Joining Troop 80

Hello Parent, Guardian, and Prospective Troop 80 Scout,

We’re delighted that you are interested in Troop 80 - “Where the action is.” It’s a troop with lots of history, tradition, and boys who teach themselves how to be leaders. A troop choice is a long term commitment. Take time to make sure the troop, your interests, and your desires match. Please ask us questions and attend our meetings before you make that commitment.

Here are the steps required to officially join Troop 80 and Boy Scouts of America:

• Meet the age requirements:

  • The boy is 11 years old OR has completed the fifth grade OR has earned the Arrow of Light Award from cub scouts

  • Is at least 10 years old

  • Is not 18 years old or older.

• For cub scouts bridging from Webelos 2, send your information to info@troop-80.org, and advise us of your intent to join and the time and date of the Arrow of Light bridging ceremony.

• Fill out the membership form. Present it to the scoutmaster. For scouts transferring from another troop, use this transfer form.

• Pay one annual fee to Troop 80. This which will cover the BSA registration, troop and patrol equipment, and the pro-rated fee to Troop 80. This fee is ranges between $100 - $500 depending on whether your scout transferred in from Cub Scouting. Come talk to scoutmasters to learn more.

• Troop 80 uses Google Docs extensively. If you don’t use gmail you need to associate your email addresses by filling out this form.

• Sign up for our various Google Groups to gain access to secured documents: The Adults@troop-80.org group does not include the boys. From any and all email addresses you plan to use in the troop communications, send email to webmaster@troop-80.org. Once in the group, you will be able to see various Troop 80 documents with access to the private portion of our web site, and you will be included in the adults@troop-80.org group. The Scouts@troop-80.org group includes only the scouts.

• Health application parts A, B, C. Part C is for long trips and requires a doctor’s signature.

• Receive a copy of Boy Scout Handbook from Troop 80. It’s supposed to last the duration of scouting. It should be brought to every meeting.

• With a parent or guardian, the scout must complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.

• With the Scoutmaster, schedule a Scoutmaster Welcoming Conference, where the scout will complete some of his scout rank requirements. Parents also attend this conference. Boys should study this ahead of time so they can:

  • Review handbook's table of contents(pg 4)

  • Discuss how advancement through ranks works in Troop 80(pages 10, 438-465)

  • Discuss how merit badges are awarded(pg 454)

  • Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

  • Demonstrate tying the square knot/joining knot(pg 365)

  • Understand and agree to live by the scout oath or promise, law, motto, and slogan, and the outdoor code(pg 11-18)

  • Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake(pg 18-19)

  • Describe the Scout badge(pg 19-20)

  • Start signing off Scout rank items for progress toward Scout Rank(pg 439)

• Parents and guardians: Troop 80 is led by boys, but adults are required in many roles. The boys count on your contributions. Please....

  • Complete youth protection training to ensure a safe place for all kids. Go over the removable booklet attached in the front of your son’s handbook.

  • Fill out the BSA Adult Application and submit it to the troop.

  • Scouts who have email addresses should send email to the webmaster@troop-80.org.

  • Review The Parent's Guide to Troop 80. This covers nearly every aspect of the troop, such as how it is structured, how it operates, who’s responsible for various things, equipment.

  • Fill out the driving information form.

• Uniforms may be purchased at the scouting shops (1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto is closest to the church). Troop 80 scouts wear their Class A uniforms: long sleeved shirts (cotton or synthetic), olive green pants (cotton or synthetic), and dark hiking boots for almost every event. A troop closet sometimes has these items for free. The troop will provide patches, neckerchief, rope for small pocket. Also a ‘Class B’ red tee shirt will be provided to the scouts. Scouts are expected to wear full Class A uniforms to every meeting, which means Long-sleeved uniform shirt, Uniform Pants(not shorts), Neckerchief, and Scout Belt.

• Equipment required for Troop 80 is essentially ‘backpacking’ gear. Have conversations with other scouts or adults before rushing into your purchases. Some retailers offer discounts to scouts (such as Mt. View Surplus) so be sure to ask.

Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting info@troop-80.org.

Thanks,

Erik Gibson, Recruiting Chair for Troop 80