Frequently Asked Questions

Our Troop meets every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 PM, year-round, at 

Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church - 8401 112th St E, Puyallup, WA 98373

Scouts operate with several leaders that help the program run smoothly for the scouts, two of the first you should meet are:

• Robert Glen - Troop Scoutmaster, works directly with the Scouts to guide them in their program and keep them safe on outings, all while the Scouts lead the program. He is supported by the Assistant Scoutmasters

• Cassandra Giggy - Troop Committee Chair, works with the other Committee Members to ensure smooth functioning of our troop "behind the scenes" by communicating with parents, hosting monthly Committee Meetings, planning fundriasers, managing troop funds and supporting advancements and achievemtns, in additon to other duties

There are several  Asistant Scoutmasters and Committee Members who will also help your scout along the way that you can meet as well

Scouts

• Weekly Troop Meetings (90 minutes each - 6-8 hours per month)

• Monthly Outings - May vary from day hikes to overnight or weekend camping trips

• Each Summer there are also optional week-long camps, leadership training programs and high adventure trips available where a Scout may be gone for 5-8 nights in a row

Adults

• Time committments varied based on how involved you'd like to be

• Monthly Committee Meetings are open to parents and occur on the first Tuesday of each month at the same time as the Scout meeting, from 7:00-8:30 PM. This is a great way to stay informed on troop happenings

• YPT (Youth Protection Training) certified adults are welcome to attend troop outings, but we typically limit attendance to trained leaders for most events

• If you choose to volunteer on the Committee or in a direct-contact leadership role like Assistant Scoutmaster, the time commitment wuold depend on which outing you attend 

First of all, we never want cost to be a limiting factor for any Scout, so please speak with our Committee Chair or one of our adult leaders if you need assistance with any of the costs of Scouting. 

There are also several fundriasing opportunities throughout the year, where Scouts can raise money through things like pocorn sales, State Fair parking and other fundriasers that can help cover their costs of Scouting. Many Scouts in our troop cover all of their costs each year through fundraising.

Here are some of the different one-time and recurring costs you can expect to pay in Scouts:

Annual Recurring Costs: $156

• Annual Registration with Scouting America (Paid at the end of each calendar year): $75

• Program Fee (covers the cost of insurance): $21

• Troop Dues (cover the cost of patches, awards, etc.): $5 per month, can be paid annually or quarterly

One-Time Joining/Starting Costs: $125-150

• One-time National registration fee (only when joining): $25

• Uniform costs: $75-100 ("Scout Closet" options available at no cost for some items)

• Scout Handbook: $25

Incidental Costs: Varies

• Outings & Events: Depends on the outing, but most weekend camping trips cost around $20 for booking the campsite, plus the cost of food

• Summer Camp: Every summer camp is different but the price can vary from $400-600 for a week-long camp

Registered Adults

There is no cost to adults for their Scout to be in our Troop. However, any adult that would like to join us for any overnight camping trip or volunteer as an adult leader must be registered with Scouting America. 

The following fees are paid annually at the end of the calendar year for any registered adult:

• $45 Annual Registration

• $21 Program Fee

• $25 One-Time Registration Fee

Every Scout will need a Scout Handbook and "Class A" uniform, which is the official tan uniform worn by the Scouts during meetings, outings and formal events. For a look at the required items for the uniform and patch placement check out The Scouts BSA Field Uniform Checklist 

The Handbook and components of the Scout Uniform can be purchased online at scoutshop.org or by visiting the Tacoma Scout Shop at 4802 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98405. The employees at the Scout shop can help you determine the right sizes ot purchase and can even sew on patches for you.

There are many accessories and additona items that can be added to the Scout uniform and each Troop requires different items. 

Required:

• Class A Shirt with all required patches

• Scout belt

• Neckerchief (provided by the Troop) 

• Neckerchief slide

Optional

• Scout hat

• Scout pants (jeans may be worn for most outings and events, but green pants are a part of a full "Class A" uniform

There are many ways that you can help Scouting in your area. Whether you are volunteering directly with Scouts or helping out behind the scenes, you can make an impact on the lives of Scouts by volunteering your time.

How can you help? Here are a few ideas:

Assisting directly with Scouts on an ongoing basis

• Unit leader

• Assistant leader

• Board of review coordinator/member

• Court of honor coordinator/member

Helping directly with Scouts in specific events or activities

• Event coordinator/event committee member

• Pinewood derby coordinator/committee member

• Service project coordinator/committee member

• Camping trip participant

• Banquet coordinator/committee member

• Day camp coordinator/participant

• Summer camp coordinator/participant/promotion

• Merit badge counselor

Administrative Support

• Advancement committee chair/member

• Communications committee chair/committee member

• Secretary: record keeping, activity permits, meeting minutes, annual recharter activities

• Treasurer/assistant treasurer

• Youth Protection training coordinator

• Life to Eagle coordinator

• Merit badge coordinator

Other Kinds of Support

• Chartered organization representative

• Fundraising coordinator

• Unit committee chair/member

• Unit youth recruiter

• Product sales committee coordinator/member

• Promoter of district/council events to parents

• Religious award committee coordinator/member

• Trainer

• District/council committee member

• Transportation coordinator

• Historian

• Quartermaster (supplies)

Talk with our Scoutmaster or Committee Chair if you are interested in volunteering for any role or support

No. It is important to know that the BSA has a religious element as a part of the program as stated in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. However, the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward a member’s religion or faith.  The BSA policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.