In March, all five of Piedmont’s Scout Troops will host open houses for 5th and 6th grade students and parents to come and experience what each troop has to offer. This year, Scouts is adding 3 information sessions for parents to learn more prior to that process to 1) help you decide if you want to attend the open houses and 2) provide some tips for getting the most out of the open houses and making the best decision for your family. While each session is targeted to a specific elementary school, all are welcome to any parents of 5th graders and 6th graders. March of 5th grade is the time when the vast majority of girls and boys join Scout Troops. About half of the 5th graders that join Troops have been in Cub Scouts, and half are entirely new to the program. 6th graders can also join at this time.

• Beach: February 11, 7:30 pm; home of Beach parent (and Cub Scout leader) Michael Gross; 175 Ronada Ave., Piedmont; Click here to RSVP and to add to your calendar

• Havens: February 12, 7:30 pm; home of Glen Tripp & Lauren Dutton; 8 Langdon Ct., Piedmont; Click here to RSVP and to add to your calendar.

• Wildwood: February 13, 7:30 pm; Piedmont Scout office; 10 Highland Way, Piedmont; Click here to RSVP and to add to your calendar.

We will answer your questions and cover as many of the following as possible:

• What is it like for girls to be in Scout Troops? (Scouting has welcomed all children for several years now, and Piedmont’s program is already 30% female).

• My family has no experience in the outdoors. Will you teach my child? Will you really get them off their phone?

• How can my child balance Scouts with sports, academics, robotics, etc?

• What’s with the uniforms?

• How does Scouts develop leadership, executive functioning, and social skills?

• How do students with learning differences thrive in Scouts?

• How does Scouts create inclusive environments for all kids (regardless of differences in race, sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs, learning and physical abilities, and income)?

• How does Scouts make sure my child is safe?

• How does Scouts facilitate multi-age friendships and connection?

• How are 5th- 12th-grade Scout Troops different from Cub Scout Packs?

• How should we use the upcoming Troop Open House process to make the best troop decision for our family?

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Glen Tripp glentripp@gmail.com 510-393-9208