New Scouts

Thinking about joining? Here's everything a family needs to know — no scouting experience required, for you or your scout.

Who Can Join?

Boys ages 11 through 17 can join the troop. If your scout is coming from Cub Scouts, check out our Arrow of Light page for crossover-specific details.

If your child is in kindergarten through 5th grade, Cub Scouts is the place to start! Check out Pack 577.

No Previous Scouting Experience Needed

Many new scouts have never camped, never tied a knot, and never used a stove that wasn't in a kitchen. That's completely normal, and exactly what the first few months are for. Nobody expects your scout to show up already knowing how to do any of this.

Come Visit Before You Decide

You don't have to commit to anything to check us out. Come to a meeting, meet the scouts and leaders, and see what it's actually like before you decide if it's a good fit.

Plan a Visit

What Happens at a Troop Meeting?

Meetings run 7:00–8:30pm on Tuesdays at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School. A typical meeting mixes a bit of business, a game or activity, and skill instruction in small groups — first aid one week, knots the next, planning the upcoming campout after that. It's run by the scouts, not lectured at them by adults.

What Happens on a Campout?

Most campouts run Friday evening through Sunday morning, roughly once a month. Scouts cook and camp together by patrol. There are always multiple trained adults along, but the scouts plan the menu, do the cooking, and run the schedule themselves.

What Does My Scout Need?

Uniform

A Class A field uniform shirt is the main requirement, worn to meetings and events. No need to buy every accessory right away.

Basic Gear

A sleeping bag, mess kit, and a backpack to carry it all. The troop has gear scouts can use.

What Not to Buy Yet

Hold off on an expensive tent, backpacking pack, or hiking boots until your scout's been camping for some time and knows what they actually need.

What Does It Cost?

Dues

$100/year in troop dues, plus $100/year for national/council registration.

Typical Campout

Around $35/person for food and the campsite, sometimes more depending on the activity.

Summer Camp

$500–$650 for the week, depending on the camp.

Financial Assistance

If cost is a concern, let us know. We don't let money be the reason a scout can't join.

What Will My Scout Learn?

Camping and outdoor skills
Cooking for himself and his patrol
First aid and being prepared
Leadership, by actually leading
Independence and problem-solving

What About Parents?

Some involvement is expected — driving carpool, helping out at an event now and then, or serving on the troop committee — but you don't need to be at every meeting or campout. And you definitely don't need to be Bear Grylls: plenty of parents who've never camped a day in their life have scouts who love it.

FAQ

Can he join in the middle of the year?
Yes. Scouts join year-round, not just in September.
Does he have to attend every meeting?
No, most scouts are involved in other activities and can't make every meeting or event. If he's taken on a leadership role and can't make a meeting, he's expected to communicate that and help make sure his responsibilities are covered.
What if he's never camped?
That describes most new scouts. New experiences help scouts build skills and confidence, and learning to camp is a great foundation for years of new experiences and firsts.
Can he try it first?
Yes — and we'd love for him to join us on an actual campout or activity, not just a meeting. That's honestly the best way to see if it's a fit. He'll just need the usual paperwork first, like a health form and parent consent, same as any scout.
Does he need to buy a tent?
No. The troop has tents scouts can use. Many scouts eventually get their own to match their preference, but it's never required.

Visit Troop 577

The easiest way to know if this is a fit is to come see it yourself.

Plan a Visit