Welcome New Scout Parents

Welcome to Troop 442

Parents, thank you for taking the time to support your daughter’s scouting experience. We are very excited about this opportunity. For your convenience, Troop 442 has compiled a step-by-step process to introduce you to scouting. Do not get overwhelmed by the number of training opportunities. Only one training, Youth Protection, is required BEFORE you begin, the rest can be done over time. Troop 442 appreciates any time that you are willing to contribute. 

1. Adult Application online at my.scouting.com

2. **IMPORTANT** Please take the time to go over “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse, A Parent’s Guide” with your Scout. This can be found at the beginning of any new scout handbook. Do this before your next meeting.

3. The most important step in this whole process is the protection of our Scouts. Please take the time to take BSA’s “Youth Protection” and training called “This is Scouting” at site my.scouting.org. You’ll need to set up a user ID and password; please make note of that user ID and password for future use.

4. Your Scout will need to fill out part A&B of the BSA physical before attending a campout (adults too.) Further part C is required to be filled out by a doctor before attending any trip lasting more than 72 hours. The form can be found here.

5. Communication is key for a Troop our size. We communicate through an email list. You will receive an invitation to scoutbook.com. From scoutbook, you will be added to our Troop-442 email list. **IMPORTANT**

6. Our Troop camps monthly.  Parents are welcome to join us at any campout so long as they have proof of completing “Youth Protection” and a BSA physical for themselves.  Requirements for the BSA physical are the same as outlined in step 4.  We apologize but siblings are not welcome on campouts except “family camp.”  Pets are not allowed on campouts.

7. Now that you have some fundamentals about scouting, please let the Troop know what kind of expertise and skills you bring to the table, with this Parent Survey

8. Merit Badge counselors must be enrolled with the BSA.  Please use this form.  Once you have filled out the form and printed it, the Training Coordinator will take care of it at the next meeting.

9. If you are interested in a committee position the best way to get an idea of the responsibilities can be found with a training called the “Troop Committee Challenge” at my.scouting.org. If this is your cup of tea speak to the Troop’s Committee Chair (Michelle Ruben) at the next meeting. Or you can come to the next Committee meeting, which is open to all parents of Troop 442, held every other 4th Wednesday of every month from 7:00-8:30 in the Scout Shack

10. Scoutmasters including assistants are selected not applied for but it would help if we know that you are interested. Once selected you will benefit from “Leader Position-Specific Training”, which is a live training put on by the Thunderwolf District. The Troop Training Chair can help you find the next one.

11. For further training, the Troop recommends that you complete classes on the my.scouting.org site, in the below order, making sure that you sign in with the same user ID so your scouting profile logs your training:

• Youth Protection

• This is Scouting

• Fast Start (some positions have a fast start that is position specific)

• Troop Committee Challenge (for committee members)

• Hazardous Weather

• Physical Wellness

• Trek Safely

• Safe Swim

• Safety Afloat

• Climb On Safely

• Only Youth Protection is required BEFORE starting your position, take your time and complete the others at your leisure.

Welcome to Troop 442 and Scout-Me-In

That should take care of it.  We look forward to giving your daughter in the scouting experience that they will take with them their whole life.