FAQ
Q: What is Boy Scouts of America?
A: The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, providing programs for young people to build character, learn outdoor skills, and develop leadership abilities.
Q: How much should the parents/guardians get involved in my son's activities? Isn't it supposed to be "boy-run"?
A: This is a hard line to find. We want the boys to take responsibility for getting things done, and to deal with the consequences of not getting things done. However, in the early days of his Boy Scouting experience, gentle suggestions about things you know he needs to accomplish are certainly helpful - we don't expect the boys to become perfect planners overnight!
Q: What is a Scoutmaster Conference?
A: A Scoutmaster Conference is a meeting between a Scout and their Scoutmaster to review progress, discuss future goals, and ensure readiness for rank advancement. It helps guide Scouts through their Scouting journey.
Q: What does the patrol need to do between bridging and Camporee that won't take place at the Troop meeting?
A: Once the boys have formed patrols (they'll work with the Scoutmaster to do that), they'll need to meet outside of Troop meetings to:
- Choose a patrol name.
- Create a patrol flag.
- Create and practice a patrol yell.
Q: What is Camporee?
A: Camporee is an event run by the regional Scouting organization, and involves nearly 2000 Scouts and Scouters (adult leaders) camping together over a weekend in the hills between Simi Valley and Moorpark. There are lots of activities for the boys, and an opportunity to practice their camping skills.
Q: What does the Troop need the parents to do?
A: Troop 642 has a long history of parent involvement, and we would ask that at least one parent join the boys for the Troop meetings, if possible. We have two primary roles for parents - serving as Assistant Scoutmasters, working directly with the boys to provide guidance and ensure their safety, and as Committee members, taking on various administrative functions to keep the Troop running.
Q: Where do I find calendar information for the Troop?
A: See the Troop website, https://www.bsatroop642.org/calendar.
Q: Who can sign off on a Scout's advancement requirements in his Scout book?
A: In general, the Scoutmaster and any Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) or any First Class Scout not related to the Scout can sign off on advancement requirements. The exceptions to this are the "Show Scout Spirit in your daily living" and the Scoutmaster Conference, signed off by the Scoutmaster, and the Board of Review, signed off by the Advancement Chair.
Q: How does the rank advancement process work?
A: Boys work on their rank advancement requirements independently or with their patrol or troop. These are separate from merit badge requirements. They may work on advancement requirements for ranks beyond the immediate next rank (e.g., a Scout can work on his Second Class requirements, even before achieving Tenderfoot rank). After completing all but the last three requirements for any given rank, the Scout schedules a Scoutmaster Conference with the Scoutmaster. Following successful completion of this conference, he schedules a Board of Review with the Advancement Chair. Complete, full uniform is required for the Board of Review, typically conducted during a Troop meeting. Signoff from the Advancement Chair of the Board of Review requirement advances the Scout to the next rank.
Q: What is the Order of the Arrow (OA)?
A: For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Learn more about the Order of the Arrow.
Q: For the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks, what is as a requirement “Be active in your troop and patrol” defined?
A: A Scout is considered to be active in their unit if:
- They are registered in their unit (registration fees are current).
- They have not been dismissed from their unit for disciplinary reasons.
- They meet the unit’s reasonable expectations.
Q: What is a board of review, and what is its primary purpose?
A: The troop committee conducts a Board of Review to periodically review each Scout’s progress, from Tenderfoot through Life ranks (or Palms), to encourage them, to learn whether they are enjoying their Scouting experience, and to evaluate the unit’s effectiveness in conducting the Scouting program to benefit them. The review presents a good opportunity to monitor the Scout’s advancement and keep them on track. It also gives unit leaders a chance to measure the effectiveness of their leadership. The troop committee appoints three to six adults (21 years of age or older) to conduct the Board of Review.
Q: What is an Eagle Scout?
A: An Eagle Scout is someone who has earned the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program.
Q: Are there other topics we should address?
Suggestions: E-mail them to [email protected]