Eligibility

Youth can join our Troop if 11 through 17 years of age. They can also join if they have earned the Cub Scout “Arrow of Light” Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10.

Meetings

We meet every Wednesday evening 7:30 - 9pm at St. Clare Parish, 714 Myrth Ave., Essex MD 21221 (Next to the Essex Fire Station)

COVID

We ask that if you have had any COVID symptoms you do not attend Scout meetings or Camping trips until you have tested negative. We are outdoors whenever the temperature allows and follow recommended social distancing when indoors.

Program

This is the program formerly known as “Boy Scouts” is now Scouts BSA.  Our Troop is”linked” with an all-girl troop and an all-boy troop, comprised of many sub-groups known as “patrols”. We follow the identical citizenship, outdoor adventure and physical fitness program that the all-boy Troops follow.  Youth are welcome to everything in the Scouting program – all of the outstanding local facilities and iconic national programs like the National Scout Jamborees and expeditions at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Scouts wear the same uniforms and experience the same advancement program in the boy and girl troops, and all can earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Annual Cost

BSA Charter national membership fees as of August 2023 are $80. Baltimore Area Council (BAC) insurance of $6 - TOTAL of $86.

New Member Fee $25 (Paid one time only).

Our Yearly Troop Dues is $60, which covers Scout Handbook, badges, awards, meeting and program costs.  (Paid yearly at the time of sign up).

Participation in monthly campouts costs $20-30 each (includes food, camping & activity fees).  A week of summer camp is about $400-450 (optional but recommended).

We accept Cash, Check and Online payments through TroopWebHost.

Parent Obligations

The Number 1 thing you can do is to assure your Scouts participation at weekly meetings, camping trips and Summer Camp or she will fall behind in acquiring her Scouting skills.

Leadership

Parents or guardians are invited to be Adult Leaders or Committee members. Any parent who wishes to attend camping trips, Summer Camp or a High Adventure Trip must be a registered leader or committee member, have a Background check, complete Youth Protection Training and complete VIRTUS (Archdiocese Safety Training).

We ask parents to help with annual fundraising for the Troop to help keep the cost of yearly dues to a minimum and to help cover travel cost when traveling to an out-of-state camp.

Fund Raising

We are open to holding fundraising events with Parent support. Scouts BSA offers Popcorn and Camp Card options. We can also host Paint Nights or Haunted House Fundraisers.

Uniforms

Out-of-pocket start-up cost is about $60-100, including dress and casual uniforms.

Outings

We offer monthly weekend overnight outings, one week of Longterm/Summer camp in July/August (strongly recommended), and an optional trip High Adventure Trip every other year.

Equipment

Each scout needs a sleeping bag, pocket knife, hiking boots, rain suit, and daypack (like a book bag) and backpack. These items are available at garage sales and low-cost sources.