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The AGBU-AYA Scouting Program is a part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of America (GSA). As recognized members of these organizations, AGBU-AYA Scouts must uphold the rules and regulations set by the BSA and GSA.

Boy Scouts belong to Troop 86 of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council, while Girl Scouts belong to Troop 807 of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.


General Scout Handbook:

** Zoom Etiquette
  • Please ensure your scout's camera is kept on at all times.
  • Scouts are to keep microphones off unless prompted to speak by a leader
  • Scouts are not allowed to mess with annotations or other features unless given permission by a leader. 
  • We ask that parents stay near their scouts during Havak to help with disciplinary measures should they become necessary. 
1. General Rules
  • Come to Havak ON TIME, before the whistle is blown, wearing the appropriate uniform.
  • Havak begins at 1 pm SHARP.
  • If the Havak whistle is blown, you are late.
  • If you are late to Havak, please approach the leadership line when asked to.
  • Weekly attendance is taken at every Havak. Scouts who demonstrate poor attendance may not be allowed to participate in field trips or camp.
  • That said, if you must miss Havak for any reason, please contact your leader ahead of time via email or text message in order to be excused. Excused absences will not be held against the scout.
  • Phones must not the seen or heard from during Havak hours unless the Scout Leader has allowed it.
  • Come to Havak ready with all appropriate and expected materials.
  • Eating food or chewing gun is not allowed during Havak.
  • From the moment you put on your scout's shirt and foular, you are expected to uphold the Scout Law and conduct yourself accordingly. Be respectful and kind at all times. If you are a Scout, then you must act like a Scout.

2. Age Groups and Troops

Scouts are split into groups based on their gender and grade level. These groups are:

Cub Scouts

(Grade 1-3 boys),

Brownie Girl Scouts

(Grade 1-3 girls),

Webelos Scouts

(Grade 4-5 boys),

Junior Girl Scouts

(Grade 4-5 girls),

Boy Scouts

(Grade 6-12 boys),

Cadette Girl Scouts

(Grade 6-8 girls), and

Senior Girl Scouts

(Grade 9-12 girls).

Within these groups, scouts are further organized into troops. Each troop is represented by a troop mascot, (Example: Snake, Eagle, Wolf, Lightning, Waterfall, Tulip, Rose, etc...). Each troop has a special flag that the troop leader carries with them at all times. Troop leaders are usually the oldest or most seasoned veteran of their group and are chosen by each groups' respective Scout Leader. Each scout must line up in their respective troops whenever Havak begins and has a matching "ganch" or patrol yell that they must call out during Havak. The troop flag is the responsibility of all members of the troop and must be handled respectfully and properly. A troop flag is an important symbol, and improper handling may result in disciplinary measures.

3. Leadership Structure

Each group of scouts is the responsibility of their Scout Leader. Scout Leaders are veteran scouts from the AGBU-AYA program who have chosen to continue their service by leading and teaching the next generation of scouts. Scout Leaders are mostly college-aged volunteers who come to Havak weekly to plan and implement programs every Saturday. Most groups are led by a team of 1-2 Scout Leaders.

In addition to Scout Leaders, Leaders-in-Training, or LITs, are up and coming leaders who have just graduated high school and are beginning their careers as future Scout Leaders. LITs assist the main Scout Leaders for a year, gaining experience until they themselves can advance to leadership positions.

Yeretz are also veteran scouts who were once Scout Leaders themselves and can no longer attend weekly Havaks due to other commitments. Yeretz are a crucial part of the leadership team and are occasionally called upon to lend a helping hand for special programs or scouts' camp.

4. Uniform Requirements

Every Saturday at Havak, a scout is expected to arrive in their proper uniform. Uniforms vary by age group and gender, but usually consist of a scouts' shirt, foular (if earned), proper pants or skirt, and clean shoes in a neutral color, preferably sneakers.

Scouts are required to come to Havak properly groomed; hair must be pulled out of the face, beards must be kept trimmed, and any makeup, jewelry, or nail polish worn must be kept relatively modest. Each scout group has more specific rules regarding the do's and don'ts of uniforms, including what can be worn in case of cold weather.

If a scout does not arrive at Havak in the acceptable uniform, they may be asked to sit out during initial and closing Havak.

In addition to weekly Havak uniforms, a scout must also have a "full uniform" which is worn for Award Ceremonies or other special occasions. In most cases, full uniform is similar to what a scout wears to Havak, except with the addition of a sash and proper shoes and socks. Once again, full uniform differs slightly between groups.

Uniform guides are located at the bottom of this page.

For field trips and camp, scouts also have scout T-shirts that can be purchased directly through AGBU Scouting. Your leaders will let you know when to wear these shirts.

5. Required Materials

Scouts are expected to come to Havak with all of the proper materials as set by their leader. This usually includes a notebook full of paper and something to write with. Occasionally, older scouts may be asked to bring their laptops to Havak as well. Some groups may also be required to purchase a "Scout Handbook" from their local scouts store. A Scout Handbook is a crucial component in completing and earning badges. Without these required materials, a scout cannot properly participate in Havak programs.

6. Merit badges, Awards, and Insignia

Merit badges, awards, and other insignia can be earned by a scout and serve as a marker of what they have learned and accomplished through scouting:

Merit badges are small awards that can be earned by a scout. Each badge is based on a specific activity or theme that the scout must study and display an understanding of in order to earn. Once a scout has done this, they have "completed" the badge and may wear a patch symbolizing this on their sash. Requirements for each badge are set by either the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America. Badges differ for each age group and gender, but are usually centered around useful life-skills such as wilderness survival, home economics, being an active member of your community, and exploring potential career paths. All scouts will complete a number of badges with the guidance of their leaders through their attendance at weekly Havaks, but they are also encouraged to go the extra mile and complete additional badges on their own.Special awards and insignia are usually given to scouts at our Winter and Summer Awards Ceremonies and can be either earned by fulfilling a specific set of requirements or chosen and given by the Scouts Leadership Team. For more information on specific awards, please refer to the Awards & Insignia page.

 

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