WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE BOY SCOUTS?
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth service organizations. The
program is family based with a focus on teamwork, self-confidence and achievement.
WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES DO THE YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN?
The program is a series of enjoyable activities based upon abilities related to age
and group consensus, such as meetings, day trips, craft projects, outdoor skills, weekend
and summer camping.
HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN?
Tiger Cubs are first graders,
Cub Scouts are second through fifth graders, and
Boy Scouts are ages 11-17.
Venturers are co-ed teenagers ages 14-20.
HOW OFTEN AND WHERE DO THE GROUPS MEET?
A Pack, Troop or Crew will usually meet once a week on a regular basis for about
an hour and a half in a church, school or community center. Venture Crews may be career
interest and may meet in a related facility i.e., accounting office, medical center,
police precinct, fire house.
WHO ARE THE LEADERS?
The leaders are regular people selected by the chartered organization who volunteer
their time for the benefit of young people. Often they are the parents of Scouts who are
in the unit or local leaders in the community.
AS A PARENT WHAT DO I DO?
Scouting is a partnership with the parents of the young person. Scouting is an
excellent opportunity for you to spend very high quality time with your son. Since
the leaders are not paid they would most certainly appreciate any help that you could
provide. Your unit leader will be able to inform you of the various ways open you, as a
parent, to participate.
WHAT ABOUT UNIFORMS?
In the beginning uniforms are not required, however they are in fact highly recommended.
We suggest that everyone start with at least the shirt which costs around $20. Many units
also have second hand uniforms which may be available.
WHAT ABOUT CAMPING?
Both Cub Scouts (ages 7-10) and
Boy Scouts (ages 11-17), as well as
Venture Crews and Ships (co-ed ages 14-20)
have the opportunity to go both weekend and summer camping (financial
assistance is available). The Westchester-Putnam Council operates two camps.
Clear Lake Scout Reservation is located in Putnam Valley, NY, and is the council's
weekend camp. Curtis Read Scout Reservation is located in Brant Lake, NY
near Lake George in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. It operates both
during the year and as the long-term summer camp. In addition, troops in
Westchester-Putnam Council often avail themselves of other Council's camps
such as the Seton Scout Reservation, Camp Alpine, Camp Bullowa, etc.
Scouting units also hike the AT and camp at various state parks.
SO HOW MUCH WILL ALL THIS COST?
Because the leaders aren't being paid, Scouting as a whole is a very inexpensive,
year-round, worthwhile activity.
WHAT KIND OF BADGES AND AWARDS EXIST?
Your son (or, in the case of Venturing, your daughter aged 14 or older) can earn a wide
variety of achievements and awards by having fun and learning something in areas such as
citizenship, personal fitness, family living, the outdoors, nature, crafts, and more.
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOY SCOUTS?
If you are interested in joining our Troop or Pack 40, you can e-mail us at
troop6nr@verizon.net. If you're in Westchester or
Putnam Counties in New York, call the Westerchester-Putnam Council at (914) 773-1135 to
find out where a Pack, Troop or Crew meets in your neighborhood. In other areas, go to the
National Council site to find the Council in your
area.
WHAT ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUTS?
The Girl Scouts are not part of the Boy Scouts of America. They can be contacted
in Westchester and Putnam at their Pleasantville office at 914-747-3080. The
Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America is coed for teenagers and young adults
ages 14 to 20.
Interested in joining our Troop??? E-mail us at info@troop6nr.org
This site conforms to the
BSA Guideline for Unit Websites and
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
with regard to scouts 13 years of age or under.
Last Updated: April 8, 2011