Troop 1489
Cpl. Walter F. Bruce
VFW Post 1146
St. Clair Shores, MI

General Questions

 

At what age can you join a Troop?

Youth who have either 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 can join a Scout Troop.

 

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

Troop and Patrol meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. 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?

Adults can get involved by joining Scouting themselves and volunteering their time as a member of the Troop Committee or as a Troop Leader – Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. The Troop Committee oversees proper operation and ensures a safe and fun program. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster(s) guide the Scouts and support the youth leadership.

 

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. There is also position-specific training available to all adults involved in a Troop.

 

What supplies and equipment does a Scout need?

The single most important piece of equipment a Scout needs is the 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 particularly important as it plays an essential role in creating a sense of belonging, and it’s 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 Scout?

The annual registration fee for youth is $132 ($72 registration + $60 program fee) and for adults is $57 ($45 registration + $12 insurance).  There is also a $25 joining fee for new members. Troop leadership can explain all the details about our annual fee and exactly what it includes.

 

Are their opportunities to earn money to pay for fees and activities?

Yes. We conduct fundraisers throughout the year to help Scouts earn money to pay for registration fees, monthly camp trips, Summer Camp, and other activities throughout the year.

 

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 I contact with any questions, or if any help or information 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, and then finally the Scoutmaster.

 

Questions Regarding Troop Operations

 

How often does your Troop meet?

We meet once a week for Troop meetings year-round. Beyond that, it depends on what the Troop has planned. There may be a Court of Honor, camp trip, day trip, or a service project scheduled in addition to or in place of a weekly meeting.

 

How often does your Troop camp?

We try to have an outing or camp trip planned each month.  Depending on availability or schedules, we may camp every two months or could have two events planned for a single month.  We also attend a week-long Summer Camp (generally scheduled for the 3rd week of July).

 

What is a patrol?

A Scout patrol is a small group of six to eight Scouts who work together, learn skills together, share responsibilities, and take on leadership roles.  Working in Patrols gives Scouts a sense of belonging to a group and builds teamwork as they work toward common goals. The patrol members elect their own Patrol Leader who then selects his Assistant Patrol Leader. More information can be found on The Patrol page.

 

Who runs the troop?

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL is a youth leader who is elected by the Scouts in the Troop. The SPL is generally one of the older Scouts in the Troop and has served in other leadership positions before running for SPL.

 

Who plans the meetings and activities?

We are a boy-lead Troop, which means the youth leaders or Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC), with input from the rest of the Troop, plan weekly meetings and outings. The PLC is made up of the Senior Patrol Leader, who presides over the meetings, the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, all Patrol Leaders, and the Troop Guide. Youth leaders are responsible for executing their plan and delivering the program to the Troop with guidance from the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters. In addition to the members of the PLC, Scouts may also serve in leadership positions such as Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Historian, Chaplin Aide, and Instructor to develop individual leadership skills.

 

How quickly can a Scout advance?

Scouts advance at their own pace. With some work and personal motivation, a Scout can expect to reach the rank of First Class within 12 to 18 months of joining. The Troop provides opportunities to work on individual advancement at meetings and outings. The Troop annual program includes basic Scouting skills that correspond with rank requirements from Scout to First Class.