New Troop Parents Guide

This following is intended to guide parents transitioning from the Pack to the Troop, as well as parents who are brand new to Scouts BSA.   The following material is not an exhaustive list, but should provide a general education on Scouts BSA terminology and process.  If you have questions more specific to Troop 29, please ask one of our Committee Members or Scoutmasters or email franklintroop29@gmail.com.  You can also download the official Troop 29 Parents Guide 

Troop 29 New Parents Guide.pdf

Troop 29 has two types of Troop Positions, the first is being on the Patrol Leaders Council as either the Senior Patrol Leader, Asst. Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or Troop Guide.  The second type of position is a Position of Responsibility such as Quartermaster, Webmaster, or Outdoor Ethics Guide.  Please click the link above for more information on Troop Positions

Scout Ranks in a Troop differ from those in the Cub Scouts.  In Scouts BSA ranks are earned through completion of requirements and done so at the Scout's own pace.  The Scout does not automatically move up in rank based on grade or age like they do in Cub Scouts.

Ranks are earned in the following order:

A Scout patrol is a small team of normally six to eight members where Scouts learn skills together, share responsibilities and take on leadership roles.  Each Patrol is led by a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader.  The Patrol members work together on Scouting Skills, Trip planning (meals, duties), camp and eat together on monthly trips.   

The adults normally form their own Leader Patrol where they will do many of the same things as the Scouts in terms of meal planning, duty roster, shopping, cleaning, etc.

As the Scouts work on rank advancement, they have the opportunity to meet 1 on 1 with the Scoutmaster to discuss the Scout's progress and growth within the troop and his or her understanding of Scout Ideals, how those ideals apply to their daily life and in the Troop, and requirements for the next rank so that he/she can be properly encouraged.  The SM Conference is not a test.  It is part of the requirements to complete each rank of advancement

After the Scouts have finished all of their rank requirements, including their Scoutmaster Conference, they will request to have a Board of Review.  The Board is made up of members of the Troop Committee with usually three members making up each Board of Review.  The Leaders will meet with the Scout to talk about his experiences in the troop, what he liked or didn't like about certain activities, events, merit badges, camp, etc and find out what his plans are for the future.  The purpose of the Board of Review is not to pass or fail the Scout with their progress towards rank advancement, but rather to learn more about the Scout and better understand if the programs that are being developed and executed by the troop are well received and effective.

Scouts are recognized for Rank Advancement and completing Merit Badges during the Troop Court of Honor.  The Troop usually only holds 3 Courts of Honor per year, one in the early fall, one in the winter, and one in late spring.  Families are invited to be part of the Court of Honor to watch their Scout be recognized for their achievements and refreshments/snacks are usually served to promote the social aspect for the Troop Families.  The spring Court of Honor usually takes place at the last meeting of the school year with dinner being provided by the troop.

The Scouts of Troop 29 have the opportunity to help pay for their annual dues through the sale of Trails-End Popcorn each fall.  

Scouts not only earn money for the Troop, but also can win Amazon Gift Cards, and be invited to special events (Dave & Busters, Providence Bruins Game, etc.)

At the start of the year, our Committee will work with our "Popcorn Coordinator" to set goals for the Troop, decide how much inventory to purchase, and seek out locations that will allow us to set up and sell popcorn at their location.  Over 73% of Popcorn Sales goes back to local Scouting!