A PDF version of the Parent's Quickstart Guide can be downloaded HERE
Welcome to Scouting America’s (SA) Troop 599! We are excited to have you as part of our scouting family. We had a great year this season and are ready to make the next season even better!
This quickstart guide has all the important information you will need to familiarize yourself with everything Troop 599. It is designed for you, the parents in our unit, so please review it completely.
The scouts have worked hard during the off-season to put together the most appropriate and exciting program yet. Our troop Leadership is committed to exceeding your expectations in helping your scout(s) thrive. A true scouting adventure is awaiting your scout(s) at Troop 599!
We welcome your family to our troop family and look forward to many years of adventures, excitement and learning. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any reason; we are here to serve!
To reduce conflicts and errors, links are provided to the source of the information referenced in this document. In the event of any conflicts, the information contained in those sources supersede the information contained herein. This document is to be viewed as a "living document" subject to periodic review and change.
Additional and supplemental documents can be found at our web site: www.troop599miami.com
Troop 599 at a Glance
Contact Information: Here
Meetings: Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Norma Butler Bozzard Elementary
15950 SW 144th St, Miami, FL 33196
Advancement Tracking: Troop Master Software
Communication: Whatsapp chat groups
Handbooks & Uniforms: Miami Scout Shop
Troop Specific Gear: R&L Printing
Training: my.scouting.org
Website: http://www.troop599miami.com/
General email: info@troop599miami.com
Where does Troop 599 fit: part of the Everglades District of the South Florida Council
Chartered Organization: Kids 4 Kids Director: Beth Davis
Where does 599 Fit in the Scouting Picture?
Scouting BSA is owned by the National Council of Scouting America. It was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916 .
Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.
Scouting’s table of organization and troop 599 is:
1. Scouting America National Council
2. Council Service Territories
3. Local Council
4. District
5. Chartered Organization
6. Troop 599’s Unit Committee
· Scouting America National Council: located in Irving Texas
· Council Service Territory (CST): There are 16 CSTs. Troop 599 is in 16
· Local Council: Florida has nine councils. We are in the South Florida Council
· District: South Florida Council has 6 districts. We are in Everglades District
· Chartered Organization: Our chartered organization is Kids 4 Kids
Continue attending and participating in all meetings, activities and events with your scout! This is how you really get to know the other parents and scouts, grow the scout family bonds and support the Troop so that all the scouts realize all the benefits of scouting.
Your scout will need a handbook and Class-A uniform (Please do not purchase the Troop numbers or neckerchief from the scout shop). Uniforms & the handbook can be purchased at the Scout Shop. The Troop number and neckerchief can be purchased here, https://www.rlprinting.net/troop-599
In addition to email, the Troop uses the Whatsapp app for daily communications. Our Committee Chair will add you to the general chat and to any additional relevant chat groups. (there are separate groups for each patrol and for support functions like fundraising, camping, etc.).
Your application package will be reviewed by council to make sure that your scout and you are registered and fully compliant with BSA. As soon as your BSA IDs are issued, we will pass them along to you.
If you have not done so already, you should go to http://www.my.scouting.org/ and create an account. Here is where you will be able to complete your Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). I cannot stress enough the importance of completing SYT as soon as possible.
You will be added to our Scout management system (Troopmaster) and you will receive an email invitation to join. Using Troopmaster will enable you to view and track your Scout's progress on the web or you can also download the mobile app. Tutorial videos can be found Here
Once Council has processed your application, you should receive an invitation to join Scoutbook Plus. Scoutbook Plus is the BSA’s official tracking system. You are welcomed to join Scoutbook Plus and use it in conjunction with Troopmaster or you may choose to just stick with Troopmaster.
In order to maintain financial transparency and accountability, the Troop refrains from using cash in its transactions. Instead, the Troop uses the Square app for invoicing. All invoices are to be paid via the square app. Payments can be made by credit card or by cashapp through Square
Once entered into our system, our treasurer, will invoice you for the annual dues. The dues are used to cover the costs of the merit badges and other awards that your scout(s) will earn.
You are HIGHLY encouraged to spend some time on the Troop’s website. Here you will find the Troop calendar, photos of the most recent events, links to our Facebook page and Youtube channel and the Documents page has the information you will need to answer most, if not all, your questions.
Making sure that the scout gets to the meetings. Patrol and troop meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. However, parental involvement in the troop is highly encouraged. If a parent or guardian would like to be present during a troop meeting, they are welcomed to attend and observe.
Besides making sure that your scout makes it to the meetings, parents have five basic responsibilities.
1. Parents must attend all Courts of Honor. The Court of Honor is a very important moment in your scout’s scouting career as they are awarded and recognized for all their hard work and determination. In addition, important information about the troop is relayed at these special ceremonies.
2. Parents must participate in troop fundraisers. Fundraisers are the primary method of funding the troop. We publish a schedule that outlines time frames that scouts and a parent are responsible for working. If you are unable to attend a given time schedule, you can switch with other parents. Everyone’s involvement is required so that everyone benefits from fundraisers.
3. Parents must meet all deadlines and scheduled times. When we set a deadline on health forms, money, or any other item it is for supporting the troop and planning the success of the trip or activity.
4. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from activities and camping trips. Carpooling is highly encouraged when possible, so as to distribute the responsibility and fuel costs.
5. Parents are responsible for supporting their scout and all scouts as they advance in scouting. That support is extremely important; let them know your interest and support in their involvement in Scouting.
We encourage all parents to get involved. Remember, Scouting is a family-oriented organization. You can serve on the troop committee, support camping trips, become a merit badge counselor, or serve the troop in some other capacity. Periodically, supporting an activity requires special needs so if you have it and are available and able, please let us know.
So how do I get involved? Just ask! Ask any leader and they will make sure you are paired to a position that supports the troop.
-Registration fee is due annually and is set by the National Committee
-Scout Membership dues are $75 annually
-Campouts are around $30/person
-Class-B S/S T-Shirts are $20 ea.
-Class-A Uniforms: These are purchased through the scout shop and run on average of $150-$200 for an initial full set.
-Camping gear: Cost vary on brand and where purchased.
-We use the square app to invoice. You can pay via credit card. No cash is accepted. The treasurer can explain all the details about the fees, invoicing, and payments.
The single most important piece of equipment a Scout needs is the Scout Handbook followed by a Class-A uniform. Both can be purchased through the scout shop, the staff there can guide you to get exactly what you need. Troop specific items like the troop numbers and neckerchief can be purchased through our partners at R&L Printing
Our troop is active and likes to camp! For this, additional supplies and equipment will be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. You DO NOT have to purchase all of it, all at once since many of us have extra gear, but items for personal hygiene or that are part of the 10 essentials of scouting must be purchased before the first campout. 10 Essentials