What is Scout Point?
Scout Point is an all virtual Scouting America Troop hosted by The Northern Lights Council out of Fargo ND. We have been active since 2020, originally built to support our council youth during the pandemic. Since then, we have grown to include over 20 youth and adult volunteers living all around the U.S.! We are a growing and active co-ed troop, well supported by our leadership and Counsel.
Why choose a virtual troop?
A virtual troop may be ideal for youth who are unable to participate in a traditional troop structure. Some various reasons a family may choose an online troop may include: students in rural communities, youth who are homeschooled, American youth living abroad, students in boarding schools or in international exchange programs, youth with disabilities that may prevent them from attending regular in-person meetings, youth of highly mobile families (e.g.: farm workers, performing artists, etc.) and children who live in multiple states during each year.
How to Participate?
- You have already taken the first step by being here!
- Next find a group to join and register your Scout.
- You will get a welcome email with log-in information to get program resources and events on Scoutpoint.org that relate to your Scouts appropriate program.
- You will then get an invitation to record and track your progress in a program called Scoutbook.
- Join in on the scheduled activities by participating in programs as they work for your family.
- As your Scout completes adventures and earns recognition make sure to record those efforts on Scoutbook.com. Youth older 13 and older can even record their own progress and have it approved via our adult leader support.
Who is Supervising?
All youth need to be supervised in participating in Scouting programs. This is true when at Scouting events and doing activities at home! Please use caution as some Scouting activities have risk. Our children should always have appropriate supervision as an adult. If your child is doing an activity that you do not feel comfortable supervising please do not do them or find qualified adult supervision. In addition please make sure to always follow our youth protection guidelines.
What is Scoutbook?
Scoutbook is an advancement tracking tool. Each family that participates in a Scout Point unit is asked to record their Scouts achievements in Scoutbook. It also has messaging, forums, service, hiking, camping tracking and calendaring features. After successfully registering with a Scout unit you will get a welcome message from Scoutbook inviting you to connect with your Scout(s) account.
How do you get Books, Awards and Uniforms?
Most council offices have a store where much of this can be purchased. The main store for the Northern Lights Council is located in Fargo with a smaller store in Bismarck. You can get more information on hours, how to order and more at: https://www.nlcbsa.org/scoutshop
Uniforms, handbooks and Scouting gear are all available at: https://www.scoutshop.org/
As your Scout earns advancement you will record these on Scoutbook.com. We will share with you the advancement report for your Scout on a regular basis you then can upload that report to place your order for the pacthes, belt loops and merit badges. online at: https://scouting.jotform.com/201336348054046
