Troop 52 is a Scout-led program

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Coach your scout to communicate directly with his patrol leader and adult leaders in the troop is not only efficient, but it also teaches your Scout initiative and how to interact with senior Scouts and adults. I recommend doing this through Scoutbook by creating an account for your scout so that a parent is always copied on the communication (to comply with Youth Protection policies of two-deep leadership). 

Scoutbook is THE record for your scout’s advancements and achievements. The Scouts BSA Handbook is great for capturing signoffs or notes at campouts or other events, but it is NOT the official record so make sure your scout is transferring the signoffs into Scoutbook as appropriate (see more below).

Use the org chart in the parent’s section to find adult and scout position leaders (this is helpful for communications on advancement, merit badges, etc.) https://troop52lakeway.us/org-chart

You will use the troop store to buy not only merchandise but also to pay dues and activity/campout fees.  IMPORTANT NOTE: When buying things from the Troop store (https://troop52lakeway.us/store) be sure to hit the “continue” button from the checkout screen once you’ve filled in the information or you will not be able to complete your purchase.

Another tip is to create an account and always login when you plan to order something.  That way, you can always access your order history if you need to including fees you've paid for campouts, etc.

I HIGHLY recommend your Scout attend Summer Camp. This is by far the best way for your Scout to earn merit badges and complete rank requirements toward Eagle Scout. I can also say the best memories I have of Scouting are from Summer Camp.

Scouting is a scout-led program but does not thrive without help from adults/parents.  Even if you have no experience in scouting, you can be a valuable contributor to the legacy of Troop 52 and the success of the scouts.  Please consider volunteering https://troop52lakeway.us/volunteer-opportunities.

We are always looking for feedback.  Please be open and honest and bring your concerns, suggestions, questions to us at a parent meeting.  Parent meetings is also a great way to learn more about what the Troop is planning and to help shape those plans directly by providing your feedback.  Parent meetings are usually held on Tuesdays following campouts or major events.  You can see what Parent Meetings or other events are comping up by referring to https://advancements.scouting.org/calendar

Parent’s tutorial on accessing Scoutbook (NOTE: you should already have an account setup from the email provided in the adult section of the Youth Application): https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/knowledge-base/scoutbook-tutorial-for-parents/

Give your Scout access to Scoutbook (NOTE: only a parent is allowed to do this and your scout is not setup with access automatically); there is a guide here that walks you through the process https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/knowledge-base/how-do-i-give-my-scout-access-to-their-account/#:~:text=The%20parent%20should%20login%20to,will%20be%20sent%20to%20them.

You can use Scoutbook Plus (https://advancements.scouting.org/) vs. the “old” Scoutbook but it’s really only helpful for viewing your scout’s progress at a glance and interacting with the Calendar and RSVP-ing for specific events.

Most of the “work” you and your Scout will do is in the Advancement section of your Scouts profile in Scoutbook – Rank Advancements and Merit Badges.  The features and functions of Scoutbook can be difficult to use when first learning, so bring your questions to adult leaders in the Troop if you need assistance...don't be afraid to ask.

Go to My Dashboard -> Messages -> Send a Message

Select relevant Leaders, Parents and/or Scouts

The message content is at the very bottom of the page

I recommend using BCC if you are sending to a large group

IMPORTANT NOTE: if your scout is sending a note to an adult, they must copy another adult or scout and I recommend the scout copy a parent - this is a requirement of two-deep leadership

There are more than 135 merit badges and your Scout can earn them at any time, however, I recommend your Scout not purposefully focus on earning merit badges early on in his scouting career.  Instead, he should focus on his rank advancement toward First Class. There will be plenty of opportunity to earn merit badges at campouts and other merit-badge focused events. A full list of merit badges and what is expected of your Scout: https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/

If your Scout is interested in a merit badge or has learned or demonstrated requirements toward a merit badge, I would recommend “starting” a merit badge in Scoutbook using the “Start a Merit Badge” at the bottom of the Rank Advancement page.  Your scout, a parent or other leader in the troop can signify completion of merit badge requirements, but each requirement must be reviewed and signed off by an assigned merit badge counselor.

In order to earn merit badges, you need to have an assigned merit badge counselor for each merit badge.  Your Scout should reach out to the ASM for the patrol OR directly to the merit badge coordinator to request the assignment.  You can see the assigned merit badge counselor under the advancement section of Scoutbook.  NOTE: for Troop 52, we assign merit badge counselors who are not the parent of the scout.

Your Scout should communicate directly with the merit badge counselor assigned to the merit badge. You can see this assignment at the top of the page of the merit badge requirements page in Scoutbook.  Use Scoutbook to initiate communication and be sure your Scout is copying you or another Scouter or Scout in their communications with the merit badge counselor.

I HIGHLY recommend your Scout complete a merit badge worksheet as they complete requirements especially for those he is doing on his own. This will not only provide a record of the completion of requirements but notes the Scout can use when conducting reviews with the merit badge counselor. A full list of worksheets: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/list.asp

Some merit badges like Swimming are usually earned at summer camp as it is difficult to coordinate the proper resources for these types of merit badges.  Some Eagle-required merit badges like Camping, Hiking, Cycling or Cooking require significant planning and coordination, so I recommend starting to at least thinking about how to complete some of these requirements ahead of time.  A merit badge counselor can assist in planning.

A+ Federal Credit Union offers instruction for the Personal Management merit badge (an Eagle required merit badge). They cover all ten requirements through a combination of online webinars and an online classroom, including the 13-week budget. The program runs three times a year – Spring, Summer, and Fall. Your Scout can sign up here: https://aplusfcu.org/about-us/youth-programs/boy-scouts Please note: upon completion, your Scout will still need to meet with a qualified merit badge counselor to sign off on completion.

UT Merit Badge University (UTMBU) is offered every year by the The University of Texas's oldest co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and co-sponsored by the UT Longhorn Center for Community Engagement.  This one day event allows Scouts access to hundreds of professionals who lead merit badge sessions across a number of different domains.  https://www.facebook.com/utmbu/

Some merit badges can be done at school. For example, PE can be used towards earning the Personal Fitness merit badge by carefully document PE activities in a log, ensuring to include details like exercises performed, duration, intensity, and any progress you make in key areas like cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Your Scout should review his PE program with a qualified merit badge counselor to ensure it aligns with the requirements and effectively contributes to achieving the badge goals.