Q: Who can sign off on my Rank requirements?
A: For most requirements, your Patrol Leader should be the main point of contact for these requests. The can be handled when you hear “Patrols, dismiss to your corners for advancement”.
For anything that is tracked by the Advancement Chair, such as camping nights, hiking trips, or service hours, you should speak to them about having those signed off and approved.
Q: How do I request a Scoutmaster Conference?
A: Once all of your rank requirements are signed off by your Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, or a member of Senior Patrol, you can either verbally request to your Scoutmaster while at a BSA approved event, or send an email to your Scoutmaster. You will be notified prior to the conference when it is your turn.
Always copy another registered adult or you parent on all communications!
Q: When can I have my Board of Review?
A: Once you have had your Scoutmaster conference for your Tenderfoot or higher rank, and it has been signed off as completed, you may request to have your name be added to the list of eligible scouts.
Once you meet with the panel of three adult volunteer Committee Members and they approve your rank, you are official! The Advancement Chair will update Scoutbook and all official BSA records.
Q: What is a Merit Badge Blue Card, how do I get one, and what do I do with it?
A: The Merit Badge Blue Card is proof that you have approval to begin a merit badge, as well as record of completion.
You must have it signed by either your Scoutmaster, or Advancement Chair to begin a badge. If you need assistance in identifying an approved counselor for the badge you are interested in, speak to any volunteer adult leader and they can guide you to the appropriate person.
Once you are approved and have completed all your badge requirements, the counselor will sign off on your blue card and keep their portion of it. You can then return it to your Scoutmaster for final signature. Once that is in place, you can bring it to the Advancement Chair, who keeps a copy for troop records, order you the patch, and list it as complete in Scoutbook.
You as the scout keep the third portion in a safe place (such as a binder with plastic sleeves made for baseball cards). Don’t lose it because you will need it for your Eagle Board of Review!
Q: When I am eligible for a Leadership Position?
A: Once you become First Class, your leadership position will count towards your rank requirement. The position only counts toward your rank requirement if you are an active member of the troop. If you do not show up for weeks at at time, that time does not count towards your advancement.
You may be asked to be a leader by your Senior Patrol Leader before you are First Class, but BSA guidelines restrict it counting towards any future rank requirement
While Assistant Patrol Leaders fill in for Patrol Leaders in their absence, they are not recognized as a leadership position in BSA
Q: How to I become the Senior Patrol Leader for my Troop?
A: An election takes place every year in the fall. All scouts in the troop vote for their candidate based on their desire to run, qualifications and ability to lead.
In Troop 76, you must be at least 14 years old and First Class Rank to run for SPL.
Q: When can I begin my Eagle Project?
A: Scouts can begin planning their Eagle project as soon as they becomes a Life Scout. Ideas can of course be thought thru before then, but the workbook can’t be submitted to the Eagle Advancement Committee until the scout achieves Life rank.
Q: How are the adult leaders selected?
A: All leaders in BSA are volunteers, and are parents of the scouts in the troop. All adult leaders must take and pass Youth Protection Training to be a member of the adult leadership, as well as pass a background check.
A troop runs best when each new Cub Den that crosses over has two or more parents also join as an adult leaders in the Troop
While Troop 76 is a scout led troop, without proper adult participation it can’t survive
Q: As a parent, I want my child to have their own experiences and learn from others around them. How can I stay engaged in the troop to know what is happening?
A: You can engage in the troop in many ways! Some examples are:
Attend the monthly Troop Committee Meetings (second Wednesday of every month at 6pm)
Become a Merit Badge Counselor! We all bring different things to the table and can share our knowledge with those scouts that seek out people like you! All you need to do is sign up (no cost) and take the online Youth Protection Training (YPT)
Come on weekend camping trips! Adults are welcome to join in on the fun! (YPT and Troop registration is required)
Some of our committee members work behind the scenes and take care of the website, assist in the fundraising, etc...
Q: I want to be a leader, but I was not a scout as a youth. Can I still volunteer?
A: Yes, 100%! One of the great things about scouting is that we all learn things as we engage in the troop. We all bring different experiences and ideas.
Q: How often does the troop go camping?
A: Troop 76 camps once per month from September to June, then participates in Summer camp for a full week in July.
Winter months are typically in cabins, but fall and spring trips are in tents
January there is no trip as we participate in the Klondike Derby and hold our annual fundraising event
Q: Camping alone is a new experience for me. I want to go but since I can’t tent with my parents, can I tent with a fellow scout I am comfortable with?
A: Yes, and it is encouraged! Scouts typically have tent buddies, plus it makes it more fun! The troop has a couple of extra tents should one be needed!
Q: My special needs child wants to join Scouts BSA. What are the first steps?
A: Prior to joining a unit, the prospective Scout and his or her parents or guardians should meet with the unit leader to explain the prospective Scout’s individual needs.
The prospective Scout should be present at the pre-joining conference, so he or she, the parents or guardians, and unit leadership can define expectations
Many Scouts with disabilities can accomplish the basic skills of Scouting, but they may require extra time to learn them, and can apply for an Eligibility of Extension
Refer to the Scouts With Special Needs and Disabilities document for more detailed information
Q: I enjoy learning new things, and going camping, but I am not interested in ranking up. Can I still be a Scout?
A: Absolutely!! While rank advancement is encouraged, you are more than welcome to come enjoy the experiences and learn all about the scout skills!
Q: My daughter is in Ringwood Cub Pack 76 and wants to cross over into a Scouts BSA Troop. Can she join Troop 76?
A: Scouts BSA rules require that all troops be gender based, so girls need to join a female dedicated troop. There is not one in Ringwood at this time, so please reach out to our neighbors at West Milford Troop 44G