Looking to host a Troop or Pack website with Google Sites? I’ve shared my templates here.
http://www.njtroop83.org
http://www.njpack83.org
For another great example of what you can do with Google Sites, please see my buddy Scoutmaster Shawn’s at Troop 1363
UPDATE:
The current site for www.njpack83.org is published as a template. Because the template was created using a google apps/non-profit account the template unfortunately only works if you have a google apps/non-profit account yourself. This quirkiness of the account types is something I didn’t learn of until all the work had been done. The theme itself is actually a modification of the “PTO” featured theme that is available via google sites so if you don’t have the right type of account (education/non-profit) that may be the route to go if that’s the look you are looking for.
Also: While it’s going to be a while before it reaches the unit level, National BSA is pushing for a unified look and feel for all Council and District websites. Eventually this may come down to the unit level as well but that could be a ways out.
To be preemptive about the issue I recently created a new Google Sites theme that matches the National/Council “Words to Live By” campaign that they are using to brand all current sites. This theme can be used for Pack or Troop websites.
You can see the theme in action at our Troop website: www.njtroop83.org
This theme was designed using a standard google ID so I’ve been able to get it published into the Google Sites theme galleries. (when selecting the theme Browse the gallery for more, and search for “BSA”).
I’ve posted some basic instructions for the new there here: http://scoutersjourney.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/bsa-google-sites-theme-100-days-of-scouting-days-51-52/. This one works with any google ID.
Brian E. Libby
February 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm
I have been using Google for our Troop website for 2 years now. I love it.
-Brian
Scouter Doug
February 27, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Nice job. You’ve got some really good resources there.
David
February 28, 2011 at 9:03 am
You can add our site to the list of troop sites running on Google Sites as well: http://www.troop273.com.
MNScoutmaster
February 28, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I click the ‘Use this template’ button at the top of the page, and I get a ‘file not found’ error. Any ideas?
Scouter Doug
February 28, 2011 at 4:13 pm
From what I can tell it has to do with what domain package you have with google (basic, education, premier)… http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google%20Docs/thread?tid=5b1c984d8f27f6f7&hl=en Sorry – thought it was a lot simpler once the template was “shared”.
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If I’m signed in with my primary gmail account I get the same error you did. If i’m signed in with my Troop account (@njtroop83.org) it works as desired. If there is one you’re interested in I can set you up an account so you can dig into the details and would also gladly help advising on how to do from scratch. Both are customizations of existing templates so it’s not THAT complicated… only took me a few months
ED
September 6, 2011 at 1:23 pm
For signing up for a non-profit account, is it the local pack/troop that needs to be registered as a 501(c)3 or can you use the BSA national/district/council level information?
Scouter Doug
September 6, 2011 at 1:46 pm
It was a few years ago that I did it so it may have changed since then – but at the time I didn’t have to provide any “proof” of 501c3 status.
Ray Manskey
February 24, 2012 at 1:27 am
Could i use the same Troop Template for my Patrol and just change the wording?
author
February 24, 2012 at 6:39 am
I don’t see any reason why not. Have fun!
James Borg
March 6, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Excellent Idea thank you for sharing. I have started the process of migrating our Troop to Google Apps and used your Template, made a few changes and published my template as well. I even created one for Troop Mobile site.
I was the webmaster for our Pack site and kept trying to get our EIN so I could use Google Apps for them. Turns our that individual Packs and Troops do not have their own 501(C)(3) status. My research leads me to believe that it may be a violation to have our own non-profit status established. To get around it you can use your Troops Chartered organizations EIN if they are a non profit or your Councils. Then when registering you do so as a Related Organization. It will not affect the other organization’s ability to use it for themselves or other child organizations in the future.