The Boy Scout Handbook

Each new Scout is also required to have The Boy Scout Handbook as soon as possible after joining the Troop. Both Scouts and Parents should become familiar with the contents of the Boy Scout Handbook, as it will provide answers to many questions.

The Boy Scout Handbook is also a key part of our Advancement Program. It provides the current requirements that a Scout will need to meet in order to advance in rank. It also covers Scout Skill Awards and several key merit badges. As a Scout advances in rank, Adult Leaders will date and sign off on the completion of each requirement in the Handbook. Over time this book will become a valuable record of the Scout’s achievements and will be used to satisfy the participation requirements for each rank.

Scouts should bring their books to each Troop Meeting. We stress to the Scouts to take good care of their books as they have to last them a long time, and the records of achievement they contain are critical to each Scout’s personal advancement through the ranks. We also recommend buying a protective cover.

You can purchase a Boy Scout Handbook at Sport Chalet in Stevenson Ranch: 25560 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA, 91381 (661) 253-3883; or at the Boy Scout Shop in Van Nuys: 16525 Sherman Way, Unit #C-8, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 781-1296.

The Troop provides each Scout with “Boys Scout Record Keeping Worksheets”. We recommend placing the worksheets in plastic page protectors and maintain the worksheets in a three ring notebook. This notebook is as critical to the tracking of the Scout’s achievements/activities as is The Boy Scout Handbook. We also recommend purchasing trading card plastic sleeves to store merit badge blue cards and Rank Advancement cards in this notebook.

See Also

• Advancement Program
• Troop Meetings
• Parent Responsibilities