Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boy Scout age range?
Youth can join Troop 221 and the Boy Scouts 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 years old, or
Who are 11 years old, but not yet 18 years old
What is the responsibility of a parent of a new Boy Scout?
Boy Scout patrol and troop meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. However, parental involvement is not forbidden. If a parent or guardian would like to be present during a troop meeting, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance so a way can be arranged for them to observe. There also might be provision for them to register for a position on the troop committee or as an assistant Scoutmaster. There are always ways for your parent or guardian to be involved.
How do adults get involved?
All troops are chartered to a local organization. The chartered organization serves as a sponsor of Scouting and is essentially the owner/operator of the Scouting unit. In this role, the head of the organization approves all adult volunteer leaders. All leaders are required to take our child safety course called “Youth Protection,†and specific training for their role in Scouting is available either online or in a classroom setting. To help the organization maintain a quality program, there is a person assigned to be a liaison between the unit and the chartered organization. In addition, every unit has a committee (typically made up of Scouting parents) that oversees proper operation and ensures a safe and fun program.
What supplies and equipment does a Boy Scout need?
The single most important piece of equipment a Boy Scout needs is the Boy Scout Handbook. A local Scout shop is the best place to buy a handbook, and the staff there can guide you to get exactly what you need Find your local Scout shop
The uniform is also very important as it plays an essential role in creating a sense of belonging, and is where a Scout gets to display his awards and rank achievements. Check out the interactive uniform builder at www.bsauniforms.org.. Uniforms can be ordered online or in person at the local Scout shop.
Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. What equipment is needed, as well as whether it will be provided by the troop, will vary. Unit leaders will provide information about any required supplies at the beginning of each program year.
How much does it cost to be a Boy Scout?
The Scoutmaster can explain all the details about the annual fee and exactly what it includes.
Boy Scout safety programs
Boy Scout 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. For more information, visit Boy Scout Youth Protection.