Who can join?
Scouting is open to all boys and girls between the ages of 11-17 (or younger, as long as you have completed 5th grade). While many boys cross-over to Troop 119 at the Webelos cross-over ceremony that ends their last year of Cub Scouts, anyone is welcome at any time of the year, regardless of previous scouting experience.
How do I join Troop 119?
Once you and your parents fill out some scouting and troop registration forms, you are an official member of Troop 119.
Then what?
The troop meets every Thursday night (except during school vacations) at the Hancock Church from 7:40-9 p.m. The Troop calendar provides a list of everything happening during the year, including meetings, camping trips and special events. Attendance is not required at every meeting or event, although we encourage you to participate in as much troop activity as you can.
New scouts will be put into a patrol, the central organizing unit of the troop. Each patrol has a patrol leader who is responsible for things like organizing food for camping trips and helping patrol members with advancement.
The patrol leaders report to the troop’s Senior Patrol Leader who has a number of older scouts to help him (and you) understand how to navigate the world of Scouting. Adult leaders are also available to help as well as being responsible for the safety of every scout in the troop.
Do I need a uniform?
Every scout should have a uniform consisting of:
- BSA Boy Scout Class A Uniform Shirt (short sleeves recommended)
- BSA Boston Minuteman Council shoulder patch
- BSA World Crest patch
- BSA Boy Scout neckerchief slide
- BSA Boy Scout Handbook (The spiral bound edition is recommended. The regular binding has a tendency to break.)
- Sturdy pair of hiking boots with good ankle support
We also recommend that you have a pair of BSA Boy Scout Uniform shorts or pants.
DO NOT BUY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS (the troop will provide them to you):
- BSA red or green shoulder loops
- Troop Neckerchief
- Troop Numerals (for uniform)
You will also be provided with a Class B T-shirt with our troop logo.
Uniforms and other scout supplies can be purchased at a BSA Scout Shop, the closest located in Woburn in 400 West Cummings Park on Washington Street. Boots and other camping equipment can be found at any sporting goods store.
What camping gear do I need to own?
If you plan to go on trips, you should have your own sleeping back, hiking pack, backpack and any other personal gear you might need. The troop provides things like tents, stoves and cooking gear which is assigned to patrols before a trip and Scouts are responsible for maintaining.
If you need help selecting the right gear, or need financial assistance to participate in any part of scouting, talk to the scoutmaster to find out about our camperships and other assistance programs.
What else do I need to know?
Every Scout is asked to sign this code of conduct which indicates what is expected of every you when you join Troop 119.
Advancement is an important part of scouting. You can read more about opportunities for Scouts to advance in rank by learning new skills and earning merit badges here.
Finally, you should be ready to have fun! Scouting has been providing youth the chance to enjoy each other's company, engage in outdoor activities and make new friends for over a century. We look forward to your becoming part of Scouting history!
Want to check us out before joining the troop?
If you're curious about Scouting but haven't decided whether or not to join a troop, feel free to visit us at a Scout meeting or join us as a guest on one of our trips. Just contact us and let us know of your interest.