Troop Parents

Welcome! When your son joins our troop, so too does your family—becoming part of the life-long, 100-year-strong, Troop 14 tradition. The Troop can’t succeed without the collective efforts of participating families.

Troop Parent Committee

When your son joined the Troop, you became a de-facto member of the Troop Committee. The committee meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month, except in the summer, at the same time as the Troop meeting, and in the same building. At least one parent from each scout family is expected to attend each month. Parents are encouraged to serve on the leadership group and subcommittees which help the Troop run smoothly. The Troop Committee oversees the operation of the Troop, reviews the finances, sets troop dues, reviews the outdoor program, helps in recruiting new Scouts, conducts hospitality for some troop events, runs the annual dinner, and reviews and approves Eagle Scout projects for prospective Eagle Scouts. It provides parents with a window into what their Scout is experiencing in the Troop. The most important function of the Troop Committee is to plan and provide transportation for troop outings. As an urban troop, Troop 14 must necessarily travel some distances to reach quality outdoor sites for our outings. Parent drivers provide transportation. All parents should plan to provide transportation at least two to three times during the scouting year.

Parent Participation

All Parents should expect to participate in the troop as a volunteer at some level. With an enrollment of up to 70 boys, the troop routinely draws 40-50 boys on the most popular outings. Parents should plan to provide transportation at least two to three times during the scouting year. In order to participate parents must register with the troop by filling out the BSA Adult Leader Application and paying adult volunteer dues.  

Every parent is also expected to participate in at least one outing per year AND spend one night at Camp Royaneh in the Summer. Parents are encouraged to help our senior scouts lead one of the troop outings. Contact our Outdoor Coordinator to ask about how you can help lead an outing.

At Camp Royaneh the Scoutmaster needs at least two parents in camp each day, in case an emergency arises. Parents must arrive by 7:00pm, and stay through 7:00pm the following day. There is a tent available for parents, or you may bring your own. You must also bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad, as non are provided. There is a bathroom with showers. Meals are provided in the Mess Hall. Your stay at Royaneh will give you an excellent chance to see your son in action as a Troop 14 Scout, and you will be able to enjoy some quiet time in the redwoods.

Patrol Parent Responsibilities

Troop 14 Patrol Leaders can do a better job with the advice and guidance of an adult.

Because the Patrol Leader’s parent is usually immediately available to the young man, we believe that person should serve as Patrol Parent.

Patrol parents must:

  1. Complete the Youth Protection Course, and be present during patrol meetings.

  2. Attend first Tuesday monthly Troop Committee Parent Meetings.

  3. Assist the Patrol Leader in arranging patrol activities and projects.

  4. Supervise patrol activities.

  5. Support the Patrol Leader by advising, assisting, problem-solving, and building morale.

  6. During Patrol Meetings, conduct the Advancement Conference for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class Scouts as outlined on advancement sheet. For these ranks, a parent is authorized to “sign off” on the advancement sheet, officially certifying that the Scout has fulfilled all the requirements needed advance.

  7. Patrol Leaders customarily offer a simple snack that parents may help confirm.

Safe Scouting and Youth Protection Training

All parents must complete the BSA required course called Youth Protection Training every 2 years your scout is in the troop. A parents YPT card is required for any involvement in troop outings, driving and/or merit badge counseling. It is a short online course you can find on the San Francisco Bay Area Council website, under the heading “Training.”

In addition, all Troop parents must complete Mandated Reporter Training (required by the State of California for all youth volunteer leaders) and submit a LiveScan fingerprint report.