In the past …
Our troop would track everything by excel spreadsheet. This worked but not very efficient when multiple leaders wanted to contribute information to the spreadsheet, it made it difficult when we wanted to share information and have it all in one place. Everyone has their own way of keeping track of things.
A few years ago we found Scoutbook online tracking. Some other troops in the area had started using it and said that it made tracking easier.
So I got a free version sent up and start working with it. It was difficult at first, trying to find how to add scouts or move them around between patrols. It was frustrating to say the least, but I kept at it and little by little things started to come together. This was before BSA bought the software. When BSA took over the software we purchased the troop volume package. The adult leaders that work with dates that scouts rank and scouts birth dates really like the software.
Not to long ago Scoutbook was able to link up to the internet advancement reports. This has been a game changer. We are still updating rank advancements and awards through the old advancement report even though we are using Scoutbook. The adult leaders want to make sure everything is synchronizing before we stop using the old report.
I went in a couple of weeks ago and was able to get a PO from Scoutbook, I was so excited. Our advancement Coordinator’s son received his Eagle not to long ago, so I know he may be leaving us soon, and with Scoutbook up and running, I think it well is easier for a new parent to step into the role of advancement coordinator.
The best thing I have found…
Is when it comes to taking attendance at the meetings and outings. I just log into my Scoutbook account from my phone, since I am an administrator, give my phone to the scout scribe and he takes attendance right on line. No more keeping attendance in a log book. The scouts would forget half the time to take attendance anyway, now with an electronic device, they are asking me for my phone to take attendance. It is nice they are taking the initiative to do their duties.
One thing that our troop has not done is moved all the medical form dates to Scoutbook yet. I think it will good once we get it all in there. Also, from what I am reading on line, it looks like BSA is looking into place parents can download a copy of their medical form. This would be great, so I don’t have to carry around a big binder of medical forms with me everywhere we go.
If you are interested in checking out Scoutbook, just click on the link. Once, you get used to the navigation I think you will really like it.
Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions, I will get back with you as soon as I can. Have a great day!
Yours in Scouting,
Irene
PS. Check out my story here.