New families

Welcome to Troop 443!

We are glad you are interested in joining us. Here is what new scouts and families need to know to get started.

Your First Meeting

Just show up! The troop meets every Tuesday, 7:15–8:15 pm at the Filipino United Church, Sunnyvale (no meetings during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year weeks). Come a few minutes early, introduce yourself to the Scoutmaster or Senior Patrol Leader, and the scouts will help you fit right in. Comfortable clothes are fine for your first visit.

Where We Meet

Filipino United Church
1515 Partridge Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Tuesdays, 7:15–8:15 pm · Get directions

Signing Up

Youth 11 and older can join Scouts BSA. A troop leader will help you complete registration with Scouting America. You can also learn more at BeAScout.org. Please ask a troop leader about annual registration and troop dues.

Uniform

Scouts wear the official Scouts BSA field uniform (often called the “Class A” uniform) at troop meetings, Boards of Review and Courts of Honor. The troop neckerchief is blue and brown, representing the sky and the earth. Ask a troop leader which patches go where — we are happy to help.

Where to Buy Uniforms & Gear

Uniforms, patches, handbooks, merit badge pamphlets and camping gear are available at our local council’s South Bay Scout Shop:

South Bay Scout Shop (Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council Service Center)
1900 The Alameda, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-279-2086
Hours: Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm, Saturday 10 am–3 pm (closed major holidays)
Get directions

What to buy for a new scout: the Scouts BSA field uniform shirt and pants or shorts, a belt, the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council shoulder patch, troop numerals 4-4-3, and the Scouts BSA Handbook. Please ask a troop leader about the troop neckerchief and where patches go before sewing anything on. You can also shop online at ScoutShop.org. Hours can change, so it is a good idea to call before you go.

What to Bring on a Campout

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Water bottle and personal mess kit (plate, bowl, cup, utensils)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Rain jacket and warm layers (it gets cold at night!)
• Sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen
• Toiletries and any personal medications
• Scout Handbook

Please check with a troop leader before buying a tent or cooking gear — the troop has shared gear for campouts. See Forms & Resources for the full checklist.

Forms You Will Need

Every scout and adult who goes on outings needs a current Annual Health and Medical Record. Parents are also encouraged to review Scouting America’s Youth Protection resources.

Tracking Advancement

Scouts track their rank and merit badge progress in Scoutbook. See our Advancement page for how to move up the ranks.

Staying in Touch

Troop news, schedules and reminders are shared at meetings, on our calendar, and in the troop’s WhatsApp group — ask a troop leader to be added. Questions? Email troop443scouts@gmail.com or visit our Contact page. See also the Parents page.