BSA Troop 1 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions, a.k.a. FAQs

1) What's the age range for boy scouts?

Boy Scouts range in age from 11 through 17. When a scout reaches his 18th birthday, he is no longer eligible to remain a Boy Scout, but he may transition into an adult role with the Troop.

2) What age can a boy join?

Most boys join a Boy Scout troop when the "cross over" from Cub Scouts. However boys may join at any time. The younger they are, the better the opportunity to be able to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, but some boys join the troop even as high school students.

3) How does someone join the troop?

Joining Boy Scouts is easy and is the doorway to lots of fun and learning of life skills. You can get a registration form at any Troop meeting or from the Troop Treasurer. There is a $40 registration fee that is good for a year's membership.

4) Can mothers volunteer as well?

Absolutely! The Troop has many adult leaders, some of whom are mothers of scouts. The Troop always encourages volunteers to help with running a safe and safe troop for the boys, and we need help from a diverse group of adults in order to accomplish that. All adult leaders will need to pass a C.O.R.I. background check.

5) What type of merit badges can be earned?

There are about 120 different merit badges that can be earned in Boy Scouting. Click here for a starting point on information about those badges.

6) What are the required merit badges for eagle scout?

Eagle Scouts require at least 21 merit badges to earn the rank. There are ten specific badges that are required and two others that the scout has the choice of: 1) Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving and 2) Swimming, Hiking, or Cycling. For a more complete set of Eagle Rank requirements, visit this site.

7) What leadership positions in the troop can a scout do?

There are various positions of responsibility and leadership that the scouts may take on. These include: Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Guide, Historian, Quartermaster, and Den Chief.

8) How can parents get involved?

Troop 1 is a volunteer run organization, and most of the volunteers are parents of current or former scouts. We can always use more help. Some leadership positions in the troop may require a fair amount of time commitment, but there are many positions or ways that any adult can help, many of which require very little time or experience. Simply attending the monthly adult leaders meetings and offering your perspective or suggestions on the troop or helping plan upcoming events and activities will be a major benefit to the scouts.