Frequently Asked Questions

FINANCIAL QUESTIONS

Are there any fees to join Troop 148?

Yes, the following fees apply to scouts joining Troop 148.


Webelos - $20 for neckerchief, book, and slide, $20* troop dues.

New Scout - $180 for council registration and $20* troop dues for a total of $200 per year.

If your scout wishes to receive boys life there is a yearly fee of $12 but this is optional.

Transfer Scout - $1 transfer fee and $20* troop dues.

*Troop dues are $20 for 1st scout in a family, $10 for 2nd scout in a family, and $10 for 3rd scout in the family.


Are there any annual fees?

Rechartering takes place each spring for scouts continuing in Troop 148 for the next year.  


Active 148 scout - $180 for registration and $20* troop dues for a total of $200 per year.

If your scout wishes to receive Scout Life (previously "Boy's Life") there is a yearly fee of $12 but this is optional.


*Troop dues are $20 for 1st scout in a family, $10 for 2nd scout in a family, and $10 for 3rd scout in the family.

How do I register my scout?

First register with the council and pay the council registration dues.  Link for Northern Star Council

Work with the troop treasurer to pay the troop dues. 

Is there financial aid for scout registrations? 

Yes, during the council registration process you can enter how much financial aid you would like to request  

What other costs will my
Scout need to pay? 

Scouts and adults will need to pay for any costs associated with the activities they attend.  


This usually is admission fees, camping fees, and food costs. Costs for most activities runs $10-$40 depending on the event.  


The week-long camping at Tomahawk in July is approximately $300. 


LEADERSHIP POSITIONS (SCOUTS)

What is meant by "Boy-Led"?

The Scouts are the primary leaders of the Troop.  They are responsible for planning and organizing the troop events. The adult leaders are there for guidance and to ensure activities are carried out in a safe manner.

Are Scouts required to hold a leadership position? 

Yes, some ranks require a Scout to actively serve in a leadership position for a required period of time.


Star Scout requirement - 4 months

Life Scout requirement - 6 months

Eagle Scout requirement - 6 months

What does it mean to "actively serve"?

Being appointed or elected to a position does not automatically meet the leadership requirement. The Scout must fulfill the obligations of their leadership position. If the Scout Master does not believe the Scout has met their obligation, he can require additional service time and/or delay rank advancement.  


See the leadership table for position specifications

What leadership positions are available to Scouts? 

The troop currently has twelve different areas for Scouts to gain leadership positions. Some areas such as Quartermaster can be held by multiple Scouts. 


See the leadership table for position specifications

Do all leadership positions count toward rank advancement? 

No.  


The Assistant Patrol Leader position does not count toward rank advancement. The remaining leadership positions do count. 


See the leadership table for position specifications

How does a Scout get a leadership position? 

Elections are held twice a year (March and September).  Scouts interested in running for an elected position can request to have their name placed on the ballot and will be voted on by their fellow Scouts. Individuals interested in appointed positions are selected by the Scout Master.


See the leadership table for position specifications

Can a Scout hold more than one position? 

A Scout should only hold one position. The exception is an Assistant Patrol Leader since that position does not qualify for rank advancement. Also, Den Chiefs may hold a Troop position.

What happens if a Scout needs a leadership position, ran for a number of positions, but was not selected? 

The Scout should meet with the Scout Master to see what other leadership opportunities may be available. 

MERIT BADGE QUESTIONS

What are merit badges?

Merit badges are the second main area of the Boy Scout Advancement program.

What merit badges are available?

There are currently about 130 Merit Badges. New Merit Badges are added periodically and sometimes Merit Badges are discontinued. You can find out which are available from the Scout store or online.

Are any merit badges required? 

Yes, there are required Merit Badges. In order to advance to the rank of Eagle, a Scout must earn a minimum of 22 Merit Badges. Of those 22 Merit Badges, 13 must be the Eagle required listed below. The remaining 9 can be Scout chosen.

 

Eagle Required Merit Badges:


Do any ranks other than Eagle have merit badge requirements ?

Yes, both the ranks of Star and LIfe require Merit Badges. To advance to Star, a Scout must earn six Merit Badges, including any four from the required list for Eagle. To advance to Life, a Scout must earn an additional five Merit Badges (total of 11), including any three more from the required list for Eagle.