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Boy Scout Troop 223
(Algonac, Michigan)
 
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Facts for Parents

What you need to know about the Boy Scouts, and Troop 223’s program.

 

The VFW Post is our Chartered Organization. We do not require any specific religious affiliation, only that the members meet the rules of religious belief as set by the National Council of the BSA. 

 

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin, or physical, mental or emotional disability. Troop 223 is a community troop. We do not care what school or church you attend.

 

Leadership of the Troop and its program is provided by friends of the Troop and parents of member Scouts. Volunteer and professional Scouters (adult members, as opposed to Scouts, who are youth members) assist in overseeing the program at the local and regional levels and ensuring that we operate a safe program in line with BSA National policy.

Your son will be given a New Scout Handbook as part of his orientation packet. This is NOT the Boy Scout Handbook.Instead it is a production of Troop 223 for the benefit of its prospective new members. It lists the joining requirements and what your son may expect as a member as well as the rules of conduct.

Registration with the BSA is a requirement for joining and participating in Troop activities after the first visit or two to check us out. There is a membership fee, and ongoing dues. The registration fees are set by the National office, and cover such things as insurance,material development and the subscription to Boy’s Life magazine.

No boy should have to be told he cannot join because his family doesn't think they can afford the program. If your son is sincerely interested we have ways of making the program affordable.

Our dues are $10/month, as set by the parent members themselves. This starts with the first calendar month following your son’s registration. Regular fundraisers help cover program costs for the boys whose families would otherwise find it too great a hardship.

Your son can earn money through Troop fundraisers that help cover his expenses after he joins. Our major fundraising events Flower Sales, Boy Scout Popcorn, this will bring in moneys that are credited to boys based upon participation in these events by the boys themselves and/or their parents.

Some – not all – events or activities have an activity fee associated with them. Summer camp is the best example of a fee-required activity. Scouts are not required to attend every event. But we will not deny a boy the chance to participate if they truly cannot afford the asked-for fee.

We have equipment that can be loaned on an individual as-needed basis, and even uniforms.

Troop 223 adheres to all safety policies and procedures established by the National and local Councils of the BSA. Adult leaders are required in all instances to undertake Youth Protection training regularly, and may also be certified in Climbing, Trekking, Weather, Swimming and Canoe safety as well.

All adult leaders are also expected to have at least basic first aid training. 

Our program is active by design and intent. We camp out several times a year for one or two nights on local week-end camp outs, and our summer camp trip may be as long as 7 nights away.

We hike, support community events and provide community service, march in parades and participate in the annual Scouting for Food program. 

We regularly work on rank advancement and merit badges, with an emphasis on those merit badges that teach life and physical survival skills. Popular merit badges include but are not limited to First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Wilderness Survival, Personal Management (financial skills), Cooking, Camping, Swimming, and Lifesaving.There are over 120 merit badges in all to choose from.

The adult leaders are always available to answer any questions. You, as a parent or guardian, are never alone.