troop 1 faq
new to scouting?
the scout uniform
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scout oath and law
The Scout Law has twelve points, and each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
troop 1 cheerScout meetings, patrol meetings, and ceremonies are traditionally closed with the Troop 1 cheer! Hip-su rah-su, teddy boom bah-su Eye-skitty, eye-sky, chicka-boom-bah. Teddy-roo, teddy-rah, teddy-rummy-dummy, fummy-dummy, SIS-boom-BAH. Troop number 1 RAH RAH RAH! |
the scout ranks
Scouts pass through six ranks to attain Eagle (the highest rank in Scouting). While each rank has specific requirements, several are common to all: show Scout Spirit, and participate in a Board of Review and a Scoutmaster Conference.
Some ranks require Scouts to hold a leadership position, and many badges require a minimum number of merit badges to be earned while working on that rank, as well as service hours. Scouts track rank advancement in their Scout Handbook. Requirements through First Class can be signed off in the handbook by the Scout's patrol leader or the Scoutmaster or ASM. Requirements for ranks Star, Life, and Eagle can only be signed off by the Scoutmaster, ASM, or a Troop 1 Eagle Scout. Find the requirements for each Scout rank HERE
Find Piedmont Council's Eagle rank guide HERE
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merit badges
A merit badge is an award presented to a Scout that reflects achievements -- "requirements" -- in a particular subject area.
Some badges are required to advance to Eagle rank, while others are purely designed to help Scouts explore any number of interests they have in more than 100 subjects! Learn more about how Scouts in Troop 1 work toward merit badges on the Merit Badge page HERE. Curious about which badges are the most popular -- and which are the rarest earned -- across the US? Check out Scouting Magazine's annual ranking HERE. 
Some merit badges have only a handful of requirements and can be wrapped up in a day (or less!). Others, like Cooking, Personal Fitness, and Personal Management, require tracking and logging activities over weeks or months. Remember, it's okay to take your time!
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boards of review & scoutmaster conference
When a Scout has completed requirements for a rank, they are ready for a Board of Review and Scoutmaster Conference. In Troop 1 we review the Scout Spirit requirement for every rank at the Scoutmaster Conference.
The BoR is a conversation between adult leaders and individual Scouts to talk about what Scouts have done, what they’ve learned and how they’re enjoying the program. It is not a test, exam, or formal interview. BoRs also provide Scouts a chance to provide feedback to adults about what they are enjoying and what they might change in troop activities. The Scoutmaster conference is an opportunity for the Scout to meet with the Scoutmaster to reflect on what the Scout has accomplished and what they are expecting as they advance in rank. Scouts who anticipate being ready for the next scheduled BoR should tell the Scoutmaster as soon as they can. Keep an eye on your email! About a month prior to the scheduled September, January, or May Courts of Honor an adult leader from the Advancement Committee will also post to the Google Group asking all Scouts planning to attend a Board of Review to RSVP. |
courts of honor
Courts of Honor are celebrations of Scouting achievement and accomplishment and are held three times a year. Scouts can bring family and friends as guests for a potluck dinner followed by a ceremony that is programmed and presented by Scouts of all ranks.
Scouts advancing rank receive their new rank badge at the Court of Honor and Scouts who have earned merit badges will receive these too. Each May Troop 1 holds a "MacTavish Court of Honor" BBQ outdoors.
Behind the scenes of the Court of Honor, adult leaders help Scouts celebrate their hard work. The Advancement Committee tracks and orders badges and patches, and the Events Committee reserves event space and organizes the potluck. |
service
Service is integral to Scouting and speaks directly to living by the Scouting principles and the Scout Oath and Law.
Troop 1 Scouts volunteer with a range of local organizations, including the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the National Park Service. The troop also participates in various local service projects such as working at the Piedmont Council Tree Lot and supporting the annual Piedmont "Lights Up" community celebration in December. Scouts from Troop 1 and other troops and councils can also assist fellow Scouts who are completing Eagle projects and need construction crews or other help. |
outings
Troop 1 Scouts and adult leaders organize day hikes and overnight camping trips throughout the school year. Over summer and during school breaks, the troop plans longer hiking trips.
Come to meetings, check the Google calendar, read Troop 1's Google Group email, and ask your fellow Scouts to keep tabs on what's planned. All sign-ups for outings are in Troopmaster. Download packing guidelines and required medical forms HERE. |
equipment
Scouting aims to be accessible to youth regardless of financial circumstances. You are welcome to use your own tent on outings, but tents are also provided by troop as needed. Annual dues also cover all outdoor equipment shared by the troop, including stoves, gas, and cooking equipment.
Scouts should have their own mess kit, backpack, and sleeping bag. A sleeping mat is recommended. Download packing guidelines and required medical forms HERE. |