Troop Management

[ScoutmasterJerry]

Thought I'd throw a topic out there since things have slowed down considerably in the forum.
[side note: this is a great site and we really should be active (GUILTY AS CHARGED) but if we want this to work, we need to contribute]
Anyway- back on topic.
I am just wondering, but what tools do you use for Troop management?
Our Troop uses Troopmaster software w/ Troopmaster dot net.
I absolutly love it. Having it on the server allows all the ASMs and committee members to access information and print reports. Helps with committee meetings and advancement.
ASMs update their Scouts information, advancement, leadership etc etc etc.
We use it to keep attendance records and develop calendars.
It is really worth the $$$ in my opinion.
A few of our ASMs purchased the optional PDA companion software, Jury is still out on it though.

We recently purchased the Troop Ledger software for our Finances. The Treasurer seems to like it, but we will see the real benefits in a year or so when we redo our budget.

So what do you use?

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way paid by Troopmaster.. I just think it is a great product.

[WB Bear]

I am really impressed with Troopmaster and the Dotnet. It is an excellent tool for a Troop. The Dotnet is a great benefit in making the information available to the leaders. I also like the ability to limit the access to different areas.

I would like to get some thoughts on how the boy’s advancements are updated in a timely manner on the program.

[ScoutmasterJerry]

Advancements in a timely manner...
Well I can tell you how do it.
1. As soon as the Scout completes a task it is recorded using Troopmaster. This is where having the Dotnet is important. Typically if a Scout completes something at a Troop meeting it is recorded that night. If it is completed on an outing it is recorded when we get back.
2. We run advancement (COH reports after each an individual earns a rank) that way we can have our advancement chair go to the Scout Shop and buy the patch, moms pin etc. We print the cards using the available card stock.
3. The next meeting the boy gets the patch but not the card or moms pin, we save that for the COH.

We end up printing a lot of Advancement reports, but the Scouts get their recognition (patch) a heck of a lot sooner.

This can be done using the new Internet Advancement program from the BSA, but the record keeping is so much better using Troopmaster.

[WB Bear]

Thanks SM Jerry. I probably didn't get my question across well enough. I’m really was asking more about the logistics of getting the advancement info from the boy to the TM program.

Unfortunately access to a computer is somewhat limited at the Troop meetings. Who do you use to enter the data into the program? The advancement chair, who does have a laptop, usually only makes a couple Troop meetings a month. It was suggest the boys have a requirement signed off, to make sure the take the book to him so their records can be updated on TM. Of course the SM after he has the SM conference reminds him to make inform the chair the need for a BOR.

[ScoutmasterJerry]

Ahhh...
Ok..
Well like I said being on the server (dotnet) it allows the ASMs to update for their individual Patrols. The Advancement chaor runs the reports, but the ASMs and I update the information...
Then on occassion we print the individual progress reports and ensure the Handbooks match the Computer.

[A J Mako]

WB Bear wrote: Unfortunately access to a computer is somewhat limited at the Troop meetings. Who do you use to enter the data into the program?

Way back when I was SM, before there was DotNet, I had the PL report advancement to the Troop Scribe, who recorded it in the advancement ledger (the BSA book). Every week I updated Troopmaster from the ledger. When I had a working laptop, the Scribe updated Troopmaster himself, from his ledger. Even with DotNet, I think I'd do it the same way.

AJ