Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Just send a quick email to our Scoutmaster at T88Scoutmaster@gmail.com to introduce yourself. Come to one of our Wednesday troop meetings and meet the community for yourself.

How We Behave: Raising capable humans takes a village. This troop is a community effort, not a drop-off babysitting service. Please get involved, especially our moms and female guardians. Scouting reflects the energy we pour into it. Be patient with the process and kind to each other.

Inclusive on Purpose: We welcome all religions, ethnicities, and genders. Youth register with the troop they identify with (T88 or T2088). We also provide options for mixed-gender patrols upon request. We work directly with you to accommodate neurodiversity.

We meet at the Forest Hill Association Clubhouse (381 Magellan Ave). Having a consistent routine gives youth much-needed structure. Meetings follow this schedule:

• 7:00 - 7:30 PM: Pre-meeting Advancement. Youth manage their own progress, demonstrate skills to senior Scouts, and secure handbook sign-offs.
• 7:30 - 7:50 PM: Opening Ceremony.
• 7:50 - 8:20 PM: Meeting Activities. Parents grab a coffee and step out.
• 8:20 - 8:30 PM: Announcements and Closing Ceremony (Scoutmaster Minute & Troop Clap). Parents, you need to be in the room for this part.

Facility Respect: We have met at the clubhouse for over a century. Youth must respect the space and the neighbors. We leave the building cleaner than we found it. Report any damage directly to the Scoutmasters.

We disguise hard work and character development as epic outdoor fun. Our predictable rhythm helps you manage your family calendar:

• 1st Weekend: Daytrips
• 2nd Weekend: Community Service
• 3rd Weekend: Overnighters / Campouts

We also attend Summer Camp at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. This trip is a massive game-changer for their independence and drives higher retention. Camp 2026 runs from Saturday, June 20th to Sunday, June 27th. Mark your calendars for the mandatory pre-camp overnighter on Saturday, May 30th at Camp Herms.

Logistics & Parent Roles:

• ✓ RSVPs Matter: RSVPs dictate food purchases, carpools, and gear loads. Late cancellations mean you still cover the expenses incurred.
• ✓ Manage Communications & Schedules: Most of the scouts are not ready to manage regular communications and have no idea what is on their calendar. Definitely help them with this, but take it as a learning opportunity and try to have them do the work. 
• ✓ Parents on Campouts: We love having you, but you must register as an Adult Leader for insurance compliance. It is not necessary to become an Assistant Scout Master (though we would definitely encourage it!).
• ✓ Stepping Back: Try to avoid helping your scouts while on outings. Redirect them to their Patrol Leader when they need help. It allows the older scouts to lead and teach the skills.

Gear & Packing Rules:

• ✓ The Basics: Scout 10 Essentials, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, toiletries, reusable mess kit, and the Field Uniform worn over the Activity Uniform.
• ✓ Footwear: Trail runners are ideal for dry hikes. For snow, proper snow boots are mandatory. Waterproof hiking boots will not prevent cold feet.
• ✓ NO COTTON: Cotton traps cold sweat and leads to hypothermia. Pack synthetic materials or wool.
• ✓ The Scout Packs the Gear: Do not pack for your kids. Doing so robs them of a crucial life skill. They must pack their own bag so they know exactly what they have. Aim for 10% to 20% of their body weight, 30% is the safety maximum. Label every single item.

Troop 88 is Scout-Led and Adult-Guided. The Scouts run the troop and manage the activities. It will look messy sometimes. We prioritize the learning process over producing a perfect final product.

Adults provide the safety net, resources, and mentorship. We challenge you to step back, resist the urge to fix every problem, and allow safe failure. When they forget their rain gear, the reality of a damp trip teaches a lesson a parent’s nagging never could. This builds true resilience.

“None of us is as good as all of us” - Ray Kroc

Patrol Method: We operate on the Patrol Method. New Scouts start together under the leadership of the Troop Guide in new scout patrol. But they are quickly folded into one of the existing mixed-age patrols guided by a Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is elected by their peers and directs the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) to plan all activities.

Philosophy: Do not treat Scouting as a resume builder for college. Join for the community and character growth. It is absolutely not a race. We focus entirely on what they learn along the way, not how fast they finish.

The "Blue Card" Merit Badge Process:

1. Choose: The Scout selects a Merit Badge.
2. Request: The Scout emails the Scoutmaster to open a digital card and assign a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC).
3. Connect: The Scout contacts the MBC to start.
4. Work: The Scout completes the requirements with the MBC.
5. Finish: The Counselor logs the final sign-off in Scoutbook.

Scoutmaster Conferences & Boards of Review: The Scout takes the reins here. They must verify their requirements are complete and schedule time with the Scoutmaster and Advancement Chair. Boards of Review are meaningful conversations about their journey, not pop quizzes. Show up in the full Official Field Uniform.

Where to buy: Pick these up at the Scout Shops in Alameda, Foster City, or San Rafael. Always check with the Scoutmaster first to see if we have recycled troop inventory in their size.

We are in this together. Scouting relies entirely on the volunteer energy we bring. We ask for an average commitment of about 4 hours per month. The adult job is to provide a safe environment and handle logistics. 

For safety, we strictly enforce Two-Deep Leadership (a minimum of 2 registered Adult Leaders at every activity). We urgently need more female leaders! We absolutely need female adults present whenever female youth are attending.

Safe Communications: No one-on-one contact is allowed. Keep communications visible. Copy another adult or parent on every email or text sent to a Scout.

See this guide to get started as a registered adult volunteer. To become a registered adult volunteer, you must:

• Complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) annually.
• Complete CA AB-506 Mandated Reporter Training (one-time).
• Clear Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Budgeting for extracurriculars is a headache. We offer Scouterships to ensure finances never block a Scout from participating. Typical expenses include:

• Annual Dues: ~$350 (Includes Troop, Council, and National fees. Mid-year starts are prorated).
• Campouts: $10–$80 per trip to cover tickets, food, and gas.
• Summer Camp: $700–$1,400 per year.

Payments run securely via Zelle to t88treasurer@gmail.com.

Medical forms are required for all overnight activities:

• Events less than 72 hours: Parts A, B1, and B2.
• Events more than 72 hours: Parts A, B1, B2, and C.

Common Mistakes to avoid: Check "Yes" or "No" for Non-Prescription Meds (leaving this blank is the most frequent error!). Write down the date of your last Tetanus shot. Attach the official immunization record directly from your doctor. Include a clear copy of your insurance card (Front and Back).

Permission slips are required if your scout is attending an activity without you. Print one from TroopTrack already filled out for you to sign and hand in: