FAQs

What does it mean to be a Scout-led troop?

One major difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA is the shift from being parent-led to being scout-led. In a scout-led troop, the scouts develop leadership skills by planning, preparing, and facilitating their own activities. 

Each year, scouts in Troop 924 hold an annual planning meeting. Scouts identify activities they would each like to participate in, reach out to trained adult leaders who can support them in making the activities happen, and then it is the responsibility of the scout to work with their adult-in-charge for that activity to make it happen.

Each troop meeting is also planned and led by scouts. The Senior Patrol Leader works with Patrol Leaders during their monthly Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) to create and develop plans for weekly troop meetings. Scouts are responsible to make sure they have the necessary materials for each troop meeting.

In a scout-led troop we expect that scouts will sometimes make mistakes. Adult leaders are there to coach and guide the scouts as they develop their leadership abilities. However, as a troop we are committed to ensuring that scouts have hands-on opportunities to develop the ability to plan and lead successfully.

How often does Troop 924 go camping?

The number of times the troop goes camping in a year really depends on the interest level of the scouts who participate in the annual planning meeting. Scouts work with adult leaders to plan camping outings that match their interests. 

In recent years, Troop 924 has participated in all of the GGAC-led camping opportunities (Summer Camp at Royaneh, Camporee, Webelos Weekend, etc.). Additionally, our troop has typically gone camping 4-6 times per year.

Does Troop 924 participate in high-adventure trips?

Our troop regularly assembles crews of scouts that are of appropriate age and experience to attend BSA sponsored high adventure experiences. It is not uncommon to see our troop participating in trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico or the US Virgin Islands for Sea Base. 

How are activities funded?

Participation in weekly troop meetings does not require any additional cost to the scout. Individual participation in other activities (summer camp, campouts, trips, etc.) is funded either by the scout/parent themselves or through fundraising. In order to participate in all activities, it may be reasonable for a scout to expect to need to fundraise or pay between $500-$1000 for the year, depending on the activities he chooses to participate in.

Troop 924 has had several different fundraising opportunities over the last year including: trash and recycling cleanup at the Altamont Cruisers Car Show, holiday wreath sales, and Christmas tree recycling pick up. 

Are service projects a priority?

Like any other activities in a scout-led troop, this is dependent on the interests of the scouts registered in the troop. There are many ways for scouts to be involved in service in our local community.

Troop 924 works closely with our charter organization, American Legion Post 237, to participate in several service opportunities with veterans each year. For example, marching with American Legion Post 237 in the Veterans Day Parade, posting flags in a Memorial Day Ceremony, posting flags for veterans at the Pioneer Cemetery in Pleasanton.

In addition to service with our charter organization, scouts from Troop 924 have participated in many local Eagle Scout projects in Livermore. These have included activities like building landscape features for local recreational areas, creating informational facets to already existing displays at parks, improving buildings at centers of our community like Camp Arroyo and Hagemann Ranch, and making playgrounds and rooms better at our public and private schools. 

Like most of the troops in the area, Troop 924 also participates in Scouting for Food in November, collecting food donations for the Alameda County Food Bank. 

How big is Troop 924?

Troop 924 currently has about 30 registered scouts. 

Are youth and adult leaders trained?

All adult leaders are trained for their positions to the standards of the BSA. All youth leaders are trained by both adult leaders and experienced youth leaders. Systems and processes are in place to ensure that both the leader and the recipient benefit. 

What are some of your troop's core/signature events?

Some of our troop’s signature events include a customized scout skills camp for new scouts, exciting Rim Rover hikes to the highest peaks in the bay area, annual week-long experiences at the almost 100 year old Camp Royaneh- the oldest BSA camp in California and the second oldest west of the Mississippi, training in Winter Camp Awareness aboard the USS Hornet, and competing against other troops at Twin Valley District’s Camporee. 

Our support of the local VA and other endeavors geared toward supporting veterans is also core to our troop.

How many of your scouts have earned Eagle in the last few years?

While the goal of all scouts is to attain the rank of 1st Class, some scouts set their sights on earning the highest rank of Eagle. Because of its rigorous requirements and extra focus on planning and service, not all scouts earn this. From 2019-2023, our troop has seen 26 scouts earn the rank. The number of scouts each year varies with the level of interest and drive possessed by the scouts that join. 104 scouts from Troop 924 have earned the rank since the troop was formed in 1992. Each year, between 1 and 9 scouts typically earn the rank of Eagle. 

How are patrols organized?

Patrols are organized with a mix of younger and older, new and experienced scouts. The scouts in each patrol elect one scout to be the Patrol Leader, who gets supported by an adult Patrol Advisor. The Patrol Leader brings the scouts in his patrol together and guides their bonding so that skills and leadership can be experienced. Scouts develop a small unit founded on the ideals of scouting as well as fun and spirit. Adult leaders provide guidance if needed, but otherwise intervene only if there is a health or safety issue. 

How are merit badges managed/accomplished in your troop?

Merit badge study and counselor connection is approved by the Scoutmaster. Scouts manage their own progress as they work with their merit badge counselor. Once completed and approved by the counselor, scouts are responsible for reporting the completed merit badge to the Advancement Chair. The scout is then recognized at the next quarterly Court of Honor and is awarded the merit badge for display on his merit badge sash. 

What participation and training from parents is expected?

While the troop is scout-led, it cannot function without the support of parents. This support usually is needed in the areas of Assistant Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Members. 

ASMs work directly with scouts to help with their endeavors. These adults go through specific training to ensure the scouting aims and methods are followed with every interaction. 

Troop Committee Members help behind the scenes with things like fundraising, reserving facilities, managing money, ordering awards, providing snacks for events, and reviewing the progress of scouts per the rank requirements. 

As part of every adult’s training, Youth Protection Training, mandated reporter training, and a LiveScan background check are mandatory. 

Upon registering their scouts for Troop 924, at least one adult from each incoming family is expected to help and support in some capacity.