I have a few questions (KIDS)
What is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America?
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Specifically, Scouting's goals are to:
Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;
Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character;
Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;
Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program
How old must I be to join Troop 26?
To become a Scout you must be less than 18 years old AND MEET ONE of the following requirements:
Be at least 10 years old and have already completed the 5th grade, OR
Be at least 11 years old, OR
Be at least 10 years old and have already earned the Arrow of Light Award a Cub Scout.
How do I check it out or join?
Just come to a Troop Meeting (no obligation). If you decide to join, ask fmor a new member application package. Stop by and visit at 7:00 pm on most any Monday nights.
How is the Troop involved with the Amazing Grace Lutheran Church?
The AGLC church graciously makes their facilities available to the Troops. Only a few Scouts in Troop 26 are affiliated with the AGLC. Over the years, our membership rolls have included Scouts who are from a wide variety of religions as well as Scouts with no formal religious ties. We do service projects for the AGLC as a way of giving back for the free use of the facilities.
I have no scouting experience. Can I still join?
Yes! All you have to do is meet the age requirements. Boys or Girls can join at any age as they work at their own pace for rank advancement.
I have a few questions (PARENTS)
How much does it cost?
Our annual membership dues are currently $120 (subject to change). First-year membership dues are pro-rated depending on when you join. There are no membership dues for Eagle Scouts. Membership dues include:
Annual Boy Scouts of America Dues
Pro-rata portion of Troop insurance
All required and earned patches
Official Boy Scout Handbook (new members)
Boy Scout neckerchief and neckerchief slide (new members)
Boy Scout shoulder loops (new members)
Additional expenses would be the initial cost of a Boy Scout Uniform (approximately $80), personal camping supplies; and during each year, the cost of food for outings and additional costs of high-end outings such as ski trips and summer camp.
What do parents need to do?
The Troops' success is possible due to involved parents. We expect the following of parents who have Scouts in Troops 26:
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Attend the monthly Parent Meeting each first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.
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Assist with transportation to outings.
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Assist leaders with programs.
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There are other optional adult leadership opportunities such as committee positions or serving as a merit badge counselor.
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Complete required BSA training
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Chaperone
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Can I become an Eagle Scout at Troop 26?
Although the Trail to Eagle Scout rank has many steps, it is possible to become an Eagle Scout here at Troop 26 even if you are older when you join. We have a strong advancement program, and since 2000, more than X% remained active and attained the rank of Eagle Scout before leaving Scouting at age 18 (only about 4% to 7% of all Boy Scouts reach Eagle rank nationwide).
How are your activities determined?
Like most Scout Troops, we have patrols and each patrol has a Patrol Leader. Each month, all of the Patrol Leaders meet together with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader at a Patrol Leaders Conference (PLC), also known as a "Green Bar" Meeting. Each patrol brings ideas to the PLC Meeting and activities are voted upon and planned there. Final approval of activities rests with the Troop Committee, which is composed of Adult Volunteers headed by the Troop Committee Chairperson.
How Do Scouts earn Merit Badges?
Scouts are free to choose the merit badges they'd like to work on with the guidance of a merit badge counselor (MBC). MBCs are typically parents and scoutmasters who have some interest in a particular subject and are willing to work with scouts and sign off on fulfilling requirements. Often several scouts will work together on a merit badge, which makes it more fun.
How is your Troop run?
We are a very Scout-led troop, letting elected officials decide what we do for our Monday meetings. Everybody has a say in what we do.
What will I do in scouting?
Lots of things - we do service projects, rank advancement and merit badge work, camp outs, snow caving and more in our troops.
What happens if I can’t attend a meeting?
No worries! Make it when you can.