considering JOINING Troop 74?

We are really looking forward to meeting and welcoming you into our Troop!

Here are some important things to know:

Time Commitment

• The Troop generally meets weekly on Monday nights, except during holiday periods.

• We usually have 1-2 outings/activities per month, mostly on weekends.

• Parents/Guardians usually meet once a month during Troop meetings to keep up-to-date and plan activities/outings.

• Each Parent/Guardian is expected to fill a position that benefits the Troop.  Besides the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters roles, there are many options that keep the Troop going such as Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, Merit Badge Counselors, and so on.

• Our troop fundraising happens once a year at the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival where we have a booth that serves grilled sausages and falafel sandwiches.  The festival is usually held a weekend in mid-September.  Since this is our only opportunity to raise funds, it is a requirement that all families (scouts and parents) participate in running the booth for that weekend.  

Costs

• We try to keep our costs low to prevent finances from becoming a barrier to membership.  If cost is a concern for a Scout, please let us know.

• Each Scout needs to obtain a "Class A" Uniform, which includes Shirt/Patches (approx. $50), Pants ($50), Slider ($7), Belt ($14), Socks ($10), and a BSA Handbook ($18).  These can be obtained at the local Council Scout Shop in San Jose, or the online Scout Shop.  Neckerchiefs are provided by the Troop.  The "Class B" Uniform (Black Troop 74 T-shirt) is provided by the Troop.

• The Registration costs during the 2021-2022 calendar year were:  BSA National Registration Fees ($72), Local Council Fees ($12), and Troop Fees ($7).

• Outings/Activity Fees are collected on a per-event basis from those who attend to cover the cost of the event.  Many events (local hikes/bike rides) are free or minimal (e.g. parking/admission fees). Longer events, such as camping weekends typically run $50 for food/supplies.  A recent Rock Climbing outing was $30.  A Ropes Course/Zip Line adventure might run $80.  Attendance at events/outings is always encouraged but not mandatory.

• As mentioned above, we typically do only a single yearly fundraiser (Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival) to cover shared Troop costs and equipment.  (No Popcorn Sales!)

Applications/PaperWork

• Whether transferring from another Pack/Troop or this is your first Scouting experience, all Scouts must fill out a Youth Application for Troop 74, either on paper or online at beascout.scouting.org.  If you choose online, you must let us know right away so that we can acknowledge and accept the application before it expires.  (Notifications of new applications have been spotty.)

• Adults wishing to serve in Leadership Roles must fill out an Adult Application, undergo the standard BSA background check, and complete California mandated AB506 training. Most positions that directly interface with Scouts require adults to be a Registered Adult Volunteer.  Examples include Committee Chair, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster, Drivers, Chaperones, etc.  The California Scouting website has full instructions on how to comply with these requirements.  (Effective September 1, 2023:  All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee-required position.)  

• Each person going on an Activity/Outing should fill out Form 680-001_AB (most trips) or 680-001_ABC (longer trips like resident camps or trips over 72 hours).  (Helpful hint:  download/fill out/save the PDF.  Reprinting the filled out form will save you time.)

  1. Part A:  Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization

  2. Part B1/B2:  General Information/Health History

  3. Part C:  Pre-Participation Physical

Communications

• We use an email list for all Troop communications, so when you join the troop, be sure to subscribe to the list so that you're always up-to-date with our news and activity updates.  Subscription instructions will be supplied upon joining.

Youth Protection

• Each Parent/Guardian/Adult Volunteer must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training (YPT), regardless of whether you will serve as a Registered Adult Volunteer.  This training must be taken every two years, and covers the barriers to abuse that the BSA has developed (e.g. "Two-Deep Leadership"), and also how you should communicate with other scouts.  These guidelines are a very important part of keeping our kids in the troop safe. 

• California State Assembly Bill (AB506) now requires all registered volunteers and staff of Youth Service Organizations such as Scouts BSA complete training in child abuse and neglect reporting, and also undergo Live Scan background checks  (i.e. digital fingerprinting).  The California Scouting website has full instructions on how to comply with the new requirements.