Parent Guide

Welcome Parents!

This guide will help you understand Troop 31's program and what to expect as your son begins his Scouting journey.

Youth Protection and Safety

The Boy Scouts of America has developed a series of programs and guidelines to help make Scouting as safe an experience as is possible. Each year the adults in the troop and the scouts will be trained in the principles of Youth Protection, to prevent abuse.

BSA Guide to Safe Scouting, a 60-page guide to safe conduct of a wide variety of scouting activities is now available online at www.scouting.org.

The Scout Handbook

The Scout Handbook is a wonderful source of information for your scout and you. We encourage both scouts and parents to review the handbook together.

Uniforms and Equipment

Scouts will need a "Class A" and "Class B" uniform.

Class A Uniform Includes:

• Complete uniform including scout shirt with appropriate badges and insignia (see the Handbook)
• Neckerchief and slide
• Web belt
• Pants/shorts and socks

Class B Uniform

We will supply each scout with a Troop tee shirt, which replaces the scout shirt and neckerchief in the Class B uniform.

Where to Purchase Scout Supplies

Scout supplies can be purchased at the Scout Store. The most convenient location for most families is the BSA store at 474 East Avenue or online at scoutstuff.org or by phone at 1-800-323-0732.

Camping Equipment

Your son will need some equipment for hiking and camping, particularly:

• A good, rugged pair of hiking boots
• Rain gear
• A sleeping bag

We will discuss what equipment is necessary during meetings prior to each outing. You need not purchase official Boy Scout equipment. See the section of this website on Equipment for more information on what your scout will need.

Medications

Medications on camping trips are dispensed at the appropriate time by the Scoutmaster or his designee.

Christmas Tree Fundraiser

In order for the Troop to purchase, replace and repair tents, stoves and other camping equipment, to subsidize the cost of many events and to provide funds for our Campership Program, the Troop must generate funds beyond those provided by dues. We hold one fundraiser each year.

We recognize that not all of our scouts celebrate Christmas, but have found that selling Christmas Trees is an effective way to raise funds. If you have any questions regarding the tree sale, please contact the Administration Dept. at [email protected].

Communication

We use the domain name Troop31bsa.org which will allow for broad distribution of information. Please check the website regularly for updates, calendar events, and important announcements.