Communication is Key

Communications

Communications between scouts, scouters, parents, and outside are critical to the success of the Troop’s and BSA’s program. While we communicate in many ways daily, sometimes without conscious thought it is important that EVERYONE involved understand the methods and policies of how we do that safely and effectively. Communications within the troop and outside of the troop must follow the Scouting BSA rules and policies. These can be grouped into electronic communications and interpersonal methods. Refer to the BSA Youth Protection policies [1] and BSA Social Media policies.

Rallyhood
Troop 158 official communication portal and calendar.

What is required for access? Since Rallyhood this is a secured portal. You need to ask for an invite by asking the Scoutmaster to send you an invitation via email.
Main Troop 158 Dashboard Depending on what you are involved in, they will be given access to individual “rallies” within the site. As an example, there is access to Troop 158’s main rally, as well as the Troop committee, or summer camp rally.
Troop 158 Rally Within the Main Troop 158 Rally, you will have access to the most recent message, upcoming events, and secured pictures.
Calendar Within the Troop 158 Rally, the calendar will provide information on upcoming events, camp outs and meetings. Scouts will need to RSVP to events thru the Rallyhood website.
Messages Within Rallyhood is an archive of all messages applicable to this specific Rally. As an example, this is a view of the Rally’s under the main Troop 158 Rally.
Files Files will include all forms such as Medical forms and permission forms for scouts and adults.

Scoutbook
This is the official BSA website for tracking scout’s involvement and advancement.

How to access When a new scout joins their parents are automatically sent an email to join. Parents are then asked to create an account and to link their scout to the account. They will then need to invite their scout to the account.
Marking off completions This will allow scouts to see exactly what they have done, and what is needed. They can also mark off items they have completed. Scouts and parents are encouraged to go into Scoutbook regularly and mark off their completions rather than waiting until the end. After a scout has successfully completed this achievement, a leader will officially mark him as completed in the system. Scouts and parents can say something is done but it is not official until a leader approves it.
Merit Badges and Rank requirements This website is also used for tracking all Merit Badges. Scouts can log in to request permission to begin a Merit Badge and to mark off items as they get approved by their counselor.
Other Scoutbook benefits Since Scoutbook is directly linked to the BSA this is where a scout’s other achievements will be recorded as well. This includes a scout’s position of responsibility; camping; hiking and service hours. Keeping up with this information is also helpful when a scout is working on his Eagle Project Binder.

Discord App
Scouts use Discord for online conferencing and discussions relating to troop and patrol activities. They have a dedicated Troop site for their communications.