New Parent Information

Welcome New Parents,

Welcome to Troop 97! The objective of the BSA program is to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness qualities among youth by focusing on a program of outdoor activities. Troop 97's program is built around weekend camping trips, backpacking hikes, and an annual week-long hike into the Sierras. We also have many other year-round activities from our Annual Pancake Breakfast to the Calico Shoot Out.

We strive to let the boys run their own program as much as possible. Leadership is one of the more important skills that the scouting program teaches. The boys conduct the weekly Troop meetings and take an active role in leading the weekend activities.

The parents are expected to provide guidance for the boys and help with driving, trip planning, providing adult supervision, etc.). BSA regulations require a minimum of two adults on most activities. For safely reasons, we require at least three adults on each backpacking activity.

The Troop is sponsored by Morningside Presbyterian Church and you are invited to join this group of parents by coming to the Troop Committee meetings. There is no cost.

The Troop Committee meets at 7:00 pm on the second Monday of the month at Morningside Presbyterian Church (corner of Dorothy Lane and Raymond Ave). All parents are encouraged to come, find out what is going on, and get involved. You can join the Troop Committee by simply indicating your desire to be a member. It is parent participation that makes Troop 97 go. Find something that you can do and do it!

First Step

Fill out a membership application. Then fill out and sign the troop's Medical Release form. Copies of this form are carried with us on all outings to be used in the event of medical emergencies. We require a signed form before your son will be allowed to go on an outing without you. The form is valid for only one year

The Annual registration fee is $94.00 (for one Scout and one adult) as is payable in November. If you join before November, the registration is pro-rated. A year's subscription to Boy's Life is included with your Annual dues.

At least one adult per family must register with their son.

Second Step

After registering, you will need to get your son a uniform if he doesn't already have one. Uniforms are available locally at the Orange County Scout Shop and the Costa Mesa Scout Shop. See the Uniforms page for what you will need to buy and the locations of these stores.

Work with your son to understand the joining requirements (see page 4 of the Boy Scout Handbook ). When he is ready, he should contact the Scoutmaster and demonstrate his mastery of these requirements. He will then be presented with the rank of Scout.

Troop Meetings

Troop meetings are on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Morningside Presbyterian Church. Your son should come dressed in his Scout shirt, pants, belt (see the Uniforms page) and bring his Scout Handbook to get various requirements signed off as he completes them. To prevent confusion, be sure your son's name is in his book.

You are encouraged to come and participate in the meetings too. Help out when you can, learn a skill with your son, or just kick back and observe. Consider sharing your knowledge with the troop. Some of the more memorable meetings have involved a parent teaching a skill or giving a talk.

Patrol Leader planning meetings are held the last Monday of each month. These are the nights that the Scout leadership plans future meetings. Your son should come only if he is a Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, or specifically directed by the Scoutmaster.

Courts of Honor

Plan on attending the next Court of Honor. Check the calendar for the exact date.

Courts are planned as a social event for the entire family to honor the Scout for the work he has accomplished. Scouts should be in full uniform.

Activities

A Permission Slip will be circulated during regular Troop meetings preceding the camping trip or hike. Only people on who turn in their Permission Slips can go on the hike.

Departing

Weekend camping trips or hikes start at Morningside Presbyterian Church. If it is a Friday night departure, either eat dinner before going to Morningside Presbyterian or bring a sack dinner to eat on the way. If it is a Saturday morning departure, eat breakfast before going to Morningside Presbyterian Church.

Returning

Upon return to town, one of the adult drivers will call you and let you know when you can pick up your son from Morningside Presbyterian Church.

Fees

We aim the keep each activity self-supporting.

	Weekend camping trips and hikes usually cost from $15-45, which covers driving (gas), campsite fees, and food expenses. These fees are collected with the Permission Slips. Please send exact change with your son.
	Your son should also carry some lunch money since we usually stop for a fast food lunch on the way home.
	Summer Camp fees are set by the camp and vary from camp to camp. The camp usually imposes a set payment schedule. We will let you know.
	Sierra Hike fees varies. This trip is for mature Scouts. Age and size do not matter.

Fund Raisers

Some of the fund raiser we do each year include Scout-O-Rama, Pancake Breakfast and Popcorn Sales.

Backpacking Equipment

If your son progresses in his backpacking skills, he will need a good sleeping bag, backpack, hiking boots, etc. We recommend good quality equipment that will last a lifetime. If you have to purchase everything, the cost should be between $300 and $500. Borrowing equipment and shopping sales can bring the cost down substantially.

Each member in Troop 97 gets one free copy of the "Equipment Guide for Weekend Hikes," which is published exclusively by the Troop. Please consult this guide before buying any equipment. It can save you money and will guide you in selecting the right equipment to make backpacking a pleasurable experience.

Camperships

Camperships are available for those needing them. We don't want any boy to miss out on Scouting due to a financial hardship. Please consult with the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee chairman for details. All Camperships are strictly confidential.

Printed Information

The latest calendar, roster, and nearly all other printed information are available at the Troop meeting or on Troop 97 web site.

Your Commitment

Both Moms and Dads are welcome to participate. Your time and energy is needed to keep the program alive and fresh.

Boy Scouts is NOT a baby sitting organization

For starters, all adults need to attend Youth Protection Training. It takes only one hour and is available every monht and online. We can also schedule a special session just for our troop. Other training is available and is highly encouraged. Adult Training classes include:

	Scout Adult Leader Training (SALT)
	Backpack Awareness
	Wood Badge
	Roundtable

Lists of jobs, from very small to very large, are available.Check out the Adult Jobs page and see what you can do to help. Note that the list is just a starting point. Find something you can do to make the program better!