Troop 27 Handbook

The information in the Troop 27 Handbook covers a broad variety of subjects for all members and is especially helpful for newer members to become familiar with Scouting and our troop.

General Information
Expectations of Behavior
Uniforms and Gear
Troop Leadership Positions
Troop Structure
Meetings
Advancement – The Trail to Eagle
Merit Badges
Additional Awards
The Program for Older Scouts
Recruiting
Money and Fundraising
Outings
Summer Camp Packing List (PDF)
Winter Camp Packing List (PDF)
Helpful Hints
Helpful Web Sites
Glossary

Troop 27 Handbook (PDF)

GENERAL INFORMATION

JOINING TROOP 27

To join Troop 27 (T27-B) or Troop 4027 (T27-G), hereinafter referred to collectively as “Troop 27” or “the Troop”, a youth must meet one of the following age requirements:

1. Be at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade, AND register on or after March 1st; OR
2. Be at least 10 years old AND have earned the Arrow of Light Award; OR 
3. Be 11 years or older but have not reached age 18.

Parents of interested youth will receive an email from the Registration Chair with links to online registration, required forms, and information about troop dues and fees. Scouts need to obtain a Scout BSA uniform (see Uniform section) and the official Scout BSA Handbook.  It is important to put the scout’s name in their Handbook and it is also highly recommended that a separate cover be purchased to protect the book.

Adult Leaders (e.g., Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee members) are needed too!  See Adult Leadership for more information.

TROOP OUTDOOR FOCUS

The Troop generally plans at least one outdoor outing each month (usually an overnight campout).  Troop 27 is a water-oriented Troop, emphasizing swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. We backpack occasionally, typically for shorter distances. We also stress Scout skills, Leave-No-Trace camping practices, wilderness survival skills (including winter-camping), emergency preparedness and fun! (See “Outings” section for more information.)

More information about our program is available on our website: www.t27.org.

Troop 27 is known for its Summer Camp experience where we go out into the wilderness and create our own camp on a lake in the Sierras – typically a different place each summer. Our canoe and kayak fleet is a central part of our Summer Camp (see “Outings” section for more details on summer camp). 

Campership funds are available for Summer Camp or other outings if needed (see “Money and Fundraising” section for more information); we want all youths to have the chance to participate. 

COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

There are two websites used by Scouts BSA

• The National Council uses my.scouting.org as a portal for adults/parents and leaders providing access to their account data, online training, and more. It is run separately from Scoutbook by the National Scouts BSA organization. 
• The Troop uses scoutbook.scouting.org as its main means of communicating, tracking advancement, RSVPing to Troop events, etc. Scoutbook can be used by scouts and parents to watch the scout amass achievements, awards, and skills in their portfolio. Scoutbook serves as a “dashboard” for the scout’s Scouting experience and one . On Scoutbook parents can find:
  • The Troop Calendar of Events – Scouts often must RSVP for activities through Scoutbook or a google document. Instructions to import troop calendar information to your mobile or desktop calendars are located here. 
  • Advancement –  See your scout’s progress and advancements through the ranks and merit badges.

Troop 27’s top priority is youth safety.  To ensure safety, there is no one-on-one youth-adult communications; meaning a second adult must be present for any in person conversation or copied on electronic communications.  To help achieve that, Scoutbook automatically copies parents when messages are sent to or from scouts. For more information about Scoutbook click here.

How to Activate a Parent Scoutbook Account

• Once you have submitted the scout application online for joining the Troop, you will receive an email with an invitation to activate your Scoutbook (Parent) account. Please watch for this email as some email systems filter it to a junk mail folder.
• Please activate your Scoutbook account at the earliest opportunity, this will ensure you get important announcements and information from the Troop and you can keep checking Scoutbook as your scout advances.

How do scouts get on Scoutbook?

• We encourage parents to allow their scouts to directly utilize scoutbook.scouting.org. The scout will then be able to directly receive messages from the Troop and use the tool to monitor his/her/their own progress. In Scouts BSA, it is preferred that Scouts take responsibility for their scouting, whether it be RSVPing to Troop events or tracking their progress. 
• In order to do so, the scout will need their own email address. 
• The parent invitation for the scout is found in scoutbook.scouting.org under the scout’s profile using the “Edit Extended Information” page. 
• If the scout has not been previously invited and accepted, the invite feature appears there. 
• Any scoutbook.scouting.org message that goes to a scout or is written by the scout through scoutbook.scouting.org automatically copies their parent(s) to ensure online safety. 

Additional Scout Communication Methods

In addition, Patrol Leaders use various means to communicate to their patrol members,  such as email, text, or Troop Discord. 

The Troop calendar, event photos, outing information, and other helpful information are also posted on the password protected Member’s Area of our Troop website. A separate password is needed to access photos from Troop events. Contact the Scoutmaster if you need the passwords.

HAM Radio

As part of the Troop’s focus on emergency preparedness, to assist in transportation, and during wilderness outings, the Troop and Venture Crew rely heavily on amateur (ham) radios. This is a form of communication that is more robust than mobile phones or other handheld radios, such as FRS/GMRS radios. We encourage all scouts and parents to obtain their amateur radio license; many of our members are active in local training and testing opportunities. Obtaining the license involves a pass/fail multiple-choice exam that is partly about the technical aspects of radio and partly about the regulations surrounding radio use. 

We use our radios on many outings, including Summer Camp, where a regular report is made to those at home about camp activities, and also to provide assistance to local events as requested.

SCOUTS BSA VS CUB SCOUTS

Scout responsibility is one of the main differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Our Scouts need to be responsible for tracking their own progress toward rank advancement or merit badges, obtaining sign-offs from authorized adult leaders, and recording their service hours and leadership positions. This is an important life lesson and one of the fundamentals of Scouts BSA. Parents should encourage and empower their scout to determine what they need to do to complete a rank advancement or merit badge, and should assist him/her by reviewing material, etc., but the ultimate responsibility for completion rests with the youth. Materials to help youth advance (study sheets, etc.) are available on the Troop’s web site.

OUR SPONSOR / CHARTER ORGANIZATION

Each Scouts BSA Troop is sponsored by a chartering organization. Our troop was founded in 1951 by  San Mateo’s Hillsdale United Methodist Church. In 2023, the Congregational Church of the Peninsula became our chartering organization. The church provides us with our meeting location and storage space. Our Chartered Organization Representative is part of our Troop Committee (see Troop Structure) and checks the references for those who apply to be adult leaders. Some of our service opportunities are offered through the church. 

The Congregational Church of the Peninsula was founded in 1953 in the old Belle Monti Country Club House. The Congregational Church of the Peninsula is an open and affirming congregation, valuing everyone’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, and physical and mental abilities. The church welcomes anyone to visit its worship services and participate in its activities. The church offers Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m and welcomes new members.

LOCAL SCOUTING ADMINISTRATION

Scouting is administered by councils that serve large geographic areas. Each Council is broken into Districts which serve smaller geographic areas within the Council.  The Council provides oversight and resources to the units they serve.

Locally, Troop 27 is part of the Redwood District (serving Burlingame down to Menlo Park / La Honda) in the Pacific Skyline Council (covering San Mateo County and the northern part of Santa Clara County).  The Pacific Skyline Council provides scout shops (for uniforms, Scouts BSA handbooks, merit badge books, etc.), camps, and training, among other resources. There are some Council-wide or District events in which we participate.

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EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

Troop 27’s objective is to be “scout led”. This means the youth are active in planning what happens at Troop meetings, outings and other activities, as well as providing guidance to younger scouts. The Scoutmasters (SMs) and Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) provide input, guidance and ensure safety. This policy sometimes means scouts make mistakes. It is OK if they don’t do it the “right way” or “your way” – they will often learn more by doing it their way or even failing. Adults should step in whenever unsafe conditions exist and are not being noted or heeded by scouts, or when they observe unacceptable behavior. 

At all times we follow the motto “there are no parents at camp”. By this we are reminding parents to give their scout “space”, to treat him/her the same as other scouts, and allow their scout the chance to enjoy the complete Scouting experience. This will provide growth opportunities for both scout and parent! To reinforce this, parents are requested to ask their scout to address them as “Mr., Miss., Ms., Mrs., Mx.” or other appropriate title when at a scout meeting or outing. All adults are to be addressed in this manner. 

As part of our youth protection policies, at campouts adults are not to visit scout campsites without specific business, and never alone. Please see a SM or ASM prior to going to a scout area. Camping areas are designated for youth (separate areas for girl’s patrols and boy’s patrols) and adults, and there is often a larger gathering area for campfires or other activities. 

Similarly, parents are expected to pick up their scouts for outings or activities in a timely manner.  Scouts need to check out with the SM or ASM for safety purposes. Scouts may NOT wait or meet parents away from direct leadership supervision, so please do not text or phone them to do so. Parents must come in to pick up their scout from supervising leadership.

To understand these rules better all parents are requested to take Youth Protection Training (YPT).

If a scout must leave an activity or outing early the scout must get prior permission from the SM or ASM in charge. This is the scout’s responsibility, please empower them to do it.

Adults are prohibited from smoking or consuming alcohol during all Scouting activities.

Parents are encouraged to participate in the troop as either registered leaders or active parents. Parents are always welcome to stay at meetings or go on outings; this helps with our two deep leadership requirement. We ask that every adult step up to help in some way, such as working on a committee, coordinating or assisting at an event, driving to or from an outing (we would like help on at least once per quarter), or teaching a merit badge. As we say, “many hands make light work.” Please see the Adult Leadership section for descriptions of common jobs for adults in the troop and how to sign up. Whether registered or not, all adults are expected to demonstrate the principles of scouting, abiding by the Scout Oath and Law, and helping us provide a safe and worthwhile program.

SCOUT EXPECTATIONS

Scouts should strive to uphold the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Scouts are expected to conduct themselves as responsible young adults whose behavior reflects well on Scouting and all scouts. Scouts should be able to discipline themselves, create a fun-filled healthy environment, and become good citizens by being good leaders and followers. 

Scouts are to do their share and take an active part in seeing to it that other scouts, as well as themselves, uphold the spirit of these expectations of behavior. Scouts should work together, through the scout leadership, and the adult leaders to deal with issues that arise. There are times for playing hard and times for working hard. We expect scouts will learn the difference and learn to transition between fun and serious activities.

T27 strives to be scout led, meaning the scout leadership and scouts take an active role in planning what happens at meetings, on outings, and at other events, and guide younger scouts. Scouts should follow the patrol method to answer their questions and solve problems. Scouts are expected to be respectful, and responsive to directions given by Patrol Leaders (PL) or Senior Patrol Leaders (SPL).

Scout led also means scouts are to take responsibility for their advancement and scouting life. This includes, but is not limited to, approaching ASMs for signatures when needed, asking the Scoutmaster for a merit badge counselor, RSVPing to Troop outings, and regularly checking email.

Scouting should be a learning experience. Mistakes will be made and unacceptable behavior will happen, but scouts should, as much as possible, be allowed to learn from their errors and correct their own behaviors. 

In general, failure to join in planned activities and/or obstructive behavior will be addressed by the following successive measures: first the Patrol Leader will address the issue with the scout; counseling/support by the Senior Patrol Leader; counseling by the Scoutmaster; temporary isolation from the rest of the Troop; removal from the Troop meeting or outing by calling the scout’s parents to take him/her home. Dangerous activity will not be tolerated, and will be stopped by the Scoutmaster or an ASM employing all responsible means. It is the responsibility of the Scoutmaster to inform the scout and their parents of unacceptable behavior; discipline is the parent’s responsibility. Parents and the leaders must work together to solve behavior problems.

After earning the Totin’ Chip award by demonstrating knife safety, a scout may carry a pocket knife. The policy of the Troop is that a knife blade may be no larger than the width of the palm of the Scout’s hand wielding it. Knives are not toys; they should not be “flicked” open and closed or played with, as it could be dangerous. Scouts who mishandle their knives may have them confiscated and returned to a parent. Scouts who are repeatedly found misusing their knife will no longer be able to bring a knife and will have to re-earn their Totin’ Chip.

PARENT AND SCOUT EXPECTATIONS

When the Scout Sign (three fingers of the right hand with the arm held up at a 90-degree angle) is up scouts should quiet down, hold up the Scout Sign, and listen. This is the non-verbal way used to attract attention. The SPL, Scoutmaster or an ASM may call out “Sign’s Up!”, once if needed to attract the attention of scouts who have not noticed that others are quieting down. Parents and other visitors are also expected to refrain from talking when the Scout Sign is up or move outside or to an enclosed room for conversations.

Written, verbal and/or behavioral obscenity and abuse by scouts or adults is prohibited. 

The Congregational Church of the Peninsula sponsors the Troop and allows us to use their Fireplace and Dining Room for our regular meetings. We should treat the facility as if we were guests in someone’s home. Scouts should not wander into parts of the building the Troop is not utilizing during a meeting.  Scouts may not play on any of the equipment in the yard, and must be respectful by staying out of all space utilized by other tenants. Scouts cannot be outdoors unsupervised and are not allowed in the parking lot unsupervised. The Church is located in a residential district, noise outdoors must be kept to a minimum to be respectful of our neighbors.

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UNIFORMS AND GEAR

Troop 27 recommends the purchase of non-cotton uniforms and to buy them too big rather than sized to fit! At this age, youth really grow and you don’t want to have to move the patches too many times!

Troop 27 Class “A” or Field Uniform includes:

• Scouts BSA Shirt – tan shirt, short sleeved recommended. Also see “Uniform items that will be given to scouts by Troop 27” below.
• “Pacific Skyline Council” Patch – this can be purchased pre-sewn on the shirt if purchased through the Foster City Scout Shop.
• “World Scout Crest” Emblem (purple Fleur de Lis, sometimes called the Brotherhood Patch) – Scout shop can sew this and other patches on the shirt for a fee if needed.
• Olive Green shoulder loops – Epaulets for the shirt
• Scouts BSA Switchbacks (zip-off leg) pants (olive green) (may be able to find a similar pair online or at other local stores such as REI or Redwood Trading Post)
• Scouts BSA Web Belt with buckle 
• Olive Green Merit Badge Sash – there are two sizes – regular & long – scouts wear their sash until they are 18 years old, so it  may be best to opt for the long one!
• Scouts BSA Neckerchief (this will be given by the Troop to a scout upon achieving Tenderfoot) and slide (or scouts can make their own woggle)

Note Troop 27 wears the complete Class A uniform described in the Scouts BSA Handbook, except for the “baseball cap” hat. As a water troop, Troop 27 requires the use of a sun protection hat with a wide brim all the way around on outings.  The hat does not need to be of any particular pattern or color (usually scouts use one of their Summer Camp hats).  The Troop provides a sun protection hat to each scout who attends Summer Camp annually.

WHERE TO GET THE UNIFORM

• BUY AT THE LOCAL SCOUT STORE – Uniforms can be purchased at either of the local Pacific Skyline Scout Stores nearby or they can be called and they will ship the items to you via UPS. 

Foster City Service Center Palo Alto Scout Service Center

1150 Chess Drive. (located in the Lucie Stern Comm. Center)

Foster City, CA  94404 1305 Middlefield Road

650/341-5633 – Office Palo Alto, CA 94301

650/358-0588 – Scout Shop 650/327-5900

• BUY ONLINE – www.scoutshop.org 

UNIFORM ITEMS THAT WILL BE GIVEN TO SCOUTS BY TROOP 27

• Troop number patches with Veteran Unit bar (Since 1951)
• Round Troop 27 Patch 
• Patrol Patch
• Rank patches, when earned
• Troop 27 Neckerchief (when the scout earns the rank of Tenderfoot)
• Troop 27 T-shirt (Class “B” uniform) – additional shirts available at cost

WHERE THE PATCHES AND PINS GO ON THE UNIFORM

(See picture inside the cover of Scouts BSA Handbook or the “tag” that comes with new uniforms.)

• Round Troop 27 patch: centered on the right pocket. As scouts attend our Summer Camps they will receive “rocker patches” with the name of each camp. These are sewn around the T27 patch, so leave some room.
• Rank patch such as Scout, Tenderfoot, First Class, etc.: centered on the left pocket.
• World Crest patch: about 2 inches above the center of the left pocket.
• Arrow of Light patch: at the bottom of the left shirt pocket if the scout earned it as a Cub Scout. 
• Patrol patch: on the right sleeve below the American flag.
• Council patch: just below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. 
• Troop Numbers “27” with founding date: below the council patch on the left sleeve.
• Badge of Office patch such as patrol leader, etc.: below the Troop numerals on the left sleeve.
• Merit Badges are worn separately on the front of the merit badge sash (which is worn over the right shoulder). 
• Other patches may be worn on the back of the merit badge sash or on a jacket.

Patches are normally sewn on by hand. Scouts are encouraged to sew their own patches. Be careful when sewing patches around shirt pockets!

Troop 27 no longer issues service stars; wearing the star is optional. The service star, that scouts may purchase after scouts have been in the Troop for a year or more, shows how many years scouts have been a scout and is worn centered above the left pocket. Scouts wear only the most recent scout service star earned; Scouts may also wear their last Cub Scout service star if they choose. 

WHEN TO WEAR THE UNIFORM

NOTE: Class A or Class B uniforms are to be worn at all Scout functions – meetings, dinners, etc., except Fifth Tuesday outings.

The Class A uniform as described above, is to be worn to the first Tuesday meeting of each month, when departing on campouts, during Flag Ceremonies, during Scout’s Own, and on special occasions such as Courts of Honor, Scout Sunday, Webelos Night, etc. The Class A uniform is also required during a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. The Class A uniform is always appropriate for any Scout function but is required for those events listed above. The merit badge sash is only worn at Court of Honor and Scout Sunday. 

Class B uniform (the Troop 27 T-shirt, Troop Mountain Man T-shirt, OA shirt, and other BSA T-shirts), should be worn to the other weekly Scout meetings, at campouts and summer camp, while working on a service project, or any Troop 27 event where a Class A uniform is not required. The Troop T-shirt or other Scout T-shirts or the red Scout polo shirt may be worn home from outings. Scout attire must be worn while traveling to and from all outings.

GEAR

In addition to the uniform and other items mentioned above, scouts are expected to have their own personal gear for outings and campouts. Please see the Troop’s summer or winter camp packing list  and our ten essentials lists on our website. Personal gear includes:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Ground cloth (at least 5’ x 7’)
• Mess kit (unbreakable dish, bowl, cup and utensils in a mesh bag for hanging after “brillo”)
• Rain gear/poncho
• Water bottles (we recommend Nalgene, at least 32 ounces, wide mouth)
• Flashlight or headlamp

And a backpack to hold clothing and gear. See this article about how to choose a backpack and this one on how to pack your backpack. Scouts are encouraged to pack their own backpacks (with parent oversight for new scouts) so they know what is in it and where to find things!

Scouts will also need a pair of hiking boots for use on campouts, summer camp and various outdoor service work, and a pair of leather gloves.  These items can be purchased at Sporting Good or Discount Stores.

Equipment need not be top of the line. Families may be able to find quality used gear at a second-hand store or online. Other scout families may have gear to loan, so if needed please ask the Scoutmaster.

Other equipment is provided by the Troop and used by the patrol. This includes:

• Tents used by 2-3 scouts (some scouts choose to bring their own tent)
• Cook kits (pots, pans, utensils)
• Propane stoves
• Canoes, kayaks, and paddles 
• Personal Flotation Devices

Adults who attend campouts are expected to have their own gear and tents. Adults will often cook as a patrol and will arrange for cook kits and stoves from the Trail Boss.

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TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

(and common abbreviations)

SCOUT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS (all positions may not always be filled)

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) – assists the Patrol Leader. The APL is appointed by the Patrol Leader. Scout attends the monthly Patrol Leader Council (PLC) if the Patrol Leader is unable to attend. This position does NOT fulfill the leadership requirement for rank advancement.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) – assists the Senior Patrol Leader. The ASPL is appointed by the SPL and is a scout at the rank of First Class or higher. ASPLs run the meetings, outings and PLC if the Senior Patrol Leader is unable to attend. The ASPL helps provide training and direction for the Quartermaster, Scribe, OA representative, Historian, and Librarian. 

Bugler – plays the bugle at Troop ceremonies, such as Courts of Honor, flag ceremonies, or at the end of a meeting. This position does NOT fulfill the leadership requirement for rank advancement.

Den Chief – works with a Cub Scout den as a guide. Scout attends Cub Scout meetings and serves as an aide to the Den Leader(s). Scout encourages Cub Scouts to continue with Scouting and bridge to Scouts BSA and join a Troop. Den Chief training is recommended and available through the Pacific Skyline Council, typically in the fall.

Historian – maintains historical scrapbooks for the Troop, provides content for  the website or photo gallery. The Historian is usually at First Class rank or above. This position is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL with approval by the SM. 

Instructors – as members of the Instructor Corps (ICs), the Instructors are older scouts who have demonstrated proficiency in scout skills. They mainly run our annual summer camp, after building it with support from the Venture Crew and advanced party ASMs and adults. See the section on the Program for Older Scouts for more information and requirements.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) – is a scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills. A Junior Assistant Scoutmaster follows the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to the other youth leaders in the Troop. Upon a scout’s 18th birthday, a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is eligible to become an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Librarian – maintains the Troop’s collection of merit badge books, making sure that the merit badge books are checked in and out correctly. The Librarian is usually First Class rank or above and is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL with approval by the SM.

Order of the Arrow Representative (OA Rep) – is a scout who is a member of the Order of the Arrow and represents the Troop at OA meetings, usually held at the Council Office. The OA Rep is approved by the Scoutmaster and keeps the Troop informed on all OA activities. (see “Order of the Arrow” heading under “The Program for Older Scouts” section for more information.)

Patrol Leader (PL) – is usually a scout with at least one to two years of experience in the Troop, usually at First Class rank or above. The PL is elected by their patrol and is in charge of a patrol of 6-10 scouts. Among their many duties, scouts represent the patrol at the monthly Patrol Leaders’ Council, or PLC meetings. 

Quartermaster (QM) – is responsible for maintenance and storage of Troop equipment [tents, cooking gear (cook kits, stoves, etc.), tarps and camping items]. The QM is usually at First Class rank or above and is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL with SM approval. 

Scribe – takes notes at the PLC, writes articles for the newsletter or website and writes thank-you letters or other correspondence on behalf of the Troop. The Scribe is usually at First Class rank or above and is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – SPLs are in charge of the Troop. SPLs lead the monthly PLC meeting, run Troop meetings and outings, run Green Bar after Troop meetings, speak at the monthly Parent’s Meeting, speak during Scout Sunday, and support and guide scouts. The SPL is elected by the members of their Troop (one for T27-B and one for T27-G). An SPL candidate must have previously served as a Patrol Leader, Troop Guide or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and be at the rank of Star or above. It is preferred that the scout has attended a National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) course offered by a local Scout Council. 

Troop Guide – is responsible to help teach new scouts what they need to move up to the next rank. Scout assists, advises and mentors the Patrol Leaders. Troop Guides are members of our Senior patrol (also known as the Woody patrol or Woodies), and are usually ICs at summer camp. The Troop Guide holds the rank of First Class or above and is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL, with advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. See the section on the Program for Older Scouts for more information.

Webmaster – helps maintain the Troop’s website. The Webmaster holds the rank of First Class or above and is a voluntary position but may be appointed by the SPL with approval by the SM.

ADULT LEADERSHIP/VOLUNTEER POSITIONS  

Interested in volunteering? Contact a Scoutmaster or the Committee Chair! See adult training and how to register as an adult leader for more information. Current volunteers in these positions and their contact information can be found under Adult Leadership Structure.

Advancement Chairperson – oversees the records on the rank advancement and merit badge completion for the scouts. Monitors completion on Scoutbook and obtains the rank and merit badge patches that are awarded. 

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) – works directly with the scouts. ASMs are adult leaders who assist the Scoutmaster and lead outings if SM cannot attend. They provide the required two-deep leadership standards set by BSA. ASMs must take all basic Scouts BSA Leader training courses. One or two ASMs are designated to mentor new scouts and guide them toward first class; other ASMs mentor various youth leaders and scouts moving toward the rank of Eagle. 

Board of Review Coordinator – schedules Board of Review appointments as requested by scouts and engages parents and knowledgeable ASMs to participate. Boards require two adults, one may be an untrained volunteer who is not the parent of the scout involved.

Chartered Organization Representative (COR) – is the liaison between Congregational Church of the Peninsula (Troop 27’s charter organization) and the Troop. The COR checks references for all adult leader applicants and approves the adult applications.

Committee Chairperson (CC) –  leads the Troop committee meeting, leads the monthly Parent Meeting, recruits adults for leadership positions, is a liaison between the District/Council and Troop adults, maintains a close relationship with the COR and the SM. The CC is the person to contact about Troop business that does not directly apply to a scout. 

Committee Member – participates on the Troop Committee, which is responsible for conducting the official business of the Troop and setting policy. Parents may register as Committee Members after discussion with the Committee Chairperson. Officially registered Committee Members may be asked to meet separately for situations requiring discussion and a vote. Committee Members must take the “Troop Committee Challenge” course.  Committee positions may be created and filled as the needs arise within the troop at the discretion of the Committee Chair.

Court of Honor Chairperson – coordinates the semi-annual Court of Honor dinner and program, working with the Scoutmaster and Advancement Chairperson. COH Chairperson and a volunteer committee handle planning, decorations, food, publicity and coordinate with the Scoutmasters to ensure recognition prizes are bought. 

Equipment Coordinator – works with the Troop Quartermaster on inventory and proper storage and maintenance for all Troop equipment and supplies, including canoes and trailers. Coordinator makes periodic safety checks on all Troop camping gear and encourages safe use of all outdoor equipment. Coordinator reports to the Troop Committee for approval of expenditures for equipment and supplies. 

Fundraising Chairpersons – coordinates the fund raising activity. Each fundraising activity requires a Fundraising Chairperson to coordinate the event, track the proceeds and participation by scouts and parents, etc. Events include Popcorn Sales, Wreath/Evergreen Sales and other opportunities. Chair coordinates with the Treasurer.

IC Advisor(s) – ASM(s) in charge of the ICs. See the section on the Program for Older Scouts for more information. IC Advisors mentor the Troop Guides and Instructors.

Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) – works with, reviews, and signs off merit badge work done by a scout on a particular merit badge. The MBC must be an adult, and registered with the Council as a merit badge counselor. Parents are encouraged to sign up as merit badge counselors in areas where they have specialized knowledge, reflecting their vocation, hobbies or other interests. There are more than 130 merit badges which cover scout and outdoor skills, hobbies, sports, crafts, science, trades, business, citizenship, and future careers. Every adult has a skill they can teach as a Merit Badge. MBC’s are required to obtain Merit Badge Counselor Training, available through the Council or online.  Completion of merit badges is recorded via Scoutbook.

Rank Mentor – mentors scouts for rank advancement. There are two Rank Mentor categories: Trail to First Class and Eagle Scout Mentor. 

Recruitment Chairperson – coordinates activities with local Webelos Dens including our Webelos outreach/recruiting activities, Council Webelos events, and other special Webelos activities. Chair maintains our recruitment documentation and contact lists. Chair is responsible for arranging for Troop representation at bridging ceremonies.

Registration Chairperson – receives and processes applications and forms from new members, Sends registration information to all scouts annually, receives the BSA registration fees and Troop 27 dues. Chair updates the Troop Charter and provides it to the Council office. Chair coordinates with the Treasurer and the COR.

Rover – ASMs under the age of 30 (usually alumni of T27 or V27) who act as staff at Summer Camp under the IC Advisor. This is a term the Troop uses to refer to this cadre of leaders; it is not an official Scouts BSA position.

Scoutbook Coordinator – supports troop communication, calendaring, and administration in Scoutbook. This includes working with troop adults and scouts, as well as escalating troop scoutbook issues to council representatives. 

Scoutmaster (SM) – works directly with the scouts. SM trains and guides youth leaders and mentors the SPLs. SM works with the ASMs to achieve the aims of Scouting. SM is the person to contact if there are any questions about a scout’s participation in the Troop. SM attends all Troop activities or ensures there is another qualified adult leader (ASM) in charge. The Scoutmaster must take all the basic Scouts BSA Leader training courses offered by the Council, and is encouraged to take Wood Badge training as well.

Secretary – keeps minutes of monthly Troop Parent Meetings and Committee Meetings; shares the minutes of the previous meetings and makes amendments as needed. 

Training Coordinator – ensures all leaders are Youth Protection trained. SM informs and encourages adult leaders to take all available training courses; ensures adult leaders are up to date on all training as required for outings. SM tracks adult training and coordinates adult skills training within the Troop.

Trail Boss – plans and coordinates an outing. The Trail Boss is usually an ASM, but could be a Troop parent who is not a registered leader. The Trail Boss ensures reservations are made for campsites, works with SM and youth leaders to understand the planned activities, sets outing price, prepares publicity, collects outing fees, determines needed equipment and Troop gear, etc. The Trail Boss handles the logistics for the outing; the Scoutmaster (or in SM absence a designated ASM) is in charge of the outing activities, working with the SPL or senior youth leader. Helpful tools for a Trail Boss are filed here.

Treasurer– maintains the Troop’s financial records, checking account, savings account, and the individual scout impound accounts. Treasurer pays bills/reimburses for receipts for all authorized expenses. Treasurer oversees and works with all Fundraising Chairs and with the Registration Chair. Treasurer prepares the annual Troop budget. 

Venturing Advisor (VASM or VA) – The Venturing Crew (see Program for Older Scouts section) has an Advisor who is supported by Associate Advisors. These positions are akin to the Scoutmasters and ASMs of the Troops. Venturing Advisors may be dual registered as ASMs in the Troop and Venture Crew 27. 

Webmaster – maintains the Troop website and works with scout leadership for content and maintenance. 

HOW TO BECOME A REGISTERED ADULT

1. Speak with the Committee Chair about the position you are interested in.
2. Take YPT training (see Adult Training below) and keep a record of your training
3. Take AB506 training (see detailed steps below)
4. Fill out the adult application online, initially pick either T27 (boys) or T4027 (girls),  Eventually, we will have you register in both troops.

ADULT TRAINING

Training is required for all Registered Adults and is recommended for non-registered adults (parents) as well. Training is offered online or in person. More information is available from the Pacific Skyline Council at https://pacsky.org/training/ or from other local councils.

Online courses are offered through the My.Scouting.org portal on the National BSA website. If you do not already have a My.Scouting login:

1. Log into ScoutBook
2. Select My.Scouting Dashboard (Training) this will ensure you link your BSA member ID properly. Your My.Scouting account will give you direct access to e-learning courses (and other options depending on your profile). 

Youth Protection Training (YPT) (online) is required to be taken every two years for all registered leaders, including merit Badge Counselors. It is highly recommended for all parents.  Not only does this prepare adults to work with youth in the troop, but it is a good way for new families to understand BSA requirements for youth protection. 

AB506 Training – All registered adult volunteers must comply with California Law AB506 when they join. To do so adult volunteers must do all of the following:

1. Take the state’s 2 hour Mandated Reporter training
2. Fill in the Background Check Consent Form
3. Upload your Mandated Reporter Certificate and Background Form to Council
4. Download the Live Scan Request Form 
5. Get fingerprinted at a Live Scan site. Results will be sent directly to Council. 

More information on AB506 can be found at californiascouting.org.  More information on submitting to Council can be found on Pacific Skyline Council’s page.

In addition, Scout BSA leaders are expected to take:

• Online through My.Scouting.Org:
  • Youth Protection Training (required to be repeated at least every two years)
  • Scouts BSA – Scoutmaster Training.  (Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters)
  • Scouts BSA – Troop Committee Training (Committee members) 
• In person through Pacific Skyline Council:
  • Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Position – Specific Training
  • IOLS – Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (Scoutmasters and ASMs)

Additional training Troop 27 recommends:

• Online training through My.Scouting.Org which is organized by Learning Plans:
  • Program Safety Learning Plan including:
    • Climb on Safely
    • Safe Swim Defense
    • Safety Afloat
    • Hazardous Weather Training
    • Drive Safely
  • Merit Badge Counselor Training (also available in person through the Council)
• In person through Pacific Skyline Council:
  • High Adventure Training
  • Snow Camping
  • Wood Badge – an advanced, national leadership course. Recommended for those who have been with the troop for a few years and are looking for more in depth leadership.

TROOP STRUCTURE

SCOUT TROOP STRUCTURE

The Troop is divided into “patrols” of 6-10 scouts, all boys or all girls, there are no mixed gender patrols. Each patrol participates in activities, such as campouts, as a group. New scouts are assigned to an existing patrol, so that each patrol has a balance of experienced and new scouts. Each patrol elects a scout Patrol Leader or PL every 6 months. The Patrol Leader will ask another scout in their patrol to be an Assistant Patrol Leader or APL.  Learning to lead a patrol in conducting Scout activities is a vital part of a youth’s experience in the BSA program. As a scout advances, holding a leadership position in a patrol or the Troop is required to achieve the next rank.

The Troop elects two Senior Patrol Leaders or SPLs – one girl SPL (T27-G) and one boy SPL (T27-B).  Senior Patrol Leaders will each ask another scout to be their Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The Troop also has Troop officers such as Bugler, Scribe and Quartermaster (see “Troop Leadership” above). These officers along with the Patrol Leaders comprise the Patrol Leaders’ Council or PLC. The PLC is run by the Senior Patrol Leaders monthly, to plan Troop activities. 

ADULT TROOP STRUCTURE

At the Scouts BSA level, adult leaders are there to provide guidance and administrative support to the Troop, and ensure safety. Adult volunteers comprise the Troop Committee, which handles Troop administration, is responsible for Troop finances, and is the link to our Chartering Organization, the Congregational Church of the Peninsula. The Troop Committee ensures the Troop’s high-quality program by supporting the Troop’s robust outdoor program, making sure quality volunteer adult leaders are recruited and trained, and by supporting and assisting the Scoutmaster and Scouts with the overall Troop program. The Troop Committee is led by the Committee Chair.

Official Troop Committee meetings occur as needed.  More regularly the Committee Chair holds Troop Parent meetings on the first Tuesday of the month during the Troop meeting. During Parent meetings Troop business is reviewed and input is solicited from parents for the Troop Committee and Assistant Scoutmaster (or ASM) meetings. It is a great time to meet fellow scout families.  Generally the Saturday after the Parent meeting at 8am, Scoutmasters hold ASM meetings, open to any interested adults. ASM meetings are where more detailed planning and program discussion of the Troop’s scouting program occurs.

There are a wide variety of volunteer jobs that help support our Troop’s scouting, if you are interested in becoming involved reach out to the Committee Chair, the Scoutmasters, or any Troop Committee Member. Current volunteers in these positions and their contact information can be found here: Adult Leadership Structure

MEETINGS

SCOUT MEETINGS

REGULAR TROOP MEETINGS

The Troop meets every Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., all year round, except the week of our Summer Camp. Meetings are held at the Congregational Church of the Peninsula, located at 751 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont. Anyone who attends a meeting is expected to follow the Troop’s health and safety protocols.

 See Helpful Hints section for reminders of what to bring to Troop meetings.

Opening

• Flag ceremony (rotates between patrols). Script available on website. (It is a good idea for the patrol in charge of the flag ceremony to arrive early and practice)
• Patrol attendance recording
• Announcement

Activity 

Typically meetings include rank advancement, merit badge work or training, practice or planning related to an upcoming outing. Training may be provided by ASMs, particularly when the youths are learning new skills or for merit badges done in a group. Scouts may be broken up into groups to work on skills specific to their rank. Troop 27 encourages peer-to-peer training where more experienced scouts teach the others. This hones the skills of both the teacher and the student. Scouts follow the EDGE method:

• Explain
• Demonstrate
• Guide
• Enable

Closing  

• Award presentations (merit badges and rank advancement badges)
• Recitation of Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scoutmaster’s benediction (“And now, may the Great Master of all scouts be with us until we meet again”).

Green Bar

After closing, there may be a Green Bar meeting – a brief planning meeting of the PLC to discuss how the meeting went and to review preparations for the next meeting or outing. 

FIFTH TUESDAY

When there are five Tuesdays in a month the PLC plans a fun activity to occur on the Fifth Tuesday. The activity may be at an offsite venue or at the regular meeting site. If offsite, scouts go directly to the Fifth Tuesday location, and do not meet at the Church. Scouts should not wear a Scout uniform or Class B to an offsite Fifth Tuesday event.

PATROL LEADERS COUNCIL

Patrol Leaders Council meetings are generally held the last Monday of the month from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.  PLC meetings are run by the Senior Patrol Leaders and attended by Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, other scout officers, V27 officers, Scoutmasters, and some ASMs. During PLC scouts plan and organize troop meetings, outings and activities.

ADULT LEADERS / PARENT MEETINGS

PARENT MEETING

The monthly parents’ meeting is on the first Tuesday of every month during the Troop’s Regular Tuesday meeting.  Here parents will get an overview of Troop activities and outings from the Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leaders and Troop Committee Chair. Volunteer opportunities will be shared. This is also a time to meet fellow Troop families and provide input to the Troop about events. 

ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER MEETING

The monthly Assistant Scoutmaster meeting (open to any interested adult) is generally on the first Saturday of every month, 8:00 – 10:00 am. Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) and various troop leadership meet with the Scoutmaster to organize, discuss, and plan Troop activities. This is a much more detailed meeting than the Parent Meeting.

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Troop Committee comes together for meetings when needed to handle troop business.  The Troop Committee Chair runs meetings.

DISTRICT ROUNDTABLE 

A district-wide meeting for adults attended by Troop leaders on the first Thursday of every month; except July and August. District and Council activities are discussed and reviewed at Roundtable meetings. They also provide the opportunity to share ideas with other Troops.

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ADVANCEMENT—THE TRAIL TO EAGLE!

(Remember that for all Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review 

the scout must be in full uniform.)

RANKS

There are several ranks that need to be earned on the trail to becoming an Eagle Scout. When a youth joins Troop 27, the first rank earned is “Scout”. The Scout rank is oriented toward learning the basic information every youth needs to know to be a good Scout. It starts with demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto and Scout Slogan and then introduces the scout to basic troop operations and safety concerns. More information is available in the Scouts BSA Handbook.

The next three ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class; often called the “Trail to First Class.”  Many Trail to First Class requirements can be worked on in any order regardless of rank but ranks must still be achieved in sequence. 

Star is the next rank, and the first rank that requires merit badges to be earned as part of the rank advancement. A scout will need to earn 6 merit badges for Star rank, 4 of those merit badges must be Eagle required merit badges. Scouts must also complete 6 hours of service and serve in the scout leadership for 4 months.

Life is the sixth rank in Scouting.  Requirements for Life rank are very similar to Star rank but are designed to be more challenging than before.  Scouts will need to earn 5 additional merit badges, 3 of which must be Eagle required, complete at least 6 more hours of service, and serve in the scout leadership for 6 months. 

All of these ranks prepare a scout for their biggest challenge, Eagle Scout. The highest rank is that of Eagle Scout, a most prestigious achievement! Eagle Scouts must earn a total of 21 merit badges, 14 of which are Eagle required (through Star and Life scouts would already have 11 merit badges, 7 of which are Eagle required). A scout must again serve in scout leadership for 6 months.  Lastly the scout will design and execute a service project for their community, a school, or religious institution. 

PROCESS FOR ACHIEVING RANK

Remember, scout’s are asked to take responsibility for their scouting. As such,  a scout should remember to have their Scouts BSA Handbook signed whenever they complete a requirement! Requirements are signed off by an ASM, not by a scout or a parent. The ASM signing off the requirement must be knowledgeable about it; if they are not confident with their knowledge of a particular skill they may assist the scout in finding another ASM to sign it off. Requirements for any rank may be completed as part of an outing or activity at any time. They do not need to be accomplished “in order.”  The Troop often plans advancement activities as part of regular meetings, so scouts should be reminded to be alert to completing a requirement and requesting it be signed off. Periodically, the requirement achievement is recorded online in Scoutbook to document completion but the main method of recording achievements is the Scouts’ BSA Handbook. 

One of the requirements for each rank is a Scoutmaster Conference which is a short meeting between the Scoutmaster and scout where progress and goals are discussed. This conference can be done at any time; it does not have to be the last requirement before a Board of Review. 

For all except Scout Rank, a Board of Review is the final step to rank advancement, scheduled after all requirements for the rank have been signed off. The scout needs to contact the Board of Review Coordinator to set up an appointment for a Board of Review. The Board will include a knowledgeable ASM and at least one other adult (not the scout’s own parent). Troop 27 Boards include a brief review of the scout’s accomplishments to achieve the rank and allow the scout to demonstrate mastery of the skills. Study sheets are available on the Troop website to assist the scout in reviewing, and it is a good idea for a parent to review the study sheet with their scout to be sure they are ready. This is educational for the parent as well as the Scout! If the scout is familiar with all the items on the study sheet, the Board of Review will go smoothly. There may be instances where a Board shows that the scout has forgotten some of what they learned for the rank. In those cases the scout should refer to the study sheet at home, practice the skill and return the next week to complete the Board.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION DEFINITION

Many ranks require the scout to have been “active” in the Troop for a specified period of months. The Troop Committee approved the following definitions: 

• to receive credit for being active as a general Troop member the scout must attend 50% of the meetings and outings; 
• to receive credit for being active in a leadership position the scout must attend 75% of the meetings and outings for the time period specified. See the section on the Program for Older Scouts for the requirements of the Troop Guide or Instructor leadership offices. 

If a scout cannot attend some camp outings other Troop activities such as service projects may be substituted if approved by the Scoutmaster. In order to make a positive contribution to the Troop, a scout must actively participate at meetings, activities and outings. This expectation is a primary determinant in evaluating Scout Spirit for each rank from Scout to Eagle. Any scout not able to meet these minimum levels must discuss alternatives with the Scoutmaster.

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SERVICE HOURS

The Scout Slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily,” and part of the Scout Oath is “to help other people at all times.” These demonstrate the value that Scouting puts on service to others. Each rank from Second Class up requires the provision of a specified amount of service hours. The Troop encourages its members to participate in more than the minimum amount of service hours.

The Troop provides service opportunities including: Scouting for Food, Memorial Day Grave Decoration, helping another scout with their Eagle Project, picking up litter or performing trail maintenance in parks and open space areas, or helping at a Church Maintenance Day. Other service projects must be approved in advance by the Scoutmaster. These projects could be sponsored by a Scout’s school, church or another community organization.

As scouts complete their service hours they should note them in the appropriate rank section in their Scouts BSA Handbook and in ScoutBook. Some scouts have school or religious requirements for service hours. They should request the Scoutmaster or ASM in charge of the service activity to sign the appropriate form to document their participation. Using the same service hour to fulfill both a Scout and School/religious obligation is allowed.

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MERIT BADGES

Merit badges can be started as soon as a scout joins the Troop! There are over 130 merit badges from which to choose. There is a separate pamphlet for each merit badge discussing the merit badge topic and listing the requirements necessary to complete the merit badge. There is an excellent web site, http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp, which provides the updated requirements for all merit badges and links to resources. The Troop maintains a library of many of the merit badge pamphlets. Please see Librarian for more information. 

Twenty-one (21) merit badges are needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Of these 21 badges, 14 specific ones are required by Scouts BSA of America (Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Cooking, Family Life, First Aid, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Swimming OR Hiking or Cycling). In keeping with its outdoor and water-oriented tradition, Troop 27 strongly encourages and expects that Canoeing be part of the 21 merit badges for the rank of Eagle. 

Some badges are worked on as a group during summer camp, other outings or at meetings. In addition, all merit badges can be worked on individually, or with a buddy or two. It is up to each scout to be responsible to track their own progress on specific merit badges and on achievement of the number of merit badges required for rank advancement. Scouts may get reminders from the Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairperson or the Merit Badge Counselor, but it is up to him/her to finish the requirements, get them signed off on the blue card, and initiate needed badges.

Steps for a scout to earn a merit badge:

1. Discuss starting a merit badge with your SM. It’s OK to have multiple merit badges in progress, but the SM may advise you to complete outstanding merit badges if you have too many open merit badges. In addition, the SM may advise that some merit badges may be better suited to an older scout.
2. If approved, ask your SM and/or Advancement Chair to start the merit badge in Scoutbook and assign the Merit Badge Counselor.  
   1. If you already have a Merit Badge Counselor, ask your SM to connect you to the Merit Badge Counselor in Scoutbook; otherwise ask your SM or Advancement Chair  for  eligible Merit Badge Counselors.  If you do not have a Merit Badge Counselor, contact a Merit Badge Counselor that is registered for your merit badge.  Let them know you are interested in starting the Merit Badge and ask if they can counsel you.  
3. Obtain the merit badge pamphlet—either borrow it from the Troop library, purchase it at the Scout Store, or some can be found online.
4. Discuss with your Merit Badge Counselor any requirements you don’t understand. Ask for help and guidance and meet with the counselor as needed.
5. Work on the merit badge requirements as described in the merit badge pamphlet. Your Merit Badge Counselor should record your progress in ScoutBook.
6. When you have completed the requirements, contact the merit badge counselor again to set up an appointment to meet to go over what you have done. Remember to bring another Scout, a friend or relative with you (no one-on-one meetings between a scout and an adult are allowed). 
7. When the Merit Badge Counselor is satisfied that you have met all the requirements of the merit badge, they will sign off that you completed the Merit Badge in Scoutbook.
8. Notify the SM and Advancement Chair that you have completed the merit badge so the SM or Advancement Chair will approve the completion of the merit badge and the Advancement Chair will prepare the merit badge award.

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ADDITIONAL AWARDS

Scouts may earn additional special awards through Scouting. Some are sponsored by Scouts BSA, such as the World Conservation Award. Scouts who have earned their Eagle rank can earn an “Eagle Palm” for each subsequent 3-month period they are active as long as they have earned an additional five merit badges. Scouts can earn Religious Emblems sponsored by many faith groups and churches. Other awards are offered through the Pacific Skyline Council such as the wintertime camping awards. Other awards are offered through other councils, like Rim Rover which is awarded through Golden Gate Area Council. 

Troop 27 also offers special awards only for Troop 27 scouts:

HERITAGE AWARDS

In recognition of Troop 27’s tradition of emphasizing scouting skills, history and citizenship Troop 27 awards  Heritage awards.  These awards can be  earned after a scout achieves the ranks of Second Class (Bronze Heritage Award), First Class (Silver Heritage Award) and Star (Gold Heritage Award). The Heritage Award is a patch worn in place of the T27 center patch on the right uniform pocket. Each level of the award earns the next patch to be replaced in the same location .  To maintain our skills and teach scouts what they need to earn the Heritage Awards, the troop rotates through a training curriculum led by the older youth (those who have previously earned a Heritage Award). In teaching the material to younger scouts, this reinforces the knowledge for the presenters even after they have achieved the gold level award. Reference material related to many subjects covered by the Heritage Awards is included in our Advancement folder (Member Area > Reference Documents & Links > Troop 27 Reference Documents > Advancement > Troop Heritage Award and Subject Reference) and may be reviewed by the scout before the meeting). The material and the curriculum will provide the ability for the scouts to achieve the Heritage Awards. It includes:

 1. General Scouting Knowledge: 

A. Recite the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, Outdoor Code, and explain what they mean 

B. Demonstrate the Handshake, Sign, and Salute 

C. Explain the symbolism of the Scout Badge

2. Scouting History 

3. Citizenship:

A. Describe the US Flags and their meanings 

B. Recite the preamble to the Constitution 

C. Explain the Bill of Rights 

D. Name the 13 original States 

4. Wood Skills:

A. Tot’n Chit – Demonstrate and explain knife, ax and saw safety procedures and skills.

B. Firem’n Chip – Demonstrate and explain fire building safety and skills. 

5. Knots and Lashings: Scouts will be asked to demonstrate various knots and lashings, depending on the Heritage Award level 

6. First Aid:

A. Demonstrate or explain first aid requirements included in Scout to 1st Class requirements 

B. Demonstrate or explain First Aid Merit Badge requirements (Gold Heritage Award) 

We believe emphasizing this curriculum and the earning of these Heritage Awards will allow Troop 27 to continue to be the strong program it has always been. Our scouts know their scouting skills because of this curriculum and repetition. They consistently demonstrate citizenship and leadership, in part because of this program. 

SAM HORTON AWARD

The Sam Horton Award is named for a former Scoutmaster and long-time Troop member who was very interested in conservation and ecology. The award is a trophy on which the Scout’s name is engraved. To earn the award the scout must participate in an environmental project and earn five merit badges from among the following:

Conservation-oriented badges Fish & Wildlife Forestry Soil & Water Conservation

Ecology-oriented badges Botany Environmental Science Geology Insect Life Mammals Nature Oceanography Weather

MOST ADVANCEMENT AWARD

Individuals receive recognition at Courts of Honor for Most Advancement (ranks and merit badges).

SUMMER CAMP AWARDS

The Troop also has special awards at Summer Camp. Everyone who attends receives a camp patch (or “rocker”) with the name of the camp (these are sewn around the T27 patch on the right pocket of the Class A uniform). Each camper who jumps into the lake first thing in the morning while giving their best “yell” for at least six of the seven mornings of camp receives a Mountain Man T-shirt. The Camp Inspectors and the ICs choose a Best Patrol considering participation, enthusiasm, camp improvements and neatness, etc. The ICs also choose the recipients of the Best Camper and Best Returning Camper award. Recipients of the Best Camper/Rookie Camper awards are those who best demonstrate the Scout Law, cheerfully perform their assigned tasks and participate with enthusiasm. The Mile Swim Award is presented to those who complete the swim.

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PARENT’S PIN/RIBBON

The parents of scouts in Troop 27 wear a ribbon at the Troop’s Courts of Honor, which are held in the Fall and in the Spring, to display the pins commemorating Scout ranks their scouts have earned. The ribbon is also worn on Scout Sunday in February. The Troop supplies a red, white and blue striped ribbon for a parent of a new scout, or a family may provide their own 10 inch ribbon.

If a scout was a Cub Scout and earned the Arrow of Light, then the first pin on the ribbon is the Arrow of Light pin. If a scout earned the Arrow of Light but does not have the pin it can be purchased at the Council Office. It is a small gold bar about a half-inch in length.

At each Court of Honor when a scout advances a rank, the scout will escort one parent up to the stage and the parent will receive a pin for the new rank to pin on the ribbon!

Hint: cut a small piece of felt to go between the ribbon and the pin backing. This will help keep the pin straight by providing more thickness than the ribbon alone.

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THE PROGRAM FOR OLDER SCOUTS

As the youth become more skilled in the outdoors they are able to take on different challenges. Troop 27’s older scouts are in a Senior patrol, frequently referred to as “the Woodies”. Many of our older scouts are also members of Venturing Crew 27. 

TROOP GUIDES AND THE INSTRUCTOR CORPS

In keeping with our focus of being a youth-led Troop, older scouts are expected to be “Troop Guides”. They mentor younger scouts and teach them Scout and leadership skills. Troop guides are Instructors in the Instructor Corps (ICs) at summer camp. They build, staff and run the Troop’s summer camp. 

Qualification:

Scouts are eligible to be Troop Guides or Instructors under the following options: 

1. Any scout who has earned their Eagle rank.
2. Scouts who completed 8th grade and hold Life Rank or higher. 
3. Scouts who completed 9^th grade and hold Star Rank or higher.
4. Scouts who completed 10^th grade and hold First Class Rank or higher.

Additionally, the Scout’s maturity and leadership skills will be evaluated by the Scoutmaster and the IC Advisor before they can become a Troop Guide or an Instructor. The candidate must be proficient in the skills of their rank, and be able to instruct those skills to other scouts. Scouts are encouraged to have completed NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) or be scheduled to attend the NYLT course in the current year. 

Responsibility:

To use the Troop Guide or Instructor position for a rank advancement leadership requirement, a scout is expected to:

• Qualify based on rank, age (school year completed) and summer camp participation.
• Be active in the leadership position as defined by attending at least 75% of the meetings and outings. 
• Support the Troop at least once per month, at the Scoutmaster or IC Advisor’s request, by either helping in the meeting or by providing a skills demonstration or instruction session of at least 10 minutes duration. The skills demonstration should show the Instructor’s competence and have adequate preparation. The needs of the Troop, in terms of support or demonstration time and content should be coordinated in advance with the PLC and approved by the Scoutmaster.
• Instruct at least three new scouts in Totin’ Chip skills (based on new scout recruitment)
• At a T27 overnight outing, act as a Troop Guide by working with scouts on rank advancement activities up to the First Class level; or assisting in teaching a merit badge; or supervising younger scouts in outing activities such as cooking, camp set up, etc. or as needed by the Scoutmaster or IC Advisor.
• Attend and staff the T27 summer camp (for leadership credit during the summer). 
• Set a good example at all times for the younger scouts and the other Troop Guides/ICs. 

The Troop Guide position is appointed for a 6-month period, and all of the above expectations should be fulfilled during this time. A Troop Guide can be removed from this position at ANYTIME if they have not fulfilled the expectations of the IC Advisor or Scoutmaster. The office is renewable at the discretion of the Scoutmaster and IC Advisor(s), who will base renewal, in part, on prior performance.

VENTURING CREW 27 

V27 is a related Scouting unit also chartered by the Congregational Church of the Peninsula. Boys and girls ages 14 to 21 (or age 13 and completed eighth grade) may participate in high adventure Scouting activities including climbing, rappelling, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and backpacking. Our older youth may be registered in both the Troop and the Crew. The Crew meets at a designated location on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Crew members also assist the Troop, teaching high adventure skills to the scouts. V27 participates in some Troop outings, helps build our summer camp and sets up and runs the annual Treasure Hunt outing for the Troop, in addition to its own outings. V27 has a “Supertrip” each summer, focused on its high adventure activities, sometimes in a domestic location, sometimes international. 

The Venture Crew is run by elected officers: President, Administrative Vice President, Program Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  They are guided and mentored by the Advisor and Associate Advisors.

The Venture program has four ranks requiring participation in a variety of crew activities, leadership, service, teaching, mentoring others and personal goals and growth. The four ranks are:

• Venturing
• Discovery
• Pathfinder
• Summit

In addition, the Venture program offers the Ranger award, recognizing a high-level of outdoor/high-adventure skills. Ranger candidates must complete eight challenging core requirements”

• First Aid
• Wilderness Survival
• Emergency Preparedness
• Communications
• Leave No Trace
• Cooking
• Land Navigation
• Conservation

And four of 18 electives including Backpacking; Mountaineering; Cave Exploring; Outdoor Living History; Cycling/Mountain Biking; Physical Fitness; Ecology; Plants and Wildlife; Equestrian; Project COPE; Scuba; Fishing; Shooting Sports; Hunting; Watercraft; Lifesaver; or Winter Sports.

Youth who are dual registered can earn awards through both the Venture Crew and the Troop. After completing First Class, a youth may continue to work toward Eagle through the Crew, including doing their leadership with the Crew if desired.  When possible, we try to avoid conflicts between T27 and V27 when scheduling activities.

ORDER OF THE ARROW

OA (Order of the Arrow), is BSA’s national brotherhood of honor campers. The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:

1. To recognize those scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
2. To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
3. To promote scout camping
4. To crystallize the scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others

To become a member, a youth must hold at least First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two years before their election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Scouts BSA of America (i.e., our summer camp). The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow Troop members, following approval by the Scoutmaster.

The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is conducted at a Pacific Skyline Council scout camp and is the first step toward membership. After 10 months of service and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the OA.

After two years of service as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the national Order of the Arrow Committee, a scout may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for outstanding service to Scouting, their lodge, and the community. This honor is bestowed by special selection and is limited to one person for every 50 members registered with the lodge each year.

Each Order of the Arrow lodge is granted a charter from the National Council, BSA, upon annual application by the local council. The OA lodge helps the local council provide a quality Scouting program through recognition of Scouting spirit and performance, development of youth leadership and service, promotion of scout camping and outdoor programs, and enhancement of membership tenure. Troop 27’s OA members belong to Ohlone Lodge, and wear its “otter” pocket flap on their right shirt pocket.

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RECRUITING

A candidate for First Class Scout must invite a youth to attend a Troop meeting or activity. Recruiter patches are available to scouts who recruit a friend to join the Troop.

Troop 27 encourages scouts to recruit their friends, and Webelos from their former Packs. Scouts can ask the Scoutmaster or an ASM for information about recruiting that can be helpful. Our website, www.T27.org, provides specific information about our Troop. We also have a brochure available for distribution.

The Troop also supports Bridging, Blue and Gold Dinners, and Arrow of Light ceremonies for Packs upon request.

Troop 27’s traditional recruiting activities are open to Webelos or youths new to Scouting. They include:

• District Webelos Extreme recruiting events (a number of our scouts, ASMs and parents attend to provide our activity, talking to Webelos and their parents and answering their questions)
• T27 Webelos Readyman Night (several Webelo dens and their parents attend our meeting, working through the Readyman Activity Badge requirements, culminating with treats cooked in a Dutch oven)
• Webelos Canoe Event (a half-day event, usually  at Marlin Park in Redwood Shores, where our canoe-trained scouts take swim-checked Webelos out on the Slough. The event includes a barbeque for the Webelos and their parents so they can get to know us)
• Webelos Visits to help them with achievements (as arranged with local dens, we can help them earn their Readyman, First Aid or other requirements)
• Bringing friends to meetings or activities (friends are always invited to attend a meeting to learn about T27; friends may be able to attend some T27 outings, with permission from the Scoutmaster and upon completion of any needed health, insurance or permission forms)

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MONEY AND FUNDRAISING

Troop dues – $100 per year. The dues are used to purchase advancement awards, honor awards, Troop supplies, equipment, etc. There is a separate fee for each outing that covers the cost of campsite reservations, mileage allowance, activity fees (if any) and food for the outing.

Registration Fee – Paid annually, usually in November. The registration fee for each scout and registered adult covers the National Annual Membership fee, the PacSky Annual Program fee, and supports the Pacific Skyline Council. Youths also have the option of paying for a subscription to Scout Life Magazine at this time. 

Pacific Skyline Annual Good Turn Assessment – This fee is collected from youth during the annual re-registration/recharter process and supports our local council including liability and property insurance, our three camps (Boulder Creek, Cutter and Oljato and the rangers who maintain and manage them), two scout shops and service centers (Foster City and Palo Alto), training, professional staff and the behind the scenes support. 

Reimbursement – Patrols (including adults who go on outings) are assigned a food budget per person for each campout and are expected to stay within it when doing their shopping. The Troop’s menu planning form provides a space to calculate the budget and reminds scouts of food and supplies that are always available and need not be bought. Parents should supervise the shopping, reminding the scout that being “thrifty” is one of the Scouts BSA laws, ensuring meals will be balanced and that prohibited items (soda, candy, etc.) are not purchased. Parents who spend money for outings such as for buying food, or paying for parking should turn their receipts in to the Treasurer for reimbursement. If they so choose they can have the reimbursement credited to their Scout’s impound account to be used for the cost of future outings or dues. 

Outings – The cost per scout for the monthly outings (day or overnight) is usually $20-$50, depending on the activity and location.

Summer Camp – The cost per scout for the annual one-week summer camp is usually around $300 for scouts, $175 for ICs, $50 for experienced ASMS, and $25 a day for inexperienced adults. Prices subject to change.

Scout Impound Accounts – Each scout has their own personal Troop account. Money is put into the Scout’s account whenever they earn money through scout activities such as popcorn sales, wreath sales, etc. Mileage is also credited to the Scout’s account when their parent drives on an outing. The money in a Scout’s account may be used to pay for monthly outings or summer camp or dues. The Troop adds any balance that remains in an impound account when a scout leaves the Troop to the John David Violet Campership Fund (see below).

John David Violet (JDV) Campership Fund – John Violet was a First Class Scout in Troop 27 when he died at the age 13 in 1989. He enjoyed Scouting very much, and his family requested donations to a Troop memorial fund. The JDV Campership Fund provides funds for outings or Summer Camp for youth who, only because of finances, would be prevented from attending these activities and getting as much out of Scouting as John did. The use of the funds is up to Troop leadership; there are no specific financial criteria. The Troop requires that funds be used for outings leading to advancement. The scout must be working on rank or merit badges connected with the outing. Full, partial, or loan funding is available. Contact the Scoutmaster, Treasurer or Committee Chair for more information.

Canoe Replacement Fund – In order to renew our fleet of canoes, we include a “canoe fee” in the cost of any outing where the canoes are used. The fee ranges from $1 to $5 per person, depending on the length of the outing, and is built into the overall outing fee. These fees are accumulated to help cover the cost of periodically replacing canoes.

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Fundraising – Scouts are encouraged to participate in troop fundraising opportunities. These contribute to the troop, help defray our costs, increase camaraderie and help scouts learn business skills. As a recognition of the effort of scouts who participate, a portion (usually half) of the profit earned is credited to the scout’s impound account to be used toward annual registration fees or outing costs. Our typical fundraisers are:

• Scout Popcorn – Every year all the Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts in the United States sell packages of popcorn. The scouts can sell the popcorn and earn money for their impound account, as well as money for the Troop. The popcorn is pre-ordered and then delivered early in November. It may also be sold at “show and sell” tables outside of stores which are coordinated by the “Popcorn Sales Chair” or ordered via a Scout app and sent directly to the customer.
• Holiday Greens and Wreath Sales – Each year, Troop 27 sells Holiday wreaths and greens. The scouts can sell the wreaths and make money for their impound accounts as well as money for the Troop. The wreaths are pre-sold and then delivered around the first week in December. Once a scout establishes a list of customers, it is an easy way to make money to help fund their Scouting activities on an annual basis. 
• Special Fundraisers – The Troop may plan a major event such as a golf tournament or dinner auction, sometimes in conjunction with another non-profit organization. The proceeds from major fundraisers such as this are typically earmarked for specific Troop needs such as new equipment.
• V27 Pancake Breakfast – Each year on Scout Sunday, Venturing Crew 27 offers a pancake breakfast at the church. This free donation fundraiser is open to all scouts (Cubs, Boys, Girls and Crew) sponsored by the church, their families and church members. It is a great way to support the Crew and be visible to the church that supports us. Proceeds are shared by the Crew members who work to fund their annual “supertrip”.

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OUTINGS

Troop 27 tries to follow the principles of low impact camping – “Leave No Trace”. Participants are expected to avoid littering or damaging natural or man-made objects or wildlife when on outings. Campsites are to be left better than we found them. Before departing a campsite, a thorough clean-up and inspection is conducted. No one is to leave until the site has been inspected. Check the announcements for details on each outing. Scoutbook will have details (departure time, location, etc.) as well as RSVP information for every outing the Troop takes. 

BE ON TIME FOR DEPARTURE AND PICK UP!!!

Scouts are expected to depart for an outing as a group. To leave on an outing, scouts meet at the designated departure point, prior to the specified departure time to help organize and load gear.  It is very important to BE ON TIME! On most outings scouts are to bring a bag lunch for the first meal, water bottle, and hip or day pack with their ten essentials, as well as appropriate clothes and gear. Scouts wear their Class A uniform, and bring their Class B, T27 or other Scout t-shirt. Scout attire must be worn while traveling to and from an outing. After an outing, scouts return to the pick up point to help unload gear. 

Patrols check out Troop gear such as tents, coolers, and cook kits, and are responsible for their proper handling, cleaning, and return. 

If a scout cannot leave with the rest of the Troop, due to a sport or other obligation, they may be able to join the Troop later. Late arrivals must be coordinated with the Scoutmaster, and the Scout’s parents are responsible for their transportation.

Scouts are expected to stay for the entire outing, which often includes an activity on the second day. Any scout who must leave an outing early must receive prior approval from the Scoutmaster or ASM in charge, and the Scout’s parents are responsible for their transportation. 

Scouts return to the Church and help put gear away before leaving for home. Wet tents must go home with a patrol member for proper drying and packing. They should be returned to the shed at the next Scout meeting. 

Scout pick up – Parents need to monitor their email for ScoutBook messages that will provide the estimated return time. Please be prompt in picking up your Scout. 

WHAT TO WEAR / WHAT TO PACK

Class A Uniforms are worn on almost every outing. Scouts must be wearing a Scout shirt (class A, red polo shirt, or Scout T-shirt) whenever they are in transit to or from an outing. 

The Troop’s summer or winter camp packing lists are on our website, and the Scouts BSA Handbook has  guidance on what to pack for outings or camping. On outings, especially summer camp, pack clothes in the backpack in large Ziploc bags. This keeps them clean and dry, and if the scout never changes their clothes they can be put away without washing! The bags can be used over and over again.

On water outings it is essential to pack “water shoes”. Scouts who wear glasses should bring an eyeglass strap so that if they fall in the water they won’t lose their glasses. Canteens and other gear should be tied to the canoes.

FOOD

We usually request that a bag lunch (or dinner) be brought by each outing participant for the first meal on the day of departure. Bag lunches should be nutritious and are to be consumed at mealtime. They should not contain additional snacks. Scouts should not have food or snacks in their tents because of raccoons or bears. On some outings we stop at a fast food restaurant for lunch or dinner on the return trip, so each scout may need a small amount of spending money.

Patrol members plan their menus and cook as a patrol on outings. Patrols use a T27 menu worksheet and are encouraged to plan a balanced menu; soda and candy are prohibited. Menus require SM or ASM approval. One or two youths volunteer to do the shopping for their patrol, staying within the allotted food budget. Receipts are given to the Treasurer for reimbursement. 

PAYMENT AND FORMS

Scouts attending outings must pay and have all required forms into the Trail Boss by the set due date, always double check outing announcements for cut off dates. Food must be bought, and reservations made, requiring an accurate headcount. If a scout cannot attend at the last minute, because of illness, etc., we will attempt to refund the cost if it will not cause the outing to result in a deficit.

In addition to the Troop’s waivers and annual health forms (listed under Joining Troop 27), parents sign a separate permission slip for outings involving archery, shooting or COPE/climbing. This permission slip goes to the Scoutmaster.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Scouts may use ham radios or watches (a phone is not a watch) on outings or at meetings.  All other devices are not to be used during troop events unless required to fulfill a rank or merit badge requirement under the supervision of an ASM or merit badge counselor.  Scouts are allowed to use their phones to call home at the end of an outing or meeting.  We suggest, but do not require scouts either leave their devices home or leave them in the car they took to camp.  Adults may carry their devices as a safety measure and/or to take pictures on outings.  The Scoutmasters may confiscate devices from scouts violating this policy and will return them at the end of the meeting or outing.

Adults are asked to also comply with these guidelines.  If an adult must utilize a phone on an outing please be sure to do so in adult camp away from scouts.

GUESTS

The Troop traditionally welcomes all family members at “Family Camp” over Memorial Day weekend after Grave Decoration in May. On other outings siblings and friends are allowed only with permission from the Scoutmaster and only if the Scout’s parent goes along on the campout.

SUMMER CAMP

Our annual week-long wilderness Summer Camp is the highlight of the year. Scouts must have achieved the rank of scout and must have camped with the troop prior to Summer Camp. Additional requirements are publicized before Summer Camp. Each day’s schedule  includes: 

Mountain Man – the best way to start the day is to jump into the lake first thing in the morning! Scouts (and adults) who participate in Mountain Man are awarded a t-shirt at the Fall Court of Honor.

Assembly

• Flag ceremony (rotates between patrols)
• Plant of the Day 
• Announcements

Knot of the Meal (must be tied before eating!)

Activities – each day has a theme such as Paul Bunyan Day or Waterfront Day. Time is also spent working on rank advancement skills or merit badges, with plenty of time for FUN!

Free Rock – one rock designated where scouts can leave items (towels, sweatshirts, etc.) during the day. All other gear must be in Scout’s tent or campsite. Everything must be retrieved from free rock before dinner or the ICs confiscate it and its owner is called up at the Kangaroo Court at the campfire.

Campfire

• Songs
• Skits (each patrol should have a short skit each night) 
• Kangaroo Court (ICs preside – owner of “lost” items must sing a song, etc., to retrieve their item)
• Vespers (final song):

Softly falls the light of day

As our campfire fades away,

Silently each scout should ask

Have I done my daily task?

Have I kept my honor bright?

Can I guiltless sleep tonight?

Have I done and have I dared

Everything to be prepared?

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HELPFUL HINTS

As described in the Uniform section, scouts need to be in the proper attire at each meeting. Scouts must bring their Scouts BSA Handbook to every meeting and are encouraged to also bring the “ten meeting essentials” with them to meetings. The 10 essentials to bring to Troop meetings should be kept in a small day-pack (keep all items in one pack, then grab it and go!):

1. Scouts BSA Handbook (needed for reference or to have advancement signed off)
2. Pencil or pen (to take notes, record attendance, write plans, etc.)
3. Notepad (for notes, important reminders, etc.)
4. Compass (Be prepared! You never know when we will have an orienteering exercise!)
5. Matches or fire starters (Be prepared!)
6. Pocketknife (after Totin’ Chit has been earned – Be prepared!)
7. First Aid Kit (small, personal kit – Be prepared!)
8. Emergency blanket (also known as “space blanket”. Be prepared!)
9. Flashlight (Be prepared! Extra batteries and bulbs are also a nice touch.)
10. 20-50 feet of Paraline cord.

These should also be taken on outings along with other requirements (see the 10 essentials for camping and hiking listed in the Scouts BSA Handbook). Remember that the “10 essentials” are always situational. There is overlap, but the essentials for a winter camping trip will be different from a summer campout or a short hike. 

Health Forms are required by BSA for scouts and leaders attending outings and camp.Each form is valid for 12 months. Part A contains releases and authorizations signed by the parents. Part B is the Annual BSA Health and Medical Record which is completed/updated each year by the parents and includes actual dates of the Scout’s latest immunizations. Part C is the Physical Examination completed and signed by a physician. Parts A and B are required before attending any outing. Part C is only required for events exceeding 72 hours (such as our summer camp) or for participation in strenuous activities. Be sure to schedule physician visits early to ensure completion before summer camp. Parents should provide other updates, such as a change in health insurance, as needed. It is a good idea to keep a photocopy or scan of the completed forms, as the forms will be required if the scout goes to other Scout camps.

Write the Scout’s name on the pages in the Scouts BSA Handbook where the rank requirements are signed off (just in case the pages fall out!). Periodically make a photocopy of the pages and keep this copy in a safe place, separate from the book. Books are sometimes lost, and having a record of advancement is important.

On outings, especially summer camp, pack clothes in large Ziploc bags or waterproof compression stuff-sacks before putting them in the backpack. These reusable bags keep clothes clean and dry, and if the scout never changes their clothes they can be put away without washing! 

Check the announcement for each outing, the summer or winter camp packing list and the Scouts BSA Handbook for guidance on what to pack for outings or camp. The items needed for scout outings need not be “top of the line”. Many can be found at discount stores, garage sales, or used-item stores. The troop periodically arranges for a gear swap before summer and winter camping. When in doubt ask the Scoutmaster or an ASM. Someone in the Troop may have extra gear that can be borrowed on occasion.

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HELPFUL WEBSITES

Venturing Crew 27 Website

http://www.v27.org/ 

Pacific Skyline Council:

http://pacsky.org/ 

Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA):

http://www.Scouting.org 

Ohlone Lodge (PacSky Order of the Arrow lodge):

http://ohlone63.org/ 

Merit Badge Resource:

http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp

Scout Program and Activity Resources

www.boyScouttrail.com  

http://usScouts.org/ 

Resource for how to choose backpacks, hiking boots; how to videos, etc.:

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice.html

Source to locate volunteer/service opportunities

http://www.volunteermatch.org 

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GLOSSARY

(also see the “Positions” section for descriptions of Scout and adult positions)

ASM MEETING – meeting held once a month, usually on the first Saturday morning, for 1-2 hours, where the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) meet with the Scoutmaster (SM) to discuss Troop activities. All parents are welcome at the ASM meeting.

BOARD OF REVIEW – review of accomplishments of scouts as they finish the requirements of a rank This review reinforces learning for the rank. It is conducted by a panel of at least two adults, at least one of whom is an ASM and neither are the scout’s parent.

BOULDER CREEK – Boulder Creek Scout Reservation is a camp owned by the Pacific Skyline Council with 300+ acres of redwoods, hiking, trails, meadows, stream, a self-lead B.S.A. national historic trail, a nature trail, and a resident ranger. It is located on Bear Creek Road, just off Highway 9. 

BSA – Boy Scouts of America.

CAMPOREE – a district or council campout with competition between the Troops in the area.

COURT OF HONOR – ceremony for awarding advancement and merit badges; held semi-annually usually in September and March. The Troop has a family potluck meal before or after each Court of Honor.

CUTTER – Cutter Scout Reservation – a campground facility owned by the Pacific Skyline Council; it is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near Big Basin State Park.

FIFTH TUESDAY – when there are five Tuesdays in a month, the evening of the fifth Tuesday is set aside for a “fun” activity. These meetings are a non-uniform occasion and often are outings.

GREEN BAR – The Green Bar meeting is for the scout leaders to meet and review plans for the upcoming Troop meeting. This supplements the monthly PLC meeting. At summer camp, this meeting is for discussion of the daily plans.

IMPOUND ACCOUNT – profits from most fundraisers are shared with the scouts who participate. The portion credited to the scout is added to their scout “impound account” along with mileage allowance for drivers and minor reimbursements (if requested). It can then be used to pay for outings or dues.

KLONDIKE – a wintertime “camporee”, held in the snow, including snow-oriented competitions. Traditionally scouts build and sleep in snow shelters, not tents.

MERIT BADGE – an in-depth study of a particular field such as botany, reptiles, camping, swimming, etc. Certain merit badges are required along the trail to the rank of Eagle Scout.

NATIONAL JAMBOREE – a national camping experience held every 4 years in the U.S.

OLJATO – a campground facility owned by the Pacific Skyline Council; it is located on an island in a lake in the Sierra. T27’s summer camp is NOT at Oljato.

ORDER OF THE ARROW (OA) – an honorary Scouting organization to which older Troop members may be elected by their peers. OA emphasizes camping, leadership, service and Native American lore.

PACIFIC SKYLINE COUNCIL – our council, which stretches from Brisbane to Palo Alto. The Council runs the service centers and camps and provides training for adults and youth.

PATROL – the youths are divided into groups of 6-10 youths each, which are called patrols. Each patrol has a Patrol Leader (PL) and an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL).

PATROL METHOD – Scouts follow the patrol method to ask questions and resolve problems. Scouts are to bring issues to their PL or APL.  If they cannot resolve the issue or need support PLs ask the SPL.  If the SPL cannot resolve the issue or needs more support the SPL consults with the SM or another knowledgeable ASM.

PLC – the Patrol Leader Council meets once a month to plan events and meetings. It is led by the Senior Patrol Leader, and attended by all scout leadership and a VC representative, along with the Scoutmasters.

REDWOOD DISTRICT – the Council is divided into several districts. Our district, the Redwood District, covers Troops in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, San Carlos, Belmont, Woodside, Redwood City, Portola Valley, San Mateo, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Burlingame and Foster City. 

ROUNDTABLE – a district-wide meeting for adults attended by Troop leaders on the first Thursday of every month except July and August. District and Council activities are planned at Roundtable meetings. They also provide the opportunity to share ideas with other Troops. 

ROCKER – a small patch that goes around a larger round patch.  Every year a scout attends summer camp they will receive a rocker to place around their Round Troop 27 patch.

SCOUTMASTER’S CONFERENCE – discussion of goals, achievements and plans of a scout as they work on the requirements of a rank. This is conducted by the Scoutmaster and must be completed before the scout has a Board of Review.

SCOUT LIFE – The magazine for youth published by BSA. It can be ordered when youths register. There is an edition for Cub Scouts and one for Scouts BSA, with different articles in each. Also available online from the BSA web site, http://www.Scouting.org.

SCOUT’S OWN – A short non-denominational service held on the Sunday of our outings that is inclusive and respectful of all faiths. This can expose scouts to other religions and help them grow. It is usually a mixture of readings, prayers, reflections, and music.

SCOUTING MAGAZINE – The magazine for adults e-published by BSA. It includes articles of interest for leaders and parents, including helpful archived articles on gear and other subjects. It is now available online only at https://scoutingmagazine.org/ 

TREASURE HUNT – an annual outing planned by the members of V27. Scouts must decode clues (in Morse Code or other coding schemes) and determine where to find the next clue; and participate in activities to earn the clue and ultimately the treasure!

VENTURING /VENTURE CREW 27 – a related Scout group of boys and girls ages 14 to 21 (or 13 and completed eighth grade) that participate in high adventure Scouting activities including climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Many of our scouts are also members of V27. Crew members also assist the Troop, teaching high adventure skills to the scouts.

WORLD JAMBOREE – a worldwide camping experience held every 4 years somewhere in the world.TROOP 27 “EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR” CONTRACT

Troop 27 of the Scouts BSA provides a high quality, active program of Scouting adventure. In order to accomplish the Troop’s programs and goals in the best Scouting tradition, it is important that all scouts and their parents understand and acknowledge certain Troop standards.