This is meant to answer some of the most common questions new scouts and families have coming into Troop 49.  Please refer to our Troop Guidebook for more details.  Also, let us know if you'd like to add any questions to this list!
 

What does ‘Boy Led Troop’ mean?

 

A boy led troop is one in which the leadership is carried out by boys. Boys do the planning for meetings and outings. Boys run the meetings and are in charge of the outings. Adults are in the background providing advice, supervision, training and transportation.

How much does it cost?
Annual dues vary from troop to troop.  Troop 49's annual dues are $45, low in comparison.  These are due in January.  Incoming Webelos are able to transfer their membership for only $1 their first year.  Other new scouts are charged on a pro-rated basis, depending on when they join.  Finances should never be a reason for boys not to be scouts, and families who need assistance are encouraged to speak with our Scoutmaster.  We handle all such requests with utmost confidence.  Our most important priority is the full participation of the boy.

What do I have to buy?/ What does the troop provide?
As a new scout, all that you need to obtain is a uniform shirt and a few patches.  Short-sleeves are common, but long-sleeves are totally acceptable.  The shirt should have the American flag (standard on all new shirts), the council patch for Northern Star council, and the troop numbers "49".  The troop provides all new scouts with shoulder loops, troop neckerchief and a Scout handbook. 

The troop provides tents, tarps and cooking utensils for all campouts.  Once your son is ready to join us camping (hopefully right away!), he'll want to have a sleeping bag, mess kit and water bottle at a minimum.  There can be additional recommendations for additional gear, depending on the nature of the campout.

Can I just use my Webelos uniform?
If you have the blue cub scout shirt- you'll have to switch to the tan shirt for Scouting. If you are wearing the tan Webelos shirt, then yes!  You'll just have to make a few changes:

 

• Remove the den number, Webelos activity colors, and all of your Cub Scout ranks.
• Your Arrow of Light is the only rank that transfers to Boy Scouts.  However, it moves to the bottom edge of your left shirt pocket.
• If you have a purple religious knot, that transfers to the Boy Scouts.
• The council patch and unit numbers can remain, so long as they are "Northern Star" and "49" respectively.
• Any temporary patches (on the right pocket) can remain until they are replaced with a new one.

What kind of leadership is there in the troop?

 

The Scoutmaster (SM) (adult position) advises the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) (boy position). The SPL is in charge of the troop meetings and the Patrol Leaders Council. There are many leadership positions within a troop for the boys. Other positions include Quartermaster, Chaplain’s Aide, Bugler, Librarian and Historian.

How much parent involvement is required at this level?
Keep in mind that Boy Scout troops are supposed to be boy led. As such, the demands for adults is lighter than with Cub Scouts, but also more vital. Adults can attend committee meetings, serve as merit badge counselors, and help transport boys and equipment on outings. We, as adults, provide a support system and cheerleading squad.  BSA rules require the troop to provide at least 2 adults on any outing, so adult participation can often define whether or not an event for the scouts even occurs.

 

 

What is a Rank?

 

Rank is a collection of skills, such as cooking, orienteering, knots and first aid. The requirements for each rank are more difficult than the prior rank. The ranks in Boy Scouting are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. Doing the requirements for ‘rank’ prepares boys to become better campers, hikers, better Scouts and most important of all; better citizens.

 

 

 

 

What are Merit Badges?
Merit Badges are “an invitation to explore an exciting subject. By earning Merit Badges Scouts gain career skills, social skills, physical skills and they may even begin new and healthful hobbies that are kept for a lifetime.”

 

 

 

 

What does my son need to do to earn a Merit Badge?
After deciding on a badge, your son needs to obtain a Merit Badge application and the name of a qualified counselor. Required activities are outlined in each merit badge pamphlet. Requirements are signed off by MB counselors.

Should my son get started on merit badges right away?
Your son may begin working on activities for rank and Merit Badges (MBs) as soon as he is a registered Boy Scout. He can continue earning MBs until his 18th birthday. Any Boy Scout can work on any badge without regard to his current rank.  Merit badges can very in terms of challenge, though, and you or your son can feel free to ask the Scoutmaster or Advancement Coordinator on the appropriateness of any merit badge for your scout.

 

 

 

 

When should I expect my son to earn Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, etc.?

In Cub Scouts, ranks were earned every year.  In Boy Scouts, boys set their own pace.
Active Scouts will earn 1st Class within a year of joining, some may take 18 months or longer. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements may be worked on simultaneously, however each rank must be earned in sequence. 

Can I sign off my son’s requirements?
Generally no, though there are certain requirements that require your involvement. In Troop 49, any adult leader sign off on rank requirements for scouts.  Additionally, any scout of Star rank or higher can sign off on requirement for Scout through 1st Class ranks.