INFO

LEADERSHIP:

• Scout Master: Alex Correa

• Committee Chair: Andrew Parker

MEMBERSHIP FEES:

• Monthly membership is $5

• Joining Fee $20 (cost covers green Troop 218 numbers, neckerchief, slide, green shoulder loops, and patrol patch)

• National BSA Membership Fee (due to Scouting America online) is $85

ITEMS NEEDED:

• Scout Handbook - Scouts will need to bring their book to every meeting

• Uniform - tan Scout shirt, appropriate pants, tennis shoes/hiking boots, belt. Guidelines are available online: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/troop-resources/scouts-bsa-uniform/ 

• Class B T-Shirt - $16 (purchased from the Troop)

PARENT INVOLVEMENT:

The strength of a troop depends heavily on effective leadership and active parent involvement. Families are encouraged to attend meetings and remain engaged in troop activities. Even for those who do not wish to serve on committees or in leadership roles, continued support at home is important in helping each Scout succeed. The learning curve can feel steep at first, but the troop provides guidance to both Scouts and their families throughout the process.

The troop also requests that at least 1 parent from each family volunteer as a merit badge counselor. This role is not required immediately upon joining. Many parents choose to counsel merit badges related to their professional background or personal experience. For example, an attorney may assist with the Law merit badge, or a parent with experience in animal care may support the Dog Care merit badge. With a wide range of merit badges available, this is an excellent way for parents to contribute while getting to know the Scouts and supporting the troop’s program.

SUMMER CAMP:

Participation in summer camp during the first year is highly encouraged. Summer camp provides an excellent introduction to Scouting and offers a significant head start for new scouts. The 2026 camp we are attending is at Camp Constantin (https://circleten.org/posts/29098/camp-constantin).

At summer camp, first‑year scouts can take part in a program often referred to as the “Trail to Eagle” program. The daily curriculum covers requirements from multiple ranks, which helps new Scouts get a jump on rank advancement as well as earn some merit badges in the process. Earning this first rank often provides a valuable boost in confidence that supports a scout’s early progress, and summer camp plays a key role in that experience.

While Troop 218 does not require a parent to be in an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) position to attend summer camp, adults who wish to attend must be a BSA registered adult and must complete the required Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). 

Parents or guardians with questions are encouraged to reach out. Members of the troop leadership have extensive summer camp experience and are available to assist with any inquiries.

FUNDRAISING:

Scouts are encouraged to participate in fundraising, as it supports their development and provides valuable learning experiences. The troop conducts 3 major fundraisers each year. 2 involve selling “Spudnadoes” at Budafest and the Buda Wiener Dog Races. After covering expenses, proceeds are credited to each Scout who worked, based on the number of hours worked, to be used for various Scouting activities. The troop also participates in popcorn sales. Earnings, after required payments to BSA, are divided based on the hours each scout contributes. 

These fundraising opportunities allow Scouts to earn funds for their program involvement and require some parent participation, which contributes to a successful and rewarding experience for the Scout.