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Scoutbook FAQ



  • Scoutbook
  • 1
    I'm a parent... what do I need to know?

    10-01-2015
    Scoutbook is an internet-based tool that the troop uses for keeping track of our members’ contact information, training, and advancement progress.  We also use it as a communication tool to send messages to each other, publish the troop calendar, and share information via group forums.
    Each scout has a profile and advancement record which is maintained by the troop and the national BSA organization.  As parents, you can participate by:
    • Keeping your personal profile up-to-date (e.g. email address, which is where you will receive most troop communication)
    • Keeping your scout(s) profile(s) up-to-date.  It’s important that each scout’s full name and date of birth matches those in the national BSA system (as submitted on the membership application) so that advancement is properly tracked.
    • Deciding whether your scout(s) should have his own login to Scoutbook.  We recommend this, since it allows the scout to enter his own advancement progress and connect with merit badge counselors, his patrol leader, etc.  In order for a scout to login to Scoutbook, the parent must supply the scout’s email address (the troop will not automatically do this).  The parent will be automatically copied on any Scoutbook messages that the scout receives.
    • Entering and monitoring advancement progress.  You or your scout can mark off requirements as ‘completed’.  While each requirement must be approved by a scout leader before advancement is awarded, Scoutbook can help you keep track of what remains to be done to complete various ranks and merit badges.  Requirements you’ve marked as completed have a green checkmark.  Uploading notes, pictures, etc can help you get approval for the requirement.
    • Prior to a Board of Review, your son must have the requirements approved (’signed off’) by a Scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster.  This is referred to as a ’Scoutmaster Conference’ and is similar to having the scout’s paper book signed off.  Once approved, the requirements will have a blue checkmark.  When all requirements for a rank have been approved, the scout will be awarded the rank, and the requirements will be marked with gold checkmarks.
    • The boys' progress is recognized at a periodic Court of Honor.  In order to be included in a Court of Honor, the advancement requirements must be approved (blue checkmarks) and, for Merit Badges, signed blue cards submitted to the Advancement Coordinator
  • 2
    How do I start a new Merit Badge?

    10-01-2015

    To start a merit badge, the scout (or parent) chooses the merit badge from the list in Scoutbook.

    • The Scoutmaster will assign a merit badge counselor who will be responsible for working with your son to accomplish and approve the requirements of the badge.  You can optionally ‘connect’ to the merit badge counselor on Scoutbook, which will allow your son to receive messages from the counselor.
    • As your son progresses through the requirements, mark them as completed and enter any notes, pictures, videos, etc that show the work completed.
    • When the merit badge is completed, make sure the merit badge counselor has approved all requirements (all blue checkmarks).
    • In order to be awarded the badge, you MUST submit a signed ‘blue card’ to the Advancement Coordinator(s), just as you have in the past.  Optionally, you can put a blank blue card into your printer and print the card using Scoutbook; however the signed paper card must be turned in.
  • 3
    My first time in Scoutbook... what do I do?

    10-01-2015

    If you received an invitation via email, use that information to log in to Scoutbook.

    You can also sign up for a free Scoutbook account on your own, and you will see our troop on the system.  However, if you do this, please contact us because you need to be accepted into the troop's subscription in order to fully participate.

    Once you have logged in, please:

    • Verify your profile information (email address, address, etc). Adding a profile picture is optional, but it will help us 'put a face with the name' in our rather large troop.
    • Verify your scout(s) profile information, and email address if you want them to receive troop email messages.
    • Review your son(s) advancement, camping, service, hiking, and award records.  Enter any missing information; Tell us if you notice any incorrect information in ranks or merit badge awards.

    There is a video introduction to scoutbook that will help you navigate the system.

    For additional help with Scoutbook, refer to https://www.scoutbook.com/mobile/help/, or contact us

  • 4
    Adding a new scout (for membership committee)

    10-01-2015

    Refer to this video tutorial

  • 5
    Can I add an extra email address to Scoutbook?

    06-05-2015

    Yes!
    Parents are able to add additional connections for their scout(s): for example, another parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparents who are interested in the scout's progress.
    To to this, log into Scoutbook and choose the scout from the 'My Family' part of the dashboard. From the scout's home menu, choose 'Connections', and then click 'Add'.

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