Beaver Dam Campout - Troop 86

New Scouts – Start Here!

The transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts) can be a bit confusion. Whether you just started or are interested in joining, read on to learn more!

The “Welcome Packet” – Digitized

Like many BSA units, in the past our troop had a Welcome Packet that was provided to Scouts when they joined. In an attempt to make the information more available (and easier to update), we’ve moved everything to our website.

Use the various links below to learn more about our troop and Scouts BSA in general. As stated above, this isn’t just for new Scouts who have joined our troop. It’s also a great source of info for those who haven’t committed to a troop yet.

Of course, as always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the information below.


Welcome

On behalf of the entire troop… WELCOME!

Scouts BSA

There are significant differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. This info will help you with that transition.

Troop Meetings

Our weekly troop meeting are an important part of our routine. It gives the Scouts an opportunity to plan their outings and activities.

Youth Led

Unlike Cub Scouts where the Den Leader leads the Scouts, in Scouts BSA, it’s all about the Scouts! The Scouts are the ones with the primary leadership role.

Campouts and Events

Scouts BSA is about learning and having fun. While troop meetings are great, one of the best ways to learn and have fun is with hands-on experience!

Costs and Funding

While we can’t ignore the fact that there are costs involved, we try to minimize that burden so that it doesn’t distract from the goals of the troop.

Communication

Good communication is key to ensuring that everyone in in the troop is well informed. Here are the options available to our Scouts and families.

Rank Advancement

Rank advancement is a key part of Scouting in a troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, in a troop, the Scouts are responsible for their rank advancement schedule.

Merit Badges

The BSA provides over 120 different topics (merit badges) for the Scouts to explore. They can choose the ones that interest them, and learn something new!

Blue Cards

The Scouts are responsible for ensuring that their Merit Badges are officially recorded. Learn how “Blue Cards” are part of that process.

Advancement Review

It’s not about just going through the motions. Scouts are in the troop to LEARN. Advancement reviews give them an opportunity to show how they’ve grown.

Uniform

The BSA has different uniform requirements for each unit type. Learn more about the Scouts BSA Uniform

Youth Leadership Positions

The Scouts have many opportunities to practice their newly-acquired leadership skills.

Additional Resources

The BSA provides a number of resources to the Scouts and their parents. Our troop utilizes many of these on a regular basis.