The Troop has a long tradition of providing youth the opportunity to learn leadership by working together while growing into young adulthood. Along the way they practice teamwork, learn first aid and camping skills, give back to the community through service, have adventures, come to understand that learning from one's mistakes along with perseverance are keys to success, and most importantly… have fun.

Scouting, while for the youth, is also a family activity. We have published this Troop manual for parents and guardians as a starting point to answer many of the questions that might arise during the time that your child is in Troop 24/5024. Other useful resources are available at https://cpcscouting.org/tools/scouting-quickstart-guide/

If you have questions that aren’t answered, please ask me or one of our other Scout leaders. Thank you for providing me the privilege of working with you and your child.

Micah Hamley

Scoutmaster

TROOP 24/5024 HISTORY AND VALUES

Welcome to Troop 24/5024, a youth-led Troop. We call it a youth-led Troop because the youth are primarily in charge of running the Troop, with the adults serving as advisors, as much as is practical. This has been the case as far back as memory serves.

Troop 24 was officially chartered in 1944, however there was a Troop 24 starting in 1917. That charter was apparently lost in 1943 during the war. Troop 24 has always been a very active youth-led Troop. For many years, the troop met at Glencoe School, and closely coordinated activities with Explorer Post 24. Summer camp was at Meriwether, the most developed camp at the time as far as facilities and activities available.

Troop 5024 was established as a girl troop and chartered in June 2023.

Troop 24 and 5024 operate in close coordination. While each troop has its own charter and Scoutmaster, the troops come together for weekly meetings, campouts, summer camp, and other activities. Troop 24/5024 has a shared parents committee.

Our Troop works hard to uphold the Scout Oath and Law (see Appendix 1) and our reputation as an active and responsible group. This is accomplished by serving our community through a large variety of service projects. We estimate that close to 100 Scouts in our Troop have earned their Eagle rank, the highest rank earned in Scouting.

We also strive to conduct ourselves in a responsible and courteous manner as we learn, work and grow together. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that is attractive to all youth.

UNIFORMS AND GEAR

A Scout Dress uniform (aka, “Class A”) should be worn at all Troop meetings, to formal scout events like Camporee, and to summer camp, unless otherwise announced. The uniform should be in good repair and worn properly with all necessary insignias (guidelines are in the Scout handbook). A Casual Uniform (aka, “Class B”) should be worn on monthly campouts or when doing service projects.

Uniform Types

Dress Uniform (aka “Class A”):

Official Scout shirt
Official Scout pants or shorts with official socks
Official Scout belt
Troop 24/5024 Neckerchief
Sash (only worn at Courts of Honor)

Casual Uniform (aka “Class B”):

Any Scout T-shirt - preferably a Troop 24 shirt
Official Scout pants or shorts with official socks
Troop 24/5024 Neckerchief optional

Where to get Uniforms

Uniforms may be purchased at the BSA Nor'West Scout Shop at 9700 SW Nimbus Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon 97008 (503-243-5022). At times you may be able to find Scout uniforms at some Thrift Shops. Used uniforms of various sizes are available from the informal troop uniform bank – check with the Scoutmaster.

Troop Provided Items

Soon after completing a BSA registration for Troop 24/5024, your child will receive the following items from the Troop:

Scout Handbook
Uniform Insignia/Badges
Official Troop 24/5024 Neckerchief
Troop 24/5024 T-Shirt

Scout Handbook

The Handbook is a Scout’s permanent record of their scouting advancement from Scout to Eagle Rank. It provides a record of achievement and is used by youth and adult leaders to track progress.

Scouts should also keep a record of all campouts and number of nights stayed, as well as any Eagle Projects worked on, in their book. This information is used for other awards within the Troop.

Your scout should bring their handbook and a pen or pencil to every meeting and campout. It is important to remember to bring Scout handbooks so requirements for different ranks can be signed off as they are completed.

Uniform Insignia/Badges

Placement of badges can be found in the Scout Handbook. Additional assistance can be obtained through the Scout Shop. The Scout Shop sells an adhesive (“badge magic”) to attach badges if you do not want to sew them on.

Rank and Patrol badges will need to be replaced as your child moves up through the Troop and will be provided by the Troop.

Personal Gear

There are a few essential items every scout should have. Our troop maintains a supply of used items so, if interested, check with the Scoutmaster to see if our troop has items.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

(should be taken on any hiking or camping outing)

Map and Compass
Pocketknife (with an earned Totin’ Chip)
First Aid Kit
Extra Clothing
Rain gear
Water bottle
Flashlight
Matches and fire starter
Trail food (i.e. granola bars)
Sun protection

Closed-toed shoes are required at scouting events; sandals must have appropriate closed-toes. Winter campouts require good boots that are water-proof and keep the feet warm.

Lightweight hiking shoes are fine for summer camping, but athletic shoes may not be suitable, as they do not provide suitable ankle support.

Personal Gear Packing Lists are available at http://www.troop24.us/

Medications and Instructions

BSA policy states:

Taking prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. A leader, after obtaining all the necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a youth takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but the Boy Scouts of America does not mandate or necessarily encourage the leader to do so. Standards and policies regarding administration of medication may be in place at BSA camps. If state laws are more limiting than camp policies, they must be followed. The Annual Health and Medical Record also allows for a parent or guardian to authorize the administration of nonprescription medication to a youth by a camp health officer or unit leader, including any noted exceptions.

Troop Gear and Equipment

The Troop supplies various items for the Scouts to use. These items include such things as:

Tents and dining shelters
Cooking stoves
Cooking pots and pans and utensils
Canoes
Miscellaneous camping tools, i.e., axes, shovels, lanterns

Scouts may be requested to bring home a piece of troop gear after a campout to take care of. For tents, hang up all parts to dry immediately upon getting home. If muddy, hose off mud, then hang up to dry. Do not wash in the washing machine. Return tent, poles and stakes in bag at the next troop meeting.

ACTIVITIES

Weekly Troop Meetings

Troop Meetings are held at Saint David of Wales Church, 2800 SE Harrison Street, Portland, every Tuesday evening during the school year. If school is closed for any reason (i.e., holidays, summer break, bad weather, etc.), no Scout meeting will be held. If a meeting is to be held at an alternate location, the Scouts will be notified by their Patrol Leaders.

Meetings are from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Scouts should be on time. Uniforms (minus troop neckerchief) should be worn to all troop meetings. All Scouts should bring their Handbooks and a pen or pencil.

It is important for the Scout to treat the church facility with respect, leaving it cleaner than when they arrived. It is important that church doors are never propped open.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend with their scout for their first 1-2 meetings. After that, parents/guardians may drop off scouts at 7 pm and pick up at 8:30 p.m. Please be prompt for drop-off and pickup.

Occasionally, the troop will use the Tuesday evening time for an alternate activity, such as working on a merit badge in a different location, or a swim outing.

Summer Camp

A yearly Summer Camping program is offered for 1 week (Sunday through Saturday morning). The camp location changes every year with the Scouts selecting the site. We attend both “In Council” (Pioneer, Meriwether, Baldwin) and “Out of Council” BSA Summer Camp locations. There is an additional charge for this event (see Finances section). If we are attending in Council, there are funds available for scholarships through the Cascade Pacific Council (CPC) – check the CPC website for forms and deadlines.

Our troop also has a limited scholarship fund to help Scouts. See the Scoutmaster for more information on this. All youth are encouraged to attend Summer Camp, as it helps build community within the troop and provides a valuable opportunity for scouts to earn merit badges.

Campouts

Campouts are generally scheduled the 3rd weekend of every month. Please check the Troop Calendar for specific dates. A variety of sites are chosen, including Scout Camps, State Forests/Parks, National Forests, and other sites. One or two campouts per year might involve backcountry camping. Scouts are expected to cover their food costs, which will range from $15-25 per campout. Scouts will plan meals and shop for food together in advance.

Parents/guardians are welcome to assist with any campout. If participating in an overnight, the parent/guardian must have completed Youth Protection Training and be registered (see more below). Other family members (e.g., siblings) are not allowed to participate, with the exception of the annual family campout (below). Dogs are never allowed, per BSA rules.

Family Campouts

These are special campouts planned on one of the regular weekends (usually September) when parents/guardians and siblings are invited to come camping with the Scouts. Like the youth, there will be a fee for meals. Please check the Troop Calendar to see when they are scheduled.

Service Projects

Scouts are encouraged to participate in service projects throughout the year. The most important Scout activity is the Eagle projects which are planned by Scouts earning their Eagle rank. All youth are expected to participate in these activities. They are usually a 3-6 hour weekend activity.

Special Events

Special events may be planned, including the annual canoe trip (usually in June) and the Philmont High Adventure trip (approximately once every 4 years for scouts over the age of 14). These events will be announced as they are planned.

ADVANCEMENT

The first rank is the Scout rank. After that, in order, are:

Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class

These ranks focus on scout skills (making a first aid kit, knot tying, exercise log, camping, physical fitness). No merit badges are required for these ranks and there are no time limitations (scouts can work at whatever pace suits them).

Following that, in order, are:

Star
Life
Eagle

For these ranks, scouts build on their basic scouting skills and become leaders in the troop. Merit badges are required for advancement. Merit badges can be earned at troop meetings and summer camp.

Scouts are responsible for tracking their own advancement. For every merit badge, the scout will need a blue card (a record of progress and completion on the merit badge - available through the troop) and will need to hold onto it until the merit badge is complete. Once complete, the scout should turn it into the Advancement Chair.

Information and requirements for all ranks can be found at https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/.

Parents and guardians can help their Scout complete many of the requirements, since scouts need to practice knots, memorize various creeds, learn about people, places, and things in the community, and complete numerous physical activities. Many of the requirements are worthwhile family activities. All requirements (whether done at a troop meeting or at home) must be “signed off” by a leader in the troop (either a trained adult leader or another Scout who is at least First Class rank); this means that the requirement must be signed and dated on the rank requirement pages at the back of the Scout Handbook.

After requirements are signed off, they should then be entered into Scoutbook, the official documentation software used by Scouting America. Anyone can enter the information, but if the information is not entered by the troop Advancement Chair or another adult leader, it will need to be “leader approved” before it is official.

A parent can login to Scoutbook at https://scoutbook.scouting.org/. (Check with the Committee Chair if you do not have access.)
A scout can only login to Scoutbook (through the same URL) if their parent or guardian invites them. (Check with the Committee Chair if your account is not connected to your Scout(s).) The parent or guardian should login to Scoutbook, click on their Scout’s name, and go to Edit Extended Information, and click the option at the bottom of the page to allow their Scout to connect to their own account. The Scout will need their own unique email account. A temporary password will be sent to them.

On mobile devices, the Scouting app can be used to enter advancement information for your scout.

Courts of Honor

All awarding of merit badges and rank advancements will occur at Courts of Honor, which are held approximately twice per year. Traditionally, these Courts of Honor are arranged as a potluck meal in the church where our weekly meetings are held.

These are special opportunities to recognize scouts. As such, parent/guardian participation is encouraged. Other family members are welcome to attend.

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

While the troop is youth-led, support and involvement from parents and guardians are necessary to support a variety of activities.

Parents Committee Meetings

All adults that currently have Scouts in the Troop (at least one per family) should attend monthly Parents Committee meetings. The meetings are run by the Committee Chair, with time allocated for reports from our Committee and Activity Chairs, as well as for exchanging information, setting policy, and reviewing upcoming events. This meeting is a major source of information for all parents/guardians. This is the best place to ask questions and get to know the other adults in our troop.

Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, at the same time and place as the troop meetings, or as announced. Meeting minutes will be distributed afterwards.

Parent Committee Roles

Specific committee roles include:

Scoutmaster – Responsible for the scout programming. Works directly with the scouts to ensure they have proper training and guidance to lead, learn skills, etc.
Committee Chair – Runs parents committee to ensure adult involvement to support scouts, have required training, manages annual rechartering.
Advancement Coordinator - Supports the Scoutmaster’s vision for advancement and helps stimulate the advancement program.
Treasurer – Manages the troop finances, collects annual dues and payments for summer camp, pays bills.
Camping Coordinator – Reserves campsites and summer camp
Fundraising Coordinator – Works with scouts to support our annual fundraisers
Equipment Coordinator – Works with the youth quartermaster and is responsible for the inventory, storage, and maintenance of troop equipment
Membership Coordinator – Helps ensure smooth transition of new Scouts into the troop and orientation for new parents.

Other roles may be identified as needed.

Boards of Review

Parents or guardians will periodically be asked to participate in a Board of Review for an individual scout (not your own scout) who has completed a rank advancement. The Board of Review will be made up of a panel of three adults. No background in scouting is necessary; brief training will be provided for new participants.

During a Board of Review, a Scout will be asked questions concerning what they have learned when completing their Rank Advancement. They will be asked to demonstrate some of the skills they have learned as well as recite the Scout oath and law. At all Boards of Review, the scout MUST wear their Class A uniform with neckerchief and have their scout book and advancement paperwork.

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for ALL adults who would like to attend outings and be an active participant in Scouting. The training course is available on-line and must be renewed every two years. You do not need to be a registered adult to take YPT.

In addition, all adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant. Adult volunteers must register in the position(s) they are serving in (“committee member” is an option). Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement.

Transportation

Transportation is a very vital part of our active Troop. We rely on the volunteering of parents/guardians to drive to and from campouts, summer camp, and other activities, in order to ensure our youth can participate in these activities. All drivers must have current auto insurance.

Medical Forms

Scouts are required to complete and submit an Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR). There are multiple parts to the record. Parts A and B are required for any Scouting activity of any length, and should be completed by a parent or guardian. Part C is required for any activity over 72 hours (such as summer camp) and must be completed and signed by a certified and licensed medical professional.

COMMUNICATIONS

Slack

Our troop uses “Slack”, a messaging app that is available for phones and laptops. You will be invited to join our Slack space when your Scout joins the troop. We use multiple channels to handle specific topics, like campouts, summer camp, meetings, etc. You can adjust your settings to determine how you want to receive notifications.

Email

Our troop uses a google group to share information by email: troop-24-us@googlegroups.com. You will be automatically added to this group when your scout joins the troop.

Facebook

We post photos of activities on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScoutsTroop24. This helps us highlight what our troops do and recruit new scouts. We appreciate being able to post photos of youth (without naming or tagging youth); however, if you do not want the troop to post photos of your scout, please let the Committee Chair know.

Policy on Communications

Adults may not message a Scout one-on-one. All communications between adults and scouts must include another adult or another scout.

FINANCES

Families are expected to contribute to annual troop costs, summer camp, and other activities, to a degree that reflects a family’s specific circumstances.

There are several costs associated with being part of the troop, including:

BSA/CPC annual fees – this amount is set by the BSA and our council, the Cascade Pacific Council. You will pay this to BSA when you register your scout for the first year, and then to the troop in future years when the troop recharters annually. In 2024, the fee was $105/scout.
Troop annual dues – this is an annual contribution to troop activities, including campsite rentals, troop gear, etc. In 2024, dues were $30/scout.
Uniform – the cost of purchasing a scout shirt, pants, socks, belt. As noted above, the troop maintains a uniform “bank” so check there first for used items if desired. Cost for a full, new uniform can be over $100.
Campout food – scouts will contribute towards the cost of food at each weekend campout they attend, typically $15-$25.
Summer camp – registration fees for summer camp range from $350-$500. The troop may subsidize a small portion, dependent on available funds, recent fundraising success, etc.

Financial Assistance

Financial need should never be a barrier to Scouting.

Financial assistance for registration fees, uniforms, and in-council camps is available through our Council at https://cpcscouting.org/tools/financial-assistance.

Other assistance (including for out-of-council camps) may be available from the troop, dependent on the troop’s current finances. Speak with the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair to discuss assistance.

Fundraising

Our troop has 3 major fundraising objectives:

Support annual budget of troop
Offset cost of summer camp and provide scholarships
Add to savings accounts for the major trips

All scouts and parents/guardians are expected to participate in our fundraising activities to the extent they are able.

Door-to-door fundraising must always be done on the buddy system and the scout should be in uniform (with appropriate weather gear permitted).

Bank Accounts

The troop maintains bank accounts (as of 2024, a checking account with Wells Fargo and a savings account with JPMorganChase) to operate the troop program in an efficient and responsible manner. The elected treasurer manages the accounts, and a budget is developed annually and approved by the parents.

The savings account is intended to support high adventure trips and other extra activities that help make this Troop an exciting group.

APPENDIX A

SCOUT OATH

On my honor I will do by best

To do my duty to God and my country And to obey the Scout Law,

To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong,

Mentally awake, and morally straight.

SCOUT LAW

A Scout is:

Trustworthy

Loyal

Helpful

Friendly

Courteous

Kind

Obedient

Cheerful

Thrifty

Brave

Clean

Reverent

SCOUT MOTTO

Be Prepared

SCOUT SLOGAN

Do a Good Turn Daily

OUTDOOR CODE

As an American, I will do my best to –

Be clean in my outdoor manners,

Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.

APPENDIX B: TERMINOLOGY

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) - Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader; assists in running the Troop.

Cascade Pacific Council (CPC) - This is the Scout Council we operate in. The headquarters for the CPC is in downtown Portland at: 2145 SW Naito Pkwy (Front Ave) (503) 225-5759.

In Council - Refers to events or camps sponsored or run by the Cascade Pacific Council.

Merit Badges - These are badges the youth work on to develop their skills and knowledge in many different areas. Once a youth selects a merit badge they want to work on, they work with a Merit Badge Counselor to complete the requirements for the badge. Upon completion, the youth is awarded a merit badge to place on their sash.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - A Council leadership training camp available to Scouts who are at least 13 years of age and have attained their First Class Rank.

Order of the Arrow (OA) - A organization both Scouts and Scout leaders are invited to join by election of their peers. This is the Scout’s service organization and it is an honor to be elected.

Out of Council – Refers to events or camps sponsored or run by Councils other than the Cascade Pacific Council

Parents Committee - Troop 24/5024 parents/guardians who help the Scoutmaster with the overall running of the Boy Led Troop.

Patrol Leader - The youth selected from within each of the Troop patrols to lead the patrol.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) - The youth in leadership positions who plan troop meetings and other activities.

Quartermaster - Elected by each patrol and is responsible for maintaining the Troop equipment that has been issued to the Patrol.

Ranks - A Scout has levels called ranks which they work toward during their years in Scouting from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. The Official Scout Handbook explains these ranks and what the scout has to learn in order to earn each rank.

Roundtable - A gathering of adult Scout leaders and committee members to learn more about what is happening in the Council and to share ideas.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) – This youth is selected by the Scouts in the troop and is in their leadership position for 1 year. This is the most senior position in the Troop and responsible for the day to day running of the Troop.

Totin’ Chip - This is a card that authorizes the Scout to carry and use a knife at Scout functions. They get this card by proving that they have the skills and knowledge to safely handle a knife.

Troop Roster - A Troop Roster is maintained to allow the youth and adults to contact each other in the Troop. This roster is updated several times throughout the year.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE TROOP!