What is Troop Track?

Our Troop uses an online application called TroopTrackΒ to manage all aspects of our Troop including events, communications, advancement, and more. Β (For those joining from Pack 457, TroopTrack is similar to Scoutbook with additional functionality and ease of use.)

Your TroopTrack account credentials are also used to access restricted sections of the Troop457Zelie.org website.

What other awards can I earn in Scouts BSA?

The BSA has many additional awards Scouts (and leaders) can earn while participating in the program.Β  Each of these awards has their own unique requirements, so we won’t cover them in the bootcamp. Scouts can earn additional awards such as:

  • Recruiter Strip (for those who recruit a new Scout to the Troop)
  • Religious Emblems for the Scout’s faith
  • Achievements in Swimming, Hiking, Canoeing and more such as “50-miler award” or the mile swim
  • Completion of additional Training such as Boardsailing, Lifeguard, or Standup Paddle Boarding.
  • Environmental recognition (i.e. EPA Award, Distinguished Conservation Service award)
  • And more

A full list of awards and requirements is available on Scouting.org.

Scouts who are interested in earning one of these awards should discuss their goals and objectives with the Scoutmaster who will guide them through the process of earning the award.

What is the Order of the Arrow and how can I get involved?

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s national camping honor society. It recognizes Scouts and Adult Leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well.

Members of the Order of the Arrow are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting impact to youth.

Scouts are elected to the Order by their peers in the Troop during a special election in the Spring.Β  Our Troop’s OA Members are a part of the Kuskitannee Lodge.

Eligibility

To be eligible for election, a Scout must:

  • Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
  • Have experienced 15 nights of camping while registered with a troop, crew, or ship within the two years immediately prior to the election. The 15 nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. Only five nights of the long-term camp may be credited toward the 15-night camping requirement; the balance of the camping (10 nights) must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps of, at most, three nights each. Ship nights may be counted as camping for Sea Scouts.
  • At the time of their election, youth must be under the age of 21, hold the Scouts BSA First Class rank, the Venturing Discovery Award, or the Sea Scout Ordinary rank or higher, and following approval by the Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor or Sea Scout Skipper, be elected by the youth members of their unit.

Adults (age 21 or older) who meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to and approval by the lodge adult selection committee.

Reference Information

How are youth leaders chosen?

Scout leadership positions are an important part of the youth-led Troop. Β In fact, Scouts must hold a Troop leadership position in order to complete requirements for theΒ Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks.

In Troop 457, all youth positions except for Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and Den Chief are elected by the Troop’s youth members for a six month term during elections in April/May and October/November. Β The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and Den Chief positions are appointed by the Scoutmaster for the same six month term.

See also: Troop Election Process

What youth leadership positions are available in the Troop?

There are three core leadership positions filled by Scouts in the Troop:

  • Senior Patrol Leader (“SPL”)Β – The SPL is the highest youth leadership position in the Troop. Β The Scout in this role is the primary link between the Scouts and the Troop’s adult leaders. Β He is responsible for leading meetings, events, activities, and the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
  • Assistant Senior PatrolΒ Leader (“ASPL”)Β – The ASPL is the second highest youth leadership position in the Troop and works closely with the SPL. Β The Scout in this role acts as the SPL in his absence and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the Troop.
  • Patrol Leader (“PL”) / Assistant Patrol LeaderΒ – The Patrol Leader leads his individual patrol’s meetings and activities and represents the patrol in the Patrol Leaders’ Council. Β He is assisted by the Assistant Patrol Leader.

These leaders are supported by additional leadership positions.

  • QuartermasterΒ – Troop’s supply boss who keeps an inventory of Troop equipment and making sure it is all in good condition.
  • ScribeΒ /Β WebmasterΒ – The Troop’sΒ secretary who takes attendance, records discussions at the Patrol Leader’s Council meetings, and updating information in TroopTrack.
  • Chaplain AideΒ – Serves the religious needs of the Troop including leading the closing prayer and mealtime blessings.
  • LibrarianΒ – Maintains the Troop’s library of merit badge pamphlets and other literature and tracking who has borrowed them.
  • Troop GuideΒ – Helps to lead and mentor new Scouts when they join the Troop.
  • Den ChiefΒ – Helps assist Den Leaders from our Cub Scout Pack and encourages Cub Scouts to continue in the Troop after crossing over.
  • HistorianΒ – Collects and preserves Troop photographs, news stories, and other memorabilia.
  • InstructorΒ – An older Scout who helps teach skills to others.
  • BuglerΒ – A Scout who plays a bugle or similar instrument to mark key moments in troop meetings and activities.
  • Order of the Arrow RepresentativeΒ – Act as a communication link and membership promotor between the Troop and our local Order of the Arrow lodge.
  • Outdoor Ethics GuideΒ – Promotes following the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! Principles and helps the Troop to enact these principles at Troop activities and events.
  • Junior Assistant ScoutmasterΒ – An older Scout with outstanding leadership skills that acts as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

The Troop’s Scout leaders meet monthly during the Patrol Leaders’ Council (“PLC”) meeting. Β The PLC is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings; the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, all Patrol Leaders, and any Troop Guides. The PLC also plans the yearly Troop program at the annual Troop program planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month. Β Troop 457’s PLC meeting takes place at 6PM on the third-Tuesday of the month.

What is the BSA swim test and when is it required?

Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat guidelines tailor activities to swimming ability. The BSA requires that adults and youth participating in aquatic activities to undergo a Swim Test to evaluate their swimming skills and determine what activities are appropriate.

Swim Classifications

The BSA Swim Test is administered by an Aquatics Instructor, BSA; BSA Lifeguard; BSA Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc.Β  Participants start the swim test and are classified based on their ability to complete the following requirements:

  • SWIMMER’S TEST:
    • Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming.
    • Swim 75yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl;
    • then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back stroke.
    • The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn.
    • After completing the swim, rest by floating.
  • BEGINNER’S TEST:
    • Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off,
    • swim 25 feet on the surface,stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.
  • NON SWIMMER: Anyone who has not completed the beginner or swimmer tests is classified as a nonswimmer.

Participants must recertify annually.Β  The Troop typically organizes a swim test in the Spring and June for Scouts to complete the Swim Test requirements prior to Summer Camp.Β  Scouts who do not complete the test before arriving at camp can complete it at camp.

How do I request an immunization exemption?

Documented medical conditions that prevent safe administration of immunizations can be documented on the Annual Health and Medical Record.

You may also request an exemption using this request:Β Immunization Exemption Request.

The Immunization Exemption request will typically not impact the individual’s ability to participate in Den and Pack activities.Β  However, the individual requesting an exemption may be prohibited from participating in some Council or other activities considered higher risk.

How do I complete the BSA Health Form?

We work hard to keep our Scouts and other program participants safe during our events, but sometimes injuries happen. Scouts are required to complete an Annual Health & Medical FormΒ every yearΒ so that our Leaders have the information and authorization they need to address any health issues that may arise.

Download a Copy of the Health Form

Download a copy of the BSA Health Form using the button below.Β  This form is the official Annual Health and Medical Record of the Boy Scouts of America. It is not valid if modified or altered. This includes deleting or crossing out sections.

Download BSA Health Form

PRO TIP
The form is designed to be completed electronically. If possible, enter the required data in the electronic version before you print it for signatures. This helps to keep the form legible and you can save the completed electronic copy for easier update in future years.

There are three parts to the BSA Health Form:

  • Part A: Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization
  • Part B: General Information/Health History
  • Part C: Pre-Participation Physical

Parts A & B are required to participate in any Scouting event and can be completed by a parent or guardian. Β Part C is required for any resident campers or for events of 72 hours or more. Β Part C must be completed by a certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Completing Part A (Page 1)

Part A of the BSA Health Form is focused on providing the Troop and the BSA with consent for the individual to participate in Scouting activities, releases the BSA from claims that could result from participating in Scouting activities, and authorizes the Troop and the BSA to deliver all or some of the Scouting program to the individual.

  • Page Header
    • Enter the individual’s Full Name and Date of Birth in the specified fields.
    • The High-adventure base participants section does not need to be completed.
    • Duplicate this information on all subsequent pages (If you are completing this form electronically, this information will be populated on all subsequent pages.)
  • Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization
    • Read the content of this section.
    • If you do not want your Scout to use a BB device, check the box next to Checking this box indicates you DO NOT want your child to use a BB device.
    • If you wish to restrict the activities the individual can participate in, list them in the section titledΒ List participant restrictions, if any.
    • If the individual has no restrictions, check the box markedΒ None.
    • You will complete the Participant and Parent / Guardian Signatures in a future step.
  • Adults Authorized / Not Authorized to take youth to and from events.
    • This section identifies the adults who are or are not permitted to take Scouts to or from events. Include yourself as an authorized Adult.Β  The Pack will only let authorized adults pickup a Scout after an event.Β  For Council events (i.e. Day Camp), the individual picking the Scouts up from the eventΒ mustΒ be listed in this section.

Complete Part B (Pages 2 & 3)

Part B1 (page 2) of the BSA Health Form gathers general information about the individual and a health history. Part B2 (page 3) continues gathering information about the individual’s health history including information about allergies, medications, and immunizations.

  • General Information
    • Populate the fields listed in the document.Β  Enter the following information for the Β Unit Leader and Council / unit information:
      • Unit Leader: Tim Maloney
      • Unit Leader Mobile #: Β (Check TroopTrack for this information)
      • Council Name/No: Moraine Trails Council (500)
      • Unit No: Troop 457
    • Include the name of the individual’s Health/Accident Insurance Company and Policy Number as well as a photocopy/scan of both sides of the individual’s insurance card.Β  (Some insurance providers allow you to download a PDF copy of your insurance card which can be included with your Health Form submission.)
    • For the emergency contact, we encourage you list an individual who is less likely to be attending events with the individual.
  • Health History
    • Check the Yes or No box next to each condition to indicate whether the individual has (Yes) or does not have (No) the condition.
    • If you check Yes, explain the condition in the space provided.Β  Note that some conditions have additional questions that should be answered if they apply.
    • If you need additional space to explain a condition or to answer the last two questions (list surgeries / hospitalizations and other medical conditions not listed), attach additional pages to the completed health form.
  • Allergies / Medications: Complete the fields in this section.Β  Be sure to do the following:
    • If the questions doesn’t apply to the individual, be sure to check NO to the question.
    • If the individual has allergies, provide additional specifics in the provided space or attach additional pages to provide details.
    • If the individual does NOT routinely take medication, you should check the Check here if no medications are routinely taken option.
    • Attach additional pages if you need more space to list medications but be sure to check the If additional space is needed, please list on a separate sheet and attach option.
    • The Yes/No option below the medication listing is authorization for BSA Leaders to administer non-prescription medication to the individual.
      • Marking NO prohibits BSA Leaders from administering non-prescription medication.
      • Marking YES allows BSA Leaders to administer non-prescription medication.
      • You can limit the non-prescription medication that can be administered by listing them in the space marked Non-prescription medication administration is authorized with these exceptions.
    • For Youth Only: If you list any prescription medications or authorize non-prescription medication, a parent must sign in the location marked Administration of the above medications is approved for youth by.
  • Immunization:
    • The BSA requires that participants have a tetanus immunization received within the last 10 years.Β  All other immunizations are recommended by not required.Β  (See also How do I request an immunization exemption?)
    • Check off whether the individual has (YES) or has not (NO) received the immunization.
    • If the individual has had the disease (regardless of vaccination status), list the date of the infection.
    • List the dates of the individual received the immunization in the space provided.
    • Exemption to immunization:If the individual is would like to be considered exempt from the immunization requirements, check YES and see How do I request an immunization exemption? for additional instructions.
    • NOTE:Β  You may attach a copy of the individual’s immunization record to support this section, however you must populate the Yes / No and Had Disease items in this section.
  • Additional Medical History
    • There is a small box on the right side of the form where you can capture any additional information about the individual’s medical history.
    • Add any additional information that may be relevant to how the individual participates in the Scouting program.
    • Attach additional documentation as necessary.

Complete Part C

Part C of the health form requires a medical professional to complete a physical for the individual. The BSA requires that the form be completed by certified and licensed physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.

PRO TIP
Bring Part C with you to your Scout’s annual well visit.

Print, Sign, and Submit

If you completed the form electronically, print it out so if can be signed.

  • For Youth:
    • Have the Youth sign and dateΒ the document on Page 1 under the Participant’s Signature.
    • Have a parent or guardian sign and date the document on Page 1 under the Parent/guardian Signature for youth.
    • Have the Youth sign and dateΒ the document on Page 1 under the Participant’s Signature.
    • If any prescription medications were listed or administration of non-prescription medication were authorized, the parent/guardian should also sign the location marked Administration of the above medications is approved for youth by on page 3.
  • For Adults: Sign and date the document on Page 1 under the Participant’s Signature.

You can submit the completed and signed forms and any additional supporting documentation as a scanned or a hard copy to any adult Troop Leader.

Submission Checklist

When you submit the form, make sure the following is true:

  • All information is complete and accurate to the bet of your knowledge
  • You included all three/four pages of the Health Form.
  • All required fields are populated.
  • The appropriate signatures are on page 1 and (if necessary) page 3.
  • You included a copy ofΒ both sides if the individual’s insurance card.
  • You include any relevant supporting documentation (i.e. immunization record, immunization exemption request, additional medications, additional explanations for the medical history)

Do I need a pair of Scouts BSA Uniform pants / shorts?

No. The official Scouts BSA uniform pants / shorts are encouraged but not required.

Scouts should always wear pants / shorts that are neat, match the uniform, and are weather/activity appropriate.Β  Appropriate pants / shorts include:

  • Jeans
  • Khaki or Olive Green pants/shorts

The following are not appropriate pants / shorts when wearing the Class A uniform:

  • Athletic shorts
  • Sweatpants

What is a Scouts BSA Handbook and where can I get one?

The Troop provides Scouts with their handbook at the first meeting they attend after joining the Troop. Β The Handbook provides important information about Scouting and the skills Scouts need to demonstrate to complete rank requirements.

The Scouts BSA handbook is also a Scout’s primary record keeping tool. Β Rank requirements are physically signed off in the handbook and pages are also provided for Scouts to track service hours, hiking miles, and camping nights.

Scouts should bring their handbook toΒ all Troop events and activities so completed advancement requirements, service hours, hiking miles, and camping nights can be signed off by authorized signers (more on this topic in the Advancement module)

Marking Your Handbook

Every Scout in the Troop and at Scouting events has a copy of the Scouts BSA handbook and they all look the same. Β We recommend that you take some time as soon as you get a handbookΒ to write your name in several places.

  • One of the first pages in a Scouts BSA Handbook provides you a location to write your name and contact information.
  • We also have Scouts use a permanent Sharpie marker to write their name on the head, fore edge, and tail (the sides) of your book so you can quickly identify it is yours.

Protecting Your Handbook

The Scouts BSA Handbook is the Scout’s advancement record. Β Therefore, it is important to take care of it and protect it. Β Make sure you have labeled your book, know where it is, don’t leave it in the rain or where it can be lost.

Consider purchasing a Handbook CoverΒ or similar product to limit the Handbook’s exposure to the elements.

Add to cart