New Family Guide
This page collects the practical information families need most often after joining the troop.
Families are required to complete 15 volunteer hours annually between November 1 and
October 31. Adult help makes it possible for the troop to provide a safe, active, youth-led program.
Uniform Guide
Scouts and leaders wear the uniform for troop meetings, travel, Boards of Review, Courts of Honor,
ceremonies, and other designated activities.
- Local Scout Shop: 12300 Parc Crest Dr #130, Stafford, TX 77477.
- Required: BSA uniform shirt with insignia and olive epaulets, olive pants or
shorts, belt, Scout Handbook with zippered cover, merit badge sash, and sash pin.
- Recommended: Closed-toe shoes for all activities, hiking shoes for campouts,
and Troop 38 or BSA caps for outdoor use.
- Do not wear with Class A: Gym shorts, sweatpants, camouflage shorts or pants,
or non-Scouting hats.
Camping Basics
Camping is one of Troop 38's main activities. The troop maintains shared equipment, while Scouts are
responsible for caring for the gear they use.
- Troop tents must be taken home, cleaned, dried fully, and returned in good condition.
- Patrols use troop camp stoves and cookware.
- A designated patrol member buys food based on the Patrol Leader's menu and submits receipts for
reimbursement.
- Scouts who commit to a trip may still be responsible for trip fees if they cannot attend.
- If a Scout requires medication, complete the Scout Medication Log and turn it in with the
medication to the event lead.
Communication & Trackers
To keep the troop organized, families should know where to find updates and advancement information.
- Scoutbook: Used by BSA for tracking advancement, merit badges, and rank
requirements. Families can also receive longer troop communications through Scoutbook email.
- Private Facebook Group: Used for quick updates and photo sharing among verified
parents and leaders.
- Troop Website & Calendar: The first place to check for events, forms, processes,
advancement information, and troop resources.
Scoutbook Tips
The Scout handbook is the official record for rank advancement, but Scoutbook helps families monitor
what has been processed and approved.
- Parents or Scouts may enter completed handbook rank requirements for their own tracking, except
Star and Life.
- Do not mark merit badge or award requirements complete unless directed by troop advancement
leadership or a merit badge counselor.
- After submitting a completed merit badge application, check Scoutbook after about 5-7 days to
confirm processing.
Payments & Reimbursements
Event payments are typically due one week before an event unless registration instructions say
otherwise. Scouts should be current on troop fees before registering for new events.
- Checks: Payable to Troop 38.
- Zelle: Send to troop38treasurer@gmail.com.
- Memo: Include the Scout's name and event for Zelle and checks.
- Reimbursements: Submit receipts and the troop expense form to the treasurer.