Would you like to join our Troop?

Why Scouting America Troop 982?

We are glad to see that you are considering joining our troop! Scouting America offers one of the most accomplished youth leadership development programs in the world. Scouting achieves this through active camping, outdoor activities, and an advancement program designed to help develop a boy's self-confidence and self-reliance.

Troop 982 is an all-boys unit and membership is available to boys who are 11-17 years old.

Troop 982 was founded in 1982 and is chartered by the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. The troop also partners with the Moose Lodge which affords Troop 982 a dedicated meeting room, an outdoor field for Troop and Patrol activities, and a large gazebo where we can hold outdoor meetings and events. You can learn more about our unit by browsing this site.

If you have any questions about the Troop, please contact us at any time.

Joining is as easy as...

1. Contact Scoutmaster Chris Stephenson about visiting a troop meeting or to learn more about upcoming recruiting events

2. When you are ready to join, click here to Join Troop 982.

   • This link will route you to an online registration where you can join as a new Scout or use your existing Scouting Member ID to request a transfer from your current Scout unit. For step-by-step guidance on unit transfers, please click here.

3. Complete the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B, after your Troop visit

4. Turn in your completed Health and Medical Record along with your Troop-specific joining fee to our Treasurer at your next Troop meeting.

Troop 982 FAQs

Does your Troop accept scouts year-round?

Yes! While most Cub Scouts will crossover in the early spring, our Troop is happy to welcome new members throughout the year.

How big is the Troop?

Our current membership is approximately 55 scouts. We also have more than 20 registered adult leaders.

Troop meeting time & place?

The Troop meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM. Our meeting schedule is managed through Scoutbook. The Patrols may meet occasionally on an as-needed basis.  Most meetings take place at the Leesburg Moose Lodge.

Is the troop boy-led?

Yes.  New youth leadership is elected every 6 months.

How many patrols?

The number of patrols changes based on the size of the Troop to foster both patrol identity and healthy competition. The Troop currently has four patrols.

Will Webelos bridging into the troop be kept together or separated?

This is certainly something we are open to because it can make the transition to Scouting America easier. Generally, our new Scouts are placed into a junior patrol and led by youth Patrol Leaders and an experienced Troop Guide.

Does the troop have a written plan/calendar for the entire year?

Yes! With input from the Troop Committee, the Patrol Leadership Council creates an annual plan and meets monthly to develop weekly agendas that align with the annual plan. The annual plan serves as a guide and may change throughout the year based on factors such as weather, interest, and availability.

Are the adult leaders trained?

Absolutely! Our Troop has a volunteer training coordinator who checks to be sure all the Scoutmaster, all Assistant Scoutmasters, all Merit Badge Counselors, and the entire Troop Committee maintain appropriate Scouting America training certifications for their roles in addition to Youth Protection Training. We also require YPT training for at least one parent/guardian for each registered scout.

How many Assistant Scoutmasters are in the Troop?

The troop currently has 4 Assistant Scoutmasters who act as mentors to the patrol leaders and scouts.

How fast do boys seem to progress through the Ranks?   

At their own pace. Scouting America's general timeframe for rank advancement is First Class in 1 year+, Star in a year+, Life in a year+, and Eagle in 1-2 years.  Each boy’s advancement greatly depends on his participation in summer camp, weekend outings, and weekly meetings in addition to taking his own initiative to advance. We also fully support scouts who are more interested in the scouting experience than in advancing through the ranks.

Does the troop have a plan for summer camp?   

Yes. More information about our summer camp plans can be found on our Home page.

Does the troop fundraise? What are the fundraising plans? 

Troop 982 participates in annual popcorn fundraisers and is also open to new ideas. In the past, the Troop has raised funds through mulch sales and first aid kit sales.

What camping equipment does the troop own?   

Tents for car camping and backpacking, cooking equipment, stoves, lanterns, axes, two trailers, etc.

What camping equipment will the scout provide?   

We are grateful to have a variety of troop-owned camping items scouts can borrow while they are building up their own supplies. Typically, Scouts will need to provide their own sleeping bag, backpack, hiking shoes, mess kit, flashlight, pocketknife, etc.

Does the troop emphasize a special interest?    

No, outings will vary to include camping, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, skiing, shooting sports, civic volunteer projects, etc.

How are boys recognized for their achievements?   

Rank Advancement, merit badges, and special awards are recognized twice:  Immediate recognition with the rank or merit badge patch at the closing of the troop meeting when the award was completed and then again at a Court of Honor with the official rank or merit badge card signed by the Scoutmaster.  Court of Honor ceremonies are held throughout the year, generally in the spring and at the end of the summer.

What is the cost of joining the troop?   

Annual dues will be $75/scout in 2025. This is in addition to Scouting America registration/renewal.

What level of parent/guardian participation is required? 

The more the better! A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. How each parent/guardian contributes depends on their personal skills, interests, and availability. All adults are always invited to attend our monthly Troop Committee meetings. They are generally held on the first Monday of each month.

Does the troop have a set of Bylaws? 

Yes. This document governs the troop organization, objectives, methods, code of conduct, etc. We will be updating our Bylaws in 2025, however, you can find a copy 2018 Bylaws on the Documents page.

How do I join? 

1. Contact Scoutmaster Chris Stephenson about visiting a troop meeting or to learn more about upcoming recruiting events

2. When you are ready to join, click here to Join Troop 982.

   • This link will route you to an online registration where you can join as a new Scout or use your existing Scouting Member ID to request a transfer from your current Scout unit. For step-by-step guidance on unit transfers, please click here.

3. Complete the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B, after your Troop visit

4. Turn in your completed Health and Medical Record along with your Troop-specific joining fee to our Treasurer at your next Troop meeting.