FAQ

Who runs the troop and plans the meetings and activities?

The senior patrol leader who is elected by the Scouts leads the troop. They works with their chosen Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(s) as well as elected Patrol Leaders to gather ideas for meetings and outings. A plan is then created and proposed to the Troop Committee to review the plan for safety and to make outing arrangements as needed.

What is Scouts BSA age range?

Youth can join a Scouts BSA Troop who have earned the Arrow of Light rank and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old.

What is the responsibility of a parent of a new Scout BSA?

Scout BSA patrol and troop meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can, at times, be a distraction. However, there are lots of great ways to get involved as a parent. In order to operate an effective troop, we need dozens of adults to fill committee roles, ASM positions, and drivers for events and outings.

How much does it cost to be a Scout?

Every scout troop charges annual dues that cover the BSA required recharter fee, as well as troop dues that allow the troop to cover cost of supplies for courts of honor, some activities, gear, etc. These annual dues are set by the troop committee and can fluctuate slightly from year to year depending on the troop’s needs. The Scoutmaster can explain all the details about the unit’s annual fee and exactly what it includes.

Is Scouting safe?

Yes. Programs are designed to follow a strict set of rules and policies that can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Every registered adult in Scouting is required to complete a Youth Protection training course and a criminal background check. For more information, visit the Youth Protection page.

Who should be contacted if help is needed?

A Scout’s patrol leader is the first resource if there are any questions. The senior patrol leader is the next source of information, followed by the patrol’s designated Assistant Scoutmaster, and then finally the Scoutmaster.

How often does a troop meet?

Scouts BSA Troops meet once each week at their troop meeting. We also will have a minimum of 1 overnight activity each month and will generally have 1-3 additional, optional activities such as Community Service Projects or patrol outings.

What is a patrol?

A Scout patrol is a small team of normally six to eight Scouts where boys learn skills together, share responsibilities and take on leadership roles.