General

Q: What is the purpose of Boy Scouts?

A. The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

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Q: What is the mission of Boy Scouts?

A. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

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Recruitment

Q: What are the costs?

A: The Troop has an annual fee of $80. Participation cost for trips is on a pay-as- you-go basis. Most of our weekend trips, cost for food is a range between $30 - $50; however, there can be additional fees for activities like rifle/shotgun, rafting, horseback riding, etc.

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Q: How does my son get into the Troop?

A: Come to a Monday night meeting and fill out a BSA registration form. Meetings are held at St. Georges United Methodist Church at 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

 

Q: Can I participate with my son?

A: All parents are encouraged to join in any activity. Parent support and participation makes the unit stronger.

 

Uniform

Q: Where does the insignia go on the uniform?

A: An illustration of appropriate insignia placement is shown at this link.

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Q. Where can I obtain a uniform?

A. If you want a new uniform, then visit the Northern Virginia Scout Shop located in the Ravensworth Shopping Mall (5232 Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA 22151) or visit the online Scout Shop, the official retail site of the BSA. Occasionally, the troop can host a uniform exchange, known as the "Pay It Forward Exchange," to swap necessary items.

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Camping

Q: What will my son need for camping?

A: If you are new to the Troop, please do not outfit your son with any gear until you get a chance to speak with a unit leader, or active parent. Avoid the temptation, because your son will need gear that is suitable for varied activities, such as backpacking or drive-up camps.

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Q. What is a Survival Kit? How do I make one?

A. When making a Survival Kit it is necessary to understand how the items selected are directly influenced by the survival environment in which they might be used. For example, fish hooks would seemingly have little application in a desert, however the monofilament fishing line normally used with the hooks might be used for a number of different and very useful survival applications in a desert setting. 

From that example, there are two important points to consider. First, THINK CAREFULLY about the selection of your survival kit items based on the environment into which you will be traveling (hot, cold, wet, dry). 

Second, always remember to BE CREATIVE, the items contained in your survival kit can be used for purposes other than what they were originally intended. A fish hook can be straightened with barb flattened to make a needle for removing splinters or sewing. A space blanket (or large garbage bag) can be used for heat retention, rain protection or for building a solar still for water collection.

Ideally, survival kits should be as portable as practicable, but large enough to carry what is needed, reasonably durable, and water resistant. Suggested survival kit items are listed below and are only recommendations. Items 1 through 6 will be used during the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge course instruction and will satisfy Requirement 5 when combined in a kit and presented to the merit badge counselor.

 

Survival Kit suggested items:

1.     Signal mirror (any small mirror or other reflective object, such as a CD, preferably plastic, can be used)

2.     Whistle

3.     Space blanket or large plastic garbage bag

4.     Waterproof matches or lighter

5.     2 gallon-size Ziploc freezer bags or a Platypus container

6.     Several small bandages

7.     Fish hooks and/or artificial lures or flies

8.     Wire saw or folding pocket saw

9.     50 feet of monofilament fishing line

10.   25 feet of light string or rope (50-lbs. breaking strength)

11.   Fine gauge wire

12.   Bouillon cubes

13.   Collapsible cup

14.   Water purification tablets

15.   Duct tape (5 feet)

16.   A picture of your loved ones

 

Basic Cold-Weather Clothing Checklist 

*(be sure to put your spares in a waterproof bag in case you get wet!)

❏  Long-sleeved shirt

❏  Long pants (fleece, wool, or synthetic blend)

❏  Sweater (fleece or wool)

❏  Long underwear (polypropylene)

❏  Socks (wool or synthetic blend, multiple layers OK)

❏  Warm hooded parka or jacket

❏  Stocking hat (fleece or wool)

❏  Mittens or gloves (fleece or wool) with water-resistant shells (at least two pairs)

❏  Wool scarf

❏  Rain gear

❏  Spare set of dry underwear

❏  Appropriate cold/wet weather footwear (like Sorel boots)

 

Basic Cold-Weather Camping Gear Checklist 

❏  Sturdy tent

❏  Water-proof ground cloth

❏  Sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures (remember, the temperature rating is for survival, not comfort, give yourself extra for comfort or bring an insert or extra blanket)

❏  Full-length air mattress

❏  Your Wilderness Survival Kit!

❏  Warm dry socks and dry sweats to sleep in

❏  At least two light sources with spare batteries (the days are short and the night is long!)

❏  Stocking hat (fleece or wool) to sleep in

❏  At least one pair of rubberized gloves per patrol (propane remains liquid at cold temps and can cause frostbite, if on your hands!)

❏  Toiletries and a small towel (it’s important to stay clean in the cold if you want to stay warm!)

❏  Mess kit

❏  Snack food (you’ll burn a lot of calories staying warm)

❏  Water bottle that you can keep close to your body (it’s very important that you drink water even if you’re cold)

❏  Pocket knife

❏  Personal First-aid kit

❏  Matches and Fire starter

❏  Compass

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