Check it out on our website called Troop Web Host (TWH). Parents and scouts should also download the App version of this site from your app store. You will be provided a login and password from our membership coordinator after confirming your intent to join the unit.
TWH is a login-required site where the troop maintains a detailed, annual calendar of all meeting, outings and activities. This site also holds our financial information where scouting families can upload funds to their scout accounts to pay for events and dues. Troop 217 also used TWH for advancement by allowing Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) app privileges to sign off scout requirements which then get periodically updated to Scouting America’s Scoutbook+ website.
Who do I contact?
Scouting is scout-led. Scouts are led by the “Senior Patrol Leader” (SPL) and “Assistant Senior Patrol Leader” (ASPL). Everyone is grouped into a “patrol” which is led by a “Patrol Leader.” The first point of contact to find out what is going on is for your scout to contact their Patrol Leader and then the SPL. Adults and scouts should also feel comfortable contacting the ASM assigned to their patrol as well. Those adult contact emails are listed on our Troop Contacts page in the “for Parents” homepage menu. Scout leadership positions are elected twice a year and typically in February and August.
The troop communicates primarily via email using the TWH website and app so it is critical to make sure you and your scout have an accurate email address listed in TWH when you get your login approved. *** Please do NOT list a school-provided email address in TWH as they tend to block inbound emails and will hinder communication.
**** Parents, if your scout is not ready for or is not currently allowed to have their own email address, please list your email as their contact in TWH. However, it is imperative that you and your scout work out a system that allows the scout to be aware of inbound email directed to them and a system through which they can respond using your account.
Who are the Scouts and Scouters?
“Scouts” are the youth members of the troop and “Scouters” are the registered & trained adult volunteers
What paperwork do I need to turn in?
Membership application CLICK HERE. This link will allow scouts AND adults to join the troop. Adults are encouraged to join the troop which would allow them to attend events and overnight campouts with the unit. *** If you are joining the troop from another unit and may or may not already have a scouting ID number…..please reach out to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson first. That will allow us to initiate a “transfer” membership.
For adults who want to camp with the troop, please fill out an adult application. Everyone who camps with the troop will need to take the free Online Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) course and turn in a PDF copy of the course to the Advancement Chairperson by email or in person. This training is located at My.Scouting.org and will require you to create an account. This site will house all other adult training modules you may need in the future as well, depending on the roles to decide to take on.
Every member (adult and scout) participating in scouting activities must turn in the BSA Medical Form’ CLICK HERE TO PRINT. These forms are mandatory and should be given to the Scoutmaster or our Medical Forms coordinator during one of your first scout meetings.
Part A & B must be completed for all normal scouting activities and can be signed by the parent or guardian
Part C must be completed by a doctor (or equivalent) and is turned in before summer camp or any activity longer than 72 hours
Copy of the front and back of your health insurance card
*** It is highly recommended to complete Part C as early in the year as possible and in concert with your (your child’s) annual checkup. Pro tip: bring this part C form to that annual visit each year and have your medical professional sign it on the spot during the appointment.
How much does it cost to participate in the troop?
Troop 217 does not currently choose to fundraise by selling popcorn, meat sticks or other community services like many other units may do. We advertise our unit as a “pay as you go” unit where families pre-load funds to their online accounts with our Treasurer. When scouts and scouters sign up for calendar events that require a fee (camporee, summer camp, etc) those fees are then pulled from the previously uploaded funds. Additional costs, considered out of pocket, will include the divided shared meal costs for each patrol, depending on the menu items they choose to cook for each campout. Meal costs for a typical campout run between $15–$20. For backpacking outings, each person brings their own backpacking (Mountain House, for example) style meals which run approximately $8-$10 each and can be purchased at Costco, Walmart, Target, REI, Cabela’s and even online at Amazon.
Big-ticket costs throughout the year are summer camp (usually in July) which varies based on our camp location but usually costs around $500 and Winter Camp held at Camp Shepard (Jan-Mar) and is usually $300. An annual “costs to participate” document is available and updated annually.
Annual Scouting America Membership Fees (set by Scouting America):
Membership costs are due when joining the scouting organization (national) and then annually thereafter. Email reminders are sent about 90 days prior to expiration.
$85 for Scout participants + $40 to our Pacific Harbor Council
$40 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
Troop 217 also collects annual dues for scouts only and those funds help to continue the program with campsite and summer camp reservation fees, troop camping gear used by all scouts and reimbursement to adult drivers on outings greater than 50miles. The troop also uses that money to replace and repair troop gear. Dues are $150 annually and charged to your online accounts twice a year at end-of-December ($75) and end-of-June ($75).
Uniform – Uniforms (Class A) can be purchased at the Scout Shop in Tacoma. Minimum basic uniform items include the khaki Class A uniform shirt, sew-on digits 2, 1 and 7 for our local unit and a scoutbook. It is highly recommended to purchase a canvas scoutbook cover. *** A neckerchief is not required and will be provided by the troop. Scouts are also not required to purchase a scout ballcap or green pants/skirt/skort if desired. It is recommended to purchase those items online at Amazon or your favorite clothing outlet. Scoutshop prices tend to be fairly high.
A class B (t-shirt) is highly encouraged as well and can be purchased online through our troop website under the parent section label Activity Uniforms and Merch. There are tons of other items (sweatshirts, hats, mugs, etc) that are all optional. **** The shirt sizes tend to run a little small so consider up-sizing your order or confirm with the vendor online before purchase.
Summer Camp – The troop travels to a summer camp every year usually in July. Summer camp is a CRITICAL part of advancement where they get lots of detailed scouting experience and earn needed merit badges that are harder to earn the rest of the year like Swimming, Citizenship, and Emergency Prep. The cost of this camp is usually around $500 per scout each year and approximately $250 for adults, but if we go on a big trip, then the costs can be higher. We definitely need parents to become scouters and consider attending summer camp and other outings throughout the year.
**** We want ALL scouts to have the opportunity to attend Summer Camp each year. If there is a financial hardship or concern that my prevent your scout from attending, please please reach out to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson and we can confidentially come up with a solution to get your scout to camp!!!
What is the Troop Committee?
One important way you can help your scout is by participating on the Troop Committee. The Scout Troop Committee is responsible for conducting the business of the troop, setting policy, and helping the Scoutmaster and Scouts with the outdoor program and other planned activities. The committee also has the responsibility to provide adults for boards of review. This is an important responsibility and is one area where help is always needed and appreciated. The committee consists of parent volunteers who fulfill various roles on the committee.
What is a “Court of Honor”?
Check the calendar to see when the next Court of Honor will be held. We typically hold them in May and October. This is a family event where we see what the scouts have earned over the last few months since the last court of honor. They will be presented merit badges and rank advancements along with any special awards. Typically we have a potluck dinner coordinated by the SPL and their staff with lots of food and it’s a great time to meet the other families.
When you are getting started, there are questions that come up while you are learning the new system. Always feel free to reach out to your PL, ASPL or ASM. They are there to help guide you in your scouting journey. Parents, always feel free to contact your scout’s ASM and the Scoutmaster. The Committee Chairperson and any other adult volunteer will be happy to help with your scouting journey.
