Here you can find some of the common questions about Scouts BSA in general or joining Troop 539 in particular. If you have a different question, email the Scoutmasters here.

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GENERAL

Q: When and where does the troop meet?

A: Troop 539 meets most Monday nights, from 6:30PM - 8PM at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church on Old Rockford Road in Plymouth. Meetings typically consist  of opening ceremonies, announcements, advancement activities, a group game or leadership activity, and closing ceremonies.

 

Q: What items should a Scout bring to every Troop meeting?

A: The single most important piece of equipment a Scout needs is the Scout Handbook. The handbook is used to guide learning and record achievements. The uniform also plays an essential role in creating a sense of belonging and its where a Scout can display all their awards or rank achievement. The Scout Handbook, neckerchief and slide are all provided to registered Scouts by Troop 539. The Scout shirt can be purchased online or at the local Scout Shop, in the shopping center at the intersection of Highways 55 and 169. The Scouts uniform should be worn to each Scout meeting and activity (like camping or service project.)

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Q: How is the troop organized?

A: The troop is divided into patrols, or smaller groups of 6-8 Scouts who are similar in age and stage of advancement. The troop is Scout-led, so each patrol has a Patrol Leader, who guides the Monday night meetings. Supporting the Patrol Leaders are the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster, which help grow leadership qualities. Finally, the entire troop is supported by a parent's committee, which assists with fundraising and planning troop activities. 

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Q: Is Scouting a co-ed activity?

A: Scouts BSA is now a co-ed organization, although boys and girls participate in separate patrols. Currently, Troop 539 doesn't have a girls patrol. You can learn more about girls participating in Scouting here.

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Q: How much does it cost to participate in Scouts BSA?

A: The annual dues for Troop 539 is $180 per year. Currently, that registration covers through the end of December 2021. This fee covers troop meeting activities, Courts of Honor, advancement materials and a subscription to Boys Life Magazine. One- or two-night camping trips (like Camporees) cost extra, typically a $15 registration fee and $5-$10 for all meals over the weekend. The annual, week-long trip to Many Point Scout Camp costs approximately $330, although this fee may be covered through fundraising activities by the Scout. 

Q: How does fundraising occur within the troop?

A: Scouts participate in holiday fundraisers each fall, with the option of selling wreathes, popcorn, or both items. Each Scout is tasked with selling at least $600 in wreathes and/or popcorn. Of that amount, roughly $150 goes back to support the troop and another $150 goes into the Scout's account for funding camping trips or other activities. (The remaining $300 would cover the purchase of the fundraising items.)

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Q: In what types of service projects does the Troop participate?

A: Service projects are a key way that Scouts demonstrate citizenship and are often tied to advancement through Scout ranks. Past service projects have included raking leaves at St. Barnabas Church, where the troops hold their meetings, as well as packing groceries for older adults served by Interfaith Outreach.  

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Q: How often does Troop 539 go camping?

A: On average, the Troop goes camping about once every other month. The main camping events are Troop- or Patrol-led campouts. The Troop also goes camping for one week at Many Point Scout Camp during the third week of July. With the exception of Many Point in Ponsford, all camping trips typically happen within 30-60 minutes of the Twin Cities.  

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Q: What are the expectations of Scout parents?

A: Parents are welcome to be as involved with Troop 539 activities as they want. At a minimum, parents should plan to transport their Scout to activities like Troop meetings or campouts, but it's not necessary that they attend meetings or Scout events. At the same time, parents are welcome to attend any Scout activities, although they are asked to limit interaction with their Scout so that the Troop can build its own leadership abilities. Please let the Scoutmasters know if you'd like to participate in the parents' committee or participate in a leadership role (e.g., being an Assistant Scoutmaster).

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