Google Groups FAQ

Do the email lists still work?

The email lists "160scouts@", "160adults@" and "160committee@" will continue to work from late March 2015 to late April 2015 for as we transition to Google Groups. Please use the groups starting in late March.  The email lists are for backup during this transition.  By the end of April, messages to these addresses will auto-respond with help on using the Google Groups. 

Can I just use email with Google Groups?

Is a Google Account required?

No. But...
  • If you have a Google Account, you may not only search & browse a Groups topic archive but also have Website Community Access where Scouts and parents may contribute to this website.

I don't have a Google Account how can I get one?

I don't want to replace my Yahoo, ISP, ... email with Google!

Why are we using Google?

In Lexington Massachusetts public middle school and public high school, students use Google App for Education extensively as part of their curriculum.  It is a good idea for families to have a safe strategy for using email and the Web from reputable providers.  A Google affords many proven features for using the Web safely especially with Internet search and mail. Using Google prepares the Scout for middle school effectively.
Is every Scout required to have an email address?
Troop 160 Boy Scouts are not required to have a personal email address but each registered Scout should have an email address he may be contacted at even if that is a parent's email address.  Parents of younger Scouts may choose to just use their family email address and subscribe to the Scout's group this way.

Why did the troop start using Google Groups?

  1. It has been challenge for people to subscribe and unsubscribe from the origin email lists.  We wanted a self service solution and a solution where a team of adult volunteers could collaboratively support the solution.
  2. SPAM
  3. There is never any knowledge capture with email.  New Scouts and parents could not leverage past discussions to learn.
  4. See how Google Groups supports Website Community Access.
You may read about the new website Design in the "Community" section of this website after you join a group with your Google Account.

Why am I getting so much email from the Google Groups?

Members of the Scouts and Adults group may find that new topics and topic discussion causes a lot of email.  When it comes to Boy Scout activities - there can be a lot of details and Troop 160 is big. Google Groups makes it easy to configure how much email (including no email at all) you receive from the Group. See how to configure Google Group settings.  Maybe you just need a daily or weekly digest; or perhaps you just want to browse the tropics through the Group's web page regularly.  Sometimes, it may be helpful to temporarily reduce stop or digest the email you are receiving.