New families
New to Scouting? Start here.
Whether your family has years of Scouting experience or none at all, here are answers to the questions families ask most.
Common questions
What is Scouting?
Scouting is a program where youth learn by doing: outdoor skills, leadership, citizenship, and service. Scouts work in small groups, set goals, and take on more responsibility as they grow.
The program is built on the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which describe the kind of person a Scout tries to be.
Who can join?
Troop 32 is open to boys and girls. Under Scouting America's rules, youth can join Scouts BSA if they are age 11 but not yet 18; or at least 10 years old and have earned the Arrow of Light award; or at least 10 years old, in fifth grade, and registering on or after March 1.
Read Scouting America's official Scouts BSA age requirements
What happens at a meeting?
Troop 32 meets weekly throughout the year. Troop meetings are where Scouts plan upcoming activities, practice skills, work on advancement, and spend time with their patrols.
The easiest way to understand it is to visit and see for yourself. Get in touch with the Scoutmaster and we'll help you plan a visit.
What does it cost?
Scouting America charges an annual registration fee, and troops usually have some additional costs for activities and supplies. Troop leaders can explain current costs and what they cover.
What does my Scout need?
Scouts wear a uniform and use a Scout handbook, and outdoor activities call for some personal gear. You do not need everything on day one, and it is best to talk with the troop's adult leaders before buying uniform items or major camping gear.
Before buying a new uniform, check the troop's supply of lightly worn uniform items. Scouts grow quickly, and many uniform pieces see little wear before they are outgrown.
The troop provides certain group equipment, including tents and cooking utensils. Adult leaders are glad to share their experience before you buy personal equipment such as hiking boots and sleeping bags.
Do Scouts really lead the troop?
Yes. Scouting is designed to be Scout-led. Youth leaders plan and run much of the program, and trained adults coach, mentor, and keep activities safe. Scouts learn leadership by practicing it.
Can parents get involved?
Scouting depends on adult volunteers. Parents and guardians help in many ways, and adults who volunteer must register with Scouting America and complete youth protection training. Ask a troop leader about ways to help.
For parents
How Scouting keeps youth safe
The safety of every Scout comes first. Troop 32 follows Scouting America's Youth Protection requirements and policies. They apply to every troop, and every adult who registers as a Scouting volunteer must complete Youth Protection training.
Those policies cover how adults supervise and interact with youth, so that activities are safe, supervised, and appropriate. Troop leaders are glad to answer questions about how these policies work in Troop 32.
Read Scouting America's Youth Protection information
On this website, we also protect Scouts' privacy: we do not publish youth contact information or the details of upcoming outings. Read our privacy notice.
Ready for the next step?
The best way to understand Scouting is to see it in action. Get in touch with the Scoutmaster and we'll help you plan a visit to a Troop 32 meeting.