Q: How much of a time commitment is this?
A: As much as you want it to be. We have weekly meetings, and generally at least one weekend event per month. All activities are optional. You get out what you put in. The Scouts have a lot of fun, so the more you participate, the more fun you will have. Most Scouts in Troop 50 go all the way and earn the rank of Eagle Scout, but this is not required. Earning Eagle is a tremendous accomplishment that helps Scouts grow and will be an honor to carry with them their entire lives. Eagle Scouts are often recognized highly by peers, adults, colleges, job applications/resumes, etc. Scouting builds experiences that last a lifetime. It's much more than just camping. Check out the rest of the web site to see what other activities we enjoy.
Q: What do the parents have to do?
A: At least one parent needs to register with the Boy Scouts as an Adult participant and take a 75 minute online basic "Youth Protection Training" course (safety protocols). Parents are highly encouraged to attend a parent meeting every first Wednesday night of each month at Lucie Stern where parents discuss plans and activities. Beyond that, parents are encouraged to volunteer to help with running activities and other roles that help keep the troop running smoothly. Mostly this means bringing snacks to meetings, driving Scouts to events, and at least two adults are needed on every outing.
Q: How do I join?
A: See the "Join Our Troop" page.
Q: What about uniforms?
A: Visit the Scout Shop at the Lucie Stern Center. Robert there can help you get everything you need. Full "Class A" uniform is shirt, pants, socks, belt, neckerchief and slide. We use the standard BSA dark red neckerchief. Uniform shirt and neckerchief should be worn to every meeting, but full uniforms are encouraged (Shirt, Neckerchief, Pants, Belt). Uniforms are usually not worn on activities unless specified (e.g. Memorial Day Flag planting, Summer Camp Oljato, church service, while selling wreaths, etc.)
Q: What do I need for the meetings besides a uniform?
A: Be sure to get a Boy Scout Handbook and bring it to every meeting. This book tracks all rank advancement.
Q: What happens at meetings?
A: The Scouts meet the first Sunday of every month at Palo Alto Pizza Co. on Park Ave. off California Ave. to plan each month's meetings. Generally for a month with four weeks, there are two activity meetings for experiencing Scout skills, and two advancement meetings where Scouts work on rank requirements. Fun is always a priority, and often times games are used as vehicles to practice skills, or just to enjoy a non-Scout-specific game with friends.
There are always snacks at the end of every meeting (provided by parent volunteers).