For Troop 394 families
Resources
Everything you need in one place, forms, official links, dues, fundraising, and a checklist for brand new families.
Forms and official links
Health forms, permission slips, Scoutbook and the council’s own pages are in the members’ area, so families have one place to look rather than two.
Open the members’ areaNew family guide
The first month is the confusing one. Here is the whole list, in order, nothing on it is expensive and most of it is free.
Every new family is paired with a veteran family for their first three months. Ask them the small questions; that is what they are there for.
- 1Attend a troop meeting, no forms needed
- 2Complete the BSA youth application (we hand you one at your first meeting)
- 3Fill out Annual Health & Medical Record Parts A and B
- 4Buy a Scouts BSA Handbook, the only day-one purchase
- 5Create a Scoutbook login for the parent and the Scout
- 6Get a field uniform shirt, neckerchief, and slide before the first Court of Honor
- 7Borrow a pack and sleeping bag from the troop for the first two campouts
- 8At least one parent: take Youth Protection Training (free, 90 minutes, online)
- 9Join the troop email list and the parent group chat
- 10Put the next campout on your family calendar
Dues & fundraising
Scouting is one of the least expensive youth activities there is, and no Scout in Troop 394 has ever been turned away over money.
Registration
$109
That covers national and council registration. Campouts are paid per trip and summer camp is billed by the camp. If cost is a problem, tell the Scoutmaster.
Popcorn sale
September – NovemberThe council's flagship fundraiser. A Scout's commission goes straight into their own account for camp fees and gear.
Wreath & greenery sale
November – DecemberRuns alongside popcorn. Historically our best per-hour return for Scouts who prefer a short season.
Spring service fundraiser
AprilThe troop takes on a paid work project, yard clean-ups or an event crew, and splits proceeds into Scout accounts.
Scout accounts. A Scout’s fundraising commission goes into their own account and can be spent on dues, campouts, summer camp, or gear. A motivated Scout can fund their entire year.
Council & district
Troop 394 is chartered in the Pioneer District of the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, which serves North San Jose, Santa Clara, Western San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Redwood Estates.
Straight from the troop's own list
What to pack
The troop has used this list for years. Borrow before you buy anything.
In your pocket
- Nylon cord, about 25 feet
- Matches in a waterproof case
- Pocket knife
- Compass
- Whistle
- Map of the area
- Signed permission slip
- Any personal prescription medicine
Camping kit
- Pack with a hip belt that actually fits
- Waterproof pack cover or a large bin bag
- Sleeping bag rated to 20°F, in a stuff sack
- Foam sleeping pad
- Tent with a ground cloth
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- One to two litres of water
- Personal first aid kit
- Bowl, cup, spoon and fork
Clothing
- Rain jacket and rain trousers
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Wool or hiking socks
- Long trousers and a shirt
- Long thermal underwear unless it is warm
- Fleece or wool sweater
- Warm hat and gloves
Leave at home
- Radios, games consoles, and anything with a screen
- Sheath knives
- Hatchets, axes, and saws
- Umbrellas
- Fireworks
Bring your own tent, share with another Scout, or ask your Patrol Leader for a troop tent.
Local shops
Where families buy gear
Several of these give Scouts a discount. Ask at the till and show the uniform.
Scout Shop
Uniforms, handbooks, and insignia
San Jose
Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods
Long-running local outfitter
San Jose
Sports Basement
Packs, bags, and boots
Sunnyvale and Campbell
REI
Co-op member dividend on what you buy
Mountain View and San Jose
Still can't find it?
The committee would rather answer a question twice than have a family miss a deadline. Email us and we will point you at the right form.