Welcome to Troop 351
Parents, thank you for taking the time to support your son’s scouting experience. For your convenience, Troop 351 has compiled a step-by-step process to introduce you to scouting. Please continue to the signature page before exploring all the links, this initial process should only take about 15 minutes. Do not get overwhelmed with the number of training opportunities. Only one training, Youth Protection, is required BEFORE you begin, the rest can be done over time. Troop 351 appreciates any time that you are willing to contribute. Be sure to read the whole letter as steps 11 and 12 are required before you may join.
- Adult Application-This form can be requested from the Troop 351 Membership Coordinator or here.
- 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.
- 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 a 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.
- Your Scout will need to fill out parts 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.
- 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-351 email list. **IMPORTANT**
- Our Troop camps monthly with the exception of December. 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.
- 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 form.
- 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.
- 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 the my.scouting.org. If this is your cup-of-tea speak to the Troop’s Committee Chair at the next meeting. Or you can come to the next Committee meeting, which are open to all parents of Troop 351, held the second Monday of every month 7:00-8:30 in the Xavier Room of Dillon Hall (St Ignatius) or relocated to one of SE Portland’s fine local restaurants.
- 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 Lewis and Clark District. The Troop Training Chair can help you find the next one.
- 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 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.
- It is important that we are all on the same page about finances. Troop 351 is the best funded Troop in the District. We enjoy many of our trips and activities free of charge and all of them supplemented to an extent from our annual tree lot fundraiser. It is important that you take the time to review some of the financial obligations and expectations for the Troop and its families. Continue to the Financial Agreement at the end of this letter.
- Finally, you and your Scout will need to review the Troop 351 Code of Conduct Agreement. This will let you know what the Troop expects of you, your Scout and about certain consequences. This is important that we are all on the same page so we can all enjoy our time together. At the end of the Code of Conduct Agreement click on the signature page, fill in the form, print, sign and…Welcome to Troop 351.
That should take care of it. I look forward to giving your son the scouting experience that they will take with them their whole life. Please feel free to look through the site and learn more about how the Troop is organized and what we have to offer.
Mike Benson
Scoutmaster, Troop 351