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FOR NEW SCOUTS

The Troop 109 Handbook provides much more detailed information on the organization, functioning, and planning for the troop.

 

Boys are eligible to join Boy Scouts if they have received the Arrow of Light Award as a Cub Scout OR are at least 11 years old OR have completed 5th grade. Completion of initial application form and payment of annual dues are required to join. Boys who are members can go on outings without a parent. We welcome visitors and nonmembers to participate with us on outdoor activities (but they must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult).

 

To join Troop 109, ALL boys must complete this initial application [BSA Youth Application].

 

The troop only functions because of the dedication and hard work of the adult leaders. If you are an adult who would like to support Troop 109 in a variety of ways, please complete the adult application form. ALL parents are encouraged to be active in the troop [BSA Adult Application].

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What Does the Troop Provide?

When a new scout joins, T109 provides

  • Neckerchief (troop colors) and slide

  • Troop "109" numbers

  • Troop Class B T-shirt

 

T109 will also provide patrol patches, merit badges, and rank patches (when earned).

BSA Uniform Guidelines -- Want to know where to put those badges? This will show you were everything goes. We STRONGLY recommend BADGE MAGIC (adhesive application for uniforms); as scouts advance, rank badges need to be changed (and GOOF OFF can do this easily).

What to Buy?

Each T109 Scout needs to purchase the following:

  • The Boy Scout Handbook -- to be used as a resource and for advancement. We recommend the spiral bound book.

  • Boy Scout shirt (consider buying it a bit larger, to "grow into").

  • Scouting pants (see note below)

  • Green Sash for merit badges (again buy the larger size)

  • Pacific Skyline Council patch

  • Loops for both shoulders

  • World Crest

  • This (along with BADGE MAGIC) can be obtained at:

    • Palo Alto Trading Post, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 327-5900

    • Peninsula Scout Shop, 1150 Chess Drive, Foster City (650) 358-0588

 

Scouting (or similar matching) pants or shorts should accompany the shirt. Often, olive or khaki pants that a scout owns already is sufficient. You can purchase pants from the scout store or other retailers like REI. They just need to be a shade of olive green. Recommend getting convertible pants. 

 

Hours vary at the Boy Scout stores (e.g. Palo alto Trading Post is closed on Saturdays) so do call ahead.

 

New scouts should speak to T109 adult leaders before purchasing other equipment (e.g. tents, sleeping bags, backpacking gear, etc.). Such equipment can sometimes be borrowed, or useful advice can be given in regards to utility and value.

Meetings

Troop meetings are usually the first Tuesday of each month (during the school year) at the Hillview Middle School library (1100 Elder Street, Menlo Park). Meetings run from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Parents may stay at the meeting (which is encouraged) and participate in the adult Troop Committee meeting.

 

Scouts should attend as many meetings as possible, and wear their uniform and matching pants (with shirts tucked in).

Planning

The scouts of Troop 109 lead the troop and organize activities. The scout leaders meet on the last Tuesday of each month at the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meeting. The troop is also divided into patrols, with scout leaders for each patrol. Please see the T109 Handbook for more information.

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Troop 109 has a Scoutmaster and several Assistant Scoutmasters, who provide support and guidance to the scout leaders. In addition, there is an adult Troop Committee that helps divide responsibilities among adult leaders.

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