach and guide youth leaders. The Troop Committee supports the program behind the scenes with logistics, finances, advancement, and safety.
Parents are essential, but we intentionally allow Scouts to learn by doing.
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What We Expect From Scouts
Scouts are expected to:
- Attend meetings and campouts regularly
- Participate respectfully and live the Scout Oath and Law
- Take responsibility for advancement and communication
- Lead when it’s their turn and support others when it’s not
Growth, not perfection, is the goal. We say FAIL stands for “First Attempt In Learning”.
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What We Expect from Parents
Parents are asked to:
- Support youth leadership, even when it feels imperfect
- Encourage independence and allow Scouts to speak for themselves
- Encourage Scouts to work on advancement in a positive, non-pressured manner
- Volunteer in some capacity
- Drive Scouts to events/campouts
- Assist with planning larger events (High Adventure, larger off-site trips)
- Committee roles
- Mentoring merit badges in areas they are knowledgeable in
We also encourage parents to register as adult members of BSA. Registered adults can take on more meaningful roles — and there’s nothing quite like watching your Scout earn a rank or work through a challenge knowing you’re fully part of the team supporting them.
A troop of this size only works when families participate.
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Advancement & Merit Badges
Advancement is Scout-driven, with adult support.
Scouts should:
- Request Scoutmaster conferences and boards of review
- Contact merit badge counselors themselves
- Track progress in their Scout book
Parents should not sign off advancement requirements unless it is a specific requirement for parents to sign off. To sign off advancement requirements parents must be registered and not sign off their own children’s requirements.
If a Scout feels stuck or confused, they can speak with one of the Troop Guides, Junior Assistant Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, or the Scoutmaster.
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Communication & Calendar
The troop uses three electronic tools:
Scoutbook – Link
- Event details, sign-ups, and permission information
Mailing List
- Detailed announcements and event information
BAND – Link
- Day-to-day communication and timely updates
- Reminders, quick announcements, and event coordination
Scouts—not parents—should be checking dates, packing lists, and requirements when possible.
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Money, Dues & Fundraising
Troop expenses are covered through dues and fundraising.
- Fundraising opportunities help offset costs
- All funds are handled transparently by the Treasurer and approved by the committee
- Scouts also pay annual national membership fees to BSA directly; current fees can be found at scouting.org
Questions about finances should be directed to the Treasurer or Committee Chair.
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Safety & Youth Protection
Your Scout’s safety is our top priority.
- All adults must complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
- Two-deep leadership is required at all activities
- The troop follows all BSA safety and behavior policies
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Who to Contact
For the fastest help, start with the right person:
- Program, behavior, or Scout issues: Scoutmaster – Josh Cooley Email: jbcooley@cooleyhome.com
- Advancement questions: Advancement Chair
- Money, dues, or Scout accounts: Treasurer
- Volunteering, committee roles, or general questions: Committee Chair
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How You Can Help Right Now
The best first step is to attend a troop meeting or committee meeting — it’s the quickest way to see how things work and find where you fit in.
Welcome to the adventure. We’re glad you’re here.
