To join, a boy must be 11 years old or a Cub Scout who has earned the “Arrow of Light” and is 10 and a half years old. Please complete the BSA Application Form and the Troop Information Form and Medical Forms (link) and return them to the Troop.
Annual Dues
Dues are payable in September at the beginning of the Scout year.
$335 per scout ($85 National Dues + $135 Council Dues + $100 Troop Dues + $15 Scout Life Magazine)
$120 per adult (fee waived for active parents and leaders)
A subscription to the BSA magazine, “Boys Life” is included in the dues. New Scouts joining in spring pay dues at registration and then not again until September of the following year. If circumstances make it difficult for you to meet any of your scouting financial commitments, please contact the Troop leadership. We try to ensure that all boys have the chance to be part of scouting.
Meetings
Every Monday (when school is in session)
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm
Columbus Elementary School
580 Columbus Ave, Thornwood, NY 10594
Uniforms & Handbooks
New Scouts receive a neckerchief, hat, troop identification patch and a “Scout Handbook”. Uniforms (shirt, pants, belt & neckerchief slide) can be purchased at the Scout Shop in Fishkill. The Troop has a limited amount of donated used uniforms.
Scouts are expected to wear their full uniform to all Troop Meetings unless otherwise instructed. Normally uniforms are not worn for outdoor activities, but some District or Council events may require uniforms.
The handbook is used to record a Scout’s advancement. It also has useful information about Scouting skills and activities.
Attendance
Attendance at Troop meetings and outdoor activities is encouraged but it is not mandatory. Meetings are a chance to learn new skills in a fun environment. Camping and hiking build independence and a way to bond with other patrol members, but we realize that boys have lots of different obligations and not all Scouts can be available for all Scouting activities. The Troop Committee has established a 50% participation guideline for both meetings and outdoor activities. This is one of the considerations for promotion and advancement in the Troop.
Special Needs Scouts
BSA National has begun a new initiative geared toward identifying and engaging scouts with special needs. Their hope is to raise awareness, target an inclusionary environment and make adaptations as needed on an individual basis. Please feel free to reach out to one of our trained adults and we can direct you to our SNS Chairperson to help understand and best guide your son.
Parents
Parents are encouraged to get involved in the Troop Committee and possibly volunteer some of their time assisting at meetings or on outdoor activities. Parents wishing to participate in the outdoor activity are required to register on Westchester/Putnam Council BSA website and complete the Youth Protection Training test. This protects both the scouts and the adult. In addition to the YPT all scouts and participating adults must submit as part of their registration the BSA “Annual Health and Medical Record”. Parts A&B must be submitted for participation in any of our activities. Part C (prepared by a medical professional) must be submitted to participate in any BSA/HT1 activity in access of 72 hours, Camp Read for example.