Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I join Troop 31 as a Scout?

A: We can’t wait to have you! If you like, you can attend a meeting to see what you think of our troop before joining. Check our troop calendar (linked at the bottom of the homepage) to find a meeting occurring on a Tuesday – campouts and special activities are only open to registered Scouts. If you decide to join the troop, you’ll need to officially register on the Scouting America website (scouting.org) and fill out a few health forms (link to health forms). Our adult leaders will walk you through any final steps in the process in-person during a meeting.

Q: Can girls join Scouting America?

A: Absolutely! Since 2019, girls have been welcome to become Scouts. Troop 31 is a unified troop, meaning that Scouts of all genders attend the same meetings, campouts, and activities and operate as one troop (as opposed to two sub-troops, a system that some other troops still use). However, boys and girls are not permitted to share a bathroom or tent.

Q: What should I expect at my first meeting?

A: All sorts of things happen at our meetings. On most Tuesdays, expect to see Scouts working on merit badges and rank requirements or planning for a campout. Other activities include troop-wide games, birthday celebrations, and recognition ceremonies for rank-ups and other achievements. You’ll be given a Scout Handbook and instructions for obtaining your uniform shirt, known as a Class A. From there, the sky’s the limit! In the coming months, expect campouts, service projects, skills training, and lots of fun.

Q: What do I need to become a Scout?

A: You won’t need anything to attend your first meeting. However, once you’ve joined, you should visit the Scout Shop to purchase a Class A, the signature khaki uniform of Scouting. This is where you’ll display your troop, council, and rank patches, as well as any other awards you earn, all of which will be given to you by your Scoutmaster. Though our troop has extras to lend to any Scouts who forget theirs, it’s recommended that you bring your own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and mess kit on campouts. Your fellow Scouts and adult leaders will likely have good advice for purchasing these items.

Q: What does it cost to be a part of Troop 31?

A: Annual dues are around $85, as per Scouting America’s requirements. In addition, there is a small fee for each campout to help cover the cost of food and campsite rental. However, Scouting America provides a unique way to cover these costs. Our troop regularly participates in fundraisers, in which a third of the money raised by each Scout goes directly into a personal “Scouting Account” that can be used for any Scouting expenses. In addition, Troop 31 has financial aid programs in place if any of these costs will present a hardship to you or your family. Talk to your Scoutmaster for more information.

Adventure Ahead!

Welcome to Scouting America! We’re so glad to have you as a part of Troop 31 and can’t wait for you to experience all that comes with it. As a Scout, you’ll…

Make friends. Scouting is a tight-knit community of people working towards a common goal. Scouts practice their core values of loyalty, friendliness, and kindness towards each other as well as the people around them, and our valued adult leaders provide support for all members of the troop.

Learn new things. In the course of your time in Scouting, you’ll have countless opportunities to complete merit badges that can teach you about everything from cooking to chemistry. In addition, every Scout will learn both classic Scouting and general life skills, including outdoorsmanship, fitness, orienteering, and even personal finance.

Be challenged. A significant portion of time each meeting is dedicated to completing requirements to move up through the ranks of Scouting. In order, these ranks are:

Scout: the lowest rank, usually awarded to new members within a month. Obtained by demonstrating basic knowledge of the Scouting America program.

Tenderfoot: signifies a slightly more experienced Scout who has been on at least one troop campout and demonstrated competence in cooking and basic first-aid.

Second Class: obtained after greater involvement in the troop, including at least two campouts, the completion of a swim test, and the development of skills in navigation, first aid, and animal identification.

First Class: denotes an experienced Scout with significant experience camping, cooking, and practicing good citizenship. This badge is usually earned after about a year spent in the troop.

Star Scout: requiring the completion of at least six merit badges and six hours of community service, as well as obtaining leadership experience, the rank of Star Scout is significantly harder to obtain than any previous rank, representing true commitment to Scouting.

Life Scout: the second-highest rank, Life Scouts have demonstrated admirable persistence and dedication to excellence in Scouting. This rank requires five more merit badges and six more hours of community service, as well as a leadership position in the troop.

Eagle Scout: the highest rank in Scouting is achieved by only about 2% of all Scouts. As well as the famous Eagle Scout Service Project, requirements include the completion of 21 merit badges and six months spent in a leadership role in the troop. Troop 31 is proud to have led over 200 Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Be prepared. As the Scout Motto calls upon Scouts to “Be Prepared”, our troop strives to embody the original values of Scouting, preparing Scouts for whatever may lie ahead. This takes shape in the construction of vital skills for both emergencies and the everyday. Through Scouting, young people will learn to survive in the wilderness and set up a tent; but they’ll also learn leadership, courtesy, and discipline. Even years after they leave Scouting, former Scouts are more likely to embrace positive social values, stay in excellent health, and even achieve prestigious positions in the workforce and the military.

We can’t wait to meet you!