What is a Scout?

Scouting America is the traditional Scouting program for boys and girls aged 11-17 years old. It is one of the oldest youth organizations in the United States, where young people can participate in various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and much more! We aim to teach young people:

Character development
Citizenship training
Leadership
Mental and physical fitness

How often does the Troop meet?

Regular Troop meetings are held on Monday Nights from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Additional meetings and events are scheduled to work on requirements, badges, hiking, camp outs etc…

Are youth able to balance Scouts with other activities such as sports, band, church, etc.?

Many youth participate in sports, band, church activities, and other extracurricular activities, and we recognize that. We believe in letting Scouts advance at their own pace, and understanding they will attend meetings, campouts, and other events when they are able. Many Scouts are busy with an activity for a particular season and are unable to make many Scouting events, but when the activity is over and they are able to resume Scouting, they are welcomed back.

How can I get started?

You can check our our join Troop 68 by sending us an email at HansonTroop68@gmail.com and we will walk you through the process.

What should Scouts need to bring to meetings?

Each scout come to each meeting with the following items:
1. Scout Book,
2. Water bottle with a name clearly marked on it,
3. Pocketknife, as long as the scout has earned their Totin' Chip (If you are unsure of what type of knife your scout needs, please see Mr. Keane at the next Troop Meeting),
4. Totin’ Chip card,
5. 2-3 pens or sharpened pencils,
6. A small notebook.
7. Personal First Aid Kit
These items can be kept in a day pack or a shoulder pack.
Please be sure all personal items are clearly marked with your scouts’ name.

What is a Class A or B Uniform?

Class A - “Dress up Uniform”. Tan Scout Shirt, Green Pants, Troop Neckerchief and Slide. The Class A uniform is designed to be worn at three general groups of instances: which means "while out and about" at camps, hikes, travel to, around or from camping or outdoor events; during formal or informal meetings or gatherings of Scouts and Scouters -- basically unit meetings, ceremonies, flag raising/lowerings, parades, holiday observances, retirements, award events, and the like;

Class B - Our Troop T-shirt and apparel.
We wear Class B uniforms for several reasons including:

Troop Identity and Unity (Belonging) This visual uniformity fosters a strong sense of belonging, unity, and esprit de corps among the Scouts. It shows everyone that we are part of the same unit, regardless of their individual background.

External Identification and Safety: When we are on an outing, a matching Class B shirt makes us instantly recognizable to the public, event staff, and adult leaders. This is especially crucial at large events, making it much easier for leaders to keep track of the Scouts.

Promoting Scouting: When Scouts wear their troop's Class B shirts in public—even casually outside of a formal event (like to school or a local sports practice)—it promotes Troop 68 and scouting in general, raising awareness in the community.

When can I speak with a leader?

We will be implementing “Office Hours” for anyone, scout or parent, who needs to talk to our Scoutmasters, hand in paperwork, get forms signed, etc.  Our “Office Hours” will be Mondays from 5:15-5:45 p.m. wherever our Troop Meeting will be.  This will allow our Scoutmasters to focus on needed conversation or important information being handed in instead of trying to multitask or becoming preoccupied during the actual meeting.

What is the troop’s philosophy on the pace of advancement?

Scouts are encouraged to advance through Scouting ranks. How far and how quickly a Scout advances is up to them. Some Scouts love to camp with advancement as a secondary pursuit, and that is fine. Some Scouts earn First Class in six months, and some take three years. Leaders work with the Scouts to offer inspiration and support. Many Scouts participate in other activities outside of Scouting. While we’d love to have Scouts at everything and work their way to Eagle, we understand there are many demands on Scouts’ and their families’ lives, so we promote participation as time allows.

What is the troop’s event refund policy?

Due to planning and payments that we have to make for events, when you sign up for an event and it requires payment we will not be able to refund your payment if you choose not to attend, leave early or arrive late.